I have been dealing with people lately that are always a “Negative Nelly.” No matter what happens in their life they always see the negative side.
Listening to people like this enough, can start to bring you down. I think it is time to put myself in “timeout” again. Yes, I said timeout.
From time to time I put myself there so I can reflect on what is going on and get more one-on-one time with God. I try to spend time with God each day but sometimes you need more time.
For a while now I have been trying to see the good in all things that happen and in people. It is very hard at times. “Trouble” seems to follow some people everywhere they go.
It seems I have always been a good listener and able to give advice. People don’t always take the advice, but sometimes that is all you can do.
When you have lemons, you turn it into lemonade. It is very hard at times for sure.
When dealing with “Nelly,” here is what I keep reminding myself. You maybe the only Jesus that person sees that day. Sometimes a smile can turn a person’s world around.
People tell me I am a fixer because I try to help in all areas. However, I do think there are times when fixing won’t help. You can’t change a person yourself. They have to want to change and be able to make the change.
I fall short everyday. I am sure I bug people to no end from time to time. I am a very straight forward person and for the most part I tell it like it is. I don’t mean to hurt people’s feelings, but sometimes, my mouth gets in the way.
I tell people, “Don’t ask me if you don’t want to know.” At times, I get myself into trouble from the way I present things. Some say that my way with words ends up coming out wrong.
People sometimes drive me nuts. Since I would never hurt someone on purpose, I have learned sometimes it is better just to walk away and not say a word.
I don’t do drama. I can’t handle it. It stresses me out too much. I guess that’s why my best friend is my husband and we spend a lot of time together. We know we can handle each other. Not saying we don’t get on each others nerves every now and again, but we can tell each other things without hurting feelings, or at least we don’t stay mad long.
I saw this the other day that put a smile on my face. “I love you more today than yesterday. Yesterday, you got on my nerves!”
So it is time to put a smile on my face and pray that God helps me see the good in all things. Life is to short to go around miserable. As I have heard my pastor say many times, “I am the top shelf today.” It seems he never has a bad day. Or at least you wouldn’t know it.
Sometimes you fake it til you make it. Keep a journal and write down at least one good thing that happens to you each day. Only good things in this journal. There has to be something good that has happened. Sometimes you have to think hard, but think and see what good has come out of the day.
You are here to see another day. All is well, and no one got hurt. You are still here for a purpose. God still has plans for you.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Layer Salad
Ingredients
1 recipe Avocado Lime Ranch dressing or Garlic & Herb Buttermilk dressing
9 cups roughly chopped green leaf or romaine lettuce divided
1 large red bell pepper seeded and diced
1 large poblano or green bell pepper seeded and diced
1 {12 oz} frozen corn steamed and cooled
6 medium tomatoes 5 chopped and 1 sliced into wedges for garnish
1 medium red onion thinly sliced
2 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
4 cup roasted chicken roughly chopped
3 green onion thinly sliced
2 large hard boiled eggs cut into wedges
Instructions
In a large trifle or glass bowl layer in this order: 1/3 lettuce, 1/2 red pepper, 1/2 poblano pepper, 1/3 corn, 1/2 tomatoes, 1/2 red onion, 1 cup cheese, 1/3 bacon and 1/2 chicken. Drizzle with 1/2 cup prepared dressing.
Repeat, 1/3 lettuce, 1/2 red pepper, 1/2 poblano pepper, 1/3 corn, 1/2 tomatoes, 1/2 red onion, 1 cup cheese, 1/3 bacon and 1/2 chicken. Drizzle with 1/2 cup prepared dressing.
Top with the final 1/3 lettuce, 1/3 corn, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, 1/3 bacon and sliced green onion. Drizzle with 1/.2 cup dressing drizzling around the edge. Arrange egg and tomato wedges on top to garnish.
Chill for 4 hours, Serve with additional dressing on the side.
Recipe Notes
A quality prepared salad dressing or a packet of Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch dressing made per the package instructions may be substituted for the dressing in this salad.
Tina Specht is co-publihser of the Minden Press-Herald. She shares her thoughts and recipes each Thursday.