Anticipation

Proverbs 22:3 

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: 

but the simple pass on, and are punished.

"A prudent wife is from the Lord."

Whenever I see the word "prudent," I sit up and take notice.

I want to learn how to be prudent.

Today's Proverb is one of those verses.

A prudent person anticipates trouble and then AVOIDS it.

I think that most women can predict results in a situation - 

the prudence comes from doing the right thing after discerning trouble ahead.

The Proverb says that the prudent will hide ...

... not just stand to the side as a bystander ...

... not on the outside so as to get away when the trouble starts ...

HIDE ... RUN AWAY!

Odd Year

Only 4 days until the target garden date ...

and I am watching the snow fall :)

At our new home,

the garden plot is in a lot of shade still,

so the target date was moved to March 1 anyway.

I am watching the snow fall

and using an online planning tool to plan my garden.

Then it is time to order the seeds!

Unfortunately,

after the fun of thinking about spring ...

I need to clean cupboards and the freezer.

Excellence

Perfection is not attainable,

but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.

- Vince Lombardi

Keep striving today!

Completed!

Well, the "baking blitz" from Saturday went off without a hitch.

I started mixing batter at 10:45.

The first batch went in the oven at 11:30.

The last batch came out about 2:00.

They were delivered by 3:00.

Then I prepped myself for the wedding and duties there.

I was thankful for a loaner muffin tin so that I could have 2 dozen in the over,

while another 2 were being prepared.

I was thankful that none of the muffins burned.

I was also thankful that God saw fit to have us sit at a table with a teenage celiac.

As we talked about the muffins, her ears perked up at the mention of gluten free cornmeal;

and I was able to assure her that they were indeed gluten free - 

she promptly returned to the buffet to sample one for herself.

155 corn muffins

I think that the favorite recipe of the week was Coriander-Crusted Salmon.

I think it may just be the sentimentality and reminder of our 4 years in Seattle where Salmon is a staple,

but it was a good recipe as well!

Coriander-Crusted Salmon

3 Tbsp ground coriander

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

6 salmon fillets, thawed and patted dry

2 Tbsp olive oil

Rub fish with spices.

Cook three-four minutes per side in oiled skillet over Med-High heat.

This week's menu plan:

Monday: Ham

Tuesday: Minnestrone

Wednesday: Quinoa Salad

Thursday:  Ginger-Orange Pork

Friday: Garlic Chicken with cumin roasted sweet potatoes and carrots

(Don't Forget it is Valentine's Day)

Saturday: Ginger Orange Pork Wraps

Church Dinner this coming week:

I think that in the spirit of Valentine's Day,

chocolate covered strawberries sound good ...

... and an attempt at caramel covered berries for the non-chocolate eaters!

Baking Blitz

I mentioned earlier in the week that we are attending a wedding tonight.

It is in a beautiful college chapel,

and I am imagining with a 6:00 pm start time that it will be candlelight.

I did not mention that I am baking for the reception dinner.

144 + corn muffins!

Since we have food allergies,

I am making them gluten and dairy free.

But, if you know anything about gluten free baking,

it is typically best to serve it fresh ...

so they will all be made today.

The dry ingredients have been ready since Wednesday.

- 7 double batches -

Time to add the wet and get baking!

Friday Forum: Life Verse

This is an odd topic for me.

My "life" verse seems to change with the seasons of life.

Does that happen for you as well?

One of my longtime favorites has been ...

Hebrews 4:14-16

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, 

Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our 

infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help in time of need.

Recently, I find myself leaning on these verses ...

Luke 1:37 

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Jeremiah 32:17 

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth 

by thy great power and stretched out arm, 

and there is nothing too hard for thee:

How about you?

Do you have a favorite verse?

Feel free to share.

Your verse may encourage me too,

or another reader for that matter!

99 cent sticker from Walmart on some scrap wood hung with ribbon -
a good reminder in one of the guest rooms

Awake with the Sun

Don't you just love the feeling in the summer

when you wake with the sun instead of an alarm clock.

You feel energized, rested, and ready to start the day.

  It is hard to start the day on the right foot during the winter months.

Enter my Thursday Thanks ...

 As I continue to look for natural ways to lessen stress on my body,

I was led to a new alarm clock.

It is bizarre looking,

but it has definitely reduced stress

and increased productivity.

A dim light comes on 30 minutes before wake time

and gradually brightens like a sunrise.

Of course, if you are like me,

though your body may be waking internally,

I need the chirping birds to wake me completely on schedule.

Peaceful mornings ...

extra energy ...

We have successfully backed wake-up time from 5:30 to 4:30 on most days.

I am so thankful for natural healing and strength.

For the longer mornings,

and for the dimming light and "frogs" that also put me to sleep at night.

.

God has been gracious to give us new information regularly to help improve our health.

Hubby's dark circles are gone,

and I am waking up and starting my day on time.

I am also thankful for a wedding this weekend.

Our dear friend Sam is getting married and we are so excited for Him.

God's plan for a mate included a childhood friend,

but he had to wait 30 years past their first acquaintance for God's perfect timing.

After the success of the last church gift,

the church wanted to give another monetary gift in a unique and memorable way.

The result:

Framed origami money ...

Our pastor's wife folded all of the bills,
and I organized the final product.

I just love the heart shapes, (notice that some denominations have a pink hue)

but the shirt and tie is really unique.

The background includes the couple's names,

wedding date,

and a verse to commemorate the wedding date

2/8 ... Psalm 2:8.

What's In A Name?

Proverbs 22:1 

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

 

What are you working for?

Is it riches?

Is it notoriety?

Is it fame?

Do you spend too much time seeking another dollar for the budget?

Are you dissatisfied with what God has provided?

 

 The writer of Proverbs reminds me of my priorities.

He reminds of the value of a good reputation.

 

How are you regarded?

What is the reaction when your name is mentioned?\
Do you neglect others to save a dollar?
Do you shy from ministry because it might cost to much?

 

How do you get a good name?

 

Follow the Lord and His Word.

Live the life that He desires for you.

Nothing can "stick" to you if you are doing right.

 

Repeated Actions

• 
  

We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, therefore,

is not an act but a habit."

Still thinking about righteous consistency ...

I think that this could also define character.

It must become who I am, what defines me.

What is my character?

What do people see consistently in my words, actions, and thoughts?

 

Meal with the "Wow" Factor

It was an absolutely gorgeous day today in NC.

It began with rain, 

but then ...

clear skies,

sunshine,

and warm temps.

I opened the house completely and aired the trailer out.

I washed a car.

I walked with a friend.

Just a beautiful day.

Hard to believe that they are predicting freezing rain and snow again

for the coming weekend.

The menu plan presented many delights last week.

We were pleasantly surprised by the Turkey Sweet Potato Chili,

but it was the Chicken Piccata that had the real "Wow" factor.

We enjoy the splurge of the capers - delicious!

I cooked brussels sprouts for the first time this week

and lima beans for the second time (they are becoming a favorite).

Chicken Piccata

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/4 c cornstarch

4 Tbsp butter, divided

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/4 c chicken broth

Juice of 2 lemons

1/4 c capers, rinsed

2 Tbsp chopped parsley

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Dredge chicken in cornstarch.

Melt 2 Tbsp of butter and oil in skillet over med-high heat.

Add chicken; cook until browned. (about 3 min per side) 

Remove chicken.

Add broth, juice, and capers to same pan.

Bring to boil.

Return chicken to skillet, simmer until cooked through (about 5 more minutes).

Transfer chicken to plate.

Whisk 2 Tbsp butter into sauce and heat.

Pour sauce over chicken.

This weeks menu plan:

Monday: Pork Fried Rice

Tuesday: Coriander Crusted Salmon

Wednesday: Cheesy Stuffed Potatoes

Thursday: Cabbage Rolls

Friday: Skillet Flank Steak