sandy1020 on January 6th, 2010

Recently I realize that I have not been posting as regular as I have in the past. I have been having some continued computer issues. Actually ever since purchasing this computer a Dell XPS M1210, I have had problems but I have patiently endured. Some of the issues were resolved but there seems to be so many small issues that just don’t go away. Well, my patience is wearing thin as I realize that I spend way too much unproductive time on the computer because of the time spent waiting for my computer to respond, correcting the insertions, or some other annoying problem.

One of the most annoying computer problems occurs when you are typing and the cursor jumps to another position on the screen and continues. In the last few months it has become even more  irritating especially since I have been writing articles for four different blogs. Another common occurring problem is when I try to type an apostrophe when I am on Wordpress.org and it does not respond. Sometimes it  will and sometimes it won’t.  I tend to link these issues to the Vista operating system although that may not be the case — could it be my Dell XPS computer??? Any ideas or suggestions.

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sandy1020 on January 4th, 2010

We all love to have new recipes to serve when we have a get-together or party. I always like to at least taste a recipe before I recommend it to others or before I fix it for my own party. Recently we had a Christmas party at our home and everybody brought a dish. A pitch-in offers a great opportunity obtain new recipes and taste them at the same time. It helps if you have everyone bring a copy of their recipe to share but if not recipes can be shared at a later time. The following Hot Wing Dip recipe was delicious and enjoyed by all. It is sure to become a favorite recipe.

Hot Wing Dip

Ingredients:

1  package pre-cooked cut up chicken-chopped

2 -  8 oz package cream cheese-softened

1 cup good chunky blue cheese dressing (substitute Ranch if you don’t like Blue Cheese)

1/2-1 cup wing sauce- (I use a mild sauce then spice it to taste with hot sauce)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Mix  the chicken, cream cheese, blue cheese dressing and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.

3. Add wing sauce to taste.

4. Place in oven safe casserole dish.

5. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top.

6. Bake until warm and gooey — about 20-30 minutes.

7. Serve with crackers, taco chips, or celery sticks.

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sandy1020 on December 31st, 2009

As each new year approaches, you might begin to wonder what the new year will bring. Well, the new year will not bring anything but rather what are you going to make of the new year? If we just continue doing what we have always done, our life will continue to be what it has always been. Therefore, if there are changes that you would like to make in your life, you should begin by making changes in those areas. Many begin setting goals but then fail to follow through with the goals. It really doesn’t matter what your goals are if you do not follow through with your plan to make it happen.

So, have you considered your goals for 2010?  If you are not a goal setter, then just choose some area or areas  of your life that you would like to improve. Decide how you would like for your life to be different. Would I like my deepen my spiritual relationship with Christ or even to become a new believer in Christ? Would I like to make changes in my marriage relationship? Would I like to improve my financial situation? Would I like to improve my overall health and maybe even lose weight?  These are just a few of the areas that you may wish to consider.

After choosing the areas that you would like to see changes, make a plan to achieve the changes in your life that you desire. Commit yourself to follow the plan and make yourself accountable to others. Don’t be one who does not follow through with the commitment to make those changes. You must follow through with the plan if you are going to see the desired results.

Wishing you all the best year ever!!!

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sandy1020 on December 30th, 2009

Well, today started off just like any other ordinary day. We had breakfast at a local restaurant with my brother with no additional plans until lunchtime. At 11:00 a.m. I headed out to have lunch with some fellow teachers from my teaching days. The time passed quickly as we had a wonderful lunch and shared stories as we were catching up on the past few months.

After noticing the time, I realized that I must hurry on my way directly to my chiropractor appointment rather than checking in at home first. The ordinary day continued until I returned home after my chiropractor appointment. Much to my surprise, I found my husband cleaning the house. Now, many of you who do not know Dave very well may think that this is normal behavior.  However, I will assure you that Dave has NEVER taken the initiative to clean house on his own. He will help out when I am cleaning house, but he has never in his entire life begun cleaning house while I was not at home.

This bizarre behavior can only be attributed to Rain Nutrition. Rain Nutrition has been a wonderful blessing for us and it can be for others too. The Rain Nutrition has helped to improve Dave’s mood and has given him a renewed outlook on life.  Not only is he feeling better physically, but he has the desire to improve his life.

I would never have  believed that any all natural product would be so amazing. If you want to know more information about Rain Nutrition, please check the Rain Nutrition tab to view some videos about the all natural products. You may visit the Rain Nutrition website for additional information. Please feel free to contact me at sandy1020@insightbb.com for additional information about trying the products, becoming a distributor, or other questions.

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sandy1020 on December 27th, 2009

As the New Year approaches, many of us are wondering what happened to Christmas. We spend so much time getting ready for Christmas and then before we know it, it is over. We busy our selves baking and preparing Christmas goodies for everyone to enjoy. We spend time decorating our homes in preparation for our Christmas celebration. We try to purchase the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on our list. We spend so much time preparing the ‘THINGS’ of Christmas and before we know it, it is all over. I am sure there are so many different emotions that everyone feels at this time. Some may be happy while others are sad. Some have already begun to look towards the New Year while others prefer to continue to look back on our current year. Some wish that Christmas could only last a little longer while others may wish that it didn’t come at all.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ as well as the hope that we have in Christ. If we have this hope present within us, we don’t have to rely on the things of this world to make us happy. Yes, we must continue to deal with the things of this world while we are here on earth but we also know that there are better things to come. We have a new life to look forward to. Our hope is not about this life on earth but rather our life for eternity with Christ and all who have given their lives to Him. What a great way to begin the new year with a new life in Christ!!!

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sandy1020 on December 24th, 2009

As I was sitting here on Christmas Eve morning talking with my niece from Ohio, I shared with her my new favorite Christmas song, “Where’s the Line to See Jesus?” As I played the song, I intently focused on the words as I listened. What a beautiful song and what a wonderful message! If we all would focus more on the meaning of Christmas rather than the things of Christmas, our Christmas celebrations would be different. As is stated in the song, “Santa gives us presents but Christ gave His life for me.” My niece thought it was a beautiful Christmas song as well.

As the song ended and I moved to  another tab opened on my computer, the song began to play again. As I listened intently to each word, it gave me cold chills and a message of hope. How often do we put too much emphasis on the things of Christmas rather than the reason for Christmas? Sometimes, we fail to even recall the reason we celebrate the Christmas season.

“Where’s the Line to See Jesus” was inspired by a 4 year old who was at the mall and saw the line waiting to see Santa. As he was waiting, he innocently asked, “Where’s the line to see Jesus?”  This child had obviously been taught not only the reason that we celebrate the Christmas season but to love Christ as well — to make Him the focus of your life. This makes me question what I taught my daughter as she was growing up. Oh, I did teach her about Jesus’ birthday, but I know that we focused too much on the things of Christmas rather than the meaning of Christmas.

Even though I shared this video a few days ago, I felt inspired to share it again today. This time I hope that you listen to the words and it touches your heart as it has mine. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all. May God bless you this Christmas season.

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sandy1020 on December 23rd, 2009

I received this email today and thought it was appropriate to pass on for all to read. It is just a cute reminder about prayer and our promises to God as well as a reminder that we should be honored to serve such a great leader who loves each of us.

GOLD, COMMON SENSE, AND FUR

My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) five years but hadn’t been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide.

God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter. My husband thought we’d been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me,’If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella.’

I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn’t want to disappoint Him.

I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks.

I tried to be understanding when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.

When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.

In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.

While I couldn’t keep my promise to be a perfect mother – I didn’t even come close, I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God.

I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to ‘wash up’ Jesus, too.

Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his ‘last wife.’

My proudest moment came during the children’s Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine.

My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, ‘We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes.’ But he was nervous and said,’The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes.’

My four-year-old ‘Mary’ said, ‘That’s not ‘wrinkled clothes,’ silly. That’s dirty, rotten clothes.’ A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.

I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, ‘Mama-mama.’ Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.

My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, ‘We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold common sense and fur.’

The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. ‘I’ve never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one,’ laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes. ‘For the rest of my life, I’ll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur..’

‘My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing,’ I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

Had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.

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sandy1020 on December 22nd, 2009

“Where’s the Line to See Jesus?”

An original song performed by father and daughter, Steve Haupt and Becky Kelley. It was inspired by grandson, Spencer Reijgers. The video by was created by Bobbie Haupt and Greg Haupt.

Below is the story behind the song, as told by Steve Haupt:

“While at the mall last year, my 4 year old grandson saw kids lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of God’s son, with the innocence of a child, he asked his mom, “Where’s the line to see Jesus”? If Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, why don’t we see Him more? As his grandpa, I was so happy that little Spencer understood the meaning of Christmas at such a tender age, and then the words for a song were jotted down in just a few minutes. The song was inspired by my grandson, and the message was inspired by my Savior. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults can not understand. Hopefully Spencer’s observation and our song will cause people to reflect on the love of Jesus, and the certainty that one day we will all stand in line to see Jesus. Merry Christmas everyone.”

This is a very moving story and song. I would like to thank all of those responsible for making this song possible. It is the most beautiful Christmas song I have ever heard. When I think that this song was inspired by Spencer Reijgers,  a 4 year old child, it makes the song even more beautiful if that is even possible.

Thank you, Spencer!!!

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sandy1020 on December 21st, 2009

coconut cookiesThese are the most delicious cookies and a family favorite. You can add white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, raisins, or another variation. My family prefers that I add not variations to this delicious cookie recipe and I must say that I do agree.

Coconut Cookies

Ingredients:

2 sticks margarine or butter

1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup white granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup black walnuts (or pecans)

1 cup quick cooking oats

1 to 1 1/2 cups flake coconut

Directions:

1. Cream margarine or butter and add light brown sugar and white sugar; Mix well.

2. Add eggs and mix well.

3. Combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda and add to mixture; Mix well.

4. Add nuts and vanilla; Mix well.

5. Add quick cooking oats and flake coconut; Mix well after each addition.

6. Drop by teaspoon on an ungreased baking sheet.

7. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

8. Makes about 5 dozen.

As with most all cookies, these cookies are delicious when first taken from the oven. Go ahead and enjoy a couple. No one will even know they are missing.

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sandy1020 on December 20th, 2009

As I began to prepare my Christmas cookies, I began to think about a Reece’s Cup cookie that I had several years ago. Of course I had no recipe for that particular cookie. However, I found a peanut butter cookie with a candy kiss in the center called a Peanut Blossom. As I continued to contemplate making this cookie, I recalled someone telling me that they rolled the cookie dough into a ball and placed in the mini muffin tins. So, I decided to give it a try with the Peanut Blossom recipe.

When I first shared what I had done to my daughter, she was rather disappointed as she always enjoyed the Peanut Blossom cookies. However, after eating one, she called and said that I had made a good executive decision. The cookies were delicious. This new creation may become an all-time favorite.

So, the following recipe is the Peanut Blossoms recipe with a Reece’s Cup twist. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and enjoy all the sweet treats.

Peanut Blossoms

Ingredients:

1⁄2 cup butter

1⁄3 cup peanut butter

1⁄2 cup sugar

1⁄2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 3⁄4 cup flour

1 teaspoon soda

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Cream butter and peanut butter.

2. Add sugar and brown sugar and mix together.

3. Add vanilla and an egg and mix.

4. Combine flour, soda, and salt and add to the mixture; Mix well.

5. Shape into round balls; roll in granulated sugar; place on a greased baking sheet.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

7. Remove from the oven and place a candy kiss in the center of each cookie.

8. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Variation — the Reece’s Cup Twist:

1. Place round balls in a greased mini muffin tin (DO NOT roll in granulated sugar).

2. Bake 8 to 10 minutes; remove from the oven and place Reece’s Cup in center of each muffin and press down.

3. Bake an additional 5 minutes.

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