Break

Today, I am thankful for a break from the extreme heat.  The a/c is still running today, but it is not running non-stop yet and it is 1:00!  I am also thankful that the weather is only supposed to be high 90's on Saturday when the church is doing some tract distribution throughout Shelby.  I am also thankful for an additional two piano students this week - my count is up to 6 consistent students on Monday and 2 additional probables!  God's provision is best. 

Melting!

It is another HOT day!  At last check the very uninsulated trailer was up to 88*.  I am watching a large storm roll in and so hopefully the temps will be dropping shortly.  I did not particularly help the temps in the trailer today.  I started early by baking a peach-plum pie.  Then I had to take care of a mountain of cucumbers which became pickles.  Then I had a pile of "Dry cleaning" which I do in the dryer and then ironing.  Not particularly cool activities.  No hot meal tonight ... I think it will be egg salad sandwiches!

In between things, or as I waited on projects, I have been reading a book by David Cloud entitled Dressing for the Lord.  So far it has been a good read and thought provoking.  This book is primarily concerned with women's dress styles.  So far, I surmise that he is a dress- and skirt- only promoter.  While not there yet, I think I become closer as time passes.  The book presents the opinions of men who express the effect that women's clothing has on them.  The book presents Biblical standards of modesty and separation as well.

Promises that come with Actions

Psalm 31:24

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,

all ye that hope in the LORD.

This is an awesome promise.  I know that God keeps His promises.  He will give strength to a weary, fainting heart.  But it is reliant on my actions - taking courage and hoping in Him ... that is the hard part.  It is easy to spout in theory, but hard to practice.

Watermelon Coolers

It seems to be HOT everywhere.  Our high today is supposed to be 96* with a heat index over 100*.  I am in my cool office (the library).  We have recently discovered an easy, refreshing blended drink for these hot days.  We had one this morning with our brunch!

Watermelon Coolers

2 1/4 c frozen watermelon cubes

1/4-1/2 c water

2 T honey

2-3 T lime/lemon juice

Blend in blender and serve immediately.

Makes 2 juice glass size portions!


Update:  These are also good frozen as POPSICLES!
YUMMY!

A Pleasant Visit

Token Tourist Pose







Pictures in the Rose Gardens



A picnic before the visit



I wasn't blogging during the month of May, so on this "Thankful Thursday" I will be thankful for the time that I got to spend with my niece in the month of May.  We met her at the top of VA on May 14 and she stayed with us until May 27th.  It was a pleasant adjustment to have someone to talk with all day long.  She came to learn and practice different sewing skills and by the end of the two weeks she was much more confident in that area.  She sewed two skirts, a jumper, and a dress.  She enjoyed our "early" strawberry season knowing that she would also get to enjoy the season in NY.  We took a trip to the Biltmore (our last trip on our season passes).  She made quick friends with the girls and church which also helped her adjustment from a very busy house to a quiet little trailer.  Oh - and who could forget the fun of climbing in the trees around our little trailer.  She also got in on a little bit of tree clean-up from our spring storms (she doesn't get much of that at home with 3 brothers!)



God's Holiness

Psalm 30:4

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his,

and give thanks at the remembrance

of his holiness.

I never realized that there was such a debate over the holiness of God versus the love of God until this past year.  It seems that some people want to emphasize God's love, but downplay His holiness.  I can see where this would be the comfortable thing to do.  If I emphasize God's love, then my sin does not look as severe for God will forgive me and love me in spite of it (which He will if I repent.)  But if I emphasize God's holiness, then the severity of my sin is real to me.  This verse jumped out at me this week.  Give thanks for His holiness.  Instead of downplaying this all-important attribute, I need to be thankful for it!

Happy Fourth!

Happy 235th Birthday, America! 

We are blessed to live in this,

the greatest nation in the world. 

We have much to be thankful for.

I am enjoying the patriotic music on a Greenville, SC radio station this morning.  I love the marches and the focus on God and country.  The traditional celebration of our nation's birthday consists of family picnics and gatherings.  Ours will be no exception.  Hubby is at work this morning while I clean and prepare food.  Then this evening we will head to church for a picnic (hopefully as the day cools).  I am thinking all things watermelon this morning.  Watermelons were on sale at the local grocery and provided the inspiration for my potluck offerings. 

Creamy Watermelon Pie

1 pkg (3 oz) watermelon jello

1/4 c boiling water

1 carton (12 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

2 c cubed seeded watermelon

1 graham crust (9 in)

In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.  Cool to room temp.

Whisk in whipped topping; fold in watermelon.

Spoon into crust.  Refrigerate 2 hours or until set.

*Update:  this pie was not as good as we expected. 
It was a pretty pie,
but the jello and cool whip were so much sweeter
than the watermelon that in our opinion it was not a keeper!

Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

1/4 c honey

1/4 c limeade concentrate

2 tsp poppy seeds

1 c halved strawberries

1 c cubed pineapple

1 c fresh blueberries

1 c cubed watermelon

1/4 c slivered almonds, toasted

Combine honey, limeade concentrate and poppy seeds in small bowl.

Combine fruit in serving bowl.

Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.

Sprinkle with the almonds. 

Serve with a slotted spoon.

Update:  This was a good salad for those who like the sweet/tart blend.
And yes, it can be made with any combination of fruits.
I made my salad without the poppy seeds or the almonds.



April and June Storms

Two fierce wind storms whipped through our area in the month of April.  Supposedly they were not tornados (Though the tornado siren was sounded during both storms), but were a result of straight-line winds.  The pictures below are from the first storm.  The second storm did much of the same and claimed a few more of the beautiful, but weak, Bradford pear trees that are so beautiful in the spring. 

This tree just missed the car!

Just half a tree.  Now just a stump.

We dragged the trees into an empty lot after the first storm.  The second storm was cleaned up af the end of May.  This week we have been cleaning up at church after a storm toppled more than 1/2 dozen large trees and removed much of the roof (shingles) on the back of our church building. 

New Tracts

Today I am thankful for the resources that God provides to get His Word and the gospel message out.  Our church recently had two new tracts published.  The first, "In the Blood," was written to speak to those who believe that they have always been saved or that their family ties somehow give them grace.  The second, "Count on It," is a tract that was written when our church evangelist mentioned how the homosexual movement has twisted a beautiful symbol that God left on earth.  It is a tract about God's promises.  These tracts are bifolds, versus the trifolds that we published before, which makes them a lot more affordable.

A Woman's Work is Never Done

I don't take the title as one of a slave or as one of an overworked homemaker, but there are weeks that just seem excessively busy.  I am glad that I did not allow myself to stop on Monday when I was cleaning the house and doing yard work, because the rest of the week filled up in no time.  I mentioned yesterday the work on the new church website, but there is also an effort to get another two tracts published shortly.  One will be available very soon and one still has some design issues to work out.  So I am once again in my satellite office (the public library) and will try to get some more things done on the church website today.  Fortunately, most of the work has not dirtied the house and hubby has been content with simple meals this week.

Keep working!