Labor Day*s*

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work. Exodus 20:9

Dont get me wrong; I love Monday holidays...no mail to sift through. But do turn your attention to Chuck Colson's commentary today. Be mindful that being *able* to work six days and rest on the seventh is a blessing.

Click on the time to comment.

Spurgeon

*But wait in faith. Express your unstaggering confidence in Him; for unfaithful, untrusting waiting, is but an insult to the Lord.* Morning 8/30

I despise the thought that I could be labeled unfaithful, untrusting, or insulting to my Savior. But in fact, I have acted as such. Forgive me, Lord.

Eureka

Used to express triumph upon finding or discovering something.

I am so tickled that I thought to wear a pair of 20 year old glasses, while I work on my computer. Now I can see without holding my bifocals at a crazy angle!

Let me explain. Ordinarily I wear contacts: one for distance and one for close-up for the entire day. Also, I own a pair of prescription bifocals, which I wear for approximately one hour in the early morning and one hour in the evening. But I have noticed that the bifocal glasses are not comfortable to wear while working on the computer. If I take them off completely, the screen is a blur. If I wear just a set of reading glasses, the screen is still a blur. Hmmm What about those very old glasses in which the distance prescription is too weak. TaaDaa!

Are you impressed that I could find those *old* glasses. What a pack rat!!

Click on the time to leave a comment. One day I will figure out how to change that>

Sermon Recap

*Lead me not into temptation* Part Two was today's sermon topic. This is the sixth petition in the Lord's Prayer. I know I have studied this prayer before: when I was very young and memorized it; when I was catechized as a teenager; once in a Ladies Bible Study; with my children; and now under the care of a very fine teaching elder. Just last week at a funeral when the congregation prayed this together, the words were felt even more deeply.

When I say those five words, I am asking the Lord to 1)keep me from temptation (keep me from caving in) ref John 17:15; 2)keep me strong in the face of temptation (make me aware of Your presence immediately) ref John 17:11 and 3)recover me (sanctify) quickly from the effects of temptation ref John 17:17

Hear the Word of the Lord!

Favorite Quote

I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.


I have lots of favorites, but this one came to mind rather quickly when I was reading Donna's Friday Feast.

Garlic Cream Cheese

















8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temp)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 lg cloves garlic, pressed (added 2024 - I use as many as 4 now)

Mash together all ingredients. I use a potato masher :)

Serve as sandwich spread; it especially enhances tomato sandwiches or BLTs.

Or serve as cheese spread with crackers or melba toast.

Fourth Petition:Daily Bread

Our pastor is working through a series of sermons on The Lord's Prayer.

The indepth study is fascinating, always capturing my attention.

As we are contemplating *Give us this day our daily bread", we are reminded of Luther's Smaller Catechism explanation of this *bread*


Everything that belongs to the support and wants of the body, such as meat, drink, clothing, shoes, house, homestead, field, cattle, money, goods, a pious spouse, pious children, pious servants, pious and faithful magistrates, good government, good weather, peace, health, discipline, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.

That is some multi-grain nutrition packed bread....unlike the white bread flavor delivered from most pulpits today....and served at most dinner tables.

Today I praise God the bountiful mercies he has displayed on me and my family in the form of daily bread. Amen and Amen

Slow and Steady

Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment. They expect you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it.

How Do People See You?

Pictures

See the family on my daughter's xanga site dated June 22, 2005

Click on the time to leave a comment.

Check out the meaning of my name.

Were you wondering?

You Have A Type A- Personality

A- You are one of the most balanced people around Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you. When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love! You live life to the fullest - encorporating the best of both worlds

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Click on the time to leave a comment and let me know how you feel about my personality :)

Father's Day Menu 2005

Marinated Steak Salad
Pesto Pasta
Steamed Cauliflower
Herb Rolls

Merlot/Iced Tea

Chocolate Pie


There will be nine of us around the dining room table after church. We will tell a favorite story about our fathers. The *celebration* started early in the week by serving favorite meals: 1)BBQ ribs, steamed cabbage, corn on cob 2)Boiled Shrimp, Spinach Salad (mangoes&mushrooms) 3)Pizza Night 4)Movie Night (popcorn&Batman) 5)Favorite B'fast: French Toast & Bacon.

What do you do when the way to your man's heart is NOT through the stomach?

Comments allowed, by clicking on the *time*

See my xanga site.

Memorial Day Feast

Grilled Babyback Pork Ribs w/BBQ Sauce
Black Bean Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Coleslaw
French Bread

Iced Tea
Margaritas

Rice Krispie Treats

We open and close our summer with this traditional meal. Part of the celebration is spending all afternoon grilling. Sure, there is probably a faster way to cook the ribs (parboiling), but then you'd miss all the *visitin* (sharing memories). See my Xanga site.

Be Thou My Vision

The girls sang this anthem for church today. G started them out (soprano solo); then all four unison; then an soprano/alto verse; ending with a three part verse (SAT) Wish you could have heard them.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art--
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,
Thou in my dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Rule of all.

Irish hymn (8th Century)
attributed to St Patrick

Mrs. Schaeffer

My blog is named after her wonderful book. And this week Ravi Zacharias's e-zine is honoring those who have gone before us. Take a moment to read this article and be inspired.

Family Dinner

Grilled Salmon with Honey Glaze
Steamed Spinach with Mushrooms &Garlic
Steamed Yellow Corn on the Cob
Chiabatti
Glen Ellen Chardonnay

Sooo yummy. All four daughters helped prepare this meal. The dinnertable conversation was priceless. I highly recommend eating together. Afterwards we had a mini art show, as dd#2 had several paintings framed and so, we ooohhhed and aaaahhhhed.

Wedding Day Brunch Menu

Southern Grits Casserole
Fruit Salad
Sweet Rolls
Croissants
Shaved Ham
Chicken Nuggets
Broccoli Salad

Mimosas
Bloody Marys
Coffee

Brownies
Lemon Squares

Had a wonderful time preparing this menu for sixty guests. We had enough leftovers for another meal! That's what makes hostessing worthwhile.

Pimento Cheese
















White Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 18 oz grated (Cabot)
Diced Pimentos, drained (canned veggie aisle - usually) 9 oz
Garlic, freshly pressed -  two cloves
Sweet Onion, finely grated - one heaping tablespoon
Mayonnaise (no sugar - look for Duke's) - probably a full cup, but start with 2/3 C and add until mixture stirs easily (that will make it easier to spread when chilled)

Call me if you have any problems.

Marriage Blessing

O God of love, Thou hast established marriage for the welfare and happiness of mankind. Thine was the plan, and only with Thee can we work it out with joy. Thou hast said, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a help meet for him." Now our joys are doubled since the happiness of one is the happiness of the other. Our burdens now are halved, for when we share them, we divide the load.

Bless this man. Bless him as provider of nourishment and raiment, and sustain him in all the exactions and pressures of his battle for bread. May his strength be her protection, his character her boast and her pride, and may he so live that she will find in him the haven for which the heart of a woman truly longs.

Bless this woman. Give her kindness that will make her great. Give her a deep sense of understanding and a great faith in Thee. Give her that inner beauty of soul that never fades, that is found in holding fast the things that never age.

Teach them that marriage is not living merely for each other; it is two uniting and joining hands to serve Thee. Give them a great spiritual purpose in life. May they seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the other things shall be added unto them.

May they not expect that perfection of each other that belongs alone to Thee. May they help each other in their weaknesses, be swift to praise each other's points of comeliness and strength, and see each other through a lover's kind and patient eyes.

Now, Gracious Lord, bless them and develop their characters as they walk together. Give them enough tears to keep them tender, enough hurts to keep them humane, enough failure to keep their hands clenched tightly in Thine, and enough success to make them sure they walk with Thee.

May they never take each other's love for granted, but always experience that breathless wonder that exclaims, "Out of all this world you have chosen me!"

When life is done and the sun is setting, may they be found then, as now, hand in hand, still thanking God for each other. May they serve Thee happily, faithfully, together, until at last, one shall lay the other into the arms of God.

This we ask through Jesus Christ, great lover of our souls. Amen

Soapbox

Why We Chose The Heiskell School
March 22, 2005


Before I answer the “assigned question,” let me first thank you all for being here tonight. I suspect that you, committee members, have “volunteered” for service with SACS and I commend you for such a sacrificial way of spending your limited “free” time. Expending energy to improve education in Georgia is a grand way to place a stake in the future. I want to thank The Heiskell School for participating in the accreditation process. Submitting to this type of peer review is what makes you stand head and shoulders above others.

So, why did Ken and Dana Jago choose The Heiskell School? Precisely because it was SACS accredited! Honest! In a nutshell, about 18 years ago, when it came time to seek a partner in rearing our girls in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and it came down to choosing between Christian School A and Christian School B, the deciding factor was SACS accreditation, which Heiskell has maintained for many years.

But if I can hope for your attention for just a bit longer, I would like to answer an additional question – and that is, “Why did we continue to send our children to The Heiskell School for sixteen years?

In these days of micromanagement, parents have succumbed to micromanaging their children’s schooling as well. But here at Heiskell, we parents don’t have to micromanage. Our four daughters (God’s Most Valuable Players) were successful here and have continued to achieve success through their high school and college years precisely because Heiskell remains committed and steadfast to their foundational goal of training up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Prov 22:6) Education has been their business and excellence their standard. Their mission “to glorify God” is clear.

(Story about PTFs? And hearing the commitment/mission reiterated.)

Training a child is a long row to hoe. It is an act of faith, and therefore, somewhat difficult to explain. But I can offer a practical answer in the three R’s. And those are not reading, writing, and arithmetic. They are remembrance, recognition, and realization.

As promised in John 14, the Holy Spirit continually reminds Ken and me of God’s commands and Jesus’ teachings. He makes us remember many of the things that the Bible says and the Bible speaks about everything. We wanted our children to remember the things of the Bible, too (Deut 6:5-6). At The Heiskell School our children were taught continually what God’s Word says about whatever situation they might face, which He has brought back to their remembrance time and time again, especially now that they are older and into their teenaged years. This is why we chose a Christian school as our partner.

Then we recognized that Biblical principles (teachings and commands) were taught at The Heiskell School, where all subjects are taught from God’s point of view. It is a Biblical worldview. It’s not just math, science, and history with a few Bible verses thrown in. We recognized that Heiskell teachers know and serve the Lord. We recognized an atmosphere here that is protected by God because it is devoted to His will. These things are only recognized with spiritual eyes (I Cor 2:12)

Finally, we were able year after year to realize our educational goals at The Heiskell School. This was not a quick process. It involved the completion of one day at a time, one school year at a time. This might be a good time to tell you that we live 30 miles away from Heiskell, so each year we really did count the cost. We had realization that our decision was right because we saw our daughters growing in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:40). Through thick and thin, we were encouraged to keep our commitment to Christian schooling by both the teachers and the administrators, in addition to fellow parents.

Indeed, by using the Bible as the standard of excellence, by employing born again believers to teach knowledge from God’s perspective and by instilling Christian character traits as model behavior, The Heiskell School has been our faithful partner as Ken and I continue to prepare our children for a life of earthly service to their heavenly master. I look forward to their being able to make wise judgments for their own families and exercise dominion as Christian leaders in the 21st century.


Thank you.

What Life Have You?

What life have you if you have not life together?
There is no life that is not in community,
And no community not lived in praise of GOD.
Even the anchorite who meditates alone,
For whom the days and nights repeat the praise of GOD,
Prays for the Church, the Body of Christ incarnate.
And now you live dispersed on ribbon roads,
And no man knows or cares who is his neighbor
Unless his neighbor makes too much disturbance,
But all dash to and fro in motor cars,
Familiar with the roads and settled nowhere
Nor does the familiy even move about together,
But every son would have his motorcycle,
And daughters ride away on casual pillions.

Much to cast down, much to build, much to restore;
Let the work not delay, time and the arm not waste:
Let the clay be dug from the pit, let the saw cut the stone,
Let the fire not be quenched in the forge.

T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)
American-born poet and Noel laureate
From *The Rock*

Address Change

I've been feeling a little ornery these days. Please accept my apologies, if I have hurt your feelings. This poem is one I learned when my children were younger. I am relearning it today.


I knew a woman whose name was Horner
Who used to live on Grumble Corner;
Grumble Corner in Crosspatch town
And she never was seen without a frown.

She grumbled at this, and she grumbled at that,
She growled at the dog. She growled at the cat.
She grumbled at morning. She grumbled at night.
And to grumble and growl was her chief delight.

She grumbled so much at her husband that he
Began to grumble as well as she.
And all the children, wherever they went,
Reflected their parents' discontent.

If the sky was dark and betokened with rain,
Then Mrs. Horner was sure to complain.
And if there was not a cloud about,
She grumbled because of a threatened drought.

Her meals were never to suit her taste--
She grumbled at having to eat in haste.
The bread was poor, or the meat was tough--
Or else she hadn't had half enough.

No matter how hard her husband would try
To please his wife, with scornful eye
She'd look around and then with a scowl
At something or other she'd begin to growl.

One day as I walked down the street,
My old acquaintance I chanced to meet;
Whose face was without the look of care
And the ugly frown that had drifted there.

"I may be mistaken" perhaps I said
As after saluting I turned my head!
"But it is, and it isn't the Mrs. Horner
Who used to live on Grumble Corner."

I met her next day and I met her again;
In melting weather and in pelting rain.
When stocks were up, and when stocks were down,
But a smile, somehow, had replaced the frown.

It puzzled me much, and so one day,
I seized her hand in a friendly way and said,
"Mrs. Horner, I'd like to know
What can have happened to change you so?"

She laughed a laugh that was good to hear;
For it told of a conscience, calm and clear.
And she said with none of her old-time drawl,
"Why I've changed my residence, that is all.

"Yes," said Horner, "It wasn't healthy on Grumble Corner"
And so, I've moved; t'was a change complete,
"And you will find me now
On Thanksgiving Street."

For the lovers of Almond Flavoring

Plantation Almond Tea

3 family sized tea bags steeped in 8C boiling water for 15 mins. Sweeten with 1.5 to 2 C sugar. Stir until all of sugar is dissolved. Add 1/2 C freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1 tsp pure almond extract (no imitations, please!) Add cold water to make one gallon (about 7 more cups). Serve over ice with a sprig of mint.

Lately I have been enjoyed Bigelow's English Breakfast Tea. It's better than Twinings. I drink my tea black, while I eat a banana. Yum. Or sometimes I will have a Power Bar. I like the Oatmeal Raisin ones.

What did you have for breakfast today?

Birthday Dinner

Today is Vivian's 17th birthday and here's what we're having for dinner:

Three Color Salad (basil, sliced tomatoes, mozzarella)

Pork Chops (stuffed with feta and spinach)
Risotto
Baby Bellas
Asparagus
Italian Merlot

Chocolate Fudge Cake a la Cheesecake Factory

Jehovah Tsidkenu
by Robert Murray McCheyne
Scottish Presbyterian Minister

I once was a stranger to grace and to God,
I knew not my danger, and felt not my load;
Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree,
Jehovah Tsidkenu was nothing to me.

I oft read with pleasure, to soothe or engage,
Isaiah's wild measure and John's simple page;
But e'en when they pictured the blood sprinkled tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu seemed nothing to me.

Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll,
I wept when the waters went over His soul;
Yet thought not that my sins had nailed to the tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu - 'twas nothing to me.

When free grace awoke me, by light from on high,
Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die;
No refuge, no safety in self could I see--
Jehovah Tsidkenu my Savior must be.

My terrors all vanished before the sweet name;
My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life giving and free--
Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me.

Jehovah Tsidkenu! My treasure and boast,
Jehovah Tsidkenu! I ne'er can be lost;
In Thee I shall conquer by flood and by field
My cable, my anchor, my breastplate and shield!

Even treading the valley, the shadow of death
This watchword shall rally my faltering breath;
For while from life's fever my God sets me free
Jehovah Tsidkenu my death-song shall be.

(Tsidkenu is Hebrew for The Lord our Righteousness)

Meditations Upon an Egg by John Bunyan

The egg's no chick by falling from the hen;
Nor man a Chrisitan, till he's born again.
The egg's at first contained in the shell;
Men, afore grace, in sins and darkness dwell.
The egg, when laid, by warmth is made a chicken,
And Christ, by grace, those dead in sin doth quicken.
The egg, when first a chick, the shell's its prison;
So's flesh to the soul, who yet with Christ is risen.
The shell doth crack, the chick doth chirp and peep,
The flesh decays, as men do pray and weep.
The shell doth break, the chick's at liberty,
The fleshhh falls off, the soul mounts up on high
But both do not enjoy the self-same plight;
The soul is safe, the chick now fears the kite.

But chicks from rotten eggs do not proceed,
Nor is a hypocrrite a saint indeed.
The rotten egg, though underneath the hen,
If crack'd, stinks, and is loathsome unto men.
Nor doth her warmth make what is rotten sound;
What's rotten, rotten will at last be found.
The hypocrite, sin has him in possession,
He is a rotten egg under profession.

Some eggs bring cockatrices; and some men
Seem hatch'd and brooded in the viper's den.
Some eggs bring wild-fowls; and some men there be
As wild as are the wildest fowls that flee.
Some eggs bring spiders, and some men appear
More venom'd than the worst of spiders are.
Some eggs bring piss-ants, and some seem to me
As much for trifles as the piss-ants be.
Thus divers eggs do produce divers shapes,
As like some men as monkeys are like apes.
But this is but an egg, were it a chick,
Here had been legs, and wings, and bones to pick.

Touche. See Carmon's blog Feb 5 entry for context.

El Jaleo after Sargent

Ice Storm

No one is going anywhere around here today. We are *iced in* That's what happens in the Atlanta area. More than snow, ice is the cause for school closings etc. This particular ice storm is mild. No loss of electricity, for example. Check out our conditions at my favorite weather site.

There is a possibility that my gardenia bushes will be damaged. These four foot tall bushes flanking my front door are laying flat on the ground. :(

Another Fabulous Sermon

I am so blessed to sit under sound preaching: true exposition of Scripture where Christ is the focus, not the preacher, not the choir, not the decor.

Today's verses were Luke 9:46-50 with a fair amount mentioned from the parallel passage in Mark 10:32-45. We were taught about the nature of *greatness* by comparison and contrast with the life of the disciples (specifically James and John) with the life of Christ. The true and incomparable greatness of Jesus in light of the obvious lack of greatness in the apostles tells all.

I was particularly struck when James and John said *we are able* (Mk10:39) I chuckled and then became embarassed.

Please pray for my pastor. He has been selected to speak at our state pro-life rally to be held this Friday at the Capitol. The original speaker had to decline at the last minute because he is speaking at the Inauguration. Wow.

More Decorating

Recently a frame was chosen for the oil painting which will be hung above the piano in the living room. The canvas is 24"x36". The frame is large and is capable of holding onto the dancer's movements, so one's head doesnt spin when entering the room.

Deep Dark Chocolate Cake

I took this cake to a church dinner recently and am posting the recipe for those who asked.

1 3/4 C flour
1 C boiling water
2 C sugar
2 eggs
3/4 C cocoa
1 C milk (or water)
1/2 C oil
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt

Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Stir in boiling water. (Batter will be very thin) Pour into greased and floured 13x9x2 pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes. Cool 30 minutes then frost.

Frosting

1 1/2 C XXX sugar
8 T butter
3/4 C cocoa
1/3 C milk or water or coffee

Blend at high speed with whisk/beater until smooth and spreadable.

Check out an article about my cooking. Under features, click *local flavor*

Birthday Girl

Yesterday was my youngest daughter's 15th birthday. She really has matured into quite a young lady. She has definite opinions. I like that personality trait, even if I dont always agree with them. She gave a tremendous speech at her 8th grade graduation last May, which prompted me to encourage her to take a debate class. She clued me into the Discovery Health Challenge. Might be a good way to help me stay this course.

Birthday Dinner

Roast Lamb
Steamed Asparagus
Steamed Red and Yellow Peppers
Orzo

Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Cake

Pot Providence

Weekly after church there is a congregational dinner for those who want to stay plus visitors are always invited. I like to bring fresh vegetables, as those always seem to be in short supply.
This week I *supplied* a spinach salad (mushrooms, mandarin oranges, vinagrette); steamed carrots; brussel sprouts in lemon sauce, AND (drum roll please) homemade chocolate cake.

Today's fashion flare is a new brooch. You know, those large, gaudy looking ones that are so stylish now. Mine is full of green stones. It reminds me of my great aunt, Beulah! aka Baba. I wore it on a purple wool flannel jacket with matching pleated skirt, green apple-colored silk turtleneck, and a 35 year old silk scarf (greens, pinks, purples). Where is the digital camera when you really need one?

New Years Day Dinner

Roast Pork
Black-eyed Peas w/ChowChow
Sweet Potatoes (no sugar,no pecans, no marshmallows!)
Collard Greens w/pepper sauce
Macaroni and Cheese (homemade)

Cornbread w/real butter
Sorghum Syrup

Tea (unsweet!)

Champagne

I am wearing black pinwale cordoruy pants with a boldly striped French blue/white blouse, accented with the black onyx/silver jewelry I received from my husband for Christmas.

Sage Advice

*Do all you can with what you have in the time you have in the place you are.*

Just heard Nkosi Johnson in an interview with Jim Wooten on NPR. I wonder about this youngster.

Best I can tell this quote is from John Wesley

Do all the good you can

By all the means you can

In all the ways you can

In all the places you can

At all the times you can

To all the people you can

As long as you ever can.

Check out my other site.

Salmagundi

Yesterday I took a respite from the ordinary day and invited a friend for lunch. I set the table in the dining room, using china, crystal, sterling flatware, linen napkins. Are you beginning to get the picture? Classical music was playing in the background. We talked about topics of interest to both of us and made a pact to get together again soon.

We lunched on salmagundi. I had a nice time.

Chocolate Cherry Trifle

One 8x8" brownie square (or other dry chocolate cake)
4 C boiled custard (or vanilla pudding)
4 oz cherry preserves
3-4 Tbs cherry liqueur
1/2 C slivered almonds, toasted
15 oz cherry pie filling(or fresh, pitted cherries, lots)
4 C whipped cream (2 C heavy cream whipped with 2 T xxxsugar until stiff)

In a deep glass dish, place bite sized pieces of cake or brownie. Drizzle with liqueur. Spread cherry preserves as a thin layer. Cover with pudding. Spread a layer of cherry pie filling or use lots of fresh pitted cherries. Sprinkle a few toasted almonds. Repeat the process until all the ingredients are used. Top with a thick layer of whipped creme to seal the trifle. Make decoration on top with cherries and almonds. Cover with saran and refrigerate overnight.

Boiled Custard
(from Joy of Cooking)

4 C milk, scalded
4 egg yolks
1/2 C sugar
1/4 tsp salt

In a double boiler, slowly add the slightly beaten egg yolks to the warm milk. Stir in the sugar and salt. Cook the custard over (not in) boiling water, stirring constantly. The custard should not be allowed to boil at any time. Do not expect it to be as firm as baked custard. It is more like a thick custard sauce. Again stir constantly until it begins to thicken. This takes longer than one would like. Remove from heat. As it cools, beat to release the steam. Before chilling, add flavoring, such as 1 tsp vanilla ( or rum or dry sherry).

Brownies

4 oz unsweetened bakers chocolate
2 C sugar
1 C butter
2 C flour
4 eggs
1 C pecans, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla

Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Remove from heat. Add sugar. Stir. Add eggs one at the time, stirring well after each. Add flour and salt. Stir. Add nuts. Stir. Add vanilla. Stir. Bake in two 8x8" prepared pans at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Pound Cake












1 lb butter
3 C sugar
8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks
6 eggs
3 C flour, sifted
1 Tbs vanilla extract

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add two eggs, then a cup of flour, then a few chunks of cream cheese beating slowing in the mixer all the while. Repeat the process until all the eggs, cream cheese, and flour are blended into a thick batter. Add vanilla. Put thick batter into a prepared tube or bundt pan. Start in cold oven. Bake 1.5 hrs at 300 degrees.

Cool on wire rack for just a few minutes gently loosing the edges. Invert onto wire rack as soon as possible. Do not leave for any length of time in the pan as the cake will continue to cook and be too dry. Wrap in saran while still warm.

Trifle

Every hostess needs to perfect this elegant dessert for three reasons:

1. It can be made ahead.
2. It is easy to prepare.
3. It makes a pretty presentation.

The basis of this particular trifle is a leftover 8" square brownie cake which has been in my freezer for several months. Even though today is Saturday, I am thinking about this dessert for Tuesday. On hand I have the kirsch (cherry liqueur), fruit preserves, and toasted almonds. I will purchase some fresh cherries on Monday and perhaps a can of thickened pie cherries for backup. I will make a rich, boiled custard and store until ready to assemble. The whipping cream will be done at the last minute. For this task, I highly recommend chilling the mixing bowl and beaters.

If you have time, read this article.

Coconut Cake

Three part entry follows: yellow cake, coconut filling, white icing.

Comments are now enabled on this blog by clicking on the time.

There is nothing like

awaking early, before dawn, before anyone else in the household begins to stir, and reading Scripture. Psalms 25, 35, 55, 85, 115, 145.

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Test Post

This is a nominal entry to see if the change to my template to allow comments was successful. There was so much to say and do since my last post, but each day went by before I had a chance to express myself publically.

Back in Business

This theological stuff is just going to have to take a back seat to cooking and recipes right now. Although chapters 9 through 14 of Mrs. Schaeffer's book get less attention from me, I do intend to work through them.

For over twenty years I have owned and used a KitchenAid mixer. I love to bake cakes. I started cooking when I was eight years old. Today I received a replacement part (wire whisk) which is going to make Thanksgiving and Christmas meals easier to prepare.

Look for my recipes over the coming week: Yellow Cake, Coconut Filling, Seven Minute Icing, Pound Cake, Boiled Custard, Whipped Cream. Maybe I will throw in some non-sweet ones like Cranberry Sauce, Cornbread Dressing, and Mushrooms and Pearl Onions side dish.

Applying Divinely-revealed Political Proverbs

Number Two
Sanctity of Human Life

Find out how your representative(s) vote on legislation pertaining to abortion and euthanasia. Think about those in authority who have influence in these areas, ie your physician. Do you know where abortions are performed in the county where you live?

Often times leaders will side step voicing their opinions on abortion and euthanasia, saying that they dont have the jurisdiction or opportunity (for voting.) However, it IS a good litmus test.

Check out Dr. Grant's blog and sign the petition at the American Family Association.

Do you know anyone who lives and votes in Pennsylvania?

Applying Divinely-revealed Political Proverbs

Number One
I hope and pray that each and every one of the newly elected and re-elected officials all over the United States would publically 1) pledge allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ and 2)covenant with God to govern solely in terms of God's revealed law.

Proverbs 28:4-5

I recommend that you read Parker Hudson's The President.

Thankful Thursdays

Today's blog highlight is Kelly. So between Marvelous Mondays and Friday Fives, I should have entries fairly often.

Now, which one of y'all can come over and give me a lesson in setting up my sidebars?

Post Lunar Eclipse

Just thought I would post a poem by St Augustine. I had always heard the last line, but never the context. So, in response to Linda's Marvelous Mondays, I commented on God's wonders in the lunar eclipse. And this prayer seems to fit the marvel.

O God, by whose laws the poles revolve, the stars follow their courses.
The sun rules the day and the moon presides over the night;
And all the world maintains, as far as this world of sense allows,
The wondrous stability of things by means of the order and recurrences of seasons:
Through the days by the changing of light and darkness.
Through the months by the moon's progressions and declines,
Through the years by the successions of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter,
Through the cycles by the completion of the Sun's course,
Through the great eras of time by the return of the stars to their starting points.
God of life, There are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and wear us down;
When the road seems dreary and endless, The skies grey and threatening;
When our lives have no music in them and our hearts are lonely.
And our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light.
We beseech you; Turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise.
Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in you.

Pumpkin Soup

Nothing says *home*

better than soup.





1 small onion, very finely diced
6 T flour
6T butter(real!)
6 C pureed pumpkin (do not used canned pumpkin)
6 C chicken stock
1 1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 C milk (optional)
salt, white pepper, to taste

In a large stock pot, saute onion in butter. Add flour to make a roux and cook 3-4 minutes until gently browned. Add chicken stock, stirring constantly with whisk. Add pumpkin and spices. Season to taste. Heat until just before boiling. You may stop here and continue later. Refrigerate. PS-I rarely add the milk, but it does create a creamier soup, if that is what you prefer.
I garnish this soup with a dolop of sour cream, roasted pumpkin seed and tiny parsley *flower*

The rest of this Fall menu can consist of turkey sandwich on dark pumpernickel, slathered with homemade cranberry sauce. Or on the lighter side, my favorite Fall Salad-mixed greens, with diced apples, cottage cheese, raisins, celery, sunflowers seeds, and vinagrette.

As I reread Mrs. Schaeffer's chapter on food, I am prompted to try her corn chowder. Comment on my xanga site, if you have ever prepared her recipe.

Rave Reviews

Tonight I served one of the easiest dinners I know. My husband always compliments this menu.

Chicken baked in BBQ Sauce
Steamed Broccoli
Orzo

Several friends are creating recipe blogs and I have submitted other favorites to the Prairie Muffin Site. So, let's see how this one pans out in cybespace.

PS I have a *time bake* mechanism on my oven, which allows me to program it in the morning and we can return in the evening to the delicious aromas of dinner practically prepared.

Beef with Currants

3 lbs beef, stew meat,  (1 1/2"-size cubes)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4 Tbs butter
18 small onions, peeled (can substitute lg white onion, sliced in crescent shapes)
1 can tomato paste

1/2 cup dry red wine
2 Tbs wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf, broken
1 2" piece whole cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp whole cloves
1/2 tsp ground  cumin
1/3 cup currants

Preparation ~

1.   Assemble and prepare all ingredients
2.   Season meat with salt and pepper.  In 6 qt oven-proof casserole, melt butter and add meat, stirring to coat well - do not brown.
3.  Add onions and tomato paste.

At this point you may stop and continue later ~

4.   Combine wine, vinegar, and garlic;  pour over casserole.  Add seasonings and currants.

Cooking ~

5.   Cook, covered, in 300 degree oven for 3 hrs, or until meat is tender.

Serves 6
Doubles, refrigerates, and freezes well


Consider serving this Greek stew with baked bulghur (or brown rice), spinach salad, and hot French bread.

Friday Five

I like to comment on my friend's blog. Every Friday she poses a question and this week's is so good, I dont want to lose my answers.

The question is *Name five things I want my children to remember about me.*

So, here goes...........I want them to remember me as a lady who not only had a deep, personal relationship with the Lord, but who also was able to apply that relationship to every area of daily living, temporal and spiritual. Since I am multi-faceted, these memories will cover my lifespan as 1)an individual, 2)a daughter, 3)a wife, 4)a mother, and 5)a grandmother (hopefully).

Interior Decoration, Chapter Five

Today I am rereading Mrs. Schaeffer's chapter on interior decoration, which is defined on page 66, as *anything we do with the place where we are living for any length of time at all.*

This broad generalization gives me comfort as I am slow to make decorating decisions. This frustrates my children and probably my husband, who does not complain. If I had to fall back on a decorating mantra, it would be *Cleanliness is next to godliness.* That translates into keeping my home *clean and orderly* over *precisely appointed.* Plainly, I must learn to ignore the pink fabric on the wing chair, the color of which doesnt match my scheme, and be thankful that we have a lovely piece on which to sit.

All that said, I must announce a decorating *find.* Two needlepoint pillows on sale at half price! I had noticed them last winter and passed them up unsure that they would *match.* Now that I am pleased with the way they look in on my sofa, I think I will wrap them up and give them to me for Christmas.

Before I do, however, would you like to join me for tea this afternoon in my living room. Say around four?

Stock Recipe

Large stock pot (6-8qt)
Leftover ham bone (turkey carcass works, too)
Water to cover
Whole carrot, washed
Stalk celery
White onion, quartered
Clove garlic
Peppercorns

Cover loosely with lid. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce to low heat. Simmer for 3-4 hours. The liquid should be reduced from the original amount. Remove bone, meat pieces, veggies and throw away. All nutritional value and flavor is in the broth. Store overnight in 'fridge. Next day remove layer of solidified fat. Freeze remaining liquid for use in cooking or use immediately. Sometimes I freeze the entire 6qts to be used when I am making a homemade soup. And other times I freeze in smaller quantities for use in other recipes.

My favorite homemade soups:
1)15 Bean
2)Senate (navy) Bean
3)Split Pea
4)Potato
5)Chicken/Turkey Noodle
6)Must-Go Soup
7)Veggie Soup

Making Sunday Special

On my Xanga site I mentioned that I am reading a book by the above title. Over the next few months, I will post a few comments as I progress through the chapters.

Since today is Saturday this is your last chance to prepare for Sunday. Preparation/thinking ahead is the key to making the day special and set apart. So, I will start easy and propose that you mainly think/meditate on getting ready your heart, mind, and body to meet (visit with in Southern....) the Lord tomorrow. Consider three areas: 1)hearing His Word preached 2)singing His praises and 3)sharing a meal with Him.

Only after being able to get yourself ready for Sunday ahead of time on a regular basis can you consider being able to get ready any one else, like your children.

Pork with Eggplant

Robert Ackart

I own about 5 or 6 of his cookbooks and recommend them highly. Delicious, creative food with side dish and wine suggestions. Recently I prepared the following receipe which I will try and link to the Prairie Muffin site to see if there are any *takers.*



Prep Time:35 mins Serves 6 Doubles easily Refrigerates/Freezes well

2 T olive oil
1 1/2 lbs lean, boneless pork, cut into 1" bites
salt & pepper
In a flameproof casserole, heat the oil and in it brown the pork. Season w/S&P. Remove and reserve. (I skipped the browning part)

2 onions, sliced
1 clove garlic, pressed
2 green peppers, seeded and julienned

In the remaining fat, cook the onion, garlic, and pepper until the onion is translucent.

1/2 C brown rice
1 1lb can Italian tomatoes
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Over the onion mixture, sprinkle the rice. Add the tomatoes and sprinkle them with cinnamon.

1 lg eggplant, peeled and diced
1/2 C brown rice
10 oz frozen okra
1 1lb can Italian tomatoes
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Over the tomatoes arrange the eggplant in a flat layer. Replace the pork in a flat layer. Over it, sprinkle the rice. If desired, add the okra. Add more tomatoes and sprinkle with more cinnamon.

At this point, you may stop and continue later. (I refrigerated my stew in my dutch oven overnight)

Bake the casserole, covered, at 375 for 1.5hrs

This was so yummy and so easy. I served with steamed English peas and freshly baked bread. And I had enough to serve as *planned overs*. You know, on one of those evenings, where you arrive home late, having had no time to cook.

Confession

I started a site on Xanga. I really do want to figure out this journaling thing. And I was wondering if Xanga would be easier to manipulate. Plus it affords me the opportunity to comment on my daughters' sites.
I figured out that it is easier to think of something to post, if I stick with the ordinary, like what I'm cooking. But I have all these serious thoughts bouncing around in my head that need to be freed. It is a tortuous exercise to organize these reflections and put them in print.
Practice makes perfect.

Who Said This?


Law is the eye of love,
and without law love is blind;
Love is the soul of law,
and without love law is dead.

Fine Dining

Boiled Shrimp
Louis Sauce
Steamed Asparagus
Pasta Salad with lots of
Orange Peppers,Grape Tomatoes
Stilton Cheese and Black Olives
French Bread

Bloody Mary
Glen Ellen Pinot Grigio

Fresh Peaches over
Vanilla Ice Cream
Almond Liqueur
Choc Hazelnut Pirouette Cookie

Southern T-U-L-I-P

In Sunday School we're studying Calvin and today the teacher had to expound Calvin's doctrine, usually understood by the acrostic T-U-L-I-P


In Southern this becomes P-E-A-C-H

P=pervasive perversity=total depravity=T
E=election, external and eternal=unconditional surrender=U
A=atonement, limited by design=limited atonement=L
C=calling, effectual=irresistable grace=I
H=heavenly home held by heavenly hands=perserverance of the saints=P

He agreed the *H* needed some work, but the example served the purpose.




Added  3/19/2010
Jay Adams on TULIP

“I’ve been reading your blogs for a few weeks now, and find them . . . well . . . . different. But the title to this one takes the cake! What in the world are you writing about this time?”




Well, I’m glad you find my blogs . . .uh . . . different. I try to keep away from the run-of-the-mill presentations that bore rather than inform.



Some time ago, I wrote an article for RC Sproul’s little monthly magazine Table Talk. In it I wanted to stress some aspects of the so-called “Five Points of Calvinism.” As you know, the word T-U-L-I-P is used as a means of remembering each of the points. T stands for total depravity; U for unconditional election, L for limited atonement, I for irresistible grace, and P for perseverance of the saints.



Now, many people find no difficulty in accepting four of the five points, notably, the first and last two in the word. I wanted to stress the fact that in leaving out the L, they not only mess up the word TULIP, but their own theology, and at the same time, miss what is, in many respects, the main doctrine of the five. So, I devised the TULIPBURGER.



Let me explain. The T and the P are like the two pieces of bun that hold a burger together—absolutely essential, but, in themselves, hardly a burger at all. I liken the U and the I to the lettuce and the tomato. Better, but still not a burger. Lastly, I suggest that the L is like the meat in the center. Truly, the idea of limited atonement is the “meat” of Calvinism. To hold to the fact that Jesus didn’t die for “mankind,” or, as that means, persons in general—but for persons in particular, is essential to having a “Personal Savior.” I’m delighted, that with the apostle I can say, “He loved me and gave Himself for me.” I agree with Luther who, when commenting on the first verse of the 23rd Psalm said, “Thank God for personal pronouns.”



To realize that Jesus’ death was 100% effective; that He didn’t die for people in general, but that He knew His sheep, and called them by name, and gave His life for each one of them individually is a blessed truth, not to be omitted from the burger. Because He did, therefore, every one of them will have eternal life. It is a rich doctrine not to be lost by focusing on buns, lettuce and tomato alone, while forgetting the meat.



Jesus didn’t come to make salvation possible—He came to “seek and to save that which was lost.” God was satisfied with His death for everyone for whom He died. He didn’t die needlessly for millions who would reject Him. He knew all that the Father had given Him, and said that not one of them would be lost. They would all be saved. After all, if Jesus’ death for sin really did satisfy God’s justice for any, it would also do so for all. So, if He died for all—all would be saved. Of course, we know that isn’t true. Yet, if universal atonement were true, then God could hardly punish men and women for eternity for whom Christ had already suffered the punishment. There is no double jeopardy. And therefore, there is no burger unless it is a TULIPBURGER!

I copied this from Donna@QuietLife http://www.booshay.blogspot.com

1. If the world were to suddenly end right now, what do you wish you would have done?
...organized my basement
2. How many times do you hit the snooze button before getting out of bed?
...none, i usually awaken about 2mins BEFORE the alarm goes off
3. What cartoon do you enjoy watching from the present (or the past)?
...sorry, no cable here, although Candid Camera makes me laugh
4. If you could go to any time and/or place in history, where/when would it be?
...difficult choice, esp since I was a history major in college, hmmmm...right here in the Great State of Georgia, the 50-60 years preceeding the War of Northern Agression
5. If your life were a movie, what would it be rated and why?
...*G* because my life is divinely ordinary

You're a Classic Cup 'O' Joe!


What Kind of Coffee are You?
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You are Proverbs.


Which book of the Bible are you?
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Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup shortening (butter)
1 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour,
      sifted with 1 tsp soda and pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla

Cream together first three ingredients.  Add eggs and vanilla.  Add flour, mixing slowly until combined.  Pinh into small balls.  Press onto cookie sheet with two fingers or tongs of dinner fork.

Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 8-12 minutes.

What I'm

Wearing:
flax-colored Irish linen shorts with black print linen blouse; black strappy sandals and "hammered" gold jewelry

Eating:
Broccoli-Beef Stir-Fry with vidalia onions and red peppers; Cavit Pinot Noir

Reading:
Dorothy Sayers' Lord Peter stories and Ross King's Michaelangelo & The Pope's Ceiling

Gardenia Bushes

On both sides of the front door of my house sit a gardenia bush. I am pleased to report that each is chock full of buds. All day long I've been checking the progess of flowers as they open. The fragrance is intoxicating. The white petals are silky smooth. The color scheme is dramatic. Simply elegant.

Sermon Meditation

Aside from taking good notes during the sermon on Titus, I spent some time diagramming Titus 2:11-13. Diagramming helps one understand the meaning of sentences. One learns to read for the purpose of reading Scripture and increasing in the knowledge of God. One learns to diagram for the purpose of improving one's reading skills.

Do you and your children know how to diagram sentences?

Sabbath Meditation

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.

ITim3:16

It is not hard for me to imagine some first century Christians gathered in a home for worship and reciting this common confession. I look forward to meeting them.

Nearest Book

Her church life really meant something to her.
The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot

Copied this idea from Sora, who got it from Kelly.

Follow the herd:
1)Grab the nearest book.
2)Open to page 23.
3)Find the fifth sentence.
4)Post the text of the sentence on your blog along with these instructions.

I REALLY need to learn how to link and manipulate this log.

Flat Rocks

Vegetarian Dinner Idea which received rave reviews from my family this week.










6 rounds Pita Bread (approx 6"dia)
6-8 Cups Veggie Stir Fry (see below)
6-8 Cups Cheddar Cheese, grated (Vermont White)

Preheat broiler. Arrange pitas on large baking sheet lined with foil. This might take two cookie sheets (3 pitas per sheet). Top each pita with 1 C stir fry. Thoroughly cover each pita with grated cheese. Broil until cheese melts, usually 3-5 mins in my oven. (dont leave the room ) Serve immediately.

Veggie Stir Fry

6-8 C broccoli, washed &trimmed, flowerettes and some stem(peeled&diced)
4-5 carrots, peeled&sliced thinly in half-rounds
2 med onions, sliced into crescents
1 lg tomato, peeled&diced

In large frying pan(or wok) heat 1 T oil&1 T butter. Add onions and saute for 1 min. Add carrots then broccoli. Stir continually, cooking on high heat. Or cover and steam for 3 mins until tender yet not losing color. Sprinkle with soy sauce for added flavor, optional. Turn off heat. Stir in diced tomatoes.

Spring

The finches eating at the kitchen feeder are now bright yellow: a sure sign of something.

Two Categories

These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. 2Thess1:9

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3

Lemon Ice-Box Pie

Lemon Ice-Box Pie

1 can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
6 egg yolks
2/3 Cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 T grated lemon rind.

Combine and chill thoroughly. Pour into a baked but cooled graham cracker crust. Top with meringue. Bake 5 minutes in an oven which has been preheated to 425 degrees.

Meringue

6 egg whites
6 Tbs granulated white sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar (opt)

Beat at high rate of speed in mixer until eggs whites are stiff, but not dry. For example, when you pull the whisk out of the whites, the peaks should fall over slightly. In addition, when you rub a little of the mixture in between your fingers, it should not feel gritty.

Graham Cracker Crust

1 1/3 cups graham crackers crumbs
(approx 24 crackers)
1/2 cup melted butter
1 Tbs sugar

Combine in large mixing bowl. Then press into a 9" glass pie plate. Bake 5-7 minutes at 350. Cool. Then fill.

Peach Trifle

Leftover pound cake, torn/cut into bite-sized chunks
Peachtree Schnapps (peach brandy)
Vanilla pudding (from vanilla wafer box, thinned w/juice from peaches)
Peaches (using ones "canned" by a friend last summer) 1 qt
Blueberries, approx 1 C (been frozen in freezer since last summer)
Whipped Cream

In a large glass bowl, layer pound cake and drizzle with a little brandy. Top with pudding, then peaches, then blueberries. Repeat the layers until all your ingredients are used, having chosen enough to serve your guests. Top with freshly whipped cream. Cover with saran. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with a "rice" spoon.


The beauty of a trifle is that it can not only be made ahead of time, but also be made from ingredients one has on hand. So, I feel particularly economical to be recommending this dessert.

Meal Suggestions

After Church Sunday dinner (plan A):

Spiral Sliced Ham
Eggplant Casserole
Steamed Broccoli
Honey Glazed Carrots
Deviled Eggs
Croissants

Peach Trifle


After Church Dinner (plan B):

Roast Lamb w/gravy
Sweet Pepper Casserole
Steamed Asparagus
Steamed Carrots
Croissants

Merlot or Iced Tea

Peach Trifle

Meal Art

Open-faced Sandwich

Brown-One slice Brownberry brand bread, toasted
Yellow-One egg, hardboiled & mashed w/1T mayo
Red-Sliced Tomato
Green-Alfalfa Sprouts

Almost too pretty to eat!

The Finches are Back!

Well, Happy New Year! I can't believe how long it has been since I've posted!

Lately, I have been sighting goldfinches at the thistle feeder. They are barely yellow. It won't be long before they are boldly yellow. And then they will depart.

On Christmas Day outside my kitchen window on the deck, I saw the following birds feeding: cardinals, titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, Carolina wrens, white-breasted nuthatches, rufous-sided towhees, brown thrashers, a red-bellied woodpecker, and an hairy woodpecker.

What fun!

Fashion-Square Knot

Brownie Points

I walked twice today. Two twenty-minute episodes: one inside following a video and one outside ejoying the cool weather.

Wish I could think of a better way to update my site. I will continue to try and conjure up reflections I want to share.

Italian Creme Cake

1/2 cup butter
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
5 egg yolks
2 cups plain flour
1 tsp soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1 sm can coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
5 egg whites, stiffly beaten

Cream butter, oil, and sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add egg yolks. Beat. Combine flour, soda, coconut, and nuts. Add to the mixture. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. Fold in egg whites. Pour batter into three prepared cake pans.

Bake for 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees.

Cool and frost.

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup melted butter
1 lb XXX sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Whisk together in mixer and spread on cool cake.

FAVORITE THEME

Thus says the Lord, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Of all the wonderful themes throughout Scripture, I think this one is my favorite: that God does things so that people will know that He is the Lord. Our pastor is preaching throught the entire Bible, one book per Sunday morning sermon. It is fantastic. I leave church feeling invigorated and ready to shout from the tree tops "Jesus is Lord!" "Don't you SEE it?" Don't you HEAR it?" "Now, TESTIFY to it."

From the stories in Exodus of Moses' appeals to Pharoah, so that he would know that God is Lord, all the way through the New Testament preachers of Paul and Timothy, the WORD is proclaimed that we might know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.

Creativity

I don't really consider myself a "creative" person.

I cant draw. I cant decorate. I cant even keep up with fashion.

But watch me open the refrigerator door and produce "something" from what some people have called "nothing."

Here's my latest "what can we eat tonight?"

Pasta Salad

Cook one pound pasta. I used shells. Drain.

Add leftovers. I used sauted zucchini&onions leftover from spaghetti night on Tuesday; steamed cauliflowerettes leftover from Wednesday; add 1/4C sundried tomatoes, 2 oz sliced black olives. Toss with homemade salad dressing (1/2C safflower oil, 1/4C vinegar, 2T dijon mustard, 1/8 tsp white pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1T parsley, 1 sm clove garlic pressed). Garnish with feta cheese or diced (leftover) chicken for main dish.

Serve immediately or chill, if desired.


I think Edith Schaeffer would approve.

Repeating History as Farce by Norman Ravitch

This article kinda goes along with my Confederate Memorial Day post.

Solomon's Benediction

Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant. May the Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers; may He not leave us or forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, which He commanded to our fathers. And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day requires, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no one else. Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day.
I Kings 8:56-61

Confederate Memorial Day

It seems odd to me that with all the hoopla over the Georgia State Flag and the use of the Confederate Cross that State employees are not protesting this State Holiday as well.
http://www.cviog.uga.edu/Projects/gainfo/confmem.htm


A Poem by an unknown author

The marching armies of the past
Along our Southern plains,
Are sleeping now in quiet rest
Beneath the Southern rains.

The bugle call is now in vain
To rouse them from their bed;
To arms they'll never march again--
They are sleeping with the dead.

No more will Shiloh's plains be stained
With blood our heroes shed,
Nor Chancellorsville resound again
To our noble warriors' tread.

For them no more shall reveille
Sound at the break of dawn,
But may their sleep peaceful be
Till God's great judgment morn.

We bow our heads in solemn prayer
For those who wore the gray,
And clasp again their unseen hands
On our Memorial Day.

carpool, bank, radio station, drug store, office, post office, carpool, dinner,
repeat

Birthday Dinner

Roast Leg of Lamb,
Mint Jelly,
Eggplant Casserole,
Steamed Asparagus,
Steamed Carrots,
Croissants,
Banrock Station Shiraz (2001),

German Chocolate Cake,
Coffee,

followed by "Dr. Zhivago" starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie

German Chocolate Cake

From start to finish, making this cake takes me 3 hours. That includes clean-up.

Cake Portion

4 oz German chocolate
1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup buttermilk



Melt chocolate in boiling water. Then allow to cool. Cream butter and sugar in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add yolks, one at the time, stirring well after each. Add melted chocolate and vanilla to the mixture. Stir. Alternately add dry ingredients (which have been sifted together: flour, powder, soda) with wet (the buttermilk). Fold in stiffly-beaten egg whites.

Pour into three 9 in prepared cake pans. Bake in an oven which has been preheated to 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Test doneness at 25 mins.

Cool just a few minutes on wire rack. Then loose around edges with a dull knife and turn out of pan. Cover with wet paper towel, while cake cools.

Frosting

1 sm can (6oz?)crushed pineapple
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 13 oz can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups butter
5 egg yolks
1 cup grated coconut

Mix all the ingredients in a heavy saucepan, cooking slowly over medium heat until thickened. Add 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla. Stir. Cool before icing cake.

This *frosting* does not go on the sides of the cake, only in between the layers and on top.

Beauty Secrets

Audrey Hepburn was beautiful inside and out. It was fitting that she played an angelic spirit guide in her last acting role, in the movie, “Always.” When asked about her secrets for staying so beautiful, this is what she said:

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

Jonquils and Goldfinches

I am tickled to report that the bulbs I planted on March 8th have poked through the soil and will bloom in the next several weeks. I am so glad I did not throw them away because it was past the "appointed" planting season. Also, while outside on the deck "surveying" the backyard, I noticed that a goldfinch had flown to the feeder and perched for a snack. I was within 2 feet of him and only when I needed a breath did he decide to move on. Isn't spring wonderful?!

Sermon Synopsis

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 NIV

My pastor is preaching through the Bible in a year. Each Sunday he covers a book of the Bible and today we heard II Samuel, by focusing on the chapter 22. As always, it was a trememdous exposition of God's Word, which always leaves me wanting more. As I sit down to reread my notes and finish my attempt at reading through II Samuel, I pray that someone stumbles across my blog and reads II Samuel, too.

Favorite Sandwiches

Pimento Cheese
Peanut Butter and Banana
Tuna Salad
Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
Reuben
Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato
Tomato w/garlic'd cream cheese
Cucumber, hummus, and sprouts
Egg Salad
Grilled Meatloaf Marinara

I Am Madame X: A Novel


Among other things,

I am reading

this good book.













by Gioia Diliberto (Author)

Chocolate Chip Pie


2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, melted & cooled to room temp
6 oz chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 9" pie shell, unbaked

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat eggs until foamy. Add flour and sugars, stirring until well-blended. Stir in melted (soft) butter. Add chocolate chips and nutes, blending gently. Pour into pie shell. Bake 1 hour.

Serves 8

Another easy, elegant dessert....

Bake a brownie recipe in a pie pan. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce. The raspberry sauce is made by putting frozen sweetened raspberries in the blender.

I Am His, and He Is Mine

Loved with everlasting love,
Led by grace that love to know;
Spirit, breathing from above,
Thou hast taught me it is so!
Oh, this full and perfect peace!
Oh, this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His, and He is mine.

Heav'n above is softer blue,
Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in ev'ry hue
Christless eyes have never seen:
Birds with gladder songs o'erflow
Flow'rs with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is Mine.

Things that once were wild alarms
Cannot now disturb my rest;
Closed in everlasting arms,
Pillowed on the loving breast.
Oh, to lie forever here,
Doubt, and care, and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear--
I am His, and He is mine.

His forever, only His;
Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss,
Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav'n and earth may fade and flee,
First born light in gloom decline;
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine.

George Wade Robinson (1838-1877)

Today I visited this gallery with my second daughter. It was exquisite and on the way home we daydreamed about being able to spend an entire day gallery-hopping.
Come Back Soon, We're Changing Our Look to Serve YOU Better!

Part of the "daydream" included a weekend trip to New York, so we could take in this show.
accessatlanta | events | theater | 'Gospel of John' opens off-Broadway

'Hidden art' is the art which is found in the 'minor' areas of life. By 'minor' I (Edith Schaeffer) mean what is involved in the 'everyday' of anyone's life, rather than his career or profession. Each person has some talent which is unfulfilled in some 'hidden area' of his being, and which could be expressed and developed.

Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun

Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run:
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise
To pay thy morning sacrifice.


Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
And with the angels bear thy part,
Who all night long unwearied sing
High praise to the eternal King.


All Praise to Thee, who safe has kept,
And hast refreshed me while I slept:
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake
I may of endless life partake.


Lord, I my vows to Thee renew;
Disperse my sins as morning dew;
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with Thyself my spirit fill.


Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design, or do, or say,
That all my powers, with all their might,
In Thy sole glory may unite.


Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.


Thomas Ken (1637-1711)

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