Category: General

  • Endocrine Disruption Threatens Human Health

    Last week, my Neighborly Neighbors Club invited Theo Colburn to speak to us at our monthly meeting.   Theo, a Paonia, Colorado resident, has devoted her life’s work to researching Endocrine Disruptors.

    Endocrine Disruptor’s are chemicals that mimic natural, god-given hormones and interfere with our body chemistry, particularly in boys because of the estrogenic qualities of many chemicals found in food, water, and air.

    Theo’s research shows that chemicals effect males more frequently than females and are associated with increasing incidences of very serious health problems including male and female reproductive problems, autism,  learning and attention disorders, diabetes, obesity, immune disorders, cancer, asthma and many other illnesses.

    Her compeling DVD, The Male Predicament, documents the research that has been done and is available at www.Endocrine Disruption.org, or writing The Endocrine Disruption Exchange at PO Box 1407, Paonia, CO 81428.

    Norwex Enviro Products is one way to drastically reduce our chemical exposure in our homes.  Each week, my daughter Laura and I are going to be describing effective ways to reduce our exposure to chemicals by highlighting one Norwex Enviro Product home or personal care product.

    My new website, marilynmollsnorwex.com describes all the products available.  Below is pictured the Enviro Cloth, the most basic and useful cloth ever.  Read more below.

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    Norwex Testimonial by Laura Coble

    I began using Norwex microfiber during college when my mom gave me a microfiber Enviro cloth to test out.  “Here, I’m starting to sell this Norwex microfiber.  Tell me what you think.  You can use the cloth on just about anything,” she said.

    I decided to try my cloth out on some carpet spots in my house.  I had tried to spot treat my carpet with some commercial cleaner, which had only made the carpet spots dirtier because the commercial cleaner left a sticky residue that picked up any and all dirt.  I simply wet the microfiber cloth and rubbed at the stain.  The microfiber cloth worked a miracle!  Not only did it clean up the dirt from the sticky residue, but it cleaned up the original stain which the commercial cleaner had failed to clean completely.  I didn’t need a bunch of chemicals, I didn’t need a special machine, just water and microfiber and ta da!

    I began washing walls that had grown grimy from dirty fingerprints.  My roommate and I cleaned out our fridge…which wasn’t a pretty sight—until we used microfiber!  I used it to get stains out of a shirt, to clean grease off my stove…the uses for this cloth seemed endless.  The best part was that instead buying a different chemical for each cleaning job, all I had to do was add water to one basic cloth.

    We all need ways to make our cleaning simpler, safer, and cheaper.  The Window Cloth is a great polishing cloth for streak free windows, mirrors, chrome, computer screens, jewelry and more.

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    All Norwex Microfiber Cloths have a sixty day money back guarantee and two year warranty.

    Special Offer: Now through March 2010, you can enjoy a 15% saving on all Norwex Orders of $35.00 or more by using coupon code:  “spirisponge” and there is a flat shipping rate of $4.75 regardless of order size when ordering at my new Norwex website, marilynmollsnorwex.com.

  • Safe in the Everlasting Arms

    Everlasting_Arms-375x238Last week I wrote that my desire is to grow more in love with Jesus, daily, with his help this year.  

    Reader Karen Boyd replied with a very neat word picture. Karen writes:

    “Yesterday, at church, the Lord showed me something, and I thought I would let you be the first person to “hear” it.   During worship, (I should say that our worship is somewhat active and enthusiastic at times), a young father was holding his young daughter.  He was swinging her in time with the music, lifting her in the air, swooping her down, tossing her and catching her.  At one point, she was lying across his arms and he would toss her up a little and turn her as she came down, brown curls flying.

    I am not sure what song was being sung at the time, but I know we sang some older songs such as Jehovah Jirah, my provider, His grace is sufficient for me…….  She was laughing and delighted. She relaxed in her father’s strong and loving arms, enjoying what he did to her… She had total confidence and trust that her father had control of her, and gladly accepted the somewhat rough tossing.

    During the past ten years, and even before, I have felt tossed, roughly by life.  I did not laugh.   I was not delighted.   I struggled to believe that God knew what he was doing and that I, my husband, and my children would be OK.

    I am not saying that you should be glad that Duane died, or that I should have been delighted as I sat beside my daughter’s hospital bed and I wondered what her future held.   But the picture of that girl in her father’s arms, made me think about my response to my heavenly father.    I want to look at the somewhat violent ups and downs of my own life differently.

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    I want to trust God more.    I want to learn more delight in Him as He swings or allows me to be swung up and down.”

    AMEN Karen!  I am reminded of this verse: “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

  • Burrrrr, It’s cold out there. Time to Make Colorado Chili

    I awakened this morning to 2 degrees.  These extremely cold temperatures started in early December and haven’t relented.  I notice the South East is having unusually cold temps after a surprise Christmas snow storm.  Did anyone notice the extreme colds and winter storms began after the Copenhagen Global warming summit?

    The question of the day is, how do I take advantage of such cold weather?  I am going to make a very large pot of Chili, let it simmer a good portion of the day so I can enjoy the aromas and pretend I’m getting warmed up.

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    Colorado White Chili
    A healthy, mouth-watering meal sure to bring raves; a great alternative to traditional chili from Don’t Panic Dinner’s in the Freezer by my friends Suzie Martinez, Vanda Howell, and Bonnie Garcia

    1 Tbsp cooking oil
    1 medium onion (1/2 cup), chopped
    4 large cloves garlic, minced
    1-4.5 oz. can diced green chilis (mild or hot)
    1 Tbsp cumin (powder or seed)
    2 tsp oregano
    1/2 tsp ground red pepper

    1/4 tsp ground cloves
    1-15.5 oz. can great northern beans (don’t drain) Or cook your own.
    1-15.5 oz. can sweet corn (or frozen)
    2 cups cooked chicken
    5 cups chicken broth

    Cooking day instructions:
    In a large pan or Dutch Oven, combine oil, onion, garlic, and green chilis. Saute until tender, but do not brown. Stir in spices, beans, corn, chopped chicken, and chicken broth. Cook and stir until heated through. Adjust seasonings to taste. Cool chili completely.

    From Don’t Panic – Dinner’s In The Freezer
    by Martinez, Howell, Garcia used by permission Fleming H. Revell, a division of Baker House Books,
    Copyright 2005

    Chili Chasing Chili
    This is my thirty year old, reliable Chili Recipe

    1 pound ground turkey or beef
    1 – 16 0z can whole tomatoes, chopped
    1 – pkg dry onion soup mix
    1 1/2 Tbsp Chili powder

    1 1/2 tsp cumin powder
    1/2 tsp salt or to taste
    2 – 15 oz cans kidney beans, drained (save reserved liquid)
    or 2 cups dry kidney beans, soaked and cooked
    1 cup finely sliced celery
    1/2 cup diced green pepper, optional
    1 TB olive oil

    Saute pepper and celery in oil until limp. Set aside. Brown meat in skillet, drain grease. Combine all ingredients into stockpot and simmer for 15-30 minutes. We serve the chili over brown rice or with corn bread.

    Garnishes:
    grated cheddar cheese
    sour cream
    cilantro

  • A Winter Park Sleigh Ride

    My family and I just got back from a short trip to Snow Mountain Ranch, near Winter Park, Colorado. The snowy Sleigh Ride with amazing horses highlighted our get-away.  We celebrated Laura and Brandon’s first anniversary.   On New Year’s Eve, I had to say good bye to Laura and son-in-law Brandon as they had to fly back to Clarksville, TN.

    What can I say, it was a great visit, but saying Good Bye is really tough on a mom.  Can you relate?

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  • Celebrating Life

    A few days ago, I had the bittersweet privilege of celebrating the life of a man I met through my late husband’s membership in  Gideons.  He also suffered from a heart condition and died similarly to my husband, suddenly, and unexpectedly.  One minute he called his wife on the way home to ask what she needed to have picked up at the store.

    But he didn’t come home, didn’t come home, didn’t come home.  In the moments following that phone call, he suffered a fatal heart attack while driving his car, loosing control,  crossing several lanes of oncoming traffic, and thankfully did not hit anyone else.  This tragedy occurred right before Christmas.  Death is never really expected nor timely.

    But he knew his savior, he was prepared and all was well and peaceful with his soul.  I pray for anyone reading this column to pause right now and make sure you know Jesus, have repented of your sins, and that all will be well with your soul.  Check John 3:16.

    My friend Ken’s life was dedicated to Jesus, his family, his business, his church and his community; in that order, and I truly believe, his life epitomized how the priorities of the Christian life should be lived.  Ken was the real deal.

    Each day started with daily devotions with his wife.  Daily he thought of others better than himself, including orphans and widows.  What a testimony!

    I am blessed to have known him and his wonderful example.

  • The Angels Have Been at Work!

    PICT0344This absolutely gorgeous Christmas lap quilt is a surprise gift from the gals at Mentoring Moms made by Susan Davies, mother-in-law of Karen Davies a mentored mom.  I feel so special!  This is one of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen, and I am now the proud owner.  I just had to share with you all how honored I feel.  Need I say more?

    I also received an anonymous gift, a huge box of Christmas Day goodies, sour cream coffee cake, Artisan Bread, Cheese, Olives, Sausage, and more!  I am so blessed!  Thanks to all you wonderful angels who have been so hard at work.

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  • Simply Perspective!

    Ed Note: This Christmas season may or may not be as lavish as others for your clan.  But this short story really helps us see, our many blessings are not material.  I hope you will be blessed.  The story was forwarded to me by a friend without any credit given.

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    One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how “poor” people live.

    They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

    On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

    “It was great,  Dad. I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

    We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

    We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

    Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

    We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

    We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

    We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

    We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”  The boy’s father was speechless.

    Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”

    Isn’t perspective a wonderful thing?

    Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have.

    Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends, family and many material blessings!

    Hug your children, appreciate your spouse, love your family.  Merry Christmas!

  • Holiday Open House for Neighbors

    Ed Note: My 2nd Annual Neighborhood Open House was held yesterday afternoon. The following vingette is written from my daughter Laura,  a 20-something’s point of view.  Enjoy!

    mixed_holiday_wreath12 guests arriving. 11 coats a’hanging.  10 dripping boots.  9 plates of cookies.  8 people eating.  7 cups a’sitting.  6 ladies chatting.  5 children screaming.  4 degrees outside.  3 broken ornaments.  2 spilled drinks.  1 Christmas party!


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    Yesterday was my mom’s Christmas party for her neighbors.  Since my husband and I are visiting from Tennessee, we were lucky enough to be invited along with the neighbors.  And because my husband and I had been visiting friends 70 miles away, we arrived just in time for the party, and were lucky enough to escape the prep work.

    My poor mother!  Thankfully, she was lucky enough to have the help of a creative neighbor, who enjoys putting together parties.

    My mom is always brilliant when it comes to serving food and put together a lovely mix of appetizers and snacks.  She filled our tummies with pinwheels, brushettas, veggie and fruit platters, and topped it off with apple cider and wine.  Neighbors also contributed with a delicious array of cookies.  There are 11 months to diet from one month of Christmas for a reason!

    The special part about her Christmas party was that it was made up of mostly neighbors.  What a blessing to live in a place where you know your neighbors well enough to have a party with them.  I think that we all lament the social isolation in neighborhood communities, but few of us have made an effort to reach out.

    Of course, it takes time.  My mom has lived in this community for seven years and this was her second neighborhood Christmas party. (The first one was before my dad passed away in December of 2007.)   I appreciate that she was willing to step out and bring everyone together!

    Some of the appetizers recipes follow in the next blog entry below.  I hope that you can enjoy making some of these recipes, and perhaps even enjoy them with your neighbors.  Merry Christmas!

    Ed Final Note:  Several neighbors mentioned that since we were having such a good time visiting together, we should do this more often!   The success of the party was not the food, but building relationships with friends and neighbors.  Memories created. Goal achieved.

  • Appetizing Appetizers

    Mentoring Moms created an Open House Buffet in about 45 minutes last week. Here is the fruit tray:

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    The BLT Bruschetta recipe below is a simple gourmet delight,  very delicious, you must try it!

    Bruschetta

    BLT Bruschetta

    5 Slices Maple flavored Bacon, cooked and crumbled
    ½ C. finely chopped seeded tomato
    ½ C. finely chopped leaf lettuce
    ½ C. prepared pesto, divided
    ½ C. shredded Mozzerella, optional
    2 Tbsp  minced fresh basil
    ¼ tsp salt
    ¼ tsp pepper
    1 10 ½ oz loaf French Bread, sliced thin

    3 Tbsp Olive oil

    Brush French Bread with olive oil and toast by baking at 400° F 9-10 minutes – watch closely- until golden brown.  Mix crumbled bacon with finely chopped tomato.  Spread pesto mixture on each slice.
    Sprinkle with a little Mozzerella.  Heat until cheese is melted and garnish with chopped lettuce and basil.

    Appetizer Tortilla PinwheelsPinWheels
    The red and green ingredients make these colorful and tasty for the Christmas holidays.

    2 packages of cream cheese (8 oz.) softened,
    1 package ranch salad dressing mix (dry mix)
    1/2 cup minced sweet red pepper
    1/2 cup minced celery
    1/4 cup minced green onions
    1/4 cup minced black olives (optional)
    3-4 flour tortillas (10 inch)

    In a mixing bowl beat cream cheese and dressing mix until
    smooth.  Add the red peppers, celery, onion, and olives; mix well.
    Spread about 3/4 cup on each tortilla.  Roll up tightly; wrap in
    plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.  Slice into 1/2 inch
    pieces.  Yield: 15-20 servings  (double or triple as needed)  Make
    ahead!

    My neighborhood Open House will be Sunday, December 20, 2009.   Remember to focus on the guests and relationships.

    I hope you have a great time with your holiday get-togethers and a beautiful spread of food with minimal effort.

  • 12 Days of Christmas

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    Recently I received a copy of The 12 Days of Christmas A Guide to an Old Tradition with a New Purpose.   Over the Thanksgiving week-end I had a chance to review this gem.  When I opened the book all I could think about was the familiar song and 12 more good things to do before Christmas to teach my children.   But I decided “OK, lets see what the authors have to say”, I thought.

    Well I was VERY PLEASANTLY surprised and excited to find out that the twelve day adventure begins December 26, the day after Christmas and focuses on the tenants of the faith.

    The fundamentals of the faith and the Twelve Days of Christmas?  Now the authors had my attention as I have become increasingly concerned about the droves of young people leaving the church purportedly because of their inability to defend the faith and their inability to articulate the foundational truths upon which the Christian faith is based. (Please read Already Gone Why your kids will quit church and what you can do to stop it by Ken Ham)

    It turns out that allegedly, the 12 Days of Christmas was developed at a time when the church was being persecuted and the parents needed a “back-door/undercoverway” to teach the basics of the faith to their children.  So lets see what how the faith is tied into each of the twelve days.  Here we go:

    • Day one: A Partridge in a Pear Tree represents Jesus dying on the cross to save us from our sins
    • Day two: Two turle doves represents The Old and New Testaments
    • Day three:  Three French Hens represents the three virtues of faith, hope, and love
    • Day four: Four calling birds represents the four gospels: Matthew, Makr, Luke and John,
    • Day five: Five golden rings represents:  The Torah, which are the Books of Moses, the law.
    • Day six: Six geese-a-laying represents New life, and the six days of creation.
    • Day seven: Seven swans -a-swimming represents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
    • Day eight:  Eight maids-a-milking represents the eight Beattitudes
    • Day nine: Nine ladies dancing represents the fruit of the Spirit
    • Day ten:   Ten lords-a-leaping represents the Ten Commandments
    • Day eleven:  Eleven pipers piping represents the 11 faithful disciples
    • Day twelve: Twelve drummers drumming represents 12 tenants of our faith found in The Apostle’s Creed

    After Christmas you may want to teach your children the tenants of the faith through wonderful stories, meaningful activities, and reinforce the fundamentals of the faith for both you and your entire family.

    Each day has an associated scripture reading (or memory verses), a story, suggested discussion questions, points to ponder, a suggested prayer, coloring pages, games, recipes,  and of course a possible field trip activity.  Advance planning, to select what you will do is advised for the best success.   An example of a suggested activity is Day 5:  Visit a synagogue.  A recipe I will try out is Golden Apple Bundt Cake, sounds easy and yummy.

    I wholeheartedly recommend that you consider finishing out 2009 or starting out 2010 by taking an exciting and fun journey through The Twelve Days of Christmas.  You may obtain this book at www.12daysbook.com.