In the midst of frustration, fear or even anger, God does not abandon us. We, as humans, tend to focus on what's going wrong in our lives but if we could focus on what's good in our lives maybe, just maybe, we could see how blessed and beautiful our life is thanks be to God.

Each Thursday I will share my list and declare Thursday "Thankful Thursday". So here is the list I compiled starting from January 1st to today.

1. Loving husband
2. Kiddos from work
3. Life
4. Generosity of my sister Rosanne
5. Friends
6. Church Family
7. Quality time with my hubby
8. Having a job
9. Great workout
10. Conversations with my husband

Try this experiment with me and let me know how much of an impact it's made on your life. What are some things you are thankful for?

I made this recipe* for the first time for my Heart and Home group with two other couples. When preparing I was a little hesitant to use the (heavy cream) ingredient because I thought it would be too sweet however it complemented the other ingredients very well. And everyone thought it tasted great!! I was overall satisfied with this recipe and plan to use it again in the future. We paired this pasta with steamed broccoli and bruschetta. Enjoy!


Ingredients:

1 Box Bow Tie Pasta-cooked
1 pkg Italian Sausage
1/2 Cup Onion-chopped
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
2 Cloves Garlic-pressed
2 Cans Italian Stewed Tomatoes
1 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream (I used Kraft cool whip)
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1 TB Fresh Basil-chopped (I used dried)

Directions:

1. Boil Water & Cook Pasta
2. Saute' Onions
3. Add Sausage and Brown
4. Add Red Pepper Flakes and Garlic
5. Add Stewed Tomatoes
6. Add Heavy Cream- Simmer
7. Add Fresh Basil
8. Add Pasta
9. Top with Parmesan Cheese


*This recipe was acquired from Hospitality at Heart.

"For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:20

I was listening to this song called Beautiful by PRo and a verse in the song said "she eats and it ease the pain." This lyric reminded me of a time when I was younger; I was about 15 years old...
My mom and I were strongly disagreeing to where I was really upset to the point of tears. I hadn't ate dinner yet so when I got out my room to go to the kitchen, my mom began to tell me I couldn't eat; I remember so clearly that I yelled at her saying she wanted to starve me. She replied with no, it wasn't good to eat when your upset because you could get sick.

Well I never understood her and always thought she was just being mean at the time. However, I've realized it wasn't about her being mean, it was about my mom helping me not to become an emotional eater.

As an adult I have never struggled with this issue as an emotional eater that so many women are faced with daily. Even though I am not faced with being an emotional eater, I do struggle with over eating. I have to eat the last bite or if the dessert looks good I have to try it. But I don't really have to.
So how do I deal with this? I must learn to "discipline my body and keep it under control..." (1 Corinthians 9:27) in all areas. But most importantly I must repent and seek God's counsel.


Father God,
I pray that you continue to show me my sins. That I may turn away from them and look towards You and Your perfect Son Jesus. That I will strive to mirror His image not only in my own life but in my marriage. I will shine my light so bright before man that You will be glorified as Matthew 5:16 stated.

In Jesus' Name.
Amen.