Ode to my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer.....

Yes! I do love my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. It is a vintage model 4C. When Doug and I got married, I hoped to get one for a wedding gift. However, no rich relatives turned up! So, I settled for a handmixer. It did fine for a novice cook and lasted about the average 4 years.

Then I really began to commit the sin of covetousness. I wanted a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer with all my heart. However, with a small child, the usual doctor bills and necessary things like paying the morgage and household bills, this was an extravagance we could ill afford.

I am, among other things, a hardcore yardsale junkie. I love them. Any shape, size, place and name you choose to call them, I don't pass one by as a rule. One Saturday morning, Doug and I were cruising, that is what we call it when we are not really out there for yardsales but if we see one, we hit it) near our home. We saw a crudely lettered sign saying "Estate Sale". "Wanna follow it?" Doug asked. "Sure!" I replied and off we went.

The sign led us to a slightly run down 60's subdivision. These usually produce some good things so I was more than interested. As we approached the house with the matching sign on the mailbox, I spied a white item with a familiar shape sitting on the ground just outside the garage door. I quickly headed for it, all the while pretending to look at other items nearby. As I approached my heart began to race and as I stooped to get a better look at a cheap glass florist vase, I took a hard peek at the object of my excitement.

YES! It was! It was a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer! Not one I'd seen before in style, but it said Kitchenaid on the side. Dirty and greasy, but it said Kitchenaid on the side!

I leaned over and picked it up and turning to the man in charge I asked in a slightly uninterested tone of voice, "How much for this old mixer?". He glanced up and said, "Oh, that was my Mom's favorite thing in the kitchen. I'll take $10.00 for it." "Does it work?" I asked in that same...er....uninterested tone. "It did a few years ago, you can plug it up and see, over there." I strolled over to the drop cord he had pointed to and plugged it in. My heart soared as I turned the knob on top of the crome handle and heard that sweet sound of a working motor. I quickly paid the man and not finding anymore treasures, Doug and I headed for the car. I showed him my prize and that is when I realized that in my inital excitement I'd not noticed that there was no bowl or beater! I went back and asked for them but the man said that they'd been lost when they moved his mother's things.

Ebay to the rescue! As soon as I got home I began researching my new prize. It was a Model 4C I learned and was made during the early 1960's (1962 to be exact) and there were limited items out there to find to use with it. I needed a bowl. I needed a whisk (beater) and I needed them now! So, I began to shop ebay for the desired items and found that there were a lot of people doing exactly what I was doing. I was also very suprised to learn that even as old as my 4C is, it is quite desireable and valuable.

I found a lovely bowl and the same lady had a whisk as well! I made my purchase, total $12.00 and $5.00 shipping. Now my mixer was up to at least $27.00. Compared to a new one that is quite a difference.

While I waited for my bowl and whisk to arrive, I gave my new toy a good cleaning. It is quite lovely to me, sleek and modern looking for it's day. It reminds me of the cars of the day, with their angles and chrome everywhere. I love chrome....but that is another story!

The bowl and whisk arrived 5 days later. I tore into that box like a kid on Christmas morning. TaDa! I ran to my mixer and put the bowl and whisk on it, turned it on and aaaahhhhhhh.......such sweet music to my ears!

That day I made 2 cakes, 1 dozen muffins and a big old pone of cornbread! I was in heaven. To date it is the rare day that goes by that I don't use my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. It can't make breads, no bread hook, it can't make stiff batters, the whisk is not a good tool for that but it can mix up some serious creamed potatoes, pies, cakes and muffins not to mention the southern staple, Cornbread.

I actually own 2 of the "vintage" Kitchenaid Stand Mixers'. The second one has a place of honor on top of my fridge. It is a Model 3B. circa: 1944-1953. See the photo at top left. It works, but not as well as my 4C. I found it at a flea market. I don't know why I bought it....... (grin) just couldn't resist I suppose.

As I type this, I am saddened by the fact that my beloved mixer is on it's last legs. It just doesn't seem to have the old pep it used to have. The motor smells hot sometimes and Doug tells me it is the "brushes" in the motor doing that. He also tells me that it isn't long for this world.

So, I am in the market for a "new" Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. I'd dearly love a brand new stainless steel one, but yes, well......

"We all leave footprints in the sand, the question is, will we be a big heal or a great soul." unknown

We all will leave our footprints in the sand of this world. Our lives and how we lived it will be our footprints. What sort of footprints will you be leaving?

I'd like to think that my footprints will not over shadow others footprints or that they become lost in the many, that they will stand (pardon the pun) for themselves. I'd like to think that mine will show the places that I paused will be good places, not places I'd be ashamed to have my footprints be there. Places where my footprints go deep in the sand because I stayed for awhile to do the work of the Lord, or places that they grew lighter because I hurried through the storm of that time.

There is a poem, I'm sure you all remember reading or hearing it at sometime in your lives, that tells of the times that we walked in the sand of of life and there were only one set of prints. Those are the times that Jesus carried us through the storms of life.
We don't often remember that, focused on our own selves as we so often do.

So, back to the original question, what will your footprints tell about your life? Something to ponder.......

Blessings~
Kat

"Promise only what you can deliver, then deliver more than you promise....." unknown

The photo at the side is of our CMA Chapter, The Blessed Riders at a charity ride early this year. This type of thing is a small fraction of the activities that our chapter is involved in. We work rides, helping with the organizing, set up, breakdown and some go on the actual ride. None of us go on all of them, but some go on each one. This would run into some serious outlay of cash to try and go on each and every ride.

By helping with the work of the ride, that is our contribution as well as the opportunity to witness to the "biker world". Most of the rides are "secular", meaning that the attender's are not necessarily Christian or have a relationship with Jesus. By being there we can witness to them and share with them just what Jesus has done for us. We offer to "Bless" their bike as well, but it isn't really blessing their bike so much as it is an opportunity to pray with and for them where they are right at that moment.

The subject of this writing isn't about the CMA, as such, but it is about the promises that we sometimes make and cannot or do not intend, to keep.

Have you ever made a promise to someone just to shut them up or get them off of your back, knowing in your heart that you have no intention of keeping that promise? I have. If you say you haven't, well I'm sorry but I don't believe it. We've all done it. Have you ever taken one of those tracts that a man or woman handed you while you're walking down a sidewalk or into a store? Well, that is a promise you made and had no intention of keeping, as you tossed it into the first trash can you passed. You were practicing avoidance, take the tract, no additional actions required and moment passed. Right?
Wrong! We shouldn't take the tracts or whatever the person is handing out unless we intend to read it. We should simply hold our hand up and say "No, Thank You" with a smile, and walk on.

When you make a promise, whether verbal or implied, you should make every effort possible to keep that promise. The Scripture tells us, "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." Matt 5:37 KJV. Your word should be something someone can bank on! Something they have no fear of finding false.

It is coming up on election time in our CMA chapter. I am currently serving as secretary. This isn't a job for someone with an "I'll do it later" attitude. Believe it or not, if you do that you'll quickly find yourself up to your nose in "paper work" and be over come. Serving as an officer is an honor and a privilege. The chapter members are depending on your integrity and depend upon you to keep your word to them and our Father. This isn't a fluff job, it is a vital part of the Ministry of CMA and as such, you'd better be able to deliver on your promise and yes, go the extra mile as needed.

Are you ready to do that in what ever position you hold in your work, home and ministry or community service work? I hope so.

Something to ponder.............

Blessings~
Kat

"Live as you wish your kids would...." unknown

I try to do just that, but sometimes I fail, just as any human will. We have tried to instill in our girls that they should live by the "Golden Rule", you know, "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." as found in Mark 6:31 ASV

So often in life this is just not possible. People just won't let you treat them as you'd like to be treated. BUT...........

That is where the definition of "Saint" comes in. You MUST treat them as you'd like to be treated even when they don't deserve it. Especially when they don't deserve it!

Let's pretend you're driving along in heavy traffic, someone cuts you off and your first inclination is to question their sanity or even their parentage! But ~ stop and think, maybe they are not paying attention because they are on their way to the hospital to be with a loved one before surgery or even death, maybe they just lost their job, maybe any number of life altering events may have occurred and there you are with your attitude of injured pride screaming obscenities at them.
How would you have like to have been treated should that other person been you instead?

Will this humble blog make you stop and think, or even change one thing you might do tomorrow? I'd like to think so. I'd like to think it will make me think twice about my reactions to the daily grind.

Like we say in the CMA (Christian Motorcyclist Association), "Changing the world, one heart at a time." Maybe the first heart I should change is mine.

....something to ponder.....

Blessings~
Kat

Bittersweet Memories...........

I've been seeing the signs but this time, I don't have a "school" child.

No Back to school angst, the supplies list from your school, back to school clothes sales at Wally World, Old Navy and other stores.

Honestly.... I miss it. The hustle to get the good binder before they are all picked over. Trying to find enough notebook paper to last the year, rushing to the store as soon as the Fall clothes are on the racks. And oh my, last but most certainly not least, the mad dash to the shoe store to get that certain pair of shoes that "everyone will be wearing now!"

Do I miss the expense? No. The tears of frustration when they are told, "That isn't in our budget"? No. The "I know I have a perfectly good binder but it's from LAST YEAR!"? No.

What do I miss you ask? Well, I'll miss the excitement of that first day. Dragging out of bed and then remembering that it's back to school and we'll see our friends. The rush through breakfast to get dressed in that special first day back outfit that we switched out 15 times before bedtime. I'll miss the good-bye kisses and have a good day hugs as they walk out the door. That's what I'll miss.

Oh yes, I have one chick in the nest still and she will be going to school, in September. But it just won't be the same.

You know....I need some scrapbooking supplies....yeah....I do! I just might go to the store and get right in the middle of the hub-bub!

But this time.....I'll be watching, listening and remembering when. Then I'll come home and tackle those scrapbook pages that I've been meaning to get done.

Blessings~
Kat

Plan your attack on that Cluttered Room!

It is an accepted fact clutter cannot be organized.

You can go and hit the organizing aisle at your favorite store and buy all sorts of bins and boxes to put your clutter into. You could even buy shelves with little cubbies and pretty baskets to put your clutter into. But all you’re going to wind up with is clutter in boxes.

The minute you turn your back, it will creep right back out of those boxes to rest upon the level spots in your room. Vacancies on the table tops will disappear, the floor will soon follow suit and the next thing you know, you’re right back where you started. Maybe even worse off!

No, my friend, it is time for a change.

Step #1: Pick a room. It can be the room that you use most often, or the least. Don’t turn this into a trial. I recommend that you start with a small room like a bathroom or even a closet.

Step #2: Gather 3 containers (boxes are best), a roll of wide masking tape, some large trash bags and a black marker. Label the boxes using the black marker: TRASH, KEEP, DONATE. I recommend mid to large boxes and line them with the large trash bags. Put the marker and roll of tape aside, we will use them again later.

Step #3: Put the labeled boxes into the center of the room or an easy to reach location. Now give the room a glance over and do a quick toss out. This means grab a trash bag (I like the plastic bags from the grocery store, they work well for a quick toss.) and hold it in one hand while you quick toss with the other. Toss anything that is apparent trash into the bag in your hand. Don’t get derailed this is not a long term exercise; you should finish within 5 minutes. Tie it off and drop it into the box labeled trash.

Step #4: Choose your starting point and begin going through the items in the furniture you’ve chosen to work in. Remember to keep it moving; don’t touch any items more than one time.
As you hold the item, ask yourself these questions:
A. Do I love it?
B. When did I use/wear it last?
C. Is it in good working/wearing condition?

If you answer No to any one of these questions move it to one of the boxes. TRASH or DONATE. In the case of DONATE, ask yourself if you would wear it/use it and if not, TRASH it!

*As you fill the bags in the collection boxes, tie them off. Put a piece of masking tape on it and write: DONATE or TRASH. Then move it out of the room to the trash cans or to the trunk of your car in the case of the DONATE bags.

Step #5: Keep moving in the manner described above until you’ve either finished the room or have reached a point that you’re tired and must stop. You should move fairly fast through the room chosen depending upon the size of the room.

HINT: If you can find a buddy to help you and you let your buddy handle the items you will find your decision making is much easier. When you touch the items you set up an emotional response, even with things that you’d never dream would have an emotional connection.

HINT: Put on some snappy music, you’ll find yourself working quicker and maybe even singing as you work.

HINT: This is NOT a marathon. It is a path to a clutter free, stress reduced home! Take enough time to do it well, but do not dwell on any one item more than 10 seconds.

Try this method for De-Cluttering and you’ll love the results!

Now go and make your nest your haven!
Blessings~
Kat

Alternative fuel? You betcha!

What is it?
Where do we get it?
How expensive is it?
Who do we have to pay for it?

All good questions and not unexpected.

The answers will not come as a surprise to some but will be a complete surprise to others.

Who do we have to pay for it? No one. It’s already been paid for. There are no cash registers, not checkout lines. Not need to write a check or carry a plastic card.

How expensive is it? Not at all. It is a gift. Free. Foreign words too many people who are trap shy.

Where do we get it? Now that one is a really good question. You have to be introduced to the one that you’ll get this amazing fuel from. He is so very generous and giving. He wants to share this fuel with everyone. There are only a few that will actually accept this gift. That is very sad because it is so very easy to get this fuel.

What is it? This answer is short and sweet. It’s Jesus Christ.

"I Can Do All Things through Christ Who Strengthens Me” Philippians 4:13

His love gives me strength to fight the adversary. To go through the day to day living in this world that works so very hard to bring me down. I call on His name to bring me through the darkness to the light.

Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

We were given a play book. Much like a play book that sports coaches use to teach their players how to negotiate the playing field and make their goals. It comes in many languages, types of pages inside. It comes in leather bounding and paper bounding. You can get it on DVD, CD, MP3 and MP4. You can download it from music companies on the internet. It can cost hundreds of dollars to absolutely nothing. There is no reason for you not to be able to read the Word of God. It is called the Holy Bible, aka: The Scriptures, The Gospel, and The Good News that is only a few of the many names the Word of God can be recognized as.

Your task is to get into it, regardless of what form you use. Take it into your heart, burn it into your brain, memorize your favorite scriptures. When you need them they will be there to comfort you, ease your fears and give you strength in adversity.

So beloved, with this time of war, high prices on food, jobs lost and worry about the now rising fuel prices, remember that Jesus Christ can be your alternative fuel. Turn to Him with your worries, lay them at His feet and walk away. Live for Him, with Him and you will see, things will work out.


All things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I know it is hard to see when everything seems so desperately wrong, but God is in control. There is never a time that His children are forgotten and left to suffer His absence. The only time God is away from us is when we are the ones walking away. He is ever faithful to us, even in our human nature to forget Him when things are good.

Love God in bad times and good. He loves you during those times. It’s like the famous poem says, “When you saw only one set of footprints, I was carrying you.”

Now go out and take on this day….all for the Glory of God!
Blessings~
Kat

A Sam Story by Sam's Aunt Kat

Happy Valentine’s Day Jesus!

My nephew Sam is 5 years old and one of the most prolific children I’ve ever known in my life in the ability to make you laugh AND cry.

Feb. 14th, 2011 Sam got a balloon for Valentine’s Day. He brought it home and kept it until late that afternoon. Sam went outside and as he passes his Daddy on the porch, Daddy reminded Sam that if he turned loose of the balloon it would fly away. Sam responded, “I know Daddy.”, and went on his way.
The next thing Sam’s Daddy saw was that balloon floating upwards and Sam standing on the grass watching it float away. “Son, I told you that the balloon would be gone if you turned loose of it!” Sam said, “I know Daddy! I’m giving it to Jesus and God.” Sam’s Daddy watched as Sam looked up into the evening sky and shouted, “Happy Valentine’s Day Jesus and God!”
Sam’s Daddy had to go inside…..

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

Great Granpa Phillips' Nightstand!

Then there is the Sunday afternoon that Sam and his family was at his Grandmother’s house. Sam’s Great Grandfather had passed away a year or so ago and there were some of his furnishings stored in the barn. Sam’s Mommy asked Sam’s Grandmother if she could have a night stand that was Great Grandfather’s.
They brought the nightstand home and as they were cleaning it up on the front porch, Sam’s Mommy told Sam that it belonged to his Great Grandfather and Sam replied, “Yeah, I know Mama. Look Granddaddy is pulling back the clouds and lookin’ down saying, “Look at that Jesus! Ole Sam is using my old nightstand!”
Sam’s Mommy had to go inside……….

Peter! Get outta the boat!

My goodness! It has been a month since I posted! I do apologise for being so neglectful. It has been a busy beginning to this year for our family. Doug and I are working with our CMA Chapter both in officer capacity and that takes a great deal of our time. We also both work multiple jobs and that also is a time eater.

Today is Sunday, February the 6th and on this date 35 years ago Doug asked me to marry him. I'm so very glad that I said yes! We have had a wonderful life together and have been so very blessed by God. We look forward to many more years to come.

Doug brought the message for morning worship at North Coweta Baptist Church near Palmetto. He spoke about Peter and the night that Jesus walked out to the boat that Peter and the other disciples were in, riding out a bad storm. They didn't recognize Jesus and were very afraid when they saw Him. Peter wanted to go to Jesus but was afraid, calling out to Jesus he asked Jesus to let him walk to Him and Jesus said simply: "Come". Doug also talked about the prayer of Jabez and how the main 4 elements of the prayer works with the story of Peter and Jesus in the sea.

This message spoke volumes to me about how to react to a call from Jesus. Never say No! Always say "Yes Lord!" Think about it, how must the disciple's left in the boat must have felt. You just have to know that they wished that they'd also stepped out of that boat and went to Jesus. Jesus will never send you to do something that He doesn't well equip you for. He will never send you into unarmed, but you have the responsibility to put that armour on just like Peter had to ask Jesus for His hand.

Working in the CMA, going to motorcycle rallies and out into the biking world can be a scary thing if you are not working on faith. You have to ask Jesus for His hand, step off of the boat and wade out! This is true for any mission, you are going to be working in. When Jesus calls, answer! You will never be sorry you did, but I can promise you will be sorry if you don't.

Now go out and make your walk and work all for His glory!
Blessings~
Kat

On the road to recovery!

Praise God I'm feeling much better! I am gonna try to work today. I began to get antsey yesterday and today feel almost 100%. It will be a looonnngggg day however.

I haven't done anything on my "goal" for declutter today as yet, but I will and will return here to post about that. I have begun a new "project" and yes it involves clutter but I'm also going to have to wait to post on that this afternoon.

Today is my 34th Wedding Anniversary! Doug and I have gone through some bad days, but mostly good days, quiet a few of which were tremendous days. But I wouldn't trade one of those bad days because they have gotten us to where we are today. Thank you Father God for all days but especially the last 4 years. Doug and I have gotten so much closer to you and straighter in our walk with you. Thank you for our precious family, what a wonderful gift.

Okay, enough with the mushy stuff! Now go out and make this day yours AND ALL for His Glory!

Blessings~
Kat

I'm not a good patient.....

UGGGG!

I am sick and tired of being sick! I do feel better this afternoon. I can tell I'm coming out of it cos I'm getting antsy. Whew, glad this is on it's way out. Tummy virus' are the pits!

I haven't felt like doing anything much today, home from work and feeling yucky, but now as I look around I'm beginning to see things that want attending to. For example, I'm folding laundry and I notice that some of the towels are getting a little holey. Hummm.......yep, I have a solution. I'm going to go through all the linens and those that don't pass muster will be donated to the animal shelter.

The only problem with going throught the towels is that it prompts me to go through the linen closet and see how the sheets are doing. I'm a little OCD about sheet sets. I don't just fold them. Oh, no! I make little packages out of them.

I take the fitted sheet and fold it neatly and tightly. Then the top sheet I fold into a strip and roll the fitted sheet up in it. As I roll I put one of the pillow sheets inside the roll. Then I take the remaining pillow sheet and put the roll into it. Fold it up on itself and tada! You have a very neatly all together sheet set. Which in turn makes your linen closet very easy to navigate when looking for a sheet set on changing day. Especially if like us, you have several different bed sizes.

365 Declutter Challenge 2011 additions:

1. Several Holey towels (not too holey, but enough)
2. 2 flat sheets without mates and 1 fitted sheet without a mate.
3. 2 sets of curtains that I KNOW I will never hang.

Now go out and make this day yours (I know I'm late posting this....) but ALL for HIS glory!

Blessings~
Kat

Woeful Wednesday.....

Not feeling so well today. So I didn't do much all day long, other than cuddle with my kitty cats. They are very obliging in that respect.

My declutter challenge items are:

1. The drawer in the table beside the recliner. I cleaned it out as I watched some mind numbing TV. Gone are 2 pair of broken cheater glasses, 1 magazine I poked in there when company arrived unexpectedly and 2 bottle tops from Diet Coke bottles.

I'm off to bed now......

Blessings~
Kat

It continues!

I'm on a rollllll!!!!

Today's declutter items brought to you by: 365 Declutter Challenge 2011!

1. Magazines. Most given to me by clients, they decluttered and I cluttered...sheesh! Dropped into the recycle bin in town on my way through to the doctor's office.

2. Junk mail that somehow avoided the trash on the way in and made it to my office only to lay on my desk for 2 weeks.


I'm being totally honest here, this decluttering is very satisfying. It gives me a large boost of energy to see it in print the things that have moved out of my home. Then when I look around, even the smallest item gone seems to make so much more room. Try it! We all know how good the feeling of accomplishment is and how it energizes us to do even more.

Now for another announcement. I'm also doing a personal declutter. It consists of bad habits, weight, tiredness, grouchiness (is that a word?), and best of all the hope that I can declutter all these meds I'm on! Yea! That is a true goal.

Won't you join me?

I'm doing the personal declutter one small goal at a time. Goal #1: Get my rest. This involves getting off the computer, out of the TV and getting into bed at a decent time. I'm needing my rest to do my best the next day, to give my clients my all which is what they are paying me for. I've been working on this goal off and on, but now with God's help, I'm going to reach it and sustain it.

Psalms 127:2:

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. KJV

Now with my weight and health so out of control, I don't even rest well when I can. So, one thing leads to another. If I start with the basics, God and His word, I can with this fight, but only with His leading.

So, go out and make this day yours, but ALL for His Glory!

Blessings~
Kat

365 Challenge 2011

See the little purple square on the right? That is the challenge!

Hi everyone!

I'm issuing a challenge! Let's see how much we can move out of our lives in the way of clutter.

Clutter definitions differ, but in my opinion, clutter is anything that isn't useful, beloved or needed.

That said, on with it.

I will be listing everyday at least one item that I've decluttered from my home. It might be an appliance that I no longer use or used so little that it won't be missed. It might be an article of clothing I've been holding for what ever reason, or a pair of shoes that I've not been able to wear. It will be no less than one thing a day and will be listed here. I'll update this post with my item(s) every evening.

Your challenge is to meet or even better, surpass me in decluttering your home. Making for a more settled, happy home for you and your family. You might even find that it (the Challenge) will be "catching" and some family members join in the fun with their own decluttering.

Here we go!

Jan. 1: Threw a large box of butter bowls, lids and other plastic ware I called myself "reusing". It was only filling up a cabinet with "garbage", not to mention I now understand that reusing those items could be hazardous to our health! I took it all to the recycle center.

Jan. 2: Tossed out a pair of very old, very worn tennis shoes I'd been saving to work in the yard in. Not gonna happen!

This is the introductory message for the challenge and in the new postings I'll make my little notes at the end of the message.

Good luck with it and feel free to list your daily accomplishments in the comment section! I would love to hear how you are doing with your challenge.

Mark 13:33-36 ESV
Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.

While you are purging your home of clutter, remember to look at things that really shouldn't be in your home. Be diligent! The evil one can use things of beauty to deceive.

Now go out and make this day yours, but All for His Glory!
Blessings~
Kat