A Refreshing Gift

Psalm 90:14

O satisfy us early with thy mercy;

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

This morning we woke to cool, refreshing temperatures.

The buttoned-up house was about 77* when we awoke,

then we opened everything we could and within 1 hour we were down to 71*!

It was definitely the day to be tidying in the garden.

Even here at noon - the breeze is still cool.

I had waited almost too long to tie tomatoes again, but the deed is done as best I could.

I ripped up greens that had turned bitter in the heat.

I enjoyed cleaning up the flower beds.

The bright blossoms cheer my spirit.

Oh -  but I also found evidence of a terrible cutworm -

I hope I caught it before I lose my pumpkin plant.

Our God is merciful.

I deserve punishment - death and eternal separation from Him in hell.

He does not give me what I deserve.

How often I rejoice and rest in His promise not to give me more than I can bear.

He will give me a way to escape.

Sometimes I want to doubt and question - sinfully wondering if He is keeping track of the trials,

wondering if the escape is there right now or coming soon.

Like a cool morning in the midst of summer - he sends a refreshing.

And it is mercy for EVERYONE!

Complete Proteins

I never imagined that hubby would get tired of eggs or of pancakes for breakfast ... but it has happened.  Since we have lost the quick "cereal breakfast" or "toast and peanut butter breakfast," each morning provides a hot breakfast.  Recently I decided to try a hot cereal and it was a big hit!  Hot rice cereal is still an option, but this cereal was made with QUINOA (pronounced KEEN - WA).  Typically you have to serve grains with another source of protein to get a complete protein - think beans and rice, peanut butter sandwich ...  Quinoa is one of the only grains that is a complete protein.  It is a quick breakfast cereal that really sticks with you until lunch.  While quinoa is not as cheap as rice - it is also not as expensive as other gluten-free grains or flours needed to make pancakes.

Breakfast Quinoa

1/2 c quinoa

1 c water

1 Tbls brown sugar

2 tsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

*optional items*

1/4 c raisins

raspberries and bananas

milk

Rinse quinoa.  Put in small saucepan.

Stir in water, brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon.

Bring to a boil.

Reuce heat; simmer, covered, 10-15 min. until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed.

Add raisins, if desired, for last 5 min. of cooking time.

Top quinoa with raspberries and bananas.  Serve with milk.

Serves 2.

Canning Again

If you read the post on Friday, you know that I was desiring to get the beets picked and processed today.  I looked at the weather for this week and decided that today was the day to do it.  One day this week is predicted to be 100*.  Summer sure is coming on strong.  I got the beets picked and a full canner processed before the heat of the day.  The jars look so pretty on the counter.  Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 80's and pleasant, so I will finish tidying the garden (mostly tying up tomato plants) before the heat arrives at the end of the week.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

'Tis the season for all things garden. 

So far, our little garden patch is producing well.

The hot weather has just intensified this week,

so the efforts to keep things going will be ramped up.

The sugar snap peas were simply delicious - so good that I did not get any put away in the freezer.  They were an awesome snack and we enjoyed them fresh.  We have also enjoyed fresh greens (spinach and lettuce).  The beets are awaiting processing (maybe Monday).  The carrots and onions are enjoyed on an 'as needed' basis. 

The beans, cucumbers, and zucchini are producing right now.  I canned 4 pints of beans this morning (I know that sounds ridiculously small to some of you).  I ate cucumbers as my lunch today (with some Catalina dressing as dip!).  The zucchini are a favorite on the grill with a little lemon pepper and then served with Parmesan cheese.

I am watching pumpkins growing fat, my first successful winter squash producing, quite a few watermelon babies, and at least one cantaloupe.  The pepper plants are still deciding if they want to make a go of it.  The majority of the garden is tomato plants which are heavy with fruit, but not quite ripe yet.

It always amazes me what that little seed planted months ago is doing today. 

The law of sowing and reaping.

... You reap more than you sow. ...

Encouragers

Today, I am thinking about and thanking God for those who encourage me.

I am sure that many do not even realize that they are doing so. 

Each one has a different way of encouraging. 

Some encourage by their faithfulness. 

You know,

those faces that are always in the parking lot

on Saturday morning for visitation without complaint. 

Nothing deters them and they are an encouragement to me. 

Some encourage by their desire to do right. 

These are those who are not easily swayed to rebellion ...

they may see the hypocrisy or even the ridiculousness,

but they know the rules, they know what is expected, and they do it.  

Others encourage silently ...

there is never a crisis with them ...

the focus is not them, their service, their sacrifice, or their difficulty ...

they see a need and without fanfare or stress, they meet it. 

There are still others who give ...

these drop a note in the mail or share the perfect, useful oddity. 

Perhaps these encouragers are on my mind today because one arose this week

and is taking hubby and me for dinner tonight ... a little rest for a busy month.

Inspires me to be the encourager this week in some one's life.

How about you?

A Message for the Nation of Israel

Another tract completed today.  This one in Hebrew!



Getting the Message

I am sure that you have tried to explain something before only to receive a blank stare in return.

Or perhaps you were receiving instructions and the words really meant nothing.

Words were exchanged, but communication was not occurring.

One of the perks of being married to one that preaches is that his messages are communicated clearly in my mind.  While I can and do learn and grow from others, there are definitely fewer barriers when hubby is preaching.  When hubby preaches, not only do I receive a preview all week, but I just understand his language and his style.  Since he has been preaching a lot lately, I have had a lot of food for thought. 

John  -  "I am not the Christ."  - oh, a reminder that "He must increase, and I must decrease."  It seems that this week I have had to battle my stubborn pride more than ever.  It is not about "my" way, but about His way.

Titus  -  "maintain good works" - serving others should be a habit that starts in my home and overflows into my entire life.  It is not an on-again, off-again endeavor.

Job  -  a battle for the glory - while not preached by hubby, it has been in my mind for two weeks now.  As in the story of Job, Satan knows where I am weak and he definitely uses it to his advantage.  He wants me to "curse God and die" rather than to glorify God in my trials.  Daily I must decide to let God order my life and allow the trials as He sees fit. 

Expect Great Things

Psalm 81:10

I am the LORD thy God,

which brought thee out of the land of Egypt:

open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

I read this verse yesterday.

I contemplated how much I miss simply because I doubt ...

I don't expect ...

I don't open my hands ...

I am looking the wrong way ...

God is there.

Do I expect great things?

Do you?

JBMDELU

I spend a little time every morning with the puzzles in the paper. 

I do the Suduku, the crossword puzzle, and have learned to enjoy the JUMBLE. 

I am feeling a little "jumbled" today. 

So many thoughts spinning in my mind. 

I am trying to put some framework to them so that I can share them with you. 

Thanks for being patient.

Just a Great Aunt :)

I don't know whether it makes me sound prideful or old or HUGE, but I am now a great aunt.  I always thought I was fairly spectacular (my nieces and nephews should only give kind comments below so as not to burst my bubble), but now it is official and not based on opinion.  Congratulations to Peter and Elisabeth (our nephew and his wife) on the birth of a healthy baby.  I am always thankful to hear of a safe and healthy delivery considering that it is such a precious gift of God.

I am also thankful today for a new opportunity in the coming weeks.  We have frequently prayed about opportunities as pulpit supply on the weekends and the Lord has answered that prayer.  Hubby is frequently helping out in our home church here in NC, but this weekend we get to help in another local church.  Hubby will be preaching in the morning service and I will be working with the kiddos (and music if necessary).