Monday, January 30, 2012

Beth Moore Bible Study - A Mighty Spiritual Workout...



This is my second Beth Moore study and let me tell you it is not for commitment weaklings. This study is spiritually labor intensive and requires a 10 week commitment to learn and a life long commitment to enhance your relationship with God. Be prepared to sweep the cobwebs out of your brain if you do any Beth Moore bible study.

Beth Moore is a down to earth spirit led teacher who will challenge you to go deeper into the word of God, deeper than most of us have been before. You not only learn about God, but also about yourself too.

Living out like we do does not promote a great deal of fellowship opportunities, so I also reap the benefits of fellowship with other women. Every week we get together to discuss the previous week's studies and watch the current week's session. We sing and pray to God and learn His word.

Last week, we were given an assignment to be an accountability partner of sorts and call on each other on the phone to hear the memory verses for the week. We also encouraged one another to complete the task at hand.

The scripture Jeremiah 33:3 really struck a chord with me today. I wrote it down, prayed to God about it and added it to my memory scripture cards. I look forward to "calling to God" to hear "great and mighty things".

Jeremiah 33:3

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
 
Scripture memory Cards

I placed the scripture cards on my kitchen cabinet door, so when I see
them as I go about my day I read them out loud to help me memorize them.
 
I encourage everyone to be involved in a bible study at home, at church or with friends. Delving into God's word will bring you closer to God, strengthen you and will give you the tools necessary to live life during good times and bad times.....

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Minestrone Soup - Olive Garden Style



I made this soup a couple of weeks ago for a Shabbat Celebration and froze the leftovers. I thawed it for last night's Shabbat meal and baked it in the oven. It was even better than the first time. This recipe is easy and every bit as good as Olive Garden's Minestrone soup.

I actually cooked my own white beans and froze the excess to use later in other recipes. I only used a bay leaf when I cooked the beans.  I did use canned Kidney beans (my last can) in this recipe. Again, soup is very forgiving when substituting ingredients.


    2 tablespoons olive oil
    1/2 cup minced white onions (about 1 small onion)
     1/4 cup chopped zucchini
     1/4 cup frozen cut Italian green beans (I used extra zucchini)
    1/4 cup minced celery (I used dehydrated)
     2 teaspoons minced garlic
     4 cups vegetable broth (do not substitute)
    1 (15 ounce)can red kidney beans , drained
    1 (15 ounce)can great northern beans , drained (I used homemade)
     1 /2 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
    1/2 cup carrots , julienned or shredded
     2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (I used dried)
    1 teaspoons dried oregano
    1 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon dried basil
    1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
    1 1/2 cups hot water
    3 cups fresh baby spinach
    1/3 cup small shell pasta (I used macaroni)

Directions

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot.

Saute onion, celery, garlic, green beans, and zucchini in the oil for 5 minutes or until onions begin to turn translucent.

Add vegetable broth to pot, plus drained tomatoes, beans, carrot, hot water, and spices.

Bring soup to a boil, then and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.

Add spinach leaves and pasta and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until desired consistency.

Makes about eight 1 1/2 cup servings.

Number of Servings: 8

Shabbat Shalom !

Friday, January 27, 2012

Wired Magazine "RIOT"



"The new revolutionaries are networked, mobile and coming to a city near you".

I do not pretend to understand how Twitter, Facebook and whatever other social media outlets work. What I do know is that a lot of my friends do and their children are definitely capable of using these outlets too.

Flash mobs are used to steal, plunder and disrupt businesses daily. If you want something at a store, why buy it? Just get your a lot of your friends to show up at a store and go in and take it. The mobs cause mass confusion and fear, so they take what they want and leave a path of destruction in their wake.

Do you think that their parents taught them to steal? Our own president is teaching our nation that we need to take from the rich to give to the poor. No one needs to work hard anymore, because we are all going to be equal under the new wealth distribution plan. The new plan is called "Socialism". I call it stealing if you didn't work for it or it wasn't given to you, honestly.

Our president doesn't mention how much the rich already give to the needy. He does not practice what he preaches. He only gave a meager 1% of his millions to charity, however, that was his choice. Imagine if someone decided for you what you "will" give.

I think that those who want everybody else to pay more taxes and redistribute wealth should start with their own wealth. They can pay as much as they want to the government. There is even a place on their tax forms to donate. They do not consider that they will also need to give up their wealth to form this "socialist utopia". Someone will need to be in charge, so they will need to keep their wealth.

Stand up and be heard by your vote. Spread the word by your voice. Protect the constitution, your liberty is at stake!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

What Goes in......



What you watch on the "Boob Tube" (my dad's term for the T.V.) I believe can affect you spiritually, physically and even financially. I have seen Number One reacting to the news in a very unhealthy way. I myself have had my moments too.

Most of the sitcoms now are so full of trash that I can't stomach them. They have pushed the " moral envelope" right out the door. Anything goes, anymore. I find myself watching shows like the Walton's and Little House On The Prairie. These shows are favorites of mine. I can watch them over and over.




These shows depict the struggles of families during hard financial times. I believe that we can learn a lot from their struggles and how they overcame them. It makes your heart happy to see them overcome their circumstances with their families in tact.

We have gone many years without  T.V. for entertainment and were better off for it. We have been tossing the idea around again to turn it off. We have been moving away from the new programs to programs that don't offend our senses. Just remember, that we have the power to turn off the power or change the channel.

Every year we hope to enjoy the new programing, but it just gets worse instead of better. We are down to a few choices and we have access to them online. I guess I just made up my mind.

So, if you find yourself feeling anxious, fearful, lazy or spiritually compromised watch what you are letting into your life, it may be affecting what's coming out of your life.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Daily Grace Inspiratio​ns From Joseph Prince Ministries

Jesus Understands Your Struggles
Hebrews 4:15
15  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Imagine meeting the new politician who is to represent your district or neighborhood only to discover that he is not familiar with your neighborhood’s needs and problems. You will wonder, “Can this guy really represent us? Does he know anything about our living conditions? Is he familiar with the various challenges that families here are facing? Can he help me get my child into one of the schools here?” I am sure that you would prefer someone who truly understands your challenges to represent you!

In the same way, I am so glad that right now at the Father’s right hand, we have someone who came as a Man to redeem us, and who fully understands what man goes through. When Jesus walked on earth, He went through every human emotion so that He could identify with us in all points. Jesus is God, but He is in the Father’s presence as a Man, representing us.

My friend, you may feel that no one understands your struggles. Listen, while this may be true of man, it is not true of Jesus. He knows exactly what you are going through and He can sympathize with your weaknesses because He was “in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin”.

None of us have been tempted in all points. But God allowed Jesus to be tempted in all points so that He can understand and identify with the struggles of every single person on this earth. He can be touched by our humanity — our weaknesses, tears, disappointments, griefs... all points!

There is no trial, difficulty, challenge or temptation that you face that Jesus cannot identify with. My friend, the moment you go through it, right there and then, He feels it too. That is the kind of representative you have in Jesus! That is the love of God so that you will draw near to His throne of grace (not judgment) to find mercy and grace in time of need! (Hebrews 4:15–16)

Saturday, January 21, 2012

10 Things You May Not Know About Me....

This week's bread...


I love God...

I have been married for 25 years, next month... (I love my husband)

My favorite food is soup...

I hope to be able to raise and grow our own food one day...

My favorite time of the year is winter...
(I love the romantic idea of being snowed in one day, with a good book, a pot of soup on the stove and warm bread just out of the oven.)

One of my goals for this year is to start my Christian counseling courses... (It will take me around two years to get certified)

I think that Sarah Palin would make a great president...

I like adventure...

I believe in being conservative in every way...

I don't believe 2012 is the end of the world...

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Our God Is Good.....


It's a beautiful day in the "Wild West". I praise God for this day and everyday. I started a new bible study on Monday. In just the few days that I have started this study I feel strengthened. Sometimes, we need to be reminded of His promises, His faith and His love for us.


You see, I have been feeling sorry for myself. You know, woe is me kind of thing. I woke up a couple of weeks ago and had apparently re-injured my back. When you are in constant pain and there is nothing you can do about it, it wears you down physically and spiritually. I know, it was my fault for not knowing, no that's not the word, adhering to my limits. I ended up in a funk that touched my spirit.



I wonder if it takes a mountain of pain to get my attention. I should not have needed this reminder of God's eternal love for me, but apparently I did. I look back to all the blessings and miracles in my life that God has freely given and am reminded just how deep and constant His love flows.

Hebrews 11:6

New Living Translation (NLT)
6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.



I believe in the healing power of God. I am believing for a healing touch from God. I believe that I have already been healed. God's word is alive and active in me. I love my Creator, who is the Creator of all things.

Eph 1:19-23

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Spiced Tea Bags

Do you enjoy the spiced teas that come in a very small box for a very large price? Well, I have the solution.....


Pick out your favorite flavored tea and take it out of it's package. Put it into a baggie with a handful of opened (regular) tea bags. Seal and label the baggie. I leave the original tea envelope in the baggie, so I know what type of tea I have made. Let the tea's flavors mingle for a week or more in the baggie. Viola !!! You have flavored tea for almost the same price as regular black tea.


“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16 KJV

Monday, January 16, 2012

Joseph Prince Ministries Daily Devotional

1 Peter 5:8
vs 8
 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring 
 lion,seeking whom he may devour.



The devil cannot just walk right up to you and rob you of your health, peace or family. He cannot just come into your life to enforce disease and destruction.

If the devil can do that, then he does not have to walk about “seeking whom he may devour”. He only has to walk straight up to anyone he wants to devour and devour him! But since the Bible says that he goes about seeking whom he may devour, the truth then is that there are people whom he cannot devour.

You see, the devil goes about like a roaring lion trying to stir up fear in people with his roars. But the people who are not devourable are those who refuse to be intimidated by his roars because they know that the true Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:5), has already come and rendered powerless him who had the power of death. (Hebrews 2:14, NASB) They know that the devil cannot just do anything to them because the Lion of Judah resides in them, and that He is greater than the devil who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

My friend, the Lion of Judah is in you. He has given you rights, privileges, authority and power. He redeemed you with His blood. Therefore, everything about you and your life is redeemed by His blood. So if you are fearful about losing your job, cover your job with the blood of Jesus. If you are worried about your children’s safety in these days of terrorist attacks, plead the blood of Jesus over them. If you have received a bad report from the doctor, speak the blood over yourself.

Whatever you have covered with the blood of Jesus, God declares, “Protected! Redeemed!” And the devil flees when he sees the blood. And when he flees, he takes with him sicknesses, diseases, pains, sufferings, destruction and loss.

Once the devil knows that you know who you are in Christ and what you have in Him, his days of intimidating you are over, and you are numbered among the undevourable!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

What A Waste !!!

December 18, 2011 7:42 PM

There goes the neighborhood



Watch the Segment »

Bank foreclosures and abandonment are causing high home vacancy levels in neighborhoods across the country. Scott Pelley travels to Cleveland, a city that's fighting back against blight.
(CBS News)  Across America, recession-fueled foreclosures and plummeting home values have left countless properties abandoned and vulnerable to looting. As Scott Pelley reports, the problem has gotten so bad in Cleveland, Ohio, that county officials have demolished more than 1,000 homes this year - and plan to demolish 20,000 more - rather than let the blight spread and render nearby homes worthless.



Have you ever seen such waste in your life? Is this what we are going to do with all the forclosed homes? Are there not homeless people out there who would love the chance to live in a real home or do the neighbors not want "those kinds of people" living next to them? Most of the homeless used to be just like them, fancy homes and cars, living way above their means. Many people live so close to the edge that if one thing goes wrong, they too can become homeless. There are lots of good people out there who have fallen into bad times that just need a hand up, not a hand out.

If they would have just let someone come in and tear it down for the scrap to use in other projects or to sell as used building materials. We could have started and finished building most of the animal shelters and the green house that we would like to build on our ranch.

I'm just amazed that this is the best thing they could come up with to do with these forclosed and abandoned homes. It makes me sick......

Friday, January 13, 2012

Amish Grilled Garlic Chicken - Honey Smoked Turkey Ham

1 cut up fryer (I used breast)
1 cup vinegar
1 1/2 cup water
1/8 cup oil
1/3 cup salt (don't freak out)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp pepper

Mix all ingredients, pour over chicken in a large glass baking dish. Marinate up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Grill chicken (be careful, will cause flames) until done.


Amish Grilled Garlic Chicken


Honey Smoked Turkey Ham

Number One also grilled a Turkey ham (love this stuff) I made criss cross slices on top of the Turkey ham. Poured a mixture of honey and cayenne pepper on top and grilled it until thoroughly heated. I do not turn it over, I just let the smoke permeate it. You can also use turkey spam in this recipe.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Dad And Mom

We received two hefty boxes from UPS yesterday from my parents. They send us treasures that they have gathered for us. I can see the two of them bee bopping around town holding hands as they run their errands. After going to their appointments, they stop at their favorite shops and secondhand stores to see what they might find.
They are always thinking about us and what we might like and need as they rummage through the shelves and clothing racks.

I'm pretty sure the boxes together weighed in at 30 plus lbs. The record weight for one box that they sent last year was 28 lbs. My mom usually does the packing (with dad's help, I'm sure) and my dad takes care of  sealing up the boxes. I'm pretty sure that they have to work together to get the boxes closed. They are very careful to insure that our gifts arrive intact. I'm always amazed by how much stuff they can get into one box.




 Here are a few pictures.....



I think that Dad picked this out for me...

Mom knows how much I like socks...
New sheet set...
Hiho and Abby playing with their new toys...
They have their favorites....

Abby favors Ti Double Gerrrr !!!

Thanks Dad and Mom, we love you!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Oatmeal Pancakes

Excuse my chicken scratch recipes....


These pancakes are really good and good for you. If you have a big work morning planned, this meal really powers you through it until lunch. When you soak grains ( beans and seeds) it causes an enzymatic reaction in the grains making them even better for you. (aids in digestion too)

Soak 1 cup of oats (we like rolled oats)
 in 1 cup of buttermilk overnight.
Add:
1 egg
1 tbs oil
1/4 cup flour
1 tbs sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt


More chicken scratch. I use this recipe for buttermilk
or I use powdered buttermilk, since I do not use it
very often. It works for me, but I would not drink it.
   (I wouldn't drink any buttermilk, yuck!)




Mix well. Cook on greased griddle until golden brown on both sides. Serve with butter and syrup or with your favorite fruit preserves. Makes 8 medium pancakes.





Sunday, January 8, 2012

My First Seed Catalog Of The Year



I received my first seed catalog in the mail the other day. As I  pour through the catalog, my thoughts wonder to the day when I have my green house in place. I have to remind myself that I am limited to a short growing season, unless I come up with some type of alternative. (within our financial means) I have been planning what type of beds to put in and what type of protection to have to for them to insure a harvest this year.

I have lots of ideas....

This year, I hope to focus on root vegetables. Most root vegetables do better in cooler weather, however, they usually have a longer growing season. I will have to come up with a way to keep the ground warm for a longer period of time. We have the intense sun on our side, so I will incorporate the sun into making heat for the ground.




















I will also be planting more buffalo grass to support our future animals. We planted a small amount of Buffalo grass the first year we were here. Last years rains really made a difference in it's growth. We actually mowed with our hand mower, powered only by us, twice. We do not want a green lawn type of landscape. We like our natural landscape.

 We sowed buffalo grass seed to prevent erosion and cut down on dust/dirt blowing around in front of the house where the ground was cleared when the house was being built. The tundra takes years to recover when it has been destroyed. This is one reason why people need to stay on marked roads and stay off of private property. I don't want to look at tire tracks for years to come.


I'm not sure how much we will accomplish this year. I have high hopes to add fruit vines too. Lettuce can be grown year around if you have a good window box. I'm sure this will be a learning experience. We are very dry right now, because we have not had as much snow. It's only January. (I keep telling myself) This will also be a factor in what we plant.






Blessed are You, O Lord our God,
  King of the universe,
  who provides the fruit of the earth for our use.
We bless You for fulfilling continually
  Your promise that while the earth remains,
  seed time and harvest shall not fail.
Teach us to remember that it is not by bread alone
that we live.
  Grant us evermore to feed on Him who is the true
  bread from Heaven, even Jesus Christ our Lord.
O God, our Heavenly Father, look in favor
  upon the homes of Your people.
Defend them against evil and supply all their needs
  according to the riches of Your wonderful grace.
 Make them sanctuaries of peace, love and joy.
Help us to follow You every step of our daily lives.
May we always abide under the safe shadow of Your love,
      through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen...

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Homemade Cappuccino Mix And French Vanilla Coffee Mix


If you like coffee from expensive coffee shops or those little cans of flavored coffee, you will like these mixes and it will not eat away at your budget. I had everything on hand except for the instant vanilla pudding mix. I planned ahead and picked it up at the store last week while I was running other errands to keep from making an extra trip into town.

These recipes make a lot of yummy flavored coffee. I am not a big coffee drinker, tea is my poison,  but I do like flavored coffee. My sister is a coffee junkie, half sugar and cream is the way she likes it. She would really enjoy the French Vanilla coffee recipe.

 I should invite the ladies over for crumpets (post coming soon), tea and coffee now.....

French Vanilla Coffee Mix

2 cups powdered milk
1 cup powdered coffee creamer
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup instant coffee
1 small box instant vanilla pudding

Add all ingredients into your blender. Mix on "grate" until mixture is uniform in size. Store in airtight container, label and date. To use, mix 3-4 tsp to a cup of hot water (8 oz)


Layers of ingredients for the French Vanilla Coffee Mix


Enjoy a cup today! (sounds like a commercial)

Homemade Cappuccino Mix

1 cup instant coffee creamer
1 cup instant Nestle Quick or equivalent (I used hot chocolate mix)
2/3 cup instant coffee
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (makes it yummy!)
One dozen cinnamon sticks (optional)

Combine all ingredients in blender. (except cinnamon sticks) Mix until all ingredients are uniform in size. Store in a quart jar and place cinnamon sticks halfway into the mixture. Label and date jar.

To prepare, mix 3 tbs to a cup of hot water (6 oz). When serving to guests, place a cinnamon sticks into the cups of cappuccino for the guests to use as a stirrer. The cinnamon sticks add a wonderful flavor and  a lovely aroma to your home.....


Ingredient layers


I've had two cups of coffee and I'm zooming around....

Activate Your Dried Herbs And Spices


Mortar and Pestle



















Activate your dried herbs and spices before adding to your food by using a mortar and pestle. The crushing action activates the spices and gives more flavor to your food. You will find that you can use less dried herbs and spices by using this technique.

I ran out of taco seasoning that I bought at the big box store and I decided to make my own with this simple recipe. I've been a little hesitant to try it due to Number One being picky, but he agreed to try it. He didn't like the fact that this recipe has bits and pieces of the ingredients, whereas, the store bought stuff is all ground together, so I ground it up in the mortar and pestle. Number One was happy with the finished product, so here is the recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup instant minced onion
1 tbs crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
1 tbs curry powder
3 tbs chili powder
1 tbs cornstarch
2 tsp oregano

Combine all ingredients. Add 2 Tbs for each serving. Servings per recipe 8.


Ground taco seasoning





Save your used spice containers for your homemade spice mixes.























First Signs Of Spring...