Monday, August 9, 2010

AT LAST!



Our newest grandson arrived healthy and adorable this past Friday late afternoon! 9 lbs 9 ozs!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

SPRING CLEANING, WHATEVER!





























I have a room, not very large, in which I play my piano, do several kinds of crafts, sew, use my computer, and store LOTS of stuff! When I took pictures of before and after, couldn't believe how much could be in one small room, PLUS under the stairs storage! I did sort and rid myself of lots of items, but still...oh my! I have designed a storage system and am in hopes that this next Fall will show a stylish update to this sorry space!

BEST LITTLE CORN BREAD EVER!

Tried out this recipe yesterday and ate waaaaaaaay too much! Hope you enjoy it...

1 can corn, drained
1 can cream style corn
(I used sweet corn for both cans)
1 cup sour cream
2 eggs, plus 1 yolk
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup flour
1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
4 Tbs butter, melted
dash salt/pepper to taste
1 cup medium sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Heat oven to 400 degrees
Mix dry ingredients, plus 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Add remaining ingredients (excepting balance of cheese)
Spray 9x13 pan with Pam. Pour in batter and pour melted butter on top.
Bake 40 minutes
Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top while hot. Let melt in while cooling for 15 to 20 minutes.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

ANOTHER "HOBBY"! yikes!


Just what I need, another craft project! Oh my! A friend showed me how to make beaded jewelry by crocheting with jewelry wire! I think they are very pretty, although they are a bit time-consuming! We all have extra time on our hands, right?!

CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE FIND!


This cute little table really caught my eye recently at a consignment furniture sale nearby. We're running out of room at our dining table as the family grows, so this is perfect for small grandkids. It has 2 drop leaves. Am hoping to find 2 or 3 little wooden stools to use with it.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

PEACE?

Am trying red on black. Has been awhile since I've posted anything new, although have thought about it many, many times.

This morning, I spoke with a very dear friend, who is in a hospital in New York City. Her health journey began about 5 years ago, with cancer, radiation, chemo. Unfortunately, she is one who had a destructive reaction to radiation...it basically destroyed her tissue and some organs. She has had several surgeries, and I won't go into detail, but she has very little left. The worst is that she has only about 1 foot of small intestine left. Her abdolmen looks like a road map to nowhere. She no longer responds to most antibiotics and one thing after the other continues to go wrong and plague her. Recently, after this 5 year battle, I have heard some discouragement in her voice, but it doesn't last. She recently underwent her third surgery for a new iliostomy site. She has experienced dozens of trips to the ER, where at least half the time she has been admitted until the infections and fever can be treated. She hasn't been in her home here on the opposite coast, for many months now and is not sure when or if, she will return.

Today, we spoke of peace. She is doing an online Bible study about peace. As she read many of the study scriptures, she began to feel that her peace was far less now than it was when cancer was first diagnosed. (She is now cancer free.) So, this is what the Lord had me say to her. If you are in a place that seems sometimes hopeless, I hope you as well will find encouragement.

Peace is IN Christ. It is a gift. I reminded my friend that 5 years ago, although she had cancer, she was still strong physically and emotionally. The past 5 years have worn down her physical body and her soul, but her spirit, which is connected to God through Christ, is still strong, as He continually holds her. Exhaustion has set in of course and her mind has become tired as she hopes for better days. She hopes for strength to come back enough to be placed on an intestinal transplant list. Yet, she HAS THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING. Anyone who knows her has just been almost speechless as they watch her and listen to her go through all she has, always loving the Lord and trusting Him. All can see the mighty power and love of God as He brings her through again and again! We don't understand how she has withstood such a physical onslaught! God's provision only.

I asked her today if she thought that peace left our Lord when He cried over the "death" of a friend. Did He lose peace when He turned over the money tables in the temple? Did He lose peace when He was tempted by satan? Absolutely NOT! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to share her burdens and sorrows? YES! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to call and share a praise? YES!

I don't know when or where my friend's journey will end, but it has been a true blessing to travel it with her and praise God with her. She will not know on "this side" how many lives have been touched and perhaps saved by her steadfast glorifying of our Lord.

My husband and I love our friend and covet your prayers for her!

Friday, November 6, 2009

DESPERATION?

As today's news informs us of yet another shooting of multiple person's, I prayed and then began to think how desperate satan is continuing to be, perhaps even "amping" it up some. There are still 30,000 children dying every day, the war in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas is recently escalating and then, add in all the other things we don't know about and those things that we as individuals experience, plus the daily news reports.

Then I thought, this must mean Jesus' return is closer. Then I thought duh, of course it is...with every breath I take. I'm sitting in my nice warm house, food to eat, bills paid, healthy, enjoying my family and friends, worshipping freely, car in the garage, free to express myself and that list of blessings goes on and on. We are so protective of our life and lifestyle, that we fail to see none of this matters much if we aren't of good character and morally upright.

Our nation seems to be imploding from within...rumors of ugliness, actual ugliness and chants for our "rights". When things begin going upside-down in our country, why do so many become fearful and "feel" like we don't somehow deserve it! What makes us as a country so special that no harm could befall us? We are in such a mess within the goverrnment as well. Change? Well fortunately, I still have a little in my pocket. No longer a Christian nation? If that means a nation full of Christians, that would be a true statement...that is not the majority. The majority may say they believe in God, but that's not a Christian. If the statement not a Christian nation means that there are many "religions" here, that would be a true statement. If the statement not a Christian nation means God is no longer the one who is worshipped and honored as a nation, that is becoming to be a true statement. Woe is us!

Even Christians are getting lazy. Where is the community excitement, joy, work, giving? Small pockets here and there. Some churches relaxing, others moving. Most Christians busy and just plain worn out...tired, tired, tired. I recently heard on the radio that we are not scripturally told to have balance in our lives, but to manage our circumstances. If you're tired and worn out, no drive, self-absorbed, then you are not managing too well with your partner, Jesus. This tiredness does not refer to those who are serving and managing children, etc. If you're doing something, we all get tired and thank God for rest! Just referring to those who are tired because they do nothing! I learned last Sunday that we must be willing to change something to achieve goals. I learned that we are not to pray for protection in persecution, but boldness in persecution. I learned we are to be generous people!

I am excited in the changes that my partner Jesus and I are making. The Holy Spirit has been very active. There were so many areas in my life that needed change and what a refreshing feeling that is! Almost like moving into a new, clean house. The only difference being, I still live in this "house" which is aging and wrinkling, but feels so new and fresh! My new tee shirt says "God's child, cleverly disguised as an elderly woman". Love it.

Well, if you ever check my blog, you know that I could write for hours, so will stop for now. May your days be blessed.