Sunday Afternoon/Evening - October 18, 2026

It's a beautiful autumn Sunday afternoon here in southwest Missouri. 

I just came in from a walk around the yard, which I have not been able to do for quite some time. I missed the coming on of the pecans and the falling thereof completely this year, but was thrilled to get in on the peak of the New England asters in bloom, as well as the smaller whites. 

The last of the white crownbeard is waning in bloom, but, with the first hard freeze, will soon yield the annual frost flowers that I absolutely delight in. 

I've been busy building my Mary Kay business and enjoying the fellowship of customers and fellow consultants. A week ago Friday, I attended FALL ADVANCE in Lenexa, Kansas. It's a great time of recognition and training. I wasn't able to stay for the entire conference, but I certainly enjoyed the Friday night session.

Well, unfortunately, I got sidetracked and the afternoon got away from me. Now it's dark. Even though it's not all that I wanted to share, I am going to go ahead and post.

I wish you all a great week ahead and may God's greatest blessings be yours.

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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Catching Up A Bit

Time has slipped away and it's been weeks since I've stopped in to say hello again. How is everyone?

I can hardly beleive that September is all but over and October is poised ready to make her 2026 debut in just a couple of days. I don't think I even noticed when then first day of autumn came and went. How totally unlike me that is.

Health-wise I'm doing better, but still have my moments. 

Two days ago I walked a quarter-mile trail (first time in over a year) and had no issues. Today...well...it's not been good. 

I continue to Spark (Walmart grocery delivery) as I can and work the Mary Kay. Eventually, I hope to stop the Spark driving completely and focus entirely on the MK. If you don't have a consultant, and are interested, you can check out my link here: marykay.com/rknox2.

Have had opportunity to spend time with family recently...two aunts and a cousin and his wife from Colorado. 

Last week granddaughters, Audrey and Sarah, and I took a watercolor class in Joplin. It was very enjoyable.

Well...I guess that's all for now. It's not much, I know, but it's been good to drop in and spend a little time with you. 

I hope everyone who reads this is doing well. Please pray for me. I hope to be with you again soon.

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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It's A New Week!

It's a new week and I'm rearing to go...more so in spirit and soul than in body, but, still, that's improvement.

I've struggled with physical pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation since late November, and, even though it still gets the best of me on some days, I am much improved and am determined to get back to where I was a year ago, and that was in THE BEST health of my life. It's slow going, but I'm getting there!

Anyway, it's a new week and I'm rearing to get started. I just wanted to take a moment to drop in here and say 'hello'. I've got cleaning to do, Mary Kay orders to deliver, and will probably try to grab a Spark order or two to deliver for Walmart today. 

Life has changed so much. After 11 years, in September of last year, I quit my job as a naturalist at Prairie State Park and am completely self-employed now. 

The delivery jobs are starting to be too much and I am focusing on the Mary Kay more and more. The change of lifestyle has had much to do with the pain and inflammation.

There's so much that I've missed sharing with you all here and I do hope that, over time, as things slow down on my end with the delivery driving and more time is spent focused homeward, that we can catch up with one another a bit and renew our friendship. 

I wish you all a great week ahead and I do hope to see you all again very soon! 

Blessings,

~Rebecca

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Just Writing

I've been away for a long time and so many things have happened and changed that I could never catch up, but I feel like I need to write. 

Over the weekend our nation celebrated its 250th birthday. I hope that you and yours had a lovely 4th of July. I joined family and friends at Patrick and Amber's and enjoyed the holiday celebration between intermitten bouts of wind and rain.

Yesterday the alternator went out on my car (I purchased a 2011 Kia Sorento back in February). It's at my mechanic's now and will be fixed in a day or two. 

The sad thing is, I have a dear friend that was diagnosed with cancer just five days ago, that I had planned to go visit today. With the car down and other things going on this week, the trip was postponed until Friday. I got word just a few minutes ago that my dear friend from girlhood days passed away less than an hour ago. Please be in prayer for Nawassa's family.

I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now...and it really doesn't matter. The Lord knows all and He is more than able in any situation, but, not only am I sad, but I guess I am being a bit reflective maybe.

There has been so much loss in recent months and years that sometimes it is hard to fathom. Friday marks the five-year anniversary of my husband's death. Despite all I am soooo thankful to God for gifting us the family and friends that He has blessed us with. Not only have we been blessed as a family, but, though not generally recognized by the world, have known great wealth that will last throughout eternity. 

I watch my children and grandchildren struggle...spiritually, relationally, financially...life is hard. And, I realize at times...when I look at my own life and search trying to figure out where I belong and fit in now...how truly far I've fallen from the position that I used to be in...wife, homemaker, homeschooling mom, pastor's wife. Sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago...or maybe another life altogether. I feel fragmented and scattered.

I realize that there are different seasons and I've been in a new one for a long time, but still haven't found my footing. The only thing I know for absolute sure is that God is God, Jesus is real, and that God's Word is the only Truth that there is in this world. 

People, learn to be content. We are living in times that are unprecidented. 

Get in God's Word and study it daily. Love each other unconditionally, forgive freely, and allow one another the grace to make mistakes and to grow from them...to fall and rise again. Whatever problem you or your loved ones are facing...God's got the answer! Get in His Word and make it THE top priority of your day!

I don't know why I had to write today, but thank you for reading and bearing with me. I love you all and value your readership...even though I am THE flakiest and most inconsistant blogger online. God bless you all!

All My Love,

~Rebecca

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CHICKEN FAJITA SOUP

I made this for lunch today and it was absolutely delicious! I chose to omit the three optional ingredients, but I'm sure it would be just as good (maybe better) if added.

Photo Credit

CHICKEN FAJITA SOUP - (FP)

This simple, flavorful soup lends itself perfectly to the crockpot or electric pressure cooker. This is level 1 cooking—you can’t mess this up, so go ahead and wow your family! You have the option of making this more of a cream-based soup by adding in cream cheese, which makes it an S . . . your choice. It is great either way, so change things up!

Serves: 6

Ingredients

*2.5 lbs chicken breast (s) (boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (use breasts for FP and E), thawed if frozen)

*64 oz chicken broth (2 quarts chicken broth (with an optional 4 tablespoons Just Gelatin or Integral Collagen)

*10 oz Rotel tomatoes & chilies (1 10 to 12 oz. ounce) can Ro-tel-style diced tomatoes and green chilies)

*14.5 oz fire roasted tomatoes (1 14.5oz. can diced, fire-roasted tomatoes)

*10 oz frozen small-cut seasoning blend (1 10 to 12-oz.) bag frozen small-cut seasoning blend

*1 tsp mineral salt

*1 tsp black pepper

*1 tsp onion powder

*1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 to 6 garlic cloves, minced)

*1 tsp chili powder

* optional: 3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder (lfor an extra-awesome kick)

*optional: 8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese

* optional: lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

*Put all the ingredients (except the cream cheese and lime wedges) in a crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours.

*If using the cream cheese, remove 1 cup of the hot broth and place it in a blender with the cream cheese. Blend until smooth, then stir into the crockpot.

*Remove the chicken and shred on a plate with 2 forks. Return to the pot, stir well to combine, and serve with a squirt of lime (if using).

MAKE A FAMILY MEAL:

*For the weight-loss plan, enjoy as is in a bowl for an FP or have the FP version with sprouted-grain toast or baked corn chips on the side and a garnish-size amount of cheese for an E.

*Want to have it as an S? Include the cream cheese. Or else leave it out and top with options of grated cheese, diced avocado, or perhaps a dollop of sour cream. Try one of the S-friendly bread sides with butter.

*Growing children can enjoy this with cheese and baked corn chips or another healthy carb such as buttered sprouted-grain bread for a Crossover.

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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We had our first good snow of the winter over the weekend. I haven't braved getting out and about yet, but here are few pics taken around the place Sunday morning...

The View From My Front Door

White Pine in Front Yard

Looking Down The North Alley

Van Tire in Drifted Snow

Who else got snow over the weekend and how much? We got around 7" or so here. 

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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