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| Too fuzzy for ya? |
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| How's this? |
Friday, August 31, 2012
GOD'S PROMISE IN THE SKY
"And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth." (Genesis 9:8-17 kjv)
When I see a rainbow it reminds me that God is also looking upon it, and He is remembering His covenant.
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| Last week we saw this beautiful rainbow on the way home. Its colors were so vivid! So vibrant! So brilliant! |
When I see a rainbow it reminds me that God is also looking upon it, and He is remembering His covenant.
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| Amazing! |
A CHUCKLE 4U - "Laugh at Yourself"
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| "Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can." ~ Elsa Maxwell "Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." ~ Lord Byron |
LIBRARY FUN
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| Today we visited the library like so many other days. We enjoy our libraries so much that we hardly ever leave empty handed. |
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| Today little man found the finger puppets. They have an amazing collection! |
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| I couldn't resist staging this picture. :) |
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| He's such a "snuggable" little guy, and he sure loves to be read to. |
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| We had trouble getting the Cat in the Hat to sit up straight. Clifford just wanted to make friends with the brown dog. Not sure what Horton was hearing today. |
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| No visit to the library is complete without a turn at the computer. |
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| We LOVE our librarians! Here's Diane helping little man check out his books. (His expression reminds me of the Cheshire cat. lol) |
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| "I visited my library today" sticker. Can't wait to go back! :) |
Friday, August 24, 2012
MARTYRED MOTHERS
I received the post below in an e-mail, and it brought tears to my eyes. It also caused me to give thanks. I wanted to share it because this could become anyones reality . . . including mine.
(I have placed the link below to give credit where it is due.)
A young mother lost her three year old son last week in a fatal accident. I don’t know her. She is a friend of a friend. That’s still too close.
In a moment that mama crossed over from an ordinary life of homeschooling, homemaking and what-will-I-fix-for-supper-tonight… into grief, sorrow and agony that crushed her heart beyond what we think humans can endure. When she woke up that morning she had no idea that her time was to be cut short with that boy.
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14) KJV
His days were numbered by His Creator set to end on that specific day. Death touches us all at one time or another but when it touches, or threatens to touch our children, we recoil inside. Some of you reading have experienced the same anguish this grief-stricken mother has. And when I heard the news I hugged my babes tighter and let my lips linger on their soft faces a bit longer at bedtime. Then I looked into my own mother-heart and realized with shame that many times I have given way to sin and selfishness and let the enemy whisper to me:
“Imagine how great it will be when they are all grown up and you have:
Lipstick that has a point on it
And a cake with no finger traces in it
And plastic tablecloths with no spaghetti stains on them
And no kisses with snot and no salad with olives picked out and no muddy knotted shoelaces to untie
Imagine!
A bookcase that stays perfect for more than five minutes
And a conversation with a friend that is uninterrupted
And a phone call that isn’t start and stop and a night of sleep that isn't disturbed
Oh yes….just imagine how wonderful that will be!”
And yet what would the grieving mother—the one whose toddler went to be with Jesus, or the one who is infertile or the one who is waiting on the Lord to bring her a husband—what would she give to have a day of messes, mischief, cutting up someone’s grapes, reading Peter Rabbit or rocking the sleepy body of a feverish toddler in the night watches?
Oh mothers, reject those thoughts. Take them captive!
Yes, there are days that are challenging as a mom. I’m not dismissing the fact that motherhood requires tremendous demands of patience, selflessness, lovingkindness and walking the way of the cross. Those actions are supplied only through the supplying of the Lord’s mercy as He strengthens our hands to the task, so we must abide in the True Vine. But may we not live our lives as martyrs that have given up something great, and thinking that motherhood is only about sacrifice. Sure there are some sacrifices. But to be a mother is a precious gift and privilege never to be taken for granted. Instead let’s walk in the joy of the Lord, being grateful for His gift of children, that aren’t really even ours.
". . . for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10c) KJV
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11) KJV
"REJOICE in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright." (Psalm 33:1) KJV
Thursday, August 23, 2012
A SERMON IN THOUGHTS . . . ESPECIALLY FOR ME
I have been reviewing events God has allowed in my life from childhood to present . . . both the good, the bad, and the surprising. Certainly, there have been many, and like snowflakes, no two have been the same. I have allowed these incidents (at times involving others and studded with emotions) to color my thoughts and shape my views in a unique way that is particular only to me. Thus, the reactions I've chosen for myself have caused me to become the person I am today.
I am not always proud of myself, in fact, quite often I am ashamed.
No brag - just fact.
Following is a collection of sentiments I filed away for such a day as this. I was rummaging through them today, and decided I would like to put them all together in a post here on my blog. A post to myself, for myself, and by myself.
Since this is my blog . . . I can do that. :)
I enjoy my blog immensely and post about things that are of interest to me. It's kind of therapeutic.
I hope those of you who do share in the reading of my posts enjoy your visits and come back often.
I hope you leave with a smile, something to think about, and/or a hearty, "Amen!"
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| Ain't that the truth! I trust the next 40 years will be a bit easier. ;) |
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| I have become the worst at letting precious moments slip through my fingers. I hope I can overcome this malady. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." ~ Proverbs 25:11 And on the flip-side . . . Speech has been compared to an arrow: once the words are released, like an arrow, they cannot be recalled, the harm they do cannot be stopped, and the harm they do cannot always be predicted, for words like arrows often go astray. I don't normally intend on wasting my time, but invariably it does happen in spite of my best efforts. Oh, that I could truly understand the value of a single minute. |
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| This just makes me sad - because it is so undeniably TRUE. :( |
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| It's so easy to become carnally minded, and put my eyes on the storm around me. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. |
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| trust - one in which confidence is placed “Mistrust makes life difficult. Trust makes it risky.” ~ Mason Cooley “It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust.” ~ Dr. Samuel Johnson “It is an equal failing to trust everybody, and to trust nobody.” ~ English Proverb |
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| It's a beautiful thing to be able to pick up where you left off (no matter how much time has passed) . . . with a friend. It's even more wonderful, though less likely, to turn enemies into friends. |
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| " . . . He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone . . . " (John 8:7) KJV "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Philippians 2:3) KJV |
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| I can make a difference for the good. (Note to Self: Don't believe the lies!) |
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| perspective - a way of regarding situations, facts, etc, and judging their relative importance This is not always easy for me to do. However, it can be quite refreshing and insightful when done properly. A snail walks into a bank to make a deposit. Then a turtle comes in and robs the bank. Afterward, the police are interviewing the snail and asks him to recount what had happened. The snail says, "I don't know, it all happened so fast." |
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| Easier said than done . . . but not impossible. ". . . With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27) KJV "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) KJV |
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| Habits are so hard to break. If only I could remember to ask this question when the need arises. |
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| I really need to work on numbers 1, 4, 7, 8, and 10. (I don't have the market yet on the other five either.) |
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| I can't imagine life without regrets. Someday it will be, though. :) |
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| - Tucking my youngest into bed at night - - Watching my two daughters as they grow - - Listening to my son tell about his new job - - Praying for my oldest two sons and their safety - - Praising God for my husband in the good times and in the bad - - Thanking God that He isn't finished with me yet - These are just some of the BIG things. |
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| This is not an easy attitude for me to adopt, but one I think will save me from shedding too many more tears. "Boo-Hoo." |
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| Really? Do I really believe this? FMI- (For My Information) I am learning to. |
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| I don't know the swami, but he sure has a great quote. ;) |
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| Couldn't have said it better myself. God knows me. Sometimes that makes me glad. Most times it makes me sad. Oh, how I'll wish I had given Him more! |
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| If I finally give up, it's because there was nothing left to hold on to. |
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
SPICY CARNITAS
Here's the delicious recipe that I will forever associate with my burned fingers. So tasty!
(The recipe, that is - not my fingers. Haha!)
Spicy Carnitas
2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
Goya Adobo with pepper
½ medium onion, diced
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional)
2 large chicken bouillon cubes
4 cups water, to cover
3 Tbs olive oil
1½ cups orange juice
1 pkt Sazon Goya Sin Achiote (without Annatto)
flour (or corn) tortillas, warmed
1 jar salsa verde
guacamole
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| The ingredients pictured above can be purchased at most HEB stores, or check the International Food aisle in your local supermarket(s). This recipe calls for the Sazon pictured on the right with the white top. This one does not add color to food, whereas the Sazon Goya on the left will color food a lovely yellow or orange (depending on how little or how much is used.) They provide a unique flavor and add authenticity to Spanish foods. |
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| Our local Walmart sells "pork for carnitas." (How convenient! ;) Maybe yours does, too. |
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| This is what the meat looks like. Rinse well under cold, running water. There's a lot of fat that needs to be trimmed off before cooking. |
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| This is the fat from two packages of meat. Throw it out! |
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| Trim the pork into 1-inch pieces. It's messy. Use a sharp knife and keep it dry being VERY careful not to let it slip. No need for cut fingers. |
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| Season meat with Adobo. In a deep-sided frying pan or casserole, combine pork, onion, garlic, and jalapeño. The veggies can be sauteed a little to bring out their flavors, but it's not necessary. |
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| Add bouillon cubes and water to cover. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer on low until meat is tender, about 1 hour. (This picture was taken at the 1 hour mark.) |
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| Preheat oven to 400ºF. Drain meat in colander, discarding vegetables and water. Heat oil in same pan on medium high. Add drained meat and brown in olive oil, turning occasionally. When meat is browned, add orange juice and Sazón and bring to boil. Place in oven, uncovered, until juice reduces and glazes meat, about 30 minutes. Stir every 5-10 minutes so it doesn't stick and juice evenly coats meat. Next time I prepare this recipe I will leave out the orange juice because it makes the meat sweet. It's very good, however, I like my meat savory. If you omit the orange juice be sure to keep back some of the broth so it's not dry. |
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| Shred meat and serve with tortillas, salsa verde, and guacamole. Muy delicioso! (CAUTION: DO NOT FORGET TO USE POT HOLDERS.) |
BURNED. "YEE-OUCH!"
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| This past Monday I decided to make a new recipe. I wanted to make Carnitas (small pieces of roasted and shredded pork), and I found a delicious recipe on-line. The first thing the recipe called for was to cook the pork in an oven safe skillet on top of the stove for an hour. After the hour was up it was time to pop the skillet into the oven for 30 minutes at 400 degrees. Everything was going wonderful until after I took the pan out of the oven (with oven mitts) and placed it on top of the stove. That's when I decided to take a picture so I could post about this recipe on my blog. |
Being the creature of habit that I am - I reached out with my left hand (because the camera was in my right hand) and grabbed the handle. Yes, you heard right. I grabbed it. I actually lifted that skillet and moved it to the front burner in hopes of getting the perfect picture . . . without shadows. It couldn't have been more than 2 or 3 seconds later that I felt a searing pain in my fingers and thumb. It dawned on me that I had just grabbed a stainless steel skillet handle that had been fired up to 400 degrees while basking in the oven for the past 30 minutes, thus my "Kodak Moment" no longer seemed important.
The pain was intense to say-the-least. All I could think was how blistered and raw my fingers were going to be, and how many weeks I was going to be in pain with a useless hand. (I tried not to think about the PREVENTABLE trip to the doctor and the bill that could have been avoided if I had only been THINKING.) I immediately ran cold water over my fingers, but it wasn't cold enough, so I put a frozen ice pack in my hand, and headed for the computer. In my on-line search I found out ice is NOT a good option for a burn. It only damages the skin more. But, I also found someone who recommended an unusual remedy for burns. I try to keep this item on hand. I even stop at our local health food store so I can get the best. Thankfully, we had plenty in the pantry, and I wasted no time liberally applying this truly miraculous product to my fingers.
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| The pain was still intense, but I didn't know what else to do. So I soaked a sterile pad in the stuff and laid it on my fingers, then wrapped it up with a gauze bandage and tape. Before the day was out, ALL of the pain was completely GONE. [This picture was taken Tuesday - the day after I got burned. It's hard to see, but look closely and the long, skinny red lines running the length of each finger are there.] |
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| I had ONE blister on my ring finger. The rest of my fingers were red, and the skin on each was tight and sensitive, but they looked amazing considering they had just been FRIED. [This picture was taken today (2 days after the burn). I tried to get a close-up of the blister, but as you can see it's already healing nicely.] |
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| God made a fabulous product for so many different things that ail a body. I don't ever want to be without this sweet smelling miracle in a bottle. I highly encourage everyone to keep some on hand - just in case. I promise you won't regret it . . . and get the good stuff while you're at it. |
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
BEEF STROGANOFF MADE SIMPLE
I love Beef Stroganoff . . . especially the sour cream part. Here's a super easy recipe for anyone who wants to try it.
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| You'll need approximately 1 - 1 1/2 lbs. of stew meat. Cut stew meat into smaller bite-sized pieces. |
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| You'll need a LARGE can of Cream of Mushroom soup, a 16 oz. tub of sour cream, and a bag of your favorite egg noodles. |
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| Put about 1 Tablespoon oil into a saute pan. I season with 1 teaspoon each garlic powder and oregano. Also, a couple good cranks of freshly ground black pepper. Add the stew meat and stir to mix. Cook just until no longer pink. It may be necessary to cook meat in batches depending on how big your pan is. |
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| Once the meat is cooked place it in a larger skillet and add the soup and sour cream. (You can also wait to add the sour cream at the very end to avoid it being overcooked.) Stir these three ingredients together until incorporated. |
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| This is what it should look like after it's been mixed together. |
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| Allow sauce to come to a slow-rolling boil. Do not allow to burn or stick. Stir frequently, and simmer 10 -15 minutes with a lid. |
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| We like to serve the Stroganoff over the noodles (cooked according to package directions) . . . with peas. Enjoy! |
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