Alice's Restaurant ~ Dishin' Up Food for Thought

Alice's Restaurant ~ Dishin' Up Food for Thought ~~~ A place to share what I am thinking, reading, feeling & contemplating as I travel on this journey called life.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Ooops..How Could I Forget?

How could I forget to announce it here ...

We are heading back to Branson 

and Branson View Campground


Branson View Campground has new owners: Darrell & Patty

and have asked us to come back and be the on-site managers!!!

We are so excited and looking forward to a fun and busy rest of the summer.

Call now and make your reservations at (360) 255-1653.

Hope to see many of you down the road.

Feel free to check out Branson View Campground blog or our Facebook Page.

FYI the 25th person to follow the Branson View Campground Blog and the 100th person to like our Facebook Page will get a surprise!!!  So follow our blog and like our page, share with your friends and let's see who gets the surprises.  Will announce the winners on Facebook and the Blog.  

Ron is finishing up his work at Amazon on Tuesday, July 2nd and we will go to Joplin, MO that night 
and then on to Branson on Wednesday, July 3r for our REOPENING on Thursday, July 4th!!

Hope to see you down the road.
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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Sunrise in Liberty KS

Yesterday morning as we were starting our day

Look what greeted us!!!

This is standing in front of the rig looking towards Amazon.




Beautiful and breathtaking!!!
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Friday, June 28, 2013

Prompt: NO

Writing Prompt for Today - NO


No

Definition:  
NO - adverb

1.  (a negative used to express dissent, denial, or refusal, as in response to a question or request)
2. (used to emphasize or introduce a negative statement): Not a single person came to the party, no, not a one.
3.
not in any degree or manner; not at all (used with a comparative): He is no better.
4.
not a (used before an adjective to convey the opposite of the adjective's meaning): His recovery was no small miracle.
adjective
5.
not a (used before a noun to convey the opposite of the noun's meaning): She's no beginner on the ski slopes.
 No means a negative.
Opposite of Yes.

When I think of the word NO, I go back in my mind to when we first returned from the Netherlands.  Our son, Jamie was four months old when we arrived in the Netherlands.  Hubby was stationed at

Camp New Amsterdam, Soest, Netherlands.

When we returned to the US our son was 18 months old.  I used "nee" no in Dutch.  It was habit, and one of only very few words I can remember :)

Summer of 1979 found us going to San Bernadino for hubby to attend NCO Leadership School.  It was a four week course so Jamie and I went to my mom's in San Jose, CA.  I used the word nee anytime to tell Jamie no.  Now he was almost two so you can imagine how often I would have to tell him nee.

My younger sister kept telling me to speak English to him...I remember Jamie was crawling up on the dining room table and I said "No, Jamie get down.'  He promptly sat on the top of the table and giggled.  My sister got upset because he would not listen to me.  I think I said "no" 3x to him.  Finally I said "Jamie, nee, you can't be on the table."  He promptly got off and I then laughed.  My sister was so frustrated with me, with Jamie, and then both of us were giggling and that made her super mad. 

To this day sometimes I will use the word "nee" instead of "no"  it just comes out. 

Thanks for the prompt, Donna.
Thanks for the wonderful memory of a precious time in our lives with just one little one.

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf
#Write4Ten PROMPT: No
at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf

#Write4Ten PROMPT: No

at Posted by
The prompt today is the word NO. Take ten minutes and write, fact or fiction, real or imagined. Then post your writing or a link to your blog with your writing in the comments below. Thank your for joining in!
- See more at: http://www.write4ten.com/2013/06/write4ten-prompt-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Write4Ten+%28Write+4+Ten%29#sthash.56nlh7br.dpuf
Posted by at

Monday, June 17, 2013

Blah...

,

That's all I can say.

Blah.

BLAH.

BLAH!

And I am not sure why???
I have lots I can be doing,
stuff I enjoy doing,
YET I find myself sitting here, 
zoning,
mind wandering,
listening to the rain fall,
glance outside and it is gray!!!

I could read; I have many books just waiting to be picked up, a Nook waiting to be turned on.

I could write;  I have lots of blog posts running through my head, prompts calling my name, pictures waiting to be uploaded and a story told,
YET here I sit, staring at the computer screen,
nothing really catching my attention.

I could clean the rig, the floor could use a good sweeping,
I could send cards to friends: I have stamps, I like to send cards yet they sit in the basket, waiting.
I could make some phone calls.  I know Aunt Erma and Aunt Joan like to hear from me.
Yet, here I sit.  

I could figure out what to make for dinner, I could make a dessert,
eat a salad or make a smoothie
Yet here I sit.

BLAH!!!

My eye hurts; it is infected...on eye drops and oral antibiotics, it just hurts.
I want to scratch it but it will only make it worse.
I hate eye infections.  
I have had four eye infections in the last year.
Did I say I hate eye infections!!!

Blah.
BLAH
BLAH!!!!

 
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Sunday, June 16, 2013

God Loves Me!

God loves me just the way I am!

"Just as I Am" has been one of my favorite songs since in my early teens, 
when I first began to realize that Jesus loves me just for me.  
Sometimes I forget and I have to sing these words over and over.  
Today has been one of those days.  
Reminding myself that Jesus love me, just the way I am.

 Just as I Am

Text: Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871
Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868
Tune: WOODWORTH, Meter: LM 
1.	Just as I am, without one plea, 
	but that thy blood was shed for me, 
	and that thou bidst me come to thee, 
	O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

2.	Just as I am, and waiting not 
	to rid my soul of one dark blot, 
	to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 
	O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

3.	Just as I am, though tossed about 
	with many a conflict, many a doubt, 
	fightings and fears within, without, 
	O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

4.	Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; 
	sight, riches, healing of the mind, 
	yea, all I need in thee to find, 
	O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

5.	Just as I am, thou wilt receive, 
	wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; 
	because thy promise I believe, 
	O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

6.	Just as I am, thy love unknown 
	hath broken every barrier down; 
	now, to be thine, yea thine alone, 
	O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 
 
 
 
I recently read a devotion titled "Comparisons Stink"
The scripture ~ Galations 6:3-5
 
  


 


Reminds me to see myself as God has made me, has God sees me.


 


And I remember telling my boys that


 


 


and now I have to remind myself that


 


 


and I have a husband who tells me all the time that he loves me and that I am special, though he usually says "spacial"


and then laughs because of some strange or unique thing that is going on with me and then we


 






 


 


God don't make no junk!


He made me in his image!!


God makes good things!!!


I am good, not perfect, but good!!


And good is good!!!


 


I am good.  Just as I am!!! 


 












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Saturday, June 15, 2013


          

        










Random Conversations with God












As I have said many times



I am amazed how God is right here when I need him.



He knows what ever it is I am going through and he meets me right there.



You would think I would be used to it by now and just expect God to meet me right in the moment.



But I'm not, I am amazed and then get excited each time God's word speaks to me.  



It may be straight from the Bible - the perfect source for meeting God at any time.  



It may be through a song that is playing on the radio or an email from a friend

But always I am amazed at how God loves me, talks to me and cares for me.



1 John 2: 12 ~ 14 (The Message) says:

I
 remind you, my dear children: Your sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name. 
You veterans were in on the ground floor, and know the One who started 
all this; you newcomers have won a big victory over the Evil One.  And
 a second reminder, dear children: You know the Father from personal 
experience. You veterans know the One who started it all; and you 
newcomers—such vitality and strength! God’s word is so steady in you. 
Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil 
One.



And I am reminded even though some days are a struggle that



Because of Jesus ~ I am strong

Because of God's Word ~ God abides in me

Because of Jesus ~ I have overcome many things



And most importantly



Just Keep on Keeping On!!!



Don't get discouraged however often I fail or fall into temptation

(like eating a candy bar)

BUT always pick myself up, ask for forgiveness from God or myself

and get moving again...eat something healthy!!!





Looking for Love??

 

Solomon 8: 6-7



We keep missing the mark because we are looking for love in all the wrong places 

(Isn't there a song by that title?) 

We are looking for love from others when the only source of true love is God!!

I need to love God with all my heart, mind and soul.

And when I don't feel that love I need to ask God to help me love Him, love myself, love others.



Thank you God for loving me in all my imperfections!!!










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Thursday, June 13, 2013


          

        










Is God Enough?












 







God says over and over in His word that He is enough.



He will provide ALL I need, not necessarily what I want but what I NEED!







I read a devotional the other day, sent to me by a dear friend titled "God Are You Enough?"



I know in my heart God is enough



But do I really trust him to be enough?







When ...



...a friend betrays me is God enough to comfort me?



...someone I love dies is God enough to get me through my grieving?



...someone hurts me is God enough to ease the hurt?



...my bills seem overwhelming and no money is forthcoming do I trust God enough to meet my needs?







Is God enough?  Will trust Him completely and totally?



Wasn't I reminded just a week or so ago about having faith the size of a mustard seed?







Then I remembered a time I was sitting on the couch in Pastor Charles' office expressing my fears of Jamie being in Iraq.  How those fears were paralyzing me day by day.  And he asked me "If the worst thing happens ~ Jamie gets killed in Iraq, would God be enough?"  



I couldn't imagine what my life would look like if something happened to Jamie?  What if something happened to Ron and I was left alone?  Would God be enough?







Yes either of these situations would be difficult, hard to deal with, hard to go on, hard to move forward BUT it would be okay BECAUSE no one can take Jesus away from me.















Yes I would make it through the worst of the worst, it may not be easy BUT







 







As I continued reading God reminded me to



 



so to answer the question I started with



Is God Enough?







Yes, Yes, YES!!







God is Enough for anything I face,



anything I have to deal with,



ANYTHING!!











P.S.  Jamie returned safely from Iraq in March 2005.



And for that I give THANKS to God for keeping him safe 



And teaching me to continue to trust HIM!!














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God Continues to Meet Me Where I Am












Every day I am AMAZED how God meets me where I am and today was no different.



Each day that I spend time in the Word, time with God



I ask Him to help me to know what He wants me to know.



















As many of you know, who have been reading my blog the last few weeks I have been struggling with "loving me"  I know God loves me yet I continued to just not love me or like me..was feeling selfish if I loved myself.  And yet God kept telling me He loves me and if he loves me I should love me because he doesn't make bad stuff...the personal stuff...being overweight, not feeling pretty...okay telling myself I was ugly.  Yet He kept telling me in His word that he loves me!!!







And then I read Psalm 119:33-40







From the NIVTeach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.[a]
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.[b]
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!  In your righteousness preserve my life.







From The Message 



 God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.

Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—my whole life one long, obedient response.

Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway!

Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot.

Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.

Affirm your promises to me—promises made to all who fear you.

Deflect the harsh words of my critics—but what you say is always so good.

See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!











And then as I so often do, I wrote this:







Teach me the rules and I will follow them.



Give me understanding and I will follow.



I will follow with my whole attitude



Help me to know what I need to do ~ exercise, eat healthy, drink lots of water



And I will find joy in what I do



Let me be encouraged how others are doing as they too struggle with weight loss and getting healthy.



Turn my eyes from those unhealthy foods like cookies and candy.



Remind me of tasty and healthy foods to eat. Like fresh fruit and tasty salads



Remind me over and over what I do know to be truth - You love me and your many promises



AND if You love me, I need to love and take care of me.



You want what is good for me so I should want that too.



I want to obey You and one way for me to do that is to get healthy.



Help me to strive for that goal.







Over and over again I am amazed how God's word meets me right where I am, right at that moment.







Does God meet you where you are at?







Do you often rewrite what you read in God's Word to make it personally applicable to you?







Are you struggling with something?



Take it to the Lord



And allow Him to meet you where you are.







Is there something you are struggling with that you would like me to pray for you?



If so, leave me a note or send me an email.



I love to hear from each of you.







 


























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