Winter Surprises

This week I have finally buckled down and hit the "abysses."

I attribute the "push" of having admited to the blogosphere that I really needed to get this done.

I attacked 2 closets and the outdoor storage shed.

3 trash cans full later - they look pretty good.

I also spent time today to make some mailbox surprises for some of our local college students.

It is a Hershey bar wrapped in white paper.

The hat is a baby sock cuffed to fit.

4 pieces of yarn wrapped a few times to make a scarf.

Marker features.

Hubby and I made baby snowmen at Christmas.

They called for Hershey nuggets.

The hats were made from cut off glove fingers.

No scarves or buttons required for the little guys.

Our snow is all gone, but I sure do like to celebrate winter while I can.

Dealing with the "Antsy"

In the past month,

we have gone from full throttle

to full on stop.

It is an odd feeling.

It is easy to feel useless.

It is easy to waste time.

But I was reminded as I work on memory in Galatians,

there is a time just to wait.

Paul was miraculously saved on the road to Emmaus.

He had his orders.

He was more than qualified and trained.
He could have taken the world by storm as soon as he regained his sight.

But God had plans for him for 3 years away from the action.

It is easy to get antsy when I am used to the hustle and bustle.

But there is so much to learn in the stillness.

There are quieter ministries.

There are people who are easily overlooked in busy-ness.

There is learning that needs to take place.

And there is a refocusing and recharging that is easier in the peace.

Seasonal Breakfast Treat

A couple of weeks ago,

I had a craving for cranberry-apple something.

The famous Google search brought up 

muffins,

baked oatmeal,

pie,

cobbler,

crisp ...

I decided to try the crisp for breakfast.

Hubby was a little nervous,

but it passed the test.

I am probably a little late - not sure that cranberries are even available in the stores anymore,

but I have a bag or 2 in the freezer - YEAH!

Cranberry Apple Crisp

Filling:

2 lbs apples

1 1/2 c fresh cranberries

1 tsp orange zest

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

2 TBSP coconut sugar

2 TSBP maple syrup

1 TBSP tapioca flour (corn starch or regular flour would be ok)

Topping:

1/2 c almond flour

1/4 c tapioca flour

3/4 c rolled oats

1/4 c coconut sugar

6 TBSP coconut oil (I used butter)

1/2 c chopped pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350*

Combine all Filling Ingredients and pour in a 9x9 pan.

Combine Topping Ingredients except nuts until it is a course meal.  Toss in nuts.

Cover fruit with topping and bake 45 minutes.

Cover with foil if browning too fast.

Just Trust ... and Refocus

I mentioned that Tuesday was a down day.

I needed to heed what I was memorizing and reading.

I needed to refocus and trust.

I don't feel like my faith was very great,

but then again ... all it takes is a grain of mustard.

I mentioned that I wanted to minister to young people.

On this thankful Thursday,

I am thankful for an answer to prayer.

On Wednesday,

an opportunity presented itself.

What a blessing!

God is waiting to bless,

I need only to "trust and obey."

So easy to say,

so hard to do.

I am also thankful for our snow day yesterday.

Nothing beats having company ALL day!

Hubby humored me and took me for 2 - 4 mile walks (I know it sounds like I am a dog).

The first one was fairly comfortable, the second was a lot more windy and cold.

That's How We Roll

We started the morning in our typical fashion.

4:30 wake up call for a 1/2 hour workout.

During our 6:00 devotions, the text came through ...

2 hour work delay.

We were up, we were going ...

why not take a four mile walk in the snow

before heading to work at 9:30?

(this is not our home, but one along our walk - I call it the Kincaide house)

So we did.

So pretty, so quiet ... good couple time.

During the last 1/2 mile,

work was cancelled for the day.

Oh, and tack on a 2 hour delay for tomorrow.

I know, I know ...

the picture doesn't look worthy of all the excitement ...

... but that is how we roll in the south!

And of course, this calls for chili and cornbread for lunch!

Chili is in the crock pot and should be ready in time.

The grocery shopping will keep until tomorrow, or even Friday.

Today, I will enjoy our winter wonderland while it is here

and extra time with my hubby.

Psalm 2

Psalm 2:12 b

Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

It seems that every day that I work on verse memory

a new part of the memory work is a blessing.

Last week, Galatians 1 was a blessing as I acknowledge 

and seek to work on not be a man pleaser but to put God first in all things.

Today was a little bit of a down day.

My mother's heart (if you believe a non-mom can have one) was yearning to help a young person.

A grey sky with the promise of snow lacked the bright cheer of a winter sun.

Struggles of faith.

Struggles of trust.

Struggles from within and without.

He promises His blessings, His help

if only I trust.

Better Than I Deserve

I can't remember where I was when it was "popular" to answer the question

"How are you?"

with

"Better Than I Deserve"

It is a timely reminder when you might be tempted to answer with a nebulous "fine"

or with a laundry list of troubles.

Especially here in America, we are blessed beyond measure.

In the spiritual realm, we have the ability to be on a road to heaven

instead of facing the doom of hell which we so rightly deserve.

Both hubby and I were reminded in the past few days of how much we have been given.

While the physical provision is easy to see ... cars, home, clothes, food, financial blessing,

we are also blessed and thankful for God's provision of prayer warriors.

We are thankful for our family and friends who pray even when they don't know what to pray.

We are thankful for those who care beyond the physical needs for our spiritual health and well being.

I had a very specific prayer need this week -

not a physical need, but a spiritual battle.

I mentioned the need to hubby to add to his prayer list.

God sent a verse to encourage me in my Bible reading.

God sent victory at the beginning of the week.

God sent a test.

And at least this time, there was even victory in the test.

That is proof of God's provision through the prayers of His people.

I am grateful.

I am humbled.

Thanks for your prayers.

Just Leave the Excuses

"And she said, 'I will go.'"  Genesis 24:58

You have heard the parental phrase before ...

"Slow obedience is no obedience."

I have thought much about it.

How often do I drag my feet at following God's will and plan?

I would NEVER say "no" to God, right?

Of course, I wish it were so,

but in my own way I have many times.

I have said "no" by saying, "not now" or "it's not a good time."

Have you done it?

Have you known God's will but thought your timing was better?

God, can you change the circumstances?

God can you wait until ...?

God can you make it just as clear to everyone else?

" ____ is going on right now, it's not a good time."

Yes, there it is written in black and white.

It is easy to make excuses.

And here is the hero without excuses ...

Abraham's servant heads to the homeland to find a wife for Isaac.

He prays for clear direction.

God answers clearly and specifically.

The servant finds Rebekah and explains God's working to her and her family.

God's will is clear.

And then he plans to leave the next day with Isaac's bride.

Can you hear the excuses Rebekah could have given?

What about my family?

I haven't planned?

Can I just have another week?

What about ...?

I'm not quite ready.

But there are no excuses.

There is not even a record of a pause.

The hand of God was clear and her answer just as direct ...

"I will go."

What is God asking of you?

Will you obey?

or will you make an excuse?

A Personal Transformation

No house pictures,

no garden pictures,

no yard pictures ...

it has just been too cold.

BUT ...

there is still a Tuesday Transformation!

With change often comes growth.

The rough, tear-filled month of December was a month of learning

and hopefully the start or continuation of meaningful change.

I have been made aware of some changes that I need to make.

I am also reminded that I have a gracious, long-suffering God
who is still there and still willing to change me.

I have been shown that I like to take charge.

While this is not always bad,

it is a fault if I am trying to lead when a man should be in the lead.

I have confessed to God the fault and apologized to those I believe I undermined.
It is a reminder to hold my tongue - to focus on the meek and quiet spirit.

I have been shown that I often take on more than I can chew.

This also could be phrased that I exhibit "pseudo-strength" when I should be asking for help.

This is not a new fault, but obviously one that I still need to work on.

There is a velvet Christmas dress from the late 80's with tear stains as proof
that I don't say "no" when I need to.

Even as a preteen, my desire to help and to be useful often leads me to collapse under unnecessary weights.

I am made aware of this fault again.

Both hubby and I have been made aware that sarcasm is rarely understood.

Sarcasm should be reserved for family and people who act like family (and maybe not even there)

because it often hurts others who can't read the sarcasm and/or won't ask for an explanation.

We are working on a critical spirit.

It is easy to critique without facts.

The need is to speak with truth,

To judge where sin is,

and to be silent when there is no knowledge.

Isn't it just like God to deliver the hard to swallow truth  in a "praise sandwich?"

He did it with the churches in Revelation.

Paul did it with erring churches that he wrote to correct.

In the midst of the December correction,

he led many people to remember something good,

something helpful,

and not just to remember, but to mention it.

He sent those "tokens for good."

I mention that because perhaps God has laid someone on your heart today.

Maybe God is correcting and rebuking that person

and He wants you to build that "Praise Sandwich."

Call, text, email, write, or appreciate someone in person - 

why not today?

Getting Closer ...

One of my challenges as a domestic engineer

is defeating the competition.

Sound mean?

By competition, I mean the restaurants that entice us.

Hubby grills a great steak - bye bye steakhouse.

Red Lobster - I can broil or fry a nice piece of tilapia or salmon,

and the gluten free options in the freezer section are REALLY good.

Got the pizza thing down.

Gluten free Italian at a restaurant is typically just BAD!

With the right Gluten Free Ciabatta bread, Subway doesn't stand a chance.

Mexican restaurants still have me beat in some areas

and Asian - well, they have some secret ingredient.

Over the weekend, I found a recipe that will satisfy our Asian craving between trips to P.F.Changs.

You want it too, don't you?

It is available here at Taste of Home

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Ingredients

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

4 teaspoons Sriracha Asian hot chili sauce (I had an asian chili paste)

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

12 ounces uncooked multigrain spaghetti (I used 6 oz of brown Asian rice noodles)

1 pound lean ground chicken (I used ground turkey)

1-1/2 cups julienned carrots

1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup finely chopped unsalted peanuts

4 green onions, chopped

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk the first six ingredients until blended.
Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook chicken, carrots, pepper and garlic over medium heat 5-6 minutes
or until chicken is no longer pink, breaking up chicken into crumbles; drain.
Stir in peanut butter mixture; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 3-5 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened.
Serve with noodles.
Top with peanuts and green onions.
Yield: 6 servings.


For those who have tried to use the "Recipe Page" ...
I have updated it with all recipes from the blog ...
It appears that I had not made links for about 1 1/2 years 😒