Don't look back. You're not going that way.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Sunday, December 29, 2019
CHRISTMAS PAST
The last Christmas of this decade has passed. Ahh, those decades go by quickly, don't they? As I usually share my events with pictures, I wanted to do that again this year. I don't want to disappoint my readers who enjoy seeing my life in pictures.
I entertained my neighborhood widows with a lunch again this year. Unbelievable that I took no pictures. None. I did entertain five women with two unable to come. We had a great time!
Another picture free event was a meal with family members from The Husband's side of the family. We enjoyed a steak meal at Longhorn Steakhouse.
The Grandbaby performed in her preschool Christmas program. I could share a lot of pictures but I will share only a few. It was a program of songs such as The Little Drummer Boy and The Reindeer Pokey. Such fun and such a growth in The Grandbaby this year. She started waving as soon as she walked in.
Posing for pictures has become challenging in our family. At least The Son-In-Law is smiling and looking at the camera. One out of three ain't bad.
Success....
There are four friends I have who, along with me, make up The Lunch Bunch. We have been friends since our kids were in elementary school. For 25+ years, we have ate lunch together....monthly for a time, often less often. Finding time together this past year has been a challenge. This group of friends have shared family problems, cancer diagnosis, spousal and parent deaths, sicknesses, and just this past few months a brain surgery. This year our Christmas lunch was a lunch full of thankfulness at what the Lord has brought us through. Yes, this group of friends are praying friends and supportive friends. The tall one was just recovered from brain surgery when this lunch happened. In fact, she was the driver to the lunch and our hearts were full of thankfulness and joy! And may I say that my red sweater got a lot of use this Christmas?
Look how sweet that tiptoe with that shoe slipping off is...it's the little things...she was having no part of lap sitting with him.
And there was the gingerbread house building. This year the house came unassembled. Unfortunately.
There was Christmas at the great grands--Grandaddy and Moe....
...and gifts The Grandbaby loved. The Grandbaby loved EVERY gift. She also loved helping everyone open their gifts. She has quite the artistic side and loves the coloring and the building.
Here's our token annual photo from that gathering. Yes, I was pleased that I was the lap of choice for this picture even though my expression leaves a lot to be desired. Lap sitting in my particular lap doesn't happen often.
Christmas Day was lunch at our house. The Grandbaby had not tired of the gift opening by then at all.
I usually fill stockings for my gathering. I suggested to The Husband this year that he shop at the dollar store and buy me three gifts for my stocking. I would do likewise for him. I bought him nice gifts--candy, crossword puzzle book, and dental floss pickers. Yes, he uses those, thank you.
When my time came to open my stocking gifts, here are two I received...
The Husband said he gave me the hair color in hopes that I would look like the girl on the box. I suggested I would need good makeup for that to happen....
I also received these for my tired eyes and a package of three mini bottles of breath drops. What a guy is The Husband!
The stocking gifts brought a really good gift when combined....the gift of laughter! Everyone except The Grandbaby laughed...she was a little small to appreciate the humor.
We played puzzles, which The Grandbaby loves to do...
The Girl got a couple of sentimental gifts. One was an "I will finish this after Christmas" tablecloth made from a couple of bedspread panels my aunt was cross-stitching at the time of her sickness and passing. I intended to make something out of it eventually and this was the year...perfect for The Girl's table. And The Girl does love sentimental gifts.
The other was a couple of framed pieces of the two favorite piano solos taught her by her former piano teacher who has also gone to heaven. The pieces have all the handwriting of the teacher and brought The Girl much joy. She will hang near her piano. She played this particular one for her county Junior Miss competition. I put the remaining pages behind the mat so they would always be together.
Of course there was the group photo session which took place outside in the warm, spring like temperatures.
See, I was not the chosen lap on this day....
And see...gotta love the challenges....
And in closing, lest we forget the REAL reason for the season.....Happy Birthday, Jesus! (Yes, we sang and blew out the candle!)
"Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15
So Christmas is past, but hopes remain that we will move into the new decade sharing the true meaning of Christmas daily in our lives and with all who we are blessed to meet.
And now....to all a good night!
I entertained my neighborhood widows with a lunch again this year. Unbelievable that I took no pictures. None. I did entertain five women with two unable to come. We had a great time!
Another picture free event was a meal with family members from The Husband's side of the family. We enjoyed a steak meal at Longhorn Steakhouse.
The Grandbaby performed in her preschool Christmas program. I could share a lot of pictures but I will share only a few. It was a program of songs such as The Little Drummer Boy and The Reindeer Pokey. Such fun and such a growth in The Grandbaby this year. She started waving as soon as she walked in.
It's always fun for a little girl to have pictures made with Poppas, Grandaddys, Nanas, and Neemas.
Posing for pictures has become challenging in our family. At least The Son-In-Law is smiling and looking at the camera. One out of three ain't bad.
Success....
There are four friends I have who, along with me, make up The Lunch Bunch. We have been friends since our kids were in elementary school. For 25+ years, we have ate lunch together....monthly for a time, often less often. Finding time together this past year has been a challenge. This group of friends have shared family problems, cancer diagnosis, spousal and parent deaths, sicknesses, and just this past few months a brain surgery. This year our Christmas lunch was a lunch full of thankfulness at what the Lord has brought us through. Yes, this group of friends are praying friends and supportive friends. The tall one was just recovered from brain surgery when this lunch happened. In fact, she was the driver to the lunch and our hearts were full of thankfulness and joy! And may I say that my red sweater got a lot of use this Christmas?
There was also another "bird" gift this year from my secret giver. I LOVED it just as I still enjoy all the ones given in years before. If you are reading this and are my secret giver, thank you so much! These gifts give me the warm-fuzzies every single time I get one.
There were visits with various "Ho Ho's".....
Look how sweet that tiptoe with that shoe slipping off is...it's the little things...she was having no part of lap sitting with him.
And there was the gingerbread house building. This year the house came unassembled. Unfortunately.
There was Christmas at the great grands--Grandaddy and Moe....
...and gifts The Grandbaby loved. The Grandbaby loved EVERY gift. She also loved helping everyone open their gifts. She has quite the artistic side and loves the coloring and the building.
Here's our token annual photo from that gathering. Yes, I was pleased that I was the lap of choice for this picture even though my expression leaves a lot to be desired. Lap sitting in my particular lap doesn't happen often.
Christmas Day was lunch at our house. The Grandbaby had not tired of the gift opening by then at all.
I usually fill stockings for my gathering. I suggested to The Husband this year that he shop at the dollar store and buy me three gifts for my stocking. I would do likewise for him. I bought him nice gifts--candy, crossword puzzle book, and dental floss pickers. Yes, he uses those, thank you.
When my time came to open my stocking gifts, here are two I received...
The Husband said he gave me the hair color in hopes that I would look like the girl on the box. I suggested I would need good makeup for that to happen....
I also received these for my tired eyes and a package of three mini bottles of breath drops. What a guy is The Husband!
The stocking gifts brought a really good gift when combined....the gift of laughter! Everyone except The Grandbaby laughed...she was a little small to appreciate the humor.
We played puzzles, which The Grandbaby loves to do...
The Girl got a couple of sentimental gifts. One was an "I will finish this after Christmas" tablecloth made from a couple of bedspread panels my aunt was cross-stitching at the time of her sickness and passing. I intended to make something out of it eventually and this was the year...perfect for The Girl's table. And The Girl does love sentimental gifts.
The other was a couple of framed pieces of the two favorite piano solos taught her by her former piano teacher who has also gone to heaven. The pieces have all the handwriting of the teacher and brought The Girl much joy. She will hang near her piano. She played this particular one for her county Junior Miss competition. I put the remaining pages behind the mat so they would always be together.
Of course there was the group photo session which took place outside in the warm, spring like temperatures.
See, I was not the chosen lap on this day....
And see...gotta love the challenges....
And in closing, lest we forget the REAL reason for the season.....Happy Birthday, Jesus! (Yes, we sang and blew out the candle!)
"Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15
So Christmas is past, but hopes remain that we will move into the new decade sharing the true meaning of Christmas daily in our lives and with all who we are blessed to meet.
And now....to all a good night!
Sunday, December 15, 2019
A QUESTION FOR YOU
Well, one of the busy pre-Christmas weekends is almost done. I marked a few things of my list but still have a few more. Is it okay to repeat myself by saying "the old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be?"
Today was our church's annual Christmas program. For the first time I can remember in the past 45 years, it was a morning program. This year it was a program involving the children and a musical but told the simple story of Jesus. It held Happy Birthday Jesus, Wake up Shepherds, and my favorite program song for years Jesus Was Born For Me.
The Grandbaby was Mary this year. One never knows how three year olds will do at this kind of event. The Grandbaby was a bit wiggly in her part and her nose did some running without a tissue but all in all, for a three year old, she did pretty good. Her buddy in crime was Joseph. The director said that the audience might get some chuckles. They did that for sure.
In the beginning all went nicely.
I will insert here that The Grandbaby's Baby Aurora was the one chosen to portray the Baby Jesus. She was swaddled tight tight tight. That is a very good thing.
It was shortly after the program began that Joseph did something different.
Baby Aurora/Jesus disappeared from the manger and Mary had to look for her. Seems that Joseph thought his stuffed dog might want to be in the manger instead. Joseph actually was quiet and subdued for the remainder of the program. Mary? Not so much.
Yes, all this was comical. I reminded myself of all the times I worked with children and assured the parents that the children would grow out of their "mischoop" (as The Grandbaby calls it).
Look at this picture.
My question for you is "What do YOU see?"
Sure, I see little feet in stylish shoes that some day will show up in someone's photo box and they will say "That's the kind of shoes we wore back then." I see a wide-eyed doll lying on the floor under something wood.
You know what else I see? I see a piece of weathered wood with stains and I am reminded of the many many years that manger has housed a doll of some sort for children and adults alike to tell the story of Jesus. That manger may be shaky, but it's stood the test of time.
Then I look and I see a representation of a baby on the ground trying to be hidden from sight. How often do I try to hide Jesus away from sharing and showing? Too much, I fear.
I want to be like that weathered wood and stand the test of the storms of life. I want my manger to house the blessed Jesus who is the light of the world!
As The Husband said, he didn't realize the first night of baby Jesus was so "restless" meaning the wiggles on stage. I chuckled at that but I so love the story and I love to hear children, however wiggly they are, portray that story as they learn it for themselves.
Yes, Jesus was born as a baby all those years ago. He lived on earth, was crucified on a cross for my sins and for yours, and three days later rose again! He lives in my heart today and for that I can say "Jesus was born for me"....hallelujah!
So random as this post is, there you have it!
Consider..........
Today was our church's annual Christmas program. For the first time I can remember in the past 45 years, it was a morning program. This year it was a program involving the children and a musical but told the simple story of Jesus. It held Happy Birthday Jesus, Wake up Shepherds, and my favorite program song for years Jesus Was Born For Me.
The Grandbaby was Mary this year. One never knows how three year olds will do at this kind of event. The Grandbaby was a bit wiggly in her part and her nose did some running without a tissue but all in all, for a three year old, she did pretty good. Her buddy in crime was Joseph. The director said that the audience might get some chuckles. They did that for sure.
In the beginning all went nicely.
I will insert here that The Grandbaby's Baby Aurora was the one chosen to portray the Baby Jesus. She was swaddled tight tight tight. That is a very good thing.
It was shortly after the program began that Joseph did something different.
Baby Aurora/Jesus disappeared from the manger and Mary had to look for her. Seems that Joseph thought his stuffed dog might want to be in the manger instead. Joseph actually was quiet and subdued for the remainder of the program. Mary? Not so much.
Yes, all this was comical. I reminded myself of all the times I worked with children and assured the parents that the children would grow out of their "mischoop" (as The Grandbaby calls it).
Look at this picture.
My question for you is "What do YOU see?"
Sure, I see little feet in stylish shoes that some day will show up in someone's photo box and they will say "That's the kind of shoes we wore back then." I see a wide-eyed doll lying on the floor under something wood.
You know what else I see? I see a piece of weathered wood with stains and I am reminded of the many many years that manger has housed a doll of some sort for children and adults alike to tell the story of Jesus. That manger may be shaky, but it's stood the test of time.
Then I look and I see a representation of a baby on the ground trying to be hidden from sight. How often do I try to hide Jesus away from sharing and showing? Too much, I fear.
I want to be like that weathered wood and stand the test of the storms of life. I want my manger to house the blessed Jesus who is the light of the world!
As The Husband said, he didn't realize the first night of baby Jesus was so "restless" meaning the wiggles on stage. I chuckled at that but I so love the story and I love to hear children, however wiggly they are, portray that story as they learn it for themselves.
Yes, Jesus was born as a baby all those years ago. He lived on earth, was crucified on a cross for my sins and for yours, and three days later rose again! He lives in my heart today and for that I can say "Jesus was born for me"....hallelujah!
So random as this post is, there you have it!
Consider..........
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
YES, A GRATEFUL HEART....AGAIN....
It's so hard for me to believe how time has flown by, faster and faster every passing year, it seems. As I reflect on the thankfuls this Thanksgiving season, I refuse to look back at my past posts even though this one might repeat gratitudes from those posts. I've learned it's okay to repeat thankfuls over and over and over every single. Yes, not just on Thanksgiving. Every. Single. Day.
I find myself also amazed at how the Lord speaks to me these days. Maybe it's because I seek His voice and listen for it and to it much more than I used to. Take this morning, for example. As I turned to my devotion/study that I'm drawing near to a close, the scripture it took me to was Isaiah, one little chapter of 6 verses. It was so fitting for today and the season, plus it was already colored in my yellow in my Bible. Coincidence? Nah.
Yes, I want to make mention of HIS name for he has done excellent things!
For the past few weeks, The Son-In-Law, The Girl, and The Grandbaby have been giving one thing each to be thankful for as they eat their supper. The only rule is that it can't be the same thing every time. When they ate with us, I did change the rule a bit as I would give my "thankful", then say that we ALWAYS need to be thankful for Jesus. Everyone agreed so that thankful became the exception to the rule. I got a bit teary-eyed one Monday after that as I had picked up The Grandbaby at preschool as each Monday goes. We were looking at her crafts from school and the first thing in the folder was a cross that had tissue paper attached. At the top of the sheet was "I'm Thankful for Jesus". Well duh....there you go. Coincidence? Nah.
So with all that introduction, here's just the highlights of my thankfuls this year.
I'M THANKFUL FOR JESUS!
I'm thankful for salvation I received over 50 years ago.
I'm thankful that choice to accept HIS salvation has grown sweeter and sweeter with each year.
I'm not only grateful for a family, but a healthy one this year, give or take a snotty nose or two or three.
I'm thankful there's food on the table.
I'm thankful there's gas in the car. (Insert here that I'm glad I don't use as much gas as I used to as the car gets better gas mileage than in the past.)
I'm thankful for a cluttered house. It shows we live here happily.
I'm thankful for a church where I can worship freely and a church family who prays just because there's a need, there's been a request, or just because they love.
I'm thankful for friends in all walks of my life who touch my life in so many ways.
I'm thankful that my wonderful surgeon and I have not met in a doctor's office or an operating room in 16 months. Yes, I'm counting! It's a huge deal!
I'm thankful for a comfortable recliner and a comfortable set of pajamas.
I'm thankful that my ears can hear a little voice that says, "Neema" and for a neck that can feel the squeeze of a hug from a little one. Ahhh....
I'm thankful for the little bit of sleep I do get every night and I look forward to being thankful should that little bit of sleep become an uninterrupted all night sleep. :)
I'm thankful for comfort in times of uncertainty and fears.
I'm thankful for mercy for times that I need it...which is daily.
I'm thankful for faith in "the plan" of my heavenly Father.
I'm thankful for grace. Where would any of us be without amazing grace?
I'm thankful for assurance that God provides and supplies. When storms come and doubts blow by, I'm thankful those doubts are fleeting and replaced by the assurance that God is near.
I'm thankful that there's so much more that I don't have the space or time to mention. Plus you don't have the time to read, but trust me, there's so much more.
So to end this with another one of my favorite scriptures that I'm sure you've heard here before:
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7
And all God's people said, "Amen!"
Consider....
I find myself also amazed at how the Lord speaks to me these days. Maybe it's because I seek His voice and listen for it and to it much more than I used to. Take this morning, for example. As I turned to my devotion/study that I'm drawing near to a close, the scripture it took me to was Isaiah, one little chapter of 6 verses. It was so fitting for today and the season, plus it was already colored in my yellow in my Bible. Coincidence? Nah.
For the past few weeks, The Son-In-Law, The Girl, and The Grandbaby have been giving one thing each to be thankful for as they eat their supper. The only rule is that it can't be the same thing every time. When they ate with us, I did change the rule a bit as I would give my "thankful", then say that we ALWAYS need to be thankful for Jesus. Everyone agreed so that thankful became the exception to the rule. I got a bit teary-eyed one Monday after that as I had picked up The Grandbaby at preschool as each Monday goes. We were looking at her crafts from school and the first thing in the folder was a cross that had tissue paper attached. At the top of the sheet was "I'm Thankful for Jesus". Well duh....there you go. Coincidence? Nah.
So with all that introduction, here's just the highlights of my thankfuls this year.
I'M THANKFUL FOR JESUS!
I'm thankful for salvation I received over 50 years ago.
I'm thankful that choice to accept HIS salvation has grown sweeter and sweeter with each year.
I'm not only grateful for a family, but a healthy one this year, give or take a snotty nose or two or three.
I'm thankful there's food on the table.
I'm thankful there's gas in the car. (Insert here that I'm glad I don't use as much gas as I used to as the car gets better gas mileage than in the past.)
I'm thankful for a cluttered house. It shows we live here happily.
I'm thankful for a church where I can worship freely and a church family who prays just because there's a need, there's been a request, or just because they love.
I'm thankful for friends in all walks of my life who touch my life in so many ways.
I'm thankful that my wonderful surgeon and I have not met in a doctor's office or an operating room in 16 months. Yes, I'm counting! It's a huge deal!
I'm thankful for a comfortable recliner and a comfortable set of pajamas.
I'm thankful that my ears can hear a little voice that says, "Neema" and for a neck that can feel the squeeze of a hug from a little one. Ahhh....
I'm thankful for the little bit of sleep I do get every night and I look forward to being thankful should that little bit of sleep become an uninterrupted all night sleep. :)
I'm thankful for comfort in times of uncertainty and fears.
I'm thankful for mercy for times that I need it...which is daily.
I'm thankful for faith in "the plan" of my heavenly Father.
I'm thankful for grace. Where would any of us be without amazing grace?
I'm thankful for assurance that God provides and supplies. When storms come and doubts blow by, I'm thankful those doubts are fleeting and replaced by the assurance that God is near.
I'm thankful that there's so much more that I don't have the space or time to mention. Plus you don't have the time to read, but trust me, there's so much more.
So to end this with another one of my favorite scriptures that I'm sure you've heard here before:
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7
And all God's people said, "Amen!"
Consider....
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
THE JOY OF A KITCHEN
I got up this morning with the realization that today is a rare day at home for me. Nowhere to go all day long. That has become quite the rarity. Being Wednesday, I am looking forward to having guests for supper. Today, though, is the day I decided I would prepare food fitting for Thanksgiving. Yes, turkey, dressing, potatoes, green beans with cheesecake in the oven. Ah, and let's not forget the cranberry sauce for The Son-in-Law and me.
I decided I would be organized and I am happy to report to you that I am. I was able to sit for a while with my devotion and Bible and read about Peter and Jesus walking on the water. I thought about storms of life and how one has to walk by faith, not by sight. Pretty soon after that devotion I got a text from a dear one asking prayer for some testing for her husband next week. I have a dear friend, too, who is having surgery now as I type. I was thinking about prayer and specifically my own and wondered if my prayers ever got higher than the ceiling. I kept pondering that as I worked around here in the kitchen.
I then chose to leave the television off and put on some CDs. The first I have chosen here is by Alan Jackson. Let me tell you, not many folks can sing those good old songs and hymns like Alan Jackson. As he began to sing, my heart began to overflow and shucks, I'm still teary as I type. He sang "Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling". If I remember correctly, that song was sang at my Granny's funeral many years ago. I thought it was such a very odd choice, but her choice. Since then I have learned the joy of the verse that goes "Oh for the wonderful love he has promised. Promised for you and for me. Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon. Pardon for you and for me." What joy that is!
Then there was "I Love to Tell the Story". And I do love that story so much. I just don't tell it enough. It says "I love to tell the story of unseen things above...of Jesus and his glory....of Jesus and his love...I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true....It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do....I love to tell the story for those who know it best....seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest...and when in scenes of glory, I sing a new new song....twill be the old old story that I have loved so long."
And then one of my favorites...."Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus....just to take him at his word....how I've proved him o'er and o'er....I'm so glad I learned to trust Him...and I know that thou art with me, will be with me to the end."
Forty one years ago when The Husband and I started dating, I noticed in my mother-in-law's kitchen there hung a framed verse which was a prayer. I always loved it. After she passed, that came to me and hangs in my kitchen today and I love it more and more.
The turkey might be dry, the green beans might burn, and the cheesecake might fall, but there will remain joy in this kitchen. May all who enter always feel it!
I'm thankful this day for that and that God has assured me that HE does hear my prayers.
Consider.....
I decided I would be organized and I am happy to report to you that I am. I was able to sit for a while with my devotion and Bible and read about Peter and Jesus walking on the water. I thought about storms of life and how one has to walk by faith, not by sight. Pretty soon after that devotion I got a text from a dear one asking prayer for some testing for her husband next week. I have a dear friend, too, who is having surgery now as I type. I was thinking about prayer and specifically my own and wondered if my prayers ever got higher than the ceiling. I kept pondering that as I worked around here in the kitchen.
I then chose to leave the television off and put on some CDs. The first I have chosen here is by Alan Jackson. Let me tell you, not many folks can sing those good old songs and hymns like Alan Jackson. As he began to sing, my heart began to overflow and shucks, I'm still teary as I type. He sang "Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling". If I remember correctly, that song was sang at my Granny's funeral many years ago. I thought it was such a very odd choice, but her choice. Since then I have learned the joy of the verse that goes "Oh for the wonderful love he has promised. Promised for you and for me. Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon. Pardon for you and for me." What joy that is!
Then there was "I Love to Tell the Story". And I do love that story so much. I just don't tell it enough. It says "I love to tell the story of unseen things above...of Jesus and his glory....of Jesus and his love...I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true....It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do....I love to tell the story for those who know it best....seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest...and when in scenes of glory, I sing a new new song....twill be the old old story that I have loved so long."
And then one of my favorites...."Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus....just to take him at his word....how I've proved him o'er and o'er....I'm so glad I learned to trust Him...and I know that thou art with me, will be with me to the end."
Forty one years ago when The Husband and I started dating, I noticed in my mother-in-law's kitchen there hung a framed verse which was a prayer. I always loved it. After she passed, that came to me and hangs in my kitchen today and I love it more and more.
The turkey might be dry, the green beans might burn, and the cheesecake might fall, but there will remain joy in this kitchen. May all who enter always feel it!
I'm thankful this day for that and that God has assured me that HE does hear my prayers.
Consider.....
Monday, November 18, 2019
SOUP
I LOVE soup, especially this time of the year! A favorite is the Sausage Lentil Soup at Carrabbas Italian Grill. Yum! Often at our house, we will have vegetable soup and cornbread made from leftovers from the refrigerator. No, there is no recipe for that one. Then there's chili, beef stew, shrimp gumbo....ah, the list is endless.
One food The Husband is not crazy about is chicken. He just can't help it. He doesn't care much for chicken but he will eat it if that's the main dish. It's hard to find a Southern guy who doesn't like chicken but if you ever need one, call The Husband. He will fit the bill.
A few years ago I would go to a monthly scrapbooking crop at a friend's house. She would serve lunch and she would serve a chicken soup on occasion that was just delicious. Since then, I have used her recipe for food for the sick and for the soup supper that sometimes happens at church. There is usually an empty crockpot when all is done at these events. It's THAT good. Granted, not to The Husband, but to the rest of the population. With that in mind, I thought it might be a great season to share this lovely recipe.
CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
1 T. butter or margarine
1 large onion, chopped
3 c. chopped cooked chicken
3 (14.5 oz.) cans chicken broth
1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 (8 oz.) pkg spaghetti, broken into 2" pieces
7 celery ribs, diced
6 medium carrots, diced
1 t. poultry seasoning
1 t. pepper
1 t. grated lemon rind (I often leave this out, simply because I don't keep in my pantry.)
2 c. milk
2 c. (8 oz.) shredded cheese
Melt butter in Dutch oven over medium heat; add onion and sauce until tender. Stir in chicken and next 9 ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmer 45 minutes. Stir in milk; return to simmer. Remove soup from heat and let stand ten minutes. Sprinkle each serving with shredded cheese. Makes 12 cups.
Easy to do in crock pot and even quick if you want to do on stovetop.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 11, 2019
A THOUGHT FOR THIS DAY
You faithful blog readers who go to my Sunday School heard my explanation of this thought yesterday when I filled in for the regular Sunday School Superintendent in his absence. This thought has stuck with me since a friend ended her prayer with it this past Wednesday. The thought of it has been so strong, I am committing this verse to memory.
I wanted to share with you today as a thought for this day:
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
I do love what that says to me and want it to be so in my life and heart.
Consider........
I wanted to share with you today as a thought for this day:
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
I do love what that says to me and want it to be so in my life and heart.
Consider........
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
ANOTHER DECADE BIRTHDAY
Today marks 40 years since The Son-In-Law entered the world. There's something about that 40th birthday that seems to be a big deal. I do remember mine actually as it was spent many years ago at a District Honors Chorus weekend and I wore a fine lighted BLINKING pin that said "I'm 40" all day long. Yes. All. Day. Long. I was quite a sport. Sadly, I can't find it now or I would have loaned it to The Son-In-Law to wear today.
With all that commentary said, I couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging it's specialness and especially the specialness of The Birthday Guy. He came into our lives via the computer--eharmony to be exact. Happenstance one might say but I say it was a divine appointment. God had a plan and a good one it was. And without a doubt, God can use a computer.
I don't look back each year I write posts such as these to avoid repeating things I said last year. I probably say the same things because I learned long ago that if one tells the truth, that one won't wonder what he/she said. So I tell the truth.
The truth is that The Son-In-Law is the best! In the world that I believe in, he does it all correctly. He loves God first, loves his girls immediately after that, and others next. He's a strong spiritual leader in a spiritually sound home. He's a good husband, a good daddy, a good friend, a good Son-In-Law, a good provider for his household, and so much more. The youth he leads at church love and respect him as do his friends both old and new. He can give sound advice and most of all seeks the Lord in prayer for things needed. He doesn't have to pray very long to find the Lord as he keeps the Lord with him all the time. He so loves his girls with an endless love. He is faithful. I could ask no more of a son-in-law.
You might say I've gone a bit overboard and you could be right but I think that's okay, too. I'm entitled. The Husband and I were only blessed with one child, a sweet little girl who grew up to be a wonderful woman of faith. Blessings continued with The Son-in-Law and The Grandbaby. As for The Son-in-Law, I couldn't have picked a better son for us if I had the opportunity to hand pick myself. I am blessed beyond measure.
So Happy Birthday Son-In-Law with much love and respect back to you.....
With all that commentary said, I couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging it's specialness and especially the specialness of The Birthday Guy. He came into our lives via the computer--eharmony to be exact. Happenstance one might say but I say it was a divine appointment. God had a plan and a good one it was. And without a doubt, God can use a computer.
I don't look back each year I write posts such as these to avoid repeating things I said last year. I probably say the same things because I learned long ago that if one tells the truth, that one won't wonder what he/she said. So I tell the truth.
The truth is that The Son-In-Law is the best! In the world that I believe in, he does it all correctly. He loves God first, loves his girls immediately after that, and others next. He's a strong spiritual leader in a spiritually sound home. He's a good husband, a good daddy, a good friend, a good Son-In-Law, a good provider for his household, and so much more. The youth he leads at church love and respect him as do his friends both old and new. He can give sound advice and most of all seeks the Lord in prayer for things needed. He doesn't have to pray very long to find the Lord as he keeps the Lord with him all the time. He so loves his girls with an endless love. He is faithful. I could ask no more of a son-in-law.
You might say I've gone a bit overboard and you could be right but I think that's okay, too. I'm entitled. The Husband and I were only blessed with one child, a sweet little girl who grew up to be a wonderful woman of faith. Blessings continued with The Son-in-Law and The Grandbaby. As for The Son-in-Law, I couldn't have picked a better son for us if I had the opportunity to hand pick myself. I am blessed beyond measure.
So Happy Birthday Son-In-Law with much love and respect back to you.....
Monday, October 28, 2019
CHOCOLATE CHIPS
You might have heard of the saying, "In the cookie of life, friends are the chocolate chips"....or you may not have but it's sounds good, doesn't it? Most people like chocolate. Most people in my life like chocolate chips with the exception of The Husband. Right. That doesn't affect the truth that I buy chocolate chips at my local wholesale store by the VERY big bags. And I use them quickly.
I have lots of friends that really enjoy my chocolate chip cookies. No brag, just fact. There's The Pastor, The Accountant, The 101 Year Old Neighbor, many more, and most of all The Grandbaby. Does she love chocolate chip cookies most? Uh huh. So being The Neema that I am, I keep them in the freezer.
With the success of these cookies lately, I thought I would share the recipe. I will say that my cookies have taken a drastic change for the better since I bought those silicone baking mats (see Amazon and search for silicone baking mats--mine are Amazon brand--and they fit perfectly in my warehouse package of large baking pans).
I have made many batches of cookies lately and I have just frozen a couple of packs so I will have when any of these folks need....especially The Grandbaby. She needs them every time she visits.
Another thing I have been careful of is having my ingredients at room temperature. That does make a difference.
Here's my recipe:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
3/4 c. butter flavor shortening (I use Crisco sticks)
1 1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
2 T. milk
1 T. vanilla
1 egg
1 3/4 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chocolate chips (ok, I admit I at least double this amount, sometimes more. Who wants a
chocolate chip cookie without mega chocolate chips?)
1 c. pecans (optional--I often leave out as The Grandbaby prefers no nuts and I aim to please.)
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine shortening, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat egg into creamed mixture. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Mix into creamed mixture until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Drop rounded tablespoon of dough 3" apart onto ungreased baking sheet (or onto silicone baking mat). Bake one baking sheet at a time at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Do not overbake. Remove to wire racks for cooling. (I have found that if you take out the cookies when they are almost done and slightly soft in middle and let them stay on pan for 5 minutes or so before removing, they make a softer cookie. Getting more brown and done makes a crisp cookie.)
I freeze these cookies to remove as needed to eat. I freeze in plastic bag like this:
It only takes a couple of minutes out of the freezer to be delicious!
So, now you can be a chocolate chip in someone's life AND enjoy eating chocolate chip cookies!
I have lots of friends that really enjoy my chocolate chip cookies. No brag, just fact. There's The Pastor, The Accountant, The 101 Year Old Neighbor, many more, and most of all The Grandbaby. Does she love chocolate chip cookies most? Uh huh. So being The Neema that I am, I keep them in the freezer.
With the success of these cookies lately, I thought I would share the recipe. I will say that my cookies have taken a drastic change for the better since I bought those silicone baking mats (see Amazon and search for silicone baking mats--mine are Amazon brand--and they fit perfectly in my warehouse package of large baking pans).
I have made many batches of cookies lately and I have just frozen a couple of packs so I will have when any of these folks need....especially The Grandbaby. She needs them every time she visits.
Another thing I have been careful of is having my ingredients at room temperature. That does make a difference.
Here's my recipe:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
3/4 c. butter flavor shortening (I use Crisco sticks)
1 1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
2 T. milk
1 T. vanilla
1 egg
1 3/4 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chocolate chips (ok, I admit I at least double this amount, sometimes more. Who wants a
chocolate chip cookie without mega chocolate chips?)
1 c. pecans (optional--I often leave out as The Grandbaby prefers no nuts and I aim to please.)
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine shortening, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat egg into creamed mixture. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Mix into creamed mixture until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Drop rounded tablespoon of dough 3" apart onto ungreased baking sheet (or onto silicone baking mat). Bake one baking sheet at a time at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Do not overbake. Remove to wire racks for cooling. (I have found that if you take out the cookies when they are almost done and slightly soft in middle and let them stay on pan for 5 minutes or so before removing, they make a softer cookie. Getting more brown and done makes a crisp cookie.)
I freeze these cookies to remove as needed to eat. I freeze in plastic bag like this:
It only takes a couple of minutes out of the freezer to be delicious!
So, now you can be a chocolate chip in someone's life AND enjoy eating chocolate chip cookies!