The Reason For The Season

Amazing work! ... SMS (Shine)

Found this video of musicians who utilized the use of the Lite-Brite...Amazing. The fireworks are the best! Enjoy!

Lyrics:


(Verse 1)
Send me a sign
A hint, O whisper
Fill me with life
'Cause I am listening

Come break the quiet
Breathe your awakening
Bring me the light
'Cause I am fading

Surround me with the rush of angels' wings

(Chorus 1)
Shine Your light so I can see You
Pull me up, I need to be near You
Hold me, I need to feel loved
Can You overcome this heart that's overcome?

(Verse 2)
You sent a sign
The hint, O whisper
Human, divine
Everyone is listening

Death laid low
Quiet in the night is stirring

All around the rush of angels

(Bridge)
O the wonder of the greatest love has come

(Chorus 2)
Shine Your light so all can see it
Lifted up, 'cause the whole world needs it
Love has come, what joy to hear it
He has overcome, He has overcome

Fall

The days grow shorter,
the nights grow cooler;
the frost is blossoming;
the leaves are languishing...
the promise of snow hangs in the air;
the geese are honking,
the fires are rolling;
the promise that cold is coming here...
each is a piece of a puzzle;
the finished picture states...
that over all...it is fall!

Thought provoking post: Being Unique

Today's post I hope will be thought provoking. After reading the referenced article (right click the title of this post and open in a new tab to read article), I have done much thinking and there are several things I hope to implement in my life.

"Christianity is unique and because of that uniqueness, Christians are expected to be different from those who do not know Christ."


What does it mean to be different? In what ways are we to be different?

In my life I attempt to remember this in the choices I make. I lean toward what most would consider a more conservative approach, however, after reading this article, I believe that I need to be more conservative in some areas of my life.

I try to be dressed modestly, but I believe there is room for growth. In my entertainment choices I know that I could do better. There is a verse that says we are not to allow sin to reign in our lives (body; Romans 6:12). To me personally, the area that I need to mostly apply it currently is to the area of entertainment. Is what I choose glorifying to God? If it isn't, why am I watching/reading/listening/etc to it. Even if it is just one point in a 400 page book or one word in a 90 minute movie, why should I allow it? If I do then maybe next time I'm watching a movie or reading a book do I say, "no, I'm not going to watch that movie/read that book" or am I going to say, "well, last time there was just one word and that wasn't too bad; maybe this time I'll just let it go again." Before I know it, I am encased in sin.

We need to remember I Peter 5:8... the devil walks about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. If I give him one toe hold in my life, he will devour it and take it all.

A couple of other things along this line that the author stated is: "there ought to be an observable difference in the way Christians live - how they think and what they do," and "it is meaningless to tell people that Christ will make a difference in their lives, when there is no difference to be seen in one's own life."

Wow. I really need to evaluate my life and begin to make changes.


In the author's section entitled "It is a Corporate Concern" he addresses the concerns of the modern day church service. He states "the clamor for relevance in such churches has masked any sense of the true difference that exists between Christ and the World."

I have to ask myself, what is my hand in this? Is there anything I need to change about my activities in the church and it's service.

One of his final thoughts is the most provoking of all:

"When a woman dresses seductively to catch a man, we question her moral integrity. Why is it that when the church dresses seductively to "catch" a convert, we applaud its clever use of deceit?"



What is it that makes me unique as a Christian? (I am bought with a price [I Corinthians 6:20]; I am chosen [John 15:16, John 15:19, Titus 2:14])

How can I be unique in my Christian life?

(choosing truth [I Corinthians 13:6], choosing Philippians 4:8 [true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, with any virtue, any praise - thinking on those things])

Personally, I need to evaluate my entertainment, my clothing choices, my words (Matthew 15:17-20), my friends (yes, this is included...friends are influencing in our lives and if they do not live godly lives they will not be encouraging us to live godly lives.), what I do with my resources & my stewardship choices (not just $$, food, care of our bodies, care of the material goods that is provided for our use, etc is included here).

One final quote:

"[Christianity] is not just another religion, it is the only way to God (John 14:6)"

Let us be unique!


Dwell refreshed!

Blessings

I have arrived in Michigan with minimal problems. The trip was a long one but enjoyable when I wasn't sleeping. I've setteled and have started orientation for my new position. I am so blessed to be working at a job where we spend the first part of our day in prayer and devotions. I have became more peaceful since I have arrived and am being refreshed daily in this fellowship. I look forward to next week, when the students arrive and to having a great year!

I am being overwhelmed with the blessing that have been bestowed upon me this past few weeks/months. I pray that I am able to be a blessing to others as a result of what has been given to me.



Dwell Refreshed!

Doors Flying Open, Left and Right

I've been praying some time for direction on the employment front since I've been off work. It has finally came together. Beware...if you are around me...the doors are flying open everywhere.

First, the opening of the door to apply for the position I accepted today. Girl's Dorm Assistant Dean, Study Hall Supervisor and Keyboarding and Computer teacher at our church's boarding school.

Next, the means...

a) the unemployment (which I had not received since mid-June) was reinstated after the Senate signed the bill a week or so ago;

b) receiving my unemployment claim forms and the unemployment check process only taking a couple of days, instead of the normal 5 and coming in early;

c) the school offering to help in paying a portion of the relocation costs.


The third thing I was concerned with was that I had already committed to house-sitting. In visiting with the house owner yesterday, she mentioned that her son was flying in from out of state and would be visiting 2 weeks, including the week she is going to be gone, and that relieved me of the house-sitting.


Now I'm heading east and so excited at the prospect!


Dwell refreshed!

A Day with Grandma

My grandmother is 81...82 in November. She is a little spitfire! When I say little, I mean short. She was 5 feet tall when I outgrew her when I was approximately 9 years old. In the years since, she has shrunk a few inches. She is now 4 foot 10 inches. I call her Grand Lady and Short Stuff...affectionately! She has been my best friend for my adult life and most of my childhood. She has been there for me through thick and thin.

It has been several weeks since I saw my grandmother due to both of our vacation trips out of the area. She left south the day I came home (also south, but from another state). So, today, I went to spend the day with her.

First, we went shopping...her for things she needed for her house and myself for items that are needed for our annual family reunion (which my grandmother help start, 34 years ago). It is on Sunday. After that, we went to a sandwich shop and picked up a couple of subs...and then we went home to eat. We watched a movie, "Amish Grace".

After the movie was over, she went in to lay down. I think, to save up her energy so she could wear me out later in the afternoon. The cable company is having trouble getting their lines fixed, so the TV view was limited. Then a worker came and was working and knocked out the little I had been able to watch. I thought about watching a movie, but decided to turn on the Wii instead. I played around with several of the sports games...bowling, tennis and baseball. Since it is only my 2nd time playing a Wii, I didn't do so well, but I picked it up quickly.

After grandma got up from her nap, she came back in the living room. She said she's like to play the bowling game with me (not the regular bowling, but the one where more pins are added each throw). So I set up for two players. WHEW! I now understand why people use it to lose weight. That has to be the best workout I've had in some time. I'm exhausted tonight. We played 3 games. Grandma won the first, I the second and she the final game. She also holds the score for the most pins knocked down, 722. My closest score is 535. Next week, when the reunion is over, I plan on spending more time with grandma, during the day. I will try my hardest to beat that 722!

After that, we just hung out more, and I played a little more Wii (golf) while we chatted. I finally called it an evening around 8pm and came home. Below is a picture of my 81 year old grandmother, playing Wii bowling...and winning!

What have you done with your grandmother lately (if she is still living)?





Check out the video here:






Dwell Refreshed.

Fortune Cookie Fortune...

(Not that I believe in the fortunes that come in the cookies, but had to share)...opened up a fortune cookie and the fortune was "the love of your life is right in front of your eyes."

Felt kind of strange since I was looking at my computer....

Cookies

I played with a recipe that I've already mentioned on here, my great-grandmother's Bread Crumb Cookies (Feb. 9, 2010). I changed the cloves to cinnamon. Also, because we didn't have raisins, I used dried cherries. The third thing was that the dough was very dry and crumbly, wouldn't stay together so I added 2 tablespoons of milk and about 1/8th cup of water. I still baked them the 10-12 minutes and they came out fine. Better than fine...the change to cinnamon and addition of the cherries made these already delicious cookies delectable.

The other cookies I made were Butterscotch Gingersnaps. I needed to use the butterscotch chips and this was the recipe I used. The flavors of the gingersnap cut down on the sweetness of the butterscotch making these cookies very enjoyable; it all blended together wonderfully.

Butterscotch Gingersnaps
about 5 dozen


3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/3 cup molasses
11 ounce package butterscotch chips


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F; combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt; set aside. Cream together butter, sugar, egg and molasses until creamy. Gradually add in flour mixture, beating well after each addition. Add in chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9-1 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. YUM!


Dwell refreshed!

Post #50

Whee...I was going to post something else, and I will, but wanted to mark the 50th post.

Cake in Mug II

I have been playing with the Cake in Mug recipe a bit. I started with just eliminating the cocoa and chocolate chips:

Vanilla Cake in Mug
1 serving

4 tbsp flour
4 tbsp sugar
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
3 tbsp oil
2-3 tbsp butterscotch chips, coarsely chopped (optional)
½ tsp vanilla (Tahitian)

Add dry ingredients to large coffee mug mix well; add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add chips if using. Put mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (insert knife in center to test doneness). The cake will rise over the top of the mug.

Note: Outside of cake will appear spongy…inside will be done.






AND just now...


I created the Almond Cherry Sour Cream Cake in Mug...this recipe, however is 1 extra large serving or 2 servings. I cut it in 1/4ths after using a gigantic coffee mug and served 3 small servings. (No picture...we enjoyed it before I thought of getting out the camera...next time though).

Almond Cherry Sour Cream Cake in Mug
2 serving

9 tbsp flour
6 ½ tbsp sugar
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
3 tbsp oil
½ tsp vanilla (tahatian)
2 heaping tsp sour cream
1 tsp almond extract
¼ tsp cherry extract

Add dry ingredients to extra large coffee mug or small soup bowl and mix well; add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Put mug in the microwave and cook for 4 minutes and 30 seconds at 1000 watts (insert knife in center to test doneness). The cake will rise over the top of the mug.

Note: Outside of cake will appear spongy…inside will be done.


Serve warm or at room temperature. Is even better with homemade Raspberry-Plum jam, if you have some. (I used that which my cousin [Lynn Geiszler] made).

I also mix my ingredients in a separate container before pouring into mug, usually a glass 2-cup measuring cup and mix with fork. Makes mixing much easier.


Enjoy & dwell refreshed!

Early Morning Scramble

I've been up all night saving recipes from some of my mom's cookbooks into my computer. I started getting hungry after a few hours so I decided to fix myself something to eat. What I came up with was delicious so I'm sharing it. Would also be great with any fresh vegetables you have on hand...bell peppers, green onions, etc. Can also wrap up in tortilla and eat on the go.

Early Morning Scramble
2 servings

3 spears of broccoli florets
2 tbsp minced onion
1/2 carrot, diced super fine
1/2 celery rib, diced super fine
3 eggs
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 to 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 to 1/4 tsp dill weed
Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 handfuls or as little or much as you want)
1/2 to 1 tbsp butter

Put skillet on low to heat; add butter. Break eggs into a bowl and scramble with a fork; add salt, pepper, garlic powder and dill weed. Pour in hot pan. Once the eggs have started to set slightly, add chopped vegetables and stir in. Cook to desired doneness, stirring occasionally (I don't like ooze, so I cook to well done). When just about done, turn off heat and add a handful of cheese and stir in. Add about 1/4 of handful to bowl or plate; pour egg mixture onto plate and add remaining cheese to top. Serve immediately.

To prepare the night before, chop up all vegetables and place in fridge overnight. Set out spices, pan, plate, etc. In a.m. heat pan and prepare as above.

Spring Time

We've been having warmer weather and lots of sunshine in my corner of the world the past few days. It is such a nice change from all the rain. It was even warm enough to wear shorts today (70's)...white legs and all!! It's a good thing I didn't leave the house today. :)

Here are some springtime pictures I took recently. Hope they cheer your day!

Cake in Mug

I made a couple new recipes today...

The first was a vegetarian meatloaf...it was quite good. My dad, who is (personally, himself) is against eating vegetarian food even liked it. I took a taste and asked him to tell me what he thought of the flavor before I told him what it was. At dinner, he ate two pieces. He did state that he wouldn't want it all the time and that he wants his meatloaf with meat in it, but that he thought it was okay.

The other recipe is Cake in Mug.

I actually made three (for two of my brothers and myself). The first one overflowed and made a mess of the mug and the napkins I had it sitting on. The second one puffed up without overflowing...like it was supposed to be. The third was a volcano (pictured below). Still, they tasted yummy. Great with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee!


Cake in Mug

1 serving

4 tbsp flour
4 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
3 tbsp oil
3 tbsp miniature chocolate chips(optional)
a small splash of vanilla essence
1 coffee mug


Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well; add the remaining ingredients (except chips) and carefully mix thoroughly. Add the chocolate chips (if using) to top of cake. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug.

Today's Weather

Here in Northern California, we've been having rain again. Today I captured two rainbows...even was able to take pictures of the one touching the ground. It was a complete arch, however, I couldn't get enough distance to take the entire arch. They were so beautiful!

Lilias Trotter Quote

From her diary, September 9, 1902

Trained faith is a triumphant gladness in having nothing but God - no rest, no foothold - nothing but Himself - A triumphant gladness in swinging out into that abyss, rejoicing in a very fresh emergency that is going to prove Him true - The Lord Along - that is trained faith.

From the biography: A Passion for the Impossible by Miriam Huffman Rockness (c)1999, 2003 Discovery House Publishers ISBN 1-57293-108-6

Yum...Bread Crumb Cookies...

Today I made a "new to me" recipe. This recipe was from my maternal great grandmother's recipe collection. The instructions were to mix all ingredients and bake. Well, since we are using this recipe for our family reunion (newsletter and website), I needed to make a batch to find out the baking time/temperature.

The house smelled great while they were baking. They turned out to be crispy and chewy cookies. The ground cloves were definitely there...left a slight after taste. Next time I make them...and I will be...I might try cinnamon instead of the cloves or less of the cloves with cinnamon as well.

They were yummy otherwise and I am so excited to have recipes from my great grandmother handed down to me.

Bread Crumb Cookies

36-48 cookies

1 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup raisins

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon cloves

1/2 cup butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

Mix all ingredients; drop in greased pans with teaspoon and bake.

Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until golden around edges.

Bread Crumb Cookies

Baby Blue Eyes

I fell for those eyes of blue,

the moment I met you.

Your smile so bright,

to this weary soul gave light;

a tickle of the tummy,

a giggle worth more than money;

For six months you gave so much love,

sent from heaven above,

Now your gone, my heart will have to go on,

but forever...there you'll live on.

Note: Not gone in death; He was adopted by someone other than me.

Looking back in time...to 1991

While going through some papers last night, I came across a poem/song I wrote while I was in high school. It was mid-winter break (Christmas) and I stayed in Michigan instead of coming home. I was staying at a relative of a cousin of mine. It was quite late at night, probably around midnight or so. I was sharing a room with some of the children in the family and couldn't turn a light on, so I wrote in by the moon light that was streaming in the window directly over me. I thought I'd share it.

My life was shattered,

I was down in the dumps.

I couldn't hold myself up

and I was gonna jump.

Then I saw Him.

That Man with the nail prints in His hands.

A gentle tugging at my heart

came only with two words;

spoke from the heart...

Don't go.

As I looked in those sad eyes,

I saw love and compassion as He repeated...

Don't go.

I turned toward Him,

tears in my eyes.

I said, "I'm sick of this life,

I want to go."

Then He sat down and said,

"I can give you a new life,

just don't go, follow me."

My life has changed,

I'm thankful I didn't go.

With my new life and love I now can say...

Don't go,

please don't go,

don't go,

oh, don't go.

Dwell refreshed.