Everybody's Done It, Right?

Well, here’s a laugh at my expense…and I am not talking about the time recently where I was filling up my gas tank, and the wind blew knocking me off my heels and splattering gasoline all over me…not that time. No, I am talking about falling in the toilet yesterday, but it gets better.

You see, I started another liquid fast earlier this week, so I am making more frequent trips to the restroom than usual. I know, TMI. But, I had “to go,” so I hurried down the hall from my office to the LADIES restroom…where no one EVER leaves the toilet seat up. Why…because it is a ladies restroom! I would probably have been more observant had I been in my own home, but no. And well, you know the drill; I quickly unzip my pants and prepare to sit. Just before my bum reached the bowl, I noticed! Too late though. I had already committed, and in a failed attempt to save myself, I slipped in my high heels which resulted in ripped pants, a broken zipper and a really cold, wet behind. Go ahead and laugh. I mean, I didn't, but I am now. Luckily, this happened as I was finishing up my work day!

But worst of all, it was one of my 3 pairs of pants that I got for $.97! (You would need to have read one of my older blogs to understand.) I’ve probably worn them about 20 times, so I guess I got my money’s worth. {sigh}

Therefore, the quest to search for a new bargain and a new pair of brown pants has commenced! A pair of dress pants cheaper than $.97 might be hard to beat though.

So Easy a Caveman Could Do It

When I was growing up, my mom always made gumbo at the first sign of fall. And with the first cool breeze passing though recently, that's exactly what I did, too. It is a tradition that most cajuns have adopted and one that I eagerly anticipate all year. For some reason the chill in the air paired with warm soup just does something for the soul. Whether you're sick and sipping down some hot chicken soup or enjoying a tasty bisque on a lazy afternoon, I find that soups in general have a soothing and comforting effect.

Well, last year I tried a new recipe for Corn & Crawfish Bisque (compliments of my cousin), and I just made another pot of it on Monday. This time, however, I substituted the crawfish for potatoes, or I suppose you could substitute it for shrimp as well. This recipe is so easy and delicious that I just had to share it. And all you really need is a can opener! For those interested, I will post it below:

Ingredients:
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can cream of celery
1 can cream of potato
1 can Rotel
1 can creamed corn
1 can regular corn
3 cans milk (or 3 cups of milk)
16 oz velveeta cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 package crawfish tails (optional)

Directions:
In large pot, add all 3 cans of soup, milk, butter and the velveeta cheese (cut into cubes). Turn heat on medium, stirring often, until all cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. Then add the Rotel tomatoes, creamed corn, regular corn, crawfish tails (defrosted) and salt & pepper to taste. I actually like to season with a bit of Tony's (of course), but due to the crawfish and the Rotel tomatoes, you may not need any other seasoning. Turn heat down to medium/low and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve and enjoy!!!

Beautiful? Blah...

How can you possibly still be beautiful when you feel sick, look ill and have no interest in caring if true beauty is portrayed from within or not? Honestly, let me tell you what I feel like today. My head hurts. My sinuses are stopped up. My face is swollen, and I can't stop sneezing. I put on very little make-up this morning, threw some gel in my hair and could really care less if anyone saw me. I am trying not to talk because I sound like a nasally frog. I'm tired and ready to crawl in bed with some NyQuil. I don't feel that friendly which could easily be mistaken for rudeness, BUT I am at work and have errands to run. So, time to throw on a half-smile and get to it...

While at the store, I was engrossed in my own agenda just trying to get what I needed and head out without anyone noticing that I looked a mess. I mean, it's North Dallas where everything is bling, glitz and glam! But someone WAS watching me. Not in a weird, creepy sort of way though. As I was standing in line, I noticed this lady was staring at me. I politely smiled, and then she said the last thing I would have expected. "Wow, I just wanted to tell you that you are sooooo beautiful!"

WTHeck?!? I was so shocked that I ran straight to the bathroom when I got back to the office to see if I could see what she saw...well, that and I had to blow my nose. Nope, I still looked and felt like I did the last time I checked. So, if it wasn't outer beauty and she never had a chance to judge my inner beauty, then what was it that she saw?

This instance reminded me that we are made of a body, soul AND spirit; all of which are crafted in God's image. Since the body and soul were weary, I can only conclude that it must have been my spirit that she saw or felt. Something different, something beautiful. But how and why?

I believe that when we are surrendered to Christ, our spirit man undoubtedly reflects Him which also allows Him to shine through even when we are at our dullest moments physically. Now how beautiful is that?

But I guess if you look at the flip side of the coin, it could also mean that even the most beautiful person can still be ugly if their spirit man is a reflection of something other than Christ. And given today's assessment, it seems like some people subconsciously pay attention to that stuff...or at least their spirit does!

So, apparently our spirit is a mirror. Who are we reflecting?

P.S. Normally, I would have NEVER uploaded a pic like that! lol