Mid-January "C" Faves

 

It's been  a busy and another bitterly cold week. But there are always blessings when we pause to look. 

I'm linking up at Susanne's blog with other bloggers who take time to share their five fave blessings from the week. 

FIVE BLESSINGS

image courtesy of free r*nge

• CHOIR REHEARSAL: I'm so very thankful our Worship Arts Director at church decided to start a choir for times other than Christmas Eve. Dave, Courtney (our oldest daughter) and I auditioned and made it. Our first rehearsal for Easter was this past Sunday afternoon. It felt so good to have us all back together again (we last were together as a group for Christmas Eve 2023). We are becoming a tight knit group, sharing prayer requests, harmonizing and learning together. I'm very thankful for this opportunity. 

SoulSteps Walking group logo

• CONNECT WEEKEND: This past Sunday was our "Spring Semester" sign ups for small groups, classes, and ministries connected with our church. I have a book study beginning in February that runs until the end of April and it's full!!  I had 7 ladies sign up which makes a total of 8 to meet in my home. I'm so thankful! AND my SoulSteps walking group has 21 members (we begin in March and meet on the first Fri/Sat of each month through June). AND my SoulSteps Hiking Group had 10 new sign ups bringing my group to 48 adults. I accept men and women over the age of 21 although some of our members do participate with their children on our "family friendly" hikes. We go from Mid-March through mid-December for seasonal hikes (Spring/Summer/Autumn). This is my 2nd year to have this group.   I met and talked with some really interesting people and I only knew a couple of them.  I'm so thankful for all the connections being made at church.  

image courtesy of Al*my

• CHOLESTEROL DOWN! I had my annual blood work done early Tuesday morning and had the results back early Wednesday morning. I'm so thankful I went down for my overall cholesterol!! I was at 195 in 2023, neglected to have a physical in 2024 so am having it early in 2025 and voila!  It certainly paid off to decrease putting animal fats into my body.  My "good" cholesterol went down a little bit which saddened me but it was still 20 points higher than the normal level cutoff. And my LDL went down by 10 points although it's still 13 points higher than where doc wants me (100 or less). I'm working hard to avoid being put on statins which has its own issues.  There's something to be said for this supplement I take to keep my body in as natural a state as possible. Now if I could just give up eggs and cheese......I'm so thankful this is down and all other work was normal (although my glucose was borderline...due to Xmas sweets...? ) I literally shouted out loud "Thank you God!!" when I saw my email report. 

mug is created by a local pottery artist
and a gift from my oldest daughter for Xmas

• COZY COMFORTS: it's been cold here. Not cold as in single digits but down into the low teens at night and only a high of about 26 most of the week.  I only went outside to walk 2 days and it was bitter!  I didn't last longer than a half mile so the rest of the week I did my stretching and walking to  "indoor walking and low impact cardio"  you tube videos.  I'm thankful for those and I'm also thankful for other cozy comforts: flannel shirts, thick sweaters, fleecy leggings, wool socks, fleece blankets, and hot tea or coffee. I enjoyed all of these this week and am very thankful for them, along with my heated home. I never want to take it for granted. 

roasted kale

• CRISPY KALE "CHIPS":  Last weekend, Dave and I were craving fries. But I decided we were to cut out fries, fast food type meals, baked goods, processed snack foods for the month of January. So I had bought a large bag of organic baby kale to add to a salad dish I was making and decided to use some of it for kale "chips".  It's so much healthier than eating chips or fries.  Kale is full of antioxidants and also, when you roast it, the flavor is amazing.  I added the kale to a bowl after patting it dry and drizzled on about a half tablespoon of virgin olive oil.  Bake in the oven at 375 for about 18 minutes and voila!  Crispy Kale!  I added a quick shake of garlic powder over all.  It was SO good. I'm thankful for the benefits of  healthy food. 

We might venture out to a Winter Fest in a local state park this weekend but then again we might just curl up with a good movie and our fleece blankets and cocoon. 

Whatever  you do, I hope you stay healthy and warm!