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, October 27, 2014

Cheese & Potatoes Pork Casserole

Here's a quick and easy meal . . .


Cheese & Potatoes Pork Casserole

Ingredients
6 pork chops, boneless
2 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
10 oz. can of condensed French onion soup
10 oz. can of condensed Cheddar cheese soup

Methods/Steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Layer potatoes on bottom of baking dish, trying to keep to single layer, but double layer is okay, too. Lay pork chops on top of potatoes. In small bowl, blend the two soups together. Pour over pork chops, trying to cover them evenly with mixture. Bake for 1 hour.

Additional Tips
Ready in 1 hour and 20 min

Makes
3 servings

Friday, October 24, 2014

Calling all Chocolate Lovers - Rocky Road Frosting















Rocky Road FrostingIngredients
2 1 oz sq. unsweetened chocolate
4 Tbsp butter
2 c mini marshmallows
2 1/2 c powdered sugar
1/4 c water
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 walnuts
Directions
1. In a 2 qt saucepan, combine chocolate, half the marshmallows, water and butter.
    Heat until blended stirring constantly.
2. Cool slightly. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat until thick.
3. Stir in remaining marshmallows. Add nuts if desired.
4. Frosts top on one 9 x 13 cake.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

The Last Time

The Last Time

As time goes by, I look back on the many, many "last times" I have experienced.  Far too many to even put into words - some even forgotten!  Not on purpose but buried deep in my heart and mind waiting for something to jar that "last time" memory to the surface and make me smile.  The events of life may be "last time" events but we can cherish the memory of each of those "last time" memories . . . oh, the sweet fragrance of those memories!