Diamonds and Success

Ok, I got a famous quote out of a book. It says : a diamond is just a piece of coal that stuck to the job.

I love that!! How true. Most people miss opportunity because it disguises itself as work. In this instant gratification, microwave world we live in, no one wants to take time to become successful. They all want the fame and the money, but they don't want to work for it. Overnight success....that is what people crave.

Success= Einstein and Edison
Fame= Madonna

There is a distinct difference in the two. Fame may equal money, but not necessarily success. My Mama always told me if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Making $5,000 a month flipping foreclosed properties the first week...the one you see on late night TV...probably NOT true. Ha,ha,ha,ha.

I have learned as I get older, that I enjoy good honest work. Success will come when it's time, but I won't sit on my duff waiting for it. I'm going to go out and make it happen.

Think about that...

Green Bean Casserole--remade healthy

Ok, here is another tested recipe that I WILL make again. As Thanksgiving fast approaches, I am finding yummy, low sodium, lower fat things to make for my family. Please enjoy this one.


Healthy Green Bean Casserole


3 lbs green beans, trimmed and cut in half. ( I used 3 cans no salt beans)
4 large shallots (I used green onions)
1 Tbs olive oil
1 ½ course fresh bread crumbs
1 tsp fresh chopped thyme
3 cups lowfat milk
3 Tbs butter
¼ cup all purpose flour
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp allspice
1/ 2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

If using fresh beans, cook them. If using cans, no heating required. Put them in a large 3 quart baking dish.

In 12 inch skillet, heat oil on medium and cook onions 4 minutes. Add bread crumbs (which I seasoned with extra thyme and allspice) and cook 2 minutes until dry and golden. Transfer mix to large bowl, add thyme, salt, pepper, and sprinkle with allspice.

In microwave, heat milk on high for 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, in same skillet, melt butter on medium, and add flour. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly, and cook 2 minutes or until thickened (having consistency of heavy cream) Stir in nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Pour mixture over beans and stir until evenly coated.

Stir parmesan cheese into bread and spread bread over beans.

Bake 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbling.

(Note: I personally will add more seasoning to the milk mixture next time…maybe pepper, thyme, and more allspice.)


If you try this, drop me a line and let me know what you think. Thanks. Enjoy.

Low Sodium Cooking Website

If you have been following this blog, you know I have been researching recipes with little or no salt.

With Thanksgiving coming up quickly, I wanted to find things my Mom can enjoy and that will be healthy. I found an amazing site that has done a lot of leg work for me.

http://www.lowsodiumcooking.com/ This man was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and was forced to change his life. He has a menu on the side of his site which is very easy to navigate. BUT, he has a list of recipes divided up into categories. I found a recipe for homemade stuffing that I am going to try this year.

I also found a recipe for a makeover green bean casserole that I am going to try this Sunday night. If it is good, I will post it here. (I know I still need to post the mac and cheese one).

There are easy ways to change your diet and not give up any flavor. As I continue on this journey, I will keep you updated. If any of you come across any yummy recipes, please send them to me.

Think about that.....

Things God has Said

God has been speaking to me and saying different things, depending on what is going on at the time. I listen. I have learned that God is infinitely smarter than me. :)

Earlier this week, I have seen the bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.

This is biblical. Love each other no matter what. Forgive each other and act as though no wrong has been committed. Keep our mouth shut. Our mouth gets us in more trouble than any other part of our bodies. Speak only good, helpful, happy things about each other. Or, if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all. That's biblical. I bet if we were to list all the things our mom's and grandma's taught us...most of them would be right outta God's Word.

My pastor, who is awesome, spoke last night on keeping our mouths shut. The power of life and death are in the tongue. You get what you say. What are you saying?

So, as funny as that sticker is, and even though the devil meant it to be a liberal animal lover mantra....I see it as biblical. :) So, devil, in your face....

Think about that.....

Preparation is the Key

One of my favorite movies of all time is Facing the Giants. (if you have not seen it, it is a MUST SEE. You will never be the same) There is a quote from there that I have up in my office. It simply says:

God will send the rain with He's ready. You need to prepare your fields to receive it.

I know this means different things to different people. But, think for a moment...what is YOUR field and what is YOUR rain? Are you believing for children? Then your body is your field and your baby is your rain. Are you waiting for a financial breakthru? Then your bank account is your field and the finances are your rain. You may just be waiting for God to help you with your life in general. Then, your mind is your field, and your faith/belief/answer is your rain.

No matter what your situation is, you will need to have faith. That doesn't change. All of us are believing God for something. All of us. A few months ago, my pastor told us to think of something that we were having a hard time giving to God, and we prayed about it and I gave it to God. Whenever the devil tried to bring it up, I reminded him and me that it was God's issue now. My hands were off. Amazingly enough, that was all it took. Just a month after that, that "thing" I gave God blossomed. I was truly in wonder. God did it!!

Later, I saw how how I had been preparing my fields and didn't even realize it. God is faithful. He loves us very much. AND he wants to bless us. He wants to send the rain....you just have to prepare your fields to receive it.

Go think about that.....

Teach your Children

Teach your children to respect authority and their elders!!! Period!

I am a substitute teacher and I am amazed at how kids treat me! Wow. I mean, wow!! We, as parents have to set the example everywhere...and we have to make sure our kids are getting the message.

When I pick my children up from school, I tell them you better NEVER treat a teacher the way that class just treated me. Shame.

And you wonder why this world is like this. The Bible predicted this in the last days. It says there will be homosexuality, kids won't respect authority, people will get easily offended....any of this sounding familiar?

Proverbs 1:7 says the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". That is not fear, it means respect and honor. Respecting and honoring God is the beginning of wisdom. Let's start there.

Now, go think about that......