Glimpses of Heaven

I have always been fascinated with true stories about hope and peace. There's something very intriguing and special listening to stories about loved ones who are ailing and still finding peace and comfort from God, even at the end of their life's journey. That is why I especially loved reading "Glimpses from Heaven", by Trudy Harris.

Trudy was a hospice nurse who has visited countless patients and witnessed their spiritual journey from life into death. The divine stories she shares from experiencing such beautiful moments is almost unexplainable but leaves you feeling honored to have shared such holiness through Trudy's experiences.

What an amazing blessing for Trudy to be a part of people's lives in such a way that few people can ever imagine; and what a blessing for Trudy's patients to have had such an extraordinary hospice nurse gently and lovingly care for them and their families at the most meaningful time in their life.

I hope you get a chance to read this beautiful book. It will quickly become very dear to your heart.

Low-Point Deviled Eggs

This effortless low-point deviled egg recipe allows you to completely enjoy family get-togethers without having to give up your favorite foods!


Low-Point Deviled Eggs
Ingredients:
6 Large hard-boiled eggs, peeled
1/3 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
3 Tbs. minced scallions or chopped chives (optional)
Cut eggs lengthwise in half. Remove yolks to small bowl. Reserve whites. In a bowl, mash yolks with a fork. Add cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and scallions; mix well. Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon yolk mixture into each egg white half. Refrigerate, covered. Sprinkle paprika on top to taste and for presentation.
Total servings = 12
Serving size = 1
Points per serving = 1 pt.
If you'd like a printer-friendly version of this recipe, just Click Here.

Foster Parenting - One of My Most Fulfilling Roles

There are several things I've done in life that have filled my heart and made "my cup runneth over". Marrying my best friend, giving birth to three wonderful children, meeting friends that have actually remained near and dear to my heart, and a few other accomplishments that have nothing to do with career choice. 

One thing that has also given me great joy was being a foster parent. My husband and I have been blessed to have loved and cared for six newborn babies, all whom have been adopted by wonderful loving couples who have been raising these children with great love. 

I will never forget driving to the hospital to pick up our first foster baby. At that time, I was able to enter the nursery and introduce myself to this precious little miracle. Driving home with this bundle of joy, I talked to her about our family, promised to love and nurture her as long as she was in our care; and we always ended our little conversation by offering up a prayer for the birth mother. 

More often than not, upon realizing these children were foster babies, strangers would begin to ridicule the birth mother for having given up their baby. I always enjoyed the opportunity to challenge their thinking, to change their heart. How difficult a decision it must have been to make. To love someone so much that you are willing to give them the gift of life, then to give them up and allow them a chance to have more of a life than what you would have been able to provide. To give a couple who has yearned for years for a child of their own, the chance to experience the true blessing of parenthood and family.

Looking at the pictures of our foster babies that grace our shelves, I always cherish the blessings that our family received from caring for each one of them. Thinking of them always fills my heart with love and makes "my cup runneth over".

Reflections on Another Hospital Visit

Not too long ago I went on another hospital visit. I'm always so nervous on the way, wondering how ill the patient is, if they'll even want company, if I will be intruding on family members, etc.
After learning this elderly patient had no family there with him, I walked into his room and looking down at him while he was asleep, I knew he was oblivious to my presence.
As I reached out to place my hand on him while saying a prayer over him, he turned his head towards me, looked at me, and then closed his eyes again. I stood there thinking how nervous I was before entering his room and now how difficult it was for me to leave, knowing that once again, he would be alone.
Driving home after my visit I wondered why I hadn't started visiting the hospitalized a long time ago? What took me so long? Why do we sometimes take our time before volunteering to do something so meaningful? But even as I asked myself these questions, I already knew the answer. Nothing is in our time, but in God's time. Even a year ago I wouldn't have been able to do this. God knew that. He knew He needed for me to grow some more. He brought this ministry to my mind several times throughout this last year but understood I wouldn't be able to give 100% of my heart to the patients until I was 100% ready. 
After having seen my own father go through radiation, chemotherapy, and spend a month in the hospital earlier this year, I was able to witness, first hand, the amazing spiritual growth our entire family received through such an experience. Seeing volunteers from another church come in and offer so much kindness and support from their hearts to our family, made me realize my heart was now 100% ready to do the same for others.
I pray God continues to guide all of our hearts, so that we will reach out to others when they're in need. 

Where Can I Find a List of Foods and Their Points

After I learned how to calculate how many points I should be eating on a daily basis the questions began... What do I do next? How do I know how many points are in the food I eat? After feeling a bit overwhelmed, a friend came to my rescue. She sent me a list of everything that she ate for a week and how many points each item had. That list was very helpful to me because it gave me a good place to start. I appreciated all of the helpful advice until I felt sure of my choices and my ability to calculate the points for everything I ate.
I would like to provide you with several websites that provide a list of food items and how many points each has. This may save you the time of having to search through a bunch of websites yourself for ideas. 
These websites, along with the recipes that I publish on this blog, will give you a lot of excellent, healthy food ideas to select from as you begin your journey to eating smarter and feeling better! :)
1, 2, 3, and 4 Point Snacks
Candy Points
DeeDee's Recipe Archive
Food List for Gamers
Health Discovery Restaurant Guide
Journal of a Non-Dieter

Megan and Jacks Points