Graze: To feed on growing grasses.



The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.


-Ps. 23:1-6

Growing up on a farm, I used to watch the cows, sheep & horses graze in the pasture. Each morning we would open the gate to the barnyard and they knew there was freedom from that small pen they were in. They also knew there was nice green grass beyond the barnyard. Once the gate was open, look out because those animals wanted to get where the tall, green grass grew – the pasture! They would take off sometimes even running up the old fenced lane that went up over the hill through the cornfield to the lush green pasture on the other side of the farm. There they would graze for a while then lay down and rest for a while then graze some more. They did this all day long. Come evening we would go over to the pasture’s edge and call the cows – 'come boss, 'come boss. They would gather at the pasture gate. Sometimes we would have to go round up a few stragglers and when all were accounted for, we’d open the lane gate and back over the hill they would go to the barnyard for the night. The next morning was the same routine, day after day.
What a life, huh?!

Oh that we could just graze and rest in shady green pastures all day long! But we can rest and graze in God’s green pastures and restore our souls . . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Ps. 23:1) I believe God wants us to slow down and “rest” and “graze” and “feed” on His Word. Life throws so many things our way and we are so busy – busy doing good things. But are we running on empty a good share of the time? Are we feeling stretched to extreme? Are we content with who we are in God’s divine providence? Slow down and take some time to just leisurely graze, rest a while, then graze and feed on the good things God has provided for you. Graze, rest, and enjoy the “shady green pastures” of God’s abundant love, grace, and mercy.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Cracker Fudge!

Every Christmas Eve we went to see Grandma Mowery. She always had some "goodies" waiting for us. And one of my favorites was her Peanut Butter Soda Cracker Fudge. It was always good. Later when I got her recipe, I couldn't believe how simple it was. You don't even have to go to the store for ingredients for this! You probably have everything you need in your cupboard!!!  It is a such a simple recipe but oh, so good! 

PEANUT BUTTER SODA CRACKER FUDGE
(As made by my Grandmother, Edna Mowery)

2 C sugar
2/3 C milk
Boil together 3 minutes
Add 6 T peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
50 soda crackers, crushed fine


Stir until thick. Pour in buttered pan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is a Chocolate Graham Cracker Fudge I ran across.  I am going to try this one and see if it is as tasty as the Peanut Butter Soda Cracker fudge!

Graham Cracker Chocolate Fudge

2 sqs. unsweetened baking chocolate
14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups graham crackers, finely crushed
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds, divided

Melt chocolate in a double boiler over hot water. Add condensed milk and cook, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes or until mixture thickens. Add vanilla, graham cracker crumbs and one cup nuts; mix well. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of remaining nuts in the bottom of a buttered 8"x8" baking pan. Use a knife that has been dipped in hot water to spread chocolate mixture in pan. Press remaining 1/4 cup nuts into top. Cover and chill overnight. Cut into squares.

No comments:

Post a Comment