One thing I love about the new year is a new beginning and a new start.
I can re-organize my life, re-prioritize my events, re-think my activities. This year I am wanting to listen closely to the will of the Lord and His priorities.
Jan 012010
Dec 282009
This year I received an interesting and encouraging Christmas Letter that I wanted to share with you (with her permission). This mother has been an inspiration and an encouragement since I was a young mother.
There once lived a middle aged woman who lives for the moment with ready wit and quick action. Caring for a stalwart man, her companion of thirty-two years. With God’s favor adding ten very astonishing children. I look around at their fair faces we have lit with life and the perfect blessing of their birth. It reminds us to live our lives in thanks for so much of heaven on this earth. This thriving family has expanded to included now, three sons-in-law and now a grandchild who is constant sunshine to our hearts.
As I pondered the Christmas card list, I recalled last Christmas, those cards never got sent. Last Christmas was overshadowed with the sorrow that came as a surprise when our beloved Aunt left this world in October. Love’s light was lit again by our daughter’s wedding during that past Christmas season. Fatigue had sat in and the thoughts of greetings to family and friends never became a reality.
In life’s wilderness the family who inquires of the Lord is constantly renewed by His presence and love. No matter the earthly affairs in labors or where we roam, we all recognize the rewards and constant blessings of our Lord.
This mother has a face lit up and brightened in her heart. I realize that it’s my privilege to minister as a mother and wife. God is making fresh and verdant the long, weary paths of life. I am rejoicing in the fullness of life. My daughters are becoming charming wives with appreciative hearts. Boys becoming confident, competent men. As I sit and rock near the hearth, things I have taught my children have become reality.
“Your spiritual heart is the source of your vital fire and strength.”
“If a rock rises up before you, roll it away, or climb over it.”
“If you want money, earn it. If you want confidence, prove yourself worthy of it.”
“Do not be content with doing what another has done – surpass it.”
“Deserve success, and it will come.”
These are the fabric of my words to my children, fitly spoken. So at this Christmas experience I invite you to explore opportunities to express love and excitement for living as you collect your Christmas memories. As my Christmas letter goes out to my loved ones across life’s path, embrace the substance of Christ. Let Him weave together encouragement, rest and comfort.
God bless you all, I hold each one of you in my heart. Love can borrow kind words. Warm smiles balm the soul. They oil the machinery of life. Let God write His story in your home and reap the benefits of true success for your family.
These are the thoughts of the middle aged woman, for whatever it’s worth. God make His face to shine on each one at Christmas and in the coming year. Make your home bright and warm for all who enter there.
III John 1:2
After Christmas
Family, History, Holiday, Homeschool
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Dec 282009
The week after Christmas is great for mom. The kids stay busy playing with all their new stuff. School is out and mom can catch up on all kinds of things and plan for the new year.
This costume fit with our school year as we are studying the Middle Ages. We are using The Mystery of History Vol. II & III this school year.
Dec 162009
For Christmas morning brunch, this delicious ‘real food’ recipe will delight your family.
Begin with your regular sourdough bread recipe. The recipe I use makes 3 loaves each 2lbs. I set aside 2 lbs. of dough to make this Monkey Bread recipe.
Melt 1 stick of real butter.
Mix 2 cups of sucanat and 2 tsp. of cinnamon in a bowl
Roll the bread dough into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in the butter then into the sucanat and cinnamon mixture. Place in a buttered 9-inch bunt pan.
Pour the left over cinnamon/sucanat mixture and the leftover butter evenly onto the top of the balls. This will make a carmel like sauce.
Let rise for several hours until the balls have doubled in size.
Or cover with wrap and place on the refrigerator overnight awaiting
Christmas morning.
In the morning bring out of the refrigerator, bring up to room temperature and proof in the oven by setting the oven on its lowest heat setting and put the pan in the oven with another pan of warm water. Allow to rise in the proof oven for about 30 min. Remove pan of rising bread and the pan of water. Bring oven temperature up to 350 degrees then bake for 30 minutes.
Loosen the edges of the pan and turn upside down on a serving plate.
This post is part of Real Food Wednesdays hosted by Kelly The Kitchen Kop
Dec 092009
Looking for something healthy to take to a festive holiday party. This is my ‘healthier’ version of a snack. It is quick to make and looks fancy. They make great finger food for young and old alike. My boys do not like olives or onions but they love this snack.
Taco Pinwheels
8 burrito-size tortillas
2 8-ounce pkg cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 Tbls. chili powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
1 cup shredded cheese
1 4 1/4 ounce can chopped ripe olives
2 Tbls. finely chopped green onion
2 8-ounce pkg cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 Tbls. chili powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
1 cup shredded cheese
1 4 1/4 ounce can chopped ripe olives
2 Tbls. finely chopped green onion
Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a mixer until smooth. Add seasonings. Mix until blended. By hand, stir in olives, onions, and shredded cheese. Lay out the 8 tortillas. Spread the mixture evenly on about 3/4 of the tortilla. Roll up tortillas. Brush water on the end of tortilla to seal them. Cut into bite size pieces. We eat the end pieces for lunch and serve all the nice round pieces at the party.
You can make this recipe even healthier by
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making your own cream cheese or creme fraiche that would have live probiotic cultures. Hopefully you can find olives without sodium benzoate. You might have to chop them yourself.
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We buy raw milk cheese from the Amish, Monterey Jack cheese is usually found in Mexican recipes but cheddar will also work.
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Now I can buy organic spices in small sizes, at a reasonable price. Yea! I try to avoid msg and other excitotoxins where I can. Check out my free report!
This post is part of Real Food Wednesday at www.kellythekitchenkop.com
