More Hazel

So I promised to post Hazel Pictures so we can all watch her grow up:

The good news is that Molly seems to be tolerating her, the bad news is that Molly doesn't like her much. 

She loves taking walks with Bill in the cemetery.  They also play fetch and floppy dog in the morning.  I love that Bill enjoys training her while he is off this summer.  I worry about what will happen when he goes out of town.

We entered Hazel in a Pet Competition at the YMCA.  She got to meet lots of other dogs.  I was very proud of how she behaved.  She didn't win, but I think she picked up some pointers from the older dogs on how to act in public. 
That's all for now, stay tuned...

Meet Hazel

Meet Hazel. She is an 8 week old English Cream Golden Retriever. 
Our 15 year old Westie, Misty, has been declining for the last 6 months or more.  She was to the Vet's and he said she was failing and would not give her her yearly shots, knowing that it would be a waste of time and money.

So we said a sad goodbye to her on Tuesday.  Bill got on the internet and found a breeder for English Cream Golden Retrievers in Ohio.  I was off on Wednesday so we drove 3 hours into Amish Country to meet our new baby.  We had a nice drive through the hills of West Virginia and Ohio.
She was raised by a Mennonite family that had 3 little girls.  I felt a little guilty taking her from them, but I guess they are used to it.  She came from a litter of 9 pups.  Her mom is Kylie and her dad is Toby. 
Our 13 year old Molly is not too sure about Hazel.  Hopefully they will become the best of buddies or at least learn to tolerate each other.
Hazel is a beautiful girl.  She is a little skittish, but I guess that is to be expected.  She smells like a fresh new puppy with sweet puppy breath.  I have already fallen in love with her. 

I'll try to post more often,so we can all watch Hazel grow up.

Easter 2019: What's Your "Quit Line"? - Week 3 (Full Service)

Shifting

“Shifting”

Hi, it's Joyce from the YMCA.
Recently I read a post on Facebook called “Shifting.”  This reminded me of how I am shifting as I get older.  I’m not the same girl I was at Southmoreland High School.  I would giggle and have fun with my friends in the cafeteria and on the band bus. Or complain about teachers and homework in study hall.

I’m also not the same young woman I was when I married my High School Sweetheart.  We began our life together thinking that we knew everything about everything only learning later that we knew nothing about most things.  Many years and tears have passed and we continue to learn about life and each other.

My values have shifted and changed just as my body has.  I used to get upset and argue about the headlines in the newspaper or “Breaking News” on TV.  Thinking how life was so unfair.  Now I remain quiet, knowing that I can’t control how people act or what people say.  But I can control how I act and what I say.

I used to eat and drink what ever I liked and not worry about the consequences.  Now I consider how long I will have to workout in the Fitness Center to fit comfortably in my clothes. I don’t do Step Aerobics anymore or Kickboxing because I have developed arthritis and have torn meniscus in my knees.  So again I have to shift my workout to what is comfortable to my body.  I am enjoying Yoga, Pilates, and Barre classes at the YMCA.  But even more importantly, how will this affect my health as I get older?  I have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

No, I’m not the Joyce I used to be.  I hope I am a better Joyce, a new and improved version of the Joyce I was.

When I look back at who I once was, I cringe and think that the new Joyce would have handled that problem so much better.  I would be kinder, wiser, gentler, and a better listener that I was then. 

We can’t remain as we were. If there is one certainty in life it is that we must change.  We must shift.  And in the shifting become who we were meant to be.

Shifting

As you are shifting, you will begin to realize

That you are not the same person you used to be. 

The things that you used to tolerate have become intolerable.

When you once remained quiet, you are now speaking your truth.

When you once battled and argued, you now choose to remain silent.

You are beginning to understand the value of your voice

and there are some situations that no longer deserve your time, energy, and focus.

Training: Learn, Eliminate, Practice - Week 1 (Full Service)

The Band Perry - If I Die Young

March for Life

March for Life
1995
I used to make it a priority to go to March for Life.  I usually went with groups from St. Joseph's Church.  I planned my own trips with my Girl Scout Troop and with the Youth Group again from St. Joseph.  I made sure that my 3 daughters realized how wrong abortion was.  I made them carry signs and march down Pennsylvania Avenue, past the White House to the Capitol Building.  We listened to speakers talk about how many babies have been killed and how we were going to change the world.

Yesterday was March for Life again in Washington DC.  As usual there was not much reported on the news.  Babies are still being killed.  I try not to be cynical but it is difficult.  But I guess if one of the kids that I took to be a part of this protest learned that abortion was not right, I accomplished something. 

Rethink - Week 1 (Message Only)

My word for 2019 is PEACE

While everyone is making resolutions for the New Year, I decided to pick a word to be a guiding light for this year.  For the past few weeks as I have been reading my daily devotions and Bible, I kept reading the word Peace.  

2 Corinthians 13:11
Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.  

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.  I do not give as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

peace

/pēs/

noun

1. 1.

   freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.

   "you can while away an hour or two in peace and seclusion"

   synonyms:

   tranquility, calm, restfulness, peace and quiet, peacefulness, quiet, quietness.
2. 2.

   freedom from or the cessation of war or violence.

   "the Straits were to be open to warships in time of peace"

   synonyms:

   law and order, lawfulness, order, peacefulness, peaceableness, harmony, nonviolence; formalconcord "we pray for peace"

exclamation

1. 1.

   used as a greeting.
2. 2.

   used as an order to remain silent.

I like that, tranquility, calm, order, harmony.  Yes, that is what I want in my life this year! 

I will need some help, I'm easily excited, disturbed, and distracted. 

I will make a plan to wake up earlier, 

try to get to where I have to be on time,

spend more time listening to peaceful music and less time watching TV.

Make time for crocheting, sewing and reading.

Ok, sounds good!

Prince of Peace,  You know my strengths and weaknesses.  You know I will need your help to make my life more peaceful. Hold me in Your arms when I get upset.  Wrap me in Your love when I get anxious.  And surround me with Your Spirit when I want to lash out or get mad.  Teach me to trust in Your peace, so I won't be afraid or troubled by the world I live in.  I Your precious, peaceful name I pray.  Amen.

Grandma Cavanaugh's Sugar Cookies

3 c. flour

1/2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1 c. Crisco (1/2 c. Crisco and 1/2 c. softened butter)

2 eggs

1 c. sugar

1/2 t. almond extract

1/2 t. vanilla extract

in a large

mixing bowl put flour, baking powder and baking soda.  Using a pastry cutter, mix as you would a pie crust.  Beat the eggs with sugar and flavorings.  Stir egg mixture into flour mixture with wooden spoon.  When combined, roll out on floured board and cut into shapes.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet, decorate with colored sugars and jimmies. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes. 

These can also be frosted and enjoyed for any holiday.

Swedish Rolls

This recipe comes from my Aunt Jeanette.  She made them for my wedding back in 1980.  I wish I would have known her better.  I do know that she was a nurse, a good baker and a very good knitter.  She married my Uncle Bob and they lived all over the world.  He was in the Army and then the Air Force.  I remember that they always had a dog for a pet.  We went to visit them in Wisconsin and South Dakota.  After Aunt Jeanette died, Uncle Bob came back to Scottdale to live in Woodcrest Personal Care Home.  Julianne and I used to visit him and his dog, Lucy.  Lucy loved ice cream. 

 So did Uncle Bob.

Now back to the Swedish Rolls.
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
4 c. flour
1 pkg. yeast
1 c. warm water
1 t.sugar
Dissolve yeast in warm milk (90 seconds in my microwave) with 1 t. sugar .  Mix the sugar, shortening, and eggs.  Add flour alternately with the milk.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Divide dough into 4 parts.  Roll out in a circle.  Spread with butter (real butter.)  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Cut into 16 wedges.  Roll up from outside edge, like a crescent roll.  Bake at 375 for 8 - 9 minutes.  Frost with maple icing.
Mix butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.  Spread over cooled rolls and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.  Julianne's tongue gets itchy when she eats walnuts so I don't put walnuts on some for her.

I Am Joseph (God Is With Us)

Grandma P's Ladylocks

Grandma P’s Ladylocks

2 c. Crisco, in a bowl

5 c. flour

1 stick oleo (margarine)

1 T. Crisco from the bowl

            Cut flour, oleo, and 1 T. Crisco with pastry cutter

            Add 3 egg yolks, save whites for brushing on top of rolls

            2 T. vinegar

1 ½ c. water

2 T. water

After dough is mixed good, roll out on floured board.  Spread with ¼ of the Crisco in the bowl. Fold over until small then put in the frig for 1 hour.  Do this 3 more times and the last time cut into 4 balls and put in frig overnight or until ready to use. 

Take out 1 ball and roll on floured board until thin.  Cut into small strips and roll around clothes pins covered with foil.  Brush with beaten egg whites and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes until golden brown.

Carefully pull out clothes pins while still warm.  Let cool then fill with Never Fail Icing.

Never Fail Icing

1 c. Crisco

2 sticks oleo (margarine)

4 c. powdered sugar

8 T. flour

1 c. milk

2 t. vanilla

Put everything in a mixer on high.  The longer you beat it the whiter it gets.

You need 2 batches for the ladylocks and 1 batch for peaches.

Marriage and Divorce Part Two - Week 6 (Full Service)

God's Presence

Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.  

God's Presence is like the heater in my house; when it gets cold I hear the click and I feel the warm air coming up through the register, but I don't see it.  And God's Presence can be compared to the air conditioner;  again I hear the click as the HVAC unit turns on, I feel the cool air circulating in my home, but I don't see anything. 
Now God's Presence doesn't click on and off, It doesn't come and go.  God's Presence is always with me, but sometimes I am more aware of It than others.
In times of trouble I seek His calming Presence.  I might read His word or listen to Christian music which soothes my soul.  In times of joy, I can feel Him with me and I might even talk to Him out loud and thank Him for his blessings.  I also have times of doubt, when I wonder if I am doing His will. At those times I will be still and feel His arms around me holding me and giving me strength.
We don't have to see God to know God.
When we read the Bible...He is talking to us.
We see Him in the beauty of the world; the sunrise, sunsets, ocean waves, bird song, colors of the seasons and majestic landscapes He has prepared for us.
He communicates to us through other people, friends, family, pastors at our church, even things we see and hear on the internet.
The key to feeling God's Presence and knowing He is with us is to just be still. We need to quiet our minds and tune in to what He has to say.  Make time each day to spend with Him.  He will not disappoint, He is always there waiting.

Psalm 89:15 - 16
How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
         O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.

16In Your name they rejoice all the day,
         And by Your righteousness they are exalted.

Honest Jealousy

christinecaine

As I read this quote from Christine Caine I think about my circle, my tribe, my posse, my clan.  Do we applaud when good things happen?  Do we brag about our friends accomplishments?  Are we encouraging, uplifting, positive?  I think not.  At least not all the time. There is envy and jealousy among the people in my circle.  I'm sad to say I am at fault.  I wish I was not this way.  I have prayed to my Father in Heaven to help me with this.  I love my peeps but yes I am jealous:  jealous of Karen' grandkids, jealous that Linda doesn't have to work, jealous of the skinny young girls at the YMCA, jealous of the people of TV that have homes at the beach.  But there is one thing that I am proud of...I am honest with my jealousy.  Karen knows that I wish I had grandkids, she is praying for me.  Linda is ok with my envy that she is retired, knowing that soon I can retire as well.  I don't think the skinny girls care about my extra pounds and the lucky folks at the beach are clueless.  They get up in the morning with no thought of what other people think about them, least of all me.  I'm not going to get a new circle, but I will try to be more good,  kind, and gentle with my group of friends.  I will keep praying for more compassion and less envy.  I know that I am not perfect, but I can try to be a little better each day.                          Galatians 5:22 - 23  The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL.

Flatirons Community Church Live Stream

OneRepublic - Connection

Connections

Acts 4:32 - 35

 32And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

Can you guess what is the greatest risk factor for your health?  You might think diet, exercise, family genetics, but believe it or not it is loneliness.  I know, I didn't buy it at first either.  But I watched a video on YouTube by Dr. Lissa Rankin and now I am convinced that it is true. 

A study was done on a community in Pennsylvania named Rosetto in 1961.  It was small town made up of mostly Italian immigrants.  Most of them were related and lived in multi-generational homes.  This town had no history heart attacks, suicides, alcoholism, strokes, and no history of ulcers.  Now you could argue that they ate a healthy Mediterranean diet.  Not so, their diet was 41%fat and they were obese, Now here is the key...they were never lonely.  They always had someone nearby to help with any problem, to share the good news and the bad news, and to hold and touch when they felt alone.  

Lets move forward 10 years.  The kids are growing up, moving away and leaving their familiar surroundings.  The first heart attack was recorded and by the end of the decade their health conditions were considered normal according to the statistics of the United States Health Department.

According to studies today 6% of us will die from air pollution (cigarettes, COPD, asthma), 23% will die from obesity and conditions that come with being overweight, 37% will have alcohol related deaths and 45% will die from loneliness.  1 in 5 Americans suffers from loneliness. 

So what is the cure? Alot of times we expect someone else to fix us, but in this case we need to fix ourselves.  We need to like ourselves, we also need to not be so hard on ourselves.  We will never be perfect and we all have stuff!  Things we are not proud of, things we have experienced, good and bad they are part of us. Each one of us have our own trauma.  

We can't isolate ourselves, we need to get out there and take risks, be brave, find love.  We all are part of this world and we all belong to each other.   

Have you ever heard of Blue Zones?  These are places all around the world where people live healthy and happily for over 100 years.  Most of these places are inhabited by people who love and take care of each other, like a Tribe.  They have relationships and rituals which bring them together. 

Imagine you are part of a Native American Tribe or a Scottish Clan.  Every day you eat together, work together, play together and worship together. You are there for each other.
I challenge you to find your Tribe.  Who will be there for you?  Who can you support, uphold, and be there for?  It can be your family, friends, or coworkers.  You can have more than 1 Tribe.  Just be sure that when you are part of a Tribe you are all in.

 A person with cancer is 4 times more likely to die when they face this journey alone.

If you don't have a Clan or a Tribe come see me at the YMCA of Laurel Highlands.  We have lots of friendly people and fun activities to join in with.  Make some connections and live loved.

2 Corinthians 13:11
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

Getting to know Jesus

James 4:8
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Imagine you are sitting in a room full of people and Jesus walks in.  What would you do? 
The man sitting across from you looks up, sees Jesus and goes back to reading his newspaper.  He knows who it is but is not ready to get involved with Him.
The girl on her Iphone doesn't even look up.  She is not interested in anything but the latest post on social media.
The door opens and a young man looks in, sees Jesus, and turns around and walks back out the door.  He's not going to change his lifestyle and he knows Jesus might want him to. 
The 2 kids playing with their action figures don't even know who Jesus is.  Their grandma looks away with feelings for remorse and guilt.
Now me, I would jump up, offer Him my seat, and sit down as close to Him as I could.  I would sit on His lap if He let me.  Imagine hearing His breath, feeling His heartbeat as He wrapped His arms around me.  
The words from the song "I can only Imagine"  come to my mind as I write this post. 
 What would you do?

Jesus, my Lord and Savior.  I know the day will come when I will be standing in front of You.  When my days here on earth are done and You call me home to Heaven to be with You forever.  I pray that I accomplished all You prepared in advance for me to do in such a way that Your name will be lifted high and glorified.  Lead me on this journey and I will follow.
Amen

MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine (Video)

Flatirons Community Church - Imagine Dragons, Khalid - Thunder / Young D...

60th Birthday in Colorado

My adventure started with a call from Justine asking what would I like to do for my 60th birthday.  I said daddy already took me to see Brit Floyd in Columbus.  She said she wanted to do something special with me.  So that wonderful, generous, loving girl bought me a ticket to visit her in Colorado.  Bill drove me to the airport.  I checked in with plenty of time to spare so I took a walk around.  There was Bar Symon, Michael Symon's restaurant right there in front of me!  Well of course I went in.  I ordered the Poutine which was delicious.  Not a bad way to wait for my flight.  

Frontier Airlines is a "barebones airline" like Spirit.  You pay extra for everything.  That's OK, I had downloaded a movie to watch and had a bottle of water to drink.  I was good to go.

Justine picked me up at the airport.  It was so nice to see her smiling face.  We went to her little home, talked for a couple of hours, woke up Meatball and Anthony then went to sleep, anticipating a great day for adventure tomorrow.

Anthony had to work so it was just us girls.  We had breakfast at the Butcher Block Cafe, "just down the street."  It was actually down a few streets, through a couple of lights and around the corner!

After a delicious omelet and hash browns I was ready to be on our way.  We drove for about 1 1/2 hours to get to the parking lot for St. Mary's Glacier.  It was definitely worth the drive.  The views were fantastic.  The hike was a bit arduous.  I had to stop for "breath brakes" since I wasn't used to the altitude.  Once we made it up the rocks, there was St. Mary's Lake.  (We don't know if that was it's true name but it sounded good to us.)  The water was so clear and cold.  We walk farther up the trail to view the glacier.  There wasn't too much of it there but it was still amazing to see snow and ice in September. 

After our hike we were hungry so we stopped in the cute town of Golden, yes that is where the Coors Brewery is. We did a little souvenir shopping then found Bob's Atomic Burgers.  These burgers were as big as a small plate.  I think Guy Fieri on "Diners, Drivins, and Dives" visited there.  We didn't want to eat too much because we knew Anthony was cooking an Italian Feast for us that evening so we split a burger and order of fries.  Oh my my it was delicious!

After a stop at the biggest liquor store I have ever seen in my life, we went home.  We girls cleaned up while Anthony was busy in the kitchen.  First the appetizer of heirloom tomatoes in olive oil with fresh mozzarella and basil with crusty bread.  Then onto the gnocchi, Cesar salad, and Chicken Parmesan.  All washed done with a refreshing whiskey drink.  It was delectable.  

We made plans to meet with Amy and Charlie at The Denver Bazaar.  It is a flea market held at night.  We tried some cider the went to Finn's Manor for a Blueberry Punch,  I didn't taste any blueberries!  I learned all about Ubers while I was there.  Just use the app on your phone and they pick you up and take you where you want to go.   So convenient, especially when you have had too much to drink!

On to the next day...Anthony went "down the street" to get us ham and cheeses croissants for breakfast.  Teen drove the Jeep while Anthony took a long nap as we drove 2 hours up to Steamboat Springs.  We listened to music, looked for yellow aspen trees, and enjoyed the drive. Our first stop was Fish Creek Falls.  We took the upper hike and then decided to take the lower hike as well.  It was worth it to see the beautiful views from the top and bottom of the falls.

After a look around the Farmer's Market in Steamboat Springs and a mostly healthy lunch we drove a little further to Strawberry Park Hot Springs.  I was a little concerned since I had never been to a hot spring and didn't know what to expect.  But once again, Teen delivered on another memorable experience.  Yes, the water was hot!  But they also must have added cool water to the other poos to make them perfect and relaxing.  It was definitely worth the drive to get there.

My last evening with the kids, we wanted to go somewhere special..  Teen suggested Linger.  It was a Tapas restaurant specializing in food from around the world. The food comes in servings of 3 so we could share what we ordered.  I tried pork belly, korean bar b que, lettuce wraps, and wagu beef .  It was one of the best meals I ever ate in my life.  Seriously! 

We stood in line for ice cream at Little Man Ice Cream which we had visited before and loved.  Then took an uber back home.  We had a drink and talked for a while before going to bed.  What a great day!

My last day ended with Church at Flatirons.  I sure wish they had a church in western PA.  The music was amazing and the message left me feeling uplifted and confidant that God is with us through anything and every thing.  Thanks Jim.

Flatirons Community Church - Imagine Dragons, Khalid - Thunder / Young D...

We shared an order of nachos at the airport and said goodbye knowing that we would see each other again in 10 days.

Thank you Justine for a wonderful mini vacation and birthday present.  You know me so well!

Father God,

I asked this day that Justine and Anthony will feel Your presence and know that they are never alone.  You are with them every moment of their days.  Protect them as the travel home and then to CA.  Lead Anthony to a new job with good co workers and help Justine to find time to study and get her Master's degree so she will continue to make this world a better place.  I thank You for all the blessings You have given to them and I ask that You guide them to heaven where we will all live with You for all of eternity.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Moving Forward

Cheesecake Anyone Tea Party

I have been starting to feel like the time is right to launch Cheesecake Anyone Tea Party.  This would be a portable business where I would prepare cheesecakes, scones, soups and sandwiches and take them to events.  I would grow by planning Tea Parties and taking them into peoples homes, businesses or event spaces.  

I ordered tea cups, serving dishes, napkins, etc...for the fall season of craft and vendor shows.  In my mind I was planning ahead, going to Ligonier Country Market, Mt. Pleasant Fireman's Vendor Show, and even buying an old Victorian house on Church Street.  

Guess what?  My hands are swollen and painful with eczema right now.  

The first time I tried to start up this business I found out I had eczema.  I had to put my dream on hold because who wants to buy a cheesecake from someone with eczema all over their hands.  I realized the God's plan for me didn't include Cheesecake Anyone? 

Psalm 84:12

LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Next, my brother needed help and I thought I could raise some money for him by baking cheesecakes.  I made some and sold them but again my hands broke out with eczema.  I attended a church service at the New Life Church in Washington.  The speaker was Will Hart.  I asked for my hands to be healed.  God told me that night, "You know how to heal your hands." After that I sold my cheesecake pans and concentrated on eating right and staying gluten free.

Fast forward to today.  Why does this dream of a cheesecake business keep surfacing?  Why does every one around keep asking me if I still make cheesecakes?  Why do I see all these great deals on supplies I would need for my business?  Is it satan trying to tempt me?

1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.


I don't want to go against God's purpose for me.  I want to do His will.  I want to follow where He leads me.  But really do like to make cheesecakes and would love to own a business. Not only for myself but for my family as well. 
So, I will pray and wait.  I will make cheesecakes for friends who ask, but I will not move forward without God's permission.  To do so would be foolish.
             www.biblehub.com

Proverbs 20:24

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.

How then can anyone understand their own way?

Father in Heaven.

I give this to You.  Thy will be done!

Amen.