Fall Fun: First Pot of Chili or Soup Party

Veggie Chili Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins
Veggie Chili
Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins

Bob and I always celebrate the first pot of chili of the season.  A soup supper is fairly easy to set up and host.  Using slow cookers you can set up your soup on your island, kitchen counter or table.  You may serve the soup or allow the guests to serve themselves.  Provide any garnishes you wish such as cheese, croutons, sour cream, etc. and bread or crackers if you wish.

Add your favorite people, beverages and dessert and you have a party.  You could make this a pot luck dinner and invite guests to bring soup or dessert to share if you desire.

Thought for Today

Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins
Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins

“Your heart is the center of your power. I have learned that you can create easily and effortlessly when you let your thoughts come from the loving space of your heart. “ — Louise Hay [Source:  Louise Hay Newsletter]

It Isn’t Always About The Food

Recently a group of ladies met at a restaurant to celebrate a neighbor’s birthday.  It was a bit of a struggle for me to go.  I am  shy and although I may appear to be outgoing, I have to work at it.  But this party was for someone who has been very nice and helpful as we have been getting settled.

But what if there was nothing I could eat?  I was full of excuses for why I shouldn’t/couldn’t go.  So what did I do?  I looked up the menu for the restaurant online and scouted out what I could probably eat.  I also ate a little before going just in case and I went to the party.

When I got there I discovered  a gluten free menu and gluten free bread.  So I enjoyed a sandwich, something I am rarely able to eat.  Sure I wanted a piece of birthday cake but instead of feeling left out I focused on the look of sheer joy on the honorees face as she enjoyed here sugar free birthday cake — a cake she could eat.

The party was lovely.  The honoree was very surprised and there was good conversation with good people.  I’m glad I went.

Remember it isn’t always about the food.  If we stay away from social gatherings because of what we might not be able to eat, we are missing out on the sharing between friends and family that is the sweet stuff of life.

 

 

Thought for Today

 

Precious Moments Chapel 2009
Precious Moments Chapel 2009

“And how does peace come? Simple. By accepting who we are and what we have as enough for us. By recognizing and respecting who the other is and what they have as theirs. By finding within ourselves “the pearl of great price,” the richest thing there is in life, the sense of the presence of God who loves and companions us through all the pressures of life.” — Joan Chittister [Source:  “Peace” in Uncommon Gratitude
by Joan Chittister and Rowan Williams (Liturgical Press)]

 

Fall Fun: S’mores

Source: morgueFile
Source: morgueFile

In case you are not familiar with S’mores they are a toasted marshmallow smooshed between two graham cracker halves with a nice piece of a chocolate candy bar.  The hot marshmallow melts the chocolate and makes for a decadent, ooey gooey treat.

Why are they called S’mores?  Because after you’ve eaten one you want s’more.

The marshmallows are traditionally toasted over a campfire (remember summer camp or hayrack rides ending at a campfire?) but you may also use a burner of a gas stove or a kitchen torch (please be careful).

If you are gluten free there are gluten free versions of graham crackers available, or you can make your own.  Of course they technically aren’t “graham” crackers because “graham flour” is a form of wheat.  But they still taste good.

Thought for Today

Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins
Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins

“Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God; and so there’s no room left for worry thoughts.” –Howard Chandler Christy, artist [Source: Guideposts Scripture and Reflection Newsletter]

Thought for Today

Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins
Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins

“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”— Eckhart Tolle

Healthy Living A to Z: V is for Variety

You may have heard the old saying variety is the spice of life. Variety is important for health and longevity. The following are ways we can use variety to our benefit.

Eat a Variety of Foods
The best way to get the important nutrients you body needs is to eat a variety of foods, preferably minimally processed or whole foods. Be sure to get variety in the colors of the fruits and vegetables your eat — think eating the rainbow. The nutrients give the foods their color.

Engage in a Variety of Physical Activities
We all know that it is important to get up and move. One way to keep this from becoming drudgery is to vary your activity. Run, walk, play tennis, soccer, basketball, dance, take an exercise class. Mix up your activities, make them fun and you will get more out of your workouts.

Engage in a Variety of Mental Activities
It is important to keep the mind active throughout life. This can be done by taking classes, learning a new skill, taking up a new hobby or doing puzzles or word games.

So what are some of the ways you get variety in your life? Talk to me.

Thought for Today

Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins
Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins

I think we need a new word — “comjoyment” — as a companion to “compassion” to remind us that our greatest gift to the world may be in sharing what gives us the greatest joy. — Sam Keen in Learning to Fly.

Thought for Today

Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins
Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins

“The first place we lose the battle is in our own thinking. If you think it’s permanent then it’s permanent. If you think you’ve reached your limits then you have. If you think you’ll never get well then you won’t. You have to change your thinking. You need to see everything that’s holding you back, every obstacle, every limitation as only temporary.” —Joel Osteen