Jotham's Journey, Prudence and the Millers, 1 Peter, The King's Daughter
Our Curriculum:
Horizons Math Grade 4 and K,The Reading Lesson, Sequential Spelling, Lifepac Language Arts 4, Apologia Astronomy, Veritas Press New Testament/Greeks/Romans
Prima Latina, Contenders for the Faith and various Winters Promise books, Live Mocha Spanish, Plants Grown Up
Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Bars are cooling on my counter! I'd never purchased butterscotch chips before, but I got a bag very cheaply with a coupon last month. Since I had them, I had to find a way to use them. After scouring the internet for a couple days this was the recipe I decided on, and they were delicious. Quickly becoming a family favorite! My husband said they reminded him of his childhood :)
Chocolate Butterscotch Bars
1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
1 ¾ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
2 ½ cups flour
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
Cream butter and sugar. Add salt, baking powder, vanilla ad eggs. Beat in flour. Set aside1/4 to ½ cup each kind of chip and mix the rest in. Spread batter into greased 9x13 pan lined with parchment paper. Bake 30-40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before the Messiah in the spirit and power of Elijah,TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
Salvation from those who hate us
To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
To grant us that we,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;
To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
Because of the tender mercy of our God,the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,To guide our feet into the way of peace.
May you be spending this Advent season preparing for the second coming of the Lord, which I believe will be very soon! As excited by that thought as I am, I feel like Paul in Philippians 1
For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. is more needful for you.
Wanting to be the the Lord, but wanting to see my loved ones saved first.
A friend from church approached me with this idea and I was instantly in love! It is completely me! I do have to give a disclaimer first. We do NOT recommend doing 20 at a time! But 5 would be just fine! A couple weeks after making them for the church fundraiser I made 2 more to give as gifts and it was a much more manageable task! She found these beautiful albums at a great price at Michael's (though when I went back they were twice the price! Target had them cheaply last time I was there though) . We stamped cards and wrote out the verse "Oh Taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalm 34:8 to put on the front.
We printed 20 yummy easy recipes on cards with a cute border, and 10 verses for each album (leaving about 3/4 of the album still empty so the recipients can add their own favorite recipes on 4x6 cards later!)
I also added some blank index cards sporadically, so they have some available to write their favorite recipes on.
in the 2 that I made afterwards, I hand wrote some verses as well.
The hungry soul He has filled with what is good Psalm 107:9
I just think this would be such a wonderful gift for new wives! Feeding their souls, while they feed their families!
Dec. 10, 2009 - Saving money by getting FREE stuff and earning money online
I just finished a super fun cookie party paid for by Betty Crocker thanks to http://www.houseparty.com! Free cookie mix, gifts for my guests, she even supplied papers, cups and napkins! It was tons of fun! I've received flower seeds, a Cranium game and more from them before as well!
During the party my guests asked me to explain how I always end up with so much free cool stuff! SO that is what this blog is about!
I get free amazon.com giftcards just by searching via http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/AngelAlmeyda instead of google. I get about $20 a month. Thanks to Swagbucks I got my awesome Wusthof Santoku knife free, and any new curriculum that we have gotten this year (over $150 worth!).
I get free amazon.com giftcards just by searching via http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/AngelAlmeyda instead of google. I get about $20 a month. Thanks to Swagbucks I got my awesome Wusthof Santoku knife free, and any new curriculum that we have gotten this year (over $150 worth!).
I find tons of deals via http://www.moneysavingmom.com/. Thanks to her I got to order 3 FREE nice giftbaskets from 1-800 flowers this week.
I get paid to do surveys at http://www.pineconeresearch.com. They pay $3 per survey and send you full sized products to try.
Lately I have gotten lots of nice stuff from http://www.bzzagent.com including full sized Burts Bees products, and Aveno baby wash. They also "pay" you in points to MyPoints.com which I then trade in for more amazon.com giftcards. I'd love to refer you to MyPoints as well. Send me your email address and I'll send you an invitation. I have a seperate account for myPoints, and they send me emails and for each one I open and click on I earn more points towards gift certificates.
For you local ladies I try and post deals I have gotten at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55408749272 which is run by my friend Amy. She teaches an AWESOME seminar about saving money and making the most of your time which I highly recommend as well!
I do a handful of other things as well, but these are my major websites!
1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
“ Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." 7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “ The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “ A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.”
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the second coming of Jesus. 13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22“ Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;
23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 25[i] of your souls.
For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer
‘For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world…’ ~Jn. 18:37 What if Christmas focused on Christ’s very own words regarding His birth? That He was born for a reason, came into the world for a cause and it has to do with a tree, one decorated with Love, wrapped in Sacrifice, strung up with the Light of Word, nailed through with Grace. That Advent is all about blood and the lamb in the manger bleating not a sound as He is sacrificed on the Tree
quote from Ann at Holy Experience
This year we are using:
We had borrowed it from the library about 4 years ago and really liked it, but at that time it was no longer in print and the only place you could find it was on Ebay for $90!!! This year I found they had reprinted it and I found it on Amazon for the much more reasonable price of $9! And I was able to get it free with my Swagbucks gift certificates. So we are excited to be reading it again!
We are also doing this study again after taking a break from it last year. We've used this for a few years now and really enjoyed it! http://www.miikogibson.com/advent_study.htm
EDITED TO ADD:
I found this recently and would love to have it for my children. The closest to correct I have seen yet!
http://www.northstartoys.com/collections/creative-play-sets/products/nativity
I am a minimalist by nature, but this year I weeded out my decorations even more, and have LOVED the results. The house still feels festive, but not overwhelmingly cluttered!
I've been finding way to use things I already have to adapt to every season.
I have had two favorites. This candy dish has been filled with festive candies through out the year. Red, white and blue in July, pink in March for Abigail's birthday, red and green in CHRISTmas, for autumn I used potpouri. The scrabble letters change almost daily!
We MUST have candy canes! I used to hang them on the tree, but that felt cluttered. So I put them in a jam jar, tied a pretty ribbon on, and instant decoration! I'll be using those in another craft I cant wait to share with you in a couple weeks!
This vase was filled with beaded garland I had. In fall I fill it with lentils and some fall branches.
Some cinnamon sticks with a festive gift topped I saved a couple years back makes a pretty decoration as well. Or you could tie the sticks with pretty ribbon, or whatever you have!
I saw the idea of making pancakes as mini muffins a few weeks ago and loved it, but had no mini muffin pan. So I filed it in my brain and mentioned it to my husband who went and bought me a mini muffin pan! What a sweet guy! So today I finally got around to trying it and it was a big hit. I still can not manage to make a big batch of pancakes without each pancake getting progressively worse, so I avoid pancakes! And these adorable muffins are sticky mess--free, because the maple syrup is BAKED IN! Genius! Well my boys decided they MUST be dipped in milk, so we still had some mess, but it wasn't sticky!
I used Bakerella's recipe, just slightly tweaked (I cant follow a recipe without some kind of change, I just CANT!)
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 teaspoons REAL maple syrup
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 egg
2/3 cup buttermilk
Bake in a greased mini muffin pan (24 muffins) for 9 minutes at 350!
A few people saw these pictures on facebook and asked for the recipe , and I aim to please!
EMPANADAS
Filling:
Cook chicken in salsa of choice (we add extra jalapeno, onion, garlic and cilantro) Cool and shred into bowl, and mix in Queso Fresco (found in the cheese isle of the grocery store).
DOUGH
2 cups of flour
3 tbsp of butter, softened
2 egg yolks
1/3 cup of milk
Mix all of the ingredients together using your hands to make a smooth elasticy dough. It shouldn't be too soft or sticky. Lightly flour your rolling pin and counter. Divide the dough in 1/2 so it will be easier to work with and roll it out. Get a meatball sized amount, roll it out into a circle ,fill half with meat/cheese, and fold the other half over.Tightly seal the edges by crimping with the tines of a fork. Just heat about 2 inches of cooking oil in a pot and when a little piece of dough bubbles up and floats immediately, the oil is ready. Cook empanadas until golden brown. Serve with salsa, guacamole and sour cream to dip in.
My husband also loves dessert empanadas made by filling with mozzarella cheese frying and rolling in sugar.
EDITED TO ADD:
I made these again tonight since I had more cheese/chicken left, and thought of a few more things to add.
I usually have to add a bit more milk to get the dough right.
I roll them SUPER thin. I think they are much better that way.
and here is a picture of the finished product. Ignore the fact that I have not mastered the art of crimping yet, and the freakish color from the flash but we had a late dinner tonight!
Nothing major, but we got rid of the plastic bins that I HATED a couple months back and got this cube thing instead which I LOVE! And since I accidentally deleted the OLD playroom pictures, I'll give you a tour again as well!
The bins are for legos, transfomers, puzzles, vehicles , girly toys (playdough cookie cutters, a play iron, a bonnet, some counting bears etc) lincoln logs, animals, blocks, dress up. Many are not near full, but I like that about them!
Pencils and markers are on top, the small blue boxes have colored pencils, crayons, stickers, popcicle sticks, glitter etc. Under that is paper and coloring books, then the other lego bin (we have one for just loose legos. one for holding the built creations they are not ready to take apart yet) then Abigail's play food is here until she gets her new kitchen for CHRISTmas too.
The drawers have Peter's paper creations (origami paper models etc that he makes) and then the bottom has their toy sword collection!
The right side has a bin of erector set and then the green bin has science tools.
In case you were wondering the jars on top of the cubes hold chalk. Colored in one, white in the second. I just took jam jars and tied a coordinating ribbon around them. And the pencil holder is a can from canned pineapple covered in pretty paper.
When my first child was an infant I traced his baby hand to make a turkey for his scrapbook. It was so cute I started doing it every year, and now I have hand prints turkeys from each of my children every year.
It is so fun to see how their hands have grown, and seen how their writing of their name (once they were old enough) to has improved over the years.
Some years I put more effort in (adding feathers, one year I traced their feet for the body and did 5 hands for the feathers) and other years it's just a traced hand with turkey features hastily drawn on!
But I wanted to pass this tradition on to you moms, because it is one I will cherish when my children are grown!
As you probably know, I have come a LONG way in my homemaking skills.
And today as I served the Thanksgiving meal I was reminded of the importance of presentation!
Cookies may taste good on paper plates (and I am not saying there is not a time for paper plates) but the person getting one of those cookies can not help but to feel special if the cookies are served on a nice platter.
Most of the time I try and serve my dinners in a nice bowl, instead of in the pans I cooked them in. It does make for more dishes, but it makes me feel good to see a nicely presented table, and those who are eating at my table feel special as well.
I pour condiments in small glass bowls instead of putting the jars and bottles on the table.
This does not need to be expensive. We slowly phased out all plastic a few years ago. If I need to purchase an item I think about not only is it functional, but is it pleasant to look at? I search the local thrift store for pretty bowls and plates. We are still using the same dishes we received as wedding presents 10 years ago, and I have learned to mix and match to make them work in all sorts of circumstances!
Pyrex is WONDERFUL! They are pretty glass bowls, but they have lids, so I can use them as tupperware in the fridge for leftovers, they are my baking dishes, and they are still nice enough to serve in!
And investing in a few cookie cutters was one of the wisest things I ever did! You can take almost any food, and make it beautiful with a cookie cutter, like the cucumbers above, or check out the "parties" category here on my blog. I have so much fun with shaped food!
These star shaped shortcakes were especially fun!
So I want to challenge you ladies this holiday season to dress up your tables a little! Get creative with what you have, and serve your families a beautiful meal!
I posted these images awhile back, showing you how I had made them on my computer, printed them as photos and taped them to the cabinets in my laundry room to inspire me to do ALL things as unto to the Lord.
Well I was looking at them the other day, and decided I would like to share them with all of you. I uploaded them to this album, http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k224/angelnavywife/Bible%20Verses/
so you may feel free to save them to your computers, then print them as 5x7 photos wherever you get your pictures printed. Then hang them in your home where they will inspire you.
You are welcome to give them as gifts but I ask that you do not sell them, as it is against the copyright of the designer of the elements I used.
Mix all ingredients except flour, then slowly add flour until dough is elasticy and not sticky. Let rise about 1 hour in a warm place, then form into small balls. Place on baking stone and let rise 30 more minutes. Bake at350 for 18 minutes
Chocolate pumpkin cake
1 ½ cup flour
2/3 cocoa
2 teaspoons baking bowder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk
1 cup pumpkin
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ sticks butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
3 eggs plus 1 yolk
375 for 35 minutes. Makes 2 8” round cakes
Fudgy Frosting
8 oz softened cream cheese
½ stick softened butter
3T milk
3 cups powdered sugar
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Beat until fluffy
Pumpkin Bread
2 cups sugar
1 cup olive oil
3 eggs
2 cups pumpkin
3 cups UNBLEACHED flour
1 ½ ts salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
Cream together top (wet ingredients first) then add dry. Put into loaf pan(s) (I make 2 small ones) Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour
"In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened itr and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their contents. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird: "Books I Have Read," "Lies I have Told," "Comfort I Have Given,'' "Jokes I Have Laughted At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "THings I Have Done in Anger," "Things I Have Muttered under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be suprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes there were fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my twenty years to write each of these thousands, possibly millions, of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I cam to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed contents. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. Suddenly I felt an almost animal rage. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took the file at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, slef-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt in my my stomach shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out in shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please, not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.
I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands, and began to cry again. HE walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on those cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and continued to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written."
Pg. 104-106 of I Kissed Dating Goodbye By Josh Harris.
I was looking for an old picture today, and I never found the one I wanted, but I did find this one.
When my oldest son was 1, we bought our first home. I painted his room all sorts of fun colors, then on the inside of his closet door, I started a growth chart, and when I marked his height, I also traced his hand on to the door. We moved out of that home when he was 4 and my second son was 5 months, and while I am not proud I threw a fit when my husband said I had to leave the door. My sweet sister in law and brother in law worked together to distract him and remove the door and "hide" it in the moving truck anyway!
So I still have my door and we still use and cherish it!
And just for fun here is a peak into his old room :
(this was before I developed my view that too many toys are NOT a good thing for children, and learned to really love simplicity! At 2 years old he had more toys than all 3 of my children put together do now! )
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2
I'm learning this the hands on way lately! Washing dishes by hand for over a month now due to a broken dishwasher. This morning I washed baby clothes in the bathtub due to a broken washing machine. We've had a few power outages due to the horrible weather. I had no computer for over a week, but Praise be to God, it miraculously started working when my husband pulled into port and was able to Skype! Our roof is leaking.. the list goes on and on! But the Lord keeps on answering prayers! In physical ways (the computer fixing itself is just one of many examples!) and through His Word! It's been such a beautiful time of growing in my walk with Him!
Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength Psalm 61
Do not FRET (worry) it ONLY leads to evil. ...rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him Psalm 37
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul Psalm 94:19
At various times I have made and sold tutus for a little extra money. They are adorable for little girl dress up, they photograph well and the secret is, they are EASY (though time consuming to make).
I start with 1 1/2 yards of tulle for baby tutus, 2-4 yards for toddler and older. Walmart has some starting at .99 a yard (I prefer the shimmery kind to the regular which is a bit more) but Joann's has a lot more colors to choose from.
I use elastic for the waist band, but I have also seen ribbon used. I measure the waist of whomever I am making it for, then tie my elastic around the back of a chair.
Then I start cutting my tulle into strips. How wide the strips are determines how puffy your tutu will be. I prefer puffy and say go no skinnier than 2". You can also buy precut rolls of tulle, which saves you a TON of time, but is less economical (about 3 times more expensive). I did this once, and found it in the wedding/cake decorating section at Walmart instead of with the fabrics.
You just cut the tulle to twice the length you want your tutu to be (I try for knee length). I actually vary my lengths a little too. The unevenness helps it to be frillier and poofier!
Then you loop it over your elastic/ribbon, and tie it on in the center of the tulle. And repeat until it is nice and full and fluffy! That sounds more complicated than it really is!
I've also embellished the waist with flowers, glued pom poms on for lady bug or polka dotted themes. You can have so much fun, and it is a fun, easy, inexpensive gift idea!
Nov. 16, 2009 - Homemade CHRISTmas Idea -Hot Chocolate
I bought organic cocoa in bulk early this year at a great price, not realizing just HOW MUCH was in 5 lbs! So I was looking at my huge bag of cocoa and decided to make hot chocolate gifts. The kids and I mixed up a HUGE batch and started filling all sorts of random pretty jars I have collected.
Here was the first batch!
I'm hoping to get around to maybe making homemade marshmallows again too! We made them last year but would like to try again now that I have an actual mixer, and I think we'll use corn syrup this tie around too. I'm opposed to foods containing corn syrup, but they just didn't turn out right without it last year so for this one treat I think it will be ok!
After marriage God called me to the mission field -
A little bundle needing all my care,
A disciple in touch with my life, obedient to all he hears.
Then came some more all in a row.
Everywhere I went, six little arrows in tow.
God had to call me again to His mission field.
I answered, "To China, to Africa, to Israel, oh where?"
His voice was clear, soft and gentle. My ministry arranged -
"My child, you are to polish our arrows,
Preparing them for My call to spread my
Words of life for other nations to see."
"Lord," I cried, "Loneliness surrounds my soul,
No other woman stands with me answering your call.
The sacrifice is great."
Women give way to another's voice, pulling them away
from their home, far from the quiver."
Once more I pleaded, "May I go too, Lord, I feel the call
To share with the lost, Life giving words,
To feed the hungry a satisfying meal."
"My child," Jesus replied, "You share with your
children salvation and truth.
Feed them meals under your roof.
Discipline them, train them and then lie down in peace,
For sacrificial love have you given to make the world right.
Arise in the morning, open My book,
Teach them into My eyes they must look."
"Yes, Lord, I replied, "But should I serve you in a more obvious way?"
"Child, my sweet child," God spoke once more.
I anointed you to do this work - the high calling of Motherhood.
To show our children the need for my love."
"Lord,", I sought out, still not fully convinced,
"Should I sew for those in thread barren clothes, a Dorcas, a Martha?"
"Sit at my feet, my child, listen to me.
Your daughter needs dresses, your sons warm shirts,
The button of your husband's coat still lies on the table.
Pick up your mantle, the rod of Aaron.
Lead my women back to their home.
"Yes, Lord." Filled and content, I took my position in God's mission field.
Hungry faces graced my bedside.
Clothed in God's mantle, children at my side,
I prepared breakfast.
My computer is down, occasionally I can beg 5-10 minutes out of it before it crashes, but most of my computer usage is limited to the library for now :(
But until I have regular access again, here is a yummy recipe that Daddy would never eat but we all loved! I doubled it just fine. Thanks Mrs. Ro for sharing it with us!
Tomato tortellini soup
2 cans chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese spread with chive and onion
1 can condensed tomato or tomato bisque soup (We use Progresso tomato basil which is on sale at Safeway! )
9 oz package refrigerated tortellini
Fresh chives
Bring broth to boil add tortellini and reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. In a bowl wisk 1/3 cup of hot broth into cream cheese until smooth. Return all of it to saucepan along with tomato soup and heat through. Sprinkle with chives when serving. Serves 4.
So I developed an obsession with sweetened green tea this summer, and as I was indulging in this treat I noticed the bottles were a pretty shape, so I started washing them and saving them, and they have become one of my favorite new mom, new neighbor, have a happy day gifts! Just add in one or a few flowers (either from your garden or Albertsons and other grocery stores sell a small bunch for about $4)
I was so excited at first that I didn't take pictures of the super cute ones before giving them away but I have snapped pictures of a few of them!
JESUS
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