What Year Was It?

Look at this beautiful couple! Do you remember the year?Ahhhhh, youth!!!

Grandma Bliss' Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
evaporated milk
2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced.


Directions:

Mix mayonnaise, sugar and salt. Add enough milk to make thick sauce consistency. Add sliced cucumbers. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.

Fried Summer Squash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients: 

2 or 3 sm. summer squash, sliced about 1/4 inch thick 

2 eggs, slightly beaten 

1 c. milk 1/2 c. flour 

1 tsp. salt 

Oil for frying  

Directions: Combine eggs, milk, flour and salt in a small bowl, beating well. Dip each slice of squash in batter and fry in frying pan until brown turning and brown both sides. Serve hot.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie

Nothing reminds me of home and Mom's good cooking like this pie. If you can find some rhubarb, give this a try!


Crust for a 2-crust pie
2 cups diced rhubarb
2 cups strawberries, sliced
¼ cup flour
1 ¼ - 2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

Dice rhubarb. Slice strawberries. Place fruit into a large bowl. Add flour, stir to combine. Add sugar - use more sugar if you have very tart rhubarb and like a sweet pie, use less if you like the tartness.

Lay bottom crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Pour fruit into the crust. Dot with butter - cut the butter into small cubes and scatter it over the fruit. Top with the bottom crust and crimp. Snip in a few places to vent. Or, use a sharp knife to cut a pattern in it, or, create a lattice top.

How to Make a Lattice Top:

Take your intended top crust and use a sharp knife to cut it into strips about 1/2 inch (1 cm) wide. Take half the strips and lay them across the fruit, spaced about 3/4 inch (2 cm) apart. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking for 30-40 min., until crust is golden brown. Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream.

Look At This View!

This was the view from Margie's window! Psalm 42:1: As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

I've Got Confidence

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.  

I've Got Confidence Andrea Crouch 

When trouble is in my way 

I can't tell the night from day 

When I toss from side to side 

Like a ship on the raging tide 

I don't worry and I don't fret 

God has never failed me yet 

Troubles come from time to time 

But that's all right, 'cause I'm not the worrying kind 

 

Chorus:  

I've got confidence 

God is going to see me through 

No matter what the case may be, 

I know He's gonna fix it for me 

I've got confidence 

God is going to see me through 

No matter what the case may be, I

 know He's gonna fix it for me 

 

Job was so sick now oh so long 'Til the flesh fell from his bones 

His wife, cattle, and children 

Everything that he had was gone 

Job in his despair 

Knew that God still cared 

Sleepless days and sleepless nights

 But Job said honey that's all right

Confidence

"Ah Lord God, behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee."—Jeremiah 32:17. At the very time when the Chaldeans surrounded Jerusalem, and when the sword, famine and pestilence had desolated the land, Jeremiah was commanded by God to purchase a field, and have the deed of transfer legally sealed and witnessed. This was a strange purchase for a rational man to make. Prudence could not justify it, for it was buying with scarcely a probability that the person purchasing could ever enjoy the possession. But it was enough for Jeremiah that his God had bidden him, for well he knew that God will be justified of all His children. He reasoned thus: "Ah, Lord God! Thou canst make this plot of ground of use to me; Thou canst rid this land of these oppressors; Thou canst make me yet sit under my vine and my fig-tree in the heritage which I have bought; for Thou didst make the heavens and the earth, and there is nothing too hard for Thee." This gave a majesty to the early saints, that they dared to do at God's command things which carnal reason would condemn. Whether it be a Noah who is to build a ship on dry land, an Abraham who is to offer up his only son, or a Moses who is to despise the treasures of Egypt, or a Joshua who is to besiege Jericho seven days, using no weapons but the blasts of rams' horns, they all act upon God's command, contrary to the dictates of carnal reason; and the Lord gives them a rich reward as the result of their obedient faith. Would to God we had in the religion of these modern times a more potent infusion of this heroic faith in God. If we would venture more upon the naked promise of God, we should enter a world of wonders to which as yet we are strangers. Let Jeremiah's place of confidence be ours—nothing is too hard for the God that created the heavens and the earth. C. H. Spurgeon

Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie

Here's a super simple recipe for a basic strawberry smoothie.

1 pint fresh strawberries

1 cup milk

2 cups strawberry frozen yogurt

6 to 8 ice cubes

Preparation - Wash and hull the strawberries. Place the berries in the blender jar, along with a small amount of the milk. Process and puree the berries with the milk. Add the frozen yogurt, the remaining milk, and the ice cubes and process until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Makes two servings

Iced Coffee

Thanks to Donna, I have discovered iced coffee this summer. I am hooked! 

Whether you want to make it special or just have some leftover from breakfast, iced coffee can be a refreshing afternoon treat. 

 

 

 

 

Directions: Brew a pot of fresh coffee using 2 tablespoons of dark-roasted ground coffee per cup.

Transfer the hot coffee to a carafe or pitcher.

Let the coffee stand at room temperature for 3 to 5 hours, or refrigerate it until cold, about 1 1/2 to 3 hours. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled coffee into the glass.
Stir the coffee to equalize its temperature. Add milk if you like. 

TIPS: 

*Iced coffee is best with darker-roast coffee blends. Experiment to find the one you like best. 

*Make ice cubes out of room-temperature coffee. Store them in the freezer and make undiluted iced coffee any time. 

*For a decadent version of iced coffee, stir sweetened condensed milk into warm coffee before pouring it over ice.

*Never put a pot of hot coffee directly in the refrigerator. The rapid change in temperature can crack the glass.

Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I recently discovered Craisins, sweetened dried cranberries. I love these little gems and have found you can add them to almost anything! Give them a try! You'll love them!






INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 6-ounce package Ocean Spray® Craisins® Original Sweetened Dried Cranberries
2/3 cup white chocolate chunks or chips


DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Using an electric mixer, beat butter or margarine and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well. Combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sweetened dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen cookies.


Per Serving (1 cookie): Cal 135 (6%DV), Fat Cal. 54, Pro. 2g (4%DV), Carb. 18g (6%DV), Fat 6g (9%DV), Chol. 15mg (4%DV), Sod. 138mg (5%DV), Vit. A 47RE (4%DV), Vit. C 0mg (0%DV), Vit. E 1mg (2%DV), Calcium 16mg (1%DV), Iron 1mg (3%DV), Folate 5Ug (1%DV), Zinc <1mg>

Today...I Wish

Today…I wish you a day of ordinary miracles – 

A fresh pot of coffee you didn’t make yourself. 

An unexpected phone call from an old friend. 

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop. 

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in… 

The fastest line at the grocery store. 

A good sing along song on the radio. 

Your keys right where you look. 

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection – 

Little bite-size pieces of perfection

that give you a funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you, 

holding you so gently because you are special and rare. 

I wish you a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy. -Author Unknown-

Believing

The unbelieving mind would not be convinced by any proof, and the worshiping heart needs none. ... A. W. Tozer

Run the Race

By Michael L. Flemming  

Roadblocks. Mountains. Walls. 

Obstacles that keep us from the goals we desire to attain in this life. Were we to reach these obstacles and decide they were insurmountable, and the challenge too great, we would fail to reach our chosen destination. 

As it is with the natural being, so it is with the spiritual being. Stumbling blocks will arise in our life that will try to hinder us from reaching our spiritual potential. We are in the greatest race of all time, and our adversary does not want us to cross the finish line. 

We can take encouragement from the many events in the life of the Apostle Paul. He had many things rise against him to try to stop him from crossing the finish line. He did not allow those events to hinder his stride because he had the following mindset: Hebrews 12:1-2, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (KJV) 

 This paradigm served Paul well! The Bible records some of Paul’s obstacles in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” (KJV) 

Through all of this, Paul remained true to his Master. Child of God, stand fast – Paul did! The Word of God records the following words, spoken near the end of his life, in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (KJV) 

Paul made a profession through those powerful words that still stands in the hour in which we live! Hold fast, for our reward shall come! The Apostle put it this way in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (KJV) Run the race to win!  

I Have Decided  

I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus; 

I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.

Though I may wonder, I still will follow 

Though I may wonder, I still will follow; 

Though I may wonder, I still will follow: 

No turning back, no turning back. 

The world behind me, the cross before me; 

The world behind me, the cross before me; 

The world behind me, the cross before me;

 No turning back, no turning back. 

Though none go with me, still I will follow; 

Though none go with me, still I will follow; 

Though none go with me, still I will follow; 

No turning back, no turning back. 

 

Will you decide now to follow Jesus? 

Will you decide now to follow Jesus? 

Will you decide now to follow Jesus? 

No turning back, no turning back.

Refreshing Raspberry Iced Tea

2 cups red raspberries, fresh or frozen
4-5 tea bags (can use decaf)
5 cups boiling water
ice cubes
additional raspberries for garnish (optional)
orange wedges or lime wedges or lemon wedges, for garnish (good) (optional)

Place the raspberries and tea bags in a large glass bowl. Pour the boiling water over the berries and tea bags; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags; strain the berries from the mixture, then discard them. Cool for a few hours. If desired, chill the tea. Serve in tall glasses, with ice cubes, a few more berries, and a wedge or slice of orange, lemon, or lime, if desired.

Cheese Biscuits

Biscuit:

1 1/4 cups biscuit mix
1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup water

Garlic Butter:
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the biscuit mix and cheese in a small bowl. Add the water and stir just until combined. The dough will be slightly moist. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the biscuits are firm and beginning to brown.

While the biscuits are baking, make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic powder, salt, and parsley flakes. Mix well. As soon as you bring the biscuits from the oven, brush them with the garlic butter using a pastry brush.

Courtesy of Paula Deen

Broccoli Salad

Courtesy of Paula Deen

















1 head broccoli
6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup raisins, optional
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, cut into very small chunks 1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper


Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, onion, raisins if using, and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently.

Peaches 'N Cream Cake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:  

 

1 box (2 layer) yellow cake mix 

1 can (21 oz.) Lucky Leaf Peach Pie Filling 

2 eggs 

1/2 cup sour cream 

 

Cream Cheese Frosting  

 

1 8oz. package cream cheese, softened 

1 tbsp. butter, softened 

1 tsp. vanilla extract 

2 cups powdered sugar 

 

Directions: 

 

Cake: Combine first four ingredients in medium bowl. Mix until smooth. Spread evenly in greased 9" x 13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched in center. Cool. Spread with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cream Cheese Frosting: Combine cream cheese, butter and vanilla in small mixing bowl. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth. Spread on Peaches 'n Cream Cake.

Pancakes

Six-year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. 

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove, (and he didn't know how the stove worked)! 

Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. 

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process. 

That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend or we can't stand our job or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. 

That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him. But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying like Brandon to "make pancakes," for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried. Author Unknown

Understanding Mercy

There was a young man in Napoleon's army who committed a deed so terrible that it was worthy of death. The day before he was scheduled for the firing squad, the young man's mother went to Napoleon and pleaded for mercy for her son. Napoleon replied, "Woman, your son does not deserve mercy." "I know," she answered. "If he deserved it then it would not be mercy." By Alice Gray

My Song

Psalm 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

He Keeps Me Singing

There’s within my heart a melody
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,
In all of life’s ebb and flow


Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
Sweetest Name I know,
Fills my every longing,
Keeps me singing as I go.


All my life was wrecked by sin and strife,
Discord filled my heart with pain,
Jesus swept across the broken strings,
Stirred the slumbering chords again.


Feasting on the riches of His grace,
Resting ’neath His sheltering wing,
Always looking on His smiling face,
That is why I shout and sing.


Though sometimes He leads through waters deep,
Trials fall across the way,
Though sometimes the path seems rough and steep,
See His footprints all the way.


Soon He’s coming back to welcome me,
Far beyond the starry sky;
I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown,
I shall reign with Him on high.

Baby Sister and Me

Happy birthday Patti! May this day be filled with love and laughter and special treats!

When time without warning sends a memory on a breeze I think back to my childhood, baby sister, and me Faithful friends and partners, playmates who could scheme Plotting, planning, dreaming, of the fun that we could weave

With great imagination we brought our plays to life games of Kook and Carson and yellow dandelions Playtime meant some special props; we knew just where to look Mother’s room, her top right drawer, we found our priceless loot

Stylish pink-framed glasses with corners pointed high Perched high atop our golden curls or framing hazel eyes On smuggled baby blankets, we lay beneath the pines Laughing secret giggles and whispering secret lines

We'll build a bridge out o’er the ditch, a chasm so it seemed With planks found out behind the shed, the ditch became our stream Struggling with our balance, we clomped across the boards, Don’t fall I cried! You can’t get wet! Mom’s wrath we can’t afford!

Like snapshots in a photo album, our memories linger still Of caramel crèmes and long gone games, "Big Bean and Little Lou" Riding carousel horses, landing on white lines Cold banana popsicles, the most coveted of prizes

The years have flown, just like a film, fast-forwarding through time The innocence of long gone youth replaced by worry lines But in our hearts will ever be the memory of our springtime When free of cares we formed a bond that has stood the test of time

Happy Birthday Sister

When God wanted me to have a sister He thought about you first I hold every memory we created For it's unrivaled worth

No one can know us as we do And all we treasure of our past We have our special secrets And understand each other's heart

I may not tell you as I should How much you mean to me So, today I send you lots of love For today to be a treat

Have a special birthday then dear sis You deserve the very best And so I ask in prayer For every moment to be blessed

He is Able to Deliver Thee

‘Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung; 

’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue; 

’Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung, 

“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

 

He is able to deliver thee, He is able to deliver thee; 

Though by sin oppressed, go to Him for rest; 

“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

’Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main; 

’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain; 

’Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again, 

“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

 

’Tis the grandest theme, let the tidings roll, 

To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul; 

Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole,

 “Our God is able to deliver thee.”

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.  

He is Able

A cursory reading of these verses might give a person the impression that God was just sitting on His throne, twiddling His fingers, and waiting for Israel to do something. But God had already begun to act. He had ensured that Moses would live through the slaughter of the Israelite children. He had directed the little ark into the hands of the Pharaoh's daughter. He had ensured that Moses would receive the benefit of a tremendous education, the best kind of secular education that one could receive at that time. He had put thoughts in Moses' mind that he could be Israel's deliverer. He had spared Moses' life when the Pharaoh tried to take it. He had prompted Moses to flee the land and led him into the wilderness to the family of Jethro. He had given Moses the time and the opportunity to continue his preparation for leading His people out of Egypt.

Who initiated all this? Certainly not the children of Israel! God did! We find all the way back in the book of Genesis that God had already prophesied that in about 400 years, he would move to bring the children of Abraham out of a captivity, which He also arranged. Could God—who does not change, who sets patterns in His Word so that we will understand—ensure, long before we were born, that there would be a way prepared for his people at the end time? We know very well He could—and did.

How did Israel get out of Egypt? Not through any rebellion, revolution, intelligence, or negotiations on their part. They got out because God wanted them out. It was part of His purpose. Author Unknown

The Light

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.  

The Sun Still Shining 

They looked...and behold,the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. Exodus 16:10 Without the clouds we wouldn't be shielded from the burning sun. Without the clouds there would be no lavish sunsets, no beneficial rain, no beautiful landscapes. 

The same is true with life's clouds. When hard times come we easily get discouraged. But behind the clouds God is still present, and can even use them to water our souls with unexpected blessings. 

Longfellow once wrote: "Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun still shining." 

As God's people wandered in the wilderness, He declared, "Behold I come to you in the thick cloud" (Exodus 19:9). Each of us experiences clouds in life -- sometimes slight, but sometimes dark and frightening. 

Whatever clouds you face today, ask Jesus, the light of the world, to help you look behind the cloud to see His glory and His plans for you. ~~The Reverend Billy Graham~

Sunshine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is sunshine in my soul today, 

More glorious and bright 

Than glows in any earthly sky, 

For Jesus is my Light. 

 

O there’s sunshine, blessèd sunshine, 

When the peaceful, happy moments roll; 

When Jesus shows His smiling face, 

There is sunshine in the soul. 

 

There is music in my soul today, 

A carol to my King, 

And Jesus, listening, can hear 

The songs I cannot sing. 

 

There is springtime in my soul today, 

For, when the Lord is near, 

The dove of peace sings in my heart, 

The flowers of grace appear. 

 

There is gladness in my soul today, 

And hope and praise and love, 

For blessings which He gives me now, 

For joys “laid up” above.

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

Juice of 6 lemons (1 cup)
3/4 cup sugar or to taste
4 cups cold water
1 lemon, sliced
Ice cubes

In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and sugar; stir to dissolve sugar. Add water, lemon slices, and ice cubes; stir until well blended. Serve in tall glasses over ice.
Variation: To make limeade, substitute fresh lime juice for lemon juice. Yields approximately 6 cups.

Coming Apart

It was dear old Vance Havner, that venerable, leathery prophet of God, who once declared: “If you don’t come apart . . . you will come apart”—wise counsel based on Mark 1:35.

After Jesus’ disciples had been slugging it out in the trenches, preaching, counseling, ministering to the needs of others, and skipping meals, our Savior observed their drooping shoulders and said: “‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.’ (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves” (Mark 6:31-32).

It wasn’t planned. Nor was it requested or expected by the men. It was, however, absolutely essential. So the Master interrupted their activities with a brief parenthesis of time. To come apart. So they wouldn’t come apart.

There are times when God has to force us to hear His words . . . when He can no longer allow us to ignore His words . . . for our own good.

I can vividly recall a time when this happened to me. A friend who also happened to be a doctor invited me to lunch. During our time together, he warned me about my stress load. That same week a preacher friend called and asked me directly, “Chuck, are you tired . . . really exhausted?” About the same time, my wife and kids were reminding me of some of the very truths I have proclaimed above and had often proclaimed to others. And, most important of all, the Lord God tapped me on my inner man’s shoulder and told me, “Come apart.”

So for the next several days, I did just that. I ignored the phone calls, postponed my correspondence, disregarded previous plans, and stepped aside for several days. And you know what? The world didn’t come to an end. And you know what else? When I returned from that “quiet place,” my perspective was fresher and my mind was clearer.

Feel someone tapping on your shoulder? - Chuck Swindoll

The shortest distance between two points is not always a straight line.

Oreo Cookie Cake

 

 

 

 

 

Cake: 

24 chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs 

1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips 

1/3 cup all-purpose flour 

1/4 cup margarine 

1 (18.25 ounce) package butter cake mix  

 

Glaze: 1 cup confectioners' sugar 3 tablespoons milk Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine chopped cookies, chocolate chips, flour and margarine. Set aside. Mix cake according to directions on package. Pour half of cake batter in pan. Sprinkle approximately 2 cups of the cookie mixture on top. Pour rest of cake batter over layer of cookies. Sprinkle remainder of cookie mixture on top.

Bake at 350° F. for 40 to 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean.

To make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons milk. Drizzle glaze over warm cake.

All-American Club Sandwich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This layered sandwich is an an all-American summertime special.

Preparation time: 20 min

Yield: 4 sandwiches  

Ingredients:

 1/2 cup mayonnaise 

1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 

12 slices whole wheat bread, toasted 

8 leaf lettuce leaves 

8 (3/4-ounce) slices Land O Lakes Deli American Cheese 

1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham 

8 slices tomato 

1/2 pound thinly sliced deli turkey breast 

8 slices cooked bacon

 

Directions:

Combine mayonnaise and mustard in small bowl; mix well. Spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise mixture on 1 side of each toast slice. To assemble each sandwich, layer 1 slice toast, mayonnaise-side up, 1 lettuce leaf, 1 slice cheese, 2 ounces ham, 2 slices tomato, 1 slice toast, mayonnaise-side down. Spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise on toast. Continue assembling each sandwich with 1 slice cheese, 2 ounces turkey, 2 slices bacon, 1 lettuce leaf and 1 slice toast, mayonnaise-side down. Cut into triangles. Secure with toothpicks. *Substitute LAND O LAKES® Deli Sharp American Cheese

Dance in the Rain

With anxiety in the air And tension everywhere On the wings of the wind The storm roared in As the storm raged around They bowed their heads down As they began to pray They heard Him say Dance-dance in the rain-have no fear Dance-dance in the rain-I am here Dance-dance in the rain-this won’t last Dance-dance in the rain-the storm will pass Dance-dance in the rain-I’ll see you through Dance-dance in the rain-I’ll take care of you Every life it seems Has storms that it brings When lightening streaks the sky And thunder drums from up high When your storm moves in Just trust in Him In the storms roar Take shelter in the Lord Dance-dance in the rain-have no fear Dance-dance in the rain-He is there Dance-dance in the rain-this won’t last Dance-dance in the rain-the storm will pass Dance-dance in the rain-He’ll see you through Dance-dance in the rain-He’ll take care of you Kathleen Shelton Poulson

A Gentle Thunder

by Max Lucado Once there was a man who dared God to speak."Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God and I will follow. Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God and I will fight.Still the waves like you did on Galilee, God and I will listen." And so the man went and sat by a bush, near a wall close to the sea and waited for God to speak. And God heard the man , So God answered. He sent fire, not for the bush, but for a church. He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin. He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of a soul. And God waited for the man to respond. And he waited ...And waited ...And waited... But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; bricks, not lives; seas and not souls, he decided that God had done nothing.Finally he looked at God and asked, "Have you lost your power?"And God looked at him and said, "Have you lost your hearing?"

Fresh Strawberry Pie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
4 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon milk, divided
4 teaspoons water
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 to 1-1/2 quarts fresh strawberries, sliced

Glaze:

1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Dash salt
1-3/4 cups water
1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the flour and salt; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine 4 teaspoons milk and water; gradually add to crumb mixture, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out pastry to fit a 9-in. pie plate.

Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2-in. beyond edge of plate; flute edge of pastry. Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 7 minutes longer.

Cool completely on a wire rack.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and remaining milk until smooth. Spread over the bottom of crust; arrange strawberries over the top.

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, salt and water until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Remove from the heat; stir in gelatin until dissolved. Chill until partially set. Pour over berries. Refrigerate until set. Yield: 8 servings.

Sleeping Through the Storm

A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. 

When the farmer asked for his qualifications, he said, "I can sleep when the wind blows."

This puzzled the farmer. But he liked the young man, and hired him. 

A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm. They quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace. The young man slept soundly. 

The farmer and his wife then inspected their property. They found that the farm tools had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements. The tractor had been moved into the garage. The barn was properly locked. Even the animals were calm. All was well. 

The farmer then understood the meaning of the young man's words, "I can sleep when the wind blows." Because the farmhand did his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. 

So when the wind blew, he was not afraid. He could sleep in peace.  

The Pilot 

 “If you were on board a vessel, and had lost your bearings, you would be glad enough to see a pilot in the offing. Here he is on board, and you say, ‘Pilot, do you know where we are?’ ‘Yes,’ says he, ‘of course I do. I can tell you within a yard.’ ‘It is well, Mr. Pilot, but can you bring us to the port we want to make?’ 

‘Certainly,’ says he. 

‘Do you know the coast?’ 

‘Coast, sir! I know every bit of headland, and rock, and quicksand, as well as I know the cut of my face in a looking-glass. I have passed over every inch of it in all tides and all weathers. I am a child at home here.’ 

‘But, pilot, do you know that treacherous shoal?’ 

‘Yes, and I remember almost running aground upon it once, but we escaped just in time. I know all those sands as well as if they were my own children.’ You feel perfectly safe in such hands. 

Such is the qualification of Christ to pilot us to heaven. There is not a bay, or a creek, or a rock, or a sand between the Maelstrom of hell and the Fair Havens of heaven but what Christ has sounded all the deeps and the shallows, measured the force of the current, and seen the set of the stream; he knows how to steer so as to bring the ship right away by the best course into the heavenly harbour.”— Charles H. Spurgeon, 1874

Promises

"In due season ye will reap if ye faint not." (Gal.6:9) "Throw not away your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward!" (He.10:35) God bless you. He is on the Throne and prayer does change things!

Granite Steps Country Blueberry Coffee Cake

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (12-ounce) can buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Generously grease a 9-inch square baking dish. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon and mix well with a fork. Separate biscuit dough into 10 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters, and dip each piece in melted butter and coat with brown sugar mixture. Arrange in a single layer in baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the oats.

Combine blueberries and sugar in a bowl and toss to coat. Spoon over oats and biscuits and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup oats. Drizzle remaining melted butter on top. Bake for 20 minutes or until cake is golden brown and center is done. Cool for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Sisters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunshine in the meadows
Glistening golden rays
Running through the fields
Laughing as we play
Sharing hopes and dreams
As only Sisters can
Please come and walk with me
Come and take my hand.

We're more than just Sisters
For a friendship has been built
Bit by bit sewn together
Just like Grandma's quilt
We've had our disagreements
But this one thing I know
Whenever I need a friend
To you I'll always go

You always kept my secrets
Tucked safely in your heart
And now that we've grown older
And so many miles apart
I have such precious memories
For days when I feel blue
I think back of the things
That the two of us would do.

Suddenly I'm smiling
I pick up the phone
Hoping with all my heart
That my Sister will be home.
We may share words for hour
Or.... maybe just a few
But I know I'm always happy
After sharing thoughts with you.
© 2004 Marie Williams

Standing on the Promises

Standing on the promises of Christ my King, 

Through eternal ages let His praises ring, 

Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, 

Standing on the promises of God. 

 

Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior; 

Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God. 

 

Standing on the promises that cannot fail, 

When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, 

By the living Word of God I shall prevail, 

Standing on the promises of God. 

 

Standing on the promises I now can see 

Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me; 

Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free, 

Standing on the promises of God. 

 

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, 

Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord, 

Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword, 

Standing on the promises of God. 

 

Standing on the promises I cannot fall, 

Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call 

Resting in my Savior as my all in all, 

Standing on the promises of God.

This Check is Good!

A PROMISE from God may very instructively be compared to a check payable to order. It is given to the believer with the view of bestowing upon him some good thing. It is not meant that he should read it over comfortably, and then have done with it. No, he is to treat the promise as a reality, as a man treats a check. 

He is to take the promise, and endorse it with his own name by personally receiving it as true. He is by faith to accept it as his own. He sets to his seal that God is true, and true as to this particular word of promise. 

He goes further, and believes that he has the blessing in having the sure promise of it and therefore he puts his name to it to testify to the receipt of the blessing. 

 This done, he must believingly present the promise to the Lord, as a man presents a check at the counter of the Bank. He must plead it by prayer, expecting to have it fulfilled.

 If he has come to Heaven's bank at the right date, he will receive the promised amount at once. If the date should happen to be further on, he must patiently wait till its arrival; but meanwhile he may count the promise as money, for the Bank is sure to pay when the due time arrives. 

God has given no pledge which He will not redeem, and encouraged no hope which He will not fulfill. The sight of the promises themselves is good for the eyes of faith: the more we study the words of grace, the more grace shall we derive from the words. 

To the cheering Scriptures I have added testimonies of my own, the fruit of trial and experience. I believe all the promises of God, but many of them I have personally tried and proved. I have seen that they are true, for they have been fulfilled to me. 

This, I trust, may be cheering to the young; and not without solace to the older sort. One man's experience may be of the utmost use to another; and this is why the man of God of old wrote, "I sought the Lord, and he heard me"; and again, "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him." 

C. H. SPURGEON

5 1/2 Hour Throw (Lion Brand Jiffy)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Doesn't this look easy? Donna found this pattern and I think we could all find time to make this, even with our busy schedules!)

MATERIALS:

• 450-099 Jiffy®: Fisherman: Natural cream 18 Skeins 23 balls in multi or heather color of your choice. • Lion Brand Crochet Hook - Size Q-19

(Jiffy® Quick and easy to work, velvety soft, 2 ply brushed 100% acrylic that looks like mohair. Machine washable and dryable)

Solid colors (except 111 Heather Blue and 151 Dusty Grey) 3 oz./85 gm. (135 yd.) balls, Multi-colors (and 111 Heather Blue and 151 Dusty Grey) 2.5 oz./70 gm. (115 yd.) balls.

Gauge: Knit: 14.6 St sts and 18 rows = 4" on size 10 needles Crochet: 10 sc and 12 rows=4" on K hook

• Additional Materials11-inch piece of cardboard (for making fringe)

THROW:

Starting at bottom edge of the throw, with three strands of yarn held together, loosely ch 67.

Row 1: Dc in 5th ch from hook, ch 1, dc in same st, * skip 2 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch; repeat from * to last 2 ch, sk 1 ch, dc in last ch. Ch 3, turn.

Row 2: *(Dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp-one V-stitch made; repeat from * across, ending with dc in top of turning-ch. Ch 3, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until 40 rows have been completed. Fasten off.

EDGING:With the right side facing you, work 1 row of sc along each side edge of the throw

FRINGE:Wind a single strand of yarn around an 11" piece of cardboard. Cut at one end, making 22"-long strands. Attach 9 strands per fringe. Fold strands of yarn in half to form a loop; insert the crochet hook through back of work in first stitch along bottom edge of throw; pull loop through. Bring the ends through loop and tighten. Continue to attach fringe in every other space along the bottom edge. Repeat for the top edge. Trim fringe evenly.

Contentment

"I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11).

Paul, denied of every comfort, wrote the above words in his dungeon. A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning, and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes, like the vine. The vine was going to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac; and soon all through the garden.

Coming to a heart's-ease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. "Well, heart's-ease, I'm glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened.""No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heart's-ease, I am determined to be the best little heart's-ease that I can."

"Others may do a greater work, but you have your part to do; And no one in all God's heritage, can do it so well as you." They who are God's without reserve, are in every state content; for they will only what He wills, and desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do; they strip themselves of everything, and in this nakedness find all things restored an hundredfold.

The Anchor Holds

By Ray Boltz 

I have journeyed through The long, dark night,

Out on the open sea, By faith alone,

Sight unknown, And yet His eyes were watching me,


The anchor holds Though the ship is battered,

The anchor holds, Through the sails are torn,

I have fallen on my knees, As I faced the raging sea,

The anchor holds, In spite of the storm.


I've had visions, I've had dreams,

I've even held them in my hands,

But I never knew, They would slip right through,

Like they were only grains of sand,



I have been young, But I'm older now,

And there has been beauty These eyes have seen

But it was in the night, Through the storms of my life,

Oh, that's where God proved His love for me

Fantastic Lemon Meringue Pie

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

Pastry for 9-inch one crust pie

Meringue Topping (see recipe below) 

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs 

1 cup Sugar 

1/4 cup cornstarch 

1/8 teaspoon salt 

1 1/2 cups water 

6 egg yolks, slightly beaten 

1 tablespoon grated lemon zest 

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 

2 tablespoons butter 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare pie pastry; dust lightly with flour, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 30 minutes before rolling. 

Prepare Meringue Topping; set aside. 

Sprinkle work area with 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs. Roll pastry with floured rolling pin, sprinkling additional crumbs underneath and on top to heavily coat dough. Roll pastry 2 inches larger than an inverted 9-inch pie pan. fold pastry into quarter-folds and ease into pan, pressing firmly against bottom and side; flute edges. Prick crust at 1/2-inch intervals before baking. Bake 15 minutes; reduce oven to 350 degrees F. and bake another 10 minutes or until crust is golden brown. 

Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven to 325 degrees F. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water; simmer until translucent. Whisk in egg yolks gradually. Whisk in lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter. Remove from heat and pour into baked pie shell. Spread prepared Meringue Topping over hot pie filling, being careful to spread to edge of pasty to prevent shrinkage during baking. 

Bake 20 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before cutting and serving. Makes 8 servings.  

Meringue Topping 

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/3 cup water

4 egg whites, room temperature 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 

1/2 cup sugar 

Directions:

 In a small saucepan over low heat, combine cornstarch and water; bring to simmer, stirring until mixture thickens and turns translucent. Remove from heat and cool. In a large bowl, beat egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. In a small bowl, combine cream of tartar and sugar; add to egg whites, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until soft peaks form. Slowly add cornstarch mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time; continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

My faith has found a resting place, 

Not in device or creed; 

I trust the ever living One, 

His wounds for me shall plead. 

I need no other argument,

I need no other plea, 

It is enough that Jesus died, 

And that He died for me. 

 

Enough for me that Jesus saves, 

This ends my fear and doubt; 

A sinful soul I come to Him, 

He’ll never cast me out. 

My heart is leaning on the Word, 

The living Word of God, 

Salvation by my Savior’s Name, 

Salvation through His blood. 

My great Physician heals the sick, 

The lost He came to save; 

For me His precious blood He shed, 

For me His life He gave.

Just a Spectator?

When mothers talk about the depression of the empty nest, they're not mourning the passing of all those wet towels on the floor, or the music that numbs your teeth, or even the bottle of capless shampoo dribbling down the shower drain. They're upset because they've gone from supervisor of a child's life to a spectator. It's like being the vice president of the United States. - Erma Bombeck

For Margie - He is There

My beautiful sister Margie is scheduled for her next chemotherapy treatment tomorrow. We love her very much and will be praying for her that God will give her strength and endurance. (Margie, Remember this picture? This is you and Tammy!)

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Best Wishes on Your Retirement Peggy - A True Lady

(My friend Peggy is retiring after many years of "brightening the corner" of our world. We will miss her every day, but thank God for her testimony. She has always been a comfort and a dear friend!) 

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. ~Eleanor Roosevelt  

A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift, A friends is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy, and grace And makes the whole world we live in a better and happier place.

 -Jean Kyler McManus

Comfort From His Word

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1  

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33  

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28

Chesapeake Bay Classic Crab Cakes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1/2 cup peanut or canola oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced scallions, both white and green parts
1 pound lump blue crabmeat drained and picked clean of shell
4 cups fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped parsley
About 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Red cocktail sauce
4 lemon wedges  

Directions:

Put the egg yolk, Old Bay, mustard, lemon zest and juice, and vinegar in the bowl of a mini-food processor or a blender and process until smooth. Gradually pour in the oil with the machine running until the mixture emulsifies and forms a mayonnaise. Season with the salt and pepper. Transfer the mayo to a bowl and, using a rubber spatula, fold in the scallions and the crabmeat until well combined.
Combine the bread crumbs and the parsley in a shallow container.Form the crab mixture into 8 patties about 3 inches wide and ¾-inch-thick and drop them into the bread crumb-parsley mixture. Dredge the crab cakes on both sides. If you have time, leave the crab cakes in the container of bread crumbs, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for an hour or more.

When you are ready to fry the crab cakes, put 2 large nonstick skillets over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoon butter to each pan. When the butter is melted, add 4 crab cakes to each pan, patting off excess crumbs first. Slowly fry the crab cakes until they are golden brown on both sides and hot through, turning once with a spatula, about 4 minutes per side. If the crab cakes are brown too quickly, reduce the heat. The internal temperature of a cooked crab should be 155 F on an instant-read thermometer.Transfer crab cakes to plates, 2 per person, and serve with your choice of sauce and lemon wedges.


Dessert of the Day

White Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake






Ingredients:

1-1/2 c butter
3/4 c water
4 oz white chocolate, chopped
1-1/2 c buttermilk
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3-1/2 c all-purpose flour, divided
1 c chopped pecans, toasted
2-1/4 c sugar 

1-1/2 tsp baking soda

White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz white chocolate, chopped
11 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 c butter, softened
6-1/2 c sifted powdered sugar
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

What’s Next:

Preheat oven to 350 F or 175 C. Grease and flour 3 9-inch cake pans. Bring butter and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and add chocolate. Stir until chocolate melts. Add in buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Set aside. Toss 1/2 cup flour with toasted pecans to coat. Set aside. Whisk or sift together remaining flour, sugar, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add white chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in pecans. (Batter will be thin). Pour into pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cakes on wire rack 10 minutes before removing from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.

Frosting:

Melt white chocolate in a large bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently and remove from heat while there are still a few chunks left. Residual heat will melt the remaining bits. Cool 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Beat the cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the melted white chocolate, beating constantly. Slowly add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Stir in vanilla and bourbon (if using).

Assembly:

Spread frosting between cake layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish as desired. Store in refrigerator.

Happy Birthday Tamara

For My Daughter

It seems like only yesterday You'd say I love you mommy And wrap your arms around my neck And seal it with a kiss Those days are gone forever Stored in my memories I can only say Those days I truly miss My little girl has grown up Into a wonderful young woman You truly are a blessing Of who I am so proud Honesty, kindness and gentleness

To name just a few With all these things You have been endowed

(Author Unknown)

My Daughter

A daughter is a gift of love; given from God above. A daughter is a joy forever. A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart. All the dreams I prayed you'd be, are all the things you are. You are loved for the little girl you were;and the precious Daughter you will always be. It's truly a gift to have a daughter like you, who grows more precious with the years! A daughter is: the happy memories of the past,the joyful moments of the present,the hope and promise of the future. A daughter is a day brightener and a heart warmer! Daughter, you're the kind of person I would choose to be my friend. (Author Unknown)

(Tam, you are my dearest friend! I love you very much, baby!)

Classic Creme Brulee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A straightforward and unpretentious creation that is so simple, so rich, so praised! (Margie, this might be the perfect dish when you aren't able to eat a lot. It's very creamy!)

Ingredients
8 egg yolk
1/3 cup granulated white sugars
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated white sugar (for the caramelized tops)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300ºF. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is thick and pale yellow. Add cream and vanilla, and continue to whisk until well blended. Strain into a large bowl, skimming off any foam or bubbles.

Divide mixture among 6 ramekins or custard cups. Place ramekins in a water bath (large pan filled with 1 or 2 inches of hot water) and bake until set around the edges, but still loose in the center, about 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven and leave in the water bath until cooled. Remove cups from water bath and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days.

When ready to serve, sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of sugar over each custard. For best results, use a small, hand-held torch to melt sugar. If you don't have a torch, place under the broiler until sugar melts. Re-chill custards for a few minutes before serving.
Serves 6

P.U.S.H.

When everything seems to go wrong, just P.U.S.H

• Pray
• Until
• Something
• Happens

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Directions:

Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top. In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.

Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Seven-Layer Salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

6 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
10 ounces frozen peas, thawed and drained
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup red onion, sliced into rings
2 cups Miracle Whip Salad Dressing
2 slices bacon, optional

Directions:

Layer lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, peas, cheese and onions in 2-quart serving bowl. Spread dressing over onions, sealing to edge of bowl; cover. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Garnish with crisply cooked bacon slices, crumbled, and additional cheddar cheese, if desired. Serving Size: 8

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients (Serves 8)

2 cups low-fat buttermilk
Coarse salt
3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 whole chickens (2 1/2 to 3 pounds each), each cut into 10 serving pieces (wings, thighs, drumsticks, and 4 breast pieces)
3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups vegetable oil

Directions:
In each of two 1-gallon resealable plastic bags, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, and half the chicken pieces. Shake to coat; refrigerate up to 2 days.
In a large, shallow bowl, whisk flour with 2 tablespoons salt and remaining 2 teaspoons cayenne. (This pungent spice is made from ground dried chiles. Used in small quantities, it adds heat to dishes without being overpowering.) Dredge chicken pieces, one at a time, in mixture, shaking off excess.

In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet (or other heavy-bottom skillet), heat oil to 350 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer (or until a pinch of flour sizzles when dropped in the oil). Carefully add 1/3 of the chicken.

Cook 10 minutes; turn chicken with tongs. Cook until golden brown, juices run clear, and internal temperature is 165 degrees, about 10 minutes more. Transfer to a rack to drain. Season with salt, if desired.

Return oil temperature to 350 degrees. Repeat with remaining chicken.

The Refiner of Silver

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Malachi 3:3  

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. 

This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. 

That week this woman called up a silver smith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. 

As she watched the silver smith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. 

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot -then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silver smith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. 

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. 

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silver smith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy--when I see my image in it.

"Author Unknown

Precious Thoughts

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of the sand."(Psalm 139:17,18)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither are your ways, my ways," declares 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.” (Isaiah 55:8–9).

Talent

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me". Erma Bombeck

Be Not Forgetful

One stormy night many years ago, an elderly man and his wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia. Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the front desk hoping to get some shelter for the night."Could you possibly give us a room here?" the husband asked. The clerk, a friendly man with a winning smile, looked at the couple and explained that there were three conventions in town."All of our rooms are taken," the clerk said. "But I can't send a nice couple like you out into the rain at one o'clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room? It's not exactly a suite, but it will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for the night." When the couple declined, the young man pressed on."Don't worry about me; I'll make out just fine," the clerk told them. So the couple agreed. 

As he paid his bill the next morning, the elderly man said to the clerk, "You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. Maybe someday I'll build one for you."The clerk looked at them and smiled. The three of them had a good laugh. As they drove away, the elderly couple agreed that the helpful clerk was indeed exceptional, as finding people who are both friendly and helpful isn't easy. 

Two years passed. The clerk had almost forgotten the incident when he received a letter from the old man. It recalled that stormy night and enclosed around-trip ticket to New York, asking the young man to pay them a visit. The old man met him in New York, and led him to the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. He then pointed to a great new building there, a palace of reddish stone, with turrets and watchtowers thrusting up to the sky."That," said the older man, "is the hotel I have just built for you to manage." "You must be joking," the young man said."I can assure you I am not," said the older man, a sly smile playing around his mouth. 

The older man's name was William Waldorf Astor, and the magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.The young clerk who became its first manager was George C. Boldt. This young clerk never foresaw the turn of events that would lead him to become the manager of one of the world's most glamorous hotels. 

The Bible says that we are not to turn our backs on those who are in need, for we might be entertaining angels. Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than the things you acquire. God Bless You & Yours.

Kind Words

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

For Rocky - (Man's Best Friend)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Graham Vest 

“Gentleman of the Jury, a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. 

He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and the sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. 

When all other friends desert he remains. 

When riches take wings and reputation fall to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. 

If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.”