Donna Madden

2012-01-13T21:48:00.001-06:00

Set a Morning Prep Reminder the Night Before

2011-12-21T09:05:00.003-06:00

Whether it's your watch, your cellphone, or a microwave reminder, set something in your home to beep at a certain time every night. When that beep goes off, around 10 p.m., for instance, it means you should drop what you're doing and spend just a bit of time preparing for your morning, while you're actually awake. LifeClever calls it the 10 O'Clock Rule, and suggests a few things we can all do to semi-automate our mornings: set out your clothes, pocket contents, and shoes, grind coffee, check your calendar for events and reminders, and packing anything you're bound to forget into your bag. It's a night person's best hedge against the morning, and a morning person's ticket to spending their energy on more exciting things.

Easy To Make Toffee

2011-12-19T11:23:00.004-06:00

Easy To Make Toffee

1 cup unsalted butter (no margarine allowed)
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
40 saltine crackers

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Line jelly roll pan or cookie sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Lay a flat layer of crackers out on the foil.

Melt the sugar and butter until a boil is reached. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5-6 minutes or until mixture is thickened and sugar is completely dissolved.

Pour this mixture over the crackers and spread to coat evenly. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the toffee becomes bubbly. After removing the pan from the oven, let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle on the chocolate chips, let them soften and melt, and then spread them into an even layer. (You can add nuts, cracker crumbs, or whatever else you desire at this point.)

Let cool and, if desired for expediting purposes, refrigerate until hardened. Break into pieces the size of your choice.

Catching Up A Bit

2011-10-10T22:59:00.001-05:00

Weeks have been flying by. At the start of Hannah's Junior school year, and her dual credit college hour we have all been busy shuffling schedules to get us all where we need to be.

This year I began to our community college, San Jac Central. I am excited to go for several certificates in Interior Design. I am loving my classes and excited about the knowledge I am gaining. My professor, David Vanover is also the head of the Interior Design Department and is an excellent teacher.

My husband, Gary is now 75% complete with his first degree at San Jac also. We are blessed to live only about 7 minutes from the college campus.

I have recently accomplished a 37 year task that procrastination has had the best of me. Our garage is now under control and we can actually park a vehicle in it. I am still towering through a few boxes inside our home, but refuse for them to go back in garage storage until I have combed through all. Almost all done!

We have enjoyed our Sunday afternoons with our growing family. Our son, Aaron now has a new baby, Abbey, that is almost 5 months old and, we have a new 3 year old grandson, Noah, the son of Aaron's soon to be bride, Samantha.

We are so grateful for the miraculous miracle working power of God in our lives. We are assured that Gary is now healed of the devastating disease of MS. Now, we wait for God to give him full recovery of the effects in his body. In Jesus' Name, he WILL walk again.

What a relief for the hot very dry days of summer to finally come to an end. My favorite time of the year is when the cool fronts start to blow in and the dry cool crisp autumn days begin. This is our front door just freshen up for the season.

Our Abbey. So sweet.

Winning Victory Over Your Most Challenged Day

2011-08-04T23:33:00.010-05:00

I recently wrote a post on "Tenacity". When I wrote this post, I had a huge breakthrough of my attitude towards life and how to replace haunting bad thoughts to powerful thoughts of victory. From that day forward, in spite of any odds, I have felt like a super hero knocking down every strong hold that I faced.

The ultimate test came just a few days ago. I will tell you that what happened to me knocked me down. I felt like I had been in the ring with my component and the referee was counting down as I was dead off my feet. In spite of the blow, somehow, I refused to let this situation take over my thoughts. Defeat, discouragement and anger was among the many emotions I was facing. This huge blow just did not allow my brain to stop rehearsing over and over the event that brought me down. In spite of trying to force myself to not allow this to take over me, I will say, it was nearly impossible.

Then, the thing that really was out right aggravating is to think how THIS event would STEAL my victory. I refused to go to bed that night without getting some resolution to my situation. I began to google things like, overcoming negative thinking, what to do when you have been wronged, were some among many. Then, wow, I ran across a super powerful article full of scriptures and written by a doctor that gave me my answer. Here is an excerpt of that article:

Practice Mindfulness: This is the concept of letting go of any thought that is unrelated to the present moment and finding something to enjoy in the present moment. Most people do not live well in the present moment; they are always wishing for a different moment in the past when things were happier or simpler, or wishing for a moment in the future when they think they can be happy, such as by getting a promotion, getting out of debt, or buying a new house. Find something enjoyable to focus on in the immediate moment all throughout the day, such as the warmth of the sun, the breeze, music. During breaks at work, don’t think about goals or projects; enjoy your cup of coffee or a magazine. If a stressful thought comes to mind, choose to move on to a thought that is related to what you are presently seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling that is pleasant. Instead of complaining about what you don’t have, be grateful for what you do have, air conditioning in your house or a car to get to work. Dr. Colbert suggests that his patients go for a walk or go to the zoo to practice focusing on all that can be enjoyed in a moment.

In 2 Cor. 10:5, “Pull down imaginations …and carry every thought away into captivity and make it obedient to Christ.” In other words, do not allow your thoughts to control you. Control them by putting out of your mind ones that are not beneficial to your mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual health. God then instructs us to replace negative thoughts with good ones, “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, think of these things (Phil. 4:8).”

Bottom line, "live in the moment". Haven't you heard of that one? Number one: we become so focused on the past, or in my case, what just happened. Secondly, we are focusing on the future, training our minds to visualize what we want. These two things prevents us to live in the present.

When I began to think in that moment, of all I had all around me, and be grateful for THAT moment, my spirit began to lift out of the pits that had been pulling me down. What an amazing experience I had when I realized the power of living in the moment.

Are You a Victim?

2011-06-22T23:13:00.015-05:00

Do you want to move forward but strong events in your past seem to keep you a victim of your past?

About a week ago, my husband and I viewed a video online that was recorded in 1999 at a New Image convention. Personally, I don't think I had too much "junk in the trunk" but after hearing this speech, it became one of the most powerful speeches I have heard.

Dale brings this message across with passion and I promise you, it can change your life.

Follow this link to the speech. Please leave a comment once you have had a chance to listen.
Click here for link.

Happy Father's Day Honoring Gary

2011-06-19T00:17:00.010-05:00

Tonight, the Saturday before Father's Day, our family had a Father's Day dinner in our home honoring Gary. Aaron worked a 12 hour shift today and other extended events made for a busy Father's Day weekend. Dinner was a simple menu of New Orleans Creole Chicken Sausage Gumbo made with some of Samantha's Dad's home grown okra. Served with steamed rice and fresh wheat french bread and butter. I also made a Martha Stewart recipe, Chocolate Brownies, hot out of the oven with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a stemmed cherry. We were not counting calories tonight!

Gary has been a wonderful Father to our children. He deeply loves his children. His wisdom and guidance and Godly example truly makes him a great leader and "Dad".

We are happy to have a soon to be, daughter-in-law, Samantha Jackson, mother of our new little Abbey, also present at the dinner party tonight.

Aaron (almost 25), Gary & Hannah (16 May 31)

A few more pics on my facebook.

Tenacity

2011-06-11T10:38:00.007-05:00

This, to my remembrance, was my first experience to drive a huge bulldozer. My Dad owned and operated heavy equipment as I was growing up, but this was my first time to climb on a bulldozer and fire it up.

I wish you could see the terrain behind the bulldozer in this picture before, and now after. Once, huge piles of rubble, not so good trees that had taken root and a lot of plain ol' trash made this site, unsightly! And on top of that, it was a place where I had frequently camped.

As the wife of a Home Missions Pastor/Evangelist/and now, a husband struck with MS and disabled, I always gave credit for my survival to my awesome God. But I also forced myself to think right and visualize what I wanted. I will tell you that in spite of all of my trying, I became buried, with the feeling of going down a swift drain and grasping for whatever I could as I went down, before completely going under.

The lack of money or the absence of an income can be totally devastating. Money is a subject we do not like to talk about, but without a doubt, money controls every part of your life or so we think.

I decided I needed a whole fresh attitude about money. Being reduced to a "poor man", "poor me" attitude, I knew it would keep me captive to my past. Searching for answers, this is what I found:

We have a concious mind and a subconcious mind. You will find in every success book or motivational speech that there is power in your thinking and in the words of your mouth. This is all straight out of God's Word. Books like "Hung by the Tongue" and "Think and Grow Rich" are some of very many books written about the subject.

Our minds are hit dead center every day by what is REALITY. This can be a mountain of impossibilties to overcome. The truth is, although your situation does not change, YOU can change. By feeding your mind, and ultimately your subconcious mind that motors your attitudes, emotions and actions, mountains can begin to move.

Affirmation is key!! You MUST begin to AFFIRM what you want! Concious controlled thinking can be visualized like this: Picture a very gentle steady rain falling softly on a rock. Though oh so gentle, over time the rock begins to change. Change is inevitable. When we begin to affirm what we want, write it and speak it, gradually in time it gets accepted as truth and affects the actions and behavior of the person involved.

The accumulated power of the repeated affirmation pushes and drives out the subconcious mind's thoughts, attitudes and habits that are not in harmony with the affirmations, and changes the contents of the subconscious mind from negative and restrictive thoughts, to positive and constructive ones.

Here is what "I" did:

First, I wrote down every dilemma I possessed. These were thoughts that I DAILY had to ward off. Think you don't have any? I challenge you to do this. I listed 26 of them! Though I fought to ignore them, there was a reality that "these" thoughts constantly bombarded my thinking.

Next, I took each one and turned it around into what I wanted. I ended up with 35 affirmations, I got so carried away!

Here is an example: "We are too old to get jobs." Replaced with: "Our age and accumulated wisdom brings unique opportunities for us to make money and minister in fulfilling ways."

See the difference?

Once all said and done, I jumped on this huge bulldozer like a raging maniac with more tenacity than you would ever see in a WOMAN, and turned it around to my back and began to plow up my past. It did not take me long. This dozer was so huge that in just a short time, it was flattened and buried! It is not even there any more! There are still mountains ahead and always will be but I know that from where I have come to where I am now, I have the strength to climb.

I refuse to go back there and camp or even visit! Everyday, I reaffirm what I want instead of rehearsing WHY I can not get to where I want to go.

The first day was amazing. I had to get out my favorite journal and begin to write down all of the amazing events that came in just the first day!

Now...God said it and I believe it. There is nothing more powerful than His Word in our lives:

"Let the words of my heart and the mediations of my mind be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord."

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Don't be a victim of your past. Bury your past and renew your mind with what "HE" thinks.

Hannah's 16th Birthday

2011-06-04T02:37:00.026-05:00

May 31 marked the first day of celebration of Hannah's 16th birthday. With an early end of the year school dismissal, Hannah invited 3 close school friends over for a birthday luncheon.

The Menu: We used our "decorating for the senses" recipes, some of Hannah's favorites:

Gabby's Confetti Pasta, Strawberry Green Spring Mix Salad with a homemade citrus vinaigrette dressing, lemon mint rice, cheese and crackers, home made pineapple cake with a cream cheese frosting and sweet tea.

Decor used for all party celebrations was a Vintage Theme: antique suitcase, radio, newspapers, books, jars, vintage pictures of Hannah and an antique black board. Not pictured: tree limbs in entry about 8 - 9 feet tall with vintage pictures hung with ribbons of Hannah.

The next day, Hannah invited her close church friends that also attend her high school. The table was turned to seat more people and the same menu was repeated.

Hannah's main party consisted of local family members. Twenty-five guest were in attendance.

The Menu: New Orleans Creole Gumbo, my own family recipe, steamed brown rice, prepared by Shelley, wheat french bread, iced tea, lemons, limes & orange slices, the cake and coffee.

The cake was purchased from HEB. We chose half chocolate and half white cake with a cream cheese icing and white chocolate side shavings. The picture used was one taken at Christmas time on our visit at my mother's at Christmas time, 2010.

Shelley and Savannah and Louis.

Steve.

Felicia.

Dusty.

Aaron & Samantha.

Valerie.

Hannah & Kaylie.

Gary & Dianne.

Jan & Me.

Laurie & Me.

Hannah about to blow out her candles.

Additional pics on facebook.

How I Lost 15 Pounds

2011-05-23T21:51:00.011-05:00

OK... I have really hesitated to share, but in hopes it could encourage someone else, here goes.

I have never had a weight problem and can be thankful to have eaten as many desserts and and drank as many Dr. Peppers without the worry of gaining weight. Having Hannah at age 42, I was at a great weight and felt healthier than ever. I rode my bike often and at my peak of my ideal size.

I unleashed a problem with an imbalance in my thyroids once she was born and my weight started the roller coaster ride. Also, due to hitting my soon to be 50's, hormones kicked around and a struggle with weight actually became a problem. I always knew if I just reduced the amount of sweets, I would surely reduce quickly.

Very long story short...my sister in law, Shelley, also going through the similarities after many children and now metabolism also beginning to change, put on some pounds. She discovered a weight loss plan she tried and reached her weight goal extremely quickly.

I have never dieted in my life, but committed to myself to try for 3 days. I actually thought I would loose extremely fast because I loved sweets and this diet as well as all others will not allow. Learning that after 3 days, I had overcome the very hardest part of the diet, I pressed on.

In 6 weeks, I reached my weight goal of 15 pounds lost. More than the pounds, the inches began to fall off from head to toe. I have gone from size 12 to wearing 8 and 10 skirts!

Here is how it was done. With Shelley as my coach and using my primary care physician to monitor my blood levels, I used the Medifast Weight Loss System. I purchased 5 medifast products to eat each day along with 64 ounces of water, and one lean and green meal a day.

The one meal a day was more than I could eat in one meal. I split the amounts and ate half of it for lunch. It was hard to get in all of the medifast meals. I had to learn to drink one shake which was a high protein drink to kick off my metabolism early. Drinking the water was the challenge, but absolutely a must for weight loss. The one meal a day was a good amount of lean meat and veggies other than carrots, beans and potatoes. The key was, you starve your body from all carbs so it is forced to use the stored carbs you have for energy.

If I got hungry, I would eat a small amount of almonds, a celery stick with peanut butter, sugar free jello, olives or a pickle. I will say that I did not beat myself up for the small moments I may have cheated a little. It was such a drastic diet change that I just had to be proud of myself for

every moment I did the right thing.

The Medifast meals were: shakes, ready mix or powder which made thick shakes with ice in a blender, a pancake you make, bars which are delicious and filling, pretzels, which I did not like, soups, which I did not like but many others did. I mostly had the shakes, bars and pancakes.

Here I am late Fall of 2010, camouflaged in this coat.

This was taken just before I began the diet. At hospital to visit Josh, Josie and their new baby, Louis.

This was about one week into diet. Several couples in our family went to Ouisy's on Westheirmer. This was hard. The bread looked out of this world. I had salad and grilled salmon. If my coach had not been there with me, believe me, I am quiet sure I would have cheated. lol

This was 3 weeks into my diet. I was thrilled I could tuck in a top without looking enormous. Now, I can not wear this skirt...huge!

Week 4, size 10 skirt.
Present. I need a better flattering pic.

I can say my main goal was to overcome a very potential deadly problem with sleep apnea. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a couple of years ago. For me, I obviously could not tolerate much weight to prevent it. I am sleeping better and do not feel the symptoms of the apnea any more. My doctor says my blood sugar level has gone down and all of my levels are perfect. I am just needing to increase my good cholesteral which is being done by taking fish oil. One trick to that: freeze the capsules, then take. You don't get the after taste nearly as bad.

It is a great thing to look in the mirror and not beat myself up for being over weight. Shopping is so much more fun as it was increasingly being a challenge to get the right fit.

More info:

Contact Michelle Piatt who is a counselor for Medifast and can get the products for you:

Michelle Piatt

Hannah is 16!

2011-05-18T13:49:00.004-05:00

Wow, it is hard to believe that my sweet Hannah is almost 16. We are celebrating with a family party at our home. She will also have some close school friends after school on her big day, May 31. A night of celebration with her close friends from church is also in the making.

Love you, Hannah. I hope your 16 is your BEST YEAR EVER!!

A Poem From Hannah

2011-05-10T19:39:00.004-05:00

This Mother's Day, Hannah wrote me a poem per my request. Here it is for my readers to enjoy. I especially like the "skinny" part as I have been on a diet this year, first time ever, and lost 15 pounds. Enjoy.

The Lovely...

Her long black hair, shines in the light

She's so skinny, that her skirts are not tight.

She makes things so beautiful with a small little touch

It's such a delight to see her new creations so much.

It's Mother's Day today

And I have been asked to do this

Although it's a request,

It's not written with regrets.

The beautiful, talented, woman I do mention,

Brings memories of laughter to my attention.

I couldn't thank her enough for all that she does,

But all I can say is that I love her so much.

Who is this lovely women you may wonder?

Well she's more lovely than your thoughts can ponder.

I'm so lucky to be the one,

Whom has the pleasure to call her mom.

Happy Mothers Day 2011!!

Love you so very much,

Hannah

And, I am a very blessed Mother to have two wonderful children, a soon to be daughter-in-law, step grandson and a new baby granddaughter. Thank you Aaron, and Hannah for your gifts, cards and love you gave me on this Mother's day. Love you both so much.

This pic was taken in our master bath around Christmas 2010.

Have a Wonderful 2011 Easter!

2011-04-22T23:54:00.003-05:00

Easter is a wonderful time to be with those you love. I am looking forward to being in church this Sunday with my entire family. Next Easter, we will have a new addition to our family as my son Aaron and his "to be" wife are blessed with a baby girl in May.

This year following our service at Life, we will have Sunday dinner with our family here in Deer Park. We all bring a covered dish. This year I will bring my salad with varieties of lettuce, fruits, feta cheese, candied almonds and a home made citrus vinaigrette.

Aaron & Samantha's Baby Shower

2011-04-12T23:02:00.022-05:00

The Menu:

Terragon Chicken Salad

Gabby's Confetti Pasta

Grape Salad

Strawberry Spring Mix Salad

Cheese, Crackers and Deli

Sparkling Fruit Punch, Tea, Coffee

Cake Made By:

Linda Crowder, my sister

Games:

Jennifer Lemke

We had a wonderful turn out and Sam and Aaron were showered with many gifts needed for the soon to arrive, baby Abbey. Thanks to all who attended and contributed. Special thanks to Laurie, Shelley, Dianne & Valerie for helping prepare the food. Mom, for your beautiful pink china, Linda, for the gorgeous rose arrangements, and Shelley for your special silverware.

I think using beautiful dishes, fresh flowers and good food makes a party a special one to remember. I think everyone had a great time.

Bassett Upholstered Recliner

2011-03-05T08:55:00.006-06:00

I have this exact chair sold directly through Bassett Furniture's site for over $1,800. This is a recliner I have that is like new. It had a chunk torn out on the arm. I will be selling this chair as a custom piece and can be done in your choice of fabric for only $999. Leather a little extra. Being an interior designer, I have a team of professional upholsterers in business for 35 years plus to do this work.

We are also able to customize the piece for a person's weight size if necessary. Extra supports and a high density foam cushion for extra support can be added.

For more information, contact me: donnna_r_madden@yahoo.com or 281-222-3423.

This offer is available until March 21, then will be covered in my choice of fabric and price reduced at that point. Make offers for then if you choose.

Save the Date....It's A Girl!

2011-02-21T23:25:00.010-06:00

April 9, 2011

For: Aaron Madden & Samantha Jackson

Time: 11:00 a.m.

10023 Rustic Gate, LaPorte, Tx. 77571

Home of Gary & Donna Madden

281-222-3423 or RSVP @ donna_r_madden@yahoo.com

Registered at Babies R Us & Target

It's A Girl!

Extreme Budget Mini Makeover

2011-02-20T20:13:00.054-06:00

Recently, my son and his my future daughter in law moved into thier first apartment. Saving for thier wedding and soon to arrive, baby Abbey, the budget left no room for decorating. I offered to do a mini makeover stretching the dollar to the limit. If you think you are too strapped financially to decorate, think again. We hope you will be inspired with some ideas we used to make an apartment a home. Enjoy....

The old lamp got a fresh coat of paint and the lamp shade was covered with fabric to go with our decor scheme. We used the Van Googh print as our color inspiration .

The old chairs were sanded, painted and cushions recovered with fresh fabric.

We went through Aaron's books, stored in our garage, and found some that matched our color scheme, taking off the dust covers.

The two pedestal vases, garage sale finds, became candle holders, first filled with dried black beans and votives resting on the beans.

The Van Gogh print was one I had from my school classroom decor and we purchased a poster print frame and glass at Michael's.

We replaced the dining room table that was not a good scale for the space with an Ikea table still at home that was Aaron's already.

Scented candles, the fireplace lit, chocolate covered strawberries, Samantha's favorite, crackers and jelly, and drinks made a warm welcome when Aaron and Sam arrived home last night for thier mini room makeover.

When in temporary spaces, don't put your life on hold just because you can not afford to do what you want at the time. Make the best of what you have. This apartment went from just a place to live to now, a place called "home".

Hannah Gets Her Permit

2011-02-07T00:30:00.004-06:00

This was Hannah's exciting day to get to go after school and take her test for her permit. She passed with a B score. This is a pic of her first "legal" drive once getting her permit. We stopped on our way home to let her get her first time behind the wheel driving with her permit.

I must say, Hannah is a very good driver and is learning more and more with experience.

Love this girl!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T21:45:00.008-06:00

What a blessed year this Christmas! No, it was not because I received a new IPad or was able to give to others as never before. It was because we possess what matters most in life: peace and contentment. We have been in the worst situations of our lives in the past few years yet we have felt like a bird in the cleft of the rock during the storm. Having a life built on the rock, my God, I am able to have joy and happiness in spite of adversaries.

No matter what, there is always so much more to be thankful for. I look forward to 2011 because I truly believe that it will be the year of some life long prayers to come to fruition for us. I want wisdom to make right choices in my life. Had this always been on the top of my prayer list, I think I would have not had to make as many detours in life getting to my life's purpose.

Here you can view the pics I took during this Christmas season. I hope you take a moment to enjoy.

Neighbors Christmas Get Together

2010-12-13T09:47:00.006-06:00

Warm Chirstmas Wishes to our Neighbors...
Please join us Sunday, December 19, early evening from 4:30 - 5:30 or so.

Just an informal gathering of a few neighbors for some apple cider, flavored iced tea and a few snacks. Love to have you. Even if you have other plans that night, please stop by for a few minutes and get to know each other a little better.

"Nothing warms the home like friends and family and rich fellowship."

Donna Madden

Have a Wonderful Christmas Season. Give the gift of love
to someone special you love and to someone you do not know.

10023 Rustic Gate Road
LaPorte, Texas 77571 281-222-3423

Open House

2010-11-21T18:34:00.029-06:00

We had a wonderful day with friends, family and neighbors joining us for our Open House. God has truly blessed us with our beautiful home. Above, neighbors, Rigoberto & Laura & family.

Left, Master bedroom mantle

Right, Master bath

Kitchen Dining Room Area

Gary and me

View of kitchen

Hannah's Room

Our neighbor, Morgan

Right, End of living room, my office area

Right, Mike and Monica

Left, Laurie, Felicia and Isaiah

Left, our son, Aaron & fiancée, Samantha

Right, neighbors, Daniel & son D.J., other family members, not pictured

Right, Friend, Margaret

Not pictured, Shelley Piatt & Kaylie Hart & my daughter, Hannah

They were here briefly before going to a birthday celebration for Kaylie.

Cookie Recipes

2010-11-14T19:47:00.006-06:00

Enjoy these great recipes for your holiday season.

Consider this my holiday gift to you from "Decorating for the Senses". Thanks to the person who shared this with me last holiday season. Just click on the recipe name and it links you to the recipe.

7 Layer Cookies Allie Nelson's Famous Snickerdoodle Cookies Almond Crescent Shortbread Amish Sugar Cookies Andies Candies Cookies Angel Crisps Angenets Applesauce Cookies Apricot Fold-Overs Aunt Edy's Molasses Crinkles Auntie Linda's Ginger Gems Bakeless Dream Cookies Banana Drop Cookies Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World Biscotti Biscotti Blueberry Cookies Boiled Chocolate Oatmeal Drop Cookies Brownies Brown Sugar Shortbread Brownie Cookies Brownie Delight Brownies Buccaneer Snowballs Buried Cherry Cookies Butter Cookies Butter Nut Balls Butterballs Butterscotch Haystacks C.O.P. Cookies Candy Cane Cookies Candy Cookies Caramel Shortbread Cheesecake Brownies Cherry Buns Cherry Crowns Cherry Winks Chewies Chewy Noels Chinese Chews/Haystacks Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Chip Meltaways Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies Chocolate Christmas Trees Chocolate Cream Cheese Squares Chocolate Crinkles Chocolate Mint Snow-Top Cookies Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (no bake) Chocolate Snowball Cookies Chocolate Streusel Bars Chocolate Sundae Cookies Chocolate Walnut Crumb Bars Choco-Scotch Crunchies Choose A Cookie Dough Recipe Christmas Crackers Christmas Crunch Bars Christmas Ginger Snaps Christmas Macaroons Christmas Mice Cookies Christmas Shaped Cookies Church Window Cookies Coconut Cookies Congo Squares Cookie in a Jar Corn Flakes Cookies Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Cowboy Cookies (oatmeal) Cream Cheese Cookies with Apricot Filling CrÃ¨me De Menthe Chocolate Squares CrÃ¨me Wafers Crescent Cookies Crispy Crunchies Date Nut Balls Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies Diabetic Peanut Butter Cookies Disgustingly Rich Brownies Doodles Double chocolate chip cookies Double-Chocolate Crinkles Eatmore Cookies Eggnog Cookies Elizabeth's Sugar Cookies Elves Quick Fudge Brownies Emily Dickinson's Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Emily's Best Brownies Famous Oatmeal Cookies Firemen Cookies Fluffy Shortbread Cookies Forgotten Cookies Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Fruit Cake Cookies Fruitcake Squares Fry Pan Cookies Gems Ginger Cookies Ginger Crinkles Gingerbread Baby Gingerbread Cookies with Butter Cream Icing Gingerbread Men Gingerbread Men Ginny's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Glory's Golden Graham Squares Glory's Sugar Cookies Gramma Chapman's chocolate coconut drops Grandma Elsie's Zimt (cinnamon) Cookies Grandma J's Butter Cookies Grandma Olson's Parkay Cookies Great Grandmothers Sugar Cookies Gum Drop Cookies Gumdrop Gems Haystack Cookies Ho-Ho Bars Holiday Cereal Snaps Holiday Chocolate Butter Cookies Holiday Raisin Walnut Bars Holly Cookies Hungarian Cookies (Little Nut Rolls) Ice Box Cookies Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Italian Cookies Jacob's Peppermint Snowballs Jam Bars Jessica's Famous Brownies Jessie's Chocolate Chip Cookies Jubilee Jumbles Juliet's Peanut Butter Blossoms Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies Kentucky Colonels Kiefle (cream cheese cookies with jam filling) Kifflings Kiss Cookies Lacy Swedish Almond Wafers Lemon Angel Bar Cookies Lemon Bars Lemon Cake Cookies Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Lemon Squares Linzer Tarts Log Cabin Cookies Luscious Lemon Squares M&M Cookies Magic Cookie Bars Melt in Your Mouth Cutout Sugar Cookies Melting Shortbread Meme's Cream Cheese Cookies Milk Chocolate Florentine Cookies Mincemeat Cookies Mincemeat Goodies Molasses Cookies Molasses Forest Cookies Molasses Sugar Cookies Mom Mom's Crescent Cookies Mom-Mom's Ginger Cookies Mom's Nutmeg Sugar Cookies Mom's Old Fashion "Puffy" Sugar Cookies Monster Cookies Moravian Christmas Cookies Nana's Famous Soft Southern Cookies Nitey Nite Cookies No Bake Chocolate Cookies No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No-Bake Cookies Norwegian Sugar Cookies Nut Balls Oatmeal Bars Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Nut Cookies Oatmeal Coconut Crisps Oatmeal Cookies Oatmeal Scotchies Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies Ooey Gooey Caramel Chocolate Dunk Ooey Gooey Squares Orange Slice Cookies Parking Lot Cookies Peanut Blossoms Peanut Butter Bars Peanut Butter Blossoms Peanut Butter Cereal Cookies Peanut Butter Chewies Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut butter fingers Peanut Butter Reindeer Peanut Butter Surprises Peanut Marshmallow Cookies Pecan Puff Cookies Peppermint Snowballs Peppernuts Persimmon Cookies Persimmon Cookies Petey's Yummy Spicy Almond Thins Pfeffernuesse Pffefferneuse Cookies Pineapple Filled Cookies Pizzelles Potato Chip Cookies Potato Flake Cookies Praline Cookies Praline Strips Pterodactyl Nests Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Chip Cookies Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Pumpkin Cookies Queen Biscuits Quick Cookies Raised Sugar Cookies Raisin Filled Oatmeal Bars Raspberry Meringue Bars Really Peanutty Butter Cookies Reese`s Brownies Reese's Peanut Butter Bars Rich Flavor Christmas Cookies Rich Lemon Bars Ricotta Cheese Cookies Royal Almond Christmas Bars Rudolph Cinnamon Cookies Russian Tea Cookies Russian Teacakes Samantha & Kelsey's Chocolate Chip Cookies Sand Art Brownies Santa Claus Cookie Pops Santa Claus Cookies Santa's Butterscotch Melts Santa's Shorts Santa's Special Squares Scotch Cakes Scotch Shortbread Scotcharoos Scotcheroos Seven Layer Cookies Short Bread Cookies Shortbread Skor Squares Snicker Doodle Cookies Snickerdoodles Snickerdoodles Snow Balls Sour Cream Apple Squares Sour Cream Christmas Cookies Special K Cookies Spice Cookies Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Spritz Cookies Stained Glass Window Cookies Stir & Drop Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Swedish Pepparkakor (Pepper Cake) Cookies Swedish Sugar Cookies Sweet Marie's Swiss TreatsTaralle (Italian Cookies) Tea Time Tassies Texas Brownies The Best Shortbread in The World Thumbprint Cookies Thumbprint Cookies Toffee SquaresTraditional Christmas Sugar Cookies Traditional Gingerbread Men CookiesTriple-Chocolate Chip Cookies Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Vanilla Waffer Balls Walnut Butter Cookies Walnut Crumb Bars White Chip Chocolate CookiesWild Oatmeal Cookies Will's Famous Apple Jack Cookies Yummy Yummy Peanut Butter Blossoms

LaPorte, Texas

2010-11-11T23:04:00.003-06:00

Gary & I took a few hours of leisure today and visited old LaPorte. Now, resident of LaPorte, we thought we would check out the area.

Sylvan Beach is just around the corner and yet we have never been to it. It has piers that are great for fishing. We want to plan a family trip there and take in this relaxing area.

We enjoyed lunch at a local tea room on Broadway with fresh brewed Cherry tea.

Captured in this pic are the colors of fall and an antique truck on our path to the tearoom.

Mover's Thank You Party

2010-11-02T09:33:00.007-05:00

You Guys Deserve a Party!

I really appreciate Jason Berry for his efforts to get a moving crew for us on our recent move. "Life" guys are truly awesome! Thank you so much for your help. You were truly a blessing to us.

And now...must I say, my own family members who worked also. I could not have done it without them!

It was an extremely hot & humid Houston day and omg, where did all of that stuff come from in that small apartment? I thought this was going to be an easy move but it just kept getting bigger.

Once the dust settled & then with the key to our new home, it was worth it all.

All of you were "God Sent" for us. Thank you so very much!!

I am preparing what I hope to be your "choice" entrée. It is my specialty and most requested.

Party Date: November 19, 2010, Friday Night

Address: 10023 Rustic Gate Road, LaPorte, Texas 77571

Time: 7:00 p.m.

The Menu:

New Orleans Creole Gumbo

This is a prize winning recipe from my hometown of New Orleans that my family adopted years ago.

It has a tomato base with white chicken breast & sausage, seasonings,

served with steamed white rice.

French Bread

Brennen's Bread Pudding

This is a recipe borrowed from famous New Orleans' Brennen Restaurant. It is made with a wonderful rum sauce.

Please RSVP via email or leave a post comment here. donna_r_madden@yahoo.com

If you would like to bring a friend, just let me know so I will have enough for all.

Welcome to Our Open House

2010-11-01T14:35:00.015-05:00

Your Very Special Invitation...

My family and I would like to invite our special friends to come and see our huge blessing. We still have a lot to do to put our own stamp on it, but we have been so blessed to now be in our new home. It will truly be a "house warming" to have your presence in our home.

Date: November 20, Saturday

Time: 3:00 - 7:00, any time, come & go or linger with friends..

Address: 10023 Rustic Gate Road, LaPorte, Texas 77571

Phone: 281-222-3924 or 281-222-3423

From Beltway 8, Take Fairmont Parkway towards LaPorte,

Turn left on Underwood,

Turn right at first light, Rustic Gate.

You will go through 2 stop signs. Our home is the 6th house after the 2nd stop sign, on your left.

rsvp would be helpful. email: donna_r_madden@yahoo.com

Update

2010-10-31T20:05:00.007-05:00

Hi. Just a little updating. Please excuse some of the blog entries I am keeping here as links for my new business blog.

Here, I am standing in my new home, in my new awesome kitchen. We have been so tremendously blessed to be in this beautiful home. In this kitchen is where I do all of my food creations for my business, "Decorating for the Senses". I have recently been excited by the opportunity to use my decorating talents as well.

Tonight marks the birth date of my "born again" Christian experience. I will never forget this night. This life altering experience began when my family visited a Pentecostal church on a Tuesday evening. At 14 years of age, I was blessed to become a part of something bigger than myself. The joy of that experience and my life dedicated to Christ, led me to marry my preacher husband and together, we have pioneered 2 churches and pastored several others across the country. We were also blessed to have done much traveling with our two children, Aaron and Hannah.

Aaron, now engaged to be married and expecting my first grandchild. Hannah, a 10th grader, loving life and full of enthusiasm. My hubby, a full time student and sophomore at a secular college and preaching many week-ends among other business endeavors.

decorating for the senses presents...

2010-04-14T23:04:00.024-05:00

Take Home Chef…

We deliver to your work place savors that delight the senses. Try one or several of our menu items to complete your evening or cater your own party with our services.

Entrees:

Creole New Orleans Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

Prize winning recipe. You should serve with Steamed Rice and French Bread.

Gumbo for 8, $32. for 4, $20.

Rice and french bread, $6.

Chicken Tetrazzini

for 8, $32. for 4, $20.

Best served with a salad or vegetable and bread

Creamy Chicken Casserole with a Ritz Cracker Crust

Serves 8, $32.

Serve with rice, veggie/salad, rolls

Tortilla Soup with sour cream, and chips

$29. serves 8

Add shredded cheese, $4.

Spinach & Mushroom Quiche

$17. for one pie pan size

Good with a soup or salad

King's Ranch Chicken

A Mexican casserole made with chicken breast, sauce and cheddar cheese

Serves 8, $32.

Chips and a Homemade salsa as a side, 1 large bag of chips and 12 0z. salsa, $6.

Three Cheese Italian Cuisine

A cheesy pasta crust, with home made sauce, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses

Serves about 8, 9 X 12 pan, $32.

Breakfast Casserole

Sausage or Bacon, ready to bake for supreme freshness

This is very good with danish rolls, and fresh fruit. We also recommend a coffee cake from our menu.

Serves 8, $26.

Salad Choices:

All salads are $17. and serves about 6 people

Red tip and Iceburg

with strawberries, mandarin oranges, feta cheese,

candied nuts and home made dressing.

Greek Salad

Romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, tomato slices, black olives, purple onion slices, feta cheese with a home made vinaigrette

Spring mix

with sliced pears, feta cheese and a citrus home made vinaigrette dressing

Wedge Salad

with crumbled Blue Cheese, purple onion slice, tomato slice & blue cheese

dressing in individual servings for 6

Classic Lettuce & Tomato, you provide your own dressing

$10.

Side:

Fresh Green Beans, sauteed in olive oil lemon pepper & a little salt

serve 8, $12. serve 4, $6.

Fresh Fruit Platter

Seasonal fruit serving about 8, $17.

Something Sweet:

Peanut Butter Cookies

with a chocolate Hershey’s’ kiss in the center

$12. for 8 large cookies

Chocolate Home made Cookies

soft on the inside and crusty on the outside

$16. for 24 small cookies

Chocolate Pound Cake

with a cream cheese chocolate icing

$28.

Martha Curls' Chess Pie

very good, also home made

$12.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

drizzled in white chocolate

$9. for 12, these are grocery store quality, not the large stemmed

Brennen’s Bread Pudding

A French bread/custard with golden raisons and a wonderful rum sauce

a 9 x 12 size, serves about 12

This is actual rum, not rum extract

$15.

Pineapple Cake with a Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe made as cupcakes were featured in the Pearland Examiner, $19.

Visit our website: www.donnamadden.me

donna_r_madden@yahoo.com Call: 281.222.3423

Save the date...Skin Care Party You'll Love

2010-03-27T11:43:00.011-05:00

There is a scripture that says "Love thy neighbor as thyself". I think many times our relationships become marred by the fact that we just don't love ourselves enough. Notice. When you are feeling really bad, ugly, your life feels in the "out of control" mode, you can find yourself treating others rude and with an ugly spirit. Personally, I think this can come when we are really feeling bad about ourselves. Try this. Treat you like you want to be treated. Stop belly aching about no one ever complimenting you, giving you a gift, telling you how special you are, etc. Try doing that for yourself. Use a marker and write on your bathroom mirror, "I am beautiful, skinny and wise". Funny? Right, you will laugh at yourself every time you see it, but, you just might need to lighten up to brighten up. And, in time, you will start believing more in yourself. Don't wait for someone to buy you flowers, buy some for yourself. You will feel pampered when you buy something new to wear or get a mani or pedi or massage. Love you and you will see for yourself, you will begin to love others more.

This is one reason I am hosting a Mary Kay party for my niece's new business. When I attended her party last week, I left feeling pampered and beautiful. Learning how to take care of yourself can give you a roadmap to a better you and ultimately a better caring person. When you come to my apartment, I hope you will feel catered to and an atmosphere of relaxation. I regret that my apartment can only hold a handful of friends and guest, but I am sure Jen will be happy to come to your home and give you a private consultation.

The date is: April 8, Thursday p.m. 7:30. For products shop Mary Kay's website, then let me know what you would want to order, request a book, a party date or call to reserve a spot at my party: 281-222-3423.

Now get up and do something nice for yourself. I love you and so does He.

"After the Maid"

2010-02-28T02:59:00.004-06:00

My "after the maid" service is my unique service. I do not know of anyone doing this. I come preferably on the day the maid comes, bring dinner for the family, something to drink when you arrive, and a snack. I can have everything ready to warm, time it so that it is ready to eat when you arrive, or have ready in your frig to finish baking. I give you menu choices and work with you to make it "kid friendly" if need be.

At this home, I made a chicken tetrazzini, a green salad with pears, feta cheese, and candied pecans, my Zuni dense no flour chocolate cake, and chocolate covered strawberries.

Even if you do not have a maid, you will enjoy this service. We aim to please.

Wedding Shower of Josh & Josie

2010-02-01T21:12:00.006-06:00

The Menu:

Petite Ham Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Walnuts & Grapes
Greek Egg Salad Sandwiches
Cucumber/Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Relish Tray
Potato Chips
Home Made Salsa & Tostitoe Chips

Sparkling Cranberry Juice
Red Velvet Cupcakes (by Melissa's Cupcakes)
Coffee

Color Scheme:
Pink/Red/Ivory

Theme:
Floating Candles/ Rose Petals/ Crystal

Guest enjoyed home made sandwich fillings with fresh breads, some from Central Market, Houston. To add to the romance of a wedding shower, we chose floating candles and lots of votive candles with rose petal sprinkles of red, pink and ivory.

One focal point was a place for guest to leave a "Recipe for a Happy Marraige" coupled with hand made cookbook covers to reflect the bride and groom.

Special party favors were pretzels dipped in
white chocolate and drizzled with milk
chocolate and special tags honoring the
wedding date of Josh & Josie.

Click on each pic to enlarge. More pics can be viewed on my website soon. donnamadden.me

Baby Shower

2010-01-20T17:20:00.009-06:00

The Menu:

Sausage Cheese Egg Casserole
Fresh Fruit
Sparkling Fruit Juice/Starbucks Coffee
Shower Cake

Theme:

Baby Birds

Color Theme:

Pale Yellow and Teal

My inspiration was a really beautiful napkin. Loved these colors. I felt that the decor for the shower would be a little less unexpected to use baby birds and nests rather than the typical baby stuff.

The house was packed with 30 plus guests, but everything went very smoothly. As guests arrived, we had the sparkling fruit juice, followed by the light breakfast plate. The shower time was 11 a.m. The large floral arrangement housed 4 baby birds in the branches. We chose very "naturey" type flowers to showcase the look.

Christmas Candy Recipes

2009-10-28T18:19:00.009-05:00

Just click on the recipe to open each. Enjoy!


2 Minute Microwave Fudge	5 Minute Fudge	7 Layer Bars
Aaron's Buttery Cashew Brittle	Almond Bark	Amanda's Peppermint Creams
Ann's Cream Nut Candy	Bavarian Inn Peanut Bars	Beth's Delicious Fudge
Brownie Fudge Dessert	Buckeyes	Buckeyes
Butter Toffee	Candied Yams	Candy Bar Brownies
Candy Cane Brittle	Candy Cane Fudge	Caramel Krispie Treats
Caramels	Carmel Corn	Carol's Christmas Treats
Chocolate Almond Bars	Chocolate Balls	Chocolate Billionaires
Chocolate Chow Mein Candy	Chocolate Covered Cherries	Chocolate Covered Nuts
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls	Chocolate Covered Pretzels	Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Chocolate Covered Pretzels	Chocolate Nut Caramels	Chocolate Popcorn
Chocolate Silk Bon Bons	Chocolate Truffels	Christmas Candied Walnuts
Christmas Crackle Candy	Christmas Mice	Chunky Mallow Candy
Cinnamon Hard Candy	Cinnamon Popcorn	Cranberry Nut Fudge
Cream Cheese Candy	Creamy Chocolate Truffles	Creamy Microwave Pralines (Texas Stye)
Crispy peanutbutter balls	Dark Chocolate Fudge	Deborahe's Holiday Chocolates
Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies	Dish of Dirt	Divinty
Dorothy's Peanut Butter/Butterscotch Noodle Cookie	Dreamcicle Fudge	Easy Candy
Easy Divinity	Easy Divinity Easy Divinity Candy	Easy Fudge
Easy Granola Candy	Easy Microwave Carmel	Easy Microwave Fudge
Easy Pecan Logs	English Toffee	English Toffee
English Toffee Bars	Fabulous Fudge	Fake Brittle
Fantasy Fudge	Festive Chocolate Truffles	Five Minute Fudge
Fool-Proof Fudge	Frosted Pecans	Fudge
Brownies	Fudge for One
Fudge Puddles	Georgia Nuggets	Grandma Donna's Nummies
Grandma F's Delicious Fudge	Grandmother' s Holiday Fudge	Hard Candy
Hard Tack Candy	Hazelnut Fantasy Fudge	Ho-Ho Hash
Holly Confection	Honey Comb	J & D's Peanut Butter Balls
Jeanne's Tiger Butter	Jen's Chocolate Meringues	J's Cream Fudge
Kim's Famous Cashew Brittle	Magic Marshmallow Fudge	Mama's Fudge
Maple Rum Balls	Margie's Best Candy	Martha Washington Candy
Martha Washington Mounds	Marzipan	Melting Moments
Melting Moments	Memaw's Reese's	Meme's Best Ever Peanut Butter Fudge
Meringues	Micky's Mints	Microwave Peanutbutter fudge
Microwave Pralines	Milk Fudge	Milky Way Bars
Million Dollar Fudge	Mimi's Famous Fudge	Mocha Truffles
Mom's Mints	Mr. Monroe's Famous Fudge	Mrs. Eisenhower's Fudge
Never Fail Fudge	Never Fail Fudge	No Bake Rum Balls
No Cook Peanut Butter Fudge	No Fail Fudge	Novia Scotia Treats
Nut Mallow Goodies	Nutty North Pole Fudge	Orange Balls
Orange Glazed Pecans	Out Of This World Fudge	Oven Carmel Corn
Peanut Brittle	Peanut Brittle	Peanut Brittle
Peanut Brittle (Microwave)	Peanut Butter Balls	Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut Butter Balls	Peanut Butter Bars-An Elve's Favorite Treat	Peanut Butter Candy
Peanut Butter Candy	Peanut Butter Cups	Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut Butter Fruit Squares	Peanut Butter Fudge	Peanut Butter Fudge
Peanut Butter Fudge	Peanut Butter Snowballs	Peanut Clusters (mircrowavable)
Peanut Krispies	Peanut Patties

Living Organized, A Book Review

2009-10-21T11:20:00.010-05:00

I have been browsing through one of my favorite books. There are some quotes in here I want to share. I encourage you to read this book if you need to get on tract or just want some inspiration in keeping your home organized and clean. There is nothing like a clean home and really organized. Even if you use a maid service, you can benefit from Sandra's "Living Organized" book.

Felton's Laws Expanded
You will always find something in the last place you look.
You will remember that you forgot to take out the trash when the garbage truck is two doors away.
Don't call the police because your house has been vandalized until you are really sure.
The difference between "I can" and "I can't" is often "I will."
An ounce of "now" is worth a pound of "later."
There's never time to put it away, but there's always time to look for it.

Another quote from the chapter: "What, A Messie Decorator?"
"Inspiration seldom comes to those wearing psychological blinders against their everyday clutter. Before a Messie can decide what does go into her house, she needs to eliminate everything that definitely doesn't go. Dead houseplants, a worn-out chair you've put off covering, stained carpets, and overflowing wastebaskets-all these distractions get between us and our MAGIC ROOM."

Being organized is always a "work in progress." The picture, above, is my bathroom. This is my favorite room to enter "clean". Fresh flowers always add a nice "welcome" as does bath salts, gels, etc.

"Living Organized, Sandra Felton

Meet My "Aunt Gracie"

2009-06-23T01:08:00.006-05:00

Because of my special Aunt Gracie, I have been inspired to be a better aunt for all of my nieces and nephews.

Grace started working with Southern Bell as a switchboard operator fresh out of high school. She worked with this company until she retired as Marketing Operations Manager 42 years later and the company bought out by A T & T.

She and her wonderful husband, Johnny Rodriguez are very hard workers. I remember their small apartment in New Orleans where my cousin, Janice and I would go to spend some time with our Aunt Gracie.

During this time of my life I was exposed to some new things that my immediate family did not do on a regular basis. I love the memories of her taking us swimming, after purchasing us new swimming caps and I learned how to float. I was so proud of myself. Another time, I remember going to the beauty shop with her and out to breakfast. One special memory was when Janice and I both bought musical instruments from a toy store. One day she took us to get a professional picture taken. Aunt Gracie made you always feel like you were beautiful, talented and all of your inspiring ideas you ever shared with her were brilliant. She called me Donna Rooster. From that small apartment, and a lot of hard work, she and Uncle Johnny moved to a beautiful split level home they designed and still live in to the present.

Her purses were always filled with lots of change. We knew we could always find a hefty amount of shopping money or to buy a special treat.

Aunt Gracie is a real giver. She has blessed us so many times.

Aunt Gracie has always been a great example of taking care of yourself. I remember seeing her and her sister, Aunt Patsy, exercise. Her clothes are always those of a leader.

"I buy the clothes that I really like" she said, "not just because they are on sale."
Her hair and make up always tastefully done.

Grace and Johnny have a real love for God and their fellow man. They have shown their love for their family and friends by always traveling if necessary to be with them on their special "red letter" days.

I could go on and on, but the one thing that really draws people to Grace and Johnny is their really really fun personalities. When they are around, you can always expect to laugh and have a great time. Grace is the person you would want to go with you on a cruise or to a party. I will always remember how she made us laugh when visiting us at the hospital when my Dad was very sick with cancer. She and Aunt Patsy made a very difficult time filled with some really pleasant memories.

Thank you Aunt Gracie for believing in me, encouraging me, and showing love to my Mother and family. Thank you for being a great example of how an aunt can make such a difference in the lives of your nieces and nephews. I pray that I will be able to impact my nieces the way you have done for me.

The Power of Hope

2009-06-02T01:49:00.006-05:00

I believe "hope" is the glue that adds faith to our lives. In order to get our prayers answered, I really think that feeling that feeling of already receiving the answer plays a huge part in getting our prayers answered.

God seems to sprinkle rays of hope along our paths. How many times did you have something come in your day that never did pan out, but it was exciting for a time? Many times when we are seeking God for answers, He will seemingly tease us with what we "think" is going to be an open door, but that situation or thing never comes through.

These gifts of hope is the fuel that, I believe, gets us from point "A" to point "B". He is just encouraging us as we travel though our lives with rays of hope. How discouraging life would be if He never shined the light of hope in our path that is leading us in the right direction.

True faith requires feeling the feeling of the prayer already answered. It is the power that reigns the answer in many times. Mature faith has the ability to just "wait" when we know that His word declares we CAN receive the answer.

I know we have all experienced in our prayer life the ability to visualize the prayer we are praying as answered. This can spark so much faith, that we can leave that season of prayer knowing that the answer is on it's way.

I have had several people talk to me lately about "why does God not heal when we know He paid a huge price for our healing?". As many of my readers know, we of all people could ask this question. Gary suffers with MS and even I with some heart difficulties.

Here is my answer... I just think we must trust God no matter what. We have to believe that He is working all things for our good. Somehow, God is doing some great thing through us or for us. Just because He has not seemingly answered our prayer, does not mean He is not going to.

When our children ask for something and we know we are going to give it to them, maybe for Christmas or a birthday, we do not fret that they are going without, because we know it will be done.

The end is not here yet. So, we just keeping believing. And, if the answer is no, we still must trust Him.

God's Favor

2009-04-28T00:30:00.007-05:00

I have been reading a book to my students in my Life Skills’ class. We have been impacted by studying “God’s Favor” in our lives. I asked my students what they thought favor really means. I know we have many times asked a friend, “Hey, would you do me a favor?” Then we begin to ask for a special thing to be done.

For me, I think when God says He wants to give us His good favor, He is saying, “I am using the word favor because I just want to do this thing for you out of my kindness to you. Not that you have done anything to deserve it, but just because I want to do it as a favor.

When I looked up the definition of favor, I got:

Friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior

Gracious kindness; also: an act of such kindness favor

A token of love

A small gift or decorative item given out at a party

A special privilege or right granted or conceded

Many times we only bother to pray to God when we have some enormous request, that we know only He can do. God is so interested in our everyday, small stuff and the great details of our lives that we totally overlook the fact that He is right there ready to do us a “favor.”

I love the mention of a favor being given at weddings. These are small gifts that the bride and groom give to their guest as a small token of their appreciation for coming and celebrating their special day….getting married. Can we believe for the small gifts God wants to put in our path?

One quote in the book I am reading says to pray, “God, I know your favor is coming my way.” My students and I went to a computer and typed this prayer and vowed to put it in a prominent place in our homes to remind ourselves of God’s desire to give us His favor in our lives.

I pray that whoever reads this entry will challenge yourself to be open to God’s favor that wants to come to you right now. Now….watch out for it. Let me know when you know you receive a token of “His good favor.”

Just Ask

2008-07-20T15:12:00.008-05:00

One of my favorite scriptures is "You have not because you do not ask," (James 4:2)

Even in everyday life, ask for what you want. The worse thing that can happen is the answer to be "no". And you just might be surprised that most of the time it will be "Yes".

How many times have you gone without, thinking this is the humble
route or you do not want to be greedy, when God is just saying to "Ask."

God is desiring to do great things for you.... just ask!

Finding My Best Life with The Pampered Chef

2008-05-27T01:48:00.006-05:00

At the end of 2008, my husband resigned as pastor at The Pentecostals of Crosby due to some severe health challenges. This was a real leap of faith financially. I knew that I really needed to find a job opportunity that would allow me to help with the budget, but at the same time, I was really needed to help assist my husband who was really battling to even get around in our home.

My sister-in-law came up with a brilliant idea that I should pursue The Pampered Chef business opportunity. I really valued Shelley's opinion, and dove in. Her friend, now my director, has worked with the Pampered Chef for 14 years and is blessed with a great income and annual exotic vacations for her family.

Since becoming a consultant with the PC family, I now own my own business, and have already reached the future director level. I have fallen in love with the products. This month, I have 9 cooking shows in my schedule. I love meeting people everywhere I go and showing them how they can have a "best life" with the Pampered Chef.

I have a personal web site, but am not allowed to advertise it per PC rules. If you would like to visit my site, please contact me through my email address and I would be happy to direct you to this site and assist you with some great products, show you have you can receive free and discounted products or how you too can enjoy the benefits of working with the PC family. My website address is, without me sharing the actual link is: pampered chef dot biz slash your best life dot com You can figure it out.

Getting Where You Want To Be

2008-05-27T01:42:00.001-05:00

Today my company had a conference call for new future directors. Dan Arwine, one of the directors of US Sales of The Pampered Chef made this comment. He told the story of the Nascar driver that was asked, "how can you stay at a speed of 200 miles per hour plus, keep control and never hit the side walls?". His answer was simple. "I never look at the side walls."

Wow! This is really an awesome thought! No matter what race in life you may be running....whether it be trying to find a new career, a new home, the right car, trying to find the right life partner, or what ever, you just may need to focus on what you want rather than what you don't want.

Dan said he experimented with it one day while riding his bike. "I kept my focus on a rock on the side of the road I wanted to avoid and sure enough, after keeping my eyes on the rock long enough, I began to go right into it."

I believe keeping the "big picture" planted firmly in your mind and focusing on what contributes to the desired outcome, will eventually help you to find yourself right where you want to be.

Meet My Sister, Judy

2008-05-27T01:32:00.004-05:00

Judy, my "big" sister, is one of the most fun people you will ever be with. Her gift is making you laugh and encouraging you when you need it most.

A first memory I am privileged to remember about Judy's many talents is, when she was about 10 years old, she sculpted a hand that she created out of mud. It was really neat and how I wish it could have been preserved! Since then to now, her many talents have soared to he scores! I know Judy is capable of building a house from scratch if she just wanted to.

It is a must that you visit her blog that features her many creations in art. judywalston.blogspot.com At present, Judy is an interior designer at the VA hospital staff in Alexandria, Louisiana. She has completed her degree in art in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a member of the Pentecostals of Alexandria and a member of the sanctuary choir. Judy also gives "fantastic" massages! Her home is very serene with faux finishes on the walls, an art gallery with unusual themed rooms of her many creations.

Her children are, Kevin, a banker in Alexandria and husband of Rebekka, a school teacher, Michelle, full time mother of twins and teen daughter, wife of Wallace, a chemist and Jennifer, of Houston, Texas, marketing in the banking industry.

Developing a Consistent Prayer Life

2007-10-27T23:02:00.000-05:00

When my niece, Valerie was teaching the Teens class, she called and asked me to write something she could share with her class on how to develop a prayer life. I thought it may be of interest to others, so here it is as I wrote it for her class. Hope it may be of help to someone.

Be encouraged to know that there is a God that longs to communicate with you.
Donna Madden

How I Think You Develop a Consistent Prayer Life

The ultimate breakthrough in prayer comes when you seek God for the initial experience of the Holy Ghost. For me, it was repentance, saying I am sorry and I want to live my life for you. Then it was the seeking for deeper experiences. One of which, I wanted to speak in a fluent tongue when I broke through in prayer. It seemed my initial experience was more of a stammering lips rather that a clear tongue, although I knew without a shadow of a doubt I received the Holy Ghost by the joy and peace that came to me.

While kneeing down besides my by husband’s awesome prayer warrior Grandmother, I listened to her fervent prayer. I took a leap of faith, prayed out loud in an unusual unknown phrase that came to me, then I too suddenly began to speak in a distinct unknown language. This accelerated my prayer life to a new level.

I was one to have spiritual dreams, and angel experiences. I think this came as a result of a sold out consecrated life lived for God. When I woke from a stirring dream, I yielded myself seeking God through prayer to help me see what ever it was he was trying to talk to me about. God can use a young person who is sensitive and will respond to Him.

As a young person, I would never go to bed at night without first kneeling beside my bed and praying. I would visualize my life as I wanted it to be. Sometimes I would listen to music that would usher me in to prayer and consecration and even a deeper level of prayer. Sometimes, I would enter in a spirit of prayer by playing the piano, playing my feelings, singing then to my knees in an awesome prayer meeting. I had my corners in the living room well after my parents were in bed and sought God and His presence.

All of these times laid the foundation that now support an ongoing, always in tune type of prayer life. Now...it is as though I always have a pilot light going, a continual instant prayer that in a moment’s time, I don’t have to dig the well, but it is already flowing and I can enter in to His presence instantly. I guard what I hear and indulge myself in because this can block me from the presence of God.

Now, the last thing I do as I go to sleep on my bed at night is talk to God and when I wake, I begin to find something to be grateful about. I keep the victory by forcing myself to think of the positive in every situation and minimize the negative. I am not perfect, I have some bad days and some times that I am weak, but all of the victories I have won behind me gives me the strength to keep pressing on.

Cookie Recipes

2007-10-27T22:45:00.001-05:00

I was very excited when my friend, Bernadette emailed me a forward. I normally ignore forwards as much as possible, but feel obligated to my friends to open them up and at least take a look and respond with a little something.

To my surprise, this one was really neat and well done and I thank her for sending it my way.

I hope you will enjoy the benefits of this array of wonderful easy cookie recipes just in time for the holidays.

Love's Portion

2007-07-11T00:20:00.002-05:00

Click on this letter to view. The link used in this letter can be accessed here: http://www.ladiesministries.org/mothers_memorial.asp

"Love"s Portion" is a small business I have, earning a small stream of income and is an avenue to bless the work of God. The candy machines hold three varieties of candy and gum for 25 cents each. Vist a machine at TN Nails, Crosby, next to Starbucks or Heros Mexican Resturant in Atascosita, near the Lake Houston bridge.

Update: now at Dr. Dillip Patel's office, Fairmont in LaPorte & Creme of the Crop Learning Center, Center Street, Deer Park.