3 Days and Counting

Christmas is over, and things getting back to normal once again, I keep getting things in the mail, I just love the gifts that friends have sent, such a special touch this week. Yesterday a dear friend from Canada sent this to me, it holds almost everything Avon makes, such a delight, it was such fun opening and unwrapping each item, It has been a good week.

Then today I got this in the mail, my dear husband and I both got lovely scarfs from a friend in Az.

Only 3 more days til the new year, do you have any plans for New Year's Eve, or the New Year Day? I am not sure about Eve, but News Years Day we are going over to some friends for a skeet shoot, soap making, and pig roasting, it will be fun, and many from the church are invited too, will be a good way to start off the New Year, with Friends, Hope your day will be a good one what ever you do, tell us your plans. If I do not see you before Have a very happy New Year, God bless you and don't make any commitments you will not keep, just lean on the lord to help in all things.

  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



http://ecard.ashland.edu/2004admission/index.html

Merry Christmas, God bless you, I pray your day is filled with lots of God's Love, and you have the sweet peace only Christ can give, may the joy of Christmas be in your heart and fill the places you visit, again have a very blessed day.
Merry Christmas from my house to yours.

Thankful Thursday

Wow we have so very much to be thankful for, so thankful for God who sent his only begotten son to be born of woman, in a lowly manger, so not to give the wrong message, if he had been born in a fabulous Hilton, some may think of him as unreachable, but he was born a humble birth, and he grew in a small town, with a carpenter earthly father, such humble beginnings for the King of Kings, but, the lowest sinner in the world knows he can come to Jesus, he is approachable, to this very day. Yes I indeed am happy that Christ was born in the manger, grew up to be the God Man, all God, all man, then died on that old rugged cross, but that is not the end, the most important part is he rose that 3 day, and he is sitting on the right hand of God the Father making intercessions for you and for me, oh thank you Lord Jesus, Happy birthday; and I am so thankful that you come to seek and save that which was lost, Thank you from the bottom of my heart, let us all give honor and glory to our wonderful Saviour Jesus Christ, the most wonderful gift from heaven. Happy Thankful Thursday, and have a very Merry Christmas.


The Way You Planned


Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods.

They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a great treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with an intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'

Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and Queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. People will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'


Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill, look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'


After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, and he began cutting it down.. The tree was happy, because he knew the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I will be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.


When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the men said,'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.


When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying Kings had come to an end.


The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.


The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.


Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time,the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it.. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it..


The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined...

We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

TWO DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS

♥ I say Merry Christmas ♥
It is a busy time for most, and especially those that have young children, we are busier just going here and there than actually getting ready for Christmas, we are very active in Church activities, and been invited to several homes for dinner since the starting of this holiday season, We have opened our home to others too, my friends are all Godly Christians and we have a blessed time in celebrating the birth of our Saviour.
 Jesus is the light of my life, without him and serving him I do not have a clue of what or where I would be. This season is the time to celebrate his birth, although we know this is not the actual time of his birth. We are busy with trying to make others happy, and show the world the light that shines in us, we do not buy gifts, we give of ourself, to our friends and family, this is the time to spend with them, and to let them all know how much you love them, and if any of them are lost, a good time to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, but we must first show them Jesus in our life, or they will never hear a word we say. God bless you all in this holiday season, and I pray that your loved ones know Christ as Saviour, and can celebrate with you.

FAVORITE TIMES FROM OUR VACATION

This Is A Place Called Dillard House The food is just unreal, this amount was for only two people, can you imagine a family of 4

This is a small Soda Fountain in a little town up by Dillard
Like going back in time, I used to sit and sip sodas with my hubby in high school at a soda fountain much like this one.

DELICIOUS PUMPKIN ROLL

Ingredients

3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
2/3 cup solid pack pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup chopped pecans
confectioners' sugar for dusting
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
confectioners' sugar for dusting


Directions


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan.


In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for five minutes. Gradually mix in pumpkin and lemon juice. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger; stir into the pumpkin mixture. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle pecans over the top of the batter.


Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched. Loosen edges with a knife. Turn out on two dishtowels that have been dusted with confectioners' sugar. Roll up cake using towels, and let cool for about 20 minutes.


In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, 1 cup confectioners' sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Unroll pumpkin cake when cool, spread with filling, and roll up. Place pumpkin roll on a long sheet of waxed paper, and dust with confectioners' sugar. Wrap cake in waxed paper, and twist ends of waxed paper like a candy wrapper. Refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled; before slicing, dust with additional confectioners' sugar.
 
This just so very good, a must for your Christmas baking, and instead of dusting it with confectioner sugar, you can also dust it with cinnamon, both make an  excellent pumpkin roll, and you can wrap in foil, then wrap in Christmas paper and give as a gift, now any one loves a gift like this.. Enjoy, experiment with food, have fun, and enjoy the season of giving, loving, and eating.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT IS IN THEM WOODS

This was such fun seeing how the animals behave when no humans are around, now I wonder how long some of the men have sit out there waiting to see this site, I love it, and I love this Country living.
A friend comes out here and hunts in our back acreage, well he set up a camera back there to see what time of day or night or even if there is any deer activity, well here is what the camera revealed.

Six Pointer

Two Young Deer or Does

Lo and Behold Look what else, a huge wild Hog.

That meat would keep us eating for a year, big hog, and it makes the best saugage too, so how do you like my backyard? Have a very blessed day.

JESUS We wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY

You were born in Bethlehem.

You left Heaven just for us.

You are truly, our precious gem.

You were delivered in a stable.

It was a lowly, simple place.

God planned every detail of Your birth

So He could prove His marvelous grace.

We are invited to accept Him as Savior.

He came so our salvation could be free.

He proved His love again and again.

Like Him, we desire to be.

We celebrate Christmas every year.

We express love to each other too.

We honor Him with our whole heart.

The meaning of Christmas is true.

Our gift to Jesus should be our hearts.

We need to worship Him in every way.

If we give gifts to each other, we obey.

He said to love each other every day.

I wish for you a Blessed Christmas.

May we worship Jesus first of all.

If you have not accepted Him as Savior,

Choose this day to give Him a call.

© Evelyn D. Putnam

November 19, 2008

Luke 2: 14

Glory to God in the highest and on earth

peace, good will toward men.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS"

HOLIDAY STOLLEN
Ingredients:
1-1/2cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

4egg yolks
1/2cup granulated sugar
1teaspoon salt
Grated peel of 1 lemon
Grated peel of 1 orange
1teaspoon vanilla
2-1/2cups hot milk (120° to 130°F)
8to 8-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2packages active dry yeast
1/2cup golden raisins
1/2cup candied orange peel
1/2cup candied lemon peel
1/2cup chopped red candied cherries
1/2cup chopped green candied cherries
1/2cup chopped almonds
1egg, beaten
Powdered sugar


Preparation:
1.Combine butter, egg yolks, granulated sugar, salt, lemon peel, orange peel and vanilla in large bowl; beat with electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Slowly add milk; beat until well blended. Add 2 cups flour and yeast; mix well. When mixture is smooth, add enough remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough begins to pull away from side of bowl. Turn out dough onto lightly floured work surface; flatten slightly. Knead 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Mix raisins, candied orange and lemon peels, cherries and almonds in medium bowl; knead fruit mixture into dough.


2.Shape dough into ball. Place in large greased bowl; turn dough over once to grease surface. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in warm place about 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.


3.Grease 2 large baking sheets. Turn dough out onto floured work surface. Divide dough in half. Place one half back in bowl; cover and set aside. Cut remaining half into thirds. Roll each third into 12-inch rope. Place on prepared baking sheet. Braid ropes together. Repeat procedure with remaining dough.


4.Brush beaten egg on braids. Let braids stand at room temperature about 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.


5.Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake braids about 45 minutes or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Remove to wire rack to cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Red Velvet Angel Food Cake

Ingredients
1/3 cup(s) unsweetened cocoa, do not use Dutch cocoa
1/4 cup(s) water, boiling
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 fl oz food coloring, red
1/4 tsp table salt
1 3/4 cup(s) sugar, divided
1 cup(s) cake flour
16 large egg white(s), about 2 cups
2 tsp white vinegar


Instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
In a medium bowl, combine unsweetened cocoa, boiling water, vanilla and food coloring; whisk and set aside.
In another medium bowl, combine salt, 3/4 cup of sugar and cake flour; mix well and set aside.
Using an electric mixer, in a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add vinegar; continue to beat until soft peaks form. With electric mixer running on slow speed, gradually add remaining cup of sugar; increase to high speed and beat until stiff peaks form.
Remove a heaping cup of egg whites and add it to chocolate mixture; gently combine and set aside.
Sift flour mixture over egg whites, a little at a time, and fold after each addition to incorporate. Add chocolate mixture and gently fold into egg whites. When just combined, turn batter into a two-piece 10-inch angel food cake pan with feet; smooth top into an even layer.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove cake from oven and invert pan onto its feet so the inverted cake can cool properly (the cake will not fall out of the pan). If your pan does not have feet, invert it over the neck of a wine bottle or a glass soda bottle.
When cake is completely cool to the touch, loosen edges with a sharp knife and remove cake from pan. Slice into 16 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.
Treat the egg whites gently and you’ll be rewarded with a high cake.

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

RED VELVET CAKE

Ingredients

Vegetable oil for the pans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring (1 ounce)
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
Crushed pecans, for garnish


Directions


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour 3 (9 by 1 1/2-inch round) cake pans.


In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.


Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.

Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the oven evenly spaced apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.


Remove the cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans. One at a time, invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up. Let cool completely.


Frost the cake. Place 1 layer, rounded-side down, in the middle of a rotating cake stand. Using a palette knife or offset spatula spread some of the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake. (Spread enough frosting to make a 1/4 to 1/2-inch layer.) Carefully set another layer on top, rounded-side down, and repeat. Top with the remaining layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with the pecans.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.)
Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy (scrape down the bowl occasionally). Store in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff, before using. May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Yield: enough to frost a 3 layer (9-inch) cake

The Twelve Day of Christmas, Confusion

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.

What in the world do leaping lords, French hens,
swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out
of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
This week, I found out.


From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.


-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.


So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

 Now I give you the Christian version we sing:

(The Twelve Days of Christmas) by - Carroll Roberson



On the first day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: salvation full and free.


On the second day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the third day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: Peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the fourth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: love for all men, Peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the fifth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the sixth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me; power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the seventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the eighth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the ninth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the tenth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the eleventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.


On the twelfth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: eternity to praise, a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

This was taken in Alberta , Canada - in a backyard... Just Amazing

Cartoon Bambi and Thumper

FIRST DAY OF DECEMEBER 2009

Hello another season is here, Winter is upon us, and Christmas is right around the corner, I hope this letter finds you well and still praising the lord for all the blessings of November, God is good, God is good all the time, in bad times, in good times he is always good, and he has proved himself over and over to us.



I ask that you keep some of my friends in your prayers, Carolyn in the loss of her husband, and Jan in the loss of her brother. We know many that suffer daily from depression and some that are without work, just keep each other in your prayers, if we do not pray for one another who will? We are family and we need to encourage each other and to be a strong link in the family of God. Even God said you will know the Christian because they love the brethren.


I got this little poem in a email and thought you may like to pass it on to all your friends too.


*Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzer*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
*Not Happy Holiday !

They may take Jesus out of the stores and out of the schools and out of our government, but they can never take Jesus out of my heart!!

*December is the twelfth month of the year.
*It has 31 days.
*It is the month chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
*It is considered the festive month, it has taken on the
*Christian Christmas season and the Jewish holiday Hanukkah.
*It originally was the Roman holiday 'Saturnalia' honoring the God Saturn.
*Birthstone: Turquoise, Zircon

♥ THE WAY WE WERE ♥

HARRIS FAMILY 1972

I thought maybe you would enjoy looking at some old photos, this is my family when our youngest was just 4, then here is one in 1998.  Big change huh, we all have put on a few pounds and gotten a few wrinkles.












But God has been very good to my family, my youngest son almost lost his life a few weeks before this photo was taken, he was in a car crash and it all but took the whole top of his head off, he had over 100 staples in his head, and the doctor told us it was a miracle, well we knew that, most cases like his there is severe brain damage, he had none, I could picture in my mind God putting his hand over his brain and protecting it. Our God is awesome, he cares for his children and keeps them under his wing, and when we heard that he had been in such a horrific accident, and we were called to his side for the last few minutes, our hearts went numb,. our knees folded under us, then right beside our bed we prayed that God's will be done, and to do what he thinks is right in the case of our son, well by the time we arrived at the hospital where he was, for he was in another state than we live in, he was already out of surgery and able to speak, my husband told him you know God's hand of protection was surely on you, and he kinda grinned sideways and said, I know daddy, he took care of me again.  I am not sure why I have posted this today, but felt a need to do so, perhaps some one is going through a tough time now, and really needs to look to God for their answers, he has then all you know, just ask and he will reveal it to you, seek and you will find, knock and he will open the doors of understanding to you.
Be blessed my reading friends, and as we enter into this Holiday season, let us all look to the Lord Jesus Christ for all our answers, and for those of us who have huge problems Jesus still has all the answers, and he let him lead you and guide you through this season that is to celebrate his birth. God bless you real good.  Have a wonderful and very Merry Christmas, give Christ his rightful place as we celebrate his birth.

November 29th Devotional

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." (Luke 22:31)

Most of us do not warrant the personal attention of Satan as Peter did, for we do not constitute as great a threat to his kingdom as Peter did. Nevertheless the devil, "as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Whether he attacks us himself--as he did Peter, and David, and Job--or assigns this task to one or more of his demons, the fact is that Satan is real and his legions of evil spirits are real, and they will, indeed, seek to force every believer into Satan's sieve.
John calls Satan "the accuser of our brethren . . . which accused them before our God day and night" (Revelation 12:10). He uses every device to keep us from Christ, or to persuade us to sin against Him, or even to deny Him as Peter did. Jesus called Satan "a murderer from the beginning . . . a liar, and the father of it" (John 8:44). He seeks to sow discord among the brethren, to sow tares among the wheat, to sow false doctrine with the truth, to sow evil thoughts in the pure, to do all he can to hinder our work for God and our faith in Him. And, as Martin Luther sang: "On earth is not his equal."
Yes, but "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:1-2). Furthermore, "he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
The Lord assured Peter that, even though Satan would sift him as wheat, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not" (Luke 22:32). And when Jesus prays, God answers!
When we, like Peter, have been sifted through the sieve of Satan, and when we also know that our great advocate and intercessor has prayed for us and our faith has not failed, then we can, as the Lord exhorted Peter, "strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:32).   HMM

Black Friday, NOT...Frugal Friday

Hi there lets see how many different ways we can use turkey, and give an example of how you will use your left over turkey, this saves in spending money on another meal for today right...That is frugal, any way we can cut corners in this day of high pricing is a frugal and good way.


I am gonna cut up the remainder of our turkey and make a turkey salad, a big, salad with lettuce, onion, turkey, celery, hard boiled egg, and cheese to top it off, like a Chef salad only with turkey instead of ham and turkey. Another way is:

Turkey Frittatta


12oz leftover vegetables such as roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots and sprouts
8oz leftover turkey, a mixture of brown and white
2tbsp olive oil
6 large eggs, beaten
2oz leftover stuffing, crumbled
Handful of parsley to garnish

Heat a large non-stick frying pan. Chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces no bigger than 2cm. Tear or slice the turkey into bite-sized chunks.

Add the oil to the hot pan, then the vegetables and turkey. Sauté over a medium heat for 3-4 mins or until the vegetables begin to crisp and are piping hot. Crumble in the stuffing.

Beat the eggs with salt and pepper, then pour into the pan. Stir gently for about 1 min or until most of the egg has set. Shake the pan to level the surface and cook for 3 mins until the base is golden and top almost set.

Pop under a hot grill and cook for 1 min or until the top has set. Scatter over the parsley and serve hot in wedges with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and a salad

God Bless You, Happy Thankgiving

Pondering on Thanksgivings Past, Let me encourage you in the middle of your Thanksgiving celebration to take a minute to step back and consider the times past, think on the things that blessed your heart many years ago….Then take a minute to look around you, look into each loved ones face, at their smiles and their mannerisms, look at all the wonderful foods that our hands has prepared, and the love that went into it. Just savor the moment, the blessings of this day, compared to days past. With our family we have added so many new faces, we have in laws and new grand baby and great grand babies, just a abundance of love through this one union of man and wife, this is our 50th Thanksgiving together as a married couple, that in itself is such a glorious blessing, to still have my wonderful bridegroom of my youth. Take in note for times to come. Then thank the Lord for His goodness, grace and mercy, for family and friends, for the freedom to worship him freely still, for God’s great provisions, for HIS SALVATION through His son JESUS, for heaven, to see, hear, taste, smell, touch….and for His amazing love and bountiful blessings. Oh how God has blessed us and our family, yes I will take the time to thank him. Deuteronomy 28:2 "And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God."


God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving day, and may we all be thankful throughout the year, day by day thanking him and making sure we honor him.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE PAST

T - Is for the Tons of Blessings that I receive each day.
H - Stands for these Hands that fold, when I begin to pray.
A - Means all the Awesome powers our Lord has from above.
N - Stands for His Never ending patience and His Love.
K - Is for the Kindness and forgiveness He has shown.
S - Stands for the Sweetest gift of love we've ever known.
G - Means the Amazing Grace that God bestowed on me.
I - Says I can't imagine, without His love, just where I'd be.
V - Is for "Victory in Jesus", just like that song of old.
I - Means I'll do my best, to lead lost sheep into His fold.
N - Is for the nails driven through our Savior's hands.
G - Stands for God's Greatest Gift, His Son's life for mortal man.
 
Our heavenly Father invites us to Thanksgiving as well. In Psalm 95, we are invited to offer

joyful, festive, harmonious and thankful worship-aimed at our Great God.
“Oh come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms”

Cheese  Balls

Ingredients

3 cups (12 ounces) finely shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup biscuit/baking mix
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Crumble beef
over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place meatballs
on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan.
Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until the meat is no longer
pink; drain. Yield: about 4 dozen.

Thanksgiving Recipes, Fun and Good

CRANBERRY FRUIT DIP

1 cup vanilla nonfat yogurt
1/2 cup Eden Food Cranberries
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
1/4 tsp Swanson Organic Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Swanson Organic Ginger
1/4 cup Swanson Pomegranate Juice

DIRECTIONS

In a saucepan heat pomegranate juice, cranberries and orange zest. Bring to a boil and cook until cranberries are soft. Remove from heat and place mixture in a food processor until cranberry mixture is finely chopped. Let cool. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, cranberry sauce and spices. Cover and chill. Serve with assorted fruits for dipping.
Makes approximately 6 servings. Serving size 1/4 cup.

♥ I SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS ♥

Letter that could be from Jesus about Christmas

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.


How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.


Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.


Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.


If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:


1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.


2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.


3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.


4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.


5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.


6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient
with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families


8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.


10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.


Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :


I LOVE YOU,  ♥♥♥JESUS ♥♥♥

Pretzel-Tailed Turkey Treats

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 (10 ounce) package marshmallows, about 40 or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups COCOA KRISPIES® cereal
creamy peanut butter
COCOA KRISPIES® cereal
pretzel twists
pretzel sticks
canned frosting or decorating gel
assorted candies

Directions
1.In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2.Add 6 cups KELLOGG'S® COCOA KRISPIES® cereal. Stir until well coated. Cool slightly. Cut warm cereal mixture into two different sized circles using two sizes of circle cookie cutters for the turkey bodies (depending on size of cutters). Cool.

3.Spread peanut butter on bottom of the smaller circular pieces; attach this to a larger circular piece to form the turkey body. Insert pretzel twists into body for tail feathers. Insert pretzel sticks for legs. Use frosting to attach candies for eyes and beak. Best if served the same day.

4.MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS: In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

5.NOTES.

6.For best results, use fresh marshmallows.

7.1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème can be substituted for marshmallows.

8.Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.

9.Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in single layer on wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Tuesday's Thot

Faith doesn't get you around trouble;
It gets you through it.

"Without faith it is impossible to please God." Heb. 11:6.


"Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God." Rom. 10:17.


The word of God declares faith, a necessity to harmony with the mind of God; and its reasonableness will be apparent, when it is seen that it could not be other than impossible, to be at peace with God without it; and not only so, but it will then appear beautiful in its simplicity, as part of the grand plan of the ages, for the gathering together in one all things under Jesus.

HORRAY IT IS THE WEEKEND

Chicken Church Casserole Recipe

Ingredients
20 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 package (2 pounds) elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
6 jars (6 ounces each) sliced mushrooms, drained
2 jars (4 ounces each) diced pimientos, drained
2 large onions, chopped
2 large green peppers, chopped
4 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
4 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
2 pounds process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1-1/3 cups milk
4 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
2 cups crushed cornflakes
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions

In several large bowls, combine the chicken, macaroni, mushrooms, pimientos, onions and peppers. In another large bowl, combine the soups, cheese, milk, basil and lemon-pepper; add to chicken mixture.

Place about 12 cups mixture in each of four greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Combine cornflakes and butter; sprinkle over the casseroles. Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15-20 minutes longer or until bubbly. Yield: 4 casseroles (12 servings each). This recipe is from Taste of Home recipes, and it is a hit at all church functions.

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY

God bless them all who served proudly to keep America safe and out of harms way, my prayers and my respect go out to all the men and women who have so bravely fought the fight to keep us safe and free, and let us always remember our freedom did not come freely, many lives and much blood was shed to keep us free from the enemy, just like with Christ, he shed his blood to keep us free, and to keep us out of hell. He paid a debt he did not owe, to pay a price we could not pay. We do not have a special day to honor him, to wave flags and to brag on him, but all of us Christians can make him proud, and stand tall, and stand on his holy word, let us praise God more than man, and give honor to them who deserves it, but give even much more honor to HIM that really deserves it. He laid down his life for you and for me. Thank you Jesus for dying in my place, Thank you Jesus for taking the burden of sin off me and bearing it yourself. Thank you.

Lets Define a Veteran:



Whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount up to and including their life. That is HONOR, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.


-Author unknown-

HAPPY TERRIFIC TUESDAY

This is true Love...

You know my dear husband and I have been married 49 years, the better part of my life, I can hardly remember before we were married. Now that is a special love, we were very young and every one told us it would not last, that we were too young to know true love, well not sure if it will last or not, but we got a good 49 years in any how. LOL  Doncha love it when you are right.  We had plenty of ups and downs, but God prevailed in our marriage and give us a long life together. But your know our love for each other is nothing compared to the love Christ has for us.
1John 3:16  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
God says we have his love in us, and we prove it by loving the brethren, now I do not think any one is going to ask us to lay down our life for them, but we have to be willing none the less, that they may know we are the sons of God.
1John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
God gives us rules to live by, he has a whole book that shows us exactly how to live our life, that we may be happy, and we may bring honor to him.
Luke 11:42  But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
John 8:42  Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
Let us love God, and let us love our neighbor, and let us love the brethren as ourself.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

"For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"

It never ceases to amaze me how much God loves me, there is not another soul that would lay down his life for me, and to leave his home in Glory to come down be a humble servant so as I may be saved. Wow, what a wonderful saviour we serve, how can we give him anything less than our best, when he has given his best for all. God bless you this wonderful Lord's day, may the blessings of God flow abundantly and over your expectations.  

I MADE THESE DELICIOUS LITTLE BITES TODAY

PECAN PIE BARS

INGREDIENTS

2 cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

HEAT oven to 350°F. Combine flour and brown sugar in medium bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press mixture into bottom of 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
BAKE 10 to 15 minutes.
COMBINE pecans, sweetened condensed milk, eggs and lemon juice in small bowl; pour over partially baked crust.
BAKE 25 minutes or until filling is set. Cool. Cut into bars.

I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN

My dear husband is an avid soul winner, he loves visiting more than eating,  in fact he is out on visitation with our church right now. But he loves fishing for fish too.
These were taken yesterday when he went fishing. He took our boat down to Borrell Creek, and caught these beautiful Red Bass.

                RED BASS YESTERDAY

RED BASS TONIGHT FOR SUPPER, THEY WERE DELICIOUS

THANKSGIVING IS APPROACHING QUICKLY

1.Should I buy a fresh or frozen turkey?

Frozen turkeys are widely available and often on sale during the holidays. Some are prebasted to enhance juiciness. You can buy them well in advance of Thanksgiving, but you'll need to allow enough time for them to thaw.

Fresh turkeys are preferred by many people but are usually more expensive, have a shorter shelf life, and may need to be special-ordered. Don't buy one more than two days ahead.
2.What are other differences in types of turkeys that I should be aware of?

Kosher turkeys are salted as part of the koshering process, so no additional salt is needed. This process makes the meat very tender and juicy, similar to the results you'd get from a brined bird.
Organic turkeys are raised and fed without the use of antibiotics, hormones or artificial flavors or colors It is against the law to use hormones on any turkey, so even your frozen nonbranded will be hormone free.
Free-range turkeys are raised and allowed free access to feed outdoors.
Prepackaged turkeys have water added to keep the meat moist.

3.How do I figure out what size bird I need?

The rule is 1 pound of uncooked turkey per person. That gives you enough for everyone to have a generous serving, with leftovers for the weekend.

If you'll be cooking for a large crowd, consult our handy chart for the amounts you should buy.

4.What if most of my family wants white meat?
Cook an additional turkey breast. If your family prefers dark meat, on the other hand, cook two small turkeys instead of one large one.

5.I bought two turkeys last year but used only one — the other is in my freezer. Can I cook it this year?

Properly wrapped poultry can be kept for up to one year if it is frozen below 0 degrees F. Keep whole uncooked turkeys in their original packaging when you freeze them.

6.How do I thaw a frozen turkey?
The best way: Place frozen turkey (still in packaging) in a shallow pan on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds. A thawed bird can keep up to 4 days in the fridge.

Last-minute solution: Place a still-wrapped turkey in a large cooler or bowl and submerge in cold water. Allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook turkey immediately.

7.How can I stuff the bird safely?
The best way: Bake stuffing separately in a shallow casserole in the oven alongside the turkey. If you prefer to stuff the bird, follow these guidelines:

Make sure the turkey is fully thawed.

Mix ingredients just before using and pack stuffing loosely into cavity to allow room for expansion.

Roast turkey about 30 minutes longer than an unstuffed one.

Check that the internal temperature of the stuffing reaches 165 degrees F.

8.What's the best roasting method?
Place the turkey (breast side up) on a rack in a large roasting pan in an oven preheated to 325 degrees F. If you don't have a rack, place 2 or 3 large carrots crosswise underneath the bird to ensure good heat circulation.

For moist meat, cover with foil from the start — but remove foil during the last hour of roasting for browner, crispier skin.

Basting with pan juices isn't necessary, but it will help with browning after the foil is removed.

Roast turkey 3 to 3 3/4 hours for a 12- to 14-pounder. (That's around 15 to 17 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird.)

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test doneness. Turkey should be taken out of the oven when the thickest part of the thigh (next to but not touching the bone) reaches 175 degrees F and the breast reaches 165 degrees F. Keep in mind that temperature will rise 5 degrees to 10 degrees F upon standing.

If the turkey is fully cooked earlier than expected, wrap the entire bird and pan with foil and place a large bath towel on top to keep it hot and moist for 1 hour. Never leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.

9.Everything I'm making will be done at different times. How can I get it all on the table at once?
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold: Bacteria growth increases when food is kept between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F for more than two hours. Figure out which cold dishes and desserts can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator. When possible, use shallow baking dishes for side dishes — they can often fit on the lowest rack of the oven while the turkey is roasting. To keep food warm, reduce the oven temperature to 200 degrees F and wrap dishes with aluminum foil. The microwave can be used on less than full power to reheat smaller dishes that have been refrigerated.

10.We have a lot of leftovers this year. How long will they stay fresh?

Cooked poultry should be kept refrigerated for a maximum of three to four days; stuffing and gravy are good for one to two days. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.


Great Thanksgiving tips and treats They have great tips for cooking, recipes, and making crafts too