The Ten Behaviors That Keep You Single

 Are You Getting In Your Own Way?

If you are single, but would rather not be, I am sure you have given significant thought about why. I know what you’re thinking: Why is it that you don’t have a man yet certain people around you seem to hop (sometimes effortlessly) from one relationship to another? Well, one answer is it may not be your season. For many, it is as simple as that.

However, for others, it’s actually the right time but they’re practicing the wrong behaviors and essentially standing in their own way. (Now, before you get upset with me, just listen.) Here are 10 things I have personally witnessed my single female clients and friends do that keep them single. Are you guilty too?

You Don't Believe In Love: If you truly think you are destined to live life alone or you are of the thought that Michelle Obama married the “last good man on earth,” you’ll be right. Why? Because our belief is our reality.

You Hold On to Someone Who Isn't Available: There are many reasons someone may not be available to date. Is he separated or married? Perhaps he is living with his girlfriend? If you hold on to such a person, fully knowing you are shared with someone else, you illustrate the lowest form of self-love and that won't get you where you want to go.

You Don't Believe Him When He Tells You the Truth: Many times, men will directly tell you their outlook on the relationship. They’ll say things like, “I’m not interested in anything serious” or “I don’t see myself being married.” If you hear anything similar, don’t think you’re the one person who can and will change his perspective. Trust me, you can’t; you won’t. Moreover, you’ll just end up wasting your time and resources. You only have power to change yourself.

Being a Toxic Date: Toxic dates are the ones who complain all the time. They are the ones who always blame you. They may always turn things around to make it someone else’s fault. They overreact to bad events. If all of this sounds familiar, "they" could be you. Toxic people are a huge energy drain. No matter how outwardly attractive or successful someone is, toxicity just ain’t sexy.

You Do Nothing Differently: My favorite question to ask prospective clients is: “How many dates have you gone on in the last two years?” Most answer “zero.” (FYI - The average single in the U.S. has not been on one date in the last two years). Then my second question is always, “Are you happy with your number?” Most say no. My final question is always, “What are you doing differently to change it?” Most say “nothing.” The bottom line is that in every aspect of our life (dating included) we can’t do the same old thing and expect different results.

You Take Bad Advice from Friends and Family: I have written a full chapter on this in my book. Your friends are not relationship experts. Your loved ones often give bad advice. It’s well meaning, but awful, dating advice because they aren’t objective. Plus, they aren’t therapists or dating experts.

You Commit Too Soon: A top dating mistake that I see my clients make often is going from casually dating someone to exclusively dating that someone within a short period of time. This is a widespread issue. In 2012, the average U.S. couple became exclusive within just five dates. This is much too soon. Why, because it takes time to observe their values and it you also don’t know someone until you have witnessed them in a time of adversity.

You're Lowering Your Standards to Compete: If you are concerned that because there are “so many women” vying for the man you are interested in you must “compete” and do things not within your value structure (like have sex earlier than planned), stop it. The moment you bend on your boundaries is the moment you begin to bully yourself.

You're Adhering to Ultimatums: Love is not selfish. Love doesn’t come with strings attached. If you have to give in to get him, get out.

Being List Obsessed: Do you chase after preferences? (You know, like he must be 6-foot tall and have perfect teeth?) We all have preferences and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The problem is when we don’t secure our own needs first. These are what I call in my book, “your relationship vitals” (values, personality type, non-starters, and attraction traits) and become obsessed with them opposed to what’s on a list of frills.

By Paul Carrick Brunson

Health: 5 Health Areas for Parents to Monitor With Their Kids

There is nothing I enjoy more than raising my four children, but I have found it to be a challenge to raise healthy-weight children in today’s society. With the tripling of the child obesity rate in our country, there are record numbers of children experiencing health problems that a generation ago were primarily observed in adults.

As a physician's assistant in family medicine, my job is not only to treat patients for their various health problems, but also to educate patients on ways to prevent diseases.

Lifestyle changes can be challenging, but when I took a successful child obesity intervention and prevention program that I had implemented in my community, the “Family Fitness Challenge,” and brought it to my church, I found that by combining current medical research about behaviors associated with obesity along with Bible verses to meditate on, it further inspired parents to make changes in their household that had a huge impact on the health of their entire family.

While there are multiple contributors to the child obesity epidemic, here are five areas that parents need to pay the most attention to:

1. Sleep. Research shows that people who regularly sleep too little and at the wrong time suffer long-lasting consequences: an increase in obesity and risk of diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. American children are the most sleep-deprived in the world. Children should get 10 to 12 hours of sleep at night, teenagers eight to nine, and adults eight.

“Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience” (Heb. 4:11, NIV).

2. Eat enough produce. The recommendations for the servings of produce came out when it was discovered that five servings was the minimum daily amount that was needed to reduce heart disease, cancers and obesity. According to the American Heart Association, the cardiovascular health of today’s youth is foreshadowing bad news for their adult years and the future of our country’s public health, after a survey found that less than 1 percent of teenagers in America met this ideal dietary goal.

“At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead” (Dan. 1:15-16).

3. Limit media time. Of all the areas I speak to patients about, our society’s excessive amount of time spent on media is the habit that poses the greatest challenge. Most parents underestimate the amount of time their kids spend on media. Current data reveals that U.S. children spend an average of 7.5 hours a day staring at screens. This screen time is affecting their physical activity, slowing their metabolism, interfering with their sleep cycles, exposing them to toxic advertising, and taking over time that could be spent interacting with family, friends, honing their artistic skills or growing their spiritual life. It is recommended that children limit screen time to two hours or less a day. With the excess time that children and adults are spending on screens, their hearts and minds are being continuously bombarded with the material and sometimes corrupt values of the world.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8).

4. Get enough physical activity. According to a recent study, Americans are spending eight hours a day barely moving. Couch-potato adults are now raising couch-potato children. With physical activity no longer being scheduled into our daily lives, our society is experiencing the negative health consequences that accompany it. The Bible talks about when Mary and Joseph had the job of raising Jesus and how he “grew in wisdom and stature,” meaning they looked out for his intellectual health as well as his physical health.

It is recommended that children get at least one hour of exercise a day. As a working mother of four, I find this advice to be impractical—at the end of the day, I have no idea how much time each of my children have spent exercising. I needed a watchdog to make sure my kids are getting the exercise they need. My easy solution has been to invest in pedometers for everyone in my family. By having our brood wear pedometers, I can ensure that my children (and their parents) get the minimum of 10,000 steps recommended daily.

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

5. Drink more water. Soda and other sugary drinks are the No. 1 source of calories in many Americans' diets and the food item most commonly linked to weight problems. The average American gets an extra 300 calories a day in the form of liquids. By replacing liquid calories with water, it is possible to see a dramatic impact on weight problems in a short period of time.

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37-38).

 By J’nelle Ruscetti

Don’t Turn Him Away

TEXT: MATTHEW 11:16-30

Key verse: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Most men are guilty of what social psychologists define as “projection,” that is, always seeing your faults in others, magnifying others’ faults and never looking inwards to locate your faults in yourself.

This is the context in which Christ spoke in our text. Immediately after appreciating John the Baptist and his ministry among the people, Jesus turned His attention to the response of the obstinate and unbelieving generation, which both John and Himself ministered unto.

Jesus condemned the attitude of the people. Since God’s will is for all men to be saved, He uses a variety of means and methods for the conversion and salvation of souls. The Jews of Jesus’ days refused every proposition offered by Him. No matter what He said or did, they took the opposite view. They were cynical and skeptical because He challenged their comfortable, secure and self-centered lives. They, therefore, criticised John the Baptist because he fasted and drank no wine. They disparaged Jesus because He ate and drank with publicans and sinners. The real objection to both men of course, was how their lives and ministries exposed the ignorance and hypocrisy of these religious people.

The ancient cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom were destroyed for their wickedness and sin. Jesus upbraided His own generation that if these ancient cities had seen His works, they would have repented in ashes and sackcloth. Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum saw Jesus’ mighty works yet did not believe. They would suffer even greater punishment than that of the wicked cities which did not see Jesus. In the same vein, nations and cities with churches on every corner will have no excuse on judgment day if they do not repent and believe. The Bible says, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17). And which individual will ever stand before God, justified for blatantly refusing to heed the entreaties to surrender to Christ, while here on earth?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Change your heavy load for Christ’s light burden.

Prayer For New Week

I decree and declare that every power that is delaying your progress shall be destroyed today in Jesus name. Arise & Shine, it's your season of manifestation. Though you have failed in the past, but as from today, God will make you a reference point for success in Jesus name!.

Whether the devil likes it or not, like Job the Lord will give you double for your trouble in Jesus Name! Your great dreams, aspirations n revelations will surely manifest. You will not live in the shadow of God's master-plan for your life In Jesus Name!

Even if you have made the worst mistake and missed the road to the top, Christ will cause all things to work for your good.  You will recover from all your loses in Jesus Name. 

Happy New Week and New Month Of April Ahead From Us Adenike Salako Blog's World.

SHE TOOK IT BY FORCE

When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. Mark 5: 27

The traditions of this woman's society required a woman with an issue of blood to stay indoors because she was 'unclean'.

After waiting for twelve years and hiding in the shadows, she probably said to herself, 'enough is enough. I am tired of pain and shame.'

She set her own agenda for change and began a process that totally transformed her life. But her journey of change was not an easy one.

She had to overcome some stumbling blocks. Her journey started from behind the crowd.

She was behind but she was not deterred by her placement. She was confronted with a crowd of people who were all trying to get to the same Jesus she wanted to get to.

Although there were many in contention with her, she was not discouraged.

She came from behind and pressed through the rough and tumbling mob surrounding Jesus although she was feeble in strength. She did not make excuses nor gave herself any respite.

When she finally got to Jesus, she reached out and executed her agenda. She put her faith into action. She reached out and touched the hem of Jesus' garment. That is faith in action.

She overcame:

1. Long-term disappointment

2. Physical weakness

3. Personal embarrassment

4. Society's rejection

5. Physical barriers: the crowd of people

You can also reach out in faith and set a new agenda for your life if you press on without wavering.

Prayer: Help me Lord, to press through all obstacles until i have touched your power.

Scriptural Reading: Mark 5:21-43

When storms are raging all around you, He covers you!

I recently heard someone tell this very interesting story -

A young boy went to visit a friend and while he was there playing, a storm erupted. The boy couldn’t go home of course as he would be caught in the rain and he sat there waiting quietly. Minutes later, his father came round to walk him home. He brought a very big thick coat with which he covered his son. As they walked home, the boy was in engulfed in darkness and all he could see were his shoes. He had no idea where he was going, but walked with his father anyway. After some time they got to the house and the father removed the big coat. The young boy was safely home and he was dry!

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed and in ‘darkness’? Does it sometimes feel as if there is a storm raging all around you? Do you realise that that time when it is dark is actually because God throws His covering around you to protect you from the storm so you won’t get wet? And then He safely leads you home, hallelujah!!! It may look dark right now, you may not know where you are going but trust that God holds your hand and is safely leading you to the place of your destiny. He is shielding you from what is worse and all you can see is what is bad? Hmmm, if only God can open our eyes to see, we will be thankful all the time!

Psalm 91:4 - He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. NIV

Psalm 107:29 - He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

Isaiah 4: 5-6 - Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory[ will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.

Isaiah 25:4 - You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall

Have a blessed weekend.

By sis Deby

Today: Happy Mother’s day

Love is blind because "MY MOTHER STARTED LOVING ME BEFORE SEEING MY FACE"

"I BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT"...Because I'VE BEEN LOVING MY MOTHER SINCE I OPENED MY EYES....

Happy Mother’s day to all Mothers, Moms, Mama, Iya, Waiting-Mothers in the World from us Adenike Salako Blog’s World.

Make-Homemade-Corn-Dogs

Why This Recipe Works: To re-create this crowd favorite at home, we made a light batter with flour, cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs. Coating the skewered hot dogs in flour before batter-dipping ensures the batter adheres to the hot dogs. To make coating the hot dogs easy, we transfer the batter to a tall drinking glass for even, hassle free dunking.

MAKES 8 CORN DOGS

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
8 hot dogs
3 quarts peanut or vegetable oil

Preparations:

1. Set wire rack inside rimmed baking sheet. Whisk cornmeal, 1 cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and cayenne together in bowl. Whisk in buttermilk and eggs until incorporated. Place remaining 1/2 cup flour in shallow dish. Dredge hot dogs in flour and shake to remove excess. Thread hot dogs lengthwise onto eight 8-inch skewers.

2. Add oil to large Dutch oven until it measures about 2 inches deep and heat over medium-high heat to 350 degrees. Stir batter to recombine, then transfer half of batter to tall drinking glass. Working with one at a time, submerge hot dog in glass and twirl to coat with batter. Allow excess batter to drip back into glass and place corn dog in hot oil. Repeat immediately with 3 more hot dogs. Fry corn dogs, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to wire rack. Return oil to 350 degrees and repeat with remaining batter and hot dogs. 

Source:yahoo.com

Walk Not By Sight

TEXT: GENESIS 12:10-20

Key verse: “Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee” (Genesis 12:13).

A close walk with God can be sometimes tortuous, particularly when embarked upon carnally. It is only by surrendering to God, to direct every step and approve all plans that the believer is assured of eventual victory.

Abram had been asked by God to leave his kindred in Haran for Canaan. On getting to Canaan, he discovered that the land was plagued with famine. His immediate reaction was to go to Egypt where he felt the situation was less grim, without first enquiring from who instructed him to proceed to Canaan, irrespective of the terrible situation there. Abram thus left God’s divine plan for myopic self-management.

The plight of Abram is comparable to the situation of some believers today. There are those who resort to self-pity and self-management in times of adversity. Ironically, it is in times of difficulties that believers ought to demonstrate the glory of God through faith in Christ. The Bible says that the just can only live by faith and not by sight or any other sensory perception. Sadly, many there are today who live by sight.

Believers owe it an abiding duty to sanctify God before all men. Being called by the name of the Lord, imposes clear responsibility and sobriety always. In these days of global economic recession, people are continually moving from place to place in search of greener pastures. Curiously, believers who ought to lift up their eyes unto the hill all the time, sometimes look away from God unto those problems. It ought not to be so. It was bad enough that Abram migrated to Egypt outside God’s will. It was worse that on getting to Egypt, he had to lie to protect his life. In times like these, we need to check up the promises of God in the Bible for daily provisions and believe that He will supply all our needs.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The fear of the Lord is wisdom, but the fear of man ensnares.

“Anger Free” and “Confident-Full”

This has been on my mind for some time now.

The degree of your anger is not necessarily determined by the gravity of the offence done towards you; essentially, it is your temper that dictates how angry you are, and how well you are comfortable inside you will affect in no small measure how you'll manage that temper.

To be more comfortable inside you, get more confidence. You are you, no matter what anybody thinks, you are complete. Step up and be self actualized. Everything does not have to depend on how much money you have but how confident! Get confidence please. God has stored you up, reach out to what is inside you first and bring it to the fore. Don't let people always dump on you with their negative stuffs, their baggage.

For those who are married or in relationship, enjoy your spouse and stop being angry! Stop annoying each-other, make your partner happy, help build their confidence level and encourage each-other to be self-confident!

Have an anger free and "confident-full" folks!

GOD WILL TURN THINGS AROUND

I will open rivers in desolate heights, And fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, And the dry land springs of water. Isaiah 41:18

To 'open' is to begin or initiate a process. God is able to initiate a new process of blessing in our lives even when our current situation looks dry and desolate.

He causes rivers to flow into our lives when we feel dry, alone and abandoned.

Rivers stand for:

• Life

• Refreshment

• Newness

The river in the desert is not the end product of what God wants to do but the beginning.

God brings rivers into the desolate places as the first step in turning around the situation we are in.

When He initiates the process of blessing in our lives, He sustains it and completes it.

The river of God in the wilderness will be sustained and will produce a pool in the wilderness.

Pools form in the wilderness after the dry ground has soaked up the initial water flow; the water continues to flow till the ground is so saturated with water, it creates a pool.

God will not start a process He cannot sustain; neither will He start a process and not end it.

He also promises to release fountains in the valley. Valleys represent those moments in our lives when we feel low' or 'down'.

Valleys also represent seasons in our lives when we feel depressed and incapable of rising to do the things we want to do.

In such moments, we can trust the Lord to release fountains of life, newness and freshness into our hearts. Yes, even in the desert, God's love reaches out to us and renews us.

Prayer: Lord, let Your living waters flow into my heart to renew my strength.

Scriptural Reading: Isaiah 41:17-20

The Peerless Physician

TEXT: MATTHEW 9:27-38

Key verse: “And Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord” (Matthew 9:28b).

God bless our medical doctors the world over for their assistance to mankind. To the best of their knowledge and ability, they have handled the treatment of various diseases and have carried out the transplant of various organs to help those who have suffered due to the malfunctioning of their original organs. However, opening the eyes of a totally blind man through surgery or any form of therapy is probably not in any medical record. That comes up under miracles - the exclusive preserve of God through His Son Jesus Christ.

In today’s discourse, we see the compassion of Christ, the test of faith and the call for more labourers. The two blind men were particularly fortunate to be alive during the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ for “Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind” (John 9:32). They had never seen Jesus physically but only heard of what mighty works He has been doing. Their faith was built up on what they heard. Jesus wanted to know how much they really believed and He asked them, “believe ye that I am able to do this?” They answered in the affirmative. Their answer was not just based on what others had told them. They must have learnt from the Old Testament scriptures of the Messiah hence they cried-out “thou Son of David, have mercy on us.” Jesus touched their eyes with His compassionate hands and healed them instantly.

Today, the physically and spiritually blind can exercise faith in the finished work of Christ and receive deliverance. Sin puts the sinner in the dark and he is actually unable to see the danger of hell that he faces. If he would hear the word of God, appreciate his nothingness and need of a Saviour, and believe that Christ paid the price for his redemption, he will be saved.

Jesus still heals today as before. His compassion is still the same. All you need do is to repose full and unfettered trust in Him and sooner than later, He will demystify all fearsome challenges of life

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God has no impossibility.

Recipes: Mug Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS CAKE

1 box (15.25 ounce) Betty Crocker Triple Chocolate Fudge cake mix

1 1/8 cups water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 eggs

CREAM CHOCOLATE GANACHE

5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

MUG CAKE WRAPPERS AND FOAM

30 ounces white modeling chocolate

Golden yellow gel or paste food coloring

1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed

SPECIAL SUPPLIES

10 half-pint (8 ounce) Mason jars

Non-stick cooking spray (with flour)

Cupcake plunger/corer or knife

DIRECTIONS

1.       Pre-heat oven to 350ºF.

2.       Make cake mix using water, oil and eggs according to package instructions.

3.       Spray Mason jars with non-stick cooking spray, then set on a baking sheet.

4.       Equally divide batter among jars.

5.       Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.

6.       Cool cakes for 10 minutes. Turn jars upside down and remove cakes. Cool completely.

7.       Make Cream ganache: Pour chopped chocolate, heaving whipping cream and powdered sugar into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high power for 30 seconds. Let bowl sit in microwave for 3 minutes. Remove and stir until smooth. If all chocolate is not melted, heat for 10 second increments, stirring after each.

8.       Cut each cake to be 3 inches tall.

9.       Use a cupcake plunger, apple corer or knife to create a well in each cake.

10.   Cream ganache into each well.

11.   Color 20 ounces of white modeling chocolate golden yellow with food coloring.

12.   Roll out to about 1/8 inch thickness on a non-stick mat (or on a cutting board that has been lightly dusted with powdered sugar). Cut 3 1/4 inch wide by 8-inch long strips.

13.   Press wooden dowel at 1/2 inch intervals across each strip, creating the indentations in the beer mugs and leaving a 1/2 inch border along one edge. That will be the bottom of each beer mug.

14.   Wrap one yellow strip around each cake, cutting the seams to match up. Brush seam edges with water and press together.

15.   Pinch off pieces of white modeling chocolate and roll into mug handles. Attach with water.

16.   Just before serving, spoon whipped topping into mugs.

 See more pics below:

Source: stylishboard.com & tablespoon.com

 

DO YOU THINK IS TOO LATE, THEN YOU GOT TO READ THIS

It was an unusually busy day for the hospital staff on the sixth floor. Ten new patients were admitted and Nurse Susan spent the morning and afternoon checking them in.

Her friend Sharron, an aide, prepared ten rooms for the patients and made sure they were comfortable. After they were finished she grabbed Sharron and said, “We deserve a break. Let’s go eat.”

Sitting across from each other in the noisy cafeteria, Susan noticed Sharron absently wiping the moisture off the outside of her glass with her thumbs. Her face reflected a weariness that came from more than just a busy day.

“You’re pretty quiet. Are you tired, or is something wrong?” – Susan asked.

Sharron hesitated. However, seeing the sincere concern in her friend’s face, she confessed, “I can’t do this the rest of my life, Susan. I have to find a higher-paying job to provide for my family. We barely get by. If it weren’t for my parents keeping my kids, well, we wouldn’t make it.”

Susan noticed the bruises on Sharron’s wrists peeking out from under her jacket.

“What about your husband?”

“We can’t count on him. He can’t seem to hold a job. He’s got . . . problems.”

“Sharron, you’re so good with patients, and you love working here. Why don’t you go to school and become a nurse? There’s financial help available, and I’m sure your parents would agree to keep the kids while you are in class.”

“It’s too late for me, Susan; I’m too old for school. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, that’s why I took this job as an aide; at least I get to care for patients.”

“How old are you?” – Susan asked.

“Let’s just say I’m thirty-something.”

Susan pointed at the bruises on Sharron’s wrists. “I’m familiar with ‘problems’ like these. Honey, it’s never too late to become what you’ve dreamed of. Let me tell you how I know.”

Susan began sharing a part of her life few knew about. It was something she normally didn’t talk about, only when it helped someone else.

“I first married when I was thirteen years old and in the eighth grade.”

Sharron gasped.

“My husband was twenty-two. I had no idea he was violently abusive. We were married six years and I had three sons. One night my husband beat me so savagely he knocked out all my front teeth. I grabbed the boys and left.

“At the divorce settlement, the judge gave our sons to my husband because I was only nineteen and he felt I couldn’t provide for them. The shock of him taking my babies left me gasping for air. To make things worse, my ex took the boys and moved, cutting all contact I had with them.

“Just like the judge predicted, I struggled to make ends meet. I found work as a waitress, working for tips only. Many days my meals consisted of milk and crackers. The most difficult thing was the emptiness in my soul. I lived in a tiny one-room apartment and the loneliness would overwhelm me. I longed to play with my babies and hear them laugh.”

She paused. Even after four decades, the memory was still painful. Sharron’s eyes filled with tears as she reached out to comfort Susan. Now it didn’t matter if the bruises showed.

Susan continued, “I soon discovered that waitresses with grim faces didn’t get tips, so I hid behind a smiling mask and pressed on. I remarried and had a daughter. She became my reason for living, until she went to college.

“Then I was back where I started, not knowing what to do with myself – until the day my mother had surgery. I watched the nurses care for her and thought: I can do that. The problem was, I only had an eighth-grade education. Going back to high school seemed like a huge mountain to conquer. I decided to take small steps toward my goal. The first step was to get my GED. My daughter used to laugh at how our roles reversed. Now I was burning the midnight oil and asking her questions.”

Susan paused and looked directly in Sharron’s eyes. “I received my diploma when I was forty-six years old.”

Tears streamed down Sharron’s cheeks. Here was someone offering the key that might unlock the door in her dark life.

“The next step was to enroll in nursing school. For two long years I studied, cried and tried to quit. But my family wouldn’t let me. I remember calling my daughter and yelling, ‘Do you realize how many bones are in the human body, and I have to know them all! I can’t do this, I’m forty-six years old!’ But I did. Sharron, I can’t tell you how wonderful it felt when I received my cap and pin.”

Sharron’s lunch was cold, and the ice had melted in her tea by the time Susan finished talking. Reaching across the table and taking Sharron’s hands, Susan said, “You don’t have to put up with abuse. Don’t be a victim – take charge. You will be an excellent nurse. We will climb this mountain together.”

Sharron wiped her mascara-stained face with her napkin. “I had no idea you suffered so much pain. You seem like someone who has always had it together.”

“I guess I’ve developed an appreciation for the hardships of my life,” Susan answered. “If I use them to help others, then I really haven’t lost a thing. Sharron, promise me that you will go to school and become a nurse. Then help others by sharing your experiences.”

Sharron promised. In a few years she became a registered nurse and worked alongside her friend until Susan retired. Sharron never forgot her colleague or the rest of her promise.

Now Sharron sits across the table taking the hands of those who are bruised in body and soul, telling them, “It’s never too late. We will climb this mountain together.”

By Linda Carol Apple

TRY THESE MINI CALZONES ARE EASY TO MAKE AND YUMMY IN TASTE

These mini calzones are easy to make and yummy in taste

Ingredients:

·         2 sheets of pie crust prepared or make your own.

·         or use this recipe for frybread

·         5 tomatoes sliced thin.

·         a Tablespoon Herbs (Rosemary,oregano, basil or any Italian herbs)

·         Cream cheese, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Romano (or a blended package of fine shredded cheese)

·         salt and pepper to taste.

·         Blend the herbs and cheeses together

Directions:

1.       Roll out one crust…lay slices of tomatoes all over the crust about 2 fingers apart. Place a spoonful of the blended herbs, cream cheese, and other cheeses on top of the tomatoes. Salt and pepper to taste.

2.       add another sprinkle of cheese over the top of the tomato. Gently place the top pie crust or pizza crust over the top. Seal all the way around. Take a drinking glass and gently cut out each bump of tomato. Make sure each round Calzone is sealed. Use a little egg well beaten to ensure seal.

3.       Give each Calzone a bath of garlic and melted butter then drop gently into hot grease until they brown or float to top…(You could also bake at 375 until brown. Serve with a good marinara sauce.

Source: stylishboard.com