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You have a unique message to deliver, a unique song to sing, a unique act of love to bestow. This message, this song, and this act of love have been entrusted exclusively to the one and only you.

-John Powell

Isn't everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God?

1Cor. 4:7

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Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

Psalm 145:3

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More with Cranberries

I have cranberries on my mind. Hence the juniper, cranberry arrangements I made in my last post. I love me a good scone emmm emm. Especially when they are dense and sweet. This one has all the above.

 ::Lemon Cranberry Scones::

Preheat oven to 375, and place oven rack on upper 3rd level of the oven

3 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1tbsp grated lemon peel

1 tsp salt

-Mix this all together in a large bowl-

Add 3/4 cup of chilled butter, cut up into small squares.

-Use a pastry blender to incorporate the butter to make a coarse meal consistency-

Stir in 1/2 cup of sliced (each in half) cranberries (I used frozen)

1tbsp of lemon juice, poured in a 1 cup measuring cup.

Add half and half to the measuring cup to fill it to measure 1 cup.

-Pour into your scone mixture and mix until clumps form then gather with you hands to form one solid lump, don't over mix. Divide in half and pat each into a 6 inch flat, round. Cut each into 6 triangles. Place on greased/ parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 20 min.-

Once the scones have cooled, make a glaze of

1/2 cup icing sugar, sifted

a dribble of lemon juice

and just enough milk to make a slightly runny icing (about 2 tbsp)

-Mix this up and drizzle it over your scones. Once this dries you can stack them up in your tin just fine.-

Now speaking of icing makes me think of what I saw outside early this morning...

The trees look like they were dipped in frosting.

Dusted with icing sugar

Presents!...

 I want to write about Christmas cookies and decorations, that seems like the big thing on my mind lately. I actually don't want to deal with even thinking about buying presents and the stress that comes with being able to afford them ( even the small amount we will buy ) I really desire to write about the Savior coming to the earth as a baby to pay the price for all humanities sins. But I so easily get caught up in all that happens around me with this time of year. As a child I had a big problem with getting expectations way too high. I see that in a child of mine now. To be honest I don't think it has changed too much. The realisation of what often really happens with what I hope for has taught me too see how my hopes don't always become a reality. There is this ingrained feeling in me though, that makes me not want to miss out on all the world portrays of what really brings happiness. Its so easy to be side tracked (for me anyways). The part of me that has leaned so much, thanks to my gracious Lord makes me want to have the feelings of being truly faithful to my beliefs. But the selfish, sometimes ignorant part thinks all the world has to offer is so much more fulfilling.
I, with all honesty hate the commercialism of Christmas. I believe if it weren't for all that hoopla (yes I said hoopla) going on around us, it would make it easier to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Lets face it, Satan's job is a lot much easier these days. Most of the world is happy with doing his job.
 So I started thinking about the first Christmas more deeply. The song of the drummer boy came to mind (I know this is not a historical fact) and how all he had was a song to play for the Christ child. The kings came to bring one gift each. All that they had? I don't know. But they gave what they knew as being very precious. What did the shepherds offer? Their presence.
 What can we do, that means more then anything we could give? How about accepting a gift. Presence from the Father. His Son. He is even wrapped...in swaddling cloths.
 God wants us to un-wrap and share this gift. The gift of our time, or presence in others lives in love through Him.
Well with age I have been slowly slowly been enlightened with these truths through the Lords gentle guidance. Of course its usually, like most learning experiences...two steps forward, one step back. But I trust in the Lord that true faith in Him, will bring me closer to Him. And that is the ultimate blessing. Being able to be in Gods presence!

 

 

 

Please don't get me wrong though. I don't believe giving material gifts to show love is wrong. Or that decorating and baking in celebration is a sign of disrespect to the Lord. Its when that is our main focus, to the point of that being all that is reflected in your Christmas.

It all comes down to what your priorities are, what you consider most desirable.

My prayer for this Christmas: to put off my old self, which belongs to my former manner of life and is corrupted through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of my mind and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22)...through receiving Christ's gift.



Quiet in Gods Presence

 

Though I have felt stressed to the max lately with all that needs to be done with the upcoming move, I have seen how the Lord has been using this stressful time to have an outcome of growth, already. Also reaffirming what I know to be true. And we haven't yet moved!

:: I reluctantly admit that for me, its hard to be nice when I am overwhelmed and stressed.

::Don't rely on self confidence. Have confidence in the Lord!

::Trials test your faith. When faith withstands those trials, growth is inevitable.

::Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He with make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6

This verse keeps coming to me lately.

 

 

I come back to again realising how a quiet moment, between just me and God, is what truly brings me relaxation, peace, and clarity. NOTHING beats that. I went for a walk when the sun was getting low. I was confronted with this truth: I need time alone quietly in Gods presence.

Lilly of the Valley and Poison Ivy

A near by grave yard behind an aged church is so beautiful this time of year. The bushes in behind are abundant in gorgeous smelling Lilly of the Valley. But commingled through out most of it is poison ivy. Its makes me ponder a metaphor. I am drawn to wild flowers (Hello! Free Flowers!) like a moth to a flame. So here I am trying to carefully step around the poison ivy, careful as I pluck the Lilly of the valley out of the mix. How is that not like life? Living, especially an abundant life, makes one want to reach out to the positive/beautiful blessings God has to offer us and we need to stay on guard careful to stay away from the "poisons" of this earth, and what Satan may put in our path. All the while making sure we are making the right decisions along the way as well. Because we also have to fight the ways of the flesh. We can only do this if we: do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). I love metaphors.

Lake found some Canadian Columbine.

Holly found some Lilly of the valley in a poison ivy free spot close to the church.

...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

Hay! Where is the Spring Weather?

I must admit, I'm getting really anxious for the spring weather and growth. Just this morning it was snowing. Get this- school was even cancelled because of snow and freezing rain on Friday! I know that it will come. I just read this quote "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time" -Abraham Lincoln. And so I am reminded that though things aren't appearing how I'd like or expect, I can choose to enjoy what the present holds. And the sky that was before me, full of huge clouds and white dusted hay fields were a gift that made me pull over to capture with a picture...be content with what you have; for God himself has said, “I will never leave you; never will I forsake you.”Hebrews 13:4-6. The beginning of this verse says...Your conduct must be free from the love of money, and... and makes me think on this blog post I added half a year ago. It was a plan to get out of debt by ceasing unnecessary spending for the period of time until we got debt free. Well...it lasted all of a month and a half. Christmas came and then the direction changed. I found it was an incredibly insightful month and a half. I found I became very much more aware of my spending, I still do find I am more careful and selective about what I spend my money on. As well we make the times we do go out to eat (which is very few and far between) more special because it is rare. Therefore truly enjoyed and appreciated by all. Beside the children's few gifts at Christmas time, getting and receiving things is not a regular occurrence. I am happy to say though that we are 75% out of debt since this started, which leaves a small portion for us to reach our goal. So were we too extreme, gungho? Probably, my husband and I are well know to be that way. Or quitters, bailing out? Could be, Its hard to hang in there for 360's! But I do know that balance is the key. Buying a coffee isn't a sin. Letting desires compromise priorities begs to be challenged. So what can I say? For now we are happy with keeping unnecessary spending to a minimum, because I truly do believe being in debt is not OK. Accumulating a mass of stuff is not what life is about, you cant take it with you. Life is about who you are living for and that is what brings true JOY in your life. Jesus, Others, lastly Yourself. Priorities, is when I am taking a step forward not backward, and every single step (choice) in life will do that: forward -or- backward.

Early Spring Time Musings

Lake and his cousin were busy one after noon building crosses. I believe just for fun, but I love it that the cross was on their minds.

Making a Bird Nest:

Violet wanted to make a nest for the birds outside. We have to leave a note for the birds as well, she told me.

As an after thought, I carefully took the nest out by inverting it on top of another bowl and lined the bowl with plastic wrap. So that would be a good idea before you start, to line the bowl with plastic wrap. We were able to get a bunch of thin twigs from an old hydrengia bush. We broke them up into 2-3 inch lengths, line the bowl with them and squirt a bunch of glue all over them, to make our nest. It dried over a couple days and now birdie ready. Gods creation amazes me constantly. All the effort it takes for a make-shift nest, when itie bitie birds make cozy durable ones out of their God given insticts.

The weather is finally getting a bit warmer and less snowy for the kids to be outside more for play.

Birthday cupcakes for less effort than what it looks like.
1 white cake mix
2 oranges, zested and juiced
3 cups of gratted carrots
1 Tbs. cinnamon
canned cream cheese frosting
extra carrot
pecans
green candy coated chocolates
Heat oven to 350, line 2 muffin tins. Prepare cake mix as package directs but submitting the juice of 2 oranges for the water. Add the zest from the 2 oranges. Add 3 cups of grated carrots, and cinnamon. Divide batter into tins. Bake 18 min. After muffins are cooled, frost with canned cream cheese frosting. Sprikle with pecans and carrot peels rolled to look like rosets. Place in the middle of each cupcake with a green candy.

We had to take a long drive to the doctors. But I am thankful for the sights we got to take in on the drive, and even the detour, due to the road washing out.

The mountains snowy tops and the dry fields looked just amazing on this overcast day!

This distorted picture almost looks like a painting.

Delapatated barns are still good for something if only pictures.

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Deliver us, we pray thee, from the tyranny of trifles. Teach us how to listen to the prompting of thy Spirit, and thus save us from floundering in indecision that wastes time, subtracts from our peace, divides our efficiency, and multiplies our troubles. Amen

-Peter Marshall

 

Some spiritual math there for you. But this quote made me think about what our group was reading about in bible study yesterday, in Matthew chapter 26. The story of the woman pouring the EXPENSIVE perfume over Jesus. It made me think of how logically the disciples were correct in their thinking but also this woman was bang on in her discernment because she was thinking with her faithful heart. So there, in my opinion proves the point that a following believer of Christ doesn't go strictly by rules (legalism) but continually turns to the Lord for direction and discernment. We obey and follow then because we love Him.

Virtual Flowers for You

 

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

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Life holds no sweeter thing than this- To teach a little child the tale most loved on earth
And watch the wonder deepen in his eyes
The while you tell him of the Christ Child's birth; The while you tell of shepherds and a song,
Of gentle drowsy beasts and fragrant Hay
On which that starlit night in Bethlehem
God's tiny Son and His young mother lay.

-Adelaide Love

 

A Merry Christmas to You!

Fields of Frost and Snow

 O! unto what do my eyes display?
 But a morning drive, that was visually enhanced with the beautiful touch of frost and snow.
 It was hard to keep my eyes on the road this morning. With the white against the blue skies, it just looked so elegant.
 Thank you Father, for Your beauty all around, drawing me closer to You.

 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24. I read this while reading my bible today. A perfect thought for everyday, but especially this time of year, don't you think? And with what has been all over the news lately, the verses that  proceed that and follow bring some peace and hope. Hebrew 10:23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. v.25 and let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

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God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

 

This was just some of the beauty I saw on a walk this moring with my mum. All the freshly fallen snow was still beautifully coating everything.

I Saw the Light

 The drive to school lately has been so pretty, due to the frost, fog and low hung sun. I am constantly wishing I could stop and take pictures. But the kids would be late :(

 I have been thinking a lot lately on the topic of self improvement. And I have really come to the conclusion that having children and a husband has made me see myself more and more, enabling me to see the changes I need to make. I am a perfectionist, and that I guess can be obvious in how many "self-help" books one has (chuckle). But one thought  provoking question I had at the end of all of these self-help thoughts, and ways to change and improve myself was .... who should I really be changing and improving myself for? Myself, so I can be The Best? Or for God, to give him the glory and Honor and be His useful tool. And then... this was what I read this morning during my daily bible reading,
Timothy 2:20-21
 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honourable use, Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
 Self improvement (AKA surrendering to the Lord and cleaning up my life), is most useful when done for honouring God and therefore being a blessing to others. 
 So I saw the light in this area of my life. Maybe late? But not too late!

Tomato Soup Sky

 This was the sight out of my kitchen window the other morning...ahh so beautiful

And this was our fuel for the afternoon while my sister and I chopped and stacked wood. This soup was adapted from a recipe in The Pioneer Woman Cooks cookbook. It makes a non-tomato-soup-liker into a tomato-soup-lover. So here is my lower cost & calorie version (and you can use up some tomatoes from the garden for this recipe):
1 med onion, diced
6 tbsp. butter or margarine
8-10 small tomatoes washed and stems cut out. To remove skin, place in pot of boiling water until you can see the skin begin to peel away and get wrinkly. It takes about a min. Then dunk into cold water, and the skin will slip right off.
5 cups tomato juice or cocktail
3 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. chicken soup base
pepper
2 cups milk (I used skim)
2 tbsp. each: dried parsley and basil

Process --- > Melt the butter in a large pot, and cook the onions. Then add the rest of the ingredients, plus a cup of water, excluding the milk and herbs. Simmer the soup over medium heat. Turn off the heat just before it boils then add the last 3 ingredients. And now if you have a hand mixer that will make it easy to puree the soup to make it smooth. Now that is some yummy soup.

A Moment

{ this cool fall moment }