James 4:14

“You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.”  Boy, have I been feeling that the last couple of months!

I am  not discouraged.  My days are full of the stuff of life.

This year we will formally conclude the home education of our son.  (Isn’t there MORE he should know?)  I don’t think we’ll ever finish imparting wisdom and learning to our children.

I create menus, shop, and feed my family and others in need.  I work my home-based business and share the healing gift of nutrition.  I garden, growing food for my family through my Tower Garden and potted herbs, vegetables, and fruits.

I call my elderly mother.  My job, as I see it, is to lift her spirits.  I only do this once or twice a week now.  I used to call her daily.  Her short term memory is non-existent and the long term stuff is getting to be a problem.  Witty repartee is a thing of the past.  I sing old hymns and songs with her, recount crazy happenings around here, and think of things she might remember.  She feels bad that she can’t contribute to our conversations much but it’s wonderful to still hear her voice and make her laugh.

I manage our family finances, with my husband’s blessing.  Most months balancing all accounts to the penny.  (I’m to the age that if I’ve recalculated three times with any disparity, I take the bank’s word for it.  I sleep better.)

I care for our myriad of pets.  They live too long.  A testament to their excellent care! Finally, I love on everyone around me, that will let me.

There is probably more, but that’s a reasonable account.

It’s squeezing every moment from life while it is here.  It’s what I was created to do.

Sweets for the Sweet

branon_maple_syrup_leaf_bottle_1024x1024I have a new favorite sweetener. Pure maple syrup.  It’s such a healthy way to sweeten anything from coffee to baked goods to chili!  I was super hesitant to try it because I am NOT a fan of the flavor of maple.  When I realized that when you cook with it, the flavor leaves, the sweet stays, I was hooked.

Here are some links to check out:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/maple-syrup.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/02/maple-recipes-syrup_n_2765410.html

If you are intrigued and want to try implementing this natural sweetener, check this out! This book will properly educate you on all things Maple.  Her Smoky and Sweet Turkey Chili is on my menu this week. (I have no affiliation with this author.)

Walk with me, talk with me

Walking.  Just about anyone can do it.  Nothing special required.  I do not wear adorable, coordinated outfits (wish I had some!), my hair is always crazy so I don a baseball cap, forget makeup.  I downloaded a free app for my phone called Runkeeper.  It’s everything I need to see how fast I walk, how far I walk, and how many calories I burn.  Very basic.

I don’t mind walking by myself, but I love to walk with my husband or kids.  Mostly, I walk with my teenage son.  We talk about everything.  We look at landscaping.  We notice cool cars.  Once, we rescued a Chihuahua!  Anything’s bound to happen.

Walking makes our brains happy and so much more.  There’s only one thing I’m going to ask you to do when you’re walking … make contact with those you see.  Call “good morning!” to the elderly lady putting out her mail, wave to the young man leaving for work,  smile at people.  Without much effort you are promoting community.  Good for you!!!

Here are a few resources you might find interesting:

https://www.tescoliving.com/articles/8-reasons-why-walking-is-great-for-your-health

http://www.marksdailyapple.com › Low Level Aerobic Activity

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in…/walking/art-20046261