Jul 31, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Frankly, My Dear . . . Effervesce, baby.
This is one of those Do-I-or-Don’t-I-post-this posts. Prayer life is personal, private. Yet we’re exhorted to pray with and for one another.
At Blue Ridge I had many conversations. About writing. Living in faith. Bringing the two together and at times, amplifying one over the other.
Saying our good-byes is always hard. I wanted to leave my peeps with a message of hope and empowerment. And it struck me.
We are the champagne, and God is the bubbles. We’re bottled up tight, conforming to our surroundings only until that moment we are uncorked, set free, and sent overflowing into the world. We are the champagne, but God is the bubbles. We are created for nothing less than to be the vessel He uses to tickle the world with his glory. We are the vehicle He uses to shine and explode. We are designed to not be bottled, but to use the gifts He has given us to move forward, to refresh others, to bubble over when the time is right. We are made to effervesce.
I was asked how I have such a strong prayer life and I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. Not because the question was ridiculous (it wasn’t) but because I don’t think my prayer life is all that great. In fact, I very often think it’s lacking or worse, nonexistent.
Today I opened my Bible- the Bible I’ve had for a year. The Inspire Bible for Creative Journaling. Today I chose to stop being delicate and stop tip-toeing around what I want, and what I want to say to God.
And today I read Proverbs 22. Verse 1 is who I strive to be for Him. For you. For all my audience and the world at large.
“Choose a great reputation over great riches;
being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.”
~Proverbs 22:1, NLT
But I’m not perfect. Not at all. And in my imperfection, I’ve been holding back. “I’m not great, so I’m no good at all.” Oh, what a terrible self-thought! What a detrimental, discouraging whisper from the enemy.
And so to you who asked how I am the way I am, this is me being as honest as I possibly can. This is my instruction to you:
Just talk to God.
Don’t try to be eloquent if you’re normally not. If you don’t know what to say in prayer, tell Him. Ask Him to help you find, and recognize, the words. Ask Him to open your Spirit to give and receive what it is He has planned for you. If you’re mad because the world hurts you and those you love, tell Him. When He puts a tiny penny or a huge gift in your path, thank Him. Be honest with Him.
There’s something else. Many times, we don’t go fully to God. Those lies of inadequacies prevent us from reaching out. He already knows. I don’t want to admit my thoughts. Other people need Him more. Me and my situation are insignificant.
Do you feel the pressure of the cork closing in on you? Are you pressed in on every side, not knowing which way is up? Does it feel like your life is just a black hole about to collapse in on you from every side?
Then I’ve got good news for you: Black holes turn into Supernovas.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Be the Supernova you were created to be.
Released from the pressures within, they too, like the champagne, explode in a torrent of color and worth and life-affirming creation and they excel beyond anything the black hole tried to contain.
Don’t be the black hole, friend. Be the Supernova.
Run full force into God and fall into Him laughing. He will always catch you.
God is your best playmate. Your favorite friend. He is your keeper, your maker, and your cheeriest cheerleader.
So just start. Your prayer needn’t be perfect.
It just needs to be.
Remember, friend: You are no longer a black hole. You are a Supernova. You are the champagne and God is the bubbles.
Effervesce, baby. Always, effervesce. You got this. And He’s got you.
Can I get a holla?
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Jul 30, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, On Faith.
It’s a hard thing, to just be still. Even if the body isn’t moving, the mind is. Here, the grocery list. There, repairs to be made.
Emotions get worked up. Why am I doing nothing? I need to do something. Why aren’t those things getting done?
I should put this time to use. I should at least read my Bible. Or pray. Yes, I can pray. But not for myself. For others. Let’s see . . . My friends who are going through that thing. I really should call and see how they’re doing.
No, wait. This is my time to be still.
Be still.
Breathe.
How long should I be still?
How long until God hears me?
Frankly, On Faith: Be Still
How long until I hear God?
Just breathe.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Jul 29, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Hearts Song
So much about this cover that I love. The authors, the publishers, the endorsements. I love them all. I know them all! How exciting.
Aaron Gansky and Kay Morrison (Cindy Sproles) wrote Heart’s Song several years ago and it found its home at Elk Lake Publishing.
So, this Monday, June 31, is the big release; you know, the it’s-finally-published event. The yeah-they-did-it party.
In case y’all can’t read the back copy, here it is:
Faced with the impending death of his best friend, Geoff Morris wonders if there is life beyond rock and roll. Through the highs and lows of his band, his dead-end job, his frustration with his lack of direction and inspiration, he rediscovers an old friend from college. Emily Amherst is grateful for Geoff s assistance in recovering from a personal disaster, and rewards him by awakening a passion that has lain dormant within him since he moved to LA, away from family and friends, to pursue his career as a rock superstar. But is their budding relationship enough to weather the trials of an internet romance and continual, unceasing personal tragedy?
Sounds compelling, yah? But wait. There’s more!
As we do for such things, we’re having a live Facebook launch event this Monday, and you’re invited! Just log in to your FB account and join here: Book Launch for Heart’s Song.
The fun starts at 5:30 pm PST. There will be lively discussions, revealing facts, polls, great conversation, and a few giveaways. As I do, I’ll be facilitating conversation and allow the authors to share their writing worlds with us.
We’d love it if you could join us, and bring your friends!
TWEET THIS: Facebook Book Launch Party: Heart’s Song @RealMojo68 @adgansky @CindyDevoted #booklaunch #amreading
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Jul 28, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
I know. You’re thinking, “Water? Seriously?”
But, yes. Seriously. I’m sitting here wondering what to write for 5TF, and drinking my fruit-infused water, and it hit me. The idea, not the water. Oh, that would be bad, especially since that would prob’ly mean water on Blue Raven. Yikes. Oh, sorry. I digress. What were we talking about? Right. Water.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Berry Infused Water
Forget the fact that without water there would be no coffee or sweet tea. It’s good for so many other things, too!
Don’t believe me? Read on . . . But first, watch this short video of Nippers at his favorite fountain.
- Fountains are refreshing. There’s something blissful about a gentle water flow. It carries away the world and leaves you feeling refreshed. There’s a rhythm without a steady rhythm. It can be hypnotic or energizing. Fountains are just fun.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Refreshed at The Mission Inn
- Infused water is delicious. Call it flavored or Spa Water. Whatever floats your boat. [See what I did there?] Adding fruits, berries, herbs, flowers, or drops of essential oils to your water not only tastes fabulous, it’s fabulous for your body! Cucumber and mint. Lemon and orange. Lavender and citrus. Try your blending your own favorite flavors.
Berry Infused Water
- Speaking of floating your boat (Aww, I did it again!), waterways are amazing. We’re talking oceans, rivers, lakes, seas, streams. All of it! Nature’s infrastructure provides irrigation and allows for travel where there otherwise wouldn’t be. And the power behind such a natural force is, well, it leaves me speechless.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Flying over the Mighty Mississippi!
- Cleansing. Whether cleaning your house or flushing out your body, water is one of those pretty important tools. Let’s face it. Y’all aren’t only dry-dusting are you? That doesn’t do anything but move the mess around. Water helps remove dirt, toxins, and leaves your home, and your body, in a better condition. Am I right? How great do you feel after a gulp of ice-cold water on a crazy hot day? And how accomplished when the house is wiped down with water and Pine-Sol? Yeah, me too.
Frankly, My Dear . . . A Little Clean Sink
- It’s just pretty to look at. Now, maybe I’ve been in the desert too long, and maybe some of all y’all have a different perspective. But out here, rainstorms are few and far between, and when they do arrive they don’t last that long. So we like to take time to enjoy them like welcoming a long-lost friend.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Rain in the desert
I’m sure I could go on, but I’d like to hear from you: What’s your favorite use for water?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Matthew 11:38 NLT
TWEET THIS: Five Things Friday: What About Water? @RealMojo68 #5TF #water
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Jul 27, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Nippers in the Kitchen
So, there’s this cookbook on my shelf and a poll on Facebook . . .
Last week y’all voted, and Hamburger Pie won the election!
This has always been one of my favorite meals since I was young. It’s hearty, savory, and just look at all those mashed potatoes!
Now, you can use fresh ingredients if you want to. My schedule requires something just a little easier, so I opt for the ready-to-use product.
Hamburger Pie: Seven Easy Ingredients
Have I shared this with you before? Well, it’s worth another helping, dontcha think?
Seven ingredients. Six steps. One big serving of delicious!
And, look! You can even print the recipe!
The Unemployment Cookbook: Hamburger Pie
Ingredients
- 1 eye-watering medium onion, diced
- 1 lb ground cow
- 1 can (14 oz) French style cut green beans, drained. Because Arctic beans are just too cold.
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup. Chicken, now. Not peacock or other foul fowl.
- 1 soup can of cow juice (That would be milk).
- 1 box (8 servings) instant mashed potatoes. Abacadabra!
- 1 egg. Again, from a chicken. Nothing else.
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and onion together. They're in a heated relationship.
- Spoon into 2-qt baking dish. Time to get comfy!
- Cover with green beans. Layers are so stylish this time of year.
- Mix together soup and milk. Pour over green beans. Time to cool things down a little, folks!
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes per package instructions. Take out the day's frustrations and beat in an egg.
- Spread on top of casserole. Apologize to the potatoes for the egg beating and spread them nicely.
- Bake uncovered 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/27/the-unemployment-cookbook-hamburger-pie-2/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
I like this meal best the next day after it’s firmed up a bit. Don’t get me wrong, hot and fresh is, well, hot and fresh. But warmed up stove top or in the microwave the next day, it still retains the flavor with less liquid.
The next recipe poll will be posted in a few days, so stay hungry. I mean, stay tuned!
What’s that? Y’all want more? Well come on home, honey. You know I’ve got food on the table for you.
You can find the basic version of this and many more table-tempting recipes in The Unemployment Cookbook, available through New Inklings Press. But for a healthy serving of snark, come on back to this table.
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . : The Unemployment Cookbook: Hamburger Pie. @RealMojo68 #amcooking #unemploymentcookbook
Frankly, My Dear . . . Hamburger Pie
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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