Going Away

Next week my family will be away on vacation so I won't be around. Just stopping by with another quickie. Hope you are all well; I have been making a few pop visits this evening, but if I missed you I'll try to catch you when I get back. I've just finished having a birthday and an anniversary and these are the flowers that have been prettying our table for those occasions. Thought I'd leave them here while I'm gone.

My neck is somewhat better but the problem is still with me; I'm afraid it's probably going to be a chronic one. At least I'm not needing Advil for these last three days, so that's something to be thankful for. Maybe I can enjoy vacation after all. Got a new cervical pillow for my birthday! I am so excited about it and hope it helps; it just came yesterday and I'm still just "breaking it in" and will continue to do so when I go away (it's going with me!) so I'll let you know. So far, so good. If any of you have upper back, headache or neck problems, go take a look at it here; you may be interested.

God bless! Have a great weekend looking unto Jesus! Pray for us, please.

Hi Friends!

This is a picture of how I feel these days. The old brain isn't working very well and sitting at the computer isn't the best thing because of a pain in the neck I picked up somehow. Now, I am referring to literal pain, not to any person that I may know. Don't ask me how I got it; I woke up like this on Saturday morning. So for now I'm just "doctoring" this thing, hoping with all my might that it goes away before we leave for vacation the end of next week. I'll try to make pop visits to see some of you here and there, but I doubt if I'll be posting for a couple of days. Hope summer's off to a good start for all of you!

By the way, this is a picture of a "peafowl." Maybe that's what a female peacock is called or is it a separate breed?

Primary Day

Here in our state it's primary voting day and there's a hotly contested race on the Republican side for the governorship. (Is that a word?) Well, we went and voted for the candidate of our choice. You may remember some things I said back at the general election about the community we live in. We are VERY much in the minority. So one of the ladies who waited on us was so shocked when she saw that we were voting on the "REP" side of things. She was so excited (quite obviously because she too was another of those strange R's in the community) that she actually kissed my hand in jest and whispered her thankfulness to see another of us come in. It was quite obvious that the other lady behind the table did not share her view. Actually, it was all quite amusing to say the least. It was late morning, and I was only number 2 to vote in our district for our political party. I wonder who the other one was? Oh, it was probably that lady. Well, my husband followed along as number 3 and she was all the more tickled.

Not that I think any particular political party is the answer to all the woes that we are enduring as a nation. Our only hope and answer is the Lord. This country needs Him desperately. We need to RETURN to Him. We never were following Him perfectly, of course, but there was a day when we at least showed some semblance of seeking God. That's why the button you see above was not an offense to me. You see, while I am thankful for many of the advances we have made here in America, there are so many ways that I would indeed like to go backwards. Actually, this button made me think. How and where would I like to see this country of mine go backward? Here are a few:

1. There was a day when it was considered an abomination to intentionally kill a child in the womb, let alone that it would be legally sanctioned by the government.

2. There was a day when there would have been absolutely no question whatsoever that marriage was between a man and a woman. The fact that it would even be questioned at all would have been unheard of.

3. There was a day when prayer and Bible reading in public schools would never have been considered an offense to anyone. It was just a normal part of the school day.

4. There was a day when teaching abstinence was not questioned.

5. There was a day when you could turn on your TV to look at regular network programs, sit down and watch them with your children, and not worry what was going to be seen or heard from across the airwaves.

6. There was a day when stores and other places of business honored the Lord's Day.

I could do more, but I have to go start dinner so I'll stop for now. I wish I had time to go on, but maybe some of you have something you could add.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

I love, love, LOVE, this classical arrangement of this beloved hymn. I've posted this video before on my other blog and I know a few others who have too. But I felt the urge (or need) to post it again. Dear friends, it's worth the six minutes or so of your time to listen. I NEVER tire of it. Turn up the volume and let it resonate the beauty of praise in your home. You will think you are in glory. That's the way I feel every time I listen--this is what we'll be doing together in heaven, folks. Praising His great name. Come thou fount--tune my heart to sing thy praise! We'll be weeping tears just as the young lady is towards the end of the video. How can we not? Even though we've been "prone to wonder," He has forgiven us and redeemed us. Hallelujah!

Spelling Bee

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the National Spelling Bee tonight, while wondering how these kids can be so smart! In the entire two hour plus program, there was only one word that I've seen before and I wouldn't have been able to spell that if my life depended upon it. This young lady was the winner in a hard fought battle. Her name is Kavya Shivashankar (she got a head start early on by learning to spell her own name), and she seems like a sweet young thing. It's always a blessing to see something good in the news and to see young people achieving something worthwhile. So this was a nice break from all of the bad news we have to read and hear about every day.

Well, no spelling bees here. Believe it or not, today was the last day of regular classes on our home school dvd's and after a study/work day tomorrow, next week is finals. I CANNOT believe the year is almost over! We are so excited. Pray for my student if you think of it. She's had a good sophomore year, so pray that she ends well.

Still Thankful for America

There may be more concerns and worries now; we're not and never have been perfect; and we desperately need to turn back to God. But having said that, I'm still proud (and thankful) to be an American. For me, it's the best country on this planet, and I wouldn't want to have been born anywhere else. Remembering today those who have given their lives and who are currently risking their lives for the freedoms which we enjoy day after day. Praying those freedoms continue. God bless you, America.

Summer Eating

My day was considerably brightened following my weekly visit to the supermarket. The fresh corn at ShopRite was delicious-it was sweet and tender, rather unusual for so early in the season, wouldn't you say? Not only that, they have watermelons at a great price; only hope I got a juicy sweet one. This is the time of year when we often try to shed a few pounds, and summer eating really does help out. And think of all the good nutrition we're getting in the summer fruits and vegetables! Following are my favorite food items which are in season during this time of year into the fall. I look forward to their arrival every spring and summer:

corn on the cob
watermelon
cantaloupe
strawberries
zucchini and yellow squash
fresh garden tomatoes
blueberries
fresh green beans

later on, peaches

I live in the Garden State and many of these foods are grown in abundance around here. A trip to the road stand is a favorite activity for us to get fresh corn,squash tomatoes, and other goodies during the hot weeks. If the birds and squirrels (which I feed) were not so ornery, I would attempt to grow some tomatoes and cucumbers in my little garden patch, but those days are gone. I've mentioned before how those critters have shown their appreciation for my winter feeding by including anything that I grow in their summer menu. So I gave it up, and have resorted to flowers. They even bother my poor helpless marigolds sometimes, so I may just give up gardening altogether and resort to hanging flowers only. Actually, I'm not the best gardener anyway.

What do you look forward to for your summer eating?

Cast Thy Burden on the Lord

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

I took note of this verse in our family Saturday night Psalm reading, and immediately thought of this hymn. This hymn was not one of the ones I knew from my growing up years, as many of the old familiar ones were, but I fell in love with it when I discovered it. It's been quite a while since I've sung or heard it, so I thought it would be good for a Saturday evening prelude to worship. Meditate on these precious words, especially if you have any burdens, as most of us do at one time or another. Then, listen to the beautiful melody here.

Cast thy burden on the Lord,
Only lean upon his word;
Thou wilt soon have cause to bless
His eternal faithfulness.

He sustains thee by his hand,
He enables thee to stand;
Those whom Jesus once hath loved
From his grace are never moved.

Human counsels come to naught;
That shall stand which God hath wrought;
His compassion love, and power
Are the same for evermore.

Heav'n and earth may pass away,
God's free grace shall not decay;
He hath promised to fulfil
All the pleasure of his will.

Jesus, Guardian of thy flock,
Be thyself our constant rock;
Make us, by thy powerful hand,
Strong as Zion's mountain stand.

Anon.

Race Walker

Fan Benno-Caris is a champion race walker. We hear of lots of "champions" who do this and that, but what caught my eye (and ear) about this lady is the fact that she's 91 years old. Now she's running for her city council, because having lived through the Great Depression, she feels she has the experience to help out with the current recession. Sometimes I feel as though I'm slowing down because of getting older. This story inspired me: I'm not so old! See the short video here. You may be inspired too.

My Mother

Who fed me from her gentle breast,
And hush'd me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My Mother.

When sleep forsook my open eyes,
Who was it sung sweet lullaby,
And soothed me that I should not cry?
My Mother.

Who sat and watch'd my infant head,
When sleeping on my cozy bed;
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My Mother.

Who lov'd to see me pleased and gay,
And taught me sweetly how to play,
And minded all I had to say?
My Mother.

Who ran to help me when I fell.
And would some pretty story tell.
Or kiss the place and make it well?
My Mother.

Who taught my infant heart to pray,
And love God's holy book and day;
And taught me wisdom's pleasant way?
My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee,
Who was so very kind to me,
My Mother?

Ah, no! the thought I cannot bear,
And if God please my life to spare,
I hope I shall reward thy care,
My Mother.

And when I see thee hang thy head,
'Twill be my turn to watch thy bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed,
My Mother.

For God, who lives above the skies,
Would look with vengeance in his eyes,
If I should ever dare despise
My Mother.

~Author unknown.

A blessed Mother's Day to all of you who are mothers and/or have a mother. If your mom has gone on ahead of you, as mine has, cherish your memories.

There are always some for whom Mother's Day is painful for one reason or another. To those I say, having Jesus makes up for any lack you may have or have had in your life. Draw near to Him and seek Him with all your heart. If you or I have Him, we have all we need, even when the pain is there.

Well, Hello!

Guess who I think I just saw? Let me tell you, it's been ages since he showed his face around here. I was beginning to think he was mad at us about something. Did you guess who? Yes indeed, it was Mr. Sun! I just saw him. At least I think I did. Lately, it's only been that weepy Miss Spring Rain who's been showing up. Now, it's not that I have anything against her, as I know she has her good points, as everyone does, but she's been making somewhat of a pest of herself. You know what I mean: some people don't know when enough is enough. And it's one thing when Spring Rain drops her sweet little showers of blessings on us, but for the past few days she's been, well now, how can I say this? She's been pouring it on, I'd say. Also, unfortunately, when she hangs around for the number of days that we've been seeing her, she tends to let Mr. Gloomy and Miss Down in the Dumps slip in and hang around too.

Hopefully, Mr. Sun is making a gallant attempt to chase these folks away this afternoon. I really do think I'm seeing him. Even though those folks who think they're prophets are telling us that the aforementioned lady is determined to return this evening, I'll wait and see if she does make a comeback. So what if she does? One thing we all need to remember around here is that if she comes, or if Mr. Sun stays, or whoever makes an appearance in the coming days, the dear Lord sent them, meaning we should welcome them and ask Him to chase away that other guy and gal who often show up with the weepy lady.

The other day, when Miss SR was having quite a day, Neesie asked me about this soup that our pastor's wife had made last week, a soup which we all loved. I checked it out with Wendy (pastor's wife) and checked online and realized that this Chicken Shaker Soup, while great for company, was much too rich for our family to have on a regular day. So I went searching for a recipe that I could "adjust" to my liking, that is cut down fat and calories, and sure enough, I found one. I made it on Monday and absolutely love it! I thought I'd do my good deed for the day and pass it on to you. I'll give you the ingredients for my version and then give you a link to the original recipe, for any folks who'd rather not make the changes I did. And another tip: make it plenty ahead of time because it's much better after it sits awhile. We liked it even better for yesterday's lunch than we did for Monday's dinner. And you HAVE to have homemade bread with it!

Bev's making it today, but we enjoyed it so much better when Miss Spring Rain was around!

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

1 Tablespoon butter; 1 Tablespoon canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
3 cups chopped cooked chicken (breast)
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted (Healthy Choice)
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted (Healthy Choice)
5 cups chicken broth
1 scant teaspoon of poultry seasoning (or sage)
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas,carrots, green beans & corn)
1/2 cup evaporated whole milk, undiluted
1 cup evaporated skim milk, undiluted
4 oz. whole wheat linguine, broken into thirds (cook first if you want)

In a large pot, melt butter and oil and saute celery and onions until tender. Add the parsley, broth, soups, chicken, and seasonings. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium low and simmer for approx. 20 minutes. [Next time I may simmer longer on low.] Add the frozen veggies, cover and simmer for ten more minutes. Stir in the milk and cooked noodles. [I would say you could put the pasta uncooked into the soup and add milks when the pasta gets done. May try that next time.]
Heat through after adding milk and serve. [They say salt to taste, but I didn't need any salt. I used Goya bouillon to make the broth-two packets for five cups- and it was just right.] ENJOY!

The link to the recipe I used: About.com Southern Food

Uh-oh, while I was typing this Mr. Sun took off again. Is he showing his face where you are today?

Book Giveaway!

See this book? You can get a signed hardback padded edition of this book over at my friend Susan Skitt's Adventurous Living blog. She actually has had three devotionals published in this book and I am SURE they are fantastic! Go over and make a comment to have a chance to get a copy. All you have to do is tell Susan who your favorite woman Bible character is. I'm sure once you go to her blog, you'll go back. I seldom go without being pointed to Jesus in some way, and who doesn't want that?

God bless. I'll be back with a post later.

Mexico and Beyond

But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16

Have you been noticing, as I have, that the Lord has been giving us more and more indicators that this world is not our home? It seems to be there is one major "worry" after another; and most of these worries are worldwide. I have tried my best to remember the Who that is in total control of this universe and to be anxious for nothing. But also, you and I must remember the prayer needs of the lost who wrap all of their hopes - be they health, financial or otherwise - on this present world. Oh, what a sad state to be in.

Having said all that, I recognize the need to be sensible and cautious with regard to danger. Apparently in my state there are five confirmed cases of this flu and across the river there is a case involving a two year old boy who, thankfully, has recovered. So what's happening in your area? Are you doing anything to protect yourself, such as taking extra vitamins and staying away from public places? Are you perhaps thinking this is a Chicken Little type thing? Do you have concerns about the way our government is handling the situation? Well, at least we haven't done what the Egyptian government did. Those poor farmers over there.

Just curious. It's something how this whole thing started in one of the world's most popular vacation spots.

Coming to visit some of you this evening when I have some time, hopefully.

Tuesday Tips #6 - Save Your Back!

I just finished ordering something from Amazon and I'm very excited about it! I have been struggling with my vacuum cleaner for a while now, because lugging it around has not been good for my back, shoulders, and various other areas of my anatomy. Lately, getting up dog hair has been a never ending chore around here, at least until I can get my doggy to the groomer. Well, Bev told me about this neat little vc she just got and she's really loving it. She made a post about it yesterday at our business blog. I really encourage you to go read what she has to say. You may end up getting one too. You'll love the price ($20.00) and it qualifies for free shipping at Amazon! I just added one of those neat little devotional books by Elizabeth George ($7.99) and it took me over the $25 for free shipping. Go check it out at The SG Notebook. You also might want to leave a comment about any neat gadgets you have around your house.

The Joy of Believer's Baptism

This afternoon, my husband and I (and our church) had the joy of seeing, for the second time, one of my daughters enter into the waters of baptism. This time it was my youngest daughter Neesie. It's been a few years now that we have seen her growth in the Lord and what seems to be a genuine faith in Him. With young people, our church likes to give them a chance to have some age and maturity before we baptize them, so Neesie having reached this tender young age and having had a consistent walk for a while, the timing was perfect for her. We're very happy and thankful for this most precious and blessed of events. In all of her life, there will be none that will compare.

She and I had a nice little chat on yesterday about baptism. I told her how in some countries and cultures, the very act of being baptized is putting your very life on the line. There are those who have identified with Christ in believer's baptism, who have set themselves up for persecution by their government and being disowned by their families. All for the sake of Christ. Of all the joys of the Christian life, this is the greatest. All for Him. Can we give Him any less?

Praise God for Neesie and the three others who went into the waters today. Say a pray for them, would you please, that they will continue to follow the Savior they professed today and persevere to the end.