There are two options that are really tasty. To spice the drinks I used a mulling spices in a tea bag I found at Trader Joes. You use one tea bag per 8 ounces of beverage.
Option 1:
1 part sucralose sweetened tea, 1 part 50%/Light Cranberry Juice (Great Value Brand, it's sweetened with sucralose and other juices), and one mulling spice bag per 8 ounces liquid. Steep 5 mins.
Option 2:
One part unsweetened tea, one part 50%/Light Cranberry Juice and two parts prepared Crystal Light Peach Mango Green tea, and one mulling spice bag per 8 ounces liquid. Steep 5 mins.
Note: I find the Crystal Light Peach Mango Green tea to be very sweet, hence I use unsweet tea. You may prefer it sweeter than I do, if so, use sweet tea.
If you can't find the mulling spices tea bags, you can use your own spice mixture and strain it. The bags I found at TJ's had cinnamon, clovers, ginger, orange peel and lemon peel. It looked like a powder in the bag.
There are commercially prepared mulling spice powdered mixtures but they are all sweetened with either sugar or other sweeteners. The amount needed to spice the beverage makes it too sweet for my taste, hence I prefer my mulling spices to have no kind of sweetener in them.
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
December 13, 2018
December 5, 2018
Holiday Roll Up
You will need: Cream cheese, Ranch salad dressing (not the dry stuff in a packet, the bottled kind), grated Colby Jack cheese, bacon bits, a dash of tobacco, and flour tortillas.
Or you can use this to fill small bell peppers or celery if you want to limit carbs.
Alternatively you could make it into a cheese spread for crackers or as a dip for celery. If it's too thick thin it with a bit of milk or preferably cream. Don't add more ranch, it may make it too salty.
I like it best rolled up in a tortilla and sliced.
Method: to softened cream cheese add enough Ranch salad dressing to flavor the cream cheese and soften it, making it easy to spread. You don't want it runny so don't add too much. To this, add the grated cheese and bacon bits. That's it.
Spread this onto the tortilla, and roll it up, Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for a couple of hours or longer, if you plan on slicing it. Alternatively, if you wish to eat it right away, skip the chilling and slicing process.
For vegetarians you might try replacing the bacon with imitation bacon.
For pescatarians try some chopped shrimp, adding a bit of liquid smoke for a bit of smokiness
Not a fan of bacon? Ham might be a good sub for the bacon. And chicken, might work too; again I'd add a bit of liquid smoke with the chicken.
When ready to serve, if slicing, place on a festive platter or tray.
I found that the Ranch salad dressing added plenty of salt and flavor, so taste before you add salt or other seasonings.
The beauty of this recipe, if you can even call it that, is that it's easy to make with stuff you probably have on hand.
Enjoy.
Note: you might make it into a cheese ball but if you do I suggest using the dry ranch seasoning so it will form a nice ball. It may be too loose with the prepared Ranch salad dressing.
Or you can use this to fill small bell peppers or celery if you want to limit carbs.
Alternatively you could make it into a cheese spread for crackers or as a dip for celery. If it's too thick thin it with a bit of milk or preferably cream. Don't add more ranch, it may make it too salty.
I like it best rolled up in a tortilla and sliced.
Method: to softened cream cheese add enough Ranch salad dressing to flavor the cream cheese and soften it, making it easy to spread. You don't want it runny so don't add too much. To this, add the grated cheese and bacon bits. That's it.
Spread this onto the tortilla, and roll it up, Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for a couple of hours or longer, if you plan on slicing it. Alternatively, if you wish to eat it right away, skip the chilling and slicing process.
For vegetarians you might try replacing the bacon with imitation bacon.
For pescatarians try some chopped shrimp, adding a bit of liquid smoke for a bit of smokiness
Not a fan of bacon? Ham might be a good sub for the bacon. And chicken, might work too; again I'd add a bit of liquid smoke with the chicken.
When ready to serve, if slicing, place on a festive platter or tray.
I found that the Ranch salad dressing added plenty of salt and flavor, so taste before you add salt or other seasonings.
The beauty of this recipe, if you can even call it that, is that it's easy to make with stuff you probably have on hand.
Enjoy.
Note: you might make it into a cheese ball but if you do I suggest using the dry ranch seasoning so it will form a nice ball. It may be too loose with the prepared Ranch salad dressing.
April 7, 2012
HE IS RISEN; HE IS RISEN INDEED.
The Holy Bible says that there is one God and one mediator between God and man and that mediator is Christ Jesus.
On the cross of Calvary Jesus Christ--Messiah--paid the penalty for your sin and mine, purchasing --once and for all --the salvation of mankind.
This salvation is freely given to all who will receive Jesus as Savior.
In Romans 8:1 the Bible says: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Even though there are none that are righteous.....
(In Romans 3:10 the Bible says: "There is none righteous, no not one. ")
Even though all have sinned and fallen short....
(In Romans 3:23 the Bible says: "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." )
Salvation is a gift, paid in full and free to those who will ask to be saved.
(In Romans !0:13 the Bible says: " whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." )
1 CROSS + 3 NAILS = 4 GIVEN
December 25, 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Luke 2
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
1And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
September 13, 2011
March 5, 2011
COCONUT GRASS FRUIT SOUP
Perfect for St. Patrick's Day or Spring
If you'd like to make this fun soup here's how:
In a blender combine:
*frozen banana
*frozen peaches
*frozen spinach
*plain yogurt
*protein powder
*ice cold water
*sweetener to taste
Blend until all the solids are liquefied.
Pour into a serving bowl.
Sprinkle with coconut.
The amounts you use will depend on the serving size.
For a single serving I use half a banana, one half cup peaches, about a fourth cup of spinach, one half cup yogurt, and a half scoop of protein powder. A teaspoon of sugar satisfies my taste buds. And I add enough water so everything blends well.
You can't really taste the spinach--but if you prefer another green, you might use kiwi. And a bit of green food color if needed.
This can be served in an Irish Coffee mug too--as a smoothie.
Fun for kids. Fun for adults.
December 3, 2010
Slinky
The toy I never wanted. The toy I never understood.
I received one of these in a gift exchange. I'd seen them on television and they puzzled me.
What did you do with them? How did you play with them?
There were no stairs in our home, and after you'd juggled them a bit--which took all of ten seconds--what was left?
I knew how to play with my doctor's kit, my dolls, my dishes, my chalkboard, my toy cash register and all my stuffed animals.
My play was elaborate. Our living room was the waiting room to see the doctor--which was me. The examining room for my patients was my parents bedroom. I loved giving my patients shots and telling them it wouldn't hurt.
When my patients finished they could go to my restaurant in the kitchen, where I took their food orders on a real guest check pad. I cooked the food, served it on my real china toy dishes, and when they finished they paid me with play money which I placed in my cash register.
And while they did all of this their kids were at school, located in my bedroom--complete with child size table and chairs, chalk board, red pencil, foil stars and my own old school papers which I graded while the 'kid's--my stuffed animals and dolls--did their seat work.
As I taught with my Lee press on nails I stood by the chalkboard at the front of the class.
So--how would a slinky fit into this elaborate play scheme?
I never figured it out and that is one of the few gifts--along with play dough, and marbles and kites in the spring--that I didn't welcome or really appreciate.
I could never get a kite to fly, marbles were pretty but the game made no sense--though jacks did--and play dough--it didn't spark any creativity in me. If anything it limited it. One can of play dough, one color like yellow. What can you create with a lump of yellow play dough?
Give me a Mr. Potato Head. At least he came with a variety of elements and I could create several persona's.
Shoot give me a new fancy dress with a 'can can' slip and a pair of black patent leather shoes plus a pair of ruffled lace top socks. At least I could wear those and feel like a little princess.
But a slinky? No thanks.
November 24, 2010
Hurrah It's Thanksgiving Day (Almost)
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1964
Like the rest of America I'll be busy in the kitchen tomorrow so I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I am truly blessed and I thank God for all his provisions.
In the background while I'm preparing my feast there will be the Macy's Christmas Parade--which always happens on Thanksgiving Day-- playing on the TV. I don't think I've ever sat down and watched the whole parade, but I always enjoy listening to it. Pure nostalgia.
July 4, 2010
Let Freedom Ring
To all those--past, present and upcoming--I say thank you for your brave service, devotion, and love for our country. Putting your life on the line and being willing to shed your blood is the greatest sacrifice of all. Jesus Christ said there was no greater love than being willing to lay down your life for a friend.
On this Fourth of July you might like to read our Constitution. It was required reading back in the day when I was in high school. You coudn't graduate without passing the class/test.
Here's a link to it: http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html .
Our forefathers and fore-mothers sacrificed their wealth, their families, their very lives for this great nation and it was their faith in God that led them and from which they drew the strength to endure the hardships. We have beds of ease as it were out of their discomfort and loss.
Each morning when you wake up in a still free country give a word of thanks and live accordingly.
On this Fourth of July you might like to read our Constitution. It was required reading back in the day when I was in high school. You coudn't graduate without passing the class/test.
Here's a link to it: http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html .
Our forefathers and fore-mothers sacrificed their wealth, their families, their very lives for this great nation and it was their faith in God that led them and from which they drew the strength to endure the hardships. We have beds of ease as it were out of their discomfort and loss.
Each morning when you wake up in a still free country give a word of thanks and live accordingly.
April 3, 2010
Easter Tidings
Yesterday was good Friday. Good for us and good for Jesus. Many don't understand how the crucifixion was good in any aspect.
Jesus the Christ came down from Heaven to earth on an express mission. His mission was to die, to shed his blood, to pay once and for all the penalty of our sins. Thus he did at the cross. He took on him the sins of the whole world-- past, present and future. He took our place that we might not have to pay that penalty. He fulfilled his mission, so in that respect it was good for him. Had he not gone to the cross he'd have failed in his express mission.
And for us the crucifixion was good because he paid the ransom for our freedom--freedom from the bondage and penalty of our sin. He took our stripes and by His stripes we are healed.
But this process of redemption only began at the cross. After his death on the cross, he was taken from the cross, placed in a sealed tomb guarded by Roman soldiers. It was certain death for them should they allow his body to be taken. So they guarded it with that in mind.
Lo--on the third day the stone was rolled away and his body was not there. The grave clothes were there, but no body. He had risen from the dead, thus proving that he was indeed God incarnate.
His death and resurrection was observed and recorded by many...500 at one time, and many many others at various times after the resurrection.....right up until he ascended on high.
He is not dead for he is risen. He is risen indeed.
Why did he come to earth? This verse from the New Testament of the Bible sums it up:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
How shall we believe in him whom we have not seen? Faith, dear readers. It is by faith--faith in the finished work of Jesus the Christ-- that ye are saved, through grace, and that not of yourselves. It (your salvation) is the gift of God, and not of works, lest any man should boast.
We can not earn our salvation. Entrance to heaven is not achieved by your good deeds outweighing the bad ones.
Entrance to heaven--salvation--is a free gift, to be received by those who will believe on his name. As it is written in the Holy Script: whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (Jesus Christ) shall be saved.
That is the glory of Easter. That God so love us, he came down, not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.
Jesus the Christ came down from Heaven to earth on an express mission. His mission was to die, to shed his blood, to pay once and for all the penalty of our sins. Thus he did at the cross. He took on him the sins of the whole world-- past, present and future. He took our place that we might not have to pay that penalty. He fulfilled his mission, so in that respect it was good for him. Had he not gone to the cross he'd have failed in his express mission.
And for us the crucifixion was good because he paid the ransom for our freedom--freedom from the bondage and penalty of our sin. He took our stripes and by His stripes we are healed.
But this process of redemption only began at the cross. After his death on the cross, he was taken from the cross, placed in a sealed tomb guarded by Roman soldiers. It was certain death for them should they allow his body to be taken. So they guarded it with that in mind.
Lo--on the third day the stone was rolled away and his body was not there. The grave clothes were there, but no body. He had risen from the dead, thus proving that he was indeed God incarnate.
His death and resurrection was observed and recorded by many...500 at one time, and many many others at various times after the resurrection.....right up until he ascended on high.
He is not dead for he is risen. He is risen indeed.
Why did he come to earth? This verse from the New Testament of the Bible sums it up:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
How shall we believe in him whom we have not seen? Faith, dear readers. It is by faith--faith in the finished work of Jesus the Christ-- that ye are saved, through grace, and that not of yourselves. It (your salvation) is the gift of God, and not of works, lest any man should boast.
We can not earn our salvation. Entrance to heaven is not achieved by your good deeds outweighing the bad ones.
Entrance to heaven--salvation--is a free gift, to be received by those who will believe on his name. As it is written in the Holy Script: whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (Jesus Christ) shall be saved.
That is the glory of Easter. That God so love us, he came down, not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.
January 3, 2010
Mocha Punch
Before you know it Valentine's day will be upon us-- a great excuse to eat chocolate!
In a previous post I shared a recipe for Mistletoe Punch which was a big hit at my house. Here's my take on it for Valentines.
In a previous post I shared a recipe for Mistletoe Punch which was a big hit at my house. Here's my take on it for Valentines.
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Mocha Punch
Scoop into a bowl 8 cups of chocolate ice cream. Allow to soften somewhat and stir in 16 ounces of Cool Whip.
Now, add 8 cups of double strength cafe latte (how to make this to follow).
You can put this into a punch bowl or a nice pitcher. Optional: sprinkle with cocoa powder. You could also float some dollops of Cool Whip or whipped cream on the top.
You can put this into a punch bowl or a nice pitcher. Optional: sprinkle with cocoa powder. You could also float some dollops of Cool Whip or whipped cream on the top.
*****************************************
Here's the easy woman's version of double strength cafe latte.
For each cup of coffee add 2 teaspoons of instant coffee to enough boiling water to dissolve the coffee powder. Now add cold water to make a half cup, followed by a half cup of cold milk.
If you don't like coffee, omit it and replace with milk.
If you're not a chocolate lover, strawberry would be nice for Valentines--I'd suggest using strawberry ice cream, the pink kind, and milk, possibly add some strawberry Nestle's Quick.
The variations are endless...I'm thinking chocolate mint would be yummy too..the green mint ice cream should give you a nice creamy pastel green color.
Note: I use the light Cool Whip with great results. Also, in this version it's important to incorporate the whipped topping before you add the liquid..otherwise you'll end up with tiny white clumps in your chocolate punch.
Granted this isn't 'health food...but it is fun. A punch sized portion of this won't ruin your food plan. Fun foods are, well fun, and I for one, am all for having a fun filled 2010.
For each cup of coffee add 2 teaspoons of instant coffee to enough boiling water to dissolve the coffee powder. Now add cold water to make a half cup, followed by a half cup of cold milk.
If you don't like coffee, omit it and replace with milk.
If you're not a chocolate lover, strawberry would be nice for Valentines--I'd suggest using strawberry ice cream, the pink kind, and milk, possibly add some strawberry Nestle's Quick.
The variations are endless...I'm thinking chocolate mint would be yummy too..the green mint ice cream should give you a nice creamy pastel green color.
Note: I use the light Cool Whip with great results. Also, in this version it's important to incorporate the whipped topping before you add the liquid..otherwise you'll end up with tiny white clumps in your chocolate punch.
Granted this isn't 'health food...but it is fun. A punch sized portion of this won't ruin your food plan. Fun foods are, well fun, and I for one, am all for having a fun filled 2010.
January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!!
Some light hearted fare for New Years reflection.
Bill Vaughan
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.
James Agate
New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.
Eric Zorn
Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.
Judith Crist
Happiness is too many things these days for anyone to wish it on anyone lightly. So let's just wish each other a bile-less New Year and leave it at that.
Joey Adams
May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!
Minnie L. Haskins
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown. And he replied: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.
Sydney Smith
Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.
Aisha Elderwyn
Every new year people make resolutions to change aspects of themselves they believe are negative. A majority of people revert back to how they were before and feel like failures. This year I challenge you to a new resolution. I challenge you to just be yourself.
T. S. Eliot
For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.
Bill Vaughan
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.
James Agate
New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.
Eric Zorn
Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.
Judith Crist
Happiness is too many things these days for anyone to wish it on anyone lightly. So let's just wish each other a bile-less New Year and leave it at that.
Joey Adams
May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!
Minnie L. Haskins
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown. And he replied: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.
Sydney Smith
Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.
Aisha Elderwyn
Every new year people make resolutions to change aspects of themselves they believe are negative. A majority of people revert back to how they were before and feel like failures. This year I challenge you to a new resolution. I challenge you to just be yourself.
T. S. Eliot
For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.
December 31, 2009
Final Day of 2009
The last day of this year dawns. Outside it's gray and cold. Inside there is cheer and warmth.
Looking back over the year, it's been one of change mostly. But there were many many blessings, for which I am thankful to my God, who is beneficent--a loving God, who is wise and kind and who promises, to direct my paths if I will trust in Him.
Where will my paths lead in 2010? I have no certainty, though I have some generalized idea. But where ever they lead I can go, knowing that I am being directed...knowing that the trials and tribulations of life are not 'for nothing'.
We may look at life and commiserate as King Solomon did here:
Looking back over the year, it's been one of change mostly. But there were many many blessings, for which I am thankful to my God, who is beneficent--a loving God, who is wise and kind and who promises, to direct my paths if I will trust in Him.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
Where will my paths lead in 2010? I have no certainty, though I have some generalized idea. But where ever they lead I can go, knowing that I am being directed...knowing that the trials and tribulations of life are not 'for nothing'.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1.
We may look at life and commiserate as King Solomon did here:
I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
3I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
4I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
5I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
6I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
7I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
8I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
9So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
10And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
11Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
12And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
The King, who was exceedingly wealthy and had everything and had experienced everything found it all lacking. His summation--there is nothing new under the sun, there is nothing left..it is all vanity, all empty.
How sad. Perhaps you feel that way at times as well. Many are often depressed at Christmas or following Christmas, owing in part, I think, to the 'largeness' of the holiday. It is, after all, 'the most wonderful time of the year'. But I think we come away feeling empty because, just as with Solomon, the 'stuff' of Christmas is for the most part vain. When we fail to celebrate the real reason for the season it is highly likely we will feel a letdown at some point.
Solomon finally concluded this:
Fear God. This does not mean 'be afraid of God'. The definition for fear as used here is this: extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power. In other words, revere God. He is supreme. He is power. Hold him in awe. Look to him, trust him.
Keep his commandments. This means do what he says to do, follow his direction, don't lean to your own understanding, your own thinking, but seek his.
There are many paths. One path leads to life, all others to destruction.
If you look to God and follow his direction you can rest assured, you will be walking the path that leads to life.
May this be a year of great blessing. With Tiny Tim I say "God (would you please) bless us everyone."
How sad. Perhaps you feel that way at times as well. Many are often depressed at Christmas or following Christmas, owing in part, I think, to the 'largeness' of the holiday. It is, after all, 'the most wonderful time of the year'. But I think we come away feeling empty because, just as with Solomon, the 'stuff' of Christmas is for the most part vain. When we fail to celebrate the real reason for the season it is highly likely we will feel a letdown at some point.
Solomon finally concluded this:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Let us learn from the wise King Solomon.Fear God. This does not mean 'be afraid of God'. The definition for fear as used here is this: extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power. In other words, revere God. He is supreme. He is power. Hold him in awe. Look to him, trust him.
Keep his commandments. This means do what he says to do, follow his direction, don't lean to your own understanding, your own thinking, but seek his.
There are many paths. One path leads to life, all others to destruction.
If you look to God and follow his direction you can rest assured, you will be walking the path that leads to life.
May this be a year of great blessing. With Tiny Tim I say "God (would you please) bless us everyone."
December 27, 2009
Moving On
Never have I been so ready to put Christmas behind me. I look forward to the new year and the upcoming spring.
If you are planning a get together this New Year's Eve/Day here's a recipe you might enjoy.
If you are planning a get together this New Year's Eve/Day here's a recipe you might enjoy.
Mistletoe Punch
Scoop into a punch bowl 8 cups of vanilla ice cream. Add 8 cups of eggnog and cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. Mix to combine, then stir in 16 ounces of thawed Cool Whip.
Scoop into a punch bowl 8 cups of vanilla ice cream. Add 8 cups of eggnog and cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. Mix to combine, then stir in 16 ounces of thawed Cool Whip.
Even non-eggnog lovers will like this one. I also add a little rum flavoring .
Note: You can easily halve or quarter this recipe. And you can mix it in a pitcher if you don't have a punch bowl. Some people feel a punch bowl is too fancy or pretentious. I think it's very practical for serving beverages to a large group. And it makes the occasion a tad more special as well.
Note: You can easily halve or quarter this recipe. And you can mix it in a pitcher if you don't have a punch bowl. Some people feel a punch bowl is too fancy or pretentious. I think it's very practical for serving beverages to a large group. And it makes the occasion a tad more special as well.
December 26, 2009
December 6, 2009
A Cup of Christmas Tea
If you haven't read the poem "A Cup of Christmas Tea" by Tom Hegg you can do so here. It is a real gem, especially this time of year.
Over the years I've tried making different Christmas teas--none of them were stellar--but I've settled for the ready made blend "Constant Comment". When you pour the water over the tea bag, the fragrant scent of oranges wafts up, along with a hint of clove and cinnamon--just the right amount--and it smells just like Christmas in a cup.
Constant Comment has been around for as long as I can remember. I was introduced to it back in the 1970's. Twenty individually foil wrapped quality tea bags for $2 is a real deal as well. If you've never tried it you might what to give it a go. Combine with a cookie or two and serve it up in a festive holiday mug or tea cup and you've got yourself a special moment.
December 1, 2009
Decorating For Christmas
"She sifted powdered sugar over the great platter of beautifully brown crisp doughnuts . . . she cleaned the fine old family silver, and got out the best long tablecloth to look it over for possible breaks, counted out the napkins, and arranged everything in order in the sideboard so that the dinner tomorrow would be assembled with the least possible effort . . . .
Grace Livingston Hill, The Substitute Guest
Sounds lovely doesn't it? But a bit removed from your harried life?Here's a little holiday embellishment advice that might give aid to your own efforts, encourage, possibly inspire you to the task of making ready for the Christmas season.
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Take a page from Allison's BrocanteHome puttery treats. She says:
"I like to think of Christmas decorating as a process of layering, culminating in the decorating of the tree and the lighting of the lights in mid December. Start with scent. Spray a little Christmas into the air. Play Christmas music. Patch cushions and old blankets with floral jingle bells or snowflakes. Add pine cones to a bowl-ful of shiny red apples.Wrap soap in vintage Christmas Hankies and pile into a footed dish. Add a little Christmas to every surface in the house before you begin to decorate."
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More good advice from Anna at Pleasant View Schoolhouse , from her post Decorating Without Clutter:
"I like the house to look dressed for Christmas, but I don't like a lot of extra things strewn around. Too busy for my eye, too crowded to live with. Instead of *adding* Christmassy things, I like to edit the house to make it look festive. The stack of dishtowels folded by the sink? If I take out the blue and yellow ones and tuck them away for the month, I have a stack of red and white. Topped with a useful tub of peppermint hand cream, this looks deliberately Christmassy.
A quick switch of quilts, from autumn colors to the red-and-white schoolhouse quilt.
One cutting of red geranium turns a pot of basil into a holiday decoration.
Pure white flowers in the living room.
By putting away all my pink and blue aprons, and pulling out my three vintage Christmas aprons, my hanging display is deliciously decorative.
A stack of red books on the coffee table."
February 11, 2009
Watch This Movie for Valentines
romatic moviesY candle lightY bubble baths Y
YConversation hearts Y
I Corinthian13 Y love songs Y chocolate Y flowers
Don't miss the movie Fireproof. It is one incredible love story. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. You will be glad you watched it.
YConversation hearts Y
I Corinthian13 Y love songs Y chocolate Y flowers
Don't miss the movie Fireproof. It is one incredible love story. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. You will be glad you watched it.
November 27, 2008
Let the Games Begin!
The holiday games that is. You won't find me at the store today. Too crazy --all those crowds. And even worse is the traffic. I'm too impatient to wait 20 minutes just to get out of the parking lot.
Hopefully you had a blessed Thanksgiving and didn't fare too bady diet wise. Today is a good day to "fast". Not a true fast, but the kind where you just eat a whole lot less food. Right now food doesn't even sound good to me. I didn't eat so much food quantity wise but I still feel stuffed.
To get you started for this phase of the holiday season and headed into Christmas I want to recommend Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint.
Usually I'm not a big fan of most things peppermint. But this is the exception. You might want to give it a try. I especially love the festive packaging.
I also love the Noel Vanilla Bean fragrance too. I bought the moisturizing version of the lotion pump soap to use in the kitchen for washing up prior to cooking.
There are other seasonal fragrances for the holidays and most come in a kitchen caddy with hand soap and lotion. Check them out here at the Bath and Body Works Website or visit your local retail store.
November 26, 2008
HURRAH IT'S THANKSGIVING DAY
"Draw close.
Hold hands.
Life is short.
GOD IS GOOD."
Jan Karon
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"Heavenly Father bless us. And Keep us all alive. There's ten of us for dinner. And not enough for five."
Anonymous
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