Traditions

Every family has traditions. In our family, we have quite a few. Whenever we have Thanksgiving dinner, my brother always has to tell the story of my first Thanksgiving turkey. When he is done, then I do the explaining.

You see, my first Thanksgiving turkey was cooked by me - all by myself - at the ripe old age of 18. I was scared to death that the turkey would not be done - so I overcooked it a bit. It came out beautiful, deep golden brown - but it was very dry. However, no one got food poisoning from underdone turkey!

To hear him tell the story, as soon as we punctured the skin with a knife, the whole turkey deflated and turned to dust. And every slice of turkey soaked up a cup of gravy. How we had slices when the turkey had already turned to dust, I have no idea!

I have cooked many turkeys since then and have it perfected now!

Another tradition is going around the table, one-by-one and telling what we are thankful for.

One of my favorite traditional foods for Thanksgiving is sweet potatoes. My mom usually fixes some savory and I fix them sweet. This year she did them with leeks and bacon - ummy yummy! As soon as I get the recipe from her, I will pass it on to you! Today, though, I am going to give you my "recipe" for sweet potatoes. Sorry, no picture as they got left at Mom's!

Sweet Potatoes Raquel

3-4 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and the ends cut off

Bake them in a 350F oven on a cookie sheet lined with foil (for easy cleanup) for about an hour, until good and done.

Take out of oven and let them cool. Slit them open and scrape out the flesh into a bowl. Mash it up good.

To the potatoes add:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or more to taste)
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup orange juice
Grated rind of one smallish orange
1/3 cup butter, diced

Mix that all up good. Place in a greased 11x7 pan. Cover with mini marshmallows and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or so, until marshmallows are good and brown.

This makes a goodly amount (we ended up with 13 at dinner yesterday) so decrease amounts to suit your taste. Also amounts are approximate as I do not measure - so to your taste! This can be made ahead to the point of adding the marshmallows and refrigerated. Just remember to take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you bake it.

The orange juice and orange rind were new this year and I quite like it!

So what are some of your traditions?

More Pie, please

Well, you just never know. Last night, I was making my pecan pie when I happened to think - I've got peach pie filling in the freezer. I wonder . . . . and I had about 2 ounces of almond paste left-over from making my cookies. So, since I was in for a penny, in for a pound with the pie crust anyway, I went ahead and made two. You know, I took my time and they did not turn out half bad!

Anyway, thought I would share this peach pie "recipe" with you - more of a technique.

Peach Streusal Pie

Filling: (Enought for 4 pies)
9 pounds fresh peaches
2 teaspoons Fruit Fresh, (fruit preservative)
3 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons quick cooking tapioca
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt

Stir all together and freeze in 1-1/2 pint jars. Alternatively, freeze in pie tins lined with foil 4-5 cups per pan. (I am assuming here that you know how to scald the peaches, etc.)

Anyway . . . on the day you are making your pie, pull out your filling and let it thaw a bit. I stirred in about 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.

Then make a single crust of your favorite pie dough and line a 9-inch pan with it.
Dump your filling in.

Streusal:
2 Tablespoons butter
2 ounces (give or take) almond paste
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup flour

These are approximate measurements! Mix your cinnamon, sugar and flour in a bowl. Cut in the butter and almond paste with a pastry cutter. Sprinkle over top of the pie filling. Bake around 40-45 minutes at 350F. Viola!

Thanksgiving Memories

I love Thanksgiving. Oh, not just for the turkey, stuffing, cranberries and pumpkin pie. But for the camraderie of family, the hustle and bustle of getting everything ready and the joy - yes, joy - of preparing food for loved ones.

You see, to me it is an act of love to create a special dish for someone. I make homemade molasses spice cookies for my pastor - they are his favorite. I have not made yet - but will - chicken fried steak for my Honey - it is his favorite. I like to find out what someone likes and make it. It gives me joy in the making, knowing that they will really like it and appreciate it - because it is their favorite.

I love our tradition of going around the table and telling what we are thankful for, one-by-one.

I love the idea that people all over this vast country are doing the same thing we are - giving thanks - on this day.

I love left-over turkey for sandwiches, ho yes!

I love not having to work, being able to relax and enjoy the day - well, mostly, I do have to work this year.

I love having traditional foods - turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, homemade rolls with real butter, cranberry sauce, stuffing, pumpkin pie. We usually throw in something a little different, too. This year we are doing 7-layer salad, cherry pie, apple pie and pecan pie. Sometimes we have corn and oysters - gack! - or maybe a relish tray, some green goop.

My mom usually does the pumpkin pie and this year she volunteered to do cherry - my Honey's favorite - and apple as well. Dad's favorite, however, is pecan. I love it too, so I volunteered to do it. I got some very nice pecans this weekend when we were visiting in St. Louis. I really do not know why most people fear making pecan pie, it is EASY! Except for the pie crust - you all know how I am with pie crust! I am also making the sweet potatoes, so I will share those with you later. Thus, without further ado . . .

(mind you, pictures will come later)

Pecan Pie

1 cup Karo Light OR Dark Corn Syrup
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) pecans
1 (9-inch) unbaked deep-dish pie crust

Stir first 5 ingredients together in bowl. Stir in pecans, being sure to coat each one. Pour into pie shell.
Bake at 350F for 55-60 minutes. Cool for at least 2 hours before serving.




It is that easy. Serve with pride to those you love.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 24, 2008...

Outside my window...Beautiful sunshine and a blue cloudless sky.

I am thinking... that I am glad that I have a humble home where happiness dwells!

I am thankful for... Parents that came to the rescue. No sooner had we started out to St. Louis Friday evening - a 4 hour drive- than the car started making a funny noise. Honey looked at it and said - I think I can fix it when we get to your Mom and Dad's - a 10 minute drive. Come to find out, it was much more extensive than he thought - so Mom and Dad let us borrow their car. Whew!

From the kitchen... cheesy double-decker tacos tonight, venison tenderloin tomorrow, teriyaki chicken for Wednesday.

I am wearing... Purple turtleneck, cream sweater, pink poodle socks, pink housieslippers, navy skirt.

I am creating... Christmas cards!

I am going... to go to Aldi's tonight when Honey gets home.

I am reading... not much right now.

I am hoping... that Honey's new boots will help his feet.

I am hearing... not much, very quiet around here.

Around the house... laundry and vacuuming.

One of my favorite things... is Steak and Shake - I know, my bad!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Put new comforter set on bed today, finish up christmas cards and mail, rake leaves.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


This is just me!

If you like reading these, hop on over to The Simple Woman and make your own!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 17, 2008...

Outside my window... Bright sunshine, blue sky with a few horse-tail clouds

I am thinking... of what to wear this weekend (we are going to visit the in-laws)

I am thankful for... a warm home to live in.

From the kitchen... Pancakes and sausage, potato patties

I am wearing... black skirt, cream turtle-neck, pink socks, blue housieshoes

I am creating... cookies to take to St. Louis this weekend

I am going... to enjoy having a couple of days off to relax and be with family

I am reading... I Kings - Solomon and Elijah

I am hoping... that I can find a nice comforter set for our bed this weekend - fairly cheap!

I am hearing... the washing machine whirring

Around the house... kitchen floors to be swept and mopped, bathroom to be cleaned

One of my favorite things... is baking cookies - just something about shaping the dough, baking it and then sharing them with someone - bliss!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today: Call house insurance, vacuum, do dark laundry. Tuesday: Mail package to Marie, laundry, bake molasses cookies. Wednesday: Make vegetable soup for church dinner, also make cheesecake bars for same. Thursday: Dusting, clean out car. Bake bread and cookies. Friday: Vacuum, pack.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Before


After


Honey said I would never be able to fit it all in there! I did have to do a bit of fancy shuffling, some of the books you see in the case in the first picture have now moved to my office. These are my cookbooks - most of them!

This daybook is hosted by Peggy at The Simple Woman. There are around 200 women who participate. Join in!

Settling In

There are a lot of things to do in a new house. Not to mention all of the cleaning, but there are just things that have to be done. Furniture has to be arranged. Curtains have to be hung. Drawers have to be organized, as do cabinets. Windows may have to be fixed - we had 4 (storm windows)!

Then, when all the flurry is over, you can pause - Ahhhh! that is more like it! Got a nice, comfy home. Very quiet (except for the muffled "Poom, Poom" of the hunter's guns in the wetland). The cat has finally settled and decided he LIKES being the only cat in the house (he can have his pick of the laps now). The kitchen is finally organized so you feel like cooking something other than frozen pizza and fish sticks. It has been nippy, so the furnace is on, making the house nice and warm.

A routine has been established - I get up first and put coffee on, make Honey's lunch and fix him breakfast. He gets up a little later, but he makes the bed. Then I do my Bible reading while he eats and we discuss it afterwards and pray for our day. Our weekends have been busy, so we have yet to have a good Saturday breakfast, but that is coming, too.

We have things I would like - a dishwasher for one - but that can wait. For now, we are settled in!

I did manage to make these muffins one Saturday. Ummy, ummy good.

Cranberry Sour Cream Muffins

Makes 12

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, Slightly Beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk (I had to add at least another 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups raw cranberries, Chopped
1/2 cup sugar

Sift together flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking soda and salt into bowl. Combine egg, sour cream, milk and oil in small bowl; blend well. Add all at once to dry ingredients, stirring just enough to moisten. Combine cranberries and 1/2 cup sugar; stir into batter. Spoon batter into greased muffin cups, filling equally. Bake in 375°F oven 20 minutes or until golden brown.




These reheat well in the microwave. These were perfect with scrambled eggs and bacon, served with coffee and orange juice!

Home, Sweet Home

I promised some pictures of my new home so . . . .

Kitchen counter with my canisters


Dining room wall - we were shopping at a Mennonite store and saw this sign - we both said "Oh, I like that" - so we bought it - we are truly blessed

My messy, messy desk


One of the walls in my office

Bittersweet on the front door

I will be posting more pictures later on . . . .

Just wanted all of my readers to know that I really appreciate them! We have been rushed for dinners some nights around here, so I wanted to share one of the better ones we have had lately.

Sweet-n-Spicy Sausage and Rice

Serves 4

1 lb Little Smokies - or sliced smoked sausage
1 jar sweet-n-sour sauce - I used La Choy
A handful of chopped green and red peppers
1 small onion, sliced (optional)
1 (8 oz) can tidbit pineapple, drained
1/4 teaspoon (or more if you like it spicier) crushed red pepper flakes
Cooked rice

Bung all of the above in a small crockpot - I used my 1-1/2 quart - and turn it on high for 2 hours or so. Serve hot over rice.




Easy peasy and even my picky DS liked it!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 10, 2008...

Outside my window... Gray skies, nothing but gray skies . . . The leaves have almost all dropped and I think it wants to rain

I am thinking... of how great and awesome our God is!

I am thankful for... a beautiful home.

From the kitchen... Homemade potato-sausage soup, molasses spice cookies

I am wearing... Navy skirt, gray t-shirt, blue sweater, purple and white socks and blue housieshoes

I am creating... a very fun package for my 'Zaar Christmas Swap partner!

I am going... to the bank and the postoffice at noon.

I am reading... Heidi - I love that book.

I am hoping... for a good week at work.

I am hearing... not much, very quiet around here.

Around the house... Laundry and finishing sorting out kitchen utensils.

One of my favorite things... is roses - I like pictures of roses, I like the smell of roses, I like roses!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today - laundry and kitchen. Tue - finish putting up pics. Wed - church. Thu - Do some baking. Fri - Make soups and home-made rolls.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


My tired Honey with our kitty!

This is such fun to do every Monday - hop on over to The Simple Woman and take a look at everyone else's daybook!

In Love

I know, I know - how boring, eh?

Well, let me tell you. When I married my Honey, I cannot say that I was madly, crazy in love with him. Not the knock you down, can't live without them for one second, jealous type of love. Not at all. But my love has grown. And I think that is the best way to go - constantly discovering new things about each other - and delighting in one another. I am happier now than I think I have ever been in my life. Because I put God in the center. If we focus on Him, everything else just falls in place. Like that last piece in a jigsaw puzzle, he makes the picture complete. I now have a comfortable, fulfilling love.

This is a poem I came by on the Internet a while back - it pretty much says how I feel. No idea who wrote it, so if you did - thank you a million times - from the bottom of my heart.

Woman

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.
When I created man, I formed him and breathed into his nostrils.
But you, Woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate.

I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.
Man was put to sleep so he could not interfere with the creativity.

From one bone I fashioned you.
I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do.
Around this bone I shaped you.
I molded you.
I created you perfectly.
Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile.
You provide protection for the most delicate organ in a man... his heart.
His heart is the center of his belonging; his lungs hold the breath of life.
The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.
Support the man as the rib cage supports the body.

You were not taken from his feet to be under him, nor were you taken from his head to be above him.
You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.

Your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer.
Your nose, so perfect in form; your hand so gentle to touch.
I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I've held your heart close to mine.

Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, and yet he was lonely.
He could not see me or touch me.
He could only feel me.

So everything I wanted Adam to experience with me, I fashioned in you: my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love; my protection and support.

You are special because you are an extension of me.

Man represents My image...
...Woman, my emotions.

Together you represent the totality of Me.

So man, treat woman well.
Love her and respect her, for she is fragile.
In hurting her, you hurt Me.
What you do to her, you do to Me.
In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.

Woman, support man.
In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you.
In gentle quietness, show your strength.
In love, show him you are the rib that protects his inner self.

That poem just speaks volumes, don't you think?

You know, those we love will not always be with us. These earthly vessels fail - all part of God's plan - some fail sooner than others. So while you still have your loved ones - LOVE them. Always. No matter what. TELL them you love them. SHOW them you love them. Because one day, you won't be able to.

The Great Pumpkin

I have always liked Linus. You know, the little character from the Peanuts comic strip, who believes in the Great Pumpkin. I guess I kinda feel sorry for Linus, what with Snoopy always stealing his blankie and Lucy being so mean to him.

Anyway, Linus believes in the Great Pumpkin. Kind of a substitute for Santa, just earlier. Even though the Great Pumpkin never appears, he keeps waiting every year. How faithful! He even convinces (or bribes) Snoopy into waiting for the Great Pumpkin with him. Just as we should take our faith and never let it go, always sharing it with others.

The comics are my favorite part of the newspaper. There is so much sorrow and strife in the real news that sometimes I like a little bit of escape.

Hmmmm . . . kinda like this dessert. It is ever-so-easy and gets gobbled up in no time. Much easier than making pumpkin pie (no crust)!

The Great Pumpkin Crunch

1 can (16 oz) pumpkin
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (18 oz) yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, cubed into small bits

Grease a 9 x 13 pan. Preheat oven to 350 F.

Mix first 6 ingredients in bowl until smooth. Pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over top and then scatter butter evenly over that. DO NOT STIR! You can add chopped pecans if you wish. Bake for 50-55 minutes until golden brown. Best served warm with real whipped cream or Cool Whip.

Very fallish!



If this post is a bit rambling, please excuse - I worked as an election judge yesterday - 14 hours of sitting in a chair. I about went stir crazy!

Simple Woman's Daybook

This is my daybook, I am sure you would love to read the others. They can be found at The Simple Woman. Go on over and take a look!

FOR TODAY November 03, 2008...

Outside My Window... there is gorgeous fall color - bronze oaks, red maples, yellow maples, orange, burgundy. The trees here have finally gotten pretty. There is even a bit of green left!

I am thinking... of how blessed I am. God has been truly good to me, I have such an abundance of love in my life!

I am thankful for... a husband who irons. I absolutely hate to iron anything - so he does the ironing for me!

From the kitchen... Roast chicken, boiled potatoes with butter, broccoli and cheese, mocha-chip coffee cake.

I am wearing... my big fuzzy fleece teddybear robe. I practically live in this thing during the winter. And, of course, my housieslippers!

I am creating... fleece tie blankets for the grandsons. "Cars" movie characters for Dillon and Spiderman for Austin.

I am going... to be an election judge tomorrow! I had applied in August and now tomorrow I will find out what it is all about.

I am reading... The Heretic Queen. All about Nefertari.

I am hoping... that tomorrow will not be too busy.

I am hearing... the fan running in DS's room.

Around the house... don't get me started! However, my project for today (besides working 8 hours and fixing dinner) is to get the bathroom cabinet sorted. And the curtains put up in my office.

One of my favorite things... is kitty kisses. When your cat looks at you kinda sleepy like and they blink their eyes - that is a kitty kiss. My kitty kisses me a lot!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Tomorrow - at the polls. Wednesday - hook up my printer and finish sorting my office. Thursday - get paperwork at bank taken care of, change driver's license, laundry. Friday - finish sorting out kitchen cabinets.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is the baby blanket I made for my niece. We had her baby shower Saturday evening. She is expecting a girl - finally. She has 2 boys already. I thought this would be a little girlie - but not too much. So soft and warm.

I would like to thank everyone for being patient with me during my absence. I have been around, just so *ahem* busy. Things are getting back to normal now, we finally have the living room curtains up!

I'm back - finally

Well, the wedding went off without a hitch. Well, actually Keith flubbed a few of his lines and my throat was so dry I squeaked. Gorgeous day, everything in place, God really blessed. I aplogize, but I do not have the pictures of the actual wedding yet, they are not back from the photographer. All I have are pictures of the reception and the food! Here are some of them . . .

The food was old-fashioned fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans fixed with onion and tomato and mushrooms, rolls and peach cobbler that just melted in your mouth! We had coffee, ice water and iced tea to drink. Instead of nuts and mints, we had mix - salted peanuts, candy corn, M&Ms and rasins.

OUr table


The blushing bride? This is an absolutely horrible picture of me, I am very un-photogenic!



DS- in dress clothes!



The tables - I thought they turned out really cute



The punch bowl



The cake - oh so good and very pretty!


Keith's family - on left from front to back - His mom, his brother and SIL On right - his uncle, aunt and his sister




My aunt Naomi, uncle Charlie, niece Bobbi Jo and neice Stacy

I would like to thank everyone so much for your patience and for all of your good wishes. They were much appreciated. I wish everyone could have been there to help me celebrate!

I'm still here

Still hanging around. Just thought I would pop in and say hello to all of my blog friends. I would like to thank everyone for their good wishes and for their patience with me during this busy time. Love y'all!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Happy Monday, everyone! Hop on over to The Simple Woman and check out what everyone else is doing today!

FOR TODAY October 06, 2008...

Outside My Window... Weak sunshine of an autumn mid morning. Dry leaves, curled and dusty scattered on the patio.

I am thinking... of how nice it would be to go back to bed! I am a sleepy head today. We had a hard weekend, working on the new house. Almost done cleaning, then comes the sorting and unpacking.

I am thankful for...family that are willing to help. My oldest brother helped us move all day Saturday and my parents and son have been a big help over the whole weekend. My honey's uncle helped out, too. My next oldest brother called asking what he could do to help.

From the kitchen... cube steak, fried summer squash (farmer's market) and corn on the cob (farmer's market). Banana cream cake for dessert. The rest of the week we are having sandwhiches or whatever is easiest.

I am wearing... khaki skirt, princess kitty socks with blue housieslippers (my oldest pink ones finally gave up the ghost) and my Mizzou hoodie.

I am creating... favors for the wedding. Almost done! Then boutinnere and my veil.

I am going... to be taking my time unpacking and sorting. I never realized I had so much junk!

I am reading... not a lot these days, too busy. I do try to squeeze in my daily bible reading tho.

I am hoping...that everything goes smoothly on Saturday.

I am hearing...not much, pretty quiet around here. There is a big frog croaking out in the back yard.

Around the house... LAUNDRY! PACKING! Everything else is good, just little touchups here and there.

One of my favorite things...is the smell of a baby fresh from the bath, when you can snuggle them.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: today - pack up things in my room. Tomorrow - finish hauling things out of shed, stove repairman here, finish cleaning at house. Wednesday - VA Hospital in Columbia with Mom and Dad. Thursday - work, any touchup cleaning, make veil. Friday - unpack and sort.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My bouquet - not quite done yet, but getting there



Favors - the tag will say: Here's a hug and a few kisses from the new Mr. and Mrs. Keith and Raquel October 11, 2008

Hope everyone has a great week! I may be spotty getting on here, but I will be back next week for sure!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Sorry that I have been so neglectful here lateley. We have been transferring utilities, closing on the house (this afternoon) preparing to move, getting ready to shampoo carpets, in between working full time and making my veil and bridal bouquet, getting things together for favors and punch and . . . . .You just name it, we are doing it.

I am afraid that next week is not going to be much better, I work Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday take off at 0'dark 30 to take Mom and Dad up to Columbia to the VA Hospital for check ups, dentist apt, and Mom is having an echocardiogram. Then I work Thursday and Friday I will be moving, unpacking and generally going insane. Boy, does that ever sound like fun!

I am giving you today the recipe for my punch. My cake is going to be white with fall-colored roses - just a 2 tier, no topper, the top covered with roses in fall colors - burgundy, yellow, orangey-pink, then clusters of roses spaced out along the sides. We are doing the tables with yellow tablecloths, mini pumpkins and fall confetti and leaves. We are having dinner catered in, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and peach cobbler. We are having punch, coffee and iced tea. (I know, sounds kinda like a country hick wedding - wait, IT IS a country hick wedding!) Instead of the de'rigeur mints and nuts, we are putting out my autumn mix - peanuts, candy corn, M&Ms and raisins in leaf-shaped candy dishes. I just want everything to be relaxed, not fussy.

Delightful Punch
35 servings

2 (12 oz) cans frozen orange juice concentrate, undiluted, thawed
1 (12 oz) can frozen apple juice concentrate, undiluted, thawed
1 (10-20 oz) can frozn Bacardi fuzzy navel mix, undiluted, thawed
2 (46 oz) cans pineapple juie, chilled
2 (16 ounce) cans orange soda
3 liters Ginger ale
4 cups vanilla ice cream or orange sherbet

In large punch bowl, mix all juices together. Add orange soda, ginger ale and ice cream just before serving.

I am using a mix of vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet to make it interesting. Should taste kind of like a dreamsicle.

That said, I will not be posting until at least Monday again! Love ya 'all!

I Know My God Can Do It!

God is so good, he's so good to me! We had a bit of a scare yesterday . . . we were approved for our loan on the house, but with the financial situation, the bank was out of money. Whoa - we get married in 10 days! They had said it might be two weeks - meanwhile the real estate company would not hold the house - if someone came along with ready money, bam, it was gone.

Immediately feelings of fear, doubt and depression came on me. That is Satan's arsenal. If he can get you to doubt yourself, or doubt God, he wins. He especially likes to get you doubting God - divide and conquer technique.

I just began to pray. I put everything in my Father's strong, capable hands. You see, my God is a miracle worker. Has been for over 2000 years. I knew that whatever his will was, that was what would happen. I had a deep-seated peace about the whole thing.

This afternoon, my miracle came. My Honey called and we got it. We close Friday. God came thru! May not seem like a miracle to some folks, but it is to me. With the world financial situation, anything could have happened.

II Timothy Chapter 1
7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Psalms Chapter 15
4: In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

Psalms Chapter 27
1: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms chapter 34
4: I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
7: The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

I John Chapter 4
18: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Mark Chapter 4
40: And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

If Satan tries to smite you with fear, just pray the promises that I have given you above. They will give you strength and faith!

God Has Good Taste

I mentioned a while back that I would like to take my blog in a little different direction. I will still be sharing the recipes, but I want to add a little more spiritual element in. So here goes.

Taste
1. To distinguish the flavor of by taking into the mouth.
2. To eat or drink a small quantity of.
3. To partake of, especially for the first time; experience.
4. To perceive as if by the sense of taste.

1. To distinguish flavors in the mouth.
2. To have a distinct flavor: The stew tastes salty.
3. To eat or drink a small amount.
4. To have experience or enjoyment; partake
1.
a. The sense that distinguishes the sweet, sour, salty, and bitter qualities of dissolved substances in contact with the taste buds on the tongue.
b. This sense in combination with the senses of smell and touch, which together receive a sensation of a substance in the mouth.
2.
a. The sensation of sweet, sour, salty, or bitter qualities produced by or as if by a substance placed in the mouth.
b. The unified sensation produced by any of these qualities plus a distinct smell and texture; flavor.
c. A distinctive perception as if by the sense of taste: an experience that left a bad taste in my mouth.
3. The act of tasting.
4. A small quantity eaten or tasted.
5. A limited or first experience; a sample:
6. A personal preference or liking: a taste for adventure.
7.
a. The faculty of discerning what is aesthetically excellent or appropriate.
b. A manner indicative of the quality of such discernment: a room furnished with superb taste.
8.
a. The sense of what is proper, seemly, or least likely to give offense in a given social situation.
b. A manner indicative of the quality of this sense.
9. Obsolete The act of testing; trial.

tasta·ble adj.
Synonyms: taste, flavor, relish, savor, tang1
These nouns denote a quality that can be perceived by the taste buds on the tongue: the salty taste of anchovies; the pungent flavor of garlic; the zesty relish of the salsa; the savor of rich chocolate; the fresh tang of lemonade

Noun
1. the sense by which the flavour of a substance is distinguished by the taste buds
2. the sensation experienced by means of the taste buds
3. a small amount eaten, sipped, or tried on the tongue
4. a brief experience of something: a taste of the planter's life
5. a liking for something: a taste for puns
6. the ability to appreciate what is beautiful and excellent: she's got very good taste in clothes
7. a person's typical preferences as displayed by what they choose to buy, enjoy, etc.: the film was good but a bit violent for my taste
8. the quality of not being offensive or bad-mannered: that remark was in rather poor taste
Verb
[tasting, tasted]
1. to distinguish the taste of (a substance) by means of the taste buds: I've got a stinking cold and can't taste anything
2. to take a small amount of (a food or liquid) into the mouth, esp. in order to test the flavour
3. to have a flavour or taste as specified: the pizza tastes delicious
4. to have a brief experience of (something): they have tasted democracy and they won't let go [Old French taster]

All of the above pertain to taste. One word - many different meanings. There are many verses that talk about taste in the Bible.

Jonathan, Saul's son, was almost killed for a taste of honey. Hmmmm . . . wonder what just a "taste" of sin will do for us?

Psalms 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

To me this says it all!

Psalms 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Don't know about you, but I like honey!

Exodus Chapter 16
"12": I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.

"13": And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.

"14": And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

"15": And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.

"31": And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.


Just think - no baking, nothing except to gather it like the Lord said. It is interesting to contrast this passage with the next one. In the first it was wafers made with honey. Then it goes to the taste of fresh oil. Don't know about you, but I would rather taste honey than oil. No murmuring, no complaining - eat your manna!Do you really want to go back to being a slave - just to have things that may "taste" good? Not me. I would rather have my freedom and eat manna every day than to have the things that may look good now, but have to be a slave - to not even own yourself? No contest for me!

Numbers chapter 11
4": And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

"5": We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:

"6": But our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.

"7": And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium.

"8": And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.

Not only that, but they were not satisfied with just eating manna. They ground it up, beat it up, baked it, seethed it - are we changing in anyway the gospel of God? Do you search for justification of your lifestyle in the scriptures? We should not add to OR take away from the word of God.

Song of Solomon Chapter 2
3": As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

Is your sweetheart sweet to your taste? Or does everything he does irritate you, make you cranky, crabby. Maybe we should try being a little sweeter to his taste!

I Peter Chapter 2
"1": Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

"2": As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

"3": If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

"4": To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

"5": Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ

Our Lord is indeed gracious - always, constantly forgiving us.

I pray that everyone who reads this will desire a fresh taste of the Lord!

Now - for my taste - I totally apologize for no pics, but this was snarfed up as soon as I set it out!

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

9 medium sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 can chicken broth (I used low-sodium)
4 oz. butter
5 fat cloves of garlic
splash of half and half
1/2 cup sour cream

Put potatoes in a pot and pour chicken broth over them. Boil them until good and tender. DO NOT DRAIN! While your potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a small skillet. Mince garlic and add to butter, let brown slightly. Pour half and half, garlic butter and sour cream into potatoes. Mash up, but leave slightly chunky. You can either serve immediately or pop in crock pot to keep warm for a few hours. (I made these before church and this worked fab) Salt and pepper to taste.

When serving, top with chopped chives. This is a rough recipe, use more or less of ingredients to taste.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Here, once again, is the meme that Peggy at The Simple Woman puts together every Monday. Come share your thoughts!

FOR TODAY September 29, 2008...

Outside My Window... There is weak sunshine filtering through the clouds that are covering the sky. A cold front is supposed to be moving in today. There are dead, crunchy leaves on the ground.

I am thinking... of how grateful I am for God's blessings in my life.

I am thankful for... Cheese! I was able to get to the cheese store again this weekend! Only got some provolone and smoked swiss, but they also had peach Nehi!

From the kitchen... Making candied rose petals and green tomato mincemeat later this evening. For supper, baked fish fillets, sweet potato and steamed broccoli.

I am wearing... black skirt, 9-11 tee, blue sweater and pink housieslippers.

I am creating... my bridal bouquet! Bridal favors. My bridal veil.

I am going... to be very busy this week - we should close on the house either tomorrow or wednesday and then we need to shampoo carpets before moving any furniture in.

I am reading... not a lot at the mo'.

I am hoping... that God will comfort my honey. His Dad passed away this weekend. He had been in a nursing home and had Alzheimer's, but 2 months ago they put him in Hospice, so we knew it was only a matter of time.

I am hearing... nothing, it is remarkably quiet.

Around the house... loads to do - laundry mostly and I still have not conquered the filing cabinet!

One of my favorite things...wedding cakes.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Finish filing cabinet. Probably shampoo carpets at new house and move a bunch of things. Get green tomato mincemeat made and candy rose petals. Finish shopping for wedding.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Armour

We had a great Bible Study last night. My honey gave it and he is so good abour bringing things out!

Ephesians, chapter 6 KJV

"11": Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

"12": For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

"13": Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

"14": Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

"15": And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

"16": Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

"17": And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

"18": Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

II Corinthians Chapter 6 KJV

7": By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left

Romans Chapter 13,KJV

11": And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

"12": The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

"13": Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.


From reading these verses, it appears to me that if we put that armour on, we are to walk forwards. I don't think we better turn around, turn our back on God. Because it doesn't say anything about our backside being covered. You can defend with a sword and a shield - from the front and to either side, even overhead. But not behind you. So if you turn tail and run from the enemy, he can smote you from behind. God has given us that armour - so put it on! Walk forwards, be courageous.

I would like to encourage each and everyone who reads this blog. No matter what your task is, what your issue is, God can handle it. We are talking about the author and creator here, who hung the stars in the heavens, measured the waters of the earth in the hollow of his hand - and you think he can't help you? Don't tell God how big your storm is - he already knows - tell that storm how big your God is and watch it run!

May God richly bless everyone today!

AND THE WINNER IS . . . . . . . .

Country Lady! Come on down, You are the winner!

I had DS pick a number between 1-24 and he picked 16. You Win!!!

E-mail me your address and I will pop your package in the mail tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone who commented, I wish I had enough to send you all something!