2007, going, going......almost gone!

They say as you get older time goes by faster. Someone knows what they are talking about. It is true! So many things we thought would happen, didn't. And many things caught us off guard. Who knows what this new year will bring?! I guess life would be pretty boring if we knew what was coming. I had a couple of prayers answered this week. One was that it would snow Christmas Day! And it did!! But melted by evening. That's OK. It looked beautiful and made the day more special.
We've had very little snow so far. The picture above of Roxy and Chewy playing in the snow at our pond, is from last year. What we've had this year hasn't stuck. But Winter isn't over yet.
We've started one new year resolution; we worked out at the gym this morning. My back has been in bad shape, and then after getting rear-ended, it will take some work to get it back where it was. They tell me I just have to keep moving. It's the secret to staying younger longer. We all want that. But it takes work.

We've no great plans for this year, just taking it a step at a time. Jennifer, our youngest daughter and her family, may move east to Spokane. There is a chance we may follow. It's something we've talked about for a couple of years. I'm going with Bennie this month over there while he works. Aunt Cherri lives there so it's a good chance for us to visit and for me to look around. Definetly colder there, but DRIER! That's what I'm talking about!

We've almost finished Love and Respect. Excellent help for any couple. Anything good in this life takes work. And I'm not afraid of that. The benefits are priceless! Well my pot-roast is in the oven, and I'm off to make a lemon meringue pie for my sweetie. His favorite! I hope your New Year holds promise of better things for you and your families.

Love And Respect

This time of the year seems to be more difficult for relationships than any other. I find myself spending more time pondering that. Did you know the R-E-S-P-E-C-T was originally written and sung by Otis Redding? Not Aretha Franklin? Learn something new every day. The latest book (Bennie and I) are actually reading together, is called Love and Respect. It accurately describes the "Crazy Cycles" many of us get on and are on at any given moment. And the reason being, like everything else in our life; we get off the track! Take a look at what is stated in Ephesians 5:33: Husbands, love your wives unconditionally. Wives, show unconditional respect to your husbands.

Whoooooa! I'm detecting the reigns being pulled in tight! Isn't unconditionaly respect an oxymoron? I suppose it could look that way, but no more than unconditional love. We all have the tendency to reserve the right to wait until someone earns our love...OR respect, before we think we have to actually give it. But....these words in Ephesians aren't suggestions for us to ponder. We're actually commanded as children of the King to obey these words on how to live towards each other, even when we don't feel like it.

Our first allegience is always to the Lord God Almighty! You know, the One who created us in the first place. It is Him we obey, serve and.....adore. And when we do all the above, we show Him to the world, making Him proud of His children. Our faith is not based on how we feel towards someone, just as His love is not based on how He feels about us, thankfully! If we all got what we deserve .... ouch!

So for me personally, respect is one of the things this book is helping me to understand the importance of. I know the other part is coming soon, the unconditional love thing I want to hear about. God wired men and women a little different from each other. (You think??) And I admit it is sometimes very difficult for me to cough up some respect, especially when I can't see why I should! But it doesn't matter how I feel about it. If I make a habit of living my life according to how I feel about someone or a situation, then I am no better than the rest of the world.

I will update you on the rest of the book as I get through it. The unconditional love part is what we women are naturally wired for, and it talks a lot about that need we have from our men. For now I am just focusing on being obedient. Past experience has proven to me there are rewards for me in doing so; peace, assurance I'm on the right track, harmony in the house, power to stand my ground despite all the opposition, a viscious circle becoming a road I can actually see down, with light at the end, and Who knows what else.... Remember the "golden rule".... in Matthew it says "Treat others the same way you want to be treated." Makes sense, just not always easy to remember.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:2-7

And the angels sing......

Ho Hum.....

Work, eat, sleep. That's what goes on after the holidays, right? There is always something more to tend to. But the gray skies and coooold air seem to slow me down. It didn't even reach 40 today. And it just started raining. Should be icy roads tomorrow.

We enjoyed a day at the beach on Thanksgiving. The weather was just perfect. All the kids had other family places to be, so we waited until Saturday to cook the turkey. It was different, but nice.

Well I did pick up some apples from the local produce shop on my way home from work. It's time to make applesauce. Then my stock will be complete for winter. Baked one of the pumpkins yesterday and will make soup with it tomorrow and maybe a small pie with a spelt, walnut and butter crust. Now that I can have. The challenge of cooking minus wheat, dairy and sugar, not to mention fats (besides butter) keeps me thinking. Maybe that is why I am so tired. Send me your food ideas. I will be printing some new recipes later this week. And I promise to update you all on Bennie's Mexico trip. I'm just waiting for the pictures. Until then.....keep doing what's imperative so you can enjoy the benefits later. I think that's how it works?!

New items to watch for

I've added two new areas to the blog; Video Picks and Food Picks. Please feel free to send in good ideas for recent movies you've viewed that you would recommend or great food finds. Recently I have had to restrict my diet because of food sensitivities so I'm always on the lookout for good substitutes to dairy, sugar and wheat.

And as the winter months are approaching, I find myself looking for good videos to watch. I'm a Netflix member so I get them through the mail. It's a great convenience since I dislike shopping anyway. Even in a video store! New ones come in the mail within 3 days after I return the old ones. It's a great deal. So look for my video picks on the side columns and send me in some of your favorties.

Remembering refreshing times

Part of my family of friends and co-prayers....what would I do without your encouragement.

After feeling somewhat overwhelmed, well, downright flattened, I know where to look for strength and so there I go. Not always seeing immediate results, I am reminded that He keeps no clock. And especially not mine. My burdens are the friends and family around me that can't carry their own. As I woke up this morning an hour before the alarm went off, and prayed for those I care about, I realized how many of those people on my list are out of work. They comprise almost 50% of my prayer requests! I thought, WOW.....I want to encourage as many of them as are able to pray....pray with me...and believe. I read the book of James last night and was reminded again, my faith does count for something, and my prayers do move mountains. Imagine the prayers of the many.....He is just waiting to hear from us. So I encourage you.....put on your armor today.....and believe God. His promises are promises! He does hear his children!!

Now I'm off to the kitchen to bake the rest of the cookie dough I made last night for the students. Yeah, my students are adults but they never tire of home made cookies. And I've found since I can't work in the garden, making cookies and giving them away makes me feel better. And since I am a woman and can multitask......Praying while baking works great!

Be still.......

I was given a book a couple of weeks ago on the 23rd Psalm. An interesting observation by the writer was that sheep don't drink out of rushing streams....they need the water to be still or it frightens them. They understand that if their wool gets wet, they could drown from the weight of the wet wool. They seem stupid in a lot of ways, but their fears are real and they know to guard their life in that way. In part of the story, the Shepherd also realizes their fears and finds a way for them to drink out of still waters. He would even dam up water for them in one part of the stream so that the water was still.

And doesn't the Shepherd of our lives find ways to keep us calm, and lead us away from the rushing streams of our lives? More often than not we ignore His leading and keep going our own way......the outcomes not always so refreshing! This is not a 'be still' society. But.......we miss so much when we aren't. So much!

Another Week.....

It's been an amazing week. I finished a 4 credit college course in 5 days! And I have 6 4" thick notebooks to go through. My goal is February 1st. But if sooner then that's good too. I'm looking forward to trying new techniques on the upcoming class this Monday.

This morning I've been be-bopping to the Beatles Sargeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club, and I Get By With A Little Help From My friends, (that would be Roxy and Chewy). We danced and dusted, vacummed to the vibes, and drummed the dishes to the dishwasher! Now I can focus on other things.

Bennie and I were at the airport yesterday at 5:30 am to catch his flight to Hermisillo. So I imagine this morning he is enjoying huevos rancheros. Muy bien! He was so excited. I dont' know how much I'll hear from him until he is able to purchase a phone card. Thank all of you who are praying:~)

I'm off in an hour or so to play with my grandsons. I'll catch up with you later. Have a wonderful weekend!

Mysteries, Mexico and Monday??

Along with the book of John we are studying together as a group, I have been reading through the new testament for a few months. There are so many amazing mysteries there, but what is more amazing to me is the fact that the God of the universe wants to spend time with me every day! I know I wouldn't want to spend time with me if I were Him, but then thankfully I am not. I could really mess things up even worse than they already are! I have noticed a pattern in my life early every morning since I have been reading like this. Anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes before my alarm goes off, I wake up. Boing! Eyes wide open and no more sleep for me. I finally figured out He was telling me He wants the first part of my day with Him. At first it was sometimes a little annoying; I just really wanted to sleep that 30 minutes more. But I realized what was going on and just started meeting with Him first thing. He has rewarded me with not only His presence close to me (as if that weren't enough) but daily, He reveals mysteries from His word that I would have completely missed if I weren't spending that time with Him.

I finished I Timothy 6 this morning and in it I saw how there is nourishment provided for us at every turn in the road. If the pressures of this life keep pressing in on us, as they do, He is there with what we need to keep one foot in front of the other as we walk. This chapter is talking about our attitude towards others, no matter who they are. And that is always what Jesus focused on; our heart. How do we react to those who have any kind of say-so in our lives? It doesn't matter what kind of people they are, it matters how we react to them! Bottom line! It always seems to come back to that. The mystery in that is that usually you and I aren't capable of a good attitude towards others all the time. So how can He expect us to maintain that good attitude? It goes back to that daily process of emptying ourselves, just as Jesus did, so that He can fill us up with Him! He wants to touch others, love others, through us. No matter who we think "others" are or how they should be treated. He's the judge and jury, and in the end has the final say so over those we would like to throw to the alligators right now. The Creator of the universe created each and every one of us, loves each and every one of us equally. It's an amazing thing to me.

And then there is Mexico. I haven't told some of you about Bennie's up-coming trip to Mexico. He is excited. It's getting closer. He has a real hard time rolling his "r's" but he will be with many other people who I'm sure will help him communicate his need to find the "los banos"! (restroom)! So we are packing an crossing off the list the many items for the trip. Thank you Rachel for the awesome hand made soaps with scripture coins in them. I am sure they will love them. It's 90 degrees there today, so compared to the 33 here this morning, there will be the climate shock as well as the culture shock. We won't be able to communicate while he is there which will be difficult. Thank you in advance to all our friends who are praying for us.

And as Monday approaches it will be a very busy week. I have classes to attend for "Training the Trainer" that I have to attend all week in Wilsonville. I'll be counting it a big blessing if I make it home every day with less than 12 hours put in for that day. So today spaghetti sauce goes in the crock-pot that will supply dinner for a couple of nights, and Bennie is cooking a chicken dinner for us (the girls will be here for dinner!!) I take Bennie to the airport by 5:30 am Friday, have a quick breakfast with him after he checks in, and then off to work, and he flies off to sunny, arid Hermisillo.

So if you don't hear from me for a few days, you'll understand why. I do hope YOUR week is a week full of mysteries, blessings and the knowledge that God is right there, waiting to love you, and help you love others!

California Fires

There are many links you can view for info on the California fires. One is www.ocregister.com. This morning they know that some of the fires were set on purpose. 1600 homes gone, many could have died, thousands of fire fighters risking their lives....it escapes me that a person is capable of such hardness of heart.

It's Harvest Time

OK, now I am getting into this fall thing again. I woke up with a headache, a blessing in disguise, so decided to play hookie! It's a bit under control now so I decided to investigate the garden area. I realized even though I dug up the potatoes yesterday and they are supposed to sit about 36 hours before bringing them in, it was starting to rain. So I brought in some of them. They are still thin-skinned so I will leave the rest out until tomorrow. I planted about 23 plants just because I could. They are of the easiest plants to grow. So I think I ended up with about 70-80 pounds of potatoes this year. One of the plants was the result of a red potatoe I had in the cupboard that grew many eyes. I decided to just stick it in the ground and lo and behold, I got 10 pounds off that plant! One of the potatoes weighed in at 1 3/4 pounds all by itself. Some of the russets are siamese, and some look like a wrinkled old man with a very knobby nose. Oh, and the sugar pumpkins, there are about 12 I just pulled up, and we will be sampling some of those in the way of....you got it, pumpkin pie. And....roasted pumpkin seeds!

Tomatoes didn't do so well for me this year. Next year I need to plant them in a location with full sun. I pulled the last of the carrots. I have a few beets left in the ground. All in all, it was well worth the effort. I am reaping much more than I expected and I've already forgot about the hard work. I am hoping for a greenhouse next year so I can keep some things going all year round. But for now I have to put the garden to bed and say goodnight until Spring. Link to David Jeremiah studies today is talking about reaping what we sow, including showing the relationship between gardners (farmers) and our lives.

Getting the Best out of Teas

To tea or not to tea...that is the question! I learned more about teas today and wanted to share. You probably already know green teas are great anti-cancer teas, right? They also are good at lowering cholesterol. Did you know white tea is the purest, the least processed and has the least amount of caffeine in a tea? And then red tea is the best for drinking when you have had a rich meal. It aids greatly in digestion. Oolong teas are somewhere between green tea and black tea with only a moderate amount of caffeine. And then there is good ol' black tea. It of course, has the most amount of caffein which is still equal to only about 1/3 the amount of caffeine in a cup-o-coffee! Then there is jasmine, which is a flower tea, American and Chinese ginsengs....etc. The list is endless. The Chinese use tea medicinally in many ways. One can increase circulation just by adding cinnamon, cloves or ginger to teas. These work great as natural sweetners too. Whatever your cup-o-tea, it gives a lift to these gray days ahead. So enjoy one with a friend soon!

I couldn't have said it better

You put it well Jeannie. Our battles are with the forces of darkness in the heavenly places, and here. It's not a battle we see with our eyes per say. And God does have it all under His control, of which I am so thankful for. He is a good shepherd. And He knows His flock. My on-going desire is that I am open to Him using me to help others see. In the last days we know He is calling many to the great wedding feast. I want to be in tune with His plan to lead others to that wonderful feast we are all awaiting. I don't wish for any single person to miss out on that day. Come on and join the party!!

Threats and Such

Jeannie's take on the warnings and threats that come out of the Middle East:

I think these warnings and threats are probably real, and intended to be taken seriously. However, I also fully believe that everything that happens is under the control of the Almighty God of the universe. The intents and plans of man are under the authority of God's plans. While evil and terror are relished by evil and terrible people, they can only carry out their threats if given permission by our Heavenly Father, according to His infinite foreknowledge and ultimate good for His own people--those who are called according to His purposes.

Therefore, I do not fear whatever may come. I simply trust in His sovereignty and watchcare over me. During the last couple of weeks or so, I have been reading the book of Ezekiel in the New Living Translation. Before that I read the books of Daniel, Jeremiah, and Lamentations. It has been absolutely amazing to me to see the simlarities and significance for the time period that we are living in currently! This morning I read chapters 31-35, where it talks about the "valley of dry bones" and the events of Gog and Magog.

Instead of fearing what might happen on October 12 (this week), I felt incredibly excited about what might happen in God's plan as a result of whatever evil men are planning for that day.

My heart joyfully and eagerly responds:

"Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

In the headlines.....

JOEL ROSENBERG is airing on KPDQ at 1:00 pm today, our local radio station in Portland.

In recent news, there is a warning from the president of Iran (that's easier than trying to spell his full name), and while there is always someone it seems, threatening us more and more in recent years, one wonders if these threats should be ignored or taken lightly. For me, I am glad we know the end of the story. That doesn't mean we know exactly what will happen until then, so I am prepared as much as one can be. I keep a day's supply of something to eat and drink in my car. I have supplied our shelves with food and back-up heat for a month. And most importantly I stay tuned to the Holy Spirit daily! Some of you may think I am an alarmist. But I don't take these things lightly anymore. So many things are pointing to the road leading to the return of the King. While it is exciting for me and many others I know, it can also be a little unsettling, not knowing for sure how things will exactly play out and when. My chiropractor has given me an exercize to do often that involves stretching my neck back and upwards for a few minutes everyday. It only reminds me that it is the perfect place to keep my eyes focused. Up!!

Honey mustard chicken , potatoes & broccoli

I've added a link to Rachel Ray's Cooking Show for recipes. I was able to watch it last week and she had a recipe on there for Turkey Meatloaf to die for! The show was called double down, meaning she cooked enough for 2 meals and then used the leftover meatloaf for what she called enchilasagna!! Take a look at her under my "view other websites" on the right!
An easy, quick and healthy Sunday Supper:
2 Chicken breasts (better and healthier with bone in)
Homemade honey mustard (made in a flash!)

Simply place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish. Season lightly, and coat with honey mustard: 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, 1/2 lemon, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Whisk honey, lemon juice and mustard together, and then whisk in olive oil for 1 minute. This is also great on a green salad.

I serve this with easy boiled red potatoes, or you can roast them in the oven with the chicken. Just drizzle them with a little olive oil and pinch of salt. Cook chicken and potatoes 35 minutes in a pre-heated 350 oven, covered. Then remove the cover, baste with a little more honey mustard and turn the oven up to 400 and cook for 15 minutes more to brown the chicken.

A great vegetable side dish, your favorite vegetable ( I cooked fresh broccolli for 15 minutes, then squirted a little lemon and olive oil on top, with a dusting of parmesan cheese), or a green salad with the leftover honey mustard dressing. *You can use salmon instead of chicken, but only cook 15 minutes, with the last 5 at 400.

Healthy Eating (You are what you eat)

In light of the fact so many people I know are in need of good information on how to eat healthier, I want to include recipes and links that I hope will be helpful. Many people are intimidated about cooking foods that have previously been foreign to the palate, and some have misconceptions about healthy food being yukky and difficult to cook. Cooking healthy and tasty foods have been my passion for many years and recently I was diagnosed with food allergies that were causing big problems. I had no idea that changing my eating habits would bring such comfort and a new energy level I haven't had in years. I would love to share this with all who can use it to their own benefit and pleasure! Here's to happy eating and a healthier you! Look under "websites I view" on the left side of my blog for more information.

Summer days are on their way out, and fall is approaching quickly here in the Northwest. This picture was taken when our daughter and her family were visiting this summer. I so wanted summer to last at least another, well 3 or 4 months! But back to reality; I need to get out in the garden and prepare it for next years' planting. Out with the old (crops) and in with the new....when Spring decides to peek its' head out in a few months. My work load has increased and will continue to do so for the next couple of months. That isn't all bad; it keeps me from scowling under these gloomy skies. So I always try to find lessons in life. Even in this I can see that it is similar to the dry, seemingly unproductive seasons in our lives that God is still yet at work in us. Change is certain for all of us, and as we 'go with the flow,' we can indeed look forward to emerging, in a new season, a brighter butterfly. These kinds of seasons are just as necessary as watering the seeds in the springtime. Without each distinctive season, the richness and beauty wouldn't be nearly as bountiful. Each growth period produces a richer you and me, more useful and beautiful for the gardner and, the surrounding landscape which we are all a part of. This gives me reason to look beyond these gray days, and forward (with a little patience) to another new season. Happy growing!

Bennie's Birthday Bash

We had great fun and enjoyed seeing all of you who came. Daughter and family from California, his sisters came from Iowa and California. Aunts & Uncles from Spokane and Renton as well as many good friends from near and far. Thanks to all who came to celebrate!!

Sunday Suppers

Some Sundays need to be kept simple, relaxing. On those days I like to fix a quick supper so that we can relax and enjoy the day of rest. If you have ever read my previous blog, you'll know I like share some of my recipes. Today I really kept it simple, yet tasty. My husband requested this one and it's one I haven't fixed in years. It doesn't have a name, so you can customize your own creation and give it your own name!!

One pound of ground beef, browned
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
2 eggs, scrambled seperately

To this I add salt, pepper and soy sauce

Topped with green onions for color and voila!

A simple green salad or corn on the cob rounds out a simple Sunday Supper.

Happy Resting

Well it's time to start a new one, and why wait for a new year? My goal this time around is to be more creative, more encouraging, and hopefully communicate both ways with all of you. It will take some time to get this as organized and filled up as the old blog, but we'll get er' done! Have a happy day, His way!