Saying Good-bye

I have been scarce lately. In fact, my last post was February 7, 2018, the day before my life—as I had known it for 33 years—was altered forever.

On February 8, 2018, my husband Barry Lee Miller attended VSSM with me. VSSM is a ministry school hosted by Caldwell, Idaho's Valley Church. Once class was over, students came forward to voice their prayer requests. Barry, who had been praying next to me, jumped from his seat and ran toward the front. Those who saw him coming reported a joyous expression on his face. (I only saw his backside.) His gaze was set on something unseen between him and the row of people. Suddenly, he fell forward on his face. He made no effort to catch his fall.

Despite every effort to resuscitate him, Barry passed away. The coroner determined that he suffered a heart attack—but not the kind that occurs with the familiar warning signs. She explained that a piece of plaque may have broken loose and clogged an artery, in which case death can be instantaneous. He suffered no pain.

We were all stunned. Barry had simply stumbled into GLORY!

Since losing his job, Barry had been in a positive and peaceful place. He was praying and devouring God’s Word, reaching out to others, and he was the happiest he had been in years. Brock, our 18-year-old son even commented, “Dad is so happy!”

Barry kept assuring me, "God is going to pour out His blessing and provision upon our family. We are under an open Heaven." I believed it. I just thought it included him. As I rehearse the 4 weeks before his passing, Barry seemed to be preparing me to forge ahead.

I had 33 years with this remarkable man of God. He was loving, funny, caring, sacrificial, dedicated, faithful, and his family was his greatest treasure on this earth.

There is no mistake that God orchestrated this homecoming in front of our watchful eyes. I do not pretend to understand the timing, especially since we were enjoying a new season of marriage and ministry. 

Home is the hardest place to be. Barry's spirit, resonating voice, and laughter added so much to our abode. I am still coming to grips with the reality that I am moving forward without him. Grief seems unbearable at times. I did not want to do this alone. Yet, I have this sense that God is guiding me to something extraordinary—a place that will begin to make sense of this arduous and complicated journey. 

I love you, Bear! You were my best friend and my biggest supporter. Until we reunite, keep cheering me on.

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

-Isaiah 40:31

Feel free to comment below. ⇓

Barry Lee Miller's Obiturary

Barry Lee Miller
at Briana Miller Lemos's Wedding

Barry Lee Miller, age 65, died suddenly on Thursday, February 8, 2018, in Caldwell, Idaho. He was born on January 28, 1953, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Irwin “Buzzie” and Anita (Border) Miller. He will be greatly missed by his best friend and wife of 33 years, Karen; his 3 children, Briana, Bryce, and Brock, as well as his older brother Kenneth Miller, who still resides in Reading.

Barry served 8 total years in the US Marine Corps, ending his service in Southern California. There, he became a Christian, met and married Karen, and raised their 3 children. He moved his family to Idaho in 2011.

He worked most of his life in home delivery jobs: Alta Dena Dairy, Home Grocer, and Schwan’s. He loved reading the Bible, praying, and ministering to others. His pastimes included Penn State Football, military and sports movies with overcoming themes, and spending time with his 4 grandchildren.

Barry’s Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Valley Church, 2900 Life Way, Caldwell, ID, 83605, at 11:00 AM. There will be a Marine Corps Tribute, photos and video, spoken remembrances, and a luncheon following.

Memorial donations in memory of Barry Miller can be made to Valley Church, 2900 Life Way, Caldwell, ID, 83605.

Murder on the Orient Express

Harney & Sons has designed a tea that will get our teatime on track. Murder on the Orient Express is a blend of black, oolong, and jasmine teas with a twinge of bergamot oil for suspense. What a perfect beverage accompaniment for viewing this remake of the 1974 classic motion picture.

MOVIE DESCRIPTION

What starts out as a lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into one of the most stylish, suspenseful and thrilling mysteries ever told. Discover this smoky and citrusy black tea inspired by the riveting tale. 

From the novel by best-selling author Agatha Christie, “Murder on the Orient Express” tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone’s a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again. Kenneth Branagh directs and leads an all-star cast including Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad.

I love the canister design of this tea. It mimics the rich interior of the train and Daisy Ridley's skirt. 

Weigh in below. ⇓

"Easy Dairy-Free Ketogenic Recipes" by Maria Emmerich

I love cheese and heavy whipping cream. My family drinks milk—I do not. Occasionally, I substitute cottage cheese for french fries or mashed potatoes. I have never been diagnosed with dairy-related allergies, although I recall having trouble breathing after gulping down large amounts of chocolate milk as a kid. Honestly, because of my fondness for dairy products, I have been unwilling to investigate further.

So, International Bestselling Author, Maria Emmerich, writes this new book, Easy Dairy-Free Ketogenic Recipes. I began to think ... do I really want to forfeit dairy? Quickly, I realized that Maria's book was offering me choices and the freedom to explore. I recognized how dairy-free can be done intermittently—just like fasting. Best of all, I knew that I would never feel deprived.

Here's what you will find in Easy Dairy-Free Ketogenic Recipes:

• More than 200 delicious and satisfying dairy-free keto recipes, including slow cooker recipes to make life a little easier
• A 30-day meal plan to kick-start ketosis, with corresponding weekly shopping lists
• Egg-free, nightshade-free, and vegetarian meal plans and grocery lists
• Helpful information about which foods are keto approved and which foods can hold you back
• Lifestyle recommendations to help your body heal from poor eating habits and adapt to burning fat

Check out these recipes: Keto Brioche, Cabbage Pasta, Bundt Pan Chicken, Spanish Spiced Lamb Chops, Hawaiian Luau Pork, Fish in Puttanesca Sauce, Garlic Lime Broiled Shrimp, Ahi Poke, Salt-Crusted Fish, Classic Sherbet, and Dirt Cake. The recipe for Breakfast Fat Bombs appears below.

With ingenious substitutions, Maria has fashioned some mouthwatering, lip-smacking meals that will help generate ketosis while staving off feelings of deprivation.

The following recipe is usually prepared using cream cheese. Here, Maria proves how simple exchanges can be dairy-free and satisfying.

BREAKFAST FAT BOMBS

Maria Emmerich

Prep Time: 7 minutes (not including time to cook eggs or bacon)

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
• 3 tablespoons store-bought or homemade mayonnaise (recipe in book)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 cup diced bacon, cooked until crispy

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Remove the egg yolks from the whites and place the yolks in a bowl. Dice the whites and set aside.
2. To the bowl with the egg yolks, add the mayo, salt, and chives. Combine until smooth. Add the diced egg whites and gently stir to combine.
3. Take 2 tablespoons of the egg mixture and roll it into a golfball-sized ball. Roll the ball in the cooked bacon. Repeat with the remaining egg mixture and bacon and serve.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

I welcome your comments! ↓