Prayer in Song

Two weeks ago, I asked hubby if he would choose the following hymn to sing in the evening service. 

I grew up singing it, but had not sung it in years. 

It has been a frequent prayer of mine in the past week and a half.

May the Mind of Christ, My Savior

May the mind of Christ, my Savior, live in me from day to day,

By His love and pow'r controlling all I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour,

So that all may see I triumph only thru His pow'r.

May the peace of God, my Father, rule my life in ev'rything,

That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me, as the waters fill the sea;

Him exalting, self abasing - this is victory.

May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe,

Looking only unto Jesus as I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me as I seek the lost to win,

And may they forget the channel, seeing only Him.

Kate B. Wilkinson

French Tract

Practicing your french?  View the text here. 

Number 6 out of 10 foreign language tracts are completed. 

This could be helpful to some of you who live on the Canadian border!

Benefits of the World Wide Web

Since completely changing our eating habits, the "web" has become a great help to me.  I just caught a link to the Frugal Farm Wife and am very excited about the help that this may be to our budget.  The Frugal Farm Wife suggested grinding your own rice flour - of course you have to have a grinder, but what an easy way to save!  She also had ideas for a Gluten Free Cake Mix (These are great for making jello cakes).  I haven't used any of the recipes yet, but I sure will be soon!  Here is her idea for budget-friendly tuna salad.

Mock Tuna Salad

2 c cooked chickpeas (garbanzo)

2 T mayo

1 tsp mustard

1-2 celery stalks, finely chopped

Tony's Creole seasoning to taste.

Blend or Mash chickpeas and then mix with remaining ingredients.

I think that I will add in one can of tuna so it becomes a dollar stretcher.

Sad, but Not Surprising

The events that occurred last week in Colorado are very sad.  Any death or injury should be a great grief to all of America.  Around us swirl sinful man's ideas of how to stop future violence ... more gun control, more intervention, more accountability, more security.  I am amazed that man fails to see the GIGO principle.  Garbage In - Garbage Out.  I have heard of at least one movie and one comic book which  have delayed their release due to similarities to the Colorado shooting.  It is not surprising that when man "feasts" on garbage...violence ...evil, that in turn is what will come out.  Oh, if only America would turn back to God and follow His ways!

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

Arabic Tract

The Arabic tract was published to the internet yesterday.

Unfortunately it is hard to read the text here,

but if you would like a copy of the text just contact me.

The Most Encouraging Word

It is a most basic thing to be thankful for, but it makes the greatest difference in my life day to day.

I am thankful for the Word of God and its work in my life.

I love the Psalms and read there each day.

I am also currently reading through Jeremiah. 

Now here's a man who always had things going his way! 

NOT! 

He went from one dungeon, prison, pit to another. 

He was mocked, scorned, threatened, disdained.

And yet, he had God on his side. 

God protected Jeremiah.

He still had to endure the difficulties, but God's hand was with him.

Have you visited with God today and heard from Him?

What are you reading these days?



Woman's Work Wednesday (The Thursday Edition)

Well, I missed my posting yesterday.  I had a full schedule of activities yesterday and blogging got pushed aside by work on both the Arabic and French tracts.  I never know when new translations or proofs will come through and I like to tend to them as soon as possible.  When sending full color proofs of tracts across a dial-up connection things certainly take awhile.  There should be only 4 more translations in our goal of reaching 10 translations.  Unfortunately it is not easy to find trusted translators.  I think that Chinese, German, Romanian, and Dutch may still be the last parts of the plan.

My day also called for a shopping trip (just Wally World) and a needed lawn mowing (it seems that my lawn loves this heat and humidity).  The message at prayer meeting was a well-timed reminder from Psalm 68 that God will always be King and is in control of all things.  He knows and is concerned about His children's every need and he will deal with the wickedness of those who deny him.

Looking for the Blessing

Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits,

even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Honestly, I have not been enjoying our heat and humidity.

As I daily look at the national weather map,

I longingly eye that upper north west corner of the map that is still yellow (rather than orange or red). 

Yes, those Seattle dwellers are still enjoying upper 70's!

Today, I thought of the blessings of the heat. 

There are many blessings, but I will share one.

The extreme heat and humidity means that hubby cannot walk on his lunch break

and it is not even pleasant for me to walk/run right after hubby leaves for work at 7:15.

The blessing - hubby and I are running together again at "0 dark hundred."

I have so enjoyed the extra together time and the accountability in my exercise.

Russian Tract

The Russian tract was finally published today. 

I am excited because about one third or more of my daily readers are from Russia.

I hope that all my Russian friends will take a minute to go here to read this tract.

If the material is useful to you, please know that it is not copyrighted and can be used freely.

Hopefully the Arabic tract will also be finished this week. 

Easy Preparation

I managed to fill today with profitable activities.  I typically have a mountain of laundry after the weekend (and especially in the heat and humidity we have been enjoying) which was tended to early.  The tomatoes needed attention again (9 more pints preserved for the winter).  Monday has become my cleaning day with all of the rooms we use daily being cleaned.  This afternoon I had some kid-sitting to do so I got some crocheting done as well as some time to think about next weeks Sunday School lesson while the kiddos napped. 

On a busy day, it is nice to have a meal that is relatively easy to prepare.  This one fits the bill - the cook time is long (if you use brown rice), but it can be prepared early and then just stuck on the stove when you are ready.  I prepared the ingredients before I left to kid-sit and then it was ready to go when I returned home.  This recipe was actually a gift from one of my sister-in-laws and is a regular around here.

Spanish Rice with Beef

2 T vegetable oil

1 c uncooked regular long grain rice

1 med onion chopped (1/2 c)

2 1/2 c water

1 1/2 tsp salt

3/4 tsp chili powder

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1 small green pepper chopped (1/2 c)

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained

1.  Heat oil in 10 inch skillet over medium heat.  Cook rice and onion in oil about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until rice is golden brown and onion is tender.

2.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.

* Note - I skip step one.  I brown the pepper and onion with the beef and then bring everything to a boil together.  Because I use brown rice, I have to simmer for 50 minutes.  For a more economical dish, substitute black beans for the ground beef.  I usually serve this with tortilla chips!

Huge Savings

I have been very excited and thankful to Our Heavenly Father for the discounts at our local discount grocery store.  It seems that the "Gluten-free Truck" has been making regular stops there and the savings are huge.  The picture below shows cereal, muffin mix, snack bars, almond milk, and salsa purchased yesterday for $24.  If I had bought them in the store ... over $100 dollars. 

There is nothing like a 75% off sale!

Happy Birthday, Ahuvi

Happy Birthday, my love!

On this "Thankful Thursday,"  it is only appropriate that I thank the Lord for the life of my dear husband.  Marriage is truly a gift of God and daily I am thankful for the man that God chose for me.  Life is full of sunshine, peaceful waters, rainbows, roses, as well as storms, waves, and roller coasters.  Specifically in our home, it has been filled with God's faithful provision, homecomings, gardens, school work, ministry blessings, as well as ministry discouragements, deployments, training in patience, development of faith in God and His timing, and more school work.  It is a blessing to have someone holding your hand (or your whole self) and leading, guiding, sharing with, protecting, praying for, and/or crying with you.  It seemed like an endless wait for you, my love, but the wait was well worth it.

And for my faithful followers, all of the preparations of yesterday were not in vain.  Hubby was thrilled with his special breakfast, his rare lunch with an actual sandwich, and of course his birthday pie!  Yes, I am also thankful that the pie effort was a success and we do not have to cut pies out of our future - HOORAY! 

Preparations

It is another humid day in NC.  I think that the heat and humidity is wearing on me, for I am not feeling all that great today.  I did manage to mow the lawn this morning and hung one load of laundry out to dry, but other than that, it is a day to remain inside.  That's not a problem today, because there is preparation to be made for tomorrow.  Someone in this household is having a birthday tomorrow.  He will be a whopping 33!

While he will be working a normal work day tomorrow, I will try to make the day special when I can.  I am going to make him sausage balls for breakfast with a side of Washington state sweet cherries that I picked up at the store today.  I also bought some dark chocolate almond milk for a treat.  I bought gluten free rolls so that he can have a sandwich in his lunch (imagine a sandwich being a treat)!  We will go out for dinner, but I am attempting a birthday pie for dessert.  He is fond of Peach-Plum Pie with vanilla frozen yogurt on the side which suits this season to a T.  Why the attempt?  So far, I have made gluten free pie with a single bottom crust (I am so glad that hubby loves pumpkin pies) and was glad that the patch job would be covered, but I have not attempted a two crust pie.  Gluten free crusts are difficult to deal with and the one I am trying requires lots of chilling, so I am attempting to be patient and hoping for the best.

It's Still Applicable

Psalm 67:1 

God be merciful unto us, and bless us;

and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

That thy way may be known upon earth,

thy saving health among all nations.

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy:

for thou shalt judge the people righteously,

and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

 

Then shall the earth yield her increase;

and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

 

This Psalm should be the text in our Wednesday night prayer meeting this week.

I try to read it through the week so that it is already working in my heart before arriving at church.

I often use verse one and two in my prayers and perhaps have used it even more this week

as I have read the verse daily and circumstances around me push me to my knees.

We need God's mercy and blessing!

This mercy and blessing will lead others to Him (see verse 2).

 

Then verse 6 jumped out this morning as I looked at a basket full of tomatoes.

Piles of tomatoes - all from volunteer plants.

We have an awesome Creator.

-The piles of tomatoes are now canned and ready to continue to bless us through the year.-

 

Dinner for Seven

Sorry, I missed a blog on Friday.  Last week was anything but normal including transporting a friend to the doctor, having lunch with hubby at work one afternoon, having all of my piano students, and babysitting.  They were all good activities, just different than usual. 

It was good to be back on schedule this morning.  I began with a run with hubby at 4:45.  He encouraged me by complementing my pace :)  We had been running on an uneven surface for the past two weeks and it was nice to be on a flat road today.  When hubby left for work I started with a cleaning of the house.  I emptied the laundry basket and the pile of dry cleaning and ironing that was begging for some attention. 

Despite the typical morning, it will not be a typical afternoon for I don't typically cook for 7 - that's hubby and me, the neighbors on new baby vacation, and a friend whose wife is out of town.  So, I will break down and use the oven today to make Sesame Chicken, Asian noodles (with some stir fried garden veggies thrown in), and some pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing.

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing

3/4 c honey (or honeycomb, pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or sucanat)

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin or winter squash

2/3 c olive oil (or melted butter)

2 1/2 c whole grain flour (mine will be all purpose gluten-free)

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp sea salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Mix all ingredients.  Drop by teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 375* for 10-12 min. (12-15 for gluten free); cool.

Frost.

ICING

4 oz cream cheese softened

1/4 c butter softened

2 Tbsp honey (or alternates above)

1/4 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients and frost.



Faithfulness

 Lamentation 3:23b 

...great is thy faithfulness.

I realize that it is natural to thank God for answers to prayer, for unexpected gifts,

for the "good" things that He gives. 

I frequently sit and listen to these blessings during testimony times and think, 

Isn't God good in ANY situation?
Why don't I thank Him more for His goodness and faithfulness in ALL situations? 

I am thankful that God is faithful no matter the situation. 

He is faithful when the lawn mower breaks and when it is fixed or replaced. 

He is faithful in the lowest days of a medical crisis as well as in the healing. 

He is faithful on the rainy days as well as the sunny days. 

He is faithful on a workday as well as on the vacation.

He is faithful when the bank account is empty as well as when the bills are all paid.

I am thankful that I serve a God who is faithful - who know what is best for me.

Have you ...?

...osculated your spouse today?

I learned a new word last night.

I bet you couldn't figure that out.

I just love new words.

So, I will teach it to you.

It is very useful.

to osculate is to kiss

osculation is the act of kissing

So why not spend some time working on the art of osculation today!

I am all for mastering that art :)

Relief

So glad to feel some cooler temps today. 

It was humid mowing today, but not oppressive. 

My spirit is lifted to look out on a freshly mowed lawn.

Waiting for some more storms tonight to drop the temps again!

WOO HOO!

Back Into the Kitchen

I have been impatiently watching the weather reports in hopes of seeing a drop in temperatures.  It looks as if this will be the week.  We are supposed to see the 80's again this week and even the low 80's one day at least.  With a fellowship at church, I did do a little baking in the "cool" of the evening this weekend.  The Black Bean Brownies passed the test at the fellowship and my hubby was thrilled with this Sausage Cheese Ball recipe that I found on the Betty Crocker website.  Not only were these a good appetizer-type snack at the fellowship, but I made them this morning for breakfast - YUMMY!

Gluten Free Sausage Balls

3/4 c gluten-free Bisquick

4 oz bulk pork sausage

1 1/2 c shredded cheese (6 oz)

1/4 c grated parmesan

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp rosemary

1/8 tsp cayenne

1/2 c milk

Mix all ingredients together in large bowl.

Roll into 1 inch balls.

Bake at 350* for 22-26 min.

 (The website says this makes 48 -

I only got about 1/2 of that)

Taste of Summer

One of the perks of living and teaching in a rural community is the gift of fresh vegetables from large family gardens.  Yesterday, my dear piano students brought me a large bag of sweet corn along with some acorn squash, yellow summer squash, and cucumbers.  My mouth was watering as soon as I saw that sweet corn ... it is the taste of summer - at least in my opinion.  I arrived home from lessons in time to cook it for dinner.  My dinner ... all sweet corn.  I did give hubby a little meat, but he too enjoyed primarily sweet corn.  I am also enjoying dark sweet cherries right now.  I have to hold myself back so as not to make myself sick :)

Freedom

While America continues to relinquish more and more of its precious freedoms each year, I am still thankful to live in the best country in the world and thankful for the freedoms that we still possess.

I am also thankful for quiet days with friends and family.  We visited our local town's parade yesterday.  It was the first time that we had been able to go together in our four years here (usually due to work responsibilities).  It was a blessing to have hubby home in the middle of the week.  Then we enjoyed a traditional picnic with some church friends.  It was a privilege to end the day in church - praying for our nation and its direction and for wisdom for its citizenship.

Inspiration to Do Right

Psalm 97:10-12

 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: ...

Light is sown for the righteous,

and gladness for the upright in heart.

Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous;

and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Cool Kitchen

It has been rather quiet in the kitchen for the past few days and looks like it will for the rest of the week.  I will be watching for a morning to bake some white bean cupcakes, but I am not holding my breath.  With temperatures at or exceeding 100* and the a/c struggling to keep up, I am not doing much cooking.  We have had a lot of grilled meals as well as cool salads.  Tonight I am going to do homemade "Hamburger Helper." 

Chili-Mac Skillet

1 lb ground beef

3/4 c chopped onions

1 - 15 1/2 ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

(I will use black beans because that is what I have)

1 - 8 ounce can tomato sauce

1 - 7 1/2 ounce can tomatoes, cut up

(I will use fresh from the garden)

1/2 c elbow macaroni

(mine will be brown rice elbows)

1/4 c water

1 - 4 ounce can diced green chili peppers, drained

2-3 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 c shredded cheese

In large skillet cook meat and onions till meat is brown and onions are tender.  Drain.

Stir in beans, tomato sauce, undrained tomatoes, uncooked macaroni,

water, chili peppers, chili powder, and garlic salt. 

Bring to boiling.  Reduce heat. 

Simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or till macaroni is tender, stirring often. 

Sprinkle with cheese.  Cover and heat about 2 minutes more or till cheese is melted. 

Makes 6 servings.