Blessed are those who follow the Lord!!!

Blessings literally drip in abundance to those whose heart belong to Jesus Christ!!

Of course, it's how each one of us measure success, individually, that really counts. How do you look at success? I look around my day and feel the abundance of God's provision and blessings! This week I am blessed with five children to care for. Blessed?! Glad you asked.

My precious friend is battling in prayer for her father's life this week at Jackson General. I am keeping her sweet Levi. We are enjoying him so much! Each child teaches me a lesson of love and patience. Some are quick to obey, others dilly-dally around. He's not one of them! He loves to work. WOW!! He is schooling beside Anna at the diningroom table this week. I love watching him "catch on" :) It's a unique privilege to teach both children together. They are very competitive and, therefore, try harder to out do each other! He has become another "drip" from heaven's blessings to our home.

How can children be considered "blessings"? Don't they drive you crazy? Sometimes....but when I see that gleam of delight in their little eyes....when I feel their small, innocent arms around my weary neck....when they whisper love words like "I love you, Momma" to my ears.....when they bring me love letters that took them 45 minutes to write...when they keep their rooms clean and help around the house....I just can't help but call them blessings. I love to wrestle with all three of my boys! I love to have tea parties with my Anna. All these moments are priceless! Sometimes I have to let the house go and, for me, that can be depressing! But I remember that these moments don't last forever. One day I will be alone with my sweet husband just waiting to hear from my adult children as they lead their own lives. That's why I cherish and treasure these days. I am careful to maintain a morning routine of necessary responsibility. I don't want my kids growing up without it! But the more the merrier! Older ones help with the little ones and watch how the bond of love grows :) It's beautiful...amazing!! Yes, I'm know I'm different from the standard American woman of the 21st century! Although I'm just as career minded as anyone I know, my career doesn't offer any vacation days, monetary bonuses, etc. But, WOW....the rewards are priceless!!!

Well, like I said...it's all in how you look at it!

~Darla

Recipes

It was recommended by a special friend that I start posting healthy recipes. As most know, cow's milk has issues. (Especially since it is now fortified with yucky pesticides, hormones and antibiotics) So, for all you Almond milk drinkers that want to save a few pennies every week, here is my homemade recipe:

In a Vita-Mix (or powerful blender), blend for 1-2 minutes:

1 c. raw almonds
1 c. coconut milk (unsweetened) I use "Thai" brand
1/2 c. maple syrup, 1/2 c. dates or stevia
4 c. purified water
splash of vanilla flavoring
dash of sea salt
powdered probiotics (optional)

Strain w/ a fine mesh cloth, cheesecloth, even unused panty hose works well ;)

Serve chilled. A great milk to serve w/cereal in the morning, milkshakes, recipes, etc. You can add more sweetener or less to taste!


Enjoy!