Lemons to Lemonade

"Yummmmy"

2012-01-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

These whole grain pancakes look sooo good! I think I need to make me some. I got the pic and recipe from honey&jam.com. Go over and check out the web site great pics and food.

Whole Grain Pumpkin Pancakes
Adapted from 101 cookbooks

2 cups white whole wheat flour (or unbleached all-purpose flour) 
1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
1/3 cup natural granulated sugar (evaporated cane sugar)
 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice* 
1 1/4 cups organic buttermilk
1 cup pumpkin puree** 
2 large organic eggs, lightly beaten
 2 tablespoons butter, melted (melt in the pan skillet you are going to use)
butter, to serve (and for pan)

To make the pancakes combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, spice and salt in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk, pumpkin, eggs, and melted butter. Stir all the ingredients until they are just combined. Don't worry if the batter is a bit lumpy, you don't want to over mix.

Heat your skillet, pan, or griddle to medium-hot and brush it with a bit of butter. Test for the right temperature. If a drop of water dropped onto the pan starts to dance, you are in the ballpark. Pour about 1/3 of a cup of batter into the skillet. Wait until the pancake bottom is deep golden in color, then flip with a spatula and cook the other side until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve with Apple Maple Compote  .
Makes about 12 large pancakes.

*don’t have an pumpkin pie spice? Its easy to make your own! Here’s a recipe.
**pumpkin pie puree is different from pumpkin pie filling. Both are in the same section of the grocery store, so be sure to get the plain pumpkin!

Apple Maple Compote

This is just about the most simple thing ever, hardly a recipe at all.

Apples
Butter
Cinnamon
Maple Syrup

Firstly, I’d plan on using about 1/2 an apple per person. Cut the apple into slices.

Next, add a pat of butter to a medium sized pan, enough to coat the entire thing. Next, add the apples to the pan and sprinkle the cinnamon over. Let the apples get soft, turning them over once, and sprinkling the other side with cinnamon. Add enough maple syrup to cover the apples. Let it bubble away for a minute or so. Pour over warm pancakes.

Red

2011-12-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

Above images: 1.& 3.Shop: Toast 2.The Paper Mulberry - vintage farm tools 4. Shop: Katherine Hooker womens tailoring This collection of pics comes from one of my favorite blogs "The Paper Mulberry"

Tissue Paper

2011-12-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

I love to decorate! One thing I enjoy doing is using paper. Fabric is expensive and there is so much decorative paper around today. I adore toile and I found this tissue paper at "Hobby Lobby". This was $2 the fabric is $13 and I get the same look. The Scrapbook paper makes great place mats as well. Happy Decorating!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-21T10:39:00.001-08:00

"All Wrapped Up"

2010-06-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

Giving gifts is such a joy; I do believe I enjoy giving them more than receiving them. Just to bring a little bit of joy to someone else brings the greatest pleasure. It is not just the gift I like, it is the packaging also; making that gift special for each person. Today it is so easy to just go out and buy paper, gift bags and purchase a card.We do not take the time to put ourselves into anything anymore. Hear is a simple idea.

I used buttons, ribbon, a hot glue gun, brown packaging paper and a box that had a separate lid.

I wrapped the lid and box separate

I did find and buy( yes I bought it ready made, only because it was perfect), a blank flower card. It was a real photo of a flower. I think it turned out nice. My niece will be very happy on her birthday.

"Baby Shower"

2010-06-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Recently a friend and I decorated for a "Bird Themed" baby shower, at our church. It was so much fun.Here are just a few of the pics.

We made a cup cake stand .I am a big fan of cup cake towers!The stand is made from three different size cake plates. These stands had rounded edges and you need flat edges on the plates for cup cakes. We put glass over each cake plate trimmed with eyelet. The cup cakes are topped with birds nests filled with blue and green candy almonds. The nests are made from toasted coconut. Some of the eggs have hatched and so there are chicks on some . We purchased scrap book paper in 5 different patterns to make birds, a banner, and other various decorations. You can see one of the little birds sitting on the table. His feet were made from swigs we hot glued into a v shape.The idea was to make the decorations have a patch quilt design, different papers but having coordinated colors . The bird house roof is covered with the scrapes of paper left from making the birds and banner.

We filled aqua blue canning jars with fresh flowers from the yard and some weeds I pulled up from the side of the road.

These are hydrangeas from my sisters house; the pink water in the bowl was made with red and blue food coloring . It was simple but cute.

I so enjoy doing things like this. The best part is having friends and family to do it with.

GOD has blessed me with a wonderful church family. They are truly my family and are a joy to be with.

Broken Ankle

2010-02-25T07:39:00.001-08:00

Sorry I have not been posting, here is my excuse! Pray that I might be up and going again soon, if it is the LORD's will. Sorry I did not explain what happened! My family went on vacation this year it was the first since we were married. The kids wanted to see snow so we went to the mountains. We had a wonderful time! Well my family wanted to go ice-skating, I have never ice-skated and was planning on just taking pictures of them skating. My dear husband had dreams of skating together (: so I went. I was not out there five min. when I broke my ankle. We were skating outside and it had snowed. There was 2ft. of snow in front of the railing and I could not get to it. My skates got stuck up in the snow and when I tried to get out my ankle twisted and went down sideways braking my ankle. On the good side it did not swell bad at first since I was on the ice, it was cold!!

Mercy

2010-01-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

Good for good is only fair,

Bad for bad soon brings despair,

Bad for good is vile and base,

Good for bad shows forth God's grace.

Welsh saying

This is so true. We do not always understand why things or trials are coming our way, but one thing is for certain, if we know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, trials are the very best time for Christ to shine his light through us to the lost world. I really like candles, let's be a light for Jesus.

Yummy Chicken!

2010-01-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

This is really good chicken and very easy to make.

For One 3-4 lb. Chicken:

3-4 Tablespoons Dijon mustard, you could use regular but it is not as flavorful.

1-2 cloves of minces garlic

salt & pepper

1/2 onion

1 stalk celery cut in half

1 fresh lemon

water (enough to cover bottom of pan)

white grape or apple juice (optional)

What to do: Preheat-375

Slice the lemon in half and squeeze the juice all over the outside and inside of bird; set one of the squeezed lemon halves to the side to put inside bird latter. Mix the mustard and garlic together in a bowl and slather it all over the bird, inside and out, covering it well. You will need to use your hands. Stuff the bird with the lemon half, celery, and onion. Salt and pepper the bird and place it on the rack inside your roasting pan. You do not want the bird sitting directly on the pan in the juice. Poor water or a water juice mixture in the roasting pan. You may need to add more liquid as it cooks. Cook approximately 50 min. or until juice runs clear. Temperature of chicken should be 165 degrees at the thigh . This is the correct temperature, my husband is a USDA food inspector. Garnish and serve. This is nice with mash potatoes, green beans and sliced tomatoes.

The LORD is Good!

2010-01-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because

his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul;

therefore will I hope in him.

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him,

to the soul that seeketh him."

Lamentations 3:22

This past Sunday evening one of our missionaries from India, brother Temple Meek and his family, visited our church. He spoke of the work there in India and told us about the many gods the Indian people worship. India is mostly Hindu. He said the gods which are in the thousands are like men: they fight, envy, become jealous, and are bitter towards one another etc. Of course this is in the minds of the Indian people. But I was thinking how sad it is to have no hope. Their gods bring no hope to them and there is no hope for a home in heaven, sense they believe in reincarnation. How great that we have a God that is not like a man for he is merciful when he could consume us, and he is compassionate when we do not deserve it. His mercies and compassion are new every day. What a wonderful God we serve and what a blessing it is to have peace in my heart and a hope for the future. How blessed we are.

" Oh Give thanks to the LORD for he is good: his mercy endureth for ever." Psalm 136:1

Trusting God with the Present

2010-01-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

It is hard to remember to live in the present, but the present is all we have; the past is gone and we do not know the future (on this earth anyway). This poem says it well and it is written by that most gifted writer," Anonymous"

I was regretting the past
And fearing the future...
Suddenly, my Lord was speaking:

"My name is I Am." He paused.
I waited. He continued.

"When you live in the past, with its mistakes
and regrets, it is hard. I am not there.
My name is not 'I was.'

When you live in the future, with fears, it is hard,
I am not there.
My name is not 'I will be.'

When you live in this moment, it is not hard.
I am here.
My name is ' I Am.' ''

Let us live each day one day at a time and forget what we have left behind!

Homemade Cards

2009-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

I needed a card for a couple at church, that are getting married; I looked in the stores but with all the many cards out there, I could not find one. I decided to make my own. It was a lot of fun, but it did take a little time. I even made an envelope. For the art work I did pen and ink; it was very simple but it worked nicely. I used card stock and printed the poem on velum which I then glued to the card stock at the top. The drawing I glued to black card stock and some scrap book paper, which I had on hand. The black strip at the bottom is just a piece of card stock that I glued onto the velum.

For the envelope I used brown light weight packaging paper and lined it with hand made tissue paper. The tissue paper has pressed dried leaves in it; I found it at the Dollar Tree. The tissue paper also made the envelope sturdy. To make the envelope, I took a pre-made envelope apart to see how it was constructed; then I took measurements of my card and made a pattern to fit. I then glued it together along the sides. The flowers on the outside of the card are also made out of the same tissue paper and some seed beads. I also continued the same vine pattern from the card to the envelope.

Painting

2009-12-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

My children, that is two of them anyway, take piano. Their teacher Lynn is the sweetest person. She is one of those people that just warms your heart when your around them. It is amazing how God puts people in your life in places you never dreamed.

Lynn teaches piano out of her house on Mondays. On other days of the week she and her cousin continue the cake business that their grandmother left them. She lives in what I believe to be her grandmothers old house. The house is one of those farm houses with the big country porch with swings and rockers; you know, were people use to stop and visit one another. The good old slow days ,where people took time to relax. The house is situated on the top of a hill overlooking pastures. The sky just seems so much bigger up there. My boys take piano, mom relaxes, and enjoys the beauty of God's creation. If Lynn knew how much I enjoyed her yard she might charge me for therapy.(: In the warmer months there seems to always be a cool breeze blowing up the hill. Aw www... how peaceful.

Well on one of those therapeutic days in spring, her dogwoods were in bloom. I had my camera with me and could not resist. The sky was a bright cobalt blue, as you can see from the photo. It was just breathtaking! Latter I decided to paint Lynn's blooms, and God's sky (yes, I know the blooms are God's, all of creation was created by him and for him, but you get what I mean.(: This painting was the most fun and relaxing; I did not worry with drawing it all out, I just painted. I enjoy impressionist painting; I know this disturbs some of my friends, but I love the bright colors, and the technique. I most enjoy works by Claude Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Degas and Seurat. (: I know my realist friends may not appreciate this as much, but thank you for loving me anyway. This painting puts a smile on my face every time I look at it and it brings me back to relaxing moments in Lynn's yard.(:

The Journey

2009-12-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Lord let me stay within your hands
Keep me oh Lord from devising my own plans.
May I continue to give myself fully unto you;
For I know that is what you desire for me to do.

Lord may I be obedient to thy word;
So I may not reap wrongs I have stored.
For your blessings are on me
When that still small voice I hear;
But when I turn my eyes towards the world
My heart is filled with fear.

Elohim He is my Creator
El Elyon my all sovereign Lord
El Roi sees my innermost being
El Shaddi my all- sufficient one.

My Lord has many names
But my Lord God, He is one.
May I learn to love and trust in Him;

On this journey, We have only just begun.

Around the House

2009-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Red is my favorite color. The brown in the vase is coffee beans; they look

nice and smell great also. I thought this arrangement looked like winter.

My table is so small it is hard to find a runner that isn't so big; I used

two place mats, from Wal-Mart, they were cheaper also.

I really like these plates; I like the bird and I like red.

This wreath was a big find at Hobby Lobby. It was on clearance

for $5.00. I could not believe it. I actually thought it was a

mistake.The vine wreath without the flowers

is worth more than that. I thought the flowers on it were nice as well.

It is so fun to make your home look cozy!

Yummy!

2009-12-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

We made Amy's Coffee cake and it was a success!! Do you think the boys liked it? Much thanks to Amy!

Learning to Sew

2009-12-09T11:42:00.001-08:00

A friend encouraged me to teach my little girl to sew.

Of course she did not want any help; she's a big girl you know.
She said, she is ready for the sewing machine now.
A pillow for her doll.

Benefits of Godly Wisdom

2009-12-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

Human wisdom fails us in more ways than we know. It falls short of the spiritual wisdom that we can gain only from God. He desires that we have this wisdom but we must seek it, desire it. When we seek the wisdom this world has to offer we risk much and will make mistakes in our decisions. We will also loose our focus on the things of God and will have an attitude of self- sufficiency. The benefits of God's wisdom are so numerous but Proverbs 3:13-18,21-24, gives us a good idea of some of them.

"Happy is the man (or lady) that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth

understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver,

and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies:

and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that

retaineth her.....keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life

unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely,

and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid:

yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet"

According to this passage, having godly wisdom influences our:

Happiness( verses 13,18)

Length and quality of life,(v 16,18,22)

Wealth (v.16)

Honor (v.16)

Ways (v.17)

Peace (v. 17,24)

Safety (v.23)

What are some of the responsibilities you have in your home and life? Would the promised benefits of godly wisdom listed in Proverbs help you fulfill those responsibilities? How? Remember if you are not yet married and are waiting for God to send you someone, this is your preparation time. You should be preparing for that time. While all the homemaking skills are needed and important you will be most beneficial to your future husband if you gain godly wisdom. You will be the Proverbs 31 lady and he will have found the greatest treasure, apart from God, in you. What a blessing. God is good all the time; his love and care for us is unmeasurable.(:

Thanksgiving Decorations & Food

2009-11-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

A Wise Woman

2009-11-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

A wise woman realizes that because God loves her so much, He wants nothing more than to give her the desires of her heart. But she also understands that sometimes she isn't even aware of what her deepest desires are! God, however, does. He knows everything about her, after all, He created her. She steers clear of trying to understand His ways and avoids feeling discouraged when she can't see Him in action. Instead, she delights in trusting that God is always up to something good where she's concerned; whether it has to do with her earthly home or her heavenly one! What is your biggest dream at this time? What evidence of God moving to fulfill your dream have you seen in your life? Even if that dream does not happen right away remember that God is preparing for it. David was anointed king when he was young. It was many years before he would sit on the throne ruling as king over God's people but God was preparing David for his future task. So what does all of this mean? Be patient, and wait on God. " Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

First Wedding Cake

2009-11-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

Fishing

2008-05-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

My son caught this fish, out of my husbands grandmothers pound. We are not sure what happened to him. My husband said that it looked like something had bitten it, when it was younger, and it survived. Very strange.

Pizza

2008-04-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

I love homemade pizza; not only does it taste better it is so much fun to make. I make and bake my crust ahead of time so that when I want pizza I can whip it up fast. You can get really creative with pizza and put really whatever you like on it. This is a very good pizza, everyone always likes it!

Pizza Crust
Makes 3 crusts or 4 thin and crispy crusts
1 cup warm water
2 Tbs. Oil
1 Tbs. Sugar
1 tsp. Salt
3 cups bread flour (King Arthur is the Best)
1 ½ tsp. Yeast
Put all ingredients in a mixing bowl as listed. Mix well; knead on lightly floured counter for 6-8 min. Sprinkle flour on counter to keep dough from sticking. Place dough in lightly greased bowl, cover with damp cloth rest for 20 min. Divide dough into 3 balls, roll out dough on lightly floured counter to about 10- 11 inch. As you roll the dough check to make sure it is not sticking to much, it will some, but you should be able to get it up. You can make smaller and thicker pizza crusts if you like, just don’t roll out so thin. Place dough on a lightly sprayed cookie or pizza sheet prick with fork and place in oven. Pre Bake in a 400 degree oven for 6-8 min. dough will not be browned just done enough that you can put toppings on them later. This is great for making ahead and storing for later use. You can freeze them in a zip-lock bag.
Top with whatever you like, bake for 6 -8 min. until cheese is melted through.
Note: If you want to eat pizza right away you do not have to precook dough, just top dough and enjoy!

Ranch Chicken Pizza
Makes: 8 slices
1 lb. chicken breast, cubed
2-3 garlic, minced or a little dry garlic would be fine
1-2 tomatoes, chopped, optional
½-¼ cup and 3-5 Tbs. Ranch dressing (Thick dressing)
Grated cheese (mixture of Parmesan and mozzarella)

Saute chicken in a little oil. As soon as it is no longer pink ,stir in enough dressing to coat chicken well, 3-5 tablespoons, saute until done. Chicken will get a little golden around edges. Set aside. Combine ranch dressing with garlic. Spread ranch mixture over pizza crust, Top with chicken and grated cheese. Bake about 6-8 min. until cheese is melted. Sprinkle chopped tomatoes on top after taking it out of the oven.
Note: This may seem strange but it is very good.

Wisdom

2008-04-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

" The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance."

Charles Spurgeon

We have so much information in this society that we cram into our minds that it is easy to start believing we already know everything. Yet, that attitude, as Spurgeon suggested, slams shut the door to wisdom. We need to have teachable hearts and we do this by admitting our constant, personal need for God's Wisdom. We need to put away our attitudes that we "know it all"and admit we really "know nothing."

"In whom (Jesus) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Colossians 2:3

Funny Kids

2008-04-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Kids say the funniest things; I wish that I had recorded all the funny things my children have said. A friend emailed these to me, I thought I would share them with you.

Steven (age 3 ) hugged and kissed his mom good night. " I love you so much that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window."

Susan (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. "Please don't give me this juice again, she said, " It makes my teeth cough."

James (age 4 ) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: 'The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt. " Concerned, James asked: "What happened to the flea?"

Tammy ( age 4 ) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, "Why doesn't your skin fit your face?"

My little sister said something like this to my grandmother, she said," Grandma your face is falling.":-)

2008-04-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

He Died For Me

I saw One hanging on a tree, In agony and blood;
He fixed His Languid eyes on me, As near His cross I stood.
Sure, never, till my latest breath, Can I forget that look:
It seemed to change me with His death, Tho’ not a word HE spoke.
My conscience felt and owned the guilt, And plunged me in despair;
I saw my sins His blood had spilt And helped to nail Him there.
Alas! I knew not what I did,- But now my tears are vain:
Where shall my trembling soul be hid? For I the Lord have slain.
A second look He gave, which said, “ I freely all forgive:
This blood is for thy ransom paid, I die that thou may’st live.”
Oh, can it be, upon a tree The Saviour died for me?
My soul is thrilled, My heart is filled,
To think He died
for me!

John Newton

Deer Trouble

2008-04-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

My husband will be looking for a new car ( I'm sure I will help ). He hit a deer on the way to work yesterday morning. He said, "when I went around the corner there she was." Thank the Lord he was not hurt! We always buy used vehicles, so we only purchase liability insurance; thankfully, (we do not remember doing this) we purchased some extra car insurance that covers accidence do to animals. Well a deer is an animal, Odocoileus virginianus, head and body length, 4-6 ft., Habitat- forests, swamps, and adjacent brushy areas, in other words, beside paved country roads. Sadly his car is only worth about $600-$800. He really has gotten the goody out of it! Of course this is better than having nothing at all! We did just receive our tax money, Buy, Buy bathroom!

On a funny note, someone pulled up beside my husband ,in a truck, and ask him what he was going to do with the deer; not," are you ok, can we help you?" My husband traded the deer for the use of their cell phone. God is good and has cared for us thus far, and I know that,"all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. Have a great day and watch out for the Odocoileus virginianus! (:

The Weaver

2008-04-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily,
Oft times He weaveth sorrow
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
—Author Unknown

I think this poem is so true. When your sewing, weaving, etc. the underside is such a mess, but the top is beautiful. God takes all the trials and struggles in our lives and makes us complete and a beautiful work of art for Him, if we let Him!

Skillet Spaghetti

2008-04-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

(This is very good and easy)

Serves: 7 (1cup servings)

1 lb ground beef, chicken, turkey, sausage or a mixture
3 cups water
1 18oz. can tomato juice
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 Tbs. Minced dried onion
1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Garlic powder
1 tsp. Dried Italian herbs or oregano
1 7 oz. package whole wheat spaghetti (when cooked like this taste no different)
Fresh Parmesan cheese to grate on top

In a large skillet or pot with lid, brown meat, add everything to meat except pasta and cheese. Bring to a boil. Simmer covered for 30 min. stir often. Add the uncooked spaghetti, I break pasta in half; simmer, covered, 30 min. Stir often. This can also be done in a crock pot.

Serve with:
Fresh Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Bread
Green Salad

Tomato Time

2008-04-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

"My husband is not planting cups"

"Small tomato plant"

Our garden! The big plants are potatoes.

It is gardening time again! I just can’t wait to take a bite out of a, garden fresh, tomato! I do love tomatoes! I have friends that do not like them, but I over look that fault.: ) We keep the tomato farmers in business during the winter months. I have a green house, and I always plan to grow tomatoes in it, during the winter, but so far it has not happened yet. This year we are growing heirlooms in hopes the tomatoes will produce the whole season. The hybrids do not seem to last.

In the past we have had problems with cut warms; these little guys go along the ground and just, Timmmmmber, down go’s the plant. My husband puts a cup, on each of the plants, and this puts a stop to their logging. The first time my husband did this, his brother picked on him saying that, "my husband must be confused, that it was cut warms, not cup warms." His brother’s laughter turned to sorrow when the little loggers cut his tomato plants, to the ground. :( In case you are wondering ,why not blue or clear cups? My husband uses red cups because he read that the color red stimulates growth in tomato plants. "Most tomatoes do seem to be partial to red."

My sweet husband comes up with some very interesting ideas that always seem to work. Last year we did have beautiful plants and an abundance of tomatoes. But God is the master gardener, so he may have given us a good crop despite our strange gardening techniques.

Let’s see, what shall I make first, maybe tomato and basil salad or tomato sandwiches or marinara sauce ooooor, maybe I should not count my chickens before they hatch.
Happy Gardening. (:

All That, for Me

2008-03-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him". 1 Corinthians 2:9

The world's wisdom says: Life on this earth is as good as it gets. But God's Wisdom says: "You ain't seen nothen yet!"

I can not begin to imagine what God has in store for us. We talk about mansions, and streets of gold, but I know this is such a small thing compared to what awaits us, it is just all our little minds can understand. Eternity with the Saviour of my soul is more than I can grasp!(:

Homemade Gifts

2008-03-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

We have a newlywed couple at our church and we, the ladies, wanted to do something special for them. We have been working on a cook book. A friend of mine gave me the idea. It has been a lot of fun! Most of the work was done on Publisher and Excel. The photo album has a thick plastic cover, over canvas, which will keep it clean, as do each page. The picture in the center is a oil pastel drawing of grapes. On the second page is a photo of the couple, all of the lady's signatures are around it . There is also an index page to list all of the yummy recipes. We have a Bread, Main Meal and Dessert section; you could do a lot more, but we are a very small church. There are also bible verses and cooking tips scattered throughout the book. Also there is a picture, with each recipe and serving suggestions, so she will know what each dish looks like and what is good to serve with it. I like cook books with pictures! In the back is some pictures and instructions on: napkin folding, table setting and quantities for feeding crowds. It is so much more fun making gifts than buying them. (:

2008-03-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

Well I am almost finished. What do you think? I was going to do a pink back, but there was no pink to match the background. I went to cutestblogontheblock.blogspot, to get my page. There is a few things I still want to do but have not figured them out yet.

2008-03-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

"He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver: nor he that loveth abundance, with increase." Ecclesiastes 5:10

The world's wisdom says what we have is what matters ,but God's wisdom says who we are is what matters.

When we begin to look for fulfillment in an overflowing shopping bag, we should be aware that the bag has a hole in the bottom! Don't store up more than you truly need, in the end it will just be more work to care for and you will have to buy containers to store it in. Even if you got a good deal at the store, Goodwill, yard sale or the thrift store do you really need it. :)

Something to think about- How might you begin to cultivate an attitude of gratitude rather than greed?

Who are you? I pray a child of God, If not I pray by faith you will receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. He will save your soul and you will know it. Read Ephesians 2:8, Romans 10:13, John 1 :12, 1 John 5 10-13

Our Purpose

2008-03-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

What is our purpose in this life? That is a question many people ask. We as God's children know what our purpose is ,to do the will of the father. I was reading Isaiah 43:7 " Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." We were made to bring glory to God!

* Glory means to give the world (saved and lost) a correct opinion or estimate of who God is and what he is like. Wow! do we, do I, give the world a correct opinion of God when they see me at work, play, in difficulties and struggles, just in my every day dealings. Do we make people think God is sad, downcast, mean, unforgiving, rude, selfish, or do we show he is joyful, loveing, forgiving, kind, never selfseeking. I do not mean to say that we are not to stand for the truth, for God is not only a God of love, but of rightousness. His wrath will come upon those who reject him, we need to warn the world. But do we show the truth out of love for a lost world or out of hate and pride. Ephesians 2:8-9"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves : it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." May we each bring glory to God in everything we think, do and say. ( :

2008-03-04T05:29:00.000-08:00

(For we walk by faith, not by sight :)

II Corinthians 5:7

I don't know if anyone has ever noticed this, but there is a smiling face at the end of the verse, in the KJB. God is great! He is always up to date and people think he is not in touch with today's world. Remember to keep a smile on your face. We should be the happiest people on the planet :) Photo taken by a friend.

2008-02-24T06:15:00.000-08:00

Apple Crisp Pizza

Preheat oven 350

Pastry for 1 pie

Apple Topping:

3 Tbls. Flour

4 apples cored and sliced

2/3 cup sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

Topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/3 cup oats ( old fashion)

1/4 cup melted butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

Caramel ice cream topping,

You will need pie crust or pizza dough. Roll it out to fit 12" pizza pan. Combine the apple topping mixture together. Arrange apples in a circular pattern to completely cover crust. Combine flour, oat, butter, sugar, and cinnamon, mix well, and sprinkle on top of apples. Bake at 350 for 35-40 min. until apples are tender. Remove and drizzle on caramel topping. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

2008-02-20T05:21:00.000-08:00

The Love Of God

The love of God is greater far

than tongue or pen can ever tell;

it goes beyond the highest star,

and reaches to the lowest hell.

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to Win;

His erring child He reconciled,

and pardoned from his sin.

O Love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure:

The saints' and angels' song.

When years of time shall pass away,

and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,

When men who here refuse to pray,

on rocks and hills and mountains call,

God's love so sure, shall still endure,

all measureless and strong;

redeeming grace to Adam's race-

the saints' and angels' song.

O Love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure:

The saints' and angels' song

Could we with ink the oceans fill,

and were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

and every man a scribe by trade,

to write the love of God above

would drain the ocean dry.

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

though stretched from sky to sky.

Frederick M. Lehman wrote " The Love of God " in 1917. The lyrica are based on a Jewish poem written in Aramaic in 1050 by Meir Ben Isaac Nenorai.

It's Greek to Me

2008-02-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

I enjoy cooking and trying new things. I have been accused of not making things twice. This is one recipe I make all the time and my family loves it. My children smell it cooking and begin telling me how much they love me, what a great mom I am and give me hugs. So for all of that I will continue to make it. Oh, my husband after eating this always says, " That was a delicious meal, thank you for making it." I hope you will try it and like it!!

Greek Steaks, Burgers or Appetizers

1 1/3 lb. ground chevon, beef, chicken or turkey

1/4 lb. crumbled feta cheese

1 Tbl. steak seasoning ( I use a Canadean seasoning from Sam's Club. It is mostly course salt and course pepper . McCormick's Montreal Seasoning is good also.)

2-4 Tbl. extra virgin olive oil

1 box frozen chopped spinach thawed and water squeezed out well

Mix everything together and shape the meat like a steak, or burger. Drizzle olive oil on both sides. Get your grill really hot before putting these on. Place them on the grill, then turn the heat down. I have cooked these on the stove top as well. The time depends on the thickness of the meat. I generally cook mine between 10-15 min., until juice runs clear.

This steak is great with roasted potatoes and greek salad. It is also good as a burger. Just butter some bread and grill it , also make oven fries. Use the yogurt dip instead of the usual, mayo and mustard. You can also make an appetizer by rolling the meat mixture into balls and baking them on a cookie sheet. Serve them with the yogurt dip. These are good with veggies, hummas and toasted pita chips on the side.

Yogurt dressing:

1 1/2 cups Greek style plain Yogurt

3 Tbl. fresh dill

1/3 cup grated seeded cucumber

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander

salt to taste

Place in food processer. If cucumber is grated fine you could just mix everything up really well in a bowl and chill.

Roasted Potatoes

5-6 med. red or yellow skin potatoes cubed not peeled

2-3 Tbl. dried onion

1-2 Tbl. dried garlic

olive oil to coat well, you can also add a little butter

salt, pepper

*You can also add fresh dill, rosemary or thyme

I cut my potatoes small so they cook faster and the flavor is better. Mix all together. Bake in 350-400 oven for 30-45 min. covered. Potatoes should be done. Uncover them and cook until they begin to stick to the pan. This makes them have a little crunch, this is my favorite part. The time will very depending on the size you cut the potatoes and how crowded they are in the pan. I cook mine in a iron skillet ,but I have cooked them in a glass cassarole dish with good results. In the summer I put the potatoes in foil and grill them.

Cracked Tea Cups

2008-02-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

I enjoy a good cup of hot tea. I have all kinds of tea cups. Some I have bought, others belonged to my grandmother and my mother. Over the years some of them have become cracked, chipped or brocken. I have never thrown them out, they mean to much to me. I do still use them, maybe not for tea, but in other ways. Some have candles in them, others have dried flowers; I have even put office items in some. As I was looking over my cracked and chipped cups this morning, God reminded me that my life has been like my tea cups. I have been brocken and cracked and if you look you can see marks from these cracks and bracks. I was thinking even though I have been cracked through the years God has never thrown me away, I mean to much to him. He uses me in other ways. Maybe not the way he would have, but he still uses me. God can use imperfect tea cups like you and I. God most often delights in choosing the most unlikely people to do his will in this world. I am sooooooo, very thankful God uses cracked and brocken tea cups, aren't you?

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

A Just God

2008-01-30T12:52:00.000-08:00

"Man is unjust, but God is just; and finally justice Triumphs."

-Longfellow

When we start thinking how unjust someone or something is, remember God is just, and those in Christ will triumph over this unjust world .

Isa. 45:21... "there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me."

Cookie Cake

2008-01-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

We made this cookie for my son's birthday. It is a nice change from the usual cake and ice cream. One year we did a sugar cookie with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit arranged in a circular pattern. You use a regular cookie recipe, just make sure to leave plenty of room for the cookie to expand; the cooking time will be longer as well. I always put another pan underneath just in case it runs over the sides. This has happened ,but then you have cookie to nibble on while you decorate.

Memories

2008-01-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

I was reading a post on the blog "Simply Sanctified", it had a very nice poem about a grandmother. I often think of my grandparents, who have past away, and the memories always put a smile on my face. I do miss them and can't wait to someday see them again. When I think of them it gives me a peace in my heart. I hope you have good memories of your grandparents and if they are still around take the time to make memories with them. One of the memories I have ,that I think of often, is so simple and it may not seem like much. The memory is so clear, I can even remember how I felt as a little girl. I had not a care in the world. I would often spend the night at my grandmother D's house. My grandfather passed away when I was around three, so it would be just my grandmother, my sister and I. My grandmother would often read the Bible to us and would tell us about heaven and answer our many questions about God. Sometimes after all of this I still could not go to sleep ( probably to excited about my future home). She would take her little alarm clock, that sat on her night stand, and would place it by my ear. It would just tick, tick, tick away and off I would go to sleep. The clock numbers and hands also glowed in the dark. That has been many many years ago ,but in my mind I can feel and smell the sheets and how cosy the bed was, and see the love my grandmother had for me in her eye's and her gentle kiss. If you have any memories of your grandmother or grandfather I hope you will share them with me.

Israel was often told throughout the bible to remember God and what he had done for them. Isaiah 46: 9 "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. " One of the most loved accounts in the Bible is , when Joshua becomes leader over Israel. They cross the Jordan on dry land and God tells the Israelites to make a memorial of the crossing. Joshua 4:20-24 "And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. And he spake unto the children of Israel saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall say let your children know, saying Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.

Always remember those before us that shared the love of Christ Jesus with us and as Israel was instructed to share them with those that came after them, let us share Christ with those around us. We must tell them the crossings in our life that the LORD our God has brought us through. My grandparents shared Jesus with me and I must share him with my children and grandchildren; that they might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that they might fear the LORD our God for ever.

A Lot With A Little

2008-01-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

I wanted it to look like she was in a tree house. Her drawers are under her bed.

We bought a memory foam mattress,
to fit into the space sense it was a little
bit shorter than a twin.

We have a small two bedroom home. Our boy's shared a room, but my little girl had no bedroom, other than ours. Down the hall was an area to put the washer and dryer. We moved my washer to my bathroom and my husband turned the washer area into a cosy little girls room. Everyone at first thought this was strange and small but it turned out great. Hear are some pictures. We put up curtains that can be closed for privacy.There are storage boxes on the shelf. I hope if you feel like you have no room, that this will encourage you to make due with what God has provided you and get creative.

This is a close up of the bird.

I'll Be a Light

2008-01-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

Lord, I'll be a light for you,

No matter what the cost.

Let my light shine forth and be

A beacon for the lost,

That if there be some yearning soul

Who longs to know the truth,

My life might be a brilliant star

That points the way to You.

By Susan Athens

Chili Time

2008-01-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

I made this chili on our wood stove for lunch and served it with corn chips instead of crackers, yum,yum. We had Chili Dogs for dinner.

1 1/2 lb. beef, chevron, venison or pork

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic or dried garlic

1/2 cup bell pepper chopped

28 oz can tomatoes

6 oz. can tomato paste

16 oz drained beans, kidney or black

Worcestershire sauce, few shakes

salt/pepper

1 Tbl. chili powder

1-2 cups of water (depending on how thick you like your chili)

1-1 1/2 cups corn kernels, optional

Brown meat with garlic, onion, pepper, until veggies are slightly tender. Add in tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, water and corn. Cook for 1 1/2 hours add beans cook 15 min. before chili is done. Top with cheese and serve with corn chips. You do not have to have a wood stove but it sure is fun!

Just Thinking

2008-01-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

I was just looking over some of the new posts on some of my favorite blogs. I was thinking about what a blessing they are. There seems to be so few people in my area with like minds. God is receiving glory even in a system so full of evil. A Light shining in Darkness.

Lemons To Lemonade

2008-01-12T05:15:00.000-08:00

The other day my son picked our first lemons off of our lemon tree, I had three beautiful lemons. " What to do", I made lemonade. This reminded me of the saying " When life gives you lemons make lemonade." This saying in turn reminded me of what the Bible (KJB) says, in James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptation; knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." I was also reminded of Philippians 4 :4, on my outlook of things,"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." It's easy to get thinking about all of the negative this life has to offer, but God says in Philippians 4:8, I am to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, things that are of good report, if there be any virtue or praise, these are the things I should dwell on. Life is always ready to hand you a lemon, but God always gives to those that love Him what is good, James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." God gives out honey sweetened lemonade and I'm ready for my next glass.