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  With tract publication on my mind, I promptly explained that when we work on gospel literature, we do not publish the first thing that we put on paper.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.

Cookies, Candles, Coffee, and Chats

Enjoyed a beautiful evening last night with hubby. 

I made a batch of peanut butter cookies with a new recipe from my SIL. 

We lit a "meadow blossoms" candle. 

We enjoyed a small pot of coffee with half-n-half

(which we only had on hand from making a batch of pea and potato soup). 

And then we just enjoyed a pleasant chat on the porch before bedtime. 

Here is the easy flourless cookie recipe.

1 egg

1 c Peanut butter

3/4 c sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup of some add-in (I used mini chocolate chips in half of the dough)

blend first 4 ingredients, then mix in the "add-in"

Drop in balls on cookie sheet.

Bake at 350* for 8-10 minutes.

Makes 2 dozen small cookies.

Question:

If you did not eat or like chocolate,

what would you add to a peanut butter cookie?

LIFE

Today's reasons to be thankful were easy to come by.

I am thankful for another year of life.

I am thankful for family that would drive 13 hours one way to spend some time with me.

I am thankful for the man who asked me to marry him 10 years ago on 5/14/02.

I am thankful for all those who daily and weekly encourage me.

: )

 

Dad picked out the card this year.

It appears that my daughter's license has been renewed for another year :)

Upon renewal they took me out for dinner -

we enjoyed seafood at the Red Lobster ...

and then returned home for raspberry jello poke cake.

YUMMY!

Happy Birthday!

I guess I have not quite reached the age where birthdays are taboo. 

37 Years Old Today!

And in case you wonder what I looked like 37 years ago ...

Birthday Guests

Having guests again this week. 

They are coming in to celebrate my 37th birthday, tomorrow. 

I will be absent this week from the blogosphere, but I will be back ~~ I promise!

Happy Mother's Day

My Mom (and dad)

Happy Mother's Day!