A Lighter Moment

Couldn't resist sharing this one:

A little boy took the chair at the barbershop.

"How would you like your hair cut today, son?" asked the barber.

"Oh, do it like you do Daddy's, with the big hole at the back."

Breaded Turkey Cutlets

Often, I like to have turkey cutlets because they're low in calories. One night I tried the following recipe from Allrecipes.com and we all loved it, so I thought I'd pass it along:

1 cup Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 turkey breast cutlets, 1/4 inch thick
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1. Mix the bread crumbs and cheese in a shallow dish. Spread both sides of turkey with sour cream and press into the bread crumb mixture to coat.

2. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place turkey in the skillet and cook 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and cooked through.

Two things: I used plain fat free yogurt instead of the sour cream and I also mixed a little Dijon mustard into the yogurt per a suggestion by one of the reviewers. Oh, and a third thing: Someone suggested letting the cutlets sit a bit after breading them so the coating doesn't come off while pan frying. I did that (for about fifteen minutes) and it worked well. More info here.

The Fast That He Has Chosen

Better late than never! First I was out buying groceries in anticipation of yet another snowstorm and then our internet service decided to act up. But here I am this Wednesday with a Word dear to my heart. More wonderful posts for Word Filled Wednesday can be found at Susan's Forever His.

Is this not the fast that I have chosen. . . Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Isaiah 58:7-8

I am a great fan of World Vision. I got this picture of Haitian children from their Facebook page and was compelled to post it here and this verse, so beloved by me for so many years, came to mind. Like many of you, I have fasted on occasion for various reasons, but this verse is a poignant reminder of the fast that God has chosen. Do you see these smiles? These are the smiles of very poor children, and the poor are so dear to God as His Word bears out. I think of those living in poverty often, but not often enough. I try to send help from time to time, but it's so little compared to what I spend on myself. I pray for a larger heart towards them, because that would make me more like God.

Blessed to Blog

The other day while going to my dashboard to check my feed, I happened upon a little piece of information that surprised me. I saw that I had made 399 posts so far with Blogger. So that means.. . [drum roll?] . . .yes, this is post number #400! Wow. I had no idea. I think people do special things when they reach these century numbers. Lots of folks have giveaways, but in case you haven't noticed the sticky note at the top of this page, we're having one of those right now at the business blog, so that won't work for this. I didn't know what to do to celebrate, so I decided I'd just count my blessings. Of blogging, that is.

As is true of most of us, there have been times that I've struggled with this whole blogging thing. Mostly the struggles have to do with fitting it into my busy and sometimes hectic life. Sometimes it has had to do with subject matter, feeling a bit brain dead occasionally. It has worked out much better after I made the decision here some months ago. Having settled in with that, blogging is now a definite part of my life, resulting in real blessings. I've thought of these six, but I'm sure there are more:

1. Friends. There are quite a few of you who I sincerely count as friends. We've never met personally, but it just "feels" like we know each other and are kindred in heart and spirit. When I come by your little place on the Internet and refer to you as "sister" or "friend," I really do mean it.

2. Devotions. That's right. Some of the posts which some of you write are nothing short of devotional material as far as I'm concerned. I can't count how many times there has been a blog post that has edified, comforted, challenged, and/or encouraged me.

3. Travel. Now that may sound silly, but you've got a person here who has lived in one state all her life and has seldom traveled far from it. My blogging buddies tell me all about the weather where they are and lots of other goodies about other parts of the country. There have even been a few British and Australian friends that would give little tidbits about their neck of the woods. It's interesting reading about events on the west coast or what it's like to live on a farm and so on.

4. Fun. Love you witty folks. We actually have a lot of fun together! Some of our blogging friends give us something to chuckle about and you know how much we need the merry heart!

5. Helpful information. If you've learned a lot from being a blogger, raise your hand! I know I have. There have been so many times I've learned how to do something or how to save (like our Hands and Hearts blog), found a good recipe, gotten good household tips, etc. To me, that's no small matter and it's a real benefit. Blogging broadens our scope. I like to check in on a few folks who blog about political matters and I learn quite a bit that the regular news don't tell us. Sometimes we can find out things we wish we didn't know, but more often than not they're things we need to know.

6. Self-expression. It's good to be able to have a place to say things to others without even leaving the home. When we have a blog, it's our place where we can say whatever we want (within reason) and we can choose to "converse" with others via comments if we so choose. It's rather nice to chit-chat that way. But most importantly for me, this blog is a place where I can talk about the Lord. That's the best part of all.

So there you have it. I could say so much more, but as usual, I can't stay here long--have a lot to do. Be by to see you soon, friends, but for now you can congratulate me for 400 blog posts!

Such a Tragedy

He was always such a favorite around our house. Most of you know about the scandal/tragedy and today Tiger Woods issued a statement to his family and friends, and to the world, actually. Of all his expressions of sorrow for what he's done, there was one particular aspect of his statement that made me particularly grieved. He talked about his need to return to his faith of Buddhism. Poor thing. What he needs most is Christ. I'll be sure to pray for him about that more than anything else. Hope you will too.

May the Lord have mercy on this family. Another proof of the futility of riches.

Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. Proverbs 16:8

Olympic Skating Drama

Well, it's going to be bedtime soon, but I'm sitting here on the couch with my laptop, getting in some blogging and watching the Olympics. Waiting for the drama! Tonight is the men's figure skating finals and the three men you see here are in one-two-three position in order from left to right. But they are so close in points that it's almost a tie! They are from Russia, the U.S., and Japan respectively. My younger daughter is a huge fan of figure skating and she's quite excited about what's happening tonight--rooting, of course, quite intensely for the American, Evan Lysacek. They'll be skating soon! Going for the gold! Guess I'll be up late!

And I wanted to say a thank you for my new blog friend, Laurie (of Nana's House), for a sweet Sunshine Award today. Laurie blessed me in some other ways too today and I want to thank her for that also!

The Persecuted Church

For more Word Filled Wednesdays, visit Christy at Critty Joy.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Just a reminder to remember the persecuted church in our prayers.

A Lighter Moment

A man telephoned his neighbor at four o'clock in the morning and said, "Your dog is barking and keeping me awake."

The neighbor called him back at four o'clock the next morning and said, "I don't have a dog."

My Savior's Love

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you. Tomorrow we get to celebrate it on Sunday, the Lord's Day. Have a blessed day in Jesus, all you who know Him as your Savior. And if you don't know Him, it's never to late to be among those who are basking in the amazing love of Calvary.

I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me,

A sinner condemned, unclean.

He took my sins and my sorrows;

He made them His very own;

He bore the burden to Calv'ry

and suffered and died alone.

How marvelous! how wonderful!

and my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful

Is my Savior's love for me!

~ Charles H. Gabriel

I Sure do.

Not that he wasn't without his problems and imperfections, but well, let's just say I do. And even though he's still being blamed for every thing that's wrong in the country, I still miss him. In fact, it started when he flew off in that helicopter over a year ago, as I said in my post of January 20th last year.

Anyway, I thought this billboard was funny. It stands along Interstate 35 in Wyoming, Minn. and was purchased by a group of small business owners and other people from that area who want to remain anonymous. What can I say, folks.

Enough said here.

God's Message to This World

Quite a few of my friends take part in this blogosphere activity and it has always been one of my favorites. So I thought I'd jump in too.

Riches and honor are with me, yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

Proverbs 8:18-19

As I think about all of the economic issues not just in our country, but the world, I keep thinking about the real need: Jesus. The words of that song are always echoing in my mind. "You can have this whole world, but give me Jesus."

This week's World Filled Wednesday is being hosted by Lori of "All You Have to Give" and you can go there to find more posts.

Here We Go Again!

We haven't completely dug out from the last one, but another huge storm is headed our way later today. The guy on the radio just said these exact words: "For the second time in less than a week, the area is about to be clobbered with a big, nasty, snowstorm." I just got back from a visit to WalMart to get more bread and milk and something else that's important: Valentine's Day cards and gifts. I should be well stocked with food from last weeks gigantic shopping trip to our local supermarket, so we're all set for another day or two of seeking shelter in our home. We maintained our power the last time, so pray that the same happens again. School closings are being read over the airwaves and most planned activities are being cancelled.

Well, it's supposed to come down heavily overnight, so I'll probably be getting up again at the crack of dawn to go out to clean off the feeders so that my little feathered friends can get to the seed and suet at the various stations in our yard. The above picture is of our poor little dogwood tree which never did quite make it after it was planted in the spring of 1996, the Mother's Day following the death of my mom. It was planted in memory of her; she loved dogwood trees. Unfortunately, it gets very few blooms during the time when it should bloom (around Mother's Day). But it is a popular spot during winter storms because it always holds a square of suet which the birds particularly like during cold and harsh weather. Suet is beef fat and I understand it's quite good for them. I put it up at several places during the heart of the winter. You can see the one starling eating while a couple of others are waiting their turn. I wonder why they were being so polite--usually they aren't! The puppy with the rose in his mouth is a window cling on the back sliding door. He and all the other little critters in these Valentine clings help to cheer up the place and look quite pretty against the backdrop of the snowy backyard.

So, that's what's happening here. How's the weather where you are?

Huge Storm Warnings

Remember my post last Saturday? Check out this video (very short).

By the way, we have a HUGE winter storm warning in this area coming tomorrow. Supposedly, one of the biggest ever. My poor birds, they're going to be frantic. If I'm able, I'll be out there in near blizzard conditions on Saturday trying to help them out. From the sounds of this storm, driving is out of the question, and going outside period will be questionable. Well, we'll see . . .

Two Silly Girlies

Children's children are the crown of old men [and women]. . .Proverbs 17:6a

I needed a new picture for my sidebar and got a few goodies from their mommy. But all my pictures are digital! Now I need to print some out to carry in my purse. What a nanna I am--people ask me for a picture of my grandchildren and unlike grandmothers of old who would show photos to folks who hadn't even asked, I have to say "Oh, I have plenty online, but none with me." Isn't that awful? I am an unfortunate product of this electronic age!

Older Than Dirt

I got one of those nostalgic forwards from an "older" friend and took the quiz. Well, I guess I'm older than dirt, as there were only two on the list that I didn't remember. Wow. Here are a couple of excerpts from the email as well as the quiz. Take it and let me know how you make out. Don't be afraid to tell!

MEMORIES from a friend :
"My Dad is cleaning out my grandmother's house (she died in December) and he brought me an old Royal Crown Cola bottle. In the bottle top was a stopper with a bunch of holes in it.. I knew immediately what it was, but my daughter had no idea. She thought they had tried to make it a salt shaker or something. I knew it as the bottle that sat on the end of the ironing board to 'sprinkle' clothes with because we didn't have steam irons. Man, I am old."

How many do you remember?
Head lights dimmer switches on the floor.
Ignition switches on the dashboard.
Pant leg clips for bicycles without chain guards.
Soldering irons you heat on a gas burner.
Using hand signals for cars without turn signals.



OLDER THAN DIRT QUIZ
Count all the ones that you remember not the ones you were told about.
Ratings at the bottom.

1.Candy cigarettes
2.Coffee shops with tableside juke boxes
3.Home milk delivery in glass bottles
4. Party lines on the telephone
5.Newsreels before the movie
6.TV test patterns that came on at night after the last show and were there until TV shows started again in the morning. (there were only 3 channels [if you were fortunate])
7.Peashooters
8. Howdy Doody
9. 45 RPM records
10.Hi-fi's
11. Metal ice trays with lever
12. Blue flashbulb
13.Cork popguns
14. Studebakers
15. Wash tub wringers

If you remembered 0-3 = You're still young
If you remembered 3-6 = You are getting older
If you remembered 7-10 = Don't tell your age,
If you remembered 11-15 =You're older than dirt!