I have two very sweet friends at Oklahoma State University that share my passion for God and the cattle industry. These are two people I hold very close to my heart!
Amy Brown was raised on ranches in Colorado and Texas.
“I choose to major in agricultural communications to show agriculture to the people who live in apartment buildings and ride the subway to work, to those who buy their groceries with no knowledge of how that food came to be on the shelves.
“The public needs to understand how public policy can affect the production of food that is feeding the world. I want to tell a story, the real story of rural America.”
Anna-Lisa Giannini grew up in the North-eastern half of California on a ranch that her family purchased when coming to America from Switzerland in 1903.
“As I have grown older I have grown to appreciate my ranch raising more and more. Ranch kids are just raised a little different. I heard it said once that a ranch woman will find way and make a way, over, under, around and through! I believe this to be true in all aspects of our lives. We find a way to use every cut of meat in the freezer, we find a way to cook a meal that our families will enjoy and we make a way for our dreams to come true.”
These two inspiring ladies created a blog to share their experience of cooking on a budget with beef while attending college and living in town.
According to their blog, “We want to share with you how easy it is to eat high class, while also eating healthy and enjoying every bite all the while making every dollar count!”
I encourage you to check out their website http://beefonabudget.com/ for amazing beef recipes… on a budget! They do a great job of explaining the recipe with how they came across it or the inspiration behind it as well as the directions, pictures and a cost break down.
Featured recipes for October included Beef Burox, Pumpkin Chili and Stew A Fuego.
While browsing through receipes, scroll down to the bottom and sign up for their emails when they post updates.
Psalms 34:8 ~ Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
My Hometown
I’m so proud to call Wellington, Texas my hometown. If you missed the play, “Peter Pan”, this past weekend, you missed an amazing performance! Everyone did an outstanding job!
I am amazed at all the talent that Wellington is blessed with. And they are all unique talents – athletics, academics, acting, agriculture (notice the alliteration Mrs. Ashmore!).
Romans 12:6-8 says, We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
And 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
I love that we are all blessed with talents specific to our abilities. Some of us have no acting ability at all while others soar across the stage with their talent. There are those who excel on a field or court while others write for magazines.
I thank God for each person who has been a part in the community of Wellington and for all of our talents and abilities. I pray that we use them to be a blessing in doing God’s will.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go, to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
I am amazed at all the talent that Wellington is blessed with. And they are all unique talents – athletics, academics, acting, agriculture (notice the alliteration Mrs. Ashmore!).
Romans 12:6-8 says, We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
And 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
I love that we are all blessed with talents specific to our abilities. Some of us have no acting ability at all while others soar across the stage with their talent. There are those who excel on a field or court while others write for magazines.
I thank God for each person who has been a part in the community of Wellington and for all of our talents and abilities. I pray that we use them to be a blessing in doing God’s will.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go, to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
My Big Brother
I love the month of November! The morning air is crisp, the leaves hold deep colors of orange, yellow and red and it’s my older brothers birthday month.
In honor of Nicholas turning 23, I would like to dedicate this column to him.
Nick is the brother that knows how to push my buttons. Growing up, we clashed pretty hard. When we got into arguments, I did have the benefit of being the girl when it came to getting in trouble. I do have a confession Mom and Dad – all those times on family trips when I would squeal, it wasn’t always Nick that started it. (Sorry Nick!)
Since we are both out of high school, we get along much better and he is one of my best friends. He’s the one I call when I have too much on my mind and I need to sort things out. There have been nights that we talk on the phone until 1:30 a.m. Nick has many words of wisdom and inspires me to dream big.
He also let’s me know when I’m not using a nice tone of voice. I was not very happy, to say the least, when he informed me that I needed to change me tone when we were at home one weekend. We went our separate ways for about three hours and it gave me time to reflect. When we did run into each other (I think he was avoiding me), I thanked him for not allowing me to act like that. Even though it made me mad at the moment, I appreciate your guidance.
So Nick, thank you for all your words of wisdom and for teaching me about sharing, being nice, dreaming and excelling in life.
Also as November begins, I am reminded that the holidays are approaching quickly as I just saw a Facebook status with a countdown figured to the minute until Christmas.
It is easy to become overwhelmed this time of year but I want you to take time every single day this month and reflect on what you are thankful for. You may prefer to just reflect mentally or write down what you are thankful for in a notebook. To see my thanksgiving blessings, check out my daily Facebook updates this month.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
In honor of Nicholas turning 23, I would like to dedicate this column to him.
Nick is the brother that knows how to push my buttons. Growing up, we clashed pretty hard. When we got into arguments, I did have the benefit of being the girl when it came to getting in trouble. I do have a confession Mom and Dad – all those times on family trips when I would squeal, it wasn’t always Nick that started it. (Sorry Nick!)
Since we are both out of high school, we get along much better and he is one of my best friends. He’s the one I call when I have too much on my mind and I need to sort things out. There have been nights that we talk on the phone until 1:30 a.m. Nick has many words of wisdom and inspires me to dream big.
He also let’s me know when I’m not using a nice tone of voice. I was not very happy, to say the least, when he informed me that I needed to change me tone when we were at home one weekend. We went our separate ways for about three hours and it gave me time to reflect. When we did run into each other (I think he was avoiding me), I thanked him for not allowing me to act like that. Even though it made me mad at the moment, I appreciate your guidance.
So Nick, thank you for all your words of wisdom and for teaching me about sharing, being nice, dreaming and excelling in life.
Also as November begins, I am reminded that the holidays are approaching quickly as I just saw a Facebook status with a countdown figured to the minute until Christmas.
It is easy to become overwhelmed this time of year but I want you to take time every single day this month and reflect on what you are thankful for. You may prefer to just reflect mentally or write down what you are thankful for in a notebook. To see my thanksgiving blessings, check out my daily Facebook updates this month.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Worldly Passions
I love everything about the cattle industry – I love the people, I love the lifestyle and I love the product! Up until this past January, my life revolved around cattle. All of my projects for my classes, my extra-curricular activities and my hobbies related to cattle and beef.
In January, at a small Bible study, we discussed our passions and what we spent the majority of our time focused on; it was easy for me to know my answer. I realized, however, that the cattle and my future career industry was #1 in my life, not God. Then, as a group, we discussed how God has to be our number one and the things we invest our time in need to reflect Him.
Exodus 20:4, part of the Ten Commandments, says ~ You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
I prayed that night that with God’s help I would place Him as my number one and the cattle business where it needs to be.
The next week I was an intern for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at their annual convention in San Antonio. Normally, I would have soaked up every minute of it and been consumed by all the information. However, my heart wasn’t there.
Over the past 10 months, He has helped me overcome my captivation with the cattle business. I even got to the point where I didn’t want to hear anything about it cattle.
Before January, I didn’t think I could ever be happy with a job that wasn’t related to cattle and beef. But in the last month, I have come to peace about whatever God has in store me, whether it be in the industry or not.
And it’s ironic now because just this week I have had an opportunity come up with a cattle magazine, which I’m very excited about, but it’s not the same kind of worldly passion I used to have. I know that God’s hands are all over my work and I want to be a blessing through my writing whether it be religious based or about the cattle industry.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
In January, at a small Bible study, we discussed our passions and what we spent the majority of our time focused on; it was easy for me to know my answer. I realized, however, that the cattle and my future career industry was #1 in my life, not God. Then, as a group, we discussed how God has to be our number one and the things we invest our time in need to reflect Him.
Exodus 20:4, part of the Ten Commandments, says ~ You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
I prayed that night that with God’s help I would place Him as my number one and the cattle business where it needs to be.
The next week I was an intern for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at their annual convention in San Antonio. Normally, I would have soaked up every minute of it and been consumed by all the information. However, my heart wasn’t there.
Over the past 10 months, He has helped me overcome my captivation with the cattle business. I even got to the point where I didn’t want to hear anything about it cattle.
Before January, I didn’t think I could ever be happy with a job that wasn’t related to cattle and beef. But in the last month, I have come to peace about whatever God has in store me, whether it be in the industry or not.
And it’s ironic now because just this week I have had an opportunity come up with a cattle magazine, which I’m very excited about, but it’s not the same kind of worldly passion I used to have. I know that God’s hands are all over my work and I want to be a blessing through my writing whether it be religious based or about the cattle industry.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
More Like Falling in Love
I don’t think I understood God’s love until recently – not that I understand it fully now, but I feel like I have a better grasp of our relationship.
I have known for as long as I can remember that God is good and that it’s important to have a connection with Him. I knew this in my mind, but the connection with my heart seemed to fade in and out.
The way that I have come to a new realization about my love relationship with God is by loving another person.
I have always loved my family very much and I love my friends as well, but this is a different kind of love – a love that I have never felt before and to be honest, wasn’t quite sure it existed.
It’s that kind of love that creates a warm feeling that fills your heart, the kind that when you are with them, everything is okay. They are the first one you want to tell when something good happens and the one you run to when life gets you down.
When you hear their name a smile that can’t be hidden spreads across your face. Their voice brings peace and comfort to your soul.
Jason Gray, a Christian singer has a song titled More Like Falling in Love. Part of the lyrics say “It’s gotta be more like falling in love than something to believe in, more like losing my heart than giving my allegiance. In more than a name, a faith, a creed, falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me.”
Falling in love with another person has brought my relationship with God to a new light. I look forward to spending time talking to Him. When I feel His presence, it fills my soul with peace and I’m comforted in knowing He is my guide. I’m able to take Him with me through the great times as well as tough trials.
I pray that God moves in your heart this week. Spend some quality time seeking Him – it’s good to know God’s love in your mind, but it’s amazing to feel it in your heart.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
I have known for as long as I can remember that God is good and that it’s important to have a connection with Him. I knew this in my mind, but the connection with my heart seemed to fade in and out.
The way that I have come to a new realization about my love relationship with God is by loving another person.
I have always loved my family very much and I love my friends as well, but this is a different kind of love – a love that I have never felt before and to be honest, wasn’t quite sure it existed.
It’s that kind of love that creates a warm feeling that fills your heart, the kind that when you are with them, everything is okay. They are the first one you want to tell when something good happens and the one you run to when life gets you down.
When you hear their name a smile that can’t be hidden spreads across your face. Their voice brings peace and comfort to your soul.
Jason Gray, a Christian singer has a song titled More Like Falling in Love. Part of the lyrics say “It’s gotta be more like falling in love than something to believe in, more like losing my heart than giving my allegiance. In more than a name, a faith, a creed, falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me.”
Falling in love with another person has brought my relationship with God to a new light. I look forward to spending time talking to Him. When I feel His presence, it fills my soul with peace and I’m comforted in knowing He is my guide. I’m able to take Him with me through the great times as well as tough trials.
I pray that God moves in your heart this week. Spend some quality time seeking Him – it’s good to know God’s love in your mind, but it’s amazing to feel it in your heart.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Be a Blessing
When you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. ~ Matthew 6:3-4
The following are some ideas of ways to be a blessing to others:
Hug a friend or family member.
Clean up litter on a street in your neighborhood.
Drop off a plant or some home-made baked goods to a neighbor.
Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
Leave a kind note for a family member or friend.
Tell kids why you love them.
Cheer-up a friend.
Donate blood.
Smile and say "Hello" to people you don't know.
Offer to babysit for free.
Offer someone behind you in the grocery check out line to go in front of you.
Open the car door for your passenger.
Take a neighbors newspaper laying out on their driveway to them or leave at their front door.
Tell the mail carrier thank you for all their work.
Let a neighbor know how much you value their friendship.
Let a manager know you compliment a sales clerk for their pleasant service.
Leave your change in the soda machine for the next person. It's a nice surprise.
If you’re a boss of a company - allow your employees to leave a half hour early as a surprise.
Pay for the persons order behind you when in a drive through line.
Run an errand for someone.
Call a parent just to say you love them.
Help an elderly person care for their pet(s).
Take a meal to a family you know.
Stop into a nursing home just to spend a little time with the residents.
Send flowers to a teacher who has dedicated their life to educating children.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
The following are some ideas of ways to be a blessing to others:
Hug a friend or family member.
Clean up litter on a street in your neighborhood.
Drop off a plant or some home-made baked goods to a neighbor.
Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
Leave a kind note for a family member or friend.
Tell kids why you love them.
Cheer-up a friend.
Donate blood.
Smile and say "Hello" to people you don't know.
Offer to babysit for free.
Offer someone behind you in the grocery check out line to go in front of you.
Open the car door for your passenger.
Take a neighbors newspaper laying out on their driveway to them or leave at their front door.
Tell the mail carrier thank you for all their work.
Let a neighbor know how much you value their friendship.
Let a manager know you compliment a sales clerk for their pleasant service.
Leave your change in the soda machine for the next person. It's a nice surprise.
If you’re a boss of a company - allow your employees to leave a half hour early as a surprise.
Pay for the persons order behind you when in a drive through line.
Run an errand for someone.
Call a parent just to say you love them.
Help an elderly person care for their pet(s).
Take a meal to a family you know.
Stop into a nursing home just to spend a little time with the residents.
Send flowers to a teacher who has dedicated their life to educating children.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Who do you serve?
There are those people you meet in life that not only come into your heart, but they leave their footprints.
Barrett McCormick and I were officers for the Northwest Texas Conference Council of Youth Ministries together my senior year of high school. I have never met another young man who was so full of God’s love. He is now in college also and sends out really good text messages occasionally. The following is a recent one that provoked a lot of thought:
“So my question for the week is – Who do you serve?
Now most of us are going to blurt out instantly – God! But now I want to ask you this question – How many hours a week do you pick up your bible and read or just spend time in prayer?
Now how many hours a week do you spend doing hobbies like sports, hanging out with friends, or watching TV?
So now that we have studied our weekly schedule, I ask you – “Who do you serve?”
Imagine if we spent our time wisely. Picture how much we could do through God if we served him ALL the time!
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. ~ Matthew 6:24.
So I ask you – Do you serve God, or your worldly desires?”
I used this same verse from Matthew two weeks ago in my column about not being a luke-warm Christian and Barrett’s questions take it a step further.
I encourage you to sit down, grab a sheet of paper and jot down what you have spent your time on over the previous week. Pay close attention to your down time or the time you’re not at work or school. What are you doing? Maybe instead of watching TV, you pick up a devotional book. Physical activity is great, but eternal activity is very important!
So my questions – Who do you serve?
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Barrett McCormick and I were officers for the Northwest Texas Conference Council of Youth Ministries together my senior year of high school. I have never met another young man who was so full of God’s love. He is now in college also and sends out really good text messages occasionally. The following is a recent one that provoked a lot of thought:
“So my question for the week is – Who do you serve?
Now most of us are going to blurt out instantly – God! But now I want to ask you this question – How many hours a week do you pick up your bible and read or just spend time in prayer?
Now how many hours a week do you spend doing hobbies like sports, hanging out with friends, or watching TV?
So now that we have studied our weekly schedule, I ask you – “Who do you serve?”
Imagine if we spent our time wisely. Picture how much we could do through God if we served him ALL the time!
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. ~ Matthew 6:24.
So I ask you – Do you serve God, or your worldly desires?”
I used this same verse from Matthew two weeks ago in my column about not being a luke-warm Christian and Barrett’s questions take it a step further.
I encourage you to sit down, grab a sheet of paper and jot down what you have spent your time on over the previous week. Pay close attention to your down time or the time you’re not at work or school. What are you doing? Maybe instead of watching TV, you pick up a devotional book. Physical activity is great, but eternal activity is very important!
So my questions – Who do you serve?
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
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