Fig and Oatmeal Cookies

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped fresh figs
2 packages maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal (I used OatFit)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Cream sugar and shortening and add beaten egg.
3. Sift dry ingredients including oatmeal packets and blend with creamed mixture. Fold in figs.
4. Drop by spoonfuls on greased sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes 18 cookies.

10 years later....

While this weekend was spent with so many reflecting on the events of 9/11 ten years ago, for us this weekend was spent reflecting on ten years together. 9/11 happened 3 days after Charlie and I were married 10 years ago. We were both getting ready for work as the tv was filled with the images and video of the horrible events. This weekend marks 10 years and its been all over the tv again, with specials and interviews and etc...UGGG For us, we reflect on how we've grown together, where God has brought us and the prospect of where we will be in another 10 years. The past does not define our lives. God does. He said to forget the past and look to the future. I'm thankful for the man that God gave me who has put up with and grown with me over these last years. Happy Anniversary Charlie!

Progression of the Lie

I've been thinking about how I go from being sure and confident in a choice or going from being so joyful and peaceful to completely doubting that choice or feeling down and heavy.... 1. I make a decision to do something that seems right, God's will or is a growth choice. 2. Almost immediately, there is a second thought, a doubt, a question in my mind. 3. That doubt keeps lingering, returning, pestering. 4. I doubt myself, my choice, my abilities, and question my acceptance with others. 5. I relinquish my choice, my decision, my resolve to step out in growth. 6. I feel bad about myself, my choices, my decisions and shrink back with discouragement. 7. I remember the Promises of God. 8. I read the Promises of God. 9. I begin to believe the Promises of God. 10. I make a decision to do something that seems right, God's will or is a growth choice... Now, how do I stop the cycle????