Sugar Plum Cake

Old Fashioned Sugar Plum Cake


2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 C Sugar
3 Eggs
1 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp allspice
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 Cup buttermilk
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Cup dried plums, chopped
1/2 Cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts)



Sauce


1 stick margarine (or butter)
1 1/2 C sugar
1/3 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 C Buttermilk


Grease and flour bundt or 9×13 cake pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer until well combined. Pour into prepared cake pan and bake for one hour.


Just before cake is done, place all sauce ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and continue boiling gently until sauce is thickened, about two minutes. Remove done cake from oven and poke holes all over top with a fork (or a tooth pick). Pour hot sauce over hot cake. Allow to sit in pan until sauce is absorbed.

What Does The Holy Word Say?

What Does the Holy Word Say?
Bible Word Study

Your Blessings Are So Many, Lord!

Your blessings are so many, Lord,
To count them one by one
Would take much longer than a day
That has just now only begun!

You fill each day with miracles
From dawn to setting sun.
Each night You hear a million prayers
When Your day's work is done.

You keep this old world spinning
As seasons come and go,
And each one is a masterpiece
That sets our hearts aglow.

You fill the earth with beauty, Lord,
With flowers, shrubs and trees,
And we marvel at Your rainbows
And butterflies and bees.

Your words still give us comfort
For Your promises are true.
Your blessings are so many, Lord,
In everything we do!


Is There A Little .....

Have you ever believed that God was there for you, even when it didn't seem like it? Then there's a little Moses in you.

Have you ever helped a friend be brave? Then there's a little Deborah in you.

Have you ever helped somebody even when nobody else wanted to help them? Then there's a little Good Samaitan in you.
 
Is there a little Thomas in you? Think you would've believed without proof? Hmmm.


Have you ever:

1. Wondered, even for a second, if God was really there?
2. Wished God would come to you in person so you'd be sure?
 
It's human to have doubts and want proof. But there are even better blessings in store when we believe without having to "see him in person." Bible Reference: John 20:24–29


Is there a little Noah in you?
People probably thought Noah was weird for being obedient.

Have you ever:
1. Given Respected to someone that looked less than respectable?
2. Befriended someone that was "different" while everybody else ignored them?
3. Been original when everyone else was mainstream?
 
Yes? Then you have confidence in God's instructions, just like Noah. Bible Reference: Genesis 8



Is there a little Judge in you? Think you don't judge people?

Have you ever thought:

1. You were better than somebody else because you are a Christian?
2. Thought someone wasn't really a Christian because they didn't practice their belief like you do?
 
We judge when we criticize people, even silently . . . especially when we're talking about God. Paul reminds us to leave the differences to God and just love each other. Bible Reference: Romans 14:10–13


Is there a little Titus in you? Have you ever advised somebody to "just say no" to any of these?

1. Fighting/Argueing
2. Gossiping
3. Cheating
 
If you go beyond "just say no" and help friends stay away from the un-Godly things, Titus has nothing on you. Bible Reference: Titus 2:12



YOU Getting To Know YOU !

The object of this is to get to know yourself better based on Scripture. Read each question and select an answer of either A, B, or C. (Be completely honest and no peeking at the Scriptures until you have selected your answer.)

Then read the Scripture based on the selection you have made. You'll be surprised at what you learn about yourself.


Ready? Then let's go!


1. I have to admit, when I make a promise I sometimes:

A. Make it before I know I can keep it.
Go to Proverbs 20:25.

B. Put off carrying it out.
Go to Deuteronomy 23: 21 and 23.

C. Try to get out of keeping it.
Go to Mark 7:9–13.


2. What do you want most in a friend? Somebody who:

A. Will stick up for you?
Go to Proverbs 17:17.

B. Can make you feel better?
Go to Job 2:11–13.

C. Will say, "You can do it!"?
Go to 1 Thessalonians 5:11.


3. When I meet a new person, I tell other people:

A. The good stuff I saw in her/him.
Go to Proverbs 11:27.

B. The not-so-good-stuff I saw in her.
Go to Proverbs 6:16–19.

C. Exactly what happened when I met her.
Go to Proverbs 12:17–19.


4. The consequences of my actions have been:

A. Natural, like a burn from touching the curling iron.
Go to 2 Corinthians 9:6.

B. From another person, like a fellow Christian.
Go to Hebrews 12:11.

C. From God, 
Go to 2 Corinthians 9:7–8.


5. When something comes up between you and a friend, do you:

A. Just leave it alone
Go to Matthew 10:13–14.

B. Go off on the person?
Go to Matthew 18:15–16.

C. Send an email/card/letter to try to work it out?
Go to 1 Corinthians 1:10.


6. It would be hardest for me to:

A. Give up money I saved.
Go to Luke 19:1–9.

B. Serve homeless people at a shelter.
Go to Matthew 25:34–40.

C. Let somebody else do what I so much wanted to do.
Go to Matthew 20:20–28.


7. When I realize I've hurt someone, I:

A. Just Hate myself for it.
Go to Colossians 3:13.

B. Apologize.
Go to Matthew 5:23–24.

C. Try to make up for it.
Go to James 2:14–18.


8. When you think God isn't answering your prayer, do you:

A. Figure He's saying no and give up on it?
Go to Hebrews 10:35–39.

B. Keep waiting and hoping?
Go to Hebrews 6:13–15.

C. Pray some more?
Go to Luke 18:1–8.


Dear God,
Why do I make so many mistakes/mess up when I want to do right?


Like everyone, you have a gap between what you know is right and what you do. It's there because you're human, but you can ask God to help you make your gap smaller. Tell Him about the times where your actions were way different from your beliefs. Then imagine the gap being pushed together by God's power, bringing you closer to Him.


Between You... and Me...

Compassion means you feel so badly for someone you want to help him or her. Have you ever NOT had compassion for someone when you probably should have? What can you do to change so that it never happens again?


Answer:  _________________________________________________

Autumn Song

"Come said the wind to
the leaves one day,

Come o're the meadows
and we will play.

Put on your dresses
scarlet and gold,

For summer is gone
and the days grow cold."

-  A Children's Song of the 1880's

What Does The Holy Word Say?

What Does the Holy Word Say?

Bible Word Study

When the Holy Spirit move in me
It's like a well loved symphony
The timeless melody
That soothes my soul ...

Though silent I can tell
He'e alive and I am well
I feel the Holy Spirit lives In me
as He plays His silent melody ...


"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12


Isn't it fascinating how creation takes time to praise our Lord?! Think about it for a minute... the wind blowing through the leaves, a bubbling brook as it moves along its way, the birds singing a song loud and clear, the crickets, frogs, waterfalls, the list could just go on... if you listen closely it is like you are hearing a Praise song to our Lord...and what a beautiful sound it is.


Now, if the VERY earth that He created takes time to Praise Him... how much more should we, His children, take the time? Praise Him in the morning, afternoon, or evening... praise Him with your words in a poem, or a song... it doesn't matter how you praise Him, as long as you take the time to Praise Him!

Music Makers


1. What stringed instruments did John hear in his vision of the heavenly throne? Revelation 14:2-3


2. Who is mentioned as the father of those who play the harp and organ?
Genesis 4:21


3. What prophetess played a timbrel and led the women of Israel in a victory song after the Red Sea incident?
Exodus 15:20-21


4. At the dedication of Solomon's temple, 120 priests played what instruments?
2 Chronicles 5:11-14


5. When the foundation for the second temple was laid, the priest played trumpets. What did the Levites play?
Nehemiah 12:35-36


The Lord wants us to sing and make music to Him. What does the Holy Word say in:


Psalm 81:1
Psalm 100:2
Psalm 57:7
Psalm 66:2
Psalm 95:1
James 5:13
Ephesians 5:19
Psalm 101:1
Psalm 40:3
Exodus 15:2
Colossians 3:16
Psalm 96:1

A Beautiful Day

Rise, Shine and Give God the Glory!

~Life is Short~ Eat More Cake!

Fresh Ginger Pumpkin Cake
Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

* Ginger-Cream Cheese Frosting (see below)


Directions

Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add pumpkin, beating until blended.

Combine flour and next 4 ingredients. Combine buttermilk, vanilla, and ginger. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with gingered buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed after each addition. Fold in chopped pecans. Pour batter into 2 greased, 9" round cakepans.

Bake at 350° for 18 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Ginger-Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Cover and chill overnight. Enjoy!


Ginger-Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients

1 1/2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add vanilla, beating until smooth. Chill 30 minutes or until spreading consistency.


“Let your beauty be found in “the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:4

What Does The Holy Word Say?

Bible Word Study
WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?


You have to be obedient to the Word of God. When you find out about what the Bible says about tithing, you need to be honest enough and courageous enough to obey the Word. It may not be comfortable at times but God is big enough to take care of all your needs and desires.



WORD STUDY

Substance (Latin substantia):
1. That which has mass and occupies space; matter.
2. That which is solid and practical in character, quality, or importance.
3. Material possessions; goods; wealth:
 

Firstfruits (Latin fûrstfrts):
1. The first gathered fruits of a harvest, offered to God in gratitude.
2. The first results of an undertaking.
 

Increase (Latin n-krs):
1. To become greater or larger.
2. To multiply; reproduce.
3. To increase in size, area, volume, or bulk.
 

Matthew 23:23
What did Jesus say about tithing?
 

Hebrews 11:6
How does tithing demonstrate your faith and trust in God?
 

Genesis 14:18-20; Genesis 28:20-22
What was the practice of the men of the Old Testament?

Thought to Ponder


Does God only just want cash money returned to Him?

Consider in the Old Testament: When it was decreed that 10% was an acceptable amount to return to God there was no actual cash money. No coins to drop in the collection plate on Sunday morning. The people relied on barter and trade system of crops and live-stock. During this period the tithed was the First Fruit of all that God had given to you. Do you think the times have changed in what God expects?


1. Your children:

What Book of the Bible discuss God asking a certain someone for the sacrifice of his child?

Quite naturally God would not ask us to "sacrifice" our first child to Him but He certainly expects us to raise all of our children up in His ways.


2. Your crops and live-stock:

What Book of the Bible reveals God's anger when people try to bring to Him blind sheep and half rotted crops as "first-fruits"?

Quite naturally today finds not too many women out working in the fields to bring the harvest in or tending a herd of sheep but He expects you to give Him the best of what ever it is that you do.

If you are a home-maker and your house is for the most part a wreck; is this an acceptable tithe to the Lord?

If you are working in the public and you only do what is required and not very well, show up late for work and leave early etc.; is this an acceptable tithe to the Lord?

If you are a wife and argue constantly with your husband, find continuous fault in the things he does; is this an acceptable tithe to the Lord?

3. Tithing can come in many forms and often it isn't money that the Lord asks of us. Sometimes something as simple as being able to sew or paint well and you give away one and keep the other of what you made- is going far beyond a 10% tithe that God required of His people. In fact since you only had two things and gave one away then that would actually equal out to a 50% tithe.

But if the idea of not actually giving God cash money has you to feeling a little guilty then consider that if you were asked for a dollar from someone in desperate need and you gave them all the change you had in your coin purse- you actually just gave 100% of what you had to give- even if it was only thirty cents.

It isn't What type of thing you give that matters most to God; it's what's in your heart when you do give. Amen?!

We Need a ~Do Over~

My Dearest Reader,

This past week I found myself feeling rather broody which is so unlike me to feel this way. It all started with listening to the idle ~talk~ of a bunch of children waiting to catch the school bus.

With ~F~ bombs flying with every other word and the constant usage of the words "bitch, bitchy and bitches" I believe that I have finally come to the realization that as a society our mortality meter has dipped way below zero.

I do not live in a bad neighborhood. Most of these children are dressed in clothing that I am convinced probably cost their parents the equivalent of a monthly mortgage payment. And yet for all of their smashing clothes, gagingly over priced sneakers, stylish Vera purses and book-bags it is obvious to me that these children have no concept whatsoever of what it means to be respectful and respect one another. It's sad. Moreover; it is more than a little depressing when you consider that these children with their morality compasses pointed in no particular direction are the future of this country.

It use to be (and not so long ago) that when a child used inappropriate language in the presence of an adult, and you called them on it, they would at least look somewhat embarrassed. Now if you call them on their language or behavior they'll quickly tell you to go "f" yourself. Not even the courtesy of telling you to "mind your own business" which is no doubt disrespectful but preferable to a "go ~f~ yourself". Somewhere amongst the sands of time we have lost the ability to value ourselves as human beings and in doing so we have lost the ability to teach our children to value themselves and others.

I am going to hazard a guess and say that this probably began around the time that parents began to try and be their child's friend instead of being their authority figure, their mentor, their moral compass until they developed one of their own that actually worked.

Parents stopped disciplining their children with the ever swift, no nonsense, over your knee butt spankings and began utilizing the retarded methods of "time outs". It has been my experience in viewing parents practice this "time out" method that what they ended up with is a child scheming in the corner of what they were going to do next. Not pondering their misdeeds.

"The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother". Proverbs 29:15

I recall in my childhood that my Grams was lightening quick with the plastic fly swatter when one misbehaved. Being flopped with a fly swatter stung like a bee and caused one to ponder on rather misbehaving in that particular way ever again was worth the price. I also recall my Father once gave me a sharp rap across the knuckle with the handle end of a butter knife for reaching for the last dinner roll and not first asking if anyone else cared for it. These are things one does not forget. I survived these "hard" lessons and grew up understanding manners, and the proper way that one should behave as a lady.

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him". Proverbs 22:15

As I listened to these children waiting on the school bus I wonder how they behave at home in front of their parents. I doubt that they cuss like a ~sailor~ but I am equally doubtful that they show any real degree of respect either. Children today seem to have this whole sense of entitlement thing going on. They walk around with the attitude that the world owes them something and their parents have caught the fever. Giving their children whatever they want, whenever they want it, whatever it costs. How did that come about?

I'm not saying that every child is like these I have referred to but there are enough of them for it to be a scary situation. The Bible tells us to raise our children up in the ways of the Lord and they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). They may stray away from it from time to time but it's still there inside of them and eventually they will come back to their Biblical roots.

The Bible teaches us love and compassion and forgiveness. Why aren't we teaching our children these basic things? Not only towards others but towards themselves? If you love yourself, have compassion for yourself and forgive yourself for your past transgressions how much easier is it to extend this to others?

Our society {we} need a Do Over. We need to begin at the beginning with ourselves, our children, our grandchildren and even our great-grandchildren (if you've reaches that golden time of life) and re-learn all over again basic manners, basic acceptable public (and private) behavior, basic acceptance of one another, basic language skills- in short - basic Christian values.

We need to re-learn to value ourselves as unique, wonderful creations of God in whatever package that we currently wear. Be our package tall and thin or short and plump. Then we can more easily value others in whatever package God created them in.

Yes; dear Reader, I am of the opinion that as a society we need a Do Over. And I am praying and believing that I will in my lifetime see the manifestation of this simple prayer.

It is attainable. With God; all things are possible.




“Let your beauty be found in “the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:4

What Does The Holy Word Say?

Bible Word Study
WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?

3 John 2- "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

Improving our health and our prosperity level requires commitment, discipline and the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to reveal to you the areas that are not in top shape for His service. Accept the answer and develop a plan for improvement.


WORD STUDY

Prosper (Latin prosperre):
1. To be fortunate or successful.
2. Thrive
3. The condition of being prosperous.
 

Health (Greek kailo):
1. The overall condition at a given time.
2. Soundness, especially of body or mind.
3. A condition of optimal well-being: 
 

Soul (Greek s'wol ):
1. The animating and vital principle in humans.
2. The spiritual nature of humans, The vital core.
3. immortal, separable from the body at death.


1 Corinthians 6:19
How are we able to be wise in the care of our physical bodies?
 

Acts 8:26-39
Why was it important that Philip was physically ready for the plans God had for him?
 

Romans 14:17
In what does this verse tell us to put our focus?



Look up the following verses to discover God's promises regarding prosperity:


Scriptures

Duet. 29:9 -
Ps. 37:3 -
Ps. 37:25 -
Ps. 84:11 -
Prov. 13:22 -
Eccl. 11:1 -
Isa. 45:3 -
Luke 6:38 -
Luke 12:28 -
Luke 12:31 -
Luke 12:32 -
John 16:24 -
Phil. 4:19 -
3 John 2 -

Philippians 4:19- "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

(according to His riches, not ours!)

Note to God

Dearest Abba Father,

This morning I read this passage from the Bible:

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God." 1 John 4:15

"Jesus is the Son of God." Six simple words. However, they are much more than simple words; they are the doorway that opens our hearts to God. So then what I now have come to understand is that each day as we confess Jesus as God's Son, we also consciously and intentionally welcome God into our hearts. The Father lives in the person who confesses the Son! That's so fantastic!

I've believed for such a long time that Jesus was Your Son- You made flesh as a man and it seems like a whole world ago (much less a lifetime) that I confessed that very thing with my lips and with my heart. But what I don't think I have ever done- at least on a conscious level- is to get into the habit of saying it out loud every single day as a way of welcoming You each morning into my heart and be part of my day.

What I mean is that every morning I've said, Good Morning Jesus! but no! I don't recall that I have ever confessed You in Jesus Christ out loud each and every day as a means of welcoming You to be part of my day.

Father, I want to live my life and center my heart in You. I gladly confess that Jesus is the Son of God, my Lord, and my Savior each and every day and I gladly say it out loud. I gladly welcome You into my heart and be part of my day! and I'm sorry that I haven't read that into this Scripture before now. But I Thank You that I get it now.

I Love You God and Thank You for Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I Praise and Thank You in the Name of Jesus Christ my Beloved. Amen.

Pretty Rubber Gove Tutorial

Step 1.
Cut two fabric pieces that are four inches by 20 inches.  Narrow hem one of the long edges as shown.

Step 2.
Measure two inches from edge and mark with a pencil (see the dot jus above the 18). Now measure one inch from that point and mark again (ring finger is pointed at this dot).  Again mark two inches from your last mark and then an inch from that point.  Repeat this all the way across.  (2 inches then dot- 1 inch then dot- 2 inches then dot- 1 inch then dot- Continue in this pattern until you come to the end)

Step 3.
To make pleats take the first mark you made and place it on top of next mark which should be one inch from your first mark.  Repeat this all the way across pinning each pleat as you make it.

* This is what it will look like when you have pinned all of your pleats

Step 4.
Stitch across top of pleats as shown.

Step 5.
Pin edges together as shown on each of the short ends and sew across.  Turn to outside and press. I like to add in a little spray starch before pressing- but then I starch everything!

* This is what your end pieces will look like after your quick stitch across.

Step 6.
Pin some wide ribbon to top of your fabric as shown below.  Sew acoss the ribbon (both at the top of your ribbon piece and at the bottom to secure tightly).

Step 7.
Pin the ribbon side to the bottom of the cuff of your rubber glove. I like to turn under (about an inch or so) the rubber glove as I am pinning- just to give the rubber a little more stability. But this is completely opinional. 

Step 8.
Stitch into place.

Tada! All finished and suitable for gift giving. You don't want to be the only one that looks smashing in a pair of rubber gloves. Right?


Ohhh! I almost completely forgot! Remember those pair of red gloves I was talking about earlier with the ghastly yellow cuff?

Not any more ... and it was just so ~sew~ easy!

Ghastly Hands and Pretty Gloves

Ohh How I Love You
My Pretty, Pretty, Rubber Gloves

Can I be honest with you? Yes of course I knew that I could. You are just so sweet that way and I love you for it.

I have the single most ghastly hands on the planet. True! They are always dry and cracked in spite of all of the lotions, potions, creams and ointments that I apply diligently before bed (and sometimes throughout the day if I can keep my mind focused). Not to mention that I almost always am in desperate need of a manicure.

My hands stay in everything. Things that would forever prevent me from becoming a ~hand model~ if I should ever aspire to such things as that- which of course I never would because I actually like using my hands.

During the course of a normal week I am scouring the tub with "Ajax" or "Mean Green" (or something equally hand harsh) for those hard to remove soap scum stains that men seem to insist on leaving behind after every shower. Not to forget the black ring around the bathtub left behind after giving the dogs a bath.

My husband ~Marvin~ was once quick to remind me that it would be one less chore I would have to do if I would simply give the dogs a bath outside instead of in the tub. I answered that clearly uneducated remark with your basic ~how can you even suggest such a thing~ glare. The next time I caught him sitting out on the patio; smoking a cigarette and thinking thoughts that only other men understand - thoughts of turtle wax, armor all, rain X, and so forth- I gave him a good spray with the garden hose and ask him "how'd that bath work for ya"? He never mentioned giving the dogs a bath outside again. Neither has he offered to give the dogs a bath for me ... but that's another story for another time.

Anywho; there are ovens to be cleaned, toilets to be cleaned, floors and baseboards, walls and windows, dishes completely out the wazoo and that's ever before I get to my crafting. Whereas then we have paints, glues, turpentine, glitters, more paint, more glue, more turpentine and the occasional nick from the needle when I am hand sewing. All which ultimately end up with my having a pair of hands that look like I work as a welder in a steel mill rather than being a happy homemaker.

My daughter Misty; who has lovely hands, ~glare inserted here~ is always buying me something precious to help restore some balance of moisture back into my hands but the problem is that I can't ever really quite commit to the process. For example: I received the most precious hand kit made by Burt's Bees from her. Have you heard of them? Simply fantastic company with the most divine products made from well ... organic bees wax and honey and so forth. Lovely! In my kit were things for the cuticles, wax's and a buffer for the nails, banana scented thick, luxurious overnight cream for the hands and a dainty pair of tight'ish fitting white cotton gloves with the cutest little bumble bees printed in the fabric. I must admit that it was a joy to use and the following day (after having slept in my bee gloves) my hands did look remarkably healthier.

I made a vow to continue to use it each night but eventually found myself pulling the gloves off in my sleep and then in the morning I had to spend a half hour trying to locate where I had tossed them during the night. Eventually our wheaten terrier "Mr. Doogles" ate one of the gloves (no doubt because it had the scent of banana- a fruit that he particularly enjoys eating) So; my ~vow~ to use the Burt's Bees nightly pretty much went out the window. If it's any consolation I do upon occasion slather up my hands and cover them with a pair of my husbands cotton socks while I am watching a late night movie. We'll let him ponder the mysteries of why his white cotton socks sometimes smell like bananas. It'll do him good to broaden his mental horizons ...

Naturally 90% of this could be avoided if I would simply don a pair of rubber gloves while cleaning but honestly... they are just so ugly. Listen; I don't have a vain bone in my body but really! who wants to be caught wearing a pair of those ghastly yellow gloves? They came out with a red pair years ago but ruined them by topping off the cuff in the same shade of horrid yellow. ~blah~

Next we come to the crucible of this note. Which is a simple tutorial on how to decorate a pair of rubber gloves that you won't be embarressed to be seen in and you'll be more apt to wear often simply because you'll look so dang cute in them. The tutorial with photos! will follow this post so stay tuned. You are just going to love them! And of course, as always, they will be ~sew~ easy.

Tata!

“Let your beauty be found in “the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:4

Simple Recipes

Asian Pepper Steak- Crock Pot

3 pounds beef sirloin
3 tablespoons flour, for dusting meat
3 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 large onion, sliced
3 red bell peppers, sliced
3 yellow bell peppers, sliced
1 can tomato sauce (8-ounces)
4 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
Ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups rice


Preparation

In a large skillet, sear the meat in some EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) until nice and brown on both sides. Remove the steak to a cutting board and slice the steak into 1-inch thick strips.

Place the sliced steak into the crock-pot bowl, then dust the meat with flour and mix the meat around until there is no more visible flour.

Add the remaining ingredients to the crock-pot, then place a lid on top and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.

Serve on top of cooked rice.

What Does The Holy Word Say?

Bible Word Study
WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD. Isaiah 1:18

God says our reasoning will lead us to Him. But we must begin with the truth...and the only source of absolute truth on this earth is the Bible.


WORD STUDY


'Come Now': (Latin kuim'nou ):
1. To advance toward the speaker or toward a specified place; approach
2. To advance in a specified manner
3. To make progress; advance
 
'Let us Reason' (Greek reu'zn):
1. The capacity for logical, rational, and analytic thought; intelligence
2. An underlying fact or cause that provides logical sense for a premise or occurrence
3. Good judgment; sound sense 
 
'Together' (Greek teu-gr ):
1. In association with or in relationship to one another; mutually or reciprocally
2. By joint or cooperative effort
3. In harmony or accord


Romans 1:20
What are some of the "invisible attributes" of God?
 

1 Timothy 6:20
What are some examples in today's society of what we falsely call knowledge?
 

James 1:17
How does God being called the "Father of lights" mean to you?

The Reasonable Christian
Philippians 4:5

"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand". (KJV)
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near". (NIV)
"Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand". (ESV)

“They will know you by your love.” This saying is often used in the many membered body of Christ as we talk of reaching others for Jesus. This is taken from the famous verse in John 13:35.

A question we need to ask ourselves though is, “What does this love look like?”.

It can be helping those around us, giving to the needy, or just lending an ear to someone as they vent. But, what if showing love meant being a reasonable person in an unreasonable situation? Let's face it. It's difficult to be reasonable when you are dealing with unreasonable people but the Bible says that we must be. All the time. Not just when we feel like it.

The greek word for “reasonable” can also be translated to the word “gentle” with its definition: seemly, equitable, yielding.

Does this sound like you?

Aren’t we called to be strong in our stances and to not bend in what we believe? The answer is yes!! But we can do it in a reasonable manner. Too many times we can be looked at as a hard headed group of people who want argue with everyone we don’t agree with. You know that guy who wants to always argue and is never wrong. I know I am guilty of being one of those people at times. We aren’t going to change people by belittling their views and putting them down. We are going to win them over with love when we reasonably disagree with them and lovingly show them where we differ. Our arguments don’t change people, Jesus changes people.

Have you been a reasonable Christian today?

DIY Soap Pouch

DIY ~Sew~
Easy Peasy Soap Pouch


Cut up some old towels for yourself or purchase some inexpensive hand towels (or a large bath towel will make several) to give as gifts.



Each pouch will need to be cut 5 inches wide by 12 inches long. This will fit a bar of Dove soap quite nicely (which is my next best favorite soap- my homemade goats' milk soap being my absolute favorite!)

Fold  over the left side 4 inches.

Then fold over the right side (on top of the left side) … a total of 3 inches. * This will give you a pouch that is approximately 5 inches by 5 inches.

Turn towel around long ways and Sew a Seam down both sides - this will close up all of your sides so the soap stays securely inside. * Make you you turn before stitching or you'll sew up you pouch opening.

Turn inside out

Insert your bar of soap and pull the little flap over it.

See how nice the 12 inches x 5 inches size worked perfectly for the Dove Bar?

TIPS!


! Wrap in a bow and give as gifts.

! Add a Handle- cut a piece of towel 4 inches wide by 5 inches long. Double over to create a piece that is 2 inches wide by 5 inches long. (this gives you a nice weight for a sturdy handle) Sew each end to the finished pouch- be sure and stay close to the edge seams of the pouch. When adding a handle I like to back stitch several times to make sure the handle is going to stay secure through repeated use and washings.


! Washes up nicely for repeat usage. Just throw it in with the laundry


! Enjoy the experience knowing you did it yourself and it was ~sew~ easy!

My ~Aha~ Moment

My ~Aha~ Moment
Conversation with the Lord

Today I thought I would share with you a conversation that I had recently with a ~new to Christ~ young lady in which she ask "What was the one thing that made me realize beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord actually sees us and hears our individual prayers".

I honestly had to think long and hard about that as throughout my Christian life the Lord has done so many things that I ask of Him; some of those things feel so trivial to me now that I am frankly much too embarrassed to mention. Yet; answer those prayers He did as well, trivial or not.

But; what was the One thing that was my defining ~Aha~ moment?

And then I knew what it was. Those of you that are pet lovers will completely understand this story while those that are ... not so much ... probably won't get the full impact of the significance of my ~moment~ but I hope you do.

Years ago I had a miniature schnauzer named Buddy. I know ... not very original but it so suited him perfectly because he was absolutely my "buddy", my "pal", my "laugh a moment fuzzy ball of pure joy". If it is any consolation his name was suppose to be "Winston" which is a very dignified and proper name for a schnauzer but Buddy just seemed to describe his personality so much better.

From the moment we brought him home as a tiny little puppy it seemed as if he had always been there and knew the routine of toilet activity. Listen; I have my share of potty training puppy stories and puppies that will eat the finish off the walls if you leave them alone for even a second but Buddy seem to come pre-wired with the do's and don't's of what is acceptable behavior. All of the Lysol wipes, potty pads, carpet cleaner etc. etc. that I purchased prior to bringing him home went unused and stashed under the sink.

Soon we settled into a routine of day to day life. If I got up to get something Buddy followed me. If I went outside for fresh air Buddy went to. When I went to bed Buddy went to bed and when I got up in the morning Buddy got up in the morning. He even insisted that I leave the bathroom door cracked so he could lie on the rug while I took a shower. Secretly; I believe that his favorite time of the day was when I curled up on my chaise lounge to read or watch TV- in which case he also curled up on the chaise and took a nap.

Not so secretly my favorite time of the day was when I gave him his dog bone chew and instead of eating it he walked around with it hanging out of the side of his mouth and I promise you it looked as if he was smoking a cigar. Why I found that so hilarious I have no idea but every time he did it; it just cracked me up. He looked like Humphrey Bogart. So I started calling his dog bone a Bogart. I would say to him "Go get your Bogart ... Humphrey" and off he'd run and come back with it hanging out the side of his mouth and I would laugh every single time.

So; yes. I was completely "gone" over this dog. Completely "over the moon gone" for him. Every day he would make me laugh about something and it feels so very good to laugh just for the pure joy of laughing; doesn't it?

A little before Buddy's third birthday I got up with the alarm and went to make coffee and of course Buddy followed me in the kitchen. While I was waiting on the coffee to perk I said "Humphrey; where is your Bogart this morning"? and off he ran to get it. He came back into the kitchen with it hanging out of the side of his mouth just like he always did- promptly dropped the bone on the floor in front of me and then fell over onto his side. I thought he was just goofing off but just that quickly Buddy had died. No fuss, no muss, no nothing - he just simply died.

Well; it's 5 o'clock in the morning and the Vet's office doesn't open up until 7 am so I just sat on the floor in the kitchen and held him in my lap and cried until I could take him to the Vet. Not of course because I thought there was anything to be done. What can you do with death but just deal with it? But; if I had to deal with it then I demand to know why! Why was this wonderful creature that had brought me so much joy gone at such a young age? How could this happen? How could this be? I wanted answers and the Vet came to the conclusion that Buddy appeared to have suffered a massive heart attack.

How? What? Why? Had I not kept up with every conceivable test, inoculation, exam known to veterinary medicine? Had I not fed him the veterinary recommended nutritious diet? Stayed away from giving him "people food"? Given him daily bouts of exercise and free play time? Had him regularly bathed and groom right there at the veterinary office? So; how is it that my beloved dog is dead? The best the Vet could say was that he simply must have had some undetectable heart problem which resulted in a heart attack and that's just that.

Anywho; my dear sweet Buddy was dead and my heart hurt in ways that simply defy explanation. I cried every time he crossed my mind or those unexpected times when it just skips your mind that they are no longer there. You expect them to be lying on the rug when you step out of the shower and when you pull back the curtain and they are not you are reminded all over again that they are gone and they aren't ever coming back.

I am not entirely sure when the idea rooted in my mind to find out definitively that animals go to Heaven and that one day I would see Buddy again. Frankly; I just always assumed that they did. But now I had to know for certain. I was like a mad woman possessed. I Had To Know! I read every Scripture that I could dig up. I spent hours on the Internet reading the arguments of those that were "for" and those that were "against" animals going to Heaven. The decision was so split that it only caused me more anxiety. The more anxious I became the more sadder I became. The more sadder I became the more I cried. It was a vicious circle and more than a few times I seriously considered getting professional help. Surely it is not normal to grieve this much over the loss of a dog?!

But of course, as is often the way, we underestimate the ways in which the Lord will reveal Himself to us and His love for us; don't we?

Left with no where left to turn to discover beyond a shadow of a doubt that our beloved pets go to Heaven; I went to sit out on the back patio and just pray. I cried out to the Lord that I had to know. I told Him of every avenue- including the Bible - that I had looked for the answer and came up confused and unsure. I cried and I poured my heart out to Him. Finally I said "Please Lord please. Tell me that Buddy is in Heaven and one day I will see him again. Please. I have to know".

Sitting out there on the patio there wasn't so much as a hint of a breeze. It had been that way for weeks. Just hot, muggy and still. It was the subject of most every conversation around here.

While I waited sad and quiet for the Lord to speak to my heart; to answer my prayer, all of the sudden a wind blew up. More than a breeze but far from a gale; just a soft warm wind came blowing up out of no where and then there rolling like a tumble weed across the patio was a large tuft of Buddy's hair! and it stopped at my foot and then the wind stopped blowing. There it was so shiny and silvery and I leaned down and picked it up and then I smelled it. It had that same lovely vanilla scented shampoo smell that Buddy had whenever he went to be groomed. But; Buddy had been dead for months and schnauzers do not shed their hair! Nonetheless; there it was. A big tuft of Buddy's bright shiny silver hair smelling like fresh vanilla shampoo and then all I could do was fall on my knees and Praise God right there on the patio!

Jesus; in all of His wondrous Glory and infinite love had heard my prayers and had answered it in a way that left me knowing so many wonderful things. Yes; Jesus hears our individual prayers. Yes; what matters to us matters to Him. Yes; what grieves us also grieves Him. And Yes! Buddy is in Heaven and one day I will see him again. Jesus is taking care of him; just like He'll take care of me when I die. Just as He takes care of me while I am alive. And you too.

There is nothing that escapes the attention of the Lord. Everything about our lives He is completely in tune to. Our hurts, our fears, our joys- all of it. If it effects you then it effects Him. You are not small. You are not insignificant. Jesus loves you so much that He is willing to do anything to win you over to accept the love He has for you.

Why do you resist that love? Why can't you just accept the love that is offered to you so freely?

It isn't weakness when you bend your knee to the Master. It's strength. It takes courage to admit that you aren't doing so well on your own and need help.

If you believe my story - and I hope you will - and you can clearly see in the telling of it the lengths in which Jesus was willing to go to the answer my prayer over a little dog; ask yourself what would He be willing to do for me to accept His Grace and Mercy?

My defining ~Aha~ moment. What will yours be?
In His Service,
~Lazzy~

“Let your beauty be found in “the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:4

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Telephone Numbers
Please place in your purse or wallet

When -

You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is bigger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip, phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Inflation's and investments are causing anxiety, phone Mark 10:17-31
You are depressed or sad, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
People seem unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You feel the world is small, phone Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit, phone John 15
You want Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
You need clarity with big opportunity/discovery, phone Isaiah 55
It's difficult to get along with other people, phone Romans 12

ALTERNATE NUMBERS

For help dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18

Information!

All of these numbers may be dialed directly.
Operators are standing by.
All direct lines to HEAVEN are available 24 hours a day; 7 days a week.