Enough Said

Psalm 84:9-12

 Behold, O God our shield,

and look upon the face of thine anointed.

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. 

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,

than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield:

the LORD will give grace and glory:

no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Winding Down

We had our first good frost on Friday morning.  That finished off the beans, the tomatoes, and the cucumber plants.  That leaves some root vegetables (carrots and beets), kale and peas.  I got all the withered plants cleaned up, mulched, and buried on Friday afternoon before a BEAUTIFUL weekend.  It is hard to believe that in only 3 more months I will be planting again.  I am hoping that our rain today knocks down some more leaves so that we can get the yard cleaned up one last time before Thanksgiving, but I am not holding my breath!

Pleasant Surprise

On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for little surprises.

I have been involved with some online survey companies for a number of years. 

It is not overly lucrative - perhaps earning $10 every 3 months, but $10 is $10. 

Recently I was asked to use 2 different shampoos for 10 days each and then to give my opinion. 

What a surprise when my box arrived with 4 full-sized bottles! 

I am thankful for the little pleasures that God sends our way. 

I use Pantene as my regular shampoo, but the TreSemme - what luxury! 

I guess that I made more than $10 this month :)

Is it a problem for me?

Proverbs 31:24

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it;

and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

The ever-inspiring, virtuous woman ...

here she is using her skills to bring extra income to her home.

Here is the verse that many folks have thought should cause me some trouble.

Why trouble?

Well, I am a SAHW (stay at home wife) by conviction.

I believe that God would have a wife or mother to have her place in the home.

More than a few people have asked me what I do with the virtuous woman -

- an able business woman.

I concede - she is working and she is great business sense.

But I believe that she is working in her home (remember the candle, the spindle, the distaff) ...

you see, she delivers her products to the merchant.

If she sells it to the merchant - then he is in the public market selling it.

The virtuous woman uses any extra time she has,

along with her well-honed skills,

to bring in some extra income for the family.

How is this seen today?

tutoring in the home,

making goods for craft fairs,

etsy shops,

avon, tupperware, ... (you know the list)

innumerable creative ways.

Yes, I have one of these businesses.

I teach piano lessons.

the catch?

my students (and their parents) know that if hubby needs me,

he comes first.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

I just received yet another phone call regarding the election.

This one was from the candidate himself.

He said a vote for him would help America to remain the "hope of the earth."

Neither America nor this candidate is the hope of the earth,

but I know someone who is -

and He is greater than any Presidential candidate!

How Could You Forget?

I don't think that you could forget -

not with all the phone calls,

the mailings,

the news coverage.

But just in case -

Don't forget to go vote today.

Only a moment

For what is your life?

It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time,

and then vanisheth away.

James 4:14

I receive the paper each morning.

While I look at the whole paper, in our tiny paper the news is primarily obituaries and comics.

In the obituaries, I look for names I know, but I also look at ages.

There are usually one or two days a week where there is the death of a child or of someone my age.

There is that reminder that I am not guaranteed tomorrow.

Our neighborhood is in a state of shock to find that a young father of 6 is battling cancer.

If you have visited me and your children have played on the playground,

you have probably met him.

The reminder seems to serve 3 purposes.

One, it makes me thankful for today.

Two, it releases the pride from thinking that I am indispensable.

Three, it makes me more urgent to tell others about saving grace.

Will you pray for Mike and his family today?

He will be seen at Cancer Centers of America this weekend.

If you are uncertain of your life beyond death,

will you make certain today?

Leave me a message or visit here for the plan of salvation.

Can You Actually Taste Fall?

Well, I did not get pumpkin snickerdoodles made this weekend,

but maybe later this week.

The apple turnovers looked phenomenal and my students were pleased with their treat.

We enjoyed dinner with friends at our favorite restaurant on Saturday night - Fun!

And then we celebrated the birthday of a brand new 8 year old after church on Sunday night.

I am not sure if you can actually taste fall,

but if you can ... then this is it.

apples, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg,

crunchy topping, creamy filling ...

and easy to make gluten or dairy free.

Dutch Apple-Pumpkin Crisp

1 1/2 c chopped peeled apples (2 small)

3/4 c all-purpose flour (or gluten free blend)

3/4 c packed brown sugar

1/4 c butter or margarine, softened

1 c canned pumpkin

1/3 c granulated sugar

1/4 c milk

2 T all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice {I snuck in a little extra :) }

1 egg

whipped cream / ice cream if desired.

Heat oven to 350*

Spread apples over bottom of 9" glass pie plate.

Microwave uncovered on High for 4-6 minutes or until apples are crisp-tender.

Toss 3/4 c flour, brown sugar, butter, and 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice until crumbly.  Set aside.

In another bowl.  Beat remaining ingredients (except whipped cream) until smooth.

Pour over apples.

Sprinkle with flour mixture.

Bake 30-35 min. until golden brown and set.

Cool 20 minutes.

Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.



Recipe was found on bettycrocker.com

Birthday Treats and Fall Baking

It is a big birthday weekend for the church - with a church of about 40, 2 birthdays is a big weekend.  I am making some gluten-free, dairy free cupcakes for tonight's party which will hopefully leave a couple for the party tomorrow as well.  I would not make them for just Chris and me, but my little friend will be there and it is a little harder to understand when you are six!  Also making some apple turnovers (the glutened variety) for my Sunday School class - the recipe looks a little time-consuming, but yummy! ... and am itching to try a recipe for pumpkin - apple crisp for hubby and I.  I just found a recipe for pumpkin Snickerdoodles which should take car of the remainder of the jar of pumpkin ... AAHH!  Fall Treats!

More Space

One empty lot right below,
and another empty lot past the storage shed.

On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for an ever-expanding back yard - you know, wide open spaces.  Sounds funny, doesn't it?  I live in a trailer park, but not quite as you would normally picture it.  Yes, about half of the trailers (maybe more) are in disrepair, but we are not packed on top of each other, for which I am very thankful.  In the 4 years that we have been here, the owners have removed or sold the two trailers in the lots below us ... which means more back yard for us (and yet I don't have to mow it all).  The little one bedroom trailer directly below us was remove yesterday (a fun process to watch).  The picture was taken from my back porch.  Hopefully the front and back porch that are sitting below will soon be removed as well :)