Bright Friday

You know, I'm not all that keen on all the Black Friday stuff. Therefore, I propose an alternative: Bright Friday! Isn't Christmas supposed to be positive and filled with good things? Isn't it supposed to be full of cheer and the spirit of generosity? Shouldn't the start of something good have a name that sounds positive rather than negative? "Black Friday" has always sounded a little gloomy and daunting to me; and for some people who have been trampled, injured, and killed in those crazy stampedes, it has definitely lived up to that title.  

I don't know about you, but standing in line to buy a bunch of stuff doesn't sound as fulfilling or appealing as standing at a kettle stand to ring the bell for charity. So, if you'd rather skip the shopping frenzy and put that generous/gifting spirit to better use, please, volunteer to bell-ring! In my county, we have very few people who have signed up for Friday. Maybe everyone is going to be too busy shopping or maybe they are just opting out of being around the chaos that day. Totally understandable. I get it. However, being that this IS a high trafficked day, it's a very CRUCIAL day to get volunteers. Filled shifts on big shopping days have a higher probability of raising more money to help local needy families; families who more than likely don't have enough money to shop on Black Friday (or even basic needs on ANY day, for that matter). Not only can they not afford gifts for under the Christmas tree, but probably not much food on their tables either.....UNLESS we can raise plenty of money to help. The many children who are hoping to receive clothing items, toys, etc. will only wake up to find those things on Christmas morning if we have the means to provide it for them. Hopefully, they'll even have more food to eat if our pantry shelves have more to offer as well. Please, ring the bell for at least an hour. Even if it's not on Friday, just pick at least ONE day! 

I know that no matter what I say, there's going to be a ton of people out shopping anyways; and that's ok. I'm not trying to condemn shopping (anyone that knows me knows that I could NEVER do that lol!). I'm just advocating a balance because even though we're all going to be shopping at some point, it's important not to lose sight of the bigger picture. I'm obviously going to have Christmas shopping to do too, though I have no "battle plan" for it. I'm just more determined than ever this year to stay focused on what matters. It's not just because I work for The Salvation Army now, but because each year I get more tired of the "hype" because I'm yearning for the "heart" of Christmas. Is it just me, or is there anyone else that feels that way too? I just want to give, not get. December the 25th is when we celebrate the birth of Christ and yet, we get all the presents? I'd rather just give to Him (and to others in TRUE need) in His name. I want to experience Christmas...for REAL! How about you? What's your reason to celebrate the season?

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I was going to take a moment to talk about the "special" Team Beachbody deals here at the end, but I really don't care anymore. You're welcome to visit www.infusion413.com to see, but if you only have time to visit just one link, pick www.registertoring.com . It's the BEST deal for you and for the people you would be helping! I truly mean that! Have a BRIGHT Friday! Be careful out there; whether you're shopping or volunteering (or both). Grab a friend (or a group of friends) and ring together! :) Be safe, stay warm, and take care of yourself! Be infused! God bless you! 

The Never-ending Thanksgiving

Today is December 1st. Shopping season has officially kicked off with Black Friday and all its deals. People are putting up their Christmas trees and soon, another year will officially wrap up. I don't know about you, but my own heart echoed my pastor's statement this morning when he talked about not wanting Thanksgiving to end yet! I'm not talking about having a never ending turkey feast or anything. I'm talking about the whole essence of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I feel like it puts a lot of things in perspective and generally helps people to remember to have an attitude of gratitude. It's a shame that that spirit doesn't always continue year round. People are far too selfish and negative these days.

I was so blessed by the message at church today. Our pastor always has such a great heart behind every sermon. He encouraged us to be thankful for everything and for one another. And, like the message in the video that they showed, to remember that no matter how "messy" life gets, God is good! Watch this video! It's very touching (and quite hilarious as well lol).

My life has really been "messy" in these past three years. Those of you closest to me know what I'm talking about. Now, I feel like God has truly been putting things back in order. Sometimes, we are the most thankful after overcoming the most pain. I look back on all that I've been through and I just marvel at where I am now. I am in awe of it all and what God has, is, and will continue to do in my life. It increases my thankfulness to Him more and more all the time! I just can't get over it! He's done so much for me and is teaching me so many things! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you have had a great week! Carry that spirit of thankfulness with you each and every day! Express it to God for all He has done for you! Make it your first item of business in your prayers; thank Him for all He has done/given before you ask for more! Let Thanksgiving be never-ending in your life! Be infused! God bless you!

"Leftover" Recipes

Thanksgiving is over and you know what that means?! No, I'm not talking about Black Friday (although, Team Beachbody still has their amazing Black Friday deal going on for a few more days yet!). I'm talking about Thanksgiving leftovers!!

So, what are you going to do with all that turkey that didn't get eaten? Well, there are lots of ways to reinvent Thanksgiving with some awesome "leftover" recipes! Does turkey soup sound good? It sure looks good! Though, soup or no soup, I LOVE turkey so I don't mind eating it for a good long while! ;) Turkey is full of protein so it's a win-win anyways!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you're having a great weekend! Be infused! God bless you!

What Are YOU Thankful For?

I'm sitting here watching "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" on TV (love this movie lol) and just relaxing after a wonderful Thanksgiving day with my family. Food, fellowship, and football. It doesn't get any better than that!

So, now it's time for my daily blog, but I've got nothin' lol. Who wants to use their brains or do much of anything after a day like today, right? Though, there are people that are probably out at the stores getting ready to work off those Thanksgiving calories for good deals! So, I guess for this q & a Thursday, I have a question to ask rather than answer. What are you all doing tonight? Did you get enough to eat? Or, were you the ones feeding people. I know at least a couple that were out there feeding some less fortunate people (mad props to you!). Are you getting ready to go shopping now?


Though, the main question I have for you is "what are you thankful for?" I have a long list of blessings that I am thankful for! Every day this month, I have been posting my thanks on Facebook and have been enjoying reflecting on everything God has blessed me with! I have an AMAZING family, some REALLY great friends, my kids, a new house, a job that I love, and so much more! God takes care of us and we have so much!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I would be REALLY grateful for your comments! :) Let me know how you're doing! I hope everyone is having a blessed and safe holiday!! Be infused! God bless you!

Eating Turkey Without Feeling Like One

In just two days, most of us will be gathering around the table for our Thanksgiving meal with our family. That likely means turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and lots of other foods. With so much around the table, how are you supposed to enjoy it all without feeling like you're just as stuffed as the turkey itself?

First of all, don't feel like you have to pile your plate high and try everything! If you DO want to sample most of it, do just that: take SAMPLE sizes. A little bit of this and that is fine; or just focus on your favorites. Eat leisurely and enjoy! Watch some football while you space out your eating a little bit.

Secondly, don't laze around! Keep moving a little bit. Play with the kids in your family, walk around/chat with someone, or help clean up the kitchen. Find something to do that's active as well as stimulating. Enjoy your time with family and make some memories while you're at it!

Lastly, don't feel bad for enjoying any of it! Whether you're dieting or not, it's great to have a temporary break and not worry about "forbidden" foods. Some of our favorites only come once a year, so allow yourself the pleasure of eating it; but don't overdo it!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you enjoy this wonderful week! We all have a lot to be thankful for! I know I do! Be infused! God bless you!