Friday, March 26, 2010

Object Lesson

I love object lessons.  We tend to think only children benefit from them, but I believe adults do as well.  Today, I created an object lesson - accidentally - not on purpose.  Here it is...

What do you see?

Two chicken pot pies?

Correct.

But one has a secret....

there is no chicken in it! 

What?  A chicken pot pie with no chicken?

In my haste, I put the pie together...without the chicken.

You can't tell what's in a pie by looking.

It can look wonderful, delicious...like it's full of chicken...

Lesson?

We can look good on the outside...we can look like we love Jesus...
like we are living for Him.  

But...

God looks in our hearts.

What is inside?

Are we full of chicken...or empty?



Blessings!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Baking Today

Trying to get ahead.  I usually wait until Sunday afternoon to make something for our Bible study ladies to enjoy - but always end up rushing around.  So...I baked today!

Can't remember where I got recipe - maybe from Vintage Victuals.

Toffee Nut Mini-Muffins















No step by step this time...after all, I am NOT the
Pioneer Woman.  They are yummy - lots of butter,
coffee, chocolate covered toffee bits - what's not to
like?

Otherwise, I have prayer walked with my church this
morning, cleaned out the refrigerator and re-organized
one cabinet.  All in all, a profitable day and it isn't over
yet!

Blessings!

Monday, March 15, 2010

What's Goin' On?

What's goin' on?  Today I'm ready to share what's goin' on -  in me.  I've been facilitating the Bible study, "Conversation Peace" taught by Mary Kassian.  I went through this study about 10 or more years ago.  I've been thrilled, blessed and convicted all over again with God's Word.  Needless to say, I need this study about every 6 months, we are such forgetful creatures.

It's amazing that God loves us...that He puts up with us while we are on this journey called LIFE.  He is so patient and gracious - forgiving and kind.  He keeps working on me day by day.  The wondrous thing is that if I will only cooperate with Him - He WILL accomplish His will in me.

So, what's the problem?  It is this...
My heart.  That's the problem.  That's the source of ....



















Yep, you got it...the mouth...and not only that, but
Jesus said everything comes out of my heart...my
words...my actions...everything.

Jeremiah says that the heart is deceitful - it lies - and
who can know it?  I know the answer!  Only God.

So, what's goin' on?  A lot of heart cleaning...and a
whole lot of heart "filling" - "Thy Word have I hidden
in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee." (Ps. 119)

Jesus said out of the good treasure of my heart - I can not
only speak right, but do right.  So, it's my job to fill my
heart with treasure...to renew it daily...fill myself with His
thoughts.

Thank You, Lord, for not only showing me my sin, but...
for not leaving me there...
for cleansing and forgiveness...
for providing Your Word to fill my heart...
to guide my steps...
to light my path.

"Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to You,
O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer."  - Psalm 19:14







Tuesday, March 9, 2010

I'm Game

Elaina does Getting to Know You Sunday...

I'm game...even tho' it is Monday...and I have no graphics...

1.  Are you more of a talker or a listener? 
Both.  Depends on the group I'm in - I can be quite the talker, even a clown...but in some circles, I definitely become the listener.  I am trying to work on my listening skills.

2.  Bra.  Underwire or wireless?
Underwire, 'nuf said.

3.  I wish I was...?
In Little Rock...I know I shouldn't wish my life away...but need to see my kiddos.

4.  The Academy Awards were on last night...did I watch?
Nope - I go over and look...usually get disgusted, do not sit and watch.

5.  Do you put your deodorant on before or after you dress?
Before...otherwise I would never remember!

6.  Would you rather wash dishes or clean toilets?
Seriously????  Dishes, any day of the week and 2x on Sunday!

7.  How much did I weigh at birth?
7 lbs. 14 oz.

8.  If you could buy one thing for the Spring/Summer season, what would it be?
Something pink - I love pink.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Marshmallows!

Each week for our ladies Bible study - I make something for them to enjoy.  I love trying new things!  This week, I made homemade marshmallows and then s'mores.  Recipe courtesy of Lick the Bowl Good - a food blog I absolutely love.

I am mimicking Pioneer Woman...here we go!

Ingredients: Sugar, vanilla, gelatin, salt, water, powdered
sugar and cornstarch.














I took a close-up of the big bottle in the back.  I want no misunderstandings,
since the bottle looks like many other things...


















Yes, it's mexican vanilla - my parents used to bring back when they
went to the valley in Texas.

This is water, sugar, and corn syrup...bubbling away until it reaches 240 degrees!


















Combine with water and gelatin and then it's
mixing...mixing...mixing...mixing...12-15 minutes!
Whew! Thank the Lord for Kitchenaid!  I began
to worry it would overheat and quit, but it didn't.


Then you spread this fluffy, sticky mixture into a sprayed pan
coated with powdered sugar and cornstarch and leave them
sitting out on the the counter...


 
And 10 hours later...voila!

 
marshmallows!!!! 

 

Final step...dipping in chocolate and graham cracker crumbs... 
As Rachel says...Yum-o!

And here is a bonus...for free...

one of my new favorites
Peanut Butter 'n Jelly Pie...before Cool Whip...and after!
I'm off to Ladies Bible Study!  If I fill my mouth with
good things...it leaves me less time to put my foot in it.

Blessings!