☺Frivolous Friday☺

Well the word frivolous means superficial, and not serious in behavior, well that is me today, so think I will post some silly stuff, I am always serious, and today I want to be frivolous. Giggles, so hang with me.
I will show you some really silly and beautiful things. These photos were taken on Assateague, and Chincoteague, VA we spent a year there in 1995 it was gorgeous.
Here is the place where the horses were, we did not see any that day, but as you can see they did leave us a little something.

Next is looking out from the Lighthouse on Assateague, we had to climb 170 stairs to get to the top. It was such a beautiful site and so worth the work to get there.

This one is the beautiful light house, a member in our church had the keys, he was in the Coast Guard and able to show us around inside, a rarity, most never get to see the inside. My dear husband collects Light Houses and it was extra special for him too, we had a wonderful time on this spectacular island.

Next is the Ducks crossing the road on the island, they love it.

Now these photos would not be complete without showing the beautiful Ocean there, and the wonderful beach area,

Now last but not least is the view we had from our front porch, we lived right on main street in Chincoteague, and this is overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, such beauty these eyes have seen, God has blessed us and our ministry above and over anything I ever expected, the tales I could tell, the places we did  go just on faith, sometimes never knowing where we would stay or what we would do, and God always provided such wonderful people to care for us, and to give us the love from him, all my thanks goes to my lord and all that his hand has provided.  Have a very blessed weekend, and hope you enjoyed my travels, God bless you real good. ♥

Hugs ♥ Blessings

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday, we all have so much to be thankful for, and if we were just saved and not anothr blessings as long as we lived, we would be blessed over and above what we deserve. God is so good, and he shows us things in others life that bless us, and that can show his magnificient power. This story is like that, it really touched my heart, and I want to share it with you, God bless you and do have a wonderful day, praising and worshipping our blessed lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 65:24 "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."


This story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa...
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).


We also had no special feeding facilities.


Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle.


She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). "And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.


"All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."


The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.


During prayer time, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, God" she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon."


While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?"


As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, "Amen." I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home.


Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!


Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.


By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.


Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.


From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the...could it really be?


I grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.


Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!


Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"


That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon."


"Before they call, I will answer" (Isaiah 65:24)


Hugs ♥ Blessings

Wonderful Wispering Wednesday

Do we sit still long enough to hear that still small voice speaking to us, remember when Samuel was sleeping and the lord called unto him, he thought it is was Eli calling him, but it was God in his still small voice, and when God talked to Elijah he knew it was the lord, and he listened,



And the lord called... occurs in 140 verses in the KJV of the Bible, how many times have you heard that still small voice and really listened to what he was saying? I love these verses in Kings, and Elijah was a true man of God, but he was a man, he had his bad moments too, he whined and cried just as we do at times, but God supplied his every need. Look at these verses and stop and ask God, what are you trying to say to me lord?


1Kings 19:12 "And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a  a still small voice.


1Ki 19:13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1Kings 19:14 "And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."


1King 19:15 "And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:"


I would love to say I always hear my lord calling my name, but some times my mind is on other things, and I hurry through prayer and go about what I am doing, oh me, shame on me, that I should ever have anything more important than talking to the lord. I ask you Lord to forgive me right now before I go on, I am sorry, I do not always listen, thank you for being such a loving and caring God that you forgive.


I so remember that day he called my name, and I said like Isaiah Here I am lord, and he touched me in a way that I have never been the same again, I ran long and hard not to hear that voice of God, but I got tired, and stopped, and I listened to what he had to say, he said come unto me, I will give you rest, and he has, he said he would never leave or forsake me, he said he went to prepare a place for me, that place is in heaven, and when I die I know I will go to be with him, and every day of my life for the last 36 years he has been talking to me, leading me, giving me direction. Oh thank you lord for that still small voice you speak to me in, no one else hears, it is for me alone, our sweet love talks, thank you lord for keeping with me, when others may of let me down, you were always there, and I know you always will be there through the end. Like what you have promised me. 

Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.


Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.


Psa 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.


Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.


I leave you with these thoughts, God is always there, listen to his still small voice, he loves you and wants to talk to you today. Let him whisper sweet peace to you, have a glorious Wednesday. Hugs ♥ Blessings
 

Tasty Tuesday

Chicken with Mustard-Fennel Crust



A coating of Dijon mustard and breadcrumbs spiked with fennel seeds flavor this quick take on a bistro-style dish.  Serves four.

Ingredients


fennel seeds
Dijon mustard
chicken thighs
more chicken legs
kosher salt
black peppercorns
olive oil breadcrumbs
flat-leaf parsley
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. fennel seeds
1 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs
2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley


Set a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Rinse the chicken parts and pat them dry; season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 10-inch saute pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Working in two batches, brown the chicken well on both sides, 3 to 4 min. per side. Transfer the chicken, skin side up, to an 11x14-inch or similar roasting pan and bake until cooked through, about 15 min.


Meanwhile, over medium heat, toast the fennel seeds in a small dry skillet, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 min. Transfer to a small bowl and add the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil, the breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper.


Remove the chicken from the oven and raise the oven temperature to 500°F. Turn the chicken pieces over and, with a pastry brush, lightly dab the mustard on top. With your hands, press the breadcrumb mixture on top of the mustard. Bake until the crumb crust turns golden, about another 10 min. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, sprinkle with the parsley, and serve.


Serve with Baked potato topped with lots of butter and sour cream, sprinkle a few chives on top, and it not only tastes good but look pretty too. Fix a nice green toss salad, and walla a great meal for any occasion.

Hope your day is a great one, and that God blesses you, we are off to Jacksonville in a while to have new tires put on our SUV seems all the miles we have to travel really do a number on our tires, this is the 3 set since 2006, lots of tire wear, but praise God he provides when we need,  keep us in your prayers, need traveling mercy and lots of grace, hugs and lots of blessings.

Lets count our blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings and see what God hath done, amen, I love that song, and it sure applies to every day living too.  Bye Bye now will see y'all later.

Here is Honey's favorite dessert too  Enjoy:

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. cake flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. milk
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 can pineapple slices in syrup
maraschino cherries (as many as pineapple slices used)


Use an 8" square or round pan. Drain can of pineapple, saving the syrup.
Place butter in 8" pan, melt in the oven while preheating to 375°F.
Sprinkle brown sugar over melted butter. Arrange whole pineapple slices and cherries (with cherries in centers of pineapple slices) over the brown sugar in pan. Cut some of the remaining pineapple slices into half circles, then line the sides of the pan with them (standing up).


In a bowl, combine cake flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, softened butter, milk, egg, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of the pineapple syrup.


Pour batter into the pan being careful not to disturb the pineapples and cherries.
Bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until cake is golden and has pulled away from the edges slightly.
Remove from oven and allow to stand for a few minutes to set and then turn it upside down onto a serving dish. Serve while still warm.
Hugs ♥ Blessings

Inspirational Thoughts for this Monday

As you know I have gotten some news lately that did not make me a happy camper, I need surgery, any time one has surgery it is a big deal, no matter how minor or how many surgeries the Surgeons have done, only God's directive guiding hand, helping the Surgeon will make this surgery go well, and God alone will do the healing, so after a pity party I started thinking about all the blessings that I do have, and know what, there is no room left for self pity or for thinking negative thoughts, God is still on the Throne and he still loves me and will care for me no matter what I have to go though. Here is a good inspirational poem I found let it bless you, and keep your mind on him:

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life.


This was a real blessing to me, a friend told me to do this, and I sure am not above listening to my friends when I know they are surely right, so I decided to write on one side of my paper all the blessings I have in my life__On the other side I wrote all the things that make feel bad, you know what, my blessings side out numbered the feel bad side 100 to 10, amen, and I thank you lord for all the blessings you give to me.. So many people are so bad off these days, as I thought all I have, and all I am, how can I ever complain, I should be down on  my knees constantly thanking my blessed Jesus, for saving me, and for giving me true and eternal life, in him there is no condemnation, he made me righteous, and I can stand in the presence of a Holy God wrapped in Christ's righteousness, and come before him as his child. Oh my word, thank you Lord thank you for all my trials and blessings, and may this be a blessing to you reader, and my friend, only through the power of God can we rejoice in the hard times, but he is still God in the Valley, and lets praise him there as well on the Mountain top, always remember when you are on the mountain top, you are about to go down the other side into a valley, but he keeps us safe, and he is with us every step of the way. He is my Shepherd, he is my Saviour, and I will not fear what man or circumstances will do to me. Now my friend have a wonderful Monday, rejoice in Jesus, and claim all his wonderful promises for your own. God bless, and I thank you for visiting me, and sitting a spell here, letting me talk freely and openly with you, it sure is nice to have friends you can pray with, and talk to about anything.
Hugs ♥ Blessings

Pity or Rejoicing

Job 19:21 "Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me."

Wow, this is how I felt for a little while Friday, we got some bad news, I had an appointment with the orthopedic Surgeon on Friday, and he took new X Rays of my legs and knees, Oh me they are really bad, and my only option left is knee replacement, well that went over like a lead brick on my mind. I thought of Job, and this verse, lol, you know that old saying misery loves company. Well that is true and when you are suffering you like those to baby you, and let you know it will be okay.  Well that lasted a few hours then I went to praying, and had some friend pray also. Praying friends are so very important in your life, it is not fun standing alone when in a time of need, and to have a few ladies that you know care and will pray for you is so very touching.

I spent time alone with God, and he brought to mind the verse in Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose".
So I started praying and I knew in my heart this is for a reason, and through it God will get the glory, and that perhaps I will be able to help some one else up the road that will go though it, I am so blessed, God has given me such a wonderful life, I sure do not want to wallow in feeling sorry for myself instead of thanking him for all I do have. I do not want to react like the world reacts that does not have a loving heavenly father to go to, or to draw strength from, I want to lean on him, to cast all my cares on him, for he does care, he is the one who has to help, praying friends are great, but God has to touch the knee and heal the knee and guide the surgeons hand to make the correct actions during surgery, so yep I will take it to him, and I really want to leave it there, I read the whole chapter of Romans, and what comfort it gave me, God's word has that amazing touch of grace in it, and seems to sooth your sole and ease your mind where you have perfect peace in the midst of a storm in you life. I do have such a wonderful heavenly father to go to and lean on and there is nothing in this world that can harm me, those last two verses in Romans assure me of how powerful my God is, and in what great hands I am in.

Romans 8:38 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come," 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."

Now I will go get ready for church, God has touched my heart, and put a new song in it, I will go worship him, and stay with my mind on him, and heavenly things til the time comes to go get this surgery, you ask why I am sharing these intimate thoughts, well perhaps some one else is going through some things too, and it may just help you to go to the lord, take it in prayer and give it to Jesus, he is such a great friend that stays close and is always waiting to hear from us, so go to him, give him your love and your heart, he can heal us from all things if it be his will, and he sure can put a new song in your heart to help you go through what ever it is that is on your mind today. It makes me think of that old song, Give it all to Jesus, sing along with me, and do have a very God blessed day.

"Give Them All To Jesus"


Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows
Are you tired of spinning round and round
Wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life
And at the feet of JESUS lay them down.


Give them all, Give them all, Give them all to JESUS
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts,
and a broken toys,
Give them all, Give them all, Give them all to JESUS
And He will turn your sorrow into Joy.


He never said you’ll only see sunshine
He never said there’ll be no rain
He only promised us a heart full of singing
Bout the very things that once brought pain.

Give them all, Give them all, Give them all to JESUS

Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, and a broken toys
Give them all, Give them all, Give them all to JESUS
And He will turn your sorrow into Joy.


 Hugs ♥ Blessings