The Greatest Story

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over
their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

All I Really Want For Christmas Music Video

What a great reminder how much we have!

The mind of Christ...

"The things you allow your mind to dwell on do not just affect

YOU."

This statement was made yesterday in church. It really caused me to stop and think... and I hope you take a minute too.

Thursday's Recipe

Herb Dinner Rolls (makes 16 rolls)

1 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 Tbsp. yeast

1 tsp. salt

1 egg

2 Tbsp. melted butter

1/2 tsp. each: dried basil, oregano, thyme and dried rosemary crushed...or what ever herbs you have on hand.

3 1/4 cup bread flour..I use mostly whole wheat flour

coarse salt, optional

In a large bowl put water, yeast, and sugar stir until yeast is dissolved. Add the salt, egg, melted butter and herbs stir until combined. Gradually add the flour. Knead the dough adding more flour if the dough is to sticky. Place in a greased bowl. Let rise for one hour or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down. Shape into sixteen rolls. Place on a greased cookie sheet and let rise for 35 minutes, or until doubled. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Brush with butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Enjoy!

The Secret Place

He who dwelleth in the secret place of the most

High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, he
is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in
him will
I
trust.

Psalm 91:1-2

10.22.08

Brrr, it's cold! 34 degrees, and raining...I mean snowing. The leaves were being swished through the air last evening. It seemed like it was snowing little golden leaves for a few minutes....I love Fall. Snow is now gently falling to the earth.

First day of Autumn

Marinated feta...with fresh herbs and pepper corns.



Just a spider...we have far too many of these around.




The trees are changing colors.






Making pickled baby vegetables!

Random Niagara Falls Visit...

God's Promise:

The Rainbow

Picture posted for a friend...

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other...."

1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIV

Congratulations Jordan ♥ Keren!

We pray God will bless your marriage richly.

Nature and revelation alike testify of God's love.
Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy.
Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature.
Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness,
not only of man, but of all living creatures.
The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth,
the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator's love.
~Steps To Christ~

Eagles

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,
and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Picture taken in British Columbia May 2008

Antipasto Salad

The season for eating outdoors is here and a quick and easy dish to prepare is Anti pasta salad. Let your imagination come to life with this recipe. I haven't followed the recipe exactly;just used it as a guide.




1 pound small macaroni,cooked and drained
1/4 lb pound cheddar or jack cheese,cubed
1/4 pound pepperoni, cubed
3 green peppers,diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 can small olives (optional)
1 small onion,diced
3 tomatoes,diced

Mix together all ingredients. Prepare dressing;pour over all. Let stand for 6-8 hours or overnight.

Dressing:
1 tsp. oregano
1 ½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3/4 cup salad oil
1/2 cup vinegar
Mix together all ingredients;pour over salad.

A Quote

Whatever the circumstances
Whatever the call
Whatever the duty
Whatever the price
Whatever the sacrifice
His strength will be your strength
In your hour of need.
~Billy Graham~

British Columbia-Picture Tour...

On Saturday we took a two mile hike to Lindaman Lake














Flying over Montana.







Flying over South Dakota.

Washington State.

Approaching the twin cities-Minnesota

At Baltimore Washington International Airport waiting for our flight.

Jumbo Molasses Cookies

Warning this is a large recipe!

3 cups shortening
4 cups sugar
1 cup molasses
4 eggs
8 cups flour ( I use half whole wheat flour)
2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
--------------------
Additional sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add molasses and eggs;mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda,cinnamon,salt, cloves and ginger,gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. *Shape 1/4 cupfuls of dough into balls. Roll in Sugar. Place four cookies on a greased baking sheet at a time. Bake @ 350 for 18-20 minutes or until edges are set.
*When I make these I just make small balls and bake them at 375 for 5-10 minutes.

Yield 3 1/2 dozen

Tagged!

I was tagged by Danielle

Here's the rules

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random and some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know the are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are my facts...

1. I make cheese,yet I don't eat it.

2. Hmm...I'm having trouble coming up with weird habits...probably because it isn't so much the habits that are weird as it is just me...

3. I love doing construction,plumbing, and tinkering with electricity!

4. I think I can speak German until I have to speak it.

5. I don't like Brussels sprouts, or anything else in the Brassica family!

6. I like to be different and eclectic!

7. People always think I look young, like about 18, and just for your information I'm 24.

and NO, i am not tagging anyone. thank me, peeps. i spare thee further agony!

Sing with all Your heart...

"When you sing, don't hesitate;
He hears the spirit of God in you.
It will be beautiful, especially to Him...
Whether you can carry a note or not."

Things have been...

a little crazy around here but I'll post something soon! :)

Praise You In This Storm

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

By Casting Crowns

Porcupine=dogs=work

If you ever see a dog with a face full of porcupine quills it is truly something you'll never forget... and neither does the dog!

Our two Norwegian Elkhound dogs had an encounter with a porcupine bright and early this morning. Which meant getting into the veterinarian mode.....pliers,scissors,screaming dogs,blood. Fortunately the quills were fairly easy to extract.

Babies...

"A Baby is God's way of saying the world should go on...
... and a little Child should lead the way."

May the Lord bless the cradle rockers of today... and the ones of tomorrow...

Psalm 23....

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
-Psalm 23:1

What comfort to know in times of trouble that the Lord himself is our shepherd... guiding us through what may seem like an impossible situation. Praise the Lord God almighty for His unmatchless grace and everlasting Love!

Friendship...

"Friendship, like music, brings joy to the heart."

Here is a recipe for Outrageous Brownies....

You can see why they are called "outrageous" brownies by containing a whole pound of butter and a mere 1 1/4 cups of flour, not to mention six ounces of bittersweet chocolate and one pound plus 12 ounces of chocolate chips. The entire recipe follows below. You better be in the mood for something super chocolatey to make these! They are quite rich and well...OUTRAGEOUS!

Outrageous Brownies

1 pound unsalted butter

1 pound + 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

6 ounce bittersweet chocolate*

6 extra large eggs (large works just as good)

3 TBSP instant coffee granules

2 TBSP vanilla extract

2 1/4 cup sugar

1 1/4 cup all- purpose flour

1 TBSP baking powder

1 tsp salt

3 cups chopped nuts


Spray and flour a 12 x 18 x 1" baking sheet. Melt together butter, 1 pound of chocolate chips and bittersweet chocolate in medium bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, stir together eggs, coffee, vanilla and sugar. Stir in the warm chocolate mixture into egg mixture & allow to cool to room temperature. In medium bowl, sift together 1 cup flour, baking powder & salt. Add to chocolate mixture. Toss walnuts & chocolate chips in 1/4 cup flour, then add to chocolate batter. Pour into baking sheet. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes, then rap baking sheet against oven shelf. Bake about 15 more minuets or until toothpick comes out clean.

* To substitute bittersweet chocolate use 1 TBSP butter & 3 TBSP Cocoa = 1 oz. bittersweet chocolate. For 6oz. use 6 TBSP Butter & 18 TBSP Cocoa.

You may want to eat just a small piece or half a brownie to start with. They are not for the wimpy chocolate eater. Enjoy!