rain, coffee pt II ~sct ~ diet devo day nineteen

I'm sitting here (with my sidekick Izzy by me) looking out the window, it is still raining. Not sprinkling, raining. It did stop for a couple of hours yesterday, but when we came out of church I could tell it had downpoured while we were in... I'm not complaining. I know that we won't all float away, God promised that. So, I just thank Him for watering all the beautiful flowers so nicely and soaking the earth. I am imagining all the fires that are being prevented from this rain.
So, Gail and Stacy both mentioned liquid creamers for the coffee. Gail even sent links to websites. I went yesterday with the goal of finding these creamers. I bought international flavors hershey chocolate with caramel I think. Miss Paula mentioned liking the Mocha foldgers. I have so much to try, very exciting. Then Jenna discouraged me from using splenda, she and I see eye to eye on those artificial sweeteners. So, this morning I made my first cup with the tablespoon of the new creamer, and 3 tsp. of sugar. It was actually good. I think it's funny how many people either hate coffee or really love it. Amanda loves starbucks and several of you suggested different drinks there. She usually talks me into a drink there when we are at Target. I have tried several and in the past if they had a coffee flavor I pitched them (I'm a new woman now, so I'll try again), usually opting for hot cocoa. Isn't this just fascinating stuff? :o)
At church last night, the pastor was talking about leadership, not in the way I would expect. More about courage and character. He said courage is faith in action. He also mentioned that there have been studies done that show the people who acheive their goals write them down. I am going to start writing my goals down. He also talked about living a yuck life and made an acrostic to define his thoughts... y - yesterday, living in the past, being caught up in what was or could have been; u - unsupervised, not being held accountable to anyone; c - callused; and k - killjoy, no fun to be around, someone who just sucks the life out of you. I certainly don't want to live a yuck life!
Izzy had summer school yesterday, for some reason she was so cranky there. She starting being fussy while I was getting ready to take her and then I noticed when I picked her up she was still very vocal and a little stiff. I'm not sure if her tummy was upset from her lunch, or if she just didn't want to be there. I can't wait until she can tell me what's wrong instead of playing the guessing game... I'm just glad that she does show me when she is uncomfortable. She slept really well last night and so far this morning seems to be doing good. When I heard her and went in to get her this morning she smiled and was glad to see me! I showed her the view out the window and we talked about the rain. I usually spend some time first thing in the morning in prayer over her too. She is a sweetie. Prayers are welcome btw.

Sweet & Sour Meatballs
2 pounds ground turkey breast
2 teaspoons salt-free garlic and herb seasoning or poultry seasoning
1 egg white
Salt and ground black pepper
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons dried thyme
In a large bowl, combine turkey, garlic and herb seasoning, egg white and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Mix well and shape mixture into about 32 meatballs. Place meatballs in bottom of slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, broth, chili sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and thyme. Pour mixture over meatballs.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Season, to taste, with salt and black pepper.

Visit Sandra to share your favorite slow cooker recipe and/or to view more!

It's funny to follow a recipe with a diet devo huh? I have had some good laughs at the comments on the diet devos pertaining to recipes and food. You have to eat for goodness sakes, the point is to just be smart about it right... Anyway, here is day 19. I sent out several of these books yesterday, so if I promised one to you expect it soon.

"Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps ... Who his own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness."

It is good for us to remember, as we sit feeling sorry for ourselves because we may not indulge in tasty pleasures, that our sacrifice is not really so great when we compare it to the many sacrifices Christ made. What we are doing is indeed a sacrifice, but for self rather than for others. Christ sacrificed for us in order that we might enjoy life to the fullest. Let us learn from the sacrifices of Christ and remember that He has given us the power to overcome any temptation that might present itself.

Today's thought: Christ has conquered temptation and will be with me!

Hope you have a great Thursday!