Uncompromising Abandonment

You've heard me say before, Jon Walker is one of my favorite devotional writers. Today's message brought to mind the days of sitting across the kitchen table from my Dad when I had disobeyed. I was a pleaser by nature, but upon a few occassions I decided own way (in direct contrast to that of my parents) was a better option. I vividly remember one particular kitchen discussion. My Dad asked "Do you love your Mom and I?" "Yes." "I mean really love us?" "Of course, I do, Dad." His response, "I don't think you do." I felt my eyes grow wide in surprise. "If you loved us, really loved us, you would have obeyed our wishes out of respect." Gulp. Then on a sheet of paper, he wrote

"Love + Respect = Obedience."

He looked at me and said, "it's that simple" and then he got up from the table and walked away. One of the most powerful (and lasting) things he ever taught me.

So how does this relate to Jon Walker's message? It's based on John 14:15 "If you love me" (really love me), "you will obey what I command."

*** *** *** ***
When Jesus speaks of love, he allows no room for sentimental fantasy or momentary emotion. He sees love through the eyes of the Father, who models love by being Love. God-Love is bold, strong, and sacrificial. God is not afraid to wade into the mess of things to rescue those in need of holy love.

God plants this love inside us, but it grows healthy in the soil of abandonment. We abandon our rights, our judgments, our opinions, and our schemes. Jesus is uncompromising in his abandonment, saying he says and does only what the Father tells him to do (John 14:10). Then, he carried uncompromising abandonment on his back up the hill called Golgotha.

In order to grow Jesus-Ones, we, too, need to abandon anything that sets us in rebellion to the Father. The Jesus-life requires that our thoughts and plans become so close to the Father’s that we appear as one with him, just as a married couple, deeply abandoned to each other, appear to live as one.

Jesus says, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15, NIV) Walk around that statement and open you eyes to this: Jesus isn’t reducing love to dutiful acts of obedience; he’s saying your love for him should compel you to agree with his plans and to carry out his purposes, not your own.

Abandonment is possible because you have Jesus within (Christ-in-you), helping you to love and obey. Let him lead you to that place where you heart begins to beat so closely with God’s that it’s difficult to distinguish between the two. Love God, and in the intimacy of that love, do what pleases him – that is, obey his heart.

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Great Food, Special Friends, Happy Hearts

Hope you and yours had a lovely weekend! We had a wonderful time Saturday night at the home of our friends, the Robertsons. They are an absolutely delightful family and we always enjoy time spent with them, so we had very much looked forward to getting together.

For dinner, they had planned pizza on the grill, something completely new to me. The Robertsons (and others I've since spoken to) have been doing it for some time. I love pizza in almost any form, so I couldn't wait to try it!

When we arrived, Tracy was busy preparing the dough...


A few moments later, after a light toasting on the grill, they were ready for toppings...

There were a huge array of toppings, including many veggies and herbs fresh from their garden. Here is Anna, showing us how it's done...

A layer of cheese and then they went back on the grill under Dale's skillful hand. (Too bad this isn't "smell-o-vision." The aroma was heavenly.)

Voila! The finished product!

Some were not only a feast for the tummy, but for the eyes, as well. Look at the beautiful array of toppings on this one...DELICIOUS!

I absolutely loved the pizza made this way and would love to try it on my own. It was great fun to do this with a group of people. = )

A little later, it was was time for dessert. Oh.my.goodness! True to form, they had not one, but three desserts...everyone of which was exceptional. First, my all-time favorite, pumpkin roll made by Tracy (be still my heart!)

Then, an amazing berry trifle, made by Brittany...

And lastly, some of the best chocolate cake I've ever had, made by Rachel.

The rest of the evening was spent on their beautiful back porch. Unseasonably cool temps and the glow of candlelight provided the perfect atmosphere for sharing stories and lots of laughter with these special friends. A wonderful evening, indeed. = )

For the Love of Quotes

Are you like me...do you just love great quotes? At any given time, I have several that bounce around in my head. They challenge, encourage, admonish and inspire me.

Earlier this summer, I read an aweseome quote on Beth Moore's blog. It's by Mark Batterson, Pastor of the National Community Church in Washington, D.C. As I read it this morning, I realized it has captured my attention almost daily since I printed and posted it over my desk in May. Today, I've decided to pass it along. It's a keeper...

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this or feel free to share one of your favorite quotes in the comments.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Encouragement for your Monday

(photo courtesy of Google images)

Brighten Your Corner

We cannot all be famous
Or be listed in "Who's Who,"
But every person, great or small,
Has important work to do.

For seldom do we realize
The importance of small deeds,
Or to what degree of greatness
Unnoticed kindness leads.

For it's not the big celebrity
In a world of fame and praise,
But it's doing unpretentiously
In an undistinguished way.

The work that God assigned to us,
Unimportant as it seems,
That makes our task outstanding,
And brings reality to dreams.

So do not sit and idly wish
For wider, new dimensions
where you can put into practice,
Your many good intentions.

But at the spot God placed you
Begin at once to do,
Little things to brighten up
The lives surrounding you.

If everybody brightened up
The spot where their standing,
By being more considerate,
And a little less demanding.

This dark old world would very soon
Eclipse the evening star,
If everybody brightened up
The corner where they are!

~Helen Steiner Rice

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #16

(photo courtesy of meowsap of Deviant Art)


Above all else, guard your heart,

for it is the wellspring of life.
~ Proverbs 4:23

Make New Friends But Keep the Old...One is Silver But the Other is Gold

This past Sunday brought a sweet reunion with a friend I hadn’t seen for six years. It was wonderful! Our "lunch" together stretched into several hours of “catching up.” (Truth is, we could have kept on talking, but dinner was fast approaching!)

Angela and I met waaaaay back in 6th or 7th grade at church. She was the first girl who befriended me there. I actually remember thinking she was really pretty and wondering if she was nice. I was so happy to discover she was in fact, nice and she wanted to be my friend. = ) (Something else I vividly remember was her incredibly cool "I'm a Pepper” shirt…LOL).

We were different in as many ways as we were alike, yet still became great friends. Throughout middle school, we went to GA’s and Sunday school together, and though we attended rival high schools, went to youth group together, as well. We shared phone chats, mission trips, youth choir, sleepovers and double-dates. We were there for one another’s weddings, worked and carpooled together, shared countless conversations over lunch and breakfast and walked with one another through some difficult journeys. As life continued on, there were sometimes weeks or months between contacts, but we’d always pick up right where we left off.

A few years back, as Brennan was heading into high school and we were in the midst of caring for Tom’s Aunt Helen, Angela had a new baby, and not long thereafter her family moved out of the immediate area. For the first time, we lost touch with one another. A year or so later, she contacted me by e-mail asking if we could get together. It was an especially challenging time. Between Aunt Helen's increasing needs, work, Brennan's activities and assisting in youth group, we felt stretched to our limit. I planned to write her and explain that though I'd love to see her, it was a really bad time, but I kept putting it off. Weeks turned into months and then months to years. I truly missed her and wondered how she was doing, but felt ashamed for never getting back to her, and then for letting all that time slip by with no contact.

A couple of years ago, I joined Facebook and began hearing from some old high school friends. By now, life had settled down substantially and I was truly hoping Angela and I would cross paths. I searched for her (on Facebook) several times, with no success. Then, last month, I returned from vacation to find a "friend request” waiting. It was from ANGELA!!! I was thrilled. Immediately I wrote to her and we began “catching up.” It broke my heart to learn that all that time, she thought I was upset or angry with her. I assured her nothing could be further from the truth. We immediately began planning for our reunion lunch and set the date. I literally couldn’t wait.

Our time together on Sunday was great, just as I had hoped. She is such a treasure. I sat across the table from her as we reminisced and shared with a renewed appreciation for her dear friendship. How I had missed her (especially her laugh!) I'm now more determined than ever to cherish her and our friendship in the years to come.

I headed home from our lunch with a full and grateful heart. Grateful she cared enough to search for me and make contact again, and especially to the God who knit our hearts together all those years ago.

"Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure." Jewish Proverb.

Special People + Bridal Shower + Road Trip = Great Memories

This time last weekend I was on a road trip. My travelling companions? Breezy (my daughter-in-law-to-be), her Mom, Lisa and her Aunt Shawn. Our destination? Youngstown, Ohio (about a 5 hour trip). The occasion? A bridal shower for our sweet girl, given by her Aunt Kristin.

They picked me up at 9:00 am Friday morning and after a quick trip to Starbucks, we were on the road. Our plan was to arrive at the home of Breezy’s Aunt Kristin in Columbus (on the way) for lunch. It normally takes about two hours to get there, but due to heavy construction and an overturned semi, it took almost four. We finally arrived at Kristin’s home, and after a warm welcome by her and her husband, Andy, we were ushered inside to enjoy the wonderful lunch she had prepared for us. Oven Fried chicken, Caesar salad and fruit. Delicious! And then…Kristin’s specialty, “Kolache” (an Italian nut roll) for dessert . (It was simply amazing!)

After lunch, we were back on the road, this time we followed Kristin, who had kidnapped Breezy for the ride. = ) More construction, a missed exit, more traffic and we finally arrived in Youngstown and got checked into our hotel around 7. Breezy’s Dad, John (Kristin’s brother) had come into town to surprise her. = )

I knew Breezy’s family was Italian. What I didn’t know was that Youngstown, Ohio was known as “little Italy.” There are Italian restaurants everywhere. We ate dinner that night at a pizzeria called “Inner Circle.” We tried an assortment of different menu items, all of which were very good. We had a great time, chatting and hearing stories from Kristin and John.

After a relaxing Saturday morning, we got ready for the bridal shower. It was a luncheon at a wonderful (of course, Italian) restaurant called Caffe Capri in the absolutely beautiful “Mama Q Room.”

The host & the guest of honor. = )

The tables looked lovely! Breezy’s love of coffee inspired Kristin’s choices for decor and favors...


Each table had a centerpiece containing various kinds of coffee. There were coffee beans scattered all around, then iced coffee and three different types of flavored coffees from which to choose. Each place setting had a chocolate spoon, a coffee scented candle, chocolate covered coffee beans as well as a darling pen that was personalized with a tiny little coffee cup!

Breezy's Mom, Lisa and her Aunt Shawn playing Bridal Bingo.


When it was time for lunch, we first enjoyed a wonderful salad, followed by the delicious entree, Chicken Marsala. The side dishes (green beans with almonds and gnocchi) were served family style. (It was the first time I'd ever tried gnocchi and I thought it was terrific!) My absolute favorite part of the meal, however was dessert...tiramisu. The portions were huge and I unapologetically ate every bite. = )

Is that not just a thing of beauty!? ; )

And now...gifts!


The shower was a wonderful & joy-filled occasion, with two especially touching moments. First, at the start of the shower, Kristin asked Breezy to share the story of how Brennan proposed. As she told the story, she got a bit emotional, which resulted in many teary eyes. (I especially enjoyed hearing this sweet story from her perspective.)

Later, when only one gift remained, Kristin explained that though it was from her, it was being given in honor of Breezy's Grandma, who passed away last year. "Grandma Sandy" had always loved buying snowglobes for Breezy. Needless to say, as she opened this, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. It's a bride and groom and the inscription reads, "Love is not about who you live with... it's about who you can't live without." What a fitting end to a very special occasion.

We so enjoyed the remainder of our weekend (even that long drive home!) Great memories that will last a lifetime. How I love this precious girl and her dear family!

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #14 & 15

Lest you think I had forgotten about the Scripture Memory Challenge, I wanted to share with you my current passage, but first the one that happened to fall during my vacation last month...

As I sat on the beach, staring out at the vast ocean, I couldn't help but think of our Creator. Beautiful water in varying shades of blue as far as your eye can see, endless waves lightly tumbling onto the sand -- so incredibly peaceful and calming.

As each day came to a close, we looked forward to yet another breathtaking display as the glorious sunset painted its way across the sky. I've always loved sunsets, but they seem especially beautiful to me when viewed from the beach. = ) They never fail to bring to mind God's glory and magnificent artistry, which couldn't help but inspire my scripture selection. I thought Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV) described it perfectly:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge."

As I consider my current scripture (as with all previous choices), it is especially meaningful to me at the present time, as well.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

You may remember I mentioned in a previous post that Tom has been awaiting word about the possible outsourcing of his job. Well, we learned yesterday the firm is going forward with the outsourcing contract. While the affected 12 employees will have the opportunity to interview, there are no guarantees of employment. In addition, the outsource company has decided to eliminate 3 of the 12 positions (as yet unnamed). This process should be complete by October 1st.

Unsettling? No doubt. Some of those affected have been employed by the firm for many years. They never imagined anything like this could happen. Tom was able to make several different contacts yesterday/last night and he will of course, continue to do so as well as interview with the outsource company. Although it's hard to think we may be entering into a long and difficult "season," we both truly have a definite measure of peace. This entire matter rests in God's capable hands. That's right, the same God who created that vast ocean, and those beautiful sunsets knows and cares about our every need. I'm' reminded of other challenging times when He not only provided for our needs, but often far exceeded them. He has proven himself trustworthy time and time again.

Maybe you or someone you know is in a similar situation at this time. Friends, be encouraged by this promise. Not only can we trust the Lord to meet our every need, we can also trust Him to bring peace to our soul. We need only narrow our gaze and keep our hearts and minds fixed on Him, rather than the circumstances that surround us. One of the best ways to do that is through prayer and memorizing scripture...why not join me and start with this one? I'm praying for you...

Blessed Be the Tie that Binds

Last week, we were incredibly privileged to spend an evening with some of the dearest people in all the world! It was a gathering of former youth group staff and their families, as well as members of our praise band (nearly 70 people!) for a truly special occassion. Our former youth pastor, his wife and their children were home from the mission field in Ireland!

Pastor Mark (affectionately known as "PM"), Andrea and their children left for Ireland a little over two years ago. Although several friends have made the trip to Ireland to visit them, we weren't expecting to see their family here in the states for several years when they would be on furlough.

PM and Andrea had a thriving youth mininistry in our church. God used his incredible gifts of teaching and worship to influence scores of teens over the years. Andrea is one of the most supportive and loving ministry wives I've ever known. She too has such a heart for others, teens and adults alike...an amazing encourager. When she hugs you, you have been hugged! (Do you know what I mean?) They are both so well loved by so many.

Tom and I were absolutely privileged to be a part of youth staff for several years, and we wouldn't trade those years for anything. The insight it gave into PM's heart was incredible. When he shared several years ago how the Lord was leading them toward missions, we were thrilled and heartbroken all at once. For more than two years, they made necessary preparations to transition their family into life in Ireland.

God began working through them almost immediately in a number of ways. Though "ministry" there looks entirely different than ministry here, they are more convinced than ever they are exactly where God wants them. Their school age children have adjusted beautifully. Both PM and Andrea say there is no place they'd rather be serving.

PM sharing some stories about how God is moving in Ireland.

Andrea, Baby Kate and Aisling. Would you believe this beautiful girl is from their college cell group in Ireland?! Aisling is an absolute delight. She knew that PM and Andrea were planning a trip home. She didn't tell them she too was preparing for her own visit to "the states" and instead surprised them by being there that night, as well! Amazing!

The joy and laughter that filled the air was unforgettable. (We didn't want to leave!) The really beautiful thing about that evening? For those few hours, it was as if they had never left. God has knit these hearts together with ties that truly bind.

Rick (soon to be joining PM in ministry with his family in Ireland), PM, former praise band member & friend, Micah, my husband, Tom.

Long time, beloved youth leader, Lori, Brenda (also home for a few weeks from Shanghai where her husband works and where she has a wonderful ministry to women) and Julie (who serves our junior high with her husband)

Jared & Josh -- these two can do just about anything and they were key to PM's ministry with the youth group. They created event videos, ran power point, sound board, you name it. They're both great guys and truly humble servants.

Alex with her parents, long-time, well-loved youth leaders, Janelle & Todd

Two more beloved former youth staff member, Tracy & Steve

After an amazing time of fellowship, PM joined up with two former praise band members (our friend, Dave and our son, Brennan) and played praise music for a couple of hours. It was incredible to be able to worship with him again.

PM & Andrea's precious daughter, Aislinn. We were completely captivated by her during praise & worship. She knew every word!

Another very special couple and the hosts for this wonderful celebration,
Tim & Lori

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

We share each other’s woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

At Last!!!

Hello friends! Hope this finds you well. Can't believe it's been almost 3 weeks since my last post. During that time, we enjoyed a wonderful family vacation in Florida. We arrived back home last Sunday and literally hit the ground running. It has been a very busy week! Now that things seem to be slowing down a bit, I want to share with you some vacation highlights.


I have to be honest. Initially, I really didn't want to take this trip. Although things had settled down somewhat with my Dad, and my niece did not need surgery, it still seemed like a bad time to go away. Tom has been awaiting word for three months now about a possible outsourcing of his job, Brennan's wedding is only a couple of months away, etc.
Tom reasoned if his job were outsourced, he could very well lose any vacation days he had earned and this would be our last opportunity to take a vacation with Brennan before his wedding. Lastly, he reminded me of our 25th wedding anniversary this year. (We had agreed a few months back to postpone any big plans to celebrate until after Brennan and Breezy's wedding.) Tom persisted. I called my sister, who confidently assured me things were well under control at home. Soon, the Lord begin to set my mind at ease about the other details. Things fell into place and before long, we were boarding a plane to Florida.

If I told you everything went perfectly (without a hitch),that would be untrue. Like most vacations, there were a few disappointments. HOWEVER, in the big picture, those things pale in comparison to the incredible memories we made on this trip. We spent several days in Naples, Florida, visiting our favorite beaches, spending hours talking and playing in the pool, enjoying great dinners, etc.

We then headed north for a few days to Longboat Key and surrounding areas. As it turns out, Brianna (Brennan's fiancee) was there with her Mom visiting her Grandparents at the same time (Tom and I had no idea of this when we planned our trip.) We spent several days doing things together with them, which proved to be great bonding time for our two families. Brianna's Grandparents have been coming to Longboat Key every summer for 10 years now, so they know about all the wonderful restaurants and fun things to do. One of their absolute favorite things to do (and also one of ours) is simply enjoying the gorgeous beach, particularly at sunset. We spent hours walking, shelling, playing in the water and talking.

Truly, the most amazing memory of the entire trip was something I can still hardly believe we did. Tom, Brennan and I went PARASAILING!! It was incredible! Before this trip, I would have NEVER thought of doing such a thing. First, because I'm afraid of heights and second, I can't swim! It was Tom's idea, so he was very excited. Brennan loves adventure, so he was definitely onboard. With the assurance I would have a life jacket and the potential we could all go up together, I agreed. (Scared or not, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to experience something so exciting with my guys!) Now, after having done it, let me just tell you it was one of the most amazing things I've ever done. I would do it again, in a heartbeat! The winds were favorable that particular day, so all three of us were able to go up together. You may be surprised to know it was incredibly quiet and peaceful. Believe it or not, we were able to talk to one another the entire time in a normal tone of voice. AMAZING! We all loved it and unanimously decided the experience is in our top 5 family memories of all time. If you've never done it, I highly recommend it.

This truly turned out to be one of our best family vacations, I'm so very glad we went. If you'd like to see some of our photos, click on the album below...enjoy!

Florida - 2009

from Streams in the Desert

(photo courtesy of Google images)

He made me into a polished arrow. (Isaiah 49:2)

Pebble Beach, on the California coast, has become quite famous for the beautiful pebbles found there. The raging white surf continually roars, thundering and pounding against the rocks on the shore. These stones are trapped in the arms of the merciless waves. They are tossed, rolled, rubbed together, and ground against the sharp edges of the cliffs. Both day and night, this process of grinding continues relentlessly. And what is the result?

Tourists from around the world flock there to collect the beautiful round stones. They display them in cabinets and use them to decorate their homes. Yet a little farther up the coast, just around the point of the cliff, is a quiet cove. Protected from the face of the ocean, sheltered from the storms, and always in the sun, the sands are covered with an abundance of pebbles never sought by the travelers.

So why have these stones been left untouched through all the years? Simply because they have escaped all the turmoil and the grinding of the waves. The quietness and peace have left them as they have always been -- rough, unpolished, and devoid of beauty -- for polish is the result of difficulties.

Since God knows what a niche we are to fill, let us trust Him to shape us to it. And since He knows what work we are to do, let us trust Him to grind us so we will be properly prepared.

O blows that strike! O hurts that pierce

This fainting heart of mine!
What are you but the Master's tools
Forming a work Divine?

~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Friends, wherever God has us right now, let us fully surrender our hearts to the task. May we allow Him to do his best refining work through our greatest struggles and difficulties. I'm praying for you. Be blessed this day.

Happy Independence Day Weekend!!!

Hope you and yours have a glorious weekend celebrating all the wonderful blessings we have in this great nation. We'll be celebrating with Brianna's family tonight. No doubt it will be a great time! Tomorrow morning, the 5K run will pass in front of our house as we play patriotic music and cheer people of all ages (especially our friend, Jennifer taking part this year!) Tom has nearly 50 small flags decorating our front yard. = ) Tomorrow night, we'll watch our city's annual fireworks display. Always an impressive show.

I've been busy in the kitchen today, making desserts for tonight. I'm going to share two of them with you! First...a long-time family favorite, Banana Split Cake!

Although it's name suggests "cake," there is absolutely no baking involved in making this little treat. It's a graham cracker crust, covered by a layer of creamy (or more appropriately.... "dreamy") deliciousness, fruit, whipped cream, maraschino cherries and today, (in honor of 4th of July) blue sprinkles! I received this recipe from a co-worker many years ago. It's always a hit! (Particularly during the summer when you may not want to use your oven.)

Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 stick of margarine, melted

"Cake"
2 cups confectioner's sugar
2 eggs
3-4 bananas (peeled, sliced and spritzed with lemon juice or Sprite)
1 can (13 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
Large bowl - Cool Whip
2 sticks of margarine, softened
maraschino cherries, drained (optional)
nuts, crushed (optional)

Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Spread into 9 x 13 pan and refrigerate. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, confectioner's sugar and 2 sticks of softened margarine, beat at a high speed for 15 minutes (this is not a typo). Pour this mixture over the crust. Slice bananas and layer on top (remember to spritz them with Sprite or lemon juice so they don't brown). Then, using a fork, gently place crushed pineapple over the entire layer. Cover this layer with Cool Whip. If desired, sprinkle with finely chopped nuts of your choice. (I usually offer them separately as I cut each serving, instead.) Garnish with maraschino cherries. Refrigerate. Serves 12-15. (Tastes best if it can sit for several hours.) Enjoy!!!

If you're looking for something a little more low-fat, try this one...Weight Watchers Crustless Strawberry Pie! Loaded with flavor and couldn't be simpler to make. Best of all, only 1 point per slice!!! = )

(photo courtesy of Google Images)

4 cups strawberries, sliced
1 small box, vanilla cook & serve pudding (not instant)
2 cups water
1 small box of sugar-free strawberry gelatin

Pour strawberries into pie plate (deep dish works best), set aside. On the stove, combine the pudding and water. Stir occassionally while heating. When mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat and pour in the strawberry gelatin (powder). Stir with a wisk so that all the gelatin dissolves. Let cool to room temperature, then pour over strawberries. It's that simple!!! (Truly, this is a huge payoff for minimal effort.) Refrigerate for several hours or even better, overnight. Serve with Cool Whip, if desired. Of course, you could also use a pie shell or graham cracker crust. We like it just as well without it (and it helps keep it very lowfat, too!) Enjoy!!!

I'd love to hear if you try either of these recipes...either this weekend or anytime!

Once again, Happy 4th of July, everyone! Have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends, reflecting on the joys and amazing privileges of being an American! Stay safe!