Cool Morning

It is almost time to shut all of the windows and pull the blinds for the day, but I am thankful that this morning afforded the chance to have the windows open for a bit.  I love the fresh air in the house and the ability to hear the birds singing in the morning.  It is supposed to be a hot day, but we are supposed to have a break from the heat on Friday and Saturday (along with some storms). 

I just finished paying bills for the month and once again I am thankful for God's daily provision in our life.  He continues to meet our needs and many, many "wants" as well.

I am thankful that what I thought might be an expensive part to fix our laptop turned out to be less than $10!

The Gift of Time

It is always nice when you receive a little extra time in your day or week.  It is not that you get any more time than anyone else, just time that you thought was going to be spent in other ways.  The temptation with that is to squander the time rather than using it profitably.  Haven't you experienced it too?  When the baby takes an extra long nap ... when the company leaves earlier than expected or arrives later than planned ... when the shopping trip goes more smoothly than ever ... when hubby offers to pick up dinner on the way home ...

I really did not expect to be blogging this morning or getting anything done at home.  I had arranged the week so that I could run a friend to Charlotte for a doctor's appointment this morning and into the afternoon.  But ... the chiropractor was sick and the appointment cancelled.  With a freshly cleaned house (I did that yesterday)  - what to do with an empty day?  Don't worry, I will find something.  There is laundry and hubby would be surprised if I loaded his MP3 player so that he could use it at work.  He had told me that he would work on it Saturday, but he sure would enjoy some godly music at work tomorrow.  Maybe I will even do a little Hebrew study - I have gotten out of practice.  The day lies before me and I must make the most of it.

My goal today ... to save the day.  Sounds like a super hero, right?  Hubby related to me yesterday that he had "saved the day" at work yesterday by quickly diagnosing a problem.  When he asked me about my day, I said, "well, I didn't save the day, but ..."  Always the encourager, he said, "You saved my day, the house is clean and my dinner is ready to set on the table."  So, I am going to seek to "save the day" again by being a help to hubby.  TTFN 

Itching to Cook

We celebrated Memorial Day yesterday in a fairly traditional manner.  Although hubby worked a normal day, we had a traditional dinner - grilled hot dogs, baked beans.  I even bought gluten-free hot dog buns.  I wanted to see if the bread in the store was as bad as my attempts at gluten-free baking.  The buns were VERY good (Rudi's brand).  Because they were good, I am now inspired to keep trying my hand at gluten-free baking.  To add to the excitement, what should arrive in the mail today but another gluten-free cookbook!  Hooray!  Thank a bunch to my PAL in NY!  My folks also got me a cookbook for my birthday so I am armed and dangerous.

I have been encouraged by so many people who have rallied behind us in our gluten free efforts.  It certainly is not an easy endeavor,  but we have had nothing but encouraging comments and support as we seek to help our bodies function as they should.  I have been amazed by the number of people who have truly sought to understand this limited diet and to help us to do it more economically.

Freedom Isn't Free

Business Trip

No, I was not away on business, but hubby was.  It was a fun week.  Hubby was sent to Atlanta for some training.  His boss allowed me to go along.  It was really nice to get away, to travel in an air-conditioned vehicle (yes, our little NY car is without that little perk), to have a change of scenery (I love a city ... people watching is so much fun), to see new things, and to have access to Gluten-free menus at local restaurants (we tried Jason's Deli and P.F. Changs).  Now back to our schedules - Door-to-door and Services at church on Sunday. 

Have a great weekend! 

Don't forget express thanks to God

for those who aid the ultimate price for our freedoms.

Change of Pace

I am a creature of habit and I love schedules - really, I do.

But today I am thankful for a relaxing change of pace. 

I woke this morning and did not have to cook breakfast. 

Then, I had access to a fitness center - I just love a workout on an elliptical. 

Today - window shopping at a leisurely pace.

Tell you more about it tomorrow.

No Question

I just finished reading the book of Job in my personal devotions.

Job is always such a rebuke to my soul. 

First I am challenged by his testimony before God.

Oh to have God say of me,

"Hast thou considered my servant Sandra,

that there is nne like her in the earth,

a perfect and an upright woman,

one that feareth God, and escheweth evil."

How often do I want to question God and question my authorities (especially hubby)

while seeking to justify my actions

 when I just need to be quiet,

to realize that there are things that I just don't understand.

Better Than ...

Psalm 63:3 

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,

my lips shall praise thee.

His lovingkindness is all that I need.

The Hebrew word is actually hard to define in one single English word.

This lovingkindness includes mercy, kindness, steadfast love ... .

So often I look at what I believe is missing ...

not on ALL that I have.

Published

I had to laugh at the girls in my Sunday School class after services on Sunday.  I asked them about their schooling and one of the girls complained about rough drafts and editing.  The age old question arose:  "What is the purpose?"  "When will I ever write and rewrite numerous times outside of school?"  I am sure that I asked the same questions while in school.  Today, I value all of the training that I received in English and in Composition.  With tract publication on my mind, I promptly explained that when we work on gospel literature, we do not publish the first thing that we put on paper.  It is worked and reworked to make it concise and direct.  There is value to learning to be clear and to writing properly.

Yesterday, the shipment of Spanish tracts arrived.  I always love to see the UPS driver pull up with another big box of literature.  Yesterday, the Afrikaans tract was made available for purchase.  I believe that the Russian version is well on its way and we are praying for a German, a Chinese, and a French translation soon.  I think that our friend has 10 languages planned in all!

Seasonal Meals

One of the many reasons that I love spring and summer is for the fresh food on the table.  Right from the garden  and onto my table.  Right now we are enjoying the garden peas and fresh greens.  YUMMY!  One of my go-to recipes is an old family recipe.  It is budget friendly and delicious.  Unfortunately it does not come with any measurements.  Sorry!

Pea and Potato Soup

Potatoes

Shelled Peas

Water

Half and Half (or milk)

Butter

Put diced potatoes in soup pot with just enough water to cook.

Cook potatoes for about 7 minutes and then add peas.

Cook for about 8 minutes more.

Add half and half or milk to cooking water along with a pat of butter.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

This is great served with homemade bread spread with butter.

I am still looking for a cool, dry day to experiment with another gluten free bread recipe.

Until then, I will just enjoy my soup without a side of bread.