A Thankful Heart
(Recipe: Apple Pumpkin Dessert)

This is Thanksgiving Week and it gives us an opportunity to specifically meditate on the word “thanksgiving”. What exactly do we mean by “being thankful”? I asked my grandchildren to tell me what they thought the word “thankful” meant, and here is their reply.

Kari – my oldest at age 18 says: Thankfulness is being thankful in every situation. No matter what, there is always something to be thankful for. It’s appreciating the little things and recognizing what God has given you and how blessed you are. Being thankful means realizing when people do something nice for you and making sure you acknowledge them.

Rachel – our 16 year old – says: Being thankful is being okay with what you have and where God has you at the moment. It’s not coveting the things people around you have or the opportunities they have been given, but simply being glad for the ones that you have.
Being thankful is being content and choosing joy despite situations and circumstances around you.

Our 15 year old grandson Andrew says this: I think that thankfulness means simply showing your appreciation or gratitude for a person if they have done even just a small favor for you. You should be thankful for all things, little and big. You can show thankfulness in the kind things you do to give back to others or simply by just saying “thank you”.

Melissa, who is 13 says – I think a great way to show thankfulness is just by showing someone that you really appreciate what they’re doing or did for you. And to say thank you is always great but for some people they’re just words and they really don’t mean anything to them.

But that’s not the case for me, especially after Sandy. I realized how thankful I should be that I still have a house to live in and clothes to wear, and I’m especially thankful for my family…so many people lost a family member in that storm and as much as my heart breaks for them, I’m thankful that I still have a complete family.

As I read their replies, I came to the conclusion they understand what many adults do not, when it comes to being thankful. They understand that we are to be thankful no matter what the circumstances.

The Apostle Paul shared this same thought with us when he said in Philippians 4:11-12, “….I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

We are reminded that thankfulness means saying “thank you” to even the smallest of favors. Again, The Apostle Paul teaches us this when he said in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Thank him for the big things and the little things. The things that make us smile, and the hard things. In all circumstances (not for all circumstances) there is a reason to give thanks.

Ephesians 5:19-20 reminds us, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

It is so easy to give thanks when things are going the way we want them to. It is much harder to give thanks when we face difficulties, hardships, and trials. Having faced two major surgeries in 7 months, one thing I have learned, God is good ALL the time, and ALL the time God is good. I am so deeply thankful for my Father, who is my secure foundation. “You are my Father, my God, and my Rock of Salvation.” (Psalm 89:26)

Today I want to express my thanks to my Father for all he has done for me. He gave me the Gift of his Holy Spirit, who empowers me in my daily walk. He gave me the incredible Gift of Jesus, who gave his life so I might have life. Without Jesus I would be nothing. Thank you Jesus for loving me enough to die for me. May I live my life as a testimony of your grace living in me.

What do you have to be thankful for today? Whether you are facing hardship or pleasure, as you face your circumstance, there is SOMETHING to be thankful for. Express your gratitude to God today.

Apple Pumpkin Dessert

1 21-ounce can apple pie filling
1 15 ounce can pumpkin
1 14 ounce can EAGLE BRAND Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. salt
2 cup gingersnap crumbs
2 tbsp. melted butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spoon equal portions of apple filling into 8 (6-ounce) lightly greased custard cups.

In large bowl, combine pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; mix well. Spoon equal portions over apple filling.

Combine gingersnap crumbs and butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle over pumpkin filling. Place cups on 15x10-inch baking pan.

Bake 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F; bake 15 minutes longer or until set. Cool. Serve warm. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

My Walk
(Recipe: Pumpkin Bars)

What has your walk looked like this week? Did you walk in “newness of life”? As you faced difficulties and frustrations, did you notice a new attitude, a new approach, a more “quiet and gentle spirit”? As I dealt with the affects of “Hurricane Sandy”, losing power and the frustrations that come with that, I noticed I wasn’t bothered or troubled by the inconvenience as I might have been. I simply made do with what I had, and laughed through the experience.

The Bible has more to say regarding our “walk”. I find some of these verses to be rather challenging, almost a seemingly impossible command to obey, and yet we know there is no command of God given to man, that is either difficult or a burden to keep. 1 John 5:3 says, “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,” (NIV). May I challenge you with some of these “walk” commands. (all taken from the NKJV)

3 John 4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” Is your daily walk a walk in truth?

1 John 2:6 – “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” When I consider how and where I walk during any given week, I have to admit it is not always the way Jesus would walk. He would walk to the stranger and begin a conversation with them. I, more than likely, would walk away from the stranger. Jesus would personally get involved with the homeless and down-trodden. I would send a check for someone else to get involved. How about you? Do you walk as Jesus would walk 24/7?

Colossians 4:5-6 – “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” I wonder? Those you are on the “outside”, (the unbeliever, those different than me, those who have opinions different from mine) when they look at me, do they see a woman of wisdom, whose speech is filled with grace; whose answers are seasoned with salt? Does my speech reflect the fact that Jesus lives in me? How do you speak to the “outsider” around you?

Galatians 5:25 – “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Friend, are you living in the Spirit? Is the Spirit your guide? Are you sensitive to his voice? Do you obey him, or do you grieve him? Jesus left us with a remarkable gift when he ascended into heaven. His wonderful Holy Spirit. There is no greater joy in our Christian life than to walk in harmony with this Gift – this Holy Spirit. He is there to lead me, guide me, encourage me, cheer me on, yes, and even convict me. Am I living in close harmony with him, so close I easily recognize his voice when He speaks? So close I have no choice but to listen to his voice?

For additional thoughts on our "walk" with Christ, consider these verses: Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 5:15, Ephesians 5:8, Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 4:1,
2 Corinthians 5:7. (Note: some versions translate walk as live).

God bless you as you strive to walk a godly walk with Jesus, becoming more like him each and every day.

Pumpkin Bars

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup butter, melted 1 cup white sugar
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin then beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cut into bars and serve warm or cooled.

Walk In Newness of Life

Walk in Newness of Life
(Recipe: Pumpkin French Toast Casserole)

Since my surgery last May, I have had trouble walking. Moving around the house is “no big deal”. I can do that just fine. It’s when I try to take a walk that legs and feet don’t work right. I long to be able to take a nice brisk walk, burning calories, and, on occasion, walking with my husband. Right now, there is no brisk walk. No burning calories. And my husband has no patience for a “very slow” walk. Walking has been on my mind a lot. Using my concordance, I wondered what the Bible had to say about how we should be walking. I plan to highlight a different verse throughout the month, all encouraging us in our “walk with Christ”. I may be unable to take a brisk walk, but I can certainly walk as Christ would command me to. Let’s take a look at what the Bible tells us.

I came to know Christ as my Savior in l958. Thus began a new journey with God. It was on that August day that I began a new life. In April of 1959 I was baptized, proclaiming to the world that I was indeed, living a new life. Exactly what God tells us in Romans 6:4 – “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” KJV


What does that new life look like? First, it is a command from God. Second, it takes on the look of a life cleansed and forgiven of all past and present sins. This new life looks like a child of God, reflecting the character of the Father. Old desires have been buried – godly desires now take their place. It may even mean giving up certain friends, certain activities, certain actions all for the sake of walking with Christ. Our life has changed, so does our walk.

Are you a child of God? Is this your desire? To walk in “newness of life”. As a child of God, a daughter of The King, this is what I desire to do. And this kind of walking I can do!

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

½ cup butter
12 slices of white bread
½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
¼ - ½ cup pumpkin
½ tsp. vanilla
5 eggs
1-1/2 cup milk

Melt butter and pour into a 9 x 13 pan. Mix the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice together. In separate bowl beat eggs, milk and vanilla. Spread a thin layer of pumpkin (like you would butter a piece of bread) on 6 slices of bread. Place in the casserole dish.

Sprinkle ½ of the sugar & spice mixture over top. Repeat with other 6 slices of bread. Pour eggs over all. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Leave covered and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake 15 minutes longer till golden brown and set.

Serve hot. Can sprinkle with Confectioners sugar, or serve with syrup, whipped cream or plain.

A Rainbow!

A Rainbow! “Look at that beautiful rainbow!” These were the words uttered on our recent vacation. We were traveling through Illinois when the most beautiful rainbow arched from horizon to horizon. A clear, bright beautiful rainbow. You may wonder why all this excitement over a rainbow. You may even agree that, yes, they are beautiful to behold. That you also enjoy seeing them. But for me they are more than just something beautiful that decorates the heavens. A rainbow is a reminder that God is personally speaking to me. It is a reminder that, yes, God is alive! He is real! And in this rainbow, God is speaking to me. I am reminded of the story of Noah. You remember the story. God had created a perfect world, a place where man was to live in complete unity and harmony with God. But – sin was introduced into the world through disobedient actions of Adam and Eve. Time passed. Evil became more prominent. In Genesis 6:5-7 we read, “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. And the Lord said, “I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing – all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them.” “BUT, Noah found favor with the Lord….Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time and he walked in close fellowship with God.” vs. 8-9 God told Noah some rain was coming. So much rain it would destroy everything on the earth. He instructed Noah to build an Ark – a HUGH Ark, large enough to accommodate all the animals and birds that would be spared. Noah obeyed. He started building. The people laughed at the sight. They laughed at his foolishness. They laughed right up to the day the rain started falling. As the rain fell, their laughter became less. As the Ark set sail, there was no one left to laugh, and the rains continued to fall. When the rains ceased and the land began to dry, the Ark finally came to rest on solid ground once again. All that remained was Noah, his wife, his 3 sons and their wives – along with the animals and birds. Genesis 7:23 – “God wiped out every living thing on the earth…..” Once on dry ground, Noah built an altar of worship to God. It was during this worship service that God made a promise to Noah. He said, “I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. Genesis 8:21 And to seal this promise, God said, “I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” Genesis 8:13, 16 A rainbow in the heavens is God speaking to us. That rainbow, viewed from God’s perspective, is a great big colorful smile. He is saying “I remember”. I will never forget my covenant. Thanks, Father, for showing me of your presence, your words, your love, your faithfulness. Spaghetti Pie 1 lb. Spaghetti 4 strips bacon, chopped 1 large red onion 1 15-oz. ricotta cheese 4 large eggs 2 cup milk ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper 1 cup Parmesan cheese Salt 2 cup frozen peas Preheat oven to 350. Cook Spaghetti. Cook bacon, until crisp. Transfer to paper towel to drain. To fat in pan add onion. Cook 4 minutes. Whisk ricotta, eggs, milk, cayenne, half of Parmesan and ¼ tsp. salt. Drain Spaghetti well. Stir into ricotta mixture, along with peas, bacon and onion. Spread in even layer in 3 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until set.

VBS! (Recipe: Zucchini Chocolate Cake) VBS week!! If you don’t know what VBS stands for, it is Vacation Bible School. Our church is expecting over 600 kids to attend this coming week. We also offer a class for mom’s, and I have had the privilege of teaching this class for the last couple of years. Both moms and kids are hungry to learn more about the Bible, what Jesus has to say, and how they can grow in their walk with Him. With our theme being “Radically Pursuing Jesus”, I dare say these goals should be met. As I was reflecting on VBS, the though came to me. It could also stand for “Victory Because of the Savior”. This is what I want to emphasize this coming week. How moms can have victory in their lives as they yield to the teaching and control of the Savior. Our studies include: Learning how to have a Radical Love for Jesus, being Radically Committed to walking with and living for Jesus. Knowing we have been Radically Transformed – becoming more and more like Jesus. Living and serving with a Radical Perseverance, even during the midst of obstacles and trials. Finally, looking forward to being Radically Rewarded! How do we do this? Radically Pursue Jesus. Let me share some simple Bible verses with you to get you started. Love: Mark 12:30 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Out of your extreme love for Jesus, pursue him with all that is in you. Commitment: 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (women) of courage; be strong.” Stay true to your faith, let nothing move you, and stand up for all you believe in. Transformation: Romans 8:9 – “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.” The Holy Spirit lives in you, transformed you the day you gave your heart to Jesus. The day you trusted him, and him alone, for your eternal salvation. Perseverance: Romans 5:3 – “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Even as a believer, we will still face hardships. Do we face them with an attitude of persevering through, or do we simply give up? Rewards: 2 Peter 1:3 – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” The greatest reward we can receive is knowing for certain we will spend all of eternity in heaven with Jesus. Do you have this assurance? If not, go to www.godlife.com to find out how you can know. Are you excited about VBS – Victory Because of the Savior!! I know I am, and I am looking forward to teaching a class full of moms who desire to learn more. That more is wrapped up in Jesus!

Zucchini Chocolate Cake Preheat oven to 350 Grease and flour a 13 x 9 pan ½ cup soft butter 1 egg ½ cup sour milk ½ cup vegetable oil 1 tsp. vanilla Mix well together in a large bowl. Add: 2-1/2 cup flour 1-1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp. baking soda 4 T. cocoa powder Shred: Zucchini to make 2 cups. Divide a 12 oz. bag of chocolate bits. After the dry ingredients have been mixed, add the zucchini and ½ of the chocolate bits, mix well. Spread batter into pan, sprinkle rest of chocolate bits over the top. Bake 30-40 minutes. Serve unfrosted.

God is Always Good!

GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD! (Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie) IT HAS been awhile since I have posted on this site. A lot has happened in the last several months. As you may remember, in September 2011 I had open heart surgery. I was recovering from that when in April 2012 I was diagnosed with a tumor in my spine. On May 4 I had back surgery to remove the benign tumor. I am in the process of recovering from this surgery, working on my walking. Needless to say, my time has been a little preoccupied and writing a blog was not primary on my "list of things to do". However, this is all behind me, I am now ready to post a short message. I CAN tell you from experience that God is indeed faithful. Satan would cause my heart to doubt, but God would remind me of words he spoke when he said "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5), Satan would flee and peace would come. During moments when I felt my strength was gone, God whispered into my heart "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31). There were moments in the hospital when I felt fearful and discouraged that I might not walk again, and I could hear God saying "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10). And the promises of my favorite passage, Psalm 23, which reads like this: (NLT) 'THE LORD is MY shepherd; (he is a personal shepherd, lovingly watching over us) I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. (God longs to lead us, wants to lead us, begs to lead us - the question is, do I follow him or go my own way?) He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. (How many times I wanted to say, "Why God? Why two surgeries in 8 months? But I didn't because God was leading me along a right path that would ultimately bring him honor and glory). Even when I walk through the darkest valley, (what is your dark valley?). I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. (Did you catch this? God is walking beside you; with you through your valley, close beside you - always!). Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me, in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." (God has your back!! He pursues us from behind, watching as we walk the path He has chosen for us, making sure we don't stumble or fall, and if we do he is right there ready to pick us up.) DO YOU see it? God has you covered - front, back and in between. His promises can be counted on to be true. He is faithful. He is loving. And no matter what trial you may be going through today, God is there with you, will always be there with you, and longs to have you trust that He does indeed know what is best for you. He does this so you can one day turning your "test into a testimony", your "mess into a message" - all bringing glory to the holy name of God. May God help you and encourage you today to "keep pressing on" for the glory of God. FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked 1 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons strawberry flavored gelatin mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup boiling water 2 pints strawberries, cleaned and stemmed 2 cups whipping cream (optional) Combine sugar, gelatin, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir in boiling water. Boil mixture for 3 minutes over high heat, stirring constantly. Cool completely. Arrange whole strawberries in pastry shell. Pour gelatin mixture over berries. Chill before serving. Top with whipped cream. PS. HELP! I guess in my absence things have been changed on how to enter a new blog on my Blog Site and I can't figure out how to get the spacing down right. Do any of you have the answer? I can't even figure out how to contact Blogger - LOL! Guess I am NOT computer savvy.

He Lives!
(Recipe: Key Lime Cheesecake)

I heard a powerful sermon this morning regarding Passion Week. A vivid reminder of what our Lord went through – for us. I waw reminded that Jesus was human, just like you and me. He got tired. He got hungry. He laughed. He cried. And when it came to the brutal treatment he received before his burial, he felt pain. The question was asked, “Would I be willing to endure what Jesus did? How would I survive all the humiliation that Jesus went through? Could I undergo all the pain?” When I stop to think about it, the answer is most definitely “no”. Yet, Jesus did. Because of His great love for ME, Jesus endured it all.

As hard as Passion Week was for Jesus, I’m so thankful Sunday morning brought new life, new hope, and a new message! Jesus is alive!! And because He lives, I can live too.

My favorite Easter verse is found in Matthew 28:6 – “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.”

One of my all-time favorite Easter hymns is “He Lives”. We don’t sing it much anymore, but I still get goose bumps when I hear it sung. We serve a LIVING Savior. Jesus is not dead. He is not still on the cross. He is not still buried. HE IS ALIVE! Hallelujah!

Perhaps you are familiar with this old song, “He Lives”. If you are, then sing these words in your heart. If you are not, meditate on the meaning of these words.

He Lives

I serve a risen Savior; He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
and just the time I need Him He’s always near.

Chorus:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,
and tho my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thru all the stormy blast;
the day of His appearing will come at last.

Chorus:

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
none other is so loving, so good and kind.

Chorus:

The question I must ask you is this, “Does Jesus live within your heart today? Do you know your sins have been forgiven? Are you trusting in what he did for you at Calvary for your salvation, and not your own good works?” I pray Jesus is real to you today. Romans 10:13 reminds us that, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Call on Jesus today.

HAPPY EASTER!


Key Lime Cheesecake

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 eggs
1 tablespoon grated lime zest
2/3 cup key lime juice

Combine cookie or graham cracker crumbs with butter or margarine. Press into bottom and partially up sides of 9 inch springform pan. Refrigerate.

In a large bowl, beat with an electric mixer the cream cheese, sugar, lime peel, and cornstarch until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, blending just until smooth. Add key lime juice with mixer on low. Finish mixing by hand. Do not overbeat, or cake will crack during baking. Pour batter into prepared crust.

Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until set. To minimize cracking, place a shallow pan half full of hot water on lower rack during baking.

Turn oven off, and let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes with the door open at least 4 inches. Remove from oven. Refrigerate cake overnight, and up to three days.