Sweet Crossings

     In one of my premiere Deo Volente entries, I reminisce about a soaking lake walk experience with my husband. We were unexpectedly caught in a major downpour with lightning filling the skies. Last night, for the second time in 8 years of lake walks, we once again were unexpectedly caught, this time with no umbrella and at the farthest location possible from our parked car. 

    Rain water never melted anyone! we quip as we press on at roadrunner pace. We repeat the errant mantra: Surely the rain is just about to stop. 

     It drizzles then pours, and drizzles then pours, throughout the entire return walk. We arrive to the car in need of either a spin cycle or a quick change; we choose the latter and then celebrate with Braum's soft chocolate fro-yos.
 
     A recent NPR Ted Talk floods my mind as I write this watery entry. In 2005 a brave, 30-plus-year-old woman sets out on an adventure, in a row boat alone, crossing the Atlantic Ocean. It takes her a little over 3 months to cover about 3,000 miles. It is the year of Hurricane Katrina, with more tropical storms than ever before. All of her oars break. She resourcefully fixes the first oar with duct tape and a boat hook, and ensuing breaks are fixed in various creative ways. The oar challenges are a symbol of going beyond her limits.

     During Roz Savage's Ted Talk presentation she addresses questions like: How did you sleep? What did you eat? What challenges did you experience? What did you wear? Did you have a chase boat?

     After that successful Atlantic crossing she decides to take on the Pacific Ocean, and briefly shares her experiences and challenges accomplishing that goal. Her main mid-life passions include sharing about her adventurous experiences and inspiring others to help the environment.

Karen H. Good

     Spring 2012, I set out on an adventure. My goal is to "know thyself" as I stretch my writing skill set. I hesitantly leave my secure position and cross figurative open waters. I compose my historical family memoir, successfully rowing a figurative Atlantic Ocean. I go beyond my limits.

     A second adventure compels me... I vow to blog for 12 months and cross what seems like a forever, figurative Pacific Ocean. I row in my little kayak (even though the above-pictured, red, polka dot sailboat would be a cuter transport). After 9 long months of blogging, the expanse seems endless. My hands are raw, I am sun scorched, and my stamina wanes.

     Direction is sought from a distant power plant and GPS, as well as a deep, sixth sense compass. The idea to review one of my favorite books intensifies, addressing a most strenuous topic. This adept non-fiction creates in my mind an enormous paradigm shift about how I see God. It sustains me and feeds my Boomer passions to share adventures that might someday inspire others. August entries will explain the paradigm shift as sweet crossings kayak to Larry Crabb's refreshing primer: The PAPA Prayer.


Click here for Ted Talk's Rowing the Atlantic Roz Savage

Sweet Potatoes & EASY Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Sweet & Easy recipes from The Dr. Oz Show & The Chew
Sweet potatoes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. According to the American Dietetic Association, soluble fiber has been shown to lower cholesterol and keep blood sugar levels stable. Lower cholesterol levels help prevent blockages in the arteries that cause heart disease while stable blood sugar levels reduce hunger between meals. Insoluble fiber, by contrast, improves digestive health by adding bulk and weight to the stool, thus increasing regularity and reducing the likelihood of constipation. Tasty sweet potatoes also contain important Vitamin A, complex carbs for energy, Vitamin C, and potassium.

CRISPY SWEET POTATO WEDGES

• Scrub sweet potatoes, leaving the peels on
• Cut into wedges
• Place in a single layer onto a baking sheet with a rack
• Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes, to dry out
• Let cool
• In a bowl, coat with oil and season with salt and pepper to taste (sugar is optional)
• Return to the baking sheet (rack is no longer needed) and bake at 475 degrees for 15 more minutes
• Enjoy!

 
EASY SWEET POTATO SLICES

• Scrub 2-3 sweet potatoes, leaving the peels on
• Shave thinly on a mandolin
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and salt
• Bake at 250 degrees for 1.5 hours

 
YUMMY & EASY FRIED MOZZARELLA STICKS

• Mozzarella string cheese sticks (I cut mine in half length-wise & prefer regular, not low-fat)  
• Won Ton wraps (found in the produce refrigerated section)

1. Spread a thin, light coating of water along the won ton edges for the pressing step.
2. Place a cheese stick in the wrap and roll (similar to a Tootsie Roll wrapper).
3. Gently press the edges.
4. Place into a frying pan in a shallow layer of pre-heated oil.
5. After a minute or two, turn to cook the other side until done.
6. Dip in your favorite cheese stick sauce (optional)
7. YUM!

Sweet Pea

Sweet Honey & Cinnamon Cures?

     This following health information is copied from a friend's Facebook post, written by Charles Sims. Note that honey should not be fed to infants under a year old (please research this on this Internet). I haven't tried these brews myself, but maybe adding sweet honey with cinnamon would at least be tasty, and maybe healthful too? Decide for yourself and enjoy:

Great information!! Cinnamon and Honey! Drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

 It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.
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For more healthy recipes, tips, motivation and fun, join us here: Charles Sims

Sweet Mercy

     Just when I think I have life figured out, with illogical fears managed, I am blind-sided. Uncontrolled, unnerving, fright-filled circumstances enter my world and throw me into an emotional tailspin. I short-circuit as I encounter Friday evening, St. Louis, rush-hour traffic... accidentally exiting the main highway, lost and overwhelmingly afraid.

      My thinking is waylaid. For uncountable minutes, dramatic and illogical phrases repeatedly fly from my hijacked mouth, including (but not limited to): Why did the #!* GPS send me this way? I will NEVER drive to Chicago alone again. I HATE this #!* nightmare, rush-hour traffic AND the #!* construction delays that put me into this #!* mess!!!! #!* #!*  #!*

       Many apologies if my unsavory, manipulative words hurt any eyes. From where, oh where, did they erupt? They are foreign to me, and fortunately have NEVER appeared in public. In the future, the worst my response will be is to assume the Lotus pose and mentally repeat "swear jar... swear jar."

       I am most likely over-reacting to my reaction. In my writings I tend to make things TOO and sensationalized. But on that particular day, at that particular moment, exhaustion hit me. After 3 full weeks away from home performing family ministry (with front- and tail-end visits to two treasured but deeply complicated, elderly aunts), and adding to that mix 2.5 weeks preparing for, welcoming, and following-through with our adorable newborn... naturally, life takes its toll (as did two Chicago toll booths) and I become vulnerable!

     AND THEN... top off the (enjoyably) taxing 3 weeks with a solo, unexpectedly complicated, forever drive home... welcome temper tantrum. I cringe thinking about my hissy-fit. I feel blemished and the neediest cockroach on this planet. I want to soak in a holy tub until my fingers turn to wrinkled prunes. I yearn to be exfoliated with a giant, holy Loofah until squeaky clean. For this overwhelming moment, "...every HOUR I need Thee" begs one revolutionary lyric tweak: "...every SECOND I need Thee." 

      That tearful and pummeling cell phone meltdown... with my safe, solid, saintly husband... is followed by a 3-hour, lonely car ride home. The cell phone rings twice, but I can't answer. I need clear thinking. I willingly, contritely, and humbly plead the blood of Jesus my Savior to cover my disturbed mind. I rewind to candidly meet with my God. His justice is balanced with undeserved mercy. I feel His extraordinary love.



My grandma's justice & mercy pin

      My dire grasp to touch God brings comforting relief; emotional decompression begins. I feel calmed. Where would I be without His sweet, saving, healing presence?

     Am I the most needy-ever follower-of-Jesus on this planet?!? This damaged Adult Child of an Alcoholic feels guarded and a lowly "cut-below." Childhood memories recall stinging and zinging parental tantrums, which research now indicates alters a child's mind (unless early, skilled therapy intervenes).

     Nonetheless and more-than-enough, I am saved from my humanity and undeservedly welcomed into Royalty. I fervently persist and tangibly segue to a comfortable Matrix mindset: Must I ever breathlessly run from, dodge, and sometimes be stung by grazing bullets? Haven't those bullets already stopped and dropped before a Transcendent Being? THE Royal, Holy, Effervescent ONE?

     Soulful and Skilled therapy time is over. Sweet mercy warmly embraces me... Ahhhh, thank God for a most extraordinary and righteous Bath Time.

     ...I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do... (Romans chapters 7 & 8)

      ...But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord" (1 Cor. 1:27-31).

Stretch What's Tight; Strengthen What's Weak

     I continue to reflect on this past sabbatical year and the invaluable stretching and strengthening of my emotions and spirit. I compare it to grueling training, like preparing for a marathon. I have stretched... my meager writing skills, penning a therapeutic, heritage-investigating Memoir and then strengthened that information through blogs. 

     Many tears were shed... some were guilt-ridden, wishing I had been a better mother and daughter; some were joyful gratitude-filled tears, for undeserved mercy extended to this adult child of an alcoholic; others were just plain weary tears.

     Patience and perseverance STRENGTHEN me, and I see this most annoying revelation tied to decision-making: In many situations there is actually more than one "right" option. Grunt! Groan! Oomph! and argh! In other words, I lack omniscient powers. I will try to not sweat... the small stuff anyway. I will carefully choose my sweating battles. Happy day!

    To interact positively with family and others, patience and flexibility s-t-r-e-t-c-h my kindness quotient. I actually aspire to give more than I get, with no expectations in return; but, why are those muscles for "extra-giving" so tight? It feels like I am performing the (muscle-tearing) Chinese splits.

    I reflect on yesterday's heartwarming activity--interacting with my, too tremendous, 2-year-old. We are all anxiously counting the days before the birth of his brother. Last night's treasured opportunity helped to pass time, and for me, did not disappoint. Mom and Dad enjoyed together a rare, dinner-&-movie-out night, and I (DeDe) babysat. This aspiring blogger now forever captures last night's close encounter moment.

     It is a busy and long day for the little guy, with just one 20-minute cat nap in the car. By 6:00 p.m. his eyelids are like lead weights, succumbing to brief, eye-closure kitty naps. He heroically fights committing to the early, sissy bedtime. Mom and Dad can no longer delay their movie-departure and say hesitant "goodbyes," making our little guy's tears flow freely. I gently share, "I know you're sad. It's sad when Mommy and Daddy leave."

    He sucks up his tears and bravely distracts himself, watching TVs Daniel the Tiger. With his back to me, I patiently wait for

the opportune time and avenue to enter his adorable, play-filled world. We end up experiencing the backyard, playing in the sandbox and throwing balls. He then overturns a large, deep-crevice rock to uncover a "holy cow" buried treasure. A zillion frightened roly-polies scatter for their lowly lives.

     How do I convince this over-tired little guy to head upstairs to relax for sleep? Grandma is supposed to be the gullible spoiler rather than the edgy enforcer. I opt for the stretching approach, using patient flexibility. After a short time, no convincing is needed, because shock of all shocks, he initiates the long climb to his bedroom. I turn out the lights, sit in his memory-filled rocker, and talk about the busy day, with his special world of colorful balls, Daniel the Tiger, petting zoo pigs, ducks and horses, and family dog Brodie. 

     Maybe he is bored listening to my quiet chatter, because the next thing I know he climbs up, nestles his back into my welcoming lap, and closes his weary eyelids. Gentle muscle and face twitches begin as, shock of all shocks and faster than the speed of light, he replays an uncharacteristic behavior I have blogged about before; falling asleep in my lap, this time with no delay. 

     This long-distance grandma is strengthened and ready... to seize an eternal opportunity. I wistfully longed for this grandson-stilled, close-encounter moment. I figuratively bow to my knees and pray, for my daughter's oh so special and energetic 2.5-year-old. I pray for Jesus to guide and protect him... and ask for my grandson's mind and heart to grow to love His Savior God, the Creator of roly-polies.

     Tear puddles form in my eye sockets as I rehearse and re-experience yesterday's undeserved, unexpected (stretched, strengthened, and trained-for) grandchild moment. Prayer hasn't always been my natural response in good times. Throughout this past precious year, the Good-Times Prayer Station is one of the varied and grueling regimens for which I have trained.

Morning Shortcuts

Healthful steel cut oats prepared in a slow cooker

     Mornings are hectic in most homes. Healthy eating options take extra time and add to your budget. I prefer tea to coffee and was repeatedly heating cups of water in my expensive microwave, shortening its life span. Two helpful small kitchen appliances provide healthful shortcuts that I recently began to practice:

• Brew tea in a coffee maker... 1) Measure water to the 6-cup mark of the pot and then pour into the reservoir. 2) Lay one or two tea bags in the glass coffeepot, and let the brewing begin. (Dr. Oz claims that letting a green tea bag steep for 20 minutes adds to the health benefits.)

• Prepare steel cuts oats overnight in a slow cooker. FYI Steel-cut oats are not processed in the same way as commercial breakfast cereals or prepared foods --- meaning vitamins and minerals that support healthy functioning of your body are not removed by processing. The minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, manganese and copper are present in steel-cut oats, the USDA reports. Steel-cut oats also contain small amounts of folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamin B-6.) Click to read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/327764-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-steel-cut-oats/#ixzz2W72penqG.  I use the slow cooker at this site:  Walgreen's 1.5 qt. slow cooker review. Lightly grease the sides of a 1.5 qt. slow cooker and pour in steel cut oats with other ingredients. Set to low. My experiments include different variations, and add healthful extras* in the morning:

1/2 C steel cut oats

2 1/4 to 2 1/2 C water (experiment for preferred consistency)
1 chopped apple (I add in the a.m.)

Salt & Cinnamon to taste
 

Cook overnight (@ 8 hours). In the morning stir and let sit briefly, then enjoy a hardy breakfast. This generally serves 2 people, depending on the size of appetites and extra ingredients added.
To increase this recipe & still use the smaller crockpot, add 3/4 C oats and 3 C water (or refer to package directions; the water generally does not double).
*Healthful a.m. extras include milk, nuts, flax  or chia seeds, raisins or dried cranberries, crumbled Fig Newton bars, agave nectar, etc.

Using a larger crockpot with an increased bottom surface area may lead to a more difficult clean-up unless making a substantial amount. After experimenting, I prefer the 1.5-qt. crockpot size, to serve 3 or less people.