Banana Bars

Bars

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (2 medium)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom and sides of rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches, with shortening. In large bowl, mix granulated sugar, bananas, oil and eggs with spoon. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Spread in pan.

Bake bars 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix cream cheese, butter and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Gradually beat in powdered sugar with spoon, scraping bowl occasionally, until smooth and spreadable.

Spread cooled bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. For bars, cut into 6 row by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

The Great Thirst

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." Psalm 42:1 

 Author: Clovis G. Chappell 

YEARS ago as a lad I was working one day in a field on the back side of my father's farm. This field was washed by the songful waters of the Buffalo River. Away in the distance on the opposite side of the farm stood a range of rugged and majestic hills. 

Suddenly from among these hills I heard the baying of a pack of hounds. My attention was all the more alert because we ourselves did not keep hounds. As I listened the baying became more and more distinct. By this I knew that the pack was coming toward me. Then as I waited in expectation I was startled to see a deer suddenly come into view. The pursuing hounds were dreadfully close upon his heels. It was easy to see that the poor creature was almost spent. But on he came, running desperately for his life. Then as he saw me in his path, in an effort to turn, he dropped to his knees. Immediately the hounds had their cruel fangs at his throat and the long chase was over. 

Why was this deer running in my direction? It was not that he expected any help at my hands. He was as fearful of me as of the hounds that hung upon his heels. He was running toward me because he was making for the river that lay just behind me. That brook offered everything to this poor spent creature. It offered escape from the deadly foes that were thirsting for his blood. It offered rest for his body that was wearied by long hours of desperate running. It offered satisfaction for his burning thirst. It offered life itself. "If I can only reach this brook," he might have said to himself, "I shall live. I shall again have an opportunity to realize my destiny in the glad freedom of my native hills." No wonder, therefore, that this poor, pursued hart was panting for the water brook. 

Now the psalmist tells us that his own pathetic plight is close akin to that of this hounded deer. He, too, is being pursued by bitter foes. They have chased him into exile. Even now they are taunting him with the derisive question, "Where is thy God?" (Psa. 42:3) And the bitterest heartache of it all is that he can give no answer to their question that is satisfying even to himself. Once he feels that he could have done so. In those glad yesterdays when he was privileged to take part in the religious festivities of his people he was quite sure of God. But it is not so now. His realization of Him is no longer vivid. And since sorrow's crown of sorrow is remembering happier days, his soul is cast down within him. In his bitterness he tells us that his tears have been his food day and night. He feels that he must have help. He simply cannot get on without it. But where does he turn in his hour of desperation? 

What fountain does he seek for the slaking of his thirst? He turns to One that he believes can do for him what the water brook can do for the deer, and far more. What place does the brook fill in the program of the deer? It is a great luxury, but it is more than a luxury. It is an absolute necessity. And what place does God fill in the program of the psalmist? He leaves us in no doubt as to the answer to that question. He counts God as an absolute necessity. There is simply no getting on without him. Therefore he cries after him as a hungry, frightened child might cry after its mother: "My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psa. 42:2)

Be Careful What You Say...

A careless word may kindle strife 

A cruel word may wreck a life  

A timely word may level stress  

A loving word may heal and bless

Spicy Potato Wedges

Ingredients:
4 tbsp Olive oil
4 tsp Chili powder
1 1/2 tsp Cumin; ground
2 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Salt
Black pepper to taste; -freshly ground
4 Large baking potatoes; -scrubbed and dried
Fresh parsley; chopped

Directions: Place oven rack in the lower third of oven; preheat to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl mix oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Cut each half into lengthwise quarters. Toss with oil mixture and place potatoes in a single layer on a jelly roll pan. Drizzle with remaining oil mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Loosen potatoes with a spatula and turn. Bake about 20 more minutes or until potatoes are fork tender and outside is brown and crispy. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve.

Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:
2 Tbs. butter

1 small onion, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 lb. hamburger, cooked and drained

1/2 cup chili sauce (or barbecue sauce)

2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbs. chili powder

1 Tbs. brown sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Melt the butter in a large skillet, then sauté onions and celery until limp. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes or until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on large hamburger buns.

On Eagles Wings

 

 

 

 

 

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord

Who abide in His shadow for life,

Say to the Lord: 'My refuge,

My God in whom I trust!'

 

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His hand. 

 

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,

And famine will bring you no fear:

Under His wings your refuge,

His faithfulness your shield. 

 

You need not fear the terror of the night,

Nor the arrow that flies by day;

Though thousands fall about you,

Near you it shall not come.

 

For to His angels He's given a command

To guard you in all of your ways'

Upon their hands they will bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Under His Wings

Under His wings I am safely abiding, 

Though the night deepens and tempests are wild, 

Still I can trust Him; 

I know He will keep me, 

He has redeemed me, and I am His child. 

 

Under His wings, under His wings, 

Who from His love can sever? 

Under His wings my soul shall abide, 

Safely abide forever. 

 

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow! 

How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!

Often when earth has no balm for my healing, 

There I find comfort, and there I am blessed. 

 

Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment! 

There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er; 

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,

 Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.

The Fire

An article in National Geographic several years ago provided a penetrating picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. 

One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. 

When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. 

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had singed her small body, the mother remained steadfast. She had been willing to die so those under the cover of her wings would live. 

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

What He Valued Most

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door. It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days."Jack, did you hear me?" "Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said. "Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said. "You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said. "He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said. 

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away. The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly. "What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked. "The box is gone," he said. "What box?” Mom asked. "There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said. It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom." 

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. 

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention."Mr. Harold Belser" it read. 

Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside. "Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." 

A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! Harold Belser.""The thing he valued most...was...my time." 

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked. "I need some time to spend with my son," he said. "Oh, by the way, Janet...thanks for your time!"

Lava Cakes

Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

6 (1-ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate

2 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate

10 tablespoons (1 1/4 stick) butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

3 large eggs

3 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons orange extract

Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease 6 (6-ounce) custard cups. Melt the chocolates and butter in the microwave, or in a double boiler. Add the flour and sugar to chocolate mixture. Stir in the eggs and yolks until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and orange liqueur. Divide the batter evenly among the custard cups. Place in the oven and bake for 14 minutes. The edges should be firm but the center will be runny. Run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert onto dessert plates.

Kindness

"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."-Mother Theresa

The Rose

John Blanchard stood up from the bench, straightened his Army uniform, and studied the crowd of people making their way through Grand Central Station. He looked for the girl whose heart he knew, but whose face he didn't, the girl with the rose. His interest in her had begun thirteen months before in a Florida library. Taking a book off the shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book, but with the notes penciled in the margin. The soft handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind. In the front of the book, he discovered the previous owner's name, Miss Hollis Maynell. 

 

With time and effort he located her address. She lived in New York City. He wrote her a letter introducing himself and inviting her to correspond. The next day he was shipped overseas for service in World War II. During the next year and one month the two grew to know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A romance was budding. Blanchard requested a photograph, but she refused. She felt that if he really cared, it wouldn't matter what she looked like. 

 

When the day finally came for him to return from Europe, they scheduled their first meeting - 7:00 PM at the Grand Central Station in New York. "You'll recognize me," she wrote, "by the red rose I'll be wearing on my lapel." So at 7:00 he was in the station looking for a girl whose heart he loved, but whose face he'd never seen. I'll let Mr. Blanchard tell you what happened: A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim. Her blonde hair lay back in curls from her delicate ears; her eyes were blue as flowers. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. 

 

I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a rose. As I moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. "Going my way, sailor?" she murmured. Almost uncontrollably I made one step closer to her, and then I saw Hollis Maynell. 

 

She was standing almost directly behind the girl. A woman well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat. She was more than plump, her thick-ankled feet thrust into low-heeled shoes. The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away. I felt as though I was split in two, so keen was my desire to follow her, and yet so deep was my longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me and upheld my own. And there she stood. Her pale, plump face was gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had a warm and kindly twinkle. I did not hesitate. My fingers gripped the small worn blue leather copy of the book that was to identify me to her. This would not be love, but it would be something precious, something perhaps even better than love, a friendship for which I had been and must ever be, grateful.

 

I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman, even though while I spoke I felt choked by the bitterness of my disappointment. "I'm Lieutenant John Blanchard,and you must be Miss Maynell. I am so glad you could meet me; may I take you to dinner?" The woman's face broadened into a tolerant smile. "I don't know what this is about, son," she answered, "but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner, I should go and tell you that she is waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test!" 

 

It's not difficult to understand and admire Miss Maynell's wisdom. The true nature of a heart is seen in its response to the unattractive. "Tell me whom you love," Houssaye wrote, "And I will tell you who you are."

Psalms 117:1-2

O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Are You Weary?

Galatians: 6:9-10  

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

This is Your Life

"But stand thou still a while, that I may show thee the Word of God," I Samuel 9:27. "Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the Lord of all the righteous acts of the Lord," I Samuel 12:7 

Today, I would like to share with you the last message of the greatest man of the Old Testament. He was the meekest man on earth, yet he was the greatest leader, the greatest deliverer. He was born to die and yet he lived. He was hidden, haunted, hated, hunted and hungry. He literally lifted millions of Israelites out of four hundred and thirty year bondage. 

 In Deuteronomy, chapter 32, we have the last message or sermon that this unusual man delivered. He waited forty years in Midian, wandered forty years in the wilderness, and at the age of a hundred and twenty, he walked up a mountain to his own funeral. With God as his Undertaker and Up taker, he died according to the Word of the Lord and his strength was not abated, neither was his eye dim. 

Listen to Moses as he gains the attention and arouses the interest of those that have traveled with him under the pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. "Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth." He wasn't ashamed for heaven to hear his final message and he knew the people of earth ought to listen to it. "My doctrine shall drop as the rain; my speech shall distil as the dew. . ." He's going to preach a moist message and a purifying sermon. 

Before we give the sermon, let me give the six characteristics of Moses that made him such a great man. 

First, he refused to be called the Son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 

Second, he chose the afflictions with the people of God rather than the pleasures of sin for a season. 

Third, he esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. 

Fourth, he endured. 

Fifth, he saw Him who was invisible. 

Sixth, he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. In this great chapter, he gives a hundred and twenty years of accumulated wisdom and his first statement is, "I will publish the Name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all his ways are judgments: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." Amen! 

Think of it, my friend. After all of the experiences of opposition, misunderstanding and criticism, he stood at the end of life's runway to brag on the Rock and had reached the conclusion that He is "just right"! 

Then he bears the testimony of God's goodness and reminds all of us that we were found in a desert land, in a waste howling wilderness and like an eagle stirring up her nest, fluttering over her young, spreading abroad her wings, we've been taken and have been borne upon the wings of the Savior. We've been made to ride in the high places, eat the increase of the fields, suck honey out of the rock, and been in the heavenly oil business. We've eaten homemade butter and drunk the finest milk and pure grape juice. 

But sad to say, Moses had to remind the people that they had waxed fat and kicked, grown thick, had forsaken the God which made them, and lightly esteemed the Rock. They had become unmindful and even forgotten God who formed them and had lost faith in the Lord. Impossible, you say? After the tremendous experiences of crossing the Red Sea dry-shod, seeing Pharaoh’s chariots go down, the miraculous provisions of the wilderness for forty years? By Lester Roloff

Psalm 103:1-5

1. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 

2. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 

3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 

4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Chicken Soup with Rice

Ingredients:

10 cups chicken broth
1 medium white onion
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
1/4 cup snipped parsley
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 cups cubed chicken
2 cups cooked rice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Lime slices for garnish

Directions: Combine broth, onion, celery, carrots, parsley, pepper, thyme and bay leaf in Dutch oven.

Bring to a boil then stir once or twice. Reduce heat then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Add chicken then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in rice and lime juice just before serving. Garnish with lime slices.

Molasses Crinkles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients: 

 

3/4 cup shortening 

1 cup packed brown sugar 

1/4 cup mild-flavor molasses or full-flavor molasses 

1 egg 

2 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour 

2 teaspoons baking soda 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoon ground ginger 

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

Granulated sugar 

 

Directions: 

Mix shortening, brown sugar, molasses and egg thoroughly in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients except granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Heat oven to 375°F. Grease cookie sheet. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Dip tops in granulated sugar. Place balls, sugared sides up, 3 inches apart on cookie sheet. Sprinkle each with 2 or 3 drops of water. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or just until set but not hard. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

1 Chronicles 17:20

O Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

The Glasses

My Mother's father worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to an orphanage in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what had happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China! 

The Great Depression was at it's height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. "It's not fair," he told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this." 

Months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago. The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage."But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my co-workers and I were much in prayer about this. 

Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying on top."The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued, "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that." The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. 

But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way. 

There are times we want to blame God instead of thanking Him! Perhaps it is something we ought to try more often: "Thank you God for not allowing my car to start this morning." He may have been saving your life from a car accident." God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."- - - - - - - Phil 4:19

Psalms 32:7

Psalms 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.

Count the Apples in a Seed

“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed." Robert H. Schuller

The Apple Basket

One day an elderly man entered into a hospital. He was grumpy from being on medication and the nurses thought him to be insane as he yelled for his wife to get the apple basket. By the time they had checked him into his room the nurses were exhausted from the fight he was putting up. "Sir, you have to calm down! We are doing everything we can for you!" they would try to explain. "I don't need your help," the grumpy man would yell. "I want my apple basket." 

 

Finally asleep, the nurses sighed with relief and talked among themselves whether they should call the hospital psychologist about the old man and his obsession with the apple basket. As they talked and laughed about the situation, the wife came in carrying the basket of apples. They looked kind of stunned as she asked if she could see her husband and deliver his basket. 

 

Sure, they agreed, as they watched her slip past into his room. Curiosity consumed them over the next few weeks as they tended to the elderly man. He was eaten with cancer and the doctors had given him no hope of survival. He turned out to be a very calm, happy man once he had his basket. His wife, they noticed, would come in with apples and go out with apples and the curiosity grew even more till one nurse couldn't stand the suspense. 

 

One night as he was nearing the end, the nurse sat down in a chair by the wife. "May I ask why you have that apple basket?" "I just don't understand the significance." "I am an apple farmer by trade," he sighed. "From the time I was 20 'til the day I do die I will forever have my apples." The nurse nodded thinking she understood. He just likes his work, she thought, assured now he was a little bit crazy. As she started to leave the old man asked her to sit down. "At age 20 I was saved, I accepted the Lord as my Savior."

 

Oh no, the nurse thought, here comes the lecture on religion. The old man continued. "The day I accepted the Lord as my Savior I got this basket. Each time I had a problem or concern that I could not handle, I put an apple in the basket not-shined."

 

"Why?" the nurse said, shaking her head.

 

"Because it reminded me to give those problems to the Lord for Him to shine." "See my basket now? As my problems disappear so do the apples. As I get new problems, ones I cannot handle alone, I put an apple in." 

 

The humble nurse looked into the basket, only one apple was there. With that, he took a big breath and grabbed his wife by the hand and faded into eternal sleep. The wife paused for a moment and got up from her place to take from the basket the last remaining apple. She whispered in his ear that his reward awaits him in heaven. The nurse stayed still and asked with tears in her eyes, "What do you think his riches will be?"

 

The wife knew what they were, eternal life with Jesus Christ! But she could see the concern and sadness upon the young nurses' face. 

 

She handed her the apple and said "the biggest apple pie you can imagine!" That was the day the young nurse was saved and from that day on she always had a basket by her bed. 

 

You don't have to carry all the burdens of this world by yourself. Give them to God to ease your load. For he careth for you. 

 

Author Unknown Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Psalms 22:3 & 92:4

But you are holy, O you that inhabit the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3) 

For you, LORD, have made me glad through your work: I will triumph in the works of your hands.(Psalm 92:4)

Luke 1:49

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. Luke 1:49

Pumpkin Cake

Cake Ingredients

1 large can of pumpkin mix (spices included)

1 12 oz can of evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup of sugar
1 pkg of yellow cake mix - pudding in the mix Cinnamon
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup (2 sticks of butter/margarine - melted)

Frosting Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese
1 cup powered sugar
1 cup cool whip
chopped nuts for garnish

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9" X 13" cake pan lined with wax paper.
Mix the pumpkin, milk, eggs, and sugar until well blended.

Pour mixture evenly into the pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and top with chopped nuts. Press slightly into the cake mix.

Drizzle melted butter/margarine evenly over cake mix. Bake (350 deg.) 50 min or until done. Cool and invert the cake. Remove the wax paper and cool completely.

Frosting Directions: Cream together the cream cheese and power sugar. Fold in cool whip. Frost the cake and garnish with chopped nuts.

Keep the cake refrigerated. Note: Cake may be kept frozen until day of serving. Cut into 2 x 2 serving pieces.

Easy serving: Pre-cut and place in cupcake liners. Note: It is best to freeze it before placing in the liners.

Cheddar Potato Soup

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 cup diced onion

1 cup diced celery

6 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

2 cups mashed potatoes

8 ounces shredded Cheddar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Hot sauce, optional

Add oil to a large pot set over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they start to soften. Add stock and mashed potatoes and bring to a simmer.

Using a hand blender or regular blender, puree soup until smooth (when using a regular blender, work in batches to prevent messy cleanups!). Add Cheddar, salt, white pepper, dry mustard and hot sauce. Stir to combine and allow the cheese to melt.

In the Dark...Listen

When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message…. ~ Oswald Chambers

Strength for the Day

Tomorrow's cares may never come, 

They're locked up in the future, 

Your troubled thoughts may sometimes roam, 

For that is human nature 

You worry what may happen

In future day's events, 

What God's great mind has shapen, 

For He allows, and He prevents 

His mighty Hand controls all things 

His interest lies in you, 

In every detail that life brings 

He is always true 

He has not promised lives of ease, 

Not even a rose-strewn way, 

Nor pleasant things that always please, 

But strength for every day 

You may not see beyond today, 

Or the future far and dim 

But He's the God of yesterday, 

And tomorrow belongs to Him 

Today your strength's assured, 

So live it free from care, 

God's promises always have endured 

So leave your worries there 

Depend upon His mighty power, 

Upon unending love, 

Don't doubt His care in any hour, 

Just turn your eyes above 

The One who holds the worlds in place

Controls, supports, and cares, 

Will keep you by His wondrous grace,

Today, and through the years By Eva Moore

Keep the Fork

There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like to be read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. The woman also requested to be buried with her favorite Bible. 

Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the pastor's reply. "This is very important," the woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." 

The pastor stood looking at the woman, not knowing quite what to say. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" the woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor.

The woman explained. "In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork'. It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance! 

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?'. Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork....the best is yet to come". 

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the woman goodbye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She KNEW that something better was coming. 

At the funeral people were walking by the woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and her favorite Bible and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. 

During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. 

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you oh so gently, that the best is yet to come.. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

The Secret Place of Prayer

There is a place where thou canst touch the eyes 

Of blinded men to instant, perfect sight; 

There is a place where thou canst say, 

"Arise"To dying captives, bound in chains of night; 

There is a place where thou canst reach the store 

Of hoarded gold and free it for the Lord; 

There is a place--upon some distant shore-- 

Where thou canst send the worker and the Word. 

Where is that secret place--dost thou ask, "Where?"

 O soul, it is the secret place of prayer! ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

Prayer

If your day is hemmed in with prayer, It is less likely to come unraveled.

Cream Cheese Brownie Pizza

INGREDIENTS
2 rolls (16.5 oz each) Pillsbury® refrigerated traditional chocolate fudge brownie batter
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup apple jelly

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark, nonstick pan). Grease 12-inch pizza pan, or spray with cooking spray. Spread both rolls brownie batter evenly in bottom of pan to form crust. Bake 16 to 20 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Spread mixture over cooled crust. Arrange fruit over cream cheese. Stir jelly until smooth. Brush over fruit. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour. Cut into wedges. Store covered in refrigerator.

Mini Quiches

1 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 tablespoons boiling water
6 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 egg
2 medium green onions, thinly sliced (2 tablespoons)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (2 oz)

Heat oven to 375°F. Generously grease 24 mini (1 3/4x1-inch) muffin cups with shortening or cooking spray.

In small bowl, stir Bisquick mix and butter until blended. Add boiling water; stir vigorously until soft dough forms. Press rounded teaspoonful of dough on bottom and up side of each muffin cup. Divide bacon evenly among muffin cups.

In small bowl, beat half-and-half and egg until well blended. Stir in onions, salt and red pepper. Spoon 1 1/2 teaspoons egg mixture into each muffin cup. Sprinkle cheese over tops.

Bake about 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and centers are set. Cover; refrigerate any remaining appetizers.

The Curtain of TIme

When my final breath departs from this old body 

And my eyes have closed in slumber one last time 

Lord, I just ask that to your presence you will guide me 

To the land just beyond the curtain of time 

 

Chorus

It's a land where sickness cannot enter 

And the toils of life no more will cloud our minds 

There'll be no worries o'er tomorrow 

No sorrows of yesterday 

One endless day, just beyond the curtain of time 

 

Precious brothers and precious sisters there are waiting 

Forever youthful in their robes of spotless white 

Not a shadow of corruption, only joy and love divine 

One breath away, just beyond the curtain of time

 

Author: M.S. Robinson

Build Carefully!

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. 

When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. 'This is your house,' he said, 'my gift to you.' The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. 

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently. But we cannot go back. 

You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. 'Life is a do-it-yourself project,' someone has said. Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the 'house' you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!

Thankfulness and Trust

Thank God for what you have -- Trust God for what you need.

Cranberry-Orange Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup (9.2-ounce jar) cranberry-orange sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen meatballs, thawed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions: Mix all ingredients except meatballs and parsley in 2- to 2 1/2-quart slow cooker until well blended. Add cold meatballs.

Cover and cook on low heat setting 2 to 3 hours or until thoroughly heated. Stir in parsley.

Serve meatballs with cocktail forks or toothpicks. Meatballs will hold on low heat setting up to 2 hours; stir occasionally.

God is in Every Tomorrow

God is in every tomorrow 

Therefore I live for today, 

Certain of finding at sunrise 

Guidance and strength for the day. 

Power for each moment of weakness, 

Hope for each moment of pain, 

Comfort for every sorrow, sunshine and joy after rain. 

 

God is in every tomorrow 

Planning for you and for me; 

In the dark I will follow, 

Trust where my eyes cannot see. 

Soothed by the touch of His hand, 

Confident in His protection 

Knowing my life path is planned. 

 

God is in every tomorrow, 

Life with its changes may come, 

He is behind and before me 

While in the distance shines home. 

Home—Where no thought of tomorrow

 Ever can shadow my brow, 

Home—in the presence of Jesus Through all eternity now. Author Unknown

Little Things

Learn to enjoy little things -- there are so many of them.

Cherry Danish Biscuit Cups

Ingredients:

2 oz cream cheese
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 Pillsbury® Grands!® frozen Southern Style Biscuits (from 25-oz bag)
2 teaspoons cherry preserves
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon water

Directions: Heat oven to 350°F. Spray two 2 3/4x1 1/4-inch muffin cups with cooking spray. In small bowl, stir together cream cheese, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and the almond extract. In shallow dish, place 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.

Place biscuits on microwavable paper towel. Microwave on Medium (50%) 30 to 40 seconds, turning over halfway through microwave time. (Biscuits will be almost thawed.) Press each side of biscuits into granulated sugar, flattening biscuits. Press each biscuit into bottom and up side of muffin cup.

Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly into biscuit cups. Top with preserves. Bake 17 to 25 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Gently remove from cups. In small bowl, stir together powdered sugar and water. Drizzle over biscuits. Serve warm or cool.

He Is

In Genesis, He's the Breath of Life 

In Exodus, the Passover Lamb In Leviticus, 

He's our High Priest Numbers, the Fire by Night Deuteronomy, 

He's Moses' Voice 

In Joshua, He is Salvation's choice 

Judges, Law Giver 

In Ruth, the kinsmen-redeemer 

First and Second Samuel, our Trusted Prophet 

In Kings and Chronicles, He's Sovereign Nehemiah, 

He's the rebuilder of broken walls and lives In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage 

In Job, the timeless redeemer 

In Psalms, He is our morning song 

In Proverbs, wisdom's cry 

Ecclesiastes, the time and season 

In the Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream 

HE IS, HE IS, HE IS... 

In Isaiah, He's Prince of Peace 

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet 

In Lamentations, the cry for Israel 

Ezekiel, He's the call from sin 

In Daniel, the stranger in the Fire 

In Hosea, He is forever faithful 

In Joel, He's the spirit's power 

In Amos, the arms that carry us 

In Obadiah, He's the Lord our Savior 

In Jonah, He's the great missionary 

In Micah, the promise of peace

In Nahum, He is our strength and our shield 

In Habakkuk and Zephaniah He's pleading for revival 

In Haggai, He restores a lost heritage 

In Zechariah, our fountain 

In Malachi, He is the sun of righteousness Rising with healing in His wings 

HE IS, HE IS, HE IS.... 

In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John He is God, Man Messiah 

In the book of Acts, He is Fire from Heaven 

In Romans, He's the Grace of God 

In Corinthians, the power of Love

In Galatians, He is freedom from the curse of sin 

Ephesians, our glorious treasure 

Philippians, the servant's heart 

In Colossians, He's the Godhead 

Thessalonians, Our coming King 

In Timothy, Titus, Philemon He's our mediator and our faithful pastor 

In Hebrews, the everlasting covenant 

In James, the One who heals the sick 

n First and Second Peter, He is our Shepherd 

In John and Jude, He's the Lover Coming for His bride 

In Revelation, He is King of kings and Lord of lords 

HE IS, HE IS, HE IS... The Prince of Peace, The Son of Man, The Lamb of God, The Great I Am, He's the Alpha and Omega, Our God and our Savior, He is Jesus Christ the Lord,And when time is no more.. 

HE IS... HE IS... Our Lord comes! First the "harvest," then HOME! Isaiah 60:1-3