Monday, July 13, 2026

It's A New Week!

It's a new week and I'm rearing to go...more so in spirit and soul than in body, but, still, that's improvement.

I've struggled with physical pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation since late November, and, even though it still gets the best of me on some days, I am much improved and am determined to get back to where I was a year ago, and that was in THE BEST health of my life. It's slow going, but I'm getting there!

Anyway, it's a new week and I'm rearing to get started. I just wanted to take a moment to drop in here and say 'hello'. I've got cleaning to do, Mary Kay orders to deliver, and will probably try to grab a Spark order or two to deliver for Walmart today. 

Life has changed so much. After 11 years, in September of last year, I quit my job as a naturalist at Prairie State Park and am completely self-employed now. 


The delivery jobs are starting to be too much and I am focusing on the Mary Kay more and more. The change of lifestyle has had much to do with the pain and inflammation.


There's so much that I've missed sharing with you all here and I do hope that, over time, as things slow down on my end with the delivery driving and more time is spent focused homeward, that we can catch up with one another a bit and renew our friendship. 

I wish you all a great week ahead and I do hope to see you all again very soon! 

Blessings,
~Rebecca

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Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Just Writing



I've been away for a long time and so many things have happened and changed that I could never catch up, but I feel like I need to write. 

Over the weekend our nation celebrated its 250th birthday. I hope that you and yours had a lovely 4th of July. I joined family and friends at Patrick and Amber's and enjoyed the holiday celebration between intermitten bouts of wind and rain.

Yesterday the alternator went out on my car (I purchased a 2011 Kia Sorento back in February). It's at my mechanic's now and will be fixed in a day or two. 

The sad thing is, I have a dear friend that was diagnosed with cancer just five days ago, that I had planned to go visit today. With the car down and other things going on this week, the trip was postponed until Friday. I got word just a few minutes ago that my dear friend from girlhood days passed away less than an hour ago. Please be in prayer for Nawassa's family.

I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now...and it really doesn't matter. The Lord knows all and He is more than able in any situation, but, not only am I sad, but I guess I am being a bit reflective maybe.

There has been so much loss in recent months and years that sometimes it is hard to fathom. Friday marks the five-year anniversary of my husband's death. Despite all I am soooo thankful to God for gifting us the family and friends that He has blessed us with. Not only have we been blessed as a family, but, though not generally recognized by the world, have known great wealth that will last throughout eternity. 

I watch my children and grandchildren struggle...spiritually, relationally, financially...life is hard. And, I realize at times...when I look at my own life and search trying to figure out where I belong and fit in now...how truly far I've fallen from the position that I used to be in...wife, homemaker, homeschooling mom, pastor's wife. Sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago...or maybe another life altogether. I feel fragmented and scattered.

I realize that there are different seasons and I've been in a new one for a long time, but still haven't found my footing. The only thing I know for absolute sure is that God is God, Jesus is real, and that God's Word is the only Truth that there is in this world. 

People, learn to be content. We are living in times that are unprecidented. 

Get in God's Word and study it daily. Love each other unconditionally, forgive freely, and allow one another the grace to make mistakes and to grow from them...to fall and rise again. Whatever problem you or your loved ones are facing...God's got the answer! Get in His Word and make it THE top priority of your day!

I don't know why I had to write today, but thank you for reading and bearing with me. I love you all and value your readership...even though I am THE flakiest and most inconsistant blogger online. God bless you all!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

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Tuesday, January 27, 2026

CHICKEN FAJITA SOUP

I made this for lunch today and it was absolutely delicious! I chose to omit the three optional ingredients, but I'm sure it would be just as good (maybe better) if added.


Photo Credit


CHICKEN FAJITA SOUP - (FP)

This simple, flavorful soup lends itself perfectly to the crockpot or electric pressure cooker. This is level 1 cooking—you can’t mess this up, so go ahead and wow your family! You have the option of making this more of a cream-based soup by adding in cream cheese, which makes it an S . . . your choice. It is great either way, so change things up!
Serves: 6

Ingredients

*2.5 lbs chicken breast (s) (boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (use breasts for FP and E), thawed if frozen)
*64 oz chicken broth (2 quarts chicken broth (with an optional 4 tablespoons Just Gelatin or Integral Collagen)
*10 oz Rotel tomatoes & chilies (1 10 to 12 oz. ounce) can Ro-tel-style diced tomatoes and green chilies)
*14.5 oz fire roasted tomatoes (1 14.5oz. can diced, fire-roasted tomatoes)
*10 oz frozen small-cut seasoning blend (1 10 to 12-oz.) bag frozen small-cut seasoning blend
*1 tsp mineral salt
*1 tsp black pepper
*1 tsp onion powder
*1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 to 6 garlic cloves, minced)
*1 tsp chili powder
* optional: 3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder (lfor an extra-awesome kick)
*optional: 8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese
* optional: lime wedges (for serving)


Instructions

*Put all the ingredients (except the cream cheese and lime wedges) in a crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours.
*If using the cream cheese, remove 1 cup of the hot broth and place it in a blender with the cream cheese. Blend until smooth, then stir into the crockpot.
*Remove the chicken and shred on a plate with 2 forks. Return to the pot, stir well to combine, and serve with a squirt of lime (if using).

MAKE A FAMILY MEAL:

*For the weight-loss plan, enjoy as is in a bowl for an FP or have the FP version with sprouted-grain toast or baked corn chips on the side and a garnish-size amount of cheese for an E.

*Want to have it as an S? Include the cream cheese. Or else leave it out and top with options of grated cheese, diced avocado, or perhaps a dollop of sour cream. Try one of the S-friendly bread sides with butter.

*Growing children can enjoy this with cheese and baked corn chips or another healthy carb such as buttered sprouted-grain bread for a Crossover.

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Monday, January 26, 2026

Photos From Weekend Winter Storm

We had our first good snow of the winter over the weekend. I haven't braved getting out and about yet, but here are few pics taken around the place Sunday morning...

The View From My Front Door

White Pine in Front Yard

Looking Down The North Alley

Van Tire in Drifted Snow


Who else got snow over the weekend and how much? We got around 7" or so here. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Books Read in 2025

 


Books Read in 2025

Well...it's been even longer now than it was before and, as you can see, I've still not mangaged to get started, keep up, or stay engaged. It is my hope that that will change in the coming days and that I will get back to blogging, even if only just a little. 

I will start here: I did manage to keep a list of books read throughtout 2025! 😀

As usual, you will see an odd variety of books in this list...some I read for work, some for personal interests; others are just kids books. I am a great fan of Lamplighter Publishing, so you will see several titles acquired through them.

Books Read in 2025


1. Food in Missouri - A Cultural Stew by Madeline Matson
2. The Passage From Darkness To Light by A.L.O.E (Lamplighter)
3. Hand of Vengeance by Douglas Bond
4. Hammer of the Huguenot by Douglas Bond
5. The Candle in the Window by Margaret Hill McCarter (Lamplighter)
6. Guns of Thunder by Douglas Bond (Faith & Freedom Trilogy - Book I)
7. Guns of The Lion by Douglas Bond (Faith & Freedom Trilogy - Book II)
8, Guns of Providence by Douglas Bond (Faith & Freedom Trilogy - Book III)
9. Truman's Birthplace - Lamar, Missouri by Reba Young
10. The Brave Heart - (The Fatherland Series - Translated From The German Of Franz Hoffmann (Lamplighter)
11. The Lamplighter by Maria S. Cumins (Lamplighter)
12. The Buffalo Wallow - A Prairie Boyhood by Charles Tenney Jackson
13. Exiles in Babylon by A.L.O.E (Lamplighter)
14. Miracles Happen by Mary Kay Ash
15. The Case of the Missing Stamp by K. M. MacLeod (Lamplighter)
16. The Runner by Frances Browne (Lamplighter)
17. A Crow Doesn't Need A Shadow - A Guide to Writing Poetry From Nature by Lorraine Ferra
18. Lighthouse Hero by M.B. Paxton (Lamplighter)
19. Bonny Kate - Pioneer Lady by Mark Strength
20. The Language of Rivers and Stars by Seth Lewis
21. Bonny Kate's Honeymoon - Victory at King's Mountain by Mark Strength
22. North Carolina Myths & Legends - The True Stories Behind History's Mysteries by Sara Pitzer
23. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

That's what was on my reading list in 2025. What was on yours? Feel free to share some of your favorite titles in the comments section below.

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Wednesday, June 25, 2025

It's Been A Long Time

Despite my best intentions to stay focused, follow-through, and keep on-target, here I am...the entire spring season has passed with only a single post and, suddenly, I feel like I've just awakened in the hot days of summer!


So much has happened since my last post (dated 4/1/25) that I won't even attempt to catch up. For today it is enough to just drop in, say 'hello', and see if anyone is even still out there. I sure hope so and I do apologize for my inconsistency. It tends to be an ongoing problem and one that I am determined to correct...somehow! 🙄

How's everyone out there in blogland doing? I pray that all is well with you and your family and that you are greatly enjoying the summer season in all its beauty!



I used to hate summer, but don't seem to mind it so much anymore. In fact, I find that there are certain aspects of summer that I actually embrace and enjoy now. I still don't like the heat, but I also don't like the cold of winter anymore, either, like I used to, so go figure...eh? 

Anyway...

So what's everyone been up to? Here I've pretty much been doing the same ol' same ol' with a lot of extra stuff loaded up on top of it.



I'm still at the park and am still working hard to get my Mary Kay business off the ground and built. I've actually not done too bad with it. I've earned my Red Jacket Hall of Fame and am headed to Seminar next month...which is both exciting and very scary!



I'm still working on health and healing (spirit, soul, and body) and still struggle with grief at times (John will have been gone four years come July 10th), BUT I am learning to overcome on multiple levels. Some days are definitely worse than others, but, overall, I think I'm doing okay. Some days I do wonder though! Most days I feel like I'm 63 going on 16; some days it's ridiculous! 🙄

Today promises to be busy and I need to get going, but, I wanted to drop in and say hello. I have much on my mind and definitely need to get back on (and stay on) track. In the past consistant blogging has helped with that by putting everything in writing and making myself somewhat accountable to others. 

I do hope to be with you again very soon. Please drop me a note in the comments below just letting me that you're still here. I would love to hear from you and perhaps we can share our summer adventures together! 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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