Hey friends,
I am writing this blog post after many hard days. There have been many things to happen and at the moment it feels like everything is raining down on me and others. Before I continue with all the things that have been hard, let me just say that the Lord is always good and His mercies are new everyday. It says in Lamentations 3:22 and 23, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." That is what my heart cries even after many hard days.
Like many of you, my world seemed shaken during the recent shootings in Athens. My personal emotions about the shootings have been as varied as they come. Anger. Fear. Loss. Victory. Hate. Peace. Calm. Anxious. Love. And the list could go on. Officer Christian, who has served our community with great integrity was not a personal friend, but was a brother in Christ. His family has been on my heart and in my prayers. I don't even pretend to understand his death and the loss that so many now feel. I have chosen to focus on God and His glory. He will have glory in all situations!
Another thing that has made these past few days hard is that my brother was in the hospital for surgery. The surgery went so well and I just want to take a moment to glorify the Lord. In a nut shell, my brother had a calcified mass the size of a baseball in the back of his leg...it needed to be removed. The mass could have caused much damage to muscles, tendons and even his spine. The doctor was amazed when there wasn't any damage to any muscles and tendons. I know that was the work of God and no one else. Because of several factors during my brothers recovery, he was in the hospital for 4 days. Emotionally and physically that was just draining for eveyone including my brother. Just as a quick update: we are home from the hospital and all seems to be going well. We continue to pray for a full recovery and that there will not be any bone to try and grow back in the same place (which is always a possibility).
As some of you may know, I am have been taking care of a precious dog named, Bootsie, while her owners are away. She has been a sweet companion to me during the past few weeks. I think that God gave us pets as a sweet comfort and companionship when we need it most. It has saddened my heart so much because on Sunday night she was hit by a car and died. My dad and I buried her on Tuesday morning. It was such a hard thing to do. She was loved by so many and I truly feel that she loved them back. Bootsie will be missed.
It seems like I have been on an emotional rollercoaster, but one thing has remained the same. And that is my God and His love for me. I just wanted to share all this with you, not so that you can look at me and what is going on with me, but so that you can look at my God and the beauty that He can bring from ashes. "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." -Isaiah 61:3
I know that I have been kind of long-winded today, but thanks for bearing with me. If you have a little more time, check out this song from Hillsong, it beautifully represents God's love in the dry places.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Space Craft or Cupcakes???
Hello to you,
It is birthday time at my house...and you know what that means...CUPCAKES!!!
I tried using the batter from my aunt's white cake layers recipe...the results were space craft cupcakes :)
With the next batch my friend Casey and I tried putting less batter in the cups and you can clearly see the results. Oh, and in case you are wondering, we put chocolate sprinkles in the batter to add that chocolate goodness to already delicious batter.
If you know my sister at all, you know that she LOVES the Georgia Bulldogs. That means, Georgia cupcakes. In the past I have made her football cakes and Georgia G cakes, but this time I needed to simplify. So these are her super special Red and Black cupcakes.
They really ended up tasting soooo good and Anna loved her Red and Black cupcakes. Next time I'm gonna work on the cupcakes not looking like space crafts though :) Until next time...
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Quit Option # 4
It's me again :)
I'm here again to share a little more about what God is teaching me about the quit option. During the sermon that Jentezen Franklin shared on Hebrews 10:35-39, he also shared a very powerful story of a Navy SEAL named Marcus Luttrell. Some of you may have heard of him. In June of 2005, He and SEAL team 10 were assigned to go to Afghanistan to kill or capture a high-ranking Taliban leader. During the course of the operation, the team was compromised by local goat herders. Within a very short period of time the four SEALs were surrounded and in a full fire-fight with 80-150 enemy fighters. Three of the SEALs, in addition to 16 others fighting for freedom, gave their lives during Operation Red Wing. Luttrell was badly wounded, but was the only survivor. What really stuck with me was that during an interview and even in his book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Red Wing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10, Luttrell shares that there was never a moment during the operation where he or the other members of the SEAL team took the quit option. They kept fighting even to death.
In his book Marcus goes on to explain about the training of a Navy SEAL. There is a bell in middle of the compound where they are trained. This bell is the quit option. If someone is pushed to the edge and just can't take anymore, without shame or fear of recompense they are allowed to ring the bell, leave the compound and go to wherever it was they came from. They are allowed to take the quit option.
You know, just like the SEALs in training, we have the free choice to take the quit option. If we take the quit option though, the enemy wins in our lives. I don't know about you, but I don't want the enemy to take even one of the battles. I want him to be crushed! I chose to say no to the quit option, knowing that as I do, my God will prevail.
I'm here again to share a little more about what God is teaching me about the quit option. During the sermon that Jentezen Franklin shared on Hebrews 10:35-39, he also shared a very powerful story of a Navy SEAL named Marcus Luttrell. Some of you may have heard of him. In June of 2005, He and SEAL team 10 were assigned to go to Afghanistan to kill or capture a high-ranking Taliban leader. During the course of the operation, the team was compromised by local goat herders. Within a very short period of time the four SEALs were surrounded and in a full fire-fight with 80-150 enemy fighters. Three of the SEALs, in addition to 16 others fighting for freedom, gave their lives during Operation Red Wing. Luttrell was badly wounded, but was the only survivor. What really stuck with me was that during an interview and even in his book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Red Wing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10, Luttrell shares that there was never a moment during the operation where he or the other members of the SEAL team took the quit option. They kept fighting even to death.
In his book Marcus goes on to explain about the training of a Navy SEAL. There is a bell in middle of the compound where they are trained. This bell is the quit option. If someone is pushed to the edge and just can't take anymore, without shame or fear of recompense they are allowed to ring the bell, leave the compound and go to wherever it was they came from. They are allowed to take the quit option.
You know, just like the SEALs in training, we have the free choice to take the quit option. If we take the quit option though, the enemy wins in our lives. I don't know about you, but I don't want the enemy to take even one of the battles. I want him to be crushed! I chose to say no to the quit option, knowing that as I do, my God will prevail.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
On My Heart...
Hey friends,
As with many of you, my heart is breaking for a family that has lost a husband and a dad to a needless act of violence. If you are not aware of what happened on Tuesday, let me quickly explain.
There was a carjacking in Athens and Officer Tony Howard was responding. Officer Howard was shot twice. He is now is stable condition and recovering. Officer Buddy Christian also came onto the scene and was shot and killed by suspect, Jamie Hood. The Athens-Clarke Police department as well as many other agencies are still looking for the suspect.
Please pray with me today! Pray for the family of Officer Buddy Christian, they have lost someone very precious. Pray for a full recovery for Officer Tony Howard. Pray for strength for the officers that are grieving a lost brother and still needed to do their jobs in finding a killer. Pray for knowledge to come out about Hood's whereabouts. Pray for protection for those that are doing their duty to find Hood. Pray that justice would be served quickly.
As I have been praying and thinking about the family of Officer Christian and all the law enforcement officers that are doing their job and silently grieving a loss, I was reminded of these scriptures:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up, But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
There are two things that I am taking away from these scriptures. One thing is that the more people praying together the better.
The second thing is the beautiful word picture of one person falling and many others coming to aid him. This is the picture of how the Athens-Clarke Police Department is responding right now. One of their brothers has fallen and they all are working tirelessly to find his killer. Can scripture be acted out in a more beautiful way?
Keep praying with me, friends! Even if this doesn't seem to effect you, take some specific time to pray for those that lost and those that are serving. I appreciate you taking that time today!
As with many of you, my heart is breaking for a family that has lost a husband and a dad to a needless act of violence. If you are not aware of what happened on Tuesday, let me quickly explain.
There was a carjacking in Athens and Officer Tony Howard was responding. Officer Howard was shot twice. He is now is stable condition and recovering. Officer Buddy Christian also came onto the scene and was shot and killed by suspect, Jamie Hood. The Athens-Clarke Police department as well as many other agencies are still looking for the suspect.
Please pray with me today! Pray for the family of Officer Buddy Christian, they have lost someone very precious. Pray for a full recovery for Officer Tony Howard. Pray for strength for the officers that are grieving a lost brother and still needed to do their jobs in finding a killer. Pray for knowledge to come out about Hood's whereabouts. Pray for protection for those that are doing their duty to find Hood. Pray that justice would be served quickly.
As I have been praying and thinking about the family of Officer Christian and all the law enforcement officers that are doing their job and silently grieving a loss, I was reminded of these scriptures:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up, But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
There are two things that I am taking away from these scriptures. One thing is that the more people praying together the better.
The second thing is the beautiful word picture of one person falling and many others coming to aid him. This is the picture of how the Athens-Clarke Police Department is responding right now. One of their brothers has fallen and they all are working tirelessly to find his killer. Can scripture be acted out in a more beautiful way?
Keep praying with me, friends! Even if this doesn't seem to effect you, take some specific time to pray for those that lost and those that are serving. I appreciate you taking that time today!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
1st Ever Quilt- Installment # 2
Happy Today!
So, I am still working on my quilt. I have to say that I am really starting to enjoy this quilt making stuff. I think my friend, Mary is starting to enjoy it also.
For our second class we learned to actually quilt the quilt. I know, some of you are now scratching your head and wondering what I am talking about. So, let me pull out some more of that handy quilting language and explain :)
After piecing your quilt top, you then make a quilt sandwich. Now before you get visions of a great big turkey, ham, and roast beef sandwich, let me explain what a quilt sandwich is. The quilt sandwich is made up of your quilt top, batting and the quilt back. The fun part was taking safety pins and pinning the quilt sandwich together. You would have laughed at Mary and I as we pinned our quilts...we were so serious and determined to pin correctly (hate to break it to you, but there isn't a right or wrong way to pin) LOL!!!
Mary and I are getting close to completing our very first quilts...Can't wait to show it off next time....
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Quit Option # 3
Hey friends,
Many of you may know that I love music. I actually enjoy all types of music, but as I was learning to play the piano, I was blessed to be able to learn the music of classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Handel.
I recently purchased a book entitled, Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers by Patrick Kavanaugh. It is really a very interesting book and I am enjoying learning about the spiritual lives of the composers whose works I love and have enjoyed playing. Because the Easter season is approaching, I am always thrilled to hear Handel's Messiah. This also made me want to know more about his spiritual life.
So indulge me for a moment while I share what I learned from the book. Apparently George Frederic Handel had many setbacks during his musical career. Unlike his contemporaries, Handel didn't play and compose for the established church. Rather he struggled financially while playing and composing for secular theaters. According to Kavanaugh, Handel's struggles "left him confronting bankruptcy more than once" (29). Actually in 1741 Handel gave what he thought was his last performance before being sent to debtor's prison.
Like I shared in a previous post, God has been speaking strongly to me about the quit option and how taking it can deny me from the blessings he has for me. The same was true for Handel. He didn't give in to discouragement and despire when he didn't see results. Handel didn't take the quit option. Instead on April 13th of 1742 Handel's Messiah premiered as a charitable benefit. Handel's Messiah brought him out of debt and even more than that has changed lives throughout all history. While researching, one writer named Myers noted that Messiah "has probably done more to convience thousands of mankind that there is a God about us than all the theological works ever written." Pretty powerful statement, right?
Handel didn't take the quit option, why should I? Look at the powerful way God used Handel...He wants to do the same with you and me.
Many of you may know that I love music. I actually enjoy all types of music, but as I was learning to play the piano, I was blessed to be able to learn the music of classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Handel.
I recently purchased a book entitled, Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers by Patrick Kavanaugh. It is really a very interesting book and I am enjoying learning about the spiritual lives of the composers whose works I love and have enjoyed playing. Because the Easter season is approaching, I am always thrilled to hear Handel's Messiah. This also made me want to know more about his spiritual life.
So indulge me for a moment while I share what I learned from the book. Apparently George Frederic Handel had many setbacks during his musical career. Unlike his contemporaries, Handel didn't play and compose for the established church. Rather he struggled financially while playing and composing for secular theaters. According to Kavanaugh, Handel's struggles "left him confronting bankruptcy more than once" (29). Actually in 1741 Handel gave what he thought was his last performance before being sent to debtor's prison.
Like I shared in a previous post, God has been speaking strongly to me about the quit option and how taking it can deny me from the blessings he has for me. The same was true for Handel. He didn't give in to discouragement and despire when he didn't see results. Handel didn't take the quit option. Instead on April 13th of 1742 Handel's Messiah premiered as a charitable benefit. Handel's Messiah brought him out of debt and even more than that has changed lives throughout all history. While researching, one writer named Myers noted that Messiah "has probably done more to convience thousands of mankind that there is a God about us than all the theological works ever written." Pretty powerful statement, right?
Handel didn't take the quit option, why should I? Look at the powerful way God used Handel...He wants to do the same with you and me.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Pretty Day? Why Not Have a Picnic?
Happy Today!!!
It is beginning to feel like spring outside and we are having more pretty days than not. My sister and I decided that it was time for a picnic. (Aren't picnics fun?)
This was no picnic for boys...we used real plates, napkins and real glasses. Talk about a classy picnic!
It was so fun to enjoy the garden, where the birds were singing and the wind was blowing. The only thing that was not so desirable was the bird that pooped on my shoulder. Hey, at least he missed my head, right?
Fun times with my sister are always priceless. Thanks for letting me share a picnic moment with you. Until the next adventure...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Quit Option # 2
Dear Ones,
I was sitting in a sunny spot this morning eating my breakfast and reading. I was enjoying basking in the warmth of the sun. I was also basking in the love of my beloved, Jesus. Can you picture it? Imagine a place that brings you great joy and pleasure. Imagine the feeling you have when you see someone that you love greatly.
Then imagine what it feels like to have your world rocked in just a matter of moments. That is exactly what happened this morning. I was reading in a new book (which is excellent, by the way) entitled, Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere. In the book, Lisa shares how our purpose as women of God (yes, it is written to women, but God wants to share the same thoughts with men) is to be a strong lioness. God has given us all the tools (love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness, kindness, goodness, etc.) to be powerful women through Christ for the world.
Now, back to rocking my world. Lisa Bevere shared these statements and they nearly caused me to knock over everything on the table in front of me as I was blown away by the weight of it.
If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I would love to introduce you to this Lion that I am talking about. He loves you and only wants you to take His hand. He can roar in your life in powerful ways if you will just ask Him.
I was sitting in a sunny spot this morning eating my breakfast and reading. I was enjoying basking in the warmth of the sun. I was also basking in the love of my beloved, Jesus. Can you picture it? Imagine a place that brings you great joy and pleasure. Imagine the feeling you have when you see someone that you love greatly.
Then imagine what it feels like to have your world rocked in just a matter of moments. That is exactly what happened this morning. I was reading in a new book (which is excellent, by the way) entitled, Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere. In the book, Lisa shares how our purpose as women of God (yes, it is written to women, but God wants to share the same thoughts with men) is to be a strong lioness. God has given us all the tools (love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness, kindness, goodness, etc.) to be powerful women through Christ for the world.
Now, back to rocking my world. Lisa Bevere shared these statements and they nearly caused me to knock over everything on the table in front of me as I was blown away by the weight of it.
"Our world has known the impact of many forces. Over the centuries our earth has been bludgeoned by forces of nature such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and monsoons. The earth's shell has been split and its foundations shaken by earthquakes. Armed forces have gathered for motives and purposes both noble and foul. Coalitions of armed forces have met on battlefields and left destruction in their wake.
But what of a force that did not revel in its power to intimidate, threaten, or destroy? Members of this force would have strategic and unique roles- some seen, others unseen, but all valued. What if this force was at once selfless in motive and simplistic in its objective? What might it look and sound like?
Alexander the Great said, I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." (25 and 26)What a word picture!!! If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then you are a sheep that is led by a Lion. Doesn't this make you want to shout loud and proud that you will never take the quit option again? Doesn't this make you want to fight the good fight and live in the purposes that the Lord has for you? Come on, now, join with me as we let the Lion roar!!!
If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I would love to introduce you to this Lion that I am talking about. He loves you and only wants you to take His hand. He can roar in your life in powerful ways if you will just ask Him.
Monday, March 14, 2011
1st Ever Quilt - Installment # 1
Hello dear friends,
My friend Mary and I are embarking on yet another adventure...quilting. One might say that we have too much time on our hands and others may say that we are just too stinkin' ambious. At the moment, Mary and I might agree with both, but we are sticking it out and lovin' every minute of it!
My friend Mary and I are embarking on yet another adventure...quilting. One might say that we have too much time on our hands and others may say that we are just too stinkin' ambious. At the moment, Mary and I might agree with both, but we are sticking it out and lovin' every minute of it!
So, apparently the first step to being a great quilter is to have the "right" tools. Here is the problem, we didn't know what the "right" tools were. Thankfully there were very kind souls at the fabric stores who helped us in our quest for the so called "right" tools.
After picking out our tools and debating over which fabrics to buy, we headed off to our first quilting class.
During our first class we learned how to use our tools. The rotary cutter in the above picture is my favorite new tool, but it's also the most intimidating. That first cut was making me sweat...I mean, what if I made a wrong cut or something? Even worse, what if I cut my finger? Yikes!!! Now can you understand the intimidation? We learned to cut out fabric and sew the pieces to create our quilt top.
In the world of quilts there are many different kinds of patterns that you can use. The one that we are using is called a rail fence pattern. That's quilt talk for sewing three pieces of fabric together and cutting it into a block. (Aren't you proud of me for using my new quilting language?)
I think my favorite part of this process was picking out how I wanted the quilt to be put together. Like any good woman, I changed my mind at least 5 times.
The best part of this adventure is being able to share it with a good friend. Above are our quilt tops, all ready for the next quilting class. Until next time...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Quit Option #1
Hey guys,
I know that in the past I have shared what God is doing in my life. I hope that you can see that I am just a real person sharing my thoughts about my God. In this post and in a few to come, I want to be really real. Don't get afraid...I'm not going to share my deepest, darkest secrets (come to think of it, thankfully, I don't really have any of those), but I do want to be honest with you about what God is doing.
On a recent Sunday morning, I was extremely discouraged. I had been praying for God to bless me with something that I felt He has promised me. When I say I had been praying, I mean I have been praying for this for several years. Recently, I have been discouraged because I am not seeing the blessings...or better yet, I am just not seeing results. I like to see results of my prayers. Don't you?
Anyway, back to my story: I cried out to God and asked Him to let me know what I needed to do. Did I need to give up on this thing that He had promised me? Did I keep pushing forward, even in the midst of no results?
A few hours later, I was listening to Jentezen Franklin preach. The scripture that he spoke about was Hebrews 10:35-39. If you will hang in there with me, I would like to share the Amplified version of these scriptures.
"Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away what is promised. For still a little while- a very little while- the Coming One will come and He will not delay. But the just shall live by faith and if he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in hum. But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery and are utterly destroyed, but we are of those who believe- who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah- and by faith preserve the soul."
God was speaking directly to me. I don't need to give up my confidence. I need to learn patience and endurance despite not seeing results. I need to continue to step out in faith. I need to continue to pray for God to bring His promise. It is His will, and He will not withold it from me.
Please let me take this one step further. I felt discouraged and beaten down. These are not things that come from my loving Father. These are things that come from the evil one. Satan wanted me to take the quit option and stop praying. The evil one wanted me to take the quit option and stop fighting for my blessings. He wanted to me to take the quit option and stop believing in this dream that God gave me. Even worse, Satan wanted me to take the quit option so that I would stop seeking after God's will for my life. That is what the evil one does...he beats us down and keeps us discouraged so that we don't allow growth in our lives.
I don't know what you may be struggling with, but I plead with you not to take the quit option! I don't plan on taking it either.
I know that in the past I have shared what God is doing in my life. I hope that you can see that I am just a real person sharing my thoughts about my God. In this post and in a few to come, I want to be really real. Don't get afraid...I'm not going to share my deepest, darkest secrets (come to think of it, thankfully, I don't really have any of those), but I do want to be honest with you about what God is doing.
On a recent Sunday morning, I was extremely discouraged. I had been praying for God to bless me with something that I felt He has promised me. When I say I had been praying, I mean I have been praying for this for several years. Recently, I have been discouraged because I am not seeing the blessings...or better yet, I am just not seeing results. I like to see results of my prayers. Don't you?
Anyway, back to my story: I cried out to God and asked Him to let me know what I needed to do. Did I need to give up on this thing that He had promised me? Did I keep pushing forward, even in the midst of no results?
A few hours later, I was listening to Jentezen Franklin preach. The scripture that he spoke about was Hebrews 10:35-39. If you will hang in there with me, I would like to share the Amplified version of these scriptures.
"Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away what is promised. For still a little while- a very little while- the Coming One will come and He will not delay. But the just shall live by faith and if he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in hum. But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery and are utterly destroyed, but we are of those who believe- who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah- and by faith preserve the soul."
God was speaking directly to me. I don't need to give up my confidence. I need to learn patience and endurance despite not seeing results. I need to continue to step out in faith. I need to continue to pray for God to bring His promise. It is His will, and He will not withold it from me.
Please let me take this one step further. I felt discouraged and beaten down. These are not things that come from my loving Father. These are things that come from the evil one. Satan wanted me to take the quit option and stop praying. The evil one wanted me to take the quit option and stop fighting for my blessings. He wanted to me to take the quit option and stop believing in this dream that God gave me. Even worse, Satan wanted me to take the quit option so that I would stop seeking after God's will for my life. That is what the evil one does...he beats us down and keeps us discouraged so that we don't allow growth in our lives.
I don't know what you may be struggling with, but I plead with you not to take the quit option! I don't plan on taking it either.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Spring Has Sprung
Hey guys,
Doesn't spring just make you want to jump up and shout hallelujah? I love this beautiful season! There are so many beautiful things to see and hear. It is a happy season...a season that is joyful at every turn.
I may not be the best photographer, but I wanted to share some of the beautiful blooming flowers that I am so enjoying right now.
These happy little jonquils are popping up everywhere. Don't they make you smile?
These are so beautiful and elegant! The above picture and the one below are both hellebores, or better known as a Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose.
Enjoy the heralding of spring!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Pulling Out Some of the Oldies but Goodies
Hey guys,
I was cleaning (again) and pulled out some of the cds that I listened to in highschool. It was fun jammin' to the likes of dcTalk and the old school Michael W. Smith. While taking a cruise back to highschool with these cds, I found one that wasn't that old from Jadon Lavik. If you haven't heard him yet, you should. His songs really speak to the heart and are easy listening songs.
One song in particular reminded me that grace is not something that can be earned. God's grace and love are a gift to you and me, there is nothing that I can do to earn it. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." -Ephesians 2:8. To be honest with you, I am glad that I don't have to earn God's grace or love, it is His gift freely given.
While you ponder His greatness in giving us this gift, check out Jadon Lavik's song, "What If". Enjoy!!!
I was cleaning (again) and pulled out some of the cds that I listened to in highschool. It was fun jammin' to the likes of dcTalk and the old school Michael W. Smith. While taking a cruise back to highschool with these cds, I found one that wasn't that old from Jadon Lavik. If you haven't heard him yet, you should. His songs really speak to the heart and are easy listening songs.
One song in particular reminded me that grace is not something that can be earned. God's grace and love are a gift to you and me, there is nothing that I can do to earn it. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." -Ephesians 2:8. To be honest with you, I am glad that I don't have to earn God's grace or love, it is His gift freely given.
While you ponder His greatness in giving us this gift, check out Jadon Lavik's song, "What If". Enjoy!!!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Ba, Ba, Ba, Banana Bread...Ain't Nothing Better!!!
My dear friends,
I am gonna shout it from the mountain tops...I LOVE THIS BANANA BREAD!!!
My friend Mary and I have decided to embark on a culinary adventure. We want to find and master common recipes (specifically baked goods). Our first stop is banana bread...Oh yeah!!!
Yep, with the help of a roommate, we finished every crumb. Just in case you are interested, below is the recipe. Believe me, you will not be sorry that you tried it! Until next time...
The Best Banana Bread
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3-4 medium)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cooking oil or melted butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (We added a few more, they are so yummy!)
1 recipe Streusel-Nut topping
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of one 9x5x3 inch or two 7.5x3.5x2 inch loaf pans. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make a well in center of flour mixture. Set Aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, banana, sugar, and oil. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in walnuts. Spoon batter into prepared pans. If desired, sprinkle Streusal nut topping over batter in pan.
3. Bake for 55 - 60 minutes for 9x5x3 inch pan or 40-45 minutes for 7.5x3.5x2 inch pans or until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on rack. Wrap; store overnight before slicing. (I suppose this is for the people who actually have self-control.)
Streusal-nut topping: In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Using a pastry blender, cut in 2 tablespoons butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped walnuts.
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