Living the Good Life

Hey there, it's me Deni and I have been gone from the blogging world for several years, too many to count. Let me re-introduce myself. I have been on quite a journey that I didn't exactly sign up for but am coming to realize that it is all part of His plan, and not mine.

I am still in the "soap business." I crank out natural Goat Milk and Oatmeal bars each week and I also work part-time for my husband's company aptly named, "Ruckus & Co., Inc." We are doing our thing our way and are loving the ride.

We still reside on the spectacular Lake Greenwood and have the best neighbors on our end of our point. All good stuff!! In fact, paradise is the word we prefer to describe life here in sunny SC.

We now have 4 grandchildren, 2 girls and a boy by Beth & Rafael and a 2 year-boy from Erin & Robert and another little girl this spring. Cannot wait! It is almost too true that being a grandparent beats being a parent any day. We are blessed; and we are young grandparents which makes it all the more silly and fun and easier on our backs (wink, wink).

Lastly, I have been falling apart physically now for about the last ten years or so. Can I get a witness? 50 ain't no joke!  Bad eyesight, insomnia, aches and pains that weren't there quite so much in my 40's. I know I am not alone in this stage of life. I do not like hurting every day or taking meds for my RA. Or buying Poise pads. Or buying comfortable shoes over fashionista heels. Sigh. Life is Good.  Really it is. So, today I am at once hurting, grateful, weepy, but turning all things over to Him.  I may very likely pick it all back up again tomorrow, and then have to re-surrender to His will.
His mercies are new every morning. And His strength is sufficient for me.

Until next time, just breathe. In and out and in and out.
Deni
facebook.com/SoapsbyDeni

here i come again

Testing one two three

Pure & Natural

So here's the thing. In my last post I claimed that my bath products were 99 percent organic. What I have learned since is that it is very difficult to make such a claim.

To be certified organic, sustainable, and so forth means that you will always and I do mean always, use only and buy organic ingredients. This is the equivalent of having production, seed growing, storage, processing and packaging as organic.

At Soaps by Deni, I do strive to only use the very best and purest ingredients such as: Organic Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Pure essential oils, 100% Pure Vegetable Glycerin, Certified liquid castile, raw honey and more. But I cannot claim my product line is All Organic. Don't be bummed! Just know that I will continue to make pure and natural products for you that do not contain toxic substances: sodium laurel sulfates, propylene glycol, formaldehyde. My hand sanitizers and foaming soaps will not contain triclosan.

I feel badly that generations of parents proudly bathed our babies with Johnson and Johnson products (for the smell alone) and now the truth is out about how many bad things are in their baby wash and lotions.

Well, I just needed to clear the air and I will change my wording to say All-Natural or Pure & Natural because I for one don't want to mislead my customers. I will continue to stay away from chemicals and substances that cause reactions or make us itchy and miserable. And my products will still continue to be safe for babies and children.

Until next time,
Breathe
Deni

This is me. Not exactly a Glamour Shot but my husband took this photo last weekend to use for the shameless promotion of my burgeoning SOAPS BY DENI business.
I've been making my own 99% organic goat milk and oatmeal based soap for nearly a year now. Actually, come Thanksgiving it will have been a year since I crafted the first batch of oatmeal & honey. What a fun year it has been. I've been blessed to help friends and family who need soap for various allergies and medical issues, like eczema and psoriasis.
I am now branching out into the fun world of bath products, room sprays, muscle rubs and such. A year ago I believed I was making soap for myself to save $$ on the organic goat soap I'd been buying.
All I can say is, God is good. It's not cliche in this case because I've loved meeting my customers in person and hearing your stories. We all share a common thread of allergies or just wanting to make the world a better place by not using toxic chemicals and synthetic ingredients on our bodies. I mean, we are doing a good thing together.
I've been able to give back to my local community by donating a proceed from each bar that I sell to Greenwood's Meals on Wheels program. I've been able to help others go on mission trips as well, or to pay it forward in the drive-thru lane. Blessing others has definitely blessed me, far beyond all that I could imagine.
In closing, I appreciate those who have been there with me since the beginning...KK you get your due props here as being my #1 fan and "soap pimp" in GWD. I love ya'll.
til next time, breathe. namaste
Deni

Poverty in Paradise

It's easy to leave the cares of this world behind when you are on vacation; especially when you are on vacation in a tropical paradise. But what happens when your tropical paradise is constantly bumping shoulders with 3rd world poverty? Then, what as a believer are you to think or to feel. As we spent the past week in St. Lucia, a lush island surrounded by mountains, beautiful foliage, and beautiful people, I found myself saying, "Oh my gosh, look at that shack built into the hill; or they have no running water here." Frankly, I found myself looking at the surrounding poverty through new eyes. Last week was my first real encounter with such incredible poverty. This is how these people live I asked?

I cried a lot. I wanted to know how the locals walked up and down mountain roads every single day of their lives to catch a ride to work. Or, how women carried such heavy baskets of fruits and vegetables on their heads. Or, how a man who was missing his left leg, pushed himself up the mountain road while in a wheelchair. He was old, or rather he looked old and worn out when I saw him. He had no shoes on his feet and very little clothing on his body. And no one, including my husband and I stopped to give him a ride.

Every day locals tried to sell us their goods, be it necklaces, fruit, molasses, or baskets woven out of palm fronds. Some days we said yes and listened to their stories. Other times we politely said, "No thank you." But for most, selling wares such as these was the bane of their existence. We did see people with higher paying jobs, but mostly we saw and experienced locals wanting to earn their living by providing a simple service for you. For $2 American dollars I will be your tour guide they'd say. Or I will find you a taxi. Or a parking space.

Real life collides with tropical paradise. Too often in America, only the homeless fit our comfortable definition of the poor. Or those who can only afford a single-wide trailer on a tiny piece of land. My eyes have been opened and I am still seeing the man in his wheelchair, slowly pushing himself up the side of a mountain in paradise. More thoughts to come.

Soaps by Deni

My goodness it's been so long that I cannot remember the last time I posted anything, so here we go. I am going to share my story, one that I feel may lend some support to those of you who suffer from chronic medical conditions.
Around the time I turned 39, my body decided to give out on me. I could no long read fine print and had to get bifocals. This was totally unfair, as everyone had told me that your eyesight typically goes down hill after 40! Case in point, I paid a small fortune for new glasses with hidden bifocals and Crizal lenses. My cheapo reading glasses from Walgreen's were no longer going to cut it.

Which brings me to medical issue number two. I was diagnosed with an unusual form of arthritis that caused swelling in my hands, feet and various other body parts. My family doctor was stumped and sent me off to the rheumatologist. I was diagnosed with RA negative vague spondylitis and handed a prescription for anti-inflammatory drugs.

Problem #3. I had always been a girl who tinkled 15 plus times a day. I just did and I often woke up at night with bladder pain and pressure. Diagnosis: Interstitial Cystitis. Sigh...not just over-active bladder that could be treated with Detrol or Ditropan. No, I had to change my diet and seek the help of a urologist and begin a new regime for this disorder. Seriously<TMI, I know, but this was my life at age 39!

Which brings me full circle to medical issue #4. I developed allergies or sensitivities to any number of things, most troublesome were highly fragranced laundry detergenst, body washes, soaps, latex, adhesive tape (Band-Aids), perfumes and the ilk. I scratched myself silly, especially at night when my histamine levels were going haywire. My urologist explained that there was a connection between the bladder and the amount of histamine your body releases. I tossed the ALL detergent, bathed in Aveeno and decided to try organic goat milk based soaps.

The rest may be history folks. My bladder is now a-okay thanks to the marvels of modern science. My RA & OA, well, that's an ongoing battle. My eyesight continues to change every year but I am thankful for multi-focal contacts and my expensive glasses.
I can no longer bathe with Victoria's Secret or B,B, Works products. I make my own 5 gallon buckets of laundry detergent every few months and use a little pure essential oil to add some mojo.

Last November I made my first batch of Honey & Oatmeal soaps and have since thrown my self in the realm of Natural & Organic Soap for myself and others. My company is called "Soaps by Deni" (say Denny) and I am loving it. No more itching and scratching myself to death. Check me out on Facebook soapsbydeni@facebook.com or email me if you want more information. Life is always full of ups and downs and really I wouldn't trade the last nine years of medical issues for anything since I'm now doing better and have a product line I can be proud of. So, if you have sensitive skin or just like "organic" soap, check us out or email me at neenbob@gmail.com.

I'm hoping to launch a website soon but in the meantime, I ship anywhere in the US, and accept paypal. My current lineup of soaps includes: Honey Oat, Honey Oat Almond, Lemon Lush, Citrus Blast, Funky Sister (patchouli), Cucumber Melon, Sage & Spearmint, Coffee n Cream, Coconut, Coconut Ginger, and a few others. That's it for now! As my husband says, If it makes Me Itch, it's not in going to be in there. Only pure essential and fragrance oils used.

Shards

Shards

Shards. Brokenness. Hurt. Heartache. Pain. Grief. Anger. Self-doubt. Unworthy. Despairing. Physical ailments. Broken-heart. Divorced. Lonely. Unemployed.

What are the shards that you carry?
Jesus collected broken people just like you and me. He wants to make something beautiful of your broken pieces. He longs to make you whole.

Matthew 11:28 says, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me---watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  (the Message)

Searching for Perfection

Last month I stuck my toes in the sand. Florida beach sand. I dug them in both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. Just me, two friends and Florida sunshine.

The lyrics for Zac Brown's song, "Toes" comes to mind when I'm at the beach. Really...sing it with me- I got my toes in water, ass in the sand, not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today. Life is good today. Well, I may have had my toes in the water, my a*# in the sand and although there wasn't a cold beer in my hand, life was certainly good. It was an epic trip.

My friends and I spent hours combing the beaches for shark's teeth and shells. Girlfriend Yvonne is a virtual shark tooth "whisperer" if you will. She spots them so quickly and differentiates between mere black grains of sand to pick out the gray/black sheen of a tooth. It's a skill I do not possess.

Me, my quest is different. I search and collect perfect seashells...and I quickly discard the broken ones, the ones with perceived deformities, even the ones whose color does not impress me enough. I will pick up a shell, turn it over but toss it if there is a hole on its underside. Over and over I repeat this process. And yet, God has littered beaches with millions of tiny shards of light and beauty for me to witness. His majesty is on display in every minute fragment of sand, silica, glass, stone and shell. With foot or hand I reject more than I keep, ignoring the lesser in order to find perfection.

Again in my life, I find this never ending search for perfection. It seems to overtake me in the strangest of times and places. On a beach, my favorite place in the whole world. Never quite satisfied even in a seashell? How does this happen I wonder?

That I am walking on the beach, talking to God, his beauty surrounds me, overwhelms me in the lapping of the waves, the sunlight on my face, my toes in sand!! I am rejecting part of His beauty. Am I saying, "Just show me the perfect shells so that I can take them home with me to put them on display?" I value these shells to fill my pretty, decorative bowl. Ouch. I didn't want to take home shards of shells, but the lesson was there for me to learn.

What if God sees me or you as the not so quite perfect specimen and rejects us flat out, based on our appearance or performance? What chance would we have to experience his love? I think this day spent on the beach was to remind me that God loves me & his creation in spite of brokenness. I think he specifically chooses us in our broken state and does not reject us no matter how flawed we are.

My friend Robin reminded me that God requires brokenness. He loves you and me as broken, flawed people and uses us for his purposes. He requires a broken and contrite heart. Really, we're all just shards of a shell that will never be perfect this side of eternity. We are shards.

So do we search for perfection because we know we are so flawed? He is the only perfection we will ever find. The broken/flawed shells I brought home are a better representation of us and our humanity. It seems the Lord requires brokenness in exchange for beauty. If we only give Him the shards of our lives, He in turn gives us something beautiful...the only true beauty we will ever know.

Naming the graces of today

Name the Graces...seashells that my husband I have collected from many beaches over the years.
First cup of coffee in the morning (in Bethany's red mug)!!
Stillness of the water reminding me that God is creator of all things beautiful.
Candles illuminating
A new day of life
Robert's Visa - provisions from Jehovah Jireh
Pictures of time spent in Kenya displayed throughout

Purpose

A stranger beside me utters words to God on my behalf. Words that only she and her master understand. Words that she hopes will have some impact on my life in a positive way. Why she chose to pray over me is a mystery for there are easily hundreds of other women and teens seated around us in this place. I too am praying silently, fervently  this evening, tears flowing like rivulets that I cannot control. Oh but there is no mastering this salty water, that escapes my eyes faster than I can wipe it away. Yet even this is good because it is a soul-cleansing cry I so desperately need. My spirit is aching and I am hungry for more. 


Tonight is about being in the presence of his glory and calling out to Jesus. It is the right time to surrender many things which have held me captive for so long. 


Moments pass between two strangers, how many moments I cannot say. And then a word of encouragement forms on her lips, this woman decades younger than myself. I am straining to hear, partly excited for the word or words she will bring me, and partly fearful that I am unable to receive a blessing. I lean in close, and hear the echo of my own individual prayer --"purpose," she says. "That is the word, the prayer, the utterance God gave me for you. Take it, receive it and may the Lord give you new purpose."  My purpose in this life is ever changing, but his words that nourish the soul come in the most unexpected & delightful ways.


"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed."  Jeremiah 29:12-14 (the Message)

Quote of the Day

The discipline of thanks only comes with practice.
When we practice giving thanks, we practice the presence of God, stay present to His presence, and it is always the eyes, and a practice of the eyes.

We don't have to change what we see, only the way we see.
Why is it so hard to re-tune the impaired senses to sense the spirit I wonder? To see the grace before us in every circumstance? Why is it so hard? Practice. Practice. Practice.

Fish Tanks or Flash?

What is the most expensive build you have ever completed and what made it so expensive?
A $4.7 million arch aquarium that we built for IBOC (Inspiring Body of Christ) church in Dallas, TX…..70,000 gallons of magnificence.
Flabbergasted is the word I want to use in this moment. A church in Dallas Texas felt it was necessary to install a $4.7 million dollar aquarium in their sanctuary.

This tank was built by the 2 guys from the reality TV show, "TANKED." Brett Raymer is the COO of Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM). 
I'd say this is definitely a tank of beauty. Seeing God's creation in the form of fish and all manner of sea life is awe-inspiring; it's gorgeous but I struggle with the reason behind putting an aquarium inside of a church structure.
70,000 gallons of water could have been used to provide clean drinking water to the poverty-stricken inhabitants living in the horn of Africa, or India, or any other number of countries. Clean water is a necessity, but a fish tank, even though it's full of salt water? Drinking water! Wells, Bibles translated in native languages for indigenous people. Yeah, that means something to me. As does paying for uniforms and education for those who cannot afford something so valuable.
Have I missed something? Is attracting people to a church with a "wow factor" somehow more relevant than giving them bread and water and the gospel message and a safe haven? Is ministry falling by the wayside as churches become bigger and more extravagant?
The twelve met in homes. They distributed any money that came in and fed people, clothed people. They also had day jobs as I recall, but I digress.
I was equally aghast after watching an interview with Joel Osteen in which he said he was thrilled to have spent approximately 25 million on the children's ministry section of his mega-church Lakewood. Now bear with me, I may have not have the exact figures correct here, but I did watch the interview Joel did on Oprah's Next Chapter. His children's ministry had been designed to resemble a Disney theme park so that the children would love coming to church on Sundays & Wednesday nights. So now we need theme parks and fish tanks.
And Joel makes a valid point in his interview about reaching people. I'll give him that because I'm not writing to bash the man. Again, I question the issue of spending millions to be attractional.
Lakewood is an operation… getting people their to the church, getting people there with their children, etc.

• If we don’t take care of children people won’t come.
• If we make the space for the children that’s great, they will want their parents to bring them.
• It takes nearly 5,000 volunteers to make a weekend happen at Lakewood.

I think we need the Bible, a whole lot of love, and simplicity. Really, I'd probably love to interview the pastor of IBOC about his fish tank idea and Mr. Osteen. I'd like to ask how these ideas became so important in light of community or ekklesia.
Until next time, breathe.

My New Journal

Amber showed me her sweet journal last night!! I mean it was so nice, all leather bound, full size, with lined pages. Therefore, I did what any girlfriend would do and blurted out, "where did you get that?" I must have one for myself asap! I coveted her journal, for its beauty. Good old T*J* Maxx.
I mean I literally just blogged yesterday about needing a new notebook so that I could indeed begin putting down on paper how I learn to see the grace & goodness in everyday life.
I no longer want to wake to the discontent of life in my skin. It's a poor substitute for joy and being grateful for all of life's gifts...It's a really poor way to live, bogged down by anxiety, fear, self-hatred, neglect, complaining my way through another year. Here's to A Dare To Live Fully Right Where I am.

Random Thoughts about 2011

Resolutions rarely stick, if anything I am a frustrated mess by January 10th because I've already failed miserably. Having time to reflect on some amazing things I was privileged to experience 2011 is by far a better way to start 2012.

I'm currently reading a book my daughter slyly recommended to me. I admit I read the first chapters on my Amazon Kindle and put the book down sometime last fall because I felt it was too "christiany" for me at the time. I didn't get it perhaps and was not ready to hear someone, the author Ann Voskamp, tell me how to be grateful for everything, good and bad, in my life. I was so not there. So here's the official title of this book, "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully."

December 2011 was I think a life changing month for me for many reasons, certainly too many to express in a blog post, but I will attempt to share a few of them.

1. Prayer became real. Some days like breathing, other days not so much, but I was consciously aware of my need to pray for those battling cancer, health scares, persecution, religious freedom, marriages and prodigal children,
2. In Kenya we met Erin's mom Debbie and dad Larry for the first time. Joyous! We fed and loved on babies whose mothers were incarcerated. We wanted to adopt those babies but all we could do was cry.
3. In Kenya, Erin & Robert said, "I Do!" It was the most fun and spirit-filled wedding I think we've ever been to. And the rain stopped days before the wedding and God brought out the sunshine. 
4. Baby Girl finished her work with CMF & MOHI and came back to SC for 3 weeks. We celebrated Christmas with a simple tree, some cookies and lots of deep spiritual reflection. We were and are thankful that God watched over her for 21 months and brought her safely home.
5. Rafael Rivera! Now a son and part of the family. We look forward to seeing how God uses him as a minister, husband and family man. Welcome.
6. Meals on Wheels. I hope you're not sick of hearing me talk about it, but honestly I love my clients and the conversations that we have. I'm blessed by these kind folk who have let me be a part of their life. 
7. I'm ready to start a new journal. I just this morning put the ending of my "Kenya" journal down on paper. It's there, finally finished with a strong ending. It's my tale of angst, and letting go of things that I held on to for selfish reasons; it's now my journal of joy in the journey. You don't want to read it, but trust me when I say that God had to work on my hardened, crusty, selfish heart in 2011. Letting go and finishing the journal feels right.
8. New Journal will be based on "One Thousand Gifts," where I write down a few things each day I am grateful for. The fog rolling over the lake this morning, health, breath, a computer to write on. A family that loves Jesus. Grace. You get it. Awkward conversations that I cannot control? Yes, even those. 

Guest Blogger: Follow-up to "The Big C"

So after I published "The Big C" I received an e-mail from David Haas asking if I was receptive to a guest post. Guest Post! My little blog had a guest post request! Cool. David submitted what he had in mind it is a great fit. I hope you enjoy.  Here goes:


Exercise Improves Energy and Body Image of Cancer Patients and Survivors

Several years ago, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) assembled 13 researchers with expertise in the areas of cancer, fitness, obesity and exercise training. The researchers formulated fitness guidelines for cancer patients, and individuals who complete cancer treatment. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise published the guidelines in July 2010.

Most people understand the benefits of regular exercise, including lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, enhanced cardiovascular improved body image and better self-esteem. However, when a person receives a cancer diagnosis and treatment, it may take some time for the individual to get over the initial shock.

In time, these individuals face more challenges, which make it difficult to get the necessary exercise. Often, fatigue keeps cancer survivors in a weakened state—lasting as long as five years after completion of treatment.

Focus of the Guidelines

The lead author of the study, Dr. Kathryn Schmitz of the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center, points to heavily documented cases that show improvements in fatigue and overall physical functioning. Dr.

Rachel Ballard-Barash, of the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences said, the data confirming the relationship between exercise and an improved lifestyle, for active cancer patients and individuals who have completed treatment, “is incredibly strong.”

Another co-authored of the guidelines, Dr. Kerry professor and Canada Research Chair in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, at the University of Alberta, states in a 2008 study, lack of physical activities by cancer survivors increase the recurrence risk of cancer.

The researchers emphasize objectives and targets for people with cancers, which have adequate evidence for making recommendations, including colon, gynecologic, prostate, mesothelioma and breast cancer. For cancer patients who require surgery, which significantly changes their appearance—neck or head cancer, according to Dr. Schmitz, “There’s good evidence in the literature that physical activity can improve body image and that may be one mechanism through which exercise can improve quality of life.”

Work With Your Doctor

Cancer patients and survivors must consult with their doctor to develop a fitness routine that works for them. For example, a male who have completed the required therapy for prostate cancer, need a routine that considers his increase risk to fractures. Performing resistance training and aerobic exercises under the supervision of your doctor ensures the safe and proper volume, intensity and progression of your fitness program.



David Haas

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Guest Blogger - 
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/

WHAT CHURCH IS AND ISN'T

Read this today in N.T. Wright's book, "Simply Christian."

I know that for many of my readers that very word "church" will carry the overtones of large, dark buildings, pompous religious pronouncements, false solemnity, and rank hypocrisy. But there is not easy alternative I, too, feel the weight of that negative image. I battle with it professionally all the time.

But there is another side to it, a side which shows all the signs of the wind and fire, of the bird brooding over the waters and bringing new life. For many, "church" means just the opposite of that negative image. It's a place of welcome and laughter, of healing and hope, of friends and family and justice and new life. It's where the homeless drop in for a bowl of soup and the elderly stop by for a chat. It's where one group is working to help drug addicts and another is campaigning for global justice. It's where you'll find people learning to pray, coming to faith, struggling with temptation, finding new purpose, and getting in touch with a new power to carry out that purpose. It's where people bring their own small faith and discover, in getting together with others to worship the one true God, that the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. No church is like this all the time. But a remarkable number of churches of partly like that for quite a lot of the time.

Couldn't have said this any better than N.T. Wright did. Selah.

THE BIG "C"

Nearly every day you and I learn about cancer, the Big "C" whether we like it or not. It attacks and claims those we love. I know it causes me to shake my fist, not necessarily at GOD, but at the disease itself. A scourge that is only too familiar, and painful, and sad. There is a happy ending to match every tragic ending.

Last week I was worried sick over a friend who'd been told that she had uterine cancer. Lisa had surgery two days ago and received a good report that her cancer had not spread to any surrounding organs. Her prognosis looks good.
This week one of my Greenwood clients said that the doctors told her she had new cancer. She's been healed once and is believing for a miracle again.
Uncle Herman Fickes--Prostate Cancer. Herman is my husband's uncle.
Chrissy Titus--passed away after a long battle with stage 4 stomach cancer. May she rest in peace. Chrissy fought long and hard and was a good woman who helped to raise several children, one of them being my adopted daughter Erin Titus.
Jerry Rushing beat cancer twice. He is a godly man, father and husband to Luanne. We're life-long friends and rejoice that he is still around.
Diane--my own mother is a breast cancer survivor. Radiation treatments were brutal for her. I love her bunches. I need her to be around for a long time.
Aunt Jean--cancer that resulted in a hysterectomy by age 30.
Grandma Garland--stomach and esophageal cancer. God bless her. We all miss her so much to this day!
Aunt Janet--rare blood cancer. Alive and well and her hair has grown back.
Susan Fritz--best hairdresser in all of Pennsylvania beat breast cancer and opted for mastectomy. Wow and seriously, I call her the Hair Goddess.
Cameron B, Shelly's husband. Police Officer, father of two. Gone. His life lives on but his loss leaves a gaping hole for the Crutcher family. I only met him once. To you Cam.
And one more, Dawn Stufflet's sister--Gone too young.

I am never going to be able to name all of the people I've known or know who have faced this disease but honestly some weeks it feels like it's always Cancer Awareness Week, ya know? I'm writing this to say, Cancer sucks, and it hurts and it is wonderful when prayer and chemo and radiation work in tandem. Miracles and stories of healing keep me going. So, here's to all of those, more than I can name who fought the fight, who are in the fight. You are heroes in my eyes.

If you want to add to this list, feel free to do so. I'd love to hear your stories of courage and triumph and tears. My heart goes out to you.

Until next time...Breathe and be thankful for breath and life and loved ones.

Sun-dried Tomato & Spinach Quiche (Torta Rustica)

1 package refrigerated ready piecrusts (Pillsbury)
4 eggs
1 container (16 oz.) part-skim ricotta cheese
4 ounces asiago cheese
1 tsp. coarsely crushed black peppercorns
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed & well drained
¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
1 tsp. dried basil


Preheat over to 425. Arrange one piecrust in 9-inch pie pan.
Lightly beat 1 egg over bottom of crust; set aside

In large bowl, combine remaining 3 eggs, ricotta, pepato and parmesan cheese and basil; mix until well blended. Stir in spinach, bread crumbs and tomatoes. Scrape mixture into prepared piecrust. Smooth top to make an even layer.
Place second piecrust over filling; brush remaining beated egg over top. Flute egg & seal.

Bake pie 15 minutes. Reduce over temp to 375*; bake 20 minutes longer, or until golden brown.

Cool pie in pan on wire rack at least 30 minutes before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Up at 6 am

My husband can tell you I'm not a morning person. Well, not a morning person in the sense that I long to rise at the crack of dawn and get my day going. No, I'm more of a lounge in bed person while my hubby puts on the coffee, takes his shower and does man stuff. However, if he turns on too many lights or bangs around a bit while he's getting ready, I'm DONE FOR!!! So, my mind immediately starts racing and the mental "to do list" begins....That's how this morning was. Alarm went off. Hubby hit the snooze button. 7 or 9 minutes later the alarm dings again. So, I laid in bed for a few sweet minutes and said hello to Jesus and thank him for another day of life. I pray for my friends who are struggling in many ways. I pray for my children, all 3 of them. The songs of Jesus Culture begin to make their way into the fiber of my being and I'm up. 6:45 am is early for me folks. But so far, it's been a productive morning. Blogging is just part of what I've got on tap for the day. Laundry has been loaded into the washer. Other load in the dryer. Bed is made. Dishes washed.

It's Wednesday and that means it's my Meals on Wheels delivery day. Ministry opportunity day. 67 degrees and sunny and I have the awesome privilege of spending time with some Greenwood shut-ins and an elderly widower whose great-grand daughter died tragically three weeks ago. All I'm doing is handing out food and giving a few hugs and some loving. But it's a great way to spend my morning and it makes me realize that early mornings sometimes turn into the best kind of days. Until next time...breathe.

Countdown to Kenya

43 days left. 11 in October. 30 in November. 2 in December. My spirit is being stirred towards the things I love about Kenya...children running up to me with huge smiles on their faces...seeing Terry, our sponsorship child...the thrill of tackling our two daughters, Bethany & Erin. Meeting Erin's mother, Debbie for the first time before the wedding on December 10th.
Aaah, Kenya, I am almost ready for you. I know that my heart will break once again when I am faced with poverty, and sights and smells that assault senses. But I know full well that I will see Jesus in the faces of those I meet, because Jesus is everywhere in Kenya.
Yes, I'm almost ready for joy, heartache and the face of Jesus.