Two for Two!

Yesterday I decided to make some chili since it was cold and icy outside (still is today, too). I reached for the chili powder and poured about 2 Tbls. in (as mother would say "measured by the elbow"). After I put it in . . . . . t-h-e-n . . . . for some reason (thank you Jesus) . . . I decided to glance at the label. Oh-my-word! I had just poured 2 TABLESPOONS of ground Red Pepper in instead of chili powder :0

Now what ???

I quickly spooned it out and rinsed the meat in a small colander. I then poured the rest of the meat in larger colander and rinsed it as well. It worked! I had to replace some other seasonings, but, no biggy. Fortunately no wet ingredients had gone in. The chili turned out great and was not hot!

That's what I get for taking a break from wearing my contacts!

I must confess one more cooking mishap of the day.

I also decided to make some No-Bake Cookies. I put in the butter to melt and measured out the milk. Only problem here was that -- for some reason -- I doubled the amount of milk. Of course, I didn't realize what I had done until it was in the pan with the melting butter. Too late to take it out!

So . . . I now have a double batch of fudgy, perfectly set cookies. I didn't "need" any in the first place and now I have twice as many as I planned. I guess my fellow workers at the office will be getting cookies tomorrow :)

I don't know what my problem was, but . . . for sure . . . I'm wearing my contacts today!





Love,

" . . . the day the Lord has made."

God has given us a special day in Oklahoma.
This is the view out my front door this morning. It is sleeting and snowing. Most of the white you see is sleet. I can hear it hitting the windows as I type this post.

This is the backyard. According to the weather reports, it's supposed to continue to sleet and snow until this afternoon. There is anywhere from 1/4" to 1/2" of ice under the sleet. So, that means it is VERY slick. Almost ALL of the schools are closed over the state. The only way I can get to the office is to walk (about 1 block), but I think I'll pass on that. I would be the only one there anyway.

No complaints from me about being iced in today b/c it could be much worse.

Here are a few pictures from our ice storm in December 2007.

Left: Looking out the front door. You can see that the old tree was a little bigger than in today's pic. Notice the broken limbs on the ground.










Right: The ice was so heavy on everything. We lost power for three days.

Left:Our poor, beautiful weeping willow! After a good "haircut" and some growing time, it has recovered quite nicely.










Right: Some icy bushes.











And . . . the pond. The water was not frozen in this picture, but on occasion is does freeze and is so pretty. It doesn't get cold enough to skate on it like my dear bloggy friends up North.


Today I am going to snuggle in, cook another "cold day" special, keep the tea kettle on, watch movies, do some "Esther" homework and enjoy the day.

I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday where ever you are.
"This is the day that the Lord has made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24






Love,
Sherry

Soup's on !

Today it is sleeting and we are expecting more freezing precipitation throughout the night and tomorrow. In the eastern part of the state, residents will be at risk for a power outage. I don't think we have to be concerned about that; it's just very cold and icy.

On days like this, I like to cook soup, gumbo, stew or chili. Today I decided to make vegetable beef soup (haven't made that in forever). If you were here, I would love to serve you some soup, followed by a good cup of coffee and sweet conversation.

Soup's on, so drive on over . . . or maybe slide . . . or skate . . . or sled . . . on over for a nice hot bowl of soup!

Love,

Marvelous, Amazing!

My awesome God!

I am so unworthy of the opulent blessings that He has poured on me and my family! I do not deserve His blessings and grace, but . . . I am so thankful for them. I long to live in such a way that is pleasing Him and that He can lavish His blessings on me. I know that there will be trials along the way, but they will be allowed to come into my life to cause me to grow and become stronger in Him.

God's grace: His unmerited favor! He freely gives his grace to us who so do not deserve it. He has made provision, through His son, Jesus, that we might be free to live the abundant life! The following is a link to the beautiful old song "Amazing Grace". This is a little different. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtrnB4FZ-yc

Love,

The January Abyss

Have you ever had a project(s) that just made you feel, while you are in the throes of it, as though you have fallen off into an abyss of work? Well, that's where I've been for the passed three weeks. Not only have I had the year-end reports, taxes, filing, boxing, financial statements, etc., I also get extra projects assigned to me such as booklets to design, collate and bind. :( I'm almost finished with the extra things then I will catch up on the routine things that have not been a priority. The wonderful thing? February is almost here! :) And . . . Bible study starts for our ladies on February 2.

Oh, the January Abyss! I'm soaring my way back to the surface for a big breath of fresh "air".
Praise you, Jesus!

Love,

Tagged!

Cathy at Tales of the TCKK Family has tagged me. The challenge is that I am to go to my 4th picture folder and post the 4th picture in that folder. This is mine. It was taken about 2 years ago. B would have been two or three.

My husband is pushing her in a wheelbarrow. If you click on the picture, you will see that she had been pushing her little wheelbarrow and now has it in the big wheelbarrow with her . :)

This is an easy, fun tag and doesn't take much time to complete. Now I'm supposed to tag someone. There have been so many tags and Meme's going around that some of you are behind, so I will pass this on to only two:

MiMi

Beth

Even if you are not tagged, it would be fun to look in the folder to see which picture it is and enjoy the memory that is attached to it. Have fun!

Love,

Scripture Memory Challenge

"O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar."

Psalms 139:1-2 (NIV)

This chapter has always been one of my very favorites and was a favorite of my mother's as well. It is one that seems to bring comfort in many of life's situations. Being a Pastor's wife, it has been used on numerous occassions.

My friend, Valerie, told me that she was going to memorize this chapter over the next year and it has 24 verses. The scripture memory challenge is broken into 24 segments. Since I really desired to put Philippains 3:10a (AMP) as my scripture on January 1, I will be memorizing two verses over the next two weeks to be on schedule in memorizing this chapter.

I am so excited to be putting more scripture to memory! We cannot have "output" if there has not been "input".

Love,

All in a day

Today has been a little different for me. Our granddaughter was sick throughout the night so her little brother came to play with Grammie all by himself. He will be going to church with us tonight then I will take him home after church.

Also, our Music Pastor had all four of her wisdom teeth removed yesterday, so I will be helping with praise and worship by playing piano instead of in the toddler room. Due to others being ill, and unable to find a replacement for myself, we have actually closed the toddler room for tonight.

So, really, this has been a relaxing day -- just hanging out with the little mister! I had forgotten what it was like to only have one little baby to care for. Right now (he's not yet crawling), it's a breeze!

Love,

Elephants DO have a good memories!

I received this in an email and thought that you might like to see this!

The Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia was built on the path for an annual migration of a herd of 10 elephants. This path leads them to their favorite food, mangos, and next to the lodge is their favorite mango tree. Even though the lodge sits right on their path, they still choose to make their way to the tree each November when the fruit ripens, inspite of the fact that they must march through the lodge! When they returned one year and found the luxury accommodation in the way, they simply walked through the reception area!

An elephant wanders through Mfuwe Lodge in the south Luangwa National Park

They gorge on mangos up to four times a day.

Living in the 5,000 square mile nationa park, the ten-strong elephant herd are
led to the lodge each day by Wonky Tusk the matriarc of the herd.

The migration path leads to their favorite mango tree.


It is very unusual for elephants to get so close to humans. They are wild and can be dangerous, but thus far the 150 staff members and management of the lodge are happy to report that there have been no incidents involving the elephants to date.
The elephants do get reasonably close to the staff but the guests are not allowed to get too close. For their safety, they are kept behind walls and barriers when the elephants come marching through.


This is their favorite tree.

These are gentle giants, but the management takes care not to do anything to tempt or provoke them. It's a totally natural phenomenon, the elephants come here of their own accord and it is certainly a rare but magnificent sight.

So . . . . I guess it's true, elephants do have great memories!

Of course they do. Their creator does all things well and takes care of them, giving them what they need! When I watch the animals and study nature, my faith is once again strengthened and I'm reminded of how capable God is . . . more than capable to handle my each and every day and what it holds.

If God can lead the elephants to the ripened mangos, even though obstacles are in their path, how much more does He desire to lead me down the path of righteousness and deliver me safely to my eternal home! And yes, I'm sure there will be mangos!

Love,

Sherry

How exciting, an Award!

Cathy over at Tales of the TCKK family presented me with my 2nd award!

It's the Lemonade Award!(Isn't it cute?)

Here's the rules:

1. Link back to the person you received the award from. (check)
2. You have to nominate 10 (or so) bloggers who are deserving of this award. Those who who great attitude and/or gratitude. (check)

Here's my selection:

Annie's Eyes

My Life in Black and White

Ponderings of the Heart

Valerie

Just Call Me Grammy

Playing with the Paulsens

Step Inside

The Heart of a Pastor's Wife

Keetha's Stuff'n Such

MiMi's Memories

Be sure and check out their blogs! You will enjoy the reading.

Also, go over to Jessica's blog "The Russo Corner" for a fantastic giveaway. It ends tonight! You can click on the label in my sidebar or the highlighted words above. Check it out. It's amazing all the great stuff that she's giving away!

Love,

Pop at "Pops"

After church today, Hubs took me to lunch at a very unusual place that is fairly new to our area. It's called "Pops".

There are several of them around the country. The one we went to today is located in Arcadia, OK. It's a gas station with glass walls lined with old style bottles of soda. There is a restaurant and gift shop inside. They have all the old soda flavors in the old bottles for sale. Not only are they bottled in the old bottles, they are made by the old recipes such as using Imperial sugar, cane sugar, etc.. The place was packed with people coming and going the whole time we were there. We had to wait about 30 minutes for a table for 2. Most of the customers were young families.

There is a 66 foot soda bottle with a straw (like in the first pic) in front of the building -- their landmark. Pops is located on old Route 66. (Hence, the 66' bottle?)

Friday, Hubs stopped in and bought me a Pepsi.
As you can see, I've already devoured it :)

Here's what we bought today.
They give you these cartons for free.
(Free?? This carton on 6 sodas costs $12.95!)
They also have some very nice wooden crates (cases) for sale priced at $10 and $15.


We each chose three that we wanted to try.



Here's a close up of one made with cane sugar.

I looked for a brand called "Double Cola" but didn't find it. When I was a kid, it was a huge 16 oz. cola! I remember my Dad telling me that one time he told my brother (when he was a small boy) that he would buy him all the soda he could drink. Well, my brother chose the 16 oz. Double Cola first and that was a much as he could hold! My Dad got off cheep that day :)

It was a nice change of pace. It was a beautiful day for a Sunday drive! Thanks, honey!

I hope you had a wonderful Lord's day, too.

Love,

Have you noticed?

Have you noticed lately that the word verification in the comment section of blogger is kind of, sort of making actual words? Here is one I saw today:

Usually, it's just a garbled bunch of letters, but now, so many of them are closer to an almost real word. Now, I realize this is not profound information or wisdom of any sort or funny, but I just wondered if you've noticed this, too ;)

Love,

Pioneer Women

Sometimes people talk about the good old days and how simple life was back then. Have you ever really thought about how hard their lives were without the conveniences that we have today? I'm not very good at making bread (without a bread machine) besides all of the other "manual" things they had to do. I can't imagine sitting still long enough to churn butter. And chicken dinners! I'm afraid we wouldn't have chicken on the table very many times, if at all, if it were up to me to catch one and wring it's neck, plus all the other stuff that has to be done to turn it into a chicken dinner! I do remember my mother and grandmother doing this on the farm when I was very small. By the time I was old enough to help, they just bought them at the store.

My brother had an organic garden at one time. I told my SIL that I'm sure she must be enjoying the fresh vegetables, especially the tomatoes. She said "Yes, they're good, but they cost about $28/lb.!" :)

I am thankful for the time in which I am living. A pioneer woman I'm not. Obvisously, Lucy and Ethel weren't either.

Enjoy!

Love,

P.S. Blogger wouldn't allow me to break this post into paragraphs. Sorry that it is all run together.

Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty?

I'm not a big cat lover. I really prefer dogs. However, they can be so cute and cuddly, right? Most cats are but . . . how would you like to be sitting in your kitchen with your small children sitting of the floor playing when you look out of the patio door and see this watching your children? ? ! !

This is a mountain lion.

Oh my goodness!
Scary, but beautiful!

These were not taken at my house, but . . .

I don't think I would be taking the trash out until morning - - and even then
I would be very leery!


Oooooo! Look at those teeth!

These were taken in Watonga, OK.
I wonder how long this "kitty" stayed on the patio?

Love,

Scripture Adventure

I have joined, with probably most of you, in the LMP scripture memorization for 2009. I was late in getting mine up because of being out-0f-state and then the funeral.

Here is my January 1 scripture choice and the deep desire of my heart. It is found in Philippians 3:10a AMP:

"For my determine purpose is that I may know Him -- that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly."

Love,

There is a time for everything . . . .

Ecclesiastes 3
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. . . .

Ecclesiastes 3 has had more significant meaning this week.

It has been a time for death and a time to mourn. . .

We went to Branson, MO last Sunday night as planned. Monday afternoon my husband received a telephone call that a 13 year old boy had been shot in the head -- by his 12 year old best friend -- an accident. (Both boys and their families are in our church. ) He was medi-flighted to OKC but lived only a few short hours.

It is such a long and detailed story. . . . so if you don't mind I would just like to ask prayer for these families. The young boy who shot his best friend is struggling. The parents of the 13 year old are doing remarkably well and reaching out to their son's friend and his family. The days and months to come will be difficult, but we know that God desires to be their continued strength and comfort.

The funeral is tomorrow, January 3 at 10:00 a.m. The families, school friends and church friends are all in need of God's ministering touch. And please . . . pray for my husband to have special strength as he gives the message at the funeral. This is so hard for him, especially when it's a child! I have all confidence in God's faithfulness and know that He will extend his grace to him as he fulfills one of the roles of his calling to the ministry.

Thank you, dear friends, for your prayers. "There is a time for everything . . . " but it's so hard to accept that this young boy's time here on earth has come to an end . . all too soon.

Love,

Happy New Year

New Year's celebration at the Chateau in Branson.

Happy New Year from Branson, MO.
May God bless you and yours in 2009.
May you have a closer relationship with Jesus and never before.
I pray that you will be able to look back on this year that is yet to come and find that you have grown and made big strides forward in the Lord.

Love,