Poetry & Prose ~~ "In the Palm of His Hand"

"IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND"

As we journey through this life,

We may encounter mysteries we cannot explain,

But in our hearts abides a true and living hope,

As we trust in His holy Name.

Though the pathway before us might seem unclear,

And we may not know what lies ahead,

We can walk with faith and confidence,

Because of what Jesus has said.

Let not your heart be troubled,

You believe in God, believe also in Me.

I will come again and receive you unto Myself,

That where I am, forever you will also be.

He is a very present help in times of trouble,

He is our refuge, strength, joy, and peace.

Though mountains may tremble and the waters may roar,

His grace will strengthen us in our time of need.

With His Word living in our hearts,

We know He is faithful and His promises are true.

We can enter into His rest with hope in our hearts

Knowing the victory is won and He will see us through.

For He knows what our future holds,

And His plans and purposes will forever stand.

He will never leave us nor forsake us,

And He holds us tenderly in the palm of His hand.

Psalm 46:1-3; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 49:15; and John 14:1-3

Contributed by Lesta of

Heartsong Treasures

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Sweet & Savory Thursday ~~ Guest Food Blogger Anna Crisman

As a Christian wife and mother, it is my desire to inspire and encourage you with the richness of God’s many blessings! At LifeBellissima.com, I blog on a variety of topics that are near and dear to my heart — family life, homeschooling, organic food/recipes (which of course includes chocolate!) and our many adventures in the country with a tabby cat, several rabbits, and seven Rhode Island Red hens!

I love the flavor of candied pecans as well as the combination of chocolate with pecans, so I’ve tried to incorporate all three flavors into this new muffin recipe. These are great for a snack, light dessert or sweet breakfast. I hope you’ll give them a try and let me know how you like them!

Honey Pecan – Chocolate Chip Muffins

*I prefer to use all organic ingredients

1 cup pecans, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 Tablespoon coconut sugar

2 cups flour

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup vanilla almond milk

2/3 cup raw honey

6 Tablespoons coconut oil, softened

1 Tablespoon vanilla

3/4 cup chocolate chips

-Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit

-In a food processor, pulse together the pecans, cinnamon and coconut sugar. You can also finely chop the pecans and mix together in a small bowl.

In a food processor, pulse together the pecans, cinnamon and coconut sugar. You can also finely chop the pecans and mix together in a small bowl.

-In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer or by hand, gently whisk together the eggs, vanilla almond milk, honey, coconut oil and vanilla until combined.

-Gently blend in the flour, baking powder and salt until incorporated into the wet ingredients.

-Gently fold in the pecan, cinnamon, coconut sugar and chocolate chips by hand.

-Fill muffin liners or cases approximately 2/3 full, and bake for 13-15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

-Garnish with chopped pecans and shaved chocolate, if desired.

Enjoy!

Please stop by Anna's blog and take a tour:  http://lifebellissima.com

Happy Eating & Reading!

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Writing Journeys ~~ "Enhancing Creativity"

It's hard to imagine from looking at the above picture that it's the first step to a poem, movie or television script, novel, novella, short story, song, memoir, personal essay or speech.

Creative writing is defined as "any writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature, typically identified as an emphasis on narrative, character development, and the use of literary tropes or with various traditions of poetry and poetics." [https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=definition+of+creative+writing]

Before we proceed further, we should probably address the whole "left brain - right brain" issue as well. 

"People who identify as left-brain thinkers might feel that they have strong math and logic skills. Those who profess to be right-brain thinkers, on the other hand, feel that their talents are more on the creative side of things.  Given the popularity of the idea of 'right brained' and 'left brained' thinkers, it might surprise you to learn that this idea is just one of many myths about the brain."  [Chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=what%20side%20of%20the%20brain%20is%20the%20creative%20side]

"The left side of the brain is responsible for controlling the right side of the body.  It also performs tasks that have to do with logic, such as in science and mathematics.  On the other hand, the right hemisphere coordinates the left side of the body, and performs tasks that have to do with creativity and the arts." [http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/left-brain-right-brain.htm]

The last time I checked the initials Dr. were not in front of my name, and M.D. did not follow my last name.  Those would apply to the first born of The Tribe of Wood.  However, in checking my family trees on both sides, I made the wonderful discovery of branches containing authors and poets.

I marvel that our Creator has given us the gift of creating written works for the enjoyment of mankind.  Creativity is the gold of the writer's life. Just as the price of pure gold has fluctuated over the decades, there can be times in our writing journeys when we may feel that we have penned something far more valuable than at other times.  We may be surprised to learn later that what we deemed of little value was of great assistance or enjoyment to a reader in a far away land. 

What are some ideas that you have implemented when you find your creativity waning or wanting to take a vacation? Don't get me wrong as I am in favor of vacations ~~ just not of the permanent variety!  

Here are some helpful hints I have used to get my creative juices flowing when necessary:

• I look through my container of handy dandy quotes, pictures, poetry, etc. that I continually collect.
• Read short passages from a completely different genre.
• Take a stroll up and down the aisles of our local book store(s) to drink in the titles, cover designs, and so forth.
• Dial up a brainstorming session with a trusted fellow author who won't just tell me what I want to hear, but who will offer constructive criticism and boatloads of encouragement.
• Give the passage a rest for a short while. When I return to it, I imagine that I am a total stranger reading the description or portion of writing as opposed to being the one authoring it.
• Watch an old movie without offensive language or scenes.

I am presently penning Book Two of The Sabblonti Series which is the fictional saga of several cattle barons and their spreads located in the high desert mountain regions.  Macey Meadows, a nurse at the rural hospital, needed a description, so here's what I imagined she would look like:

"Dr. Shaw was struck with Macey’s milky white teeth showcased inside her lovely pomegranate tinted lips, her olive complexion, high cheekbones, and intense emerald green eyes.  He glanced down at her left hand which revealed no jewelry.  Then again, some nurses do not wear their wedding rings while on shift.  Oh, could he possibly start to get his hopes up once again only to be dashed?  Hope deferred makes the heart sick."

What happens to the country veterinarian and the lovely nurse?  Stay tuned to find out!

My encouragement for your writing journey is to continue writing.  Do what works for you and share your ideas with fellow authors.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, it's encouraging to know that some of the "left brain folks" enjoy reading the creations of the "right brain folks" or however that actually works.

Happy Reading, spend some of that "creative gold" on others, and Write On!

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Writing Journeys ~~ Write On Schedule

According to Merriam-Webster, any writers' friend, 

According to

If you are currently working on a literary project or manuscript:

• Do you have a writing schedule? 
• Is it written or printed out?
•  Which do you prefer — a certain time frame or a specific number of words?
•  Are you able to adhere to your schedule?
•  What happens when the wheels fall off your writing plan?

According to Merriam-Webster, any writers’ friend, the definition of schedule [noun] is:

·        a plan of things that will be done and the times when they will be done

·        a written or printed list of things and the times when they will be done.

I adhered more strictly to a writing schedule after embarking upon my first western fictional novel, Book One of The Sabblonti Series titled Janzti’s Jokers.  Due to physical limitations, it was easier for me to work for a certain period of time on the days my schedule permitted as opposed to trying to set a goal of a certain number of words.  Now that I am penning Book Two of the series, I am implementing that practice as well.  Just for grins, I record the number of words on a small yellow lined tablet stored close to my computer. 

Prior to writing fiction, I authored primarily inspirational books along with some poetry.  If I had to take extended breaks between writing those genres, it did not seem like it took much to “get back in the river”, so to speak.  

Experiencing quite a few interruptions or having to be absent from Jantzi Belle and the cattle crew in my fictional novel proved to be far more challenging as I would have to retrace my steps and figure out where I left off the last time my fingers touched the keyboard.

Stephen Covey’s sage advice comes to mind, “the key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

I recently started blogging and have found that I enjoy it far more than I thought I would.  One thing that has kept me on track is a blogging calendar.  Businesses typically give out calendars at the beginning of each year, so I pressed one of those into service for my new found writing interest.  Granted, it’s easier to use a calendar for blogging as most posts are short and to the point.  A novel consisting of 80,000 to 140,000 words can seem far more daunting.

Times and seasons can also affect our writing schedules.  As I am typing this, it is a glorious spring day in the mountain west complete with a gentle breeze, bright sunshine, blue sky, and the birds chirping outside my office window.  When the thermometer registers 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the wind is howling, and it’s snowing sideways, it’s much easier to sit at a computer and hammer out mega words.

Let’s consider some things which may help to increase your writing capacity:

• Determine what is your optimum time of day wherein you are most productive, and strive to use that block of time for your writing endeavors.
• Take a long and short look at your calendar.  Mark off some specific days that are set aside just for writing such as you would do for a doctor appointment.
•  Analyze your daily routine to see if you can rearrange it to carve out more time for writing.  For instance, if you have household chores or other things for which you are responsible and you normally do those in the morning, flip your schedule, and do those in the afternoon which frees up your morning to write.
• Assess your writing style.  Are you trying to edit as you write?  If so, this may be cutting into your initial productivity.  Granted, there are different opinions on this matter.  Some writers deem it’s best to get their thoughts down on paper and edit afterwards whereas others edit as they go.  Different key and pen strokes for different folks.
• Some authors outline their manuscript ahead of time while others bemoan even the very suggestion of such a thing.
• Try talking a walk before you write to unleash the creativity within.
•  Mothers with young children can sometimes find another mother with young children and work out a shared arrangement to free up time for each other.
• Comparing yourself to other writers and their schedules is counterproductive.  Do what works for you.
• Join a small writer’s group where the members can assist and encourage you.
• Book fairs, signings, and related events are wonderful incentives to help keep your writing flowing.  Endeavor to associate with writing clubs or organizations which conduct events as this will help you achieve your goal of getting your book published in a timely manner.
• Reward yourself for achieving your writing goals.  This could be something as simple as a pretty bookmark, a fellow author’s book, a canister of your favorite tea, etc.  The higher end, of course, would be that trip to the Bahamas or elsewhere that you have always wanted to take.  J

 I would like to hear from you as to what suggestions you have for fellow writers as to how to stay on schedule, increase productivity, reach your writing and publishing goals, and live happily ever after in the process.

Happy Reading & Write On Schedule!

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Sweet & Savory Thursday ~~ Breakfast In A Pint Jar

                                                   
                                                          BREAKFAST IN A PINT JAR


INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup uncooked rolled oats - non instant variety
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 and 1/2 tsp. chia seeds
• cut up fruit of your choice such as 5 prunes
• additional 1/4 cup fruit such as blueberries
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 3/4 cup water OR 1 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

• Stir the oatmeal, cinnamon, and chia seeds together in bottom of jar.
• Layer the remainder of the ingredients in pint jar in above-listed order.
• Stir all ingredients inside jar before placing in refrigerator in order to get the olive oil thoroughly mixed into the other ingredients.
• Refrigerate overnight.

HELPFUL HINTS & SUGGESTIONS:

• The chia seeds will expand a little bit during the refrigeration process.
• You won't be able to taste the olive oil when eating this oatmeal concoction.
• It is usually the perfect consistency when you open the jar the next morning and prepare to eat your breakfast.
• The oatmeal does its magic inside the pint jar overnight in the refrigerator as it absorbs either the milk or the water.

The above picture reflects what the refrigerated mixture looks like the next morning when you prepare to enjoy your breakfast!

This recipe is taken from the official Sheila Fabulous Collection.

Happy Reading & Healthy Eating!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Forever Friends"

Throughout your life

            people will come and go,

Some will be real

            while others are just show.

Be careful in whose heart

            you deposit your dreams,

For in a mere moment

            they can be made into schemes.

There will be times

             to keep things close to your vest,

Lest your supposed friends

            take from you your best.

Learn to get wisdom

            and to walk with the wise,

Chances are then

            that you’ll not be led to your demise.

Suddenly if you are blessed

            with an abundance of wealth,

Learn how to operate

            in a mode of stealth.

Fame, fortune or affluence

            seem to attract like files,

Those whose real motives

            are cheating and lies.

A lot of humanity

            is not bent on evil or sin,

They’re trying to make this world

            a better place if they can.

If you’ve been blessed

            with forever friends,

You have been given something

            that never ends.

Poetry's Presence ~~ Happy Reading!

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Sweet & Savory Friday ~~ Lime Cod with Veggie Medley

STEP 1:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2  medium onions cut into 1/2 moons
• 11/2 cups celery sticks
• 11/2 cups small carrots
• 2 lime wedges
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice

STEP 2:

DIRECTIONS:

• Place above listed ingredients in saucepan and cook in enough water until tender.

STEP 3:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cod fillets (6 oz. size approximately)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. Crazy Jane's Mixed Up Salt, optional
• 1 tsp. dried marjoram 
• 2 lime slices 

STEP 4:

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat olive oil in fry pan over medium heat
• Sprinkle fillets with Crazy Jane's Mixed Up Salt & marjoram
• Cook 6-8 minutes on each side or until the cod fillets flake apart easily
• Do not overcook or cod will become rubbery
• Squeeze fresh lime slices over cooked cod

Serve with either cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa along with the cooked veggies.

Enjoy!

Happy Eating & Reading.

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