The Five W's Of Life

This advice is worth taking note of and starting, if you have not already, to put into practice every day of your life!

Blessed Valentine's Day

Hope all of you out there had a Happy Valentine's Day and know what it is to be truly blessed of God!

The Solid Rock

Post by Craig Sellier.

Don't get caught is the shifting sands of this life (people, places, things) but instead build your house on the Solid Rock!
                            Matthew 7:24-25

An Old Cowboy's Advice - Cowboy Dressage

* Keep your fences horse-high, pig-tight & bull-strong.
* Keep skunks & bankers & lawyers at a distance.
* Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
* Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.
* Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.
* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
* Don't corner something that would normally run from you.
* It doesn't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
* You cannot unsay a cruel word.
* Every path has a few puddles.
* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
* The best sermons are lived, not preached.
* Most of the stuff people worry about is never gonna happen anyway.
* Don't judge folks by their relatives.
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
* Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.
* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
* Sometimes you get, & sometimes you get got.
* Don't fix it if it ain't broke.
* Always drink upstream from the herd.
* Good judgment comes from experience, & a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
* If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
                           (Cowboy Dressage's photo & facts)

The above is some good "food for thought", don't you agree?

Maxine Moments . . .

GOOD OLD MAXINE STRIKES AGAIN . . .






And last but not least . . .

Gooey Chocolate Pudding Cake

If you like chocolate you are going to LOVE this one . . .
& I always say . . . you can't have too much chocolate!!! 


 Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Topping
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups hot water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a 2 qt casserole dish, combine flour, white sugar, cocoa powder and baking powder. Add milk and oil, and vanilla. Stir until well mixed. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Sprinkle over cake batter. DO NOT STIR. Pour hot water over top.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top looks cooked. Serve warm (with ice cream if desired).

5 Things God's Children Should NEVER Worry About . . .

If you are like me, you tend to worry about things . . . even when you don't need to or even when you know you shouldn't worry about them! There is a quote that says, "90% of what you worry about never happens" - Jean Barlow.
But it is so much a part of our human make-up.  We just do it, many times, without even thinking!!!

But take a look at the above Bible verses. Meditate on them, engrave them on your heart and mind and live each day by them.  It will ease your journey, lift your load and lighten your heart.  And when you worry less - you have more time for the good things God has planned for you and those you come into contact with . . . the true "blessings of God"!!!

15 EXERCISES WE'D BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT IN 2014...

Don't get into the habit of these exercises!!

~ Jumping on the bandwagon  

~ Wading through paperwork

~ Running around in circles  

~ Pushing your luck

~ Spinning your wheels   

~ Adding fuel to the fire

~ Beating your head against the wall 

~ Climbing the walls

~ Beating your own drum   

~ Dragging your heels

~ Jumping to conclusions   

~ Grasping at straws

~ Fishing for compliments   

~ Throwing your weight around

~ Passing the buck

How many times have we all used the above "exercises" to
explain our actions and our attitudes? It is so easy to fall 
back on these excuses when, right or wrong, we are "in the moment", swamped with work, pressed with time schedules, confused, having a bad day . . . and don't know what else
to do!!  As we start the new year and every single
day . . . let's try to stop, look, and listen to where we are, what we are doing, what we are saying, how these things
will affect our situations and circumstances and also those of 
others.  One of my goals this year is to think before I "say" 
or "do" in every situation I come upon.  

Here's a few Bible verses to live by:

Proverbs 12:18 – “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” 

Proverbs 13:3 – “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”

Proverbs 14:17a – “A quick-tempered man does foolish things,”




Proverbs 29:22 – “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.”






Let's take a few minutes and think "before" we act . . . instead of simply "re-acting" to our situations!  Do and say to and of others as you would want them to say and do to you yourself!

Burned Biscuits - A lesson we all should learn.

A must read as posted by - MidgetMomma.com

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!

All my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing...never made a face nor uttered a word about it!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said, "Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Mom put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides--a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"

As I've grown older, I've thought about that many times. Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people.
I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today...that you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine.
And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched your life--I just did!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket--keep it in your own."

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil--it has no point"

-Posted by MidgetMomma.com

Crockpot Christmas Crack - Or Better Know As Peanut Clusters!

  This is super easy!  

Cook time: 2 Hr 30 Min  Prep time: 15 Min  Serves: a LOT
Ingredients

1 - 16 oz jar(s) unsalted peanuts

1 - 16 oz. jar(s) salted peanuts

1 - 12 oz bag(s) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 - 12 oz bag(s) milk chocolate chips

2 - 10 oz bag(s) peanut butter chips

2 - 1 lb pkg white almond bark or vanilla candy coating

Directions

1. Layer all ingredients in a large crockpot (starting with peanuts). Turn the pot on low, cover with lid, and leave sitting for 2 hours. Then, remove lid and stir to combine. Replace lid and leave sitting for another 30 minutes. Stir again and then spoon mixture on to wax paper or non-stick aluminum foil. Allow to harden for at least 1 hour. Enjoy!

I tried this recipe out this Christmas and these were a hit! Everyone liked them and wanted the recipe!! I liked that you just put it in the crockpot and left it, stirred it and dropped them onto wax paper - super, super easy and yummy!!

Things to do Every Day of the Year - not just Christmas!

These are some special things we should do not just on Christmas but every single day of the year.  Life would be a much better place if everyone would put forth this sort of effort to each other.  Let's all give it a try . . .

A Shepherd's Prayer - Move Me Closer - sung by Evie Karlsson

I've always loved this song - it is my desire . . .

A Shepherd's Prayer
Twas the night before Christmas,
And my only desire
Was peace among kids, and to rest by the fire.
I had just settled down in my favorite chair;
When I heard a small voice, and a cry of despair.
As I stared at the hearth I saw a strange sight!
Our nativity scene, in the flickering light
Seemed almost alive!
And how could this be!
One lonely shepherd was calling to me.
***Move me closer, move me closer
Move me closer to the Child.
Let me see Him, let me hold His hand.
Move me closer to the Child.
***As you can well imagine, I was a bit surprised.
So with a shake of the head and a rub of the eyes
I took another look, and what did I see,
Without a doubt he was looking at me.

It seems in the hustle and bustle of things
In the wrapping of gifts, and the building of swings,
In assembling his scene, I'd been a bit hurried,
And understandably so, He was a little bit worried.
***Move me closer, move me closer
Move me closer to the Child.
Let me see Him, let me hold His hand.
Move me closer to the Child.
***You see, candy canes and holly trim
Didn't mean a thing to him.
If it kept him from his post
Beside the child he loved the most.

So as strange as it must seem,
Whether it was, or wasn't, a dream.
I placed him back where he belonged
As he sang again his simple song.
And now when we at Christmas share,
We sing his song:
A Shepherd's Prayer.
***Move me closer, move me closer
Move me closer to the Child.
Let me see Him, let me hold His hand.
Move me closer to the Child.
Move me closer to the Child.
***
Move Me Closer: A Shepherd's Prayer
written for and sang by Evie
on the compact disc entitled Evie's Christmas Memories

You Say . . . God Says

Wisdom from above . . . 

Chocolate Kiss Cherry Cookies

(You Can't go wrong with Chocolate and Cherry!!)

Chocolate Kiss Cherry Cookies

1 Cup Powdered Sugar 
1 Cup Butter, Softened 
2 teaspoons Maraschino Cherry Liquid 
1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
4 Drops Red Food Coloring
2 1/4 Cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup Maraschino Cherries, Drained and Chopped
48 Milk Chocolate Candy Kisses

1. Preheat oven to 350º
2.Combine Powdered Sugar, Butter, Cherry Liquid, Extract, and Food Coloring in a bowl. Mix well
3.Add Flour and Salt. Mix well
4.Stir in the Cherries
5.Shape Dough into 1" balls
6.Place 2" apart on ungreased sheets
7.Bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until you can see that the lower edge is a light golden brown
8. Remove from oven and press a candy kiss into the top each cookie.

Give Thanks

BE THANKFUL...

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
  for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
  During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
  because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
  because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
  They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
  because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Grandpa Tell Me Bout The Good Old Days - Shirley Brown

As I've sat at the hospital these last few days watching my 84 year old Dad received his knee replacement & also go thru the ups & downs of the fluctuating heartbeat with my little 82 year old mother, I couldn't help but think of this music video that Shirley Brown shared on FB recently . . . Good Old Days. As I watched the two of them many memories flooded my mind as I thought about all of the "good old days" they have spent together. This week mom & dad will be celebrating 64 years of marriage!  And with this union of 64 years my two brothers and myself have so many precious memories of life growing up on the farm with all of the hard work, the fun, the many life lessons learned and a home filled with lots of abundant love and laughter. Take a moment & enjoy this video! :)

"Trust Me"

"Trust Me" - just two little words but I must say, two powerful little words! What does it mean to trust . . . to really trust in someone or something? In looking at the word "trust" I think it actually has multiple meanings.  A full definition would include some of the following: To believe someone or something is reliable, good, honest, truthful, effective. To have confidence or to have total dependence. To hope or expect something is true. It is said that our relationships are founded on mutual love and trust. Our confidence, credence and conviction, our faith and hope, our stock and surety, our acceptance and assurance, our dependence and our reliance on a certain place, person, or thing. These are the building blocks that "trust" is built upon!

"A hope is more than resolve, and it is based on trust in a divine faithfulness that operates not only within history, but also beyond history". -John Polkinghorne, Times Literary Supplement

Here are some "Power Verses" to help you:

Trust God; He is the Stronghold

Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Psalm 91:2 “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. ”

Trust God; He is the Protector

2 Samuel 22:31 “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”

Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

Psalm 7:1 “O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:”

Psalm 25:1, 2 “Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.”

Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”

Trust God; He will Deliver as Promised

Psalm 9:10 “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”

Psalm 22:4 “Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.”

Psalm 37:5 “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

Psalm 56:3 , 4 “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

Psalm 71:5 “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.”

Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

1 Timothy 4:10 “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”

Trust God; Nothing on Earth Can Compare

Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

Psalm 32:10 “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.”

Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Something to Consider: What are you trusting in? Where is your trust? 

Are you putting your faith and trust in the things of this world - in houses, land, possessions, people, places, money, governments? Or is your faith and trust in the Lord? 

Someone once said, "Some people seem to trust God with their eternal salvation, but they have trouble trusting Him for their every-day life". Every-day life, day in and day out,  can have a whole lot of "faith-builders" which will help to increase your trust in every area of your life whatever the situation may be.  Take each and every day as it comes, adjust your attitude, focus your faith, and put your trust to the ultimate test . . . TRUST GOD and GOD ALONE!

Take comfort from the above scripture words. You CAN trust God with whatever your needs may be TODAY.

Favorite Quotes

Here's some "Words of Wisdom" . . .

Music is a picture painted on a background of silence . . .

The one rowing the boat is never the one who rocks it . . .

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are . . .

Never look down on anybody unless you're helping
them up . . .

Compassion is what makes a person feel pain when someone else hurts . . .

The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without it . . .

When you feel terrific, notify your face . . .

Don't do only what you like to do, but learn to like what has to be done . . . 

A discussion seeks what is right - an argument seeks who is right . . .

The food that never goes up in price is food for thought . . .

I collect quotes - I think the wisdom of people's quotes is priceless.  They speak first hand of what that person has learned and gained through the knowledge, experience, time and lessons in life.  We can learn much from those around us and from the wisdom of those who have gone before us. Those who have been there and done that . . .

Mini Chicken Pot Pies With Just Four Ingredients

Mini Chicken Pot Pies with just four ingredients? Nope - you're not dreaming! 

Here's what you need: 

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup diced cooked chicken
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers refrigerated biscuits

Here's what you need to do: 1) Heat oven to 375°F.
In medium bowl, combine vegetables, chicken and soup; mix well.

2) Press each biscuit into 5 1/2-inch round. Place 1 round in each of 8 greased regular-size muffin cups. Firmly press in bottom and up side, forming 3/4-inch rim.

Spoon a generous 1/3 cup chicken mixture into each.

Pull edges of dough over filling toward center; pleat and pinch dough gently to hold in place.

3) Bake at 375°F 20 to 22 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from pan.

I love these smaller potions!!! and so super quick and easy!! As the weather is getting cooler out these really taste good!

10 Months and More . . . Alive and More

I had an interesting week... I went to Oklahoma for a couple of days. Never been there but enjoyed the shops, antiques, and fun!  Got back & went to work Wed. - Thurs. & Fri. my computer at work quit working so I couldn't work on the bulletin or newsletter so I only worked a while in the am doing other things I could do. So I went Christmas shopping in the afternoons - only about 50 days away!! I am so excited to go Christmas shopping!!  

Last year I was not able to do anything for Christmas or really even Thanksgiving!!  By this time last year my 2 brain tumors had enlarged (though I never knew I had them) & kept me from functioning-I was pretty much shutting down, hardly talking and not doing much of anything. It seems I was barely existing. I was there but not really there!  Doctors discovered the brain tumors December 7 - operated on December 12. I had about 6 months of recovery including 5.5 months of speech therapy. It took me about 6 months to really feel comfortable talking to people & actually conversing with them and about that long to get my energy level back and feel back to normal physically. So from "May 2013" to "this day", I have improved so much and feel totally back to the "Diana" I used to be!!  LOL!!  

So this November, I am really excessively, enthusiastic & exuberant and once again on top of the world!! And I  can't wait for the holidays . . .  to spend a much different holiday routine "this year" as compared to "last year"!!  The last 10 months have been a journey I and my family will "never" forget . . . the miracles of life, the miracles of recovery, the miracles of my doctor bills and finances, the miracles of prayer, the miracles of family & friends, & the many day to day awesome miracles of God alone who knows all and sees all and gives "abundant life".  Life is grand!  It's great to be "alive"!

Maxine's Wisdom on "Train of Thoughts"!

Does this sound familiar to you??!!   LOL!

How to Rekindle Your Inner Light

"A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark".
– Dante Alighieri

Life, with all that it has to offer, can give greatly, and at times, it can also take away. Personal tragedies, whatever the cause, can wear anyone down. Even the strongest among us can find their inner light dimmed by these tough times.
When you find yourself drowning in darkness, take comfort in the simple fact that your light does not die. Light, in fact, is eternal. Believe that you have the power to rekindle it whenever you choose.

Start Your Campfire

Fires give comfort when you feel alone in the darkness of a cold forest. They provide warmth, safety and light. Building an inner fire can provide you with the same comfort. You can rekindle your inner fire and then use the light to find your way back to peace by remembering how a campfire is started when it’s needed most.

• Gather the kindling
  Something cannot come from nothing. If you feel that your inner fire has burned out, it’s up to you to build a new one. Resist the temptation to suffer in the darkness and trust yourself to recover from the tragedy.
  Take it upon yourself to begin your healing and move on with your life. Find things in your life to help you restart your fire. Gather what you need from the woods and take it back with you. Prepare yourself to set a goal and then equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve that goal. Know what you need and then gather these things again.
• Build the fire
  Before you can start the fire, you must first build the base upon which to make the fire.
  In the same manner a campfire is started, restarting your inner fire starts with a spark and some tinder. Setting concrete goals makes it easier to plan practical ways to achieve it. Outlining a plan of action is like stacking the kindling around the tinder. You have to know the kind of fire you need so you can decide how it is to burn. Starting a fire requires patience and perseverance. Don’t just throw a bunch of logs into a pile and hope that they catch fire. The same is true with your goals; start small—start with the tinder. When the tinder catches, move on to the kindling. And when the kindling catches, then you can move on to the larger fuel.
• Feed the fire
  After you start the fire, you need to feed it to keep it burning. Add fuel to the fire. Work towards achieving the goal that you have set. Practice your skills or choose to learn new ones.
  The fire may dip at times, depending on external factors or even internal factors, but you must add fuel to keep it burning. This is the part that might seem tedious, but this is also the part where you remind yourself that you need the fire and that while keeping the fire alive may be troublesome, having to build a new one can be even more tiring.
• Control the fire
  Fire does not produce its own fuel. When the fire is at the point where it’s no longer just a fragile flame, it runs the risk of being uncontrollable. Whether you toss in a block of wood, an old newspaper or a 200-year-old painting, fire does not discriminate and it will burn through what it touches. Take care of your inner fire, but control it so it does not consume you. Use your fire to ignite your passions in life and let your inner light guide you through your path in the world.   
  -Calex Blackwell                               www.thebridgemaker.com 

  
  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
  
  I'm reminded of the old song "It Only Takes a Spark" we used to sing around the campfire . . .
  
  It only takes a spark
      To get a fire going
      And soon all those around
      Can warm up in the glowing
  
  That’s how it is with God’s love
      Once you’ve experienced it
      You’ll spread His love
      To everyone
      You’ll want to pass it on
  
  What a wondrous time is spring
      When all the trees are budding
      The birds begin to sing
      The flowers start their blooming
  
  That’s how it is with God’s love
      Once you’ve experienced it
      You’ll want to sing
      It’s fresh like spring
      You’ll want to pass it on
  
  I wish for you my friend
      This happiness that I’ve found
      You can depend on Him
      It matters not where you’re bound
  
  I’ll shout it from the mountain top
      I want the world to know
      The Lord of Love
      Has come to me
      I want to pass it on
  
  This is how God's Great Love Works!!

   

Have a Ducky Day (Nice)!

I was going to send someone a note and wanted to close my note by wishing them a "nice" day.  After thinking about that it sounded so . . . shall I plain and generic - "nice".  Sure we all want every day to be "nice".  But I just wanted to wish them an extra "nice" day - not a run of the mill, ho-hum day but something a little more than that.  Have you felt like you wanted to wish someone more than a simple "nice" day, "nice" time, "nice" visit, "nice" lunch, "nice" - but something a little bit more "extraordinaire"!!?? 

Well, that was just what I wanted to do!  So I looked up the synonyms for "nice".  Since my brain surgery in December and my 5 1/2 months of speech therapy, I am fascinated with words and find myself using words that I never used before - interesting isn't it?? Well, in looking up the word "nice" I found multiple synonyms for that simple little four letter word. 

Here is what I found:  admirable, amiable, approved, attractive, becoming, charming, commendable, considerate, cordial, courteous, delightful, ducky, fair, favorable, fine & dandy, friendly, gentle, good, gracious, helpful, inviting, kind, lovely, nifty, obliging, okay, peachy, pleasant, pleasurable, superior, swell, unpresumptuous, welcome, & winsome . . .  did you know there were that many words for "nice"???

Well, now those synonyms gave me something to think about.  Each of these synonyms tend to give the word "nice" a new dimension to its simple meaning. Which word did I really want to use in wishing them a "nice" day?? I could say, "have a lovely, nifty, ducky, delightful, swell, pleasurable and unpresumptuous day"!!! Would that get the real message across to them? Is that too much??!!  . . . or I could just say to them . . . have a "ducky day" and know that all of those synonyms are wrapped up in the word "ducky" floating down the river of life making your day all of those special unique qualities!! LOL! 

Here's me wishing you just that . . . a "ducky day"! 

Holy Cow Cake
Chocolate Cake Mix (your preference), baked as directed
1-14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
8 oz. jar of caramel topping
4-5 Butterfingers candy bars, crushed
1-8 oz. cream cheese, softened
12 oz. Cool Whip

Prepare and bake cake as directed on package. Meanwhile, blend caramel and sweetened condensed milk.

After removing cake from oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes into the top of the cake. Pour caramel mixture over cake. Crush candy bars and sprinkle half of them over the warm cake. Chill.

Stir cream cheese and Cool Whip together until blended well. Spread over cooled cake. Sprinkle with
remaining candy.

(moo!)      (moo!)      (moo!)

Being the "farm-girl at heart" that I am and the fact that I have a whole herd of Holstein cows in my collection . . . this recipe definitely caught my eye!!!  Holy Cow Cake!  It didn't help that Butterfinger candy bars are my all-time favorite!! Of course, anything with sweetened condensed milk, caramel and cream cheese in it has to be a winner, don't you think??!!!  This one is a "keeper" in this "farm-girl at heart's" cookbook!!  LOL!  It's easy to fix and hits the spot.  All you need is a great cup of coffee to top it off!

Get Service - Looking Through God's Eyes!

These glasses shed a whole new light on our day-to-day activities.  I think "maybe" . . . we should all have a pair of them! 

Maybe . . .  we would be able to "cope" with our little world better. 
Maybe . . . we would "reach out" to others that have needs that we don't even know about. 
Maybe . . .  we would "understand" the people around us and "see" where they are coming from. Why they do what they do!
Maybe . . . we would be better able to "encourage" those we come into contact with.
Maybe . . . we would be able to point those around us to "Jesus" who knows and cares what they are going through and has the answers.
Maybe . . . just . . . "Maybe" . . .

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ". -Gal. 6:2

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not". - Gal. 6:9

 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith".  - Gal. 6:10

9-11 Twelve Years Later

It's hard to believe that it has been 12 years since the terrible 9-11 Tragedy of the attack on the United States.  How time takes it toll and marches on!  I remember so vividly getting ready and heading for work that day.  I was a little stunned as the news flashed over the TV and then the radio in my car and the radio at work as the news began to unfold horrifically.  

Isn't it strange that most of us can remember the time of day, exactly what we were doing, who we were talking to . . . These things make such an impact on our lives and of course on the families and the lives that were lost in this tragedy.  I remember touching base with my daughters who were away from home attending an out-of-state university.  Fear seemed to grip us all as we went through that day experiencing the "unknown" - not knowing what to expect or where to turn.  Not knowing the extent of the casualties, the direction of our country and the military impact of such an attack. The "unknown" can be so fearful and disheartening.  

But when our "trust" is in God the fear dissipates. We may still be somewhat fearful but the bottom line is that the God of the Universe knows all, sees all, hears all, He has "all" under control.  We may not always understand everything about God's control but we can TRUST HIM - "for" - "with" - "in" - "through" - and "above" ALL THINGS"!  So put your trust in the one that can exchange our fears for a peace that fills our very being to overflowing - in spite of our fears!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

How Much does a Miracle Cost?

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.

She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even.. The total had to be exactly perfect.. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really, really sick....and I want to buy a miracle.'

'I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist.

'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?'

'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little.

'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.'

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?'

' I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money..'

'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago.

'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audible.
'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'

'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.'

He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well-dressed man was Dr.  Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

'That surgery, ' her Mom whispered.  'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?'

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost....one dollar and eleven cents...plus the faith of a little child. 

                                                                                                     -Unknown Author

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.   Why don't we each look around and see if we can be a "miracle" to someone that needs a miracle in their life today!


MY OATH TO YOU...

When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.

When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears.

When  you are worried......I will give you hope.

When you are confused.....I will help you cope.

And when you are lost...and can't see the light, I shall be your beacon...shining ever so bright.

This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.

Why you may ask?....Because you're my friend.
                               
                                                                            -Unknown Author