SWEET TREATS FOR SPRINGTIME.............

LOOKING AT SPRINGTIME THROUGH GODS EYES..........AND SPRINGTIME LEMON MUFFINS. RECIPE

Do you ever have times when you just look at something and "Click" its a photo that seems
to stand still................As I was walking for my exercise time this morning my "eyes" just seemed
to be filled with the beauty that God has put in front of me............Walk through my door.......
I love single chairs. My husband knows this and still doesnt think I am crazy. I love the stillness and the beauty one can be. I can be known to find a small old chair lying on the side
of the road maybe with a wobbly leg and bring it home ; paint it and use it in a corner or
beside a desk....
I love my home to feel like a "cottage" that someone may come and feel like they are welcome.........I love "home"..............
I love the beauty of Springtime flowers as they burst forth from the branches with joy!
I love each single bud; each single petal; and the fragrance that many leave.............
The beauty that dots the countryside of a small woods across the green green grasses..........
I love the beauty of "colors" and try and bring that beauty into my home for Spring.............


LEMON SPRINGTIME MUFFINS..........................

Sweet lemony treats

You can't stop eating these goodies

Ingredients

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• 18 1/2 ounce package yellow cake mix
• 3 1/2 ounce package instant lemon pudding mix
• 4 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon, zested
• 3 tablespoons water

Recipe Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Spray miniature muffin tins with vegetable oil cooking spray. Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs and oil and blend well with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour a small amount of batter, filling each muffin tin half way. Bake for 12 minutes. Turn out onto a tea towel

3. To make the glaze, sift the sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, zest, oil, and 3 tablespoons water. Mix with a spoon until smooth.

4. With fingers, dip the cupcakes into the glaze while they're still warm, covering as much of the cake as possible, or spoon the glaze over the warm cupcakes, turning them to completely coat. Place on wire racks with waxed paper underneath to catch any drips. Let the glaze set thoroughly, about 1 hour, before storing in containers with tight-fitting lids.

WILL YOU STAND BY ME???

Early this morning.........as I was on my back from an errand.........I spotted these two ducks...
I couldnt help notice them.........as ONE (the male) was following behind the (female) duck limping along the way in front of my car.........

My daughter commented how one duck was "hurt" yet keeping alongside his mate........I said to her " that reminds me of your dad" with his hurting legs and feet yet he keeps walking along' working each and everyday and walking beside me to protect me.........

My husband had major heart surgery a few years back and since then has been hit off and on with some pretty strong physical challenges that would have knocked me over.......yet he doesnt quit and goes on day by day many times limping on his feet............

I remember............those 30 some years ago when I said " I do" and said , For better or for worse; for richer or for poorer; in sickness and in health".....................

At the time...........those words just slid by not really meaning a whole lot to a young couple
just starting out with all the vim and vigor of the day..............

BUT.............times came.......pain; illness for me; illness for him; losing some very essentials of life; ...........BETTER?............there were times when I wondered..........it was work.........it was FAITH........It was God who pulled us through those days and still provides our strength for
things we thought we would NEVER have to experience............

I dont know if "ducks" mate for life. I do know many species do but for me..........I decided
some time back.........I was here for the long run.............

Love not always meaning......what I can get but what I can give now.........STANDING......
with each other............through it all...............

And the reward??????? BOUNTIFUL!! I have been poured upon with riches untold........

I am glad...........God reminded me today of His mercy and those two little ducks and how
life doesnt always say you will both float down the pond of life in harmony and bliss and
there will never be waves of trial...........Those two little ducks just hurried along to find their way together.

MY LITTLE CAFE................

Do you ever feel like your kitchen should have the sign of "Cafe" in front of it? It seems that is the place where most of us spend alot of time each day.........

I can remember my mom early in mornings.........rattling the dishes in the kitchen.........
I can remember the aroma of coffee sifting up the stairs to my room and even though I wasnt old enough to enjoy coffee then the aroma sent a sign of comfort and you knew the morning was beginning............other enticements such as bacon frying in the black skillet mom used; and the sound of small juice glasses on the table being filled with orange or tomato juice...........

The kitchen............a place not only to enjoy our food and treats but as soon as the table was
cleared..........it became a place to do homework; read the paper; make a craft; roll out cookie dough; or even throw a quilt over the top and it become a "fort" for small children to pretend for hours...................

As I was rinsing and then wiping down the counters one more time today ..........wringing out the dishrag and hanging the dishtowel to dry...........I looked back at the now quiet kitchen and
that same comfort came about...............

This was a place of comfort for me..........A place I enjoyed making something with my hands to
have others enjoy........A place where my granddaughter now would run giggling through going room to room or she may stand on a stool and and "pretend" wash her little dishes.............

My husband and I sometimes talk how we would have loved to have a small "cafe" where we would have served sandwiches; soup and muffins..........that was just a little dream we shared...
but as I think of it.......we do that now..........

We try and eat as a family each night. I also enjoy making my husband a simple breakfast each morning.....but even more..........many a time the front door opens and it brings forth someone at suppertime......we just add a little more and have them join us...........Not always a fancy with candle type of meal but a nice tablecloth; a plate of goodness and a nice chat..............

I can remember when our children were teens that my son would bring his friends around
and they would all plow into whatever I had for them.........cookies; muffins; breads; cinnamon rolls; biscuits and gravy..............filled the tables.............

Now as I grow a little older .......my meals become simpler...........but the "Cafe" is always open even if its lemon chicken; baked potatoes; steamed broccoli and some strawberries with whipped cream..................

I am thankful God gives us the desires of our heart........even if we dont think they are exactly how we thought they would be..........I remember going to school to become a teacher........
I never taught officially in a school but for many years taught our children everything I could; taught Sunday School for a time and then just taught young girls some simple tasks.......
He knew my heart............

Tomorrow morning when I start my coffee..........I will think of my "little cafe" and enjoy these moments.................

SPRINGTIME ALL AROUND THE HOUSE

EASTERS ON ITS WAY........SPIRNGTIME THIS AND THAT...

I love "Springtime" and all its glory.......Yesterday I took back some "towels" I had purchased in February and did not need to Target. This time I was able to purchase some pretty bright Spring green towels to brighten my foyer bath.....So fresh and pretty! This little box was given to me a few years back full of treats...I like the colors to brighten my foyer bath..... Springtime aprons..........I love aprons (thats a whole other blog :)...Just putting one on makes me want to bake and create................
I even enjoy bringing "Springtime" into my coffee mornings .....I have had this Starbucks Spring cup for a few years but bring it out to brighten my day...........
Welcome.......Eastertime to our home.........My granddaughter enjoys all the bunnies.........
My hubby bought home birdseed ; filled our feeders and we both watch and wait for the sweet birds to come and eat........We love seeing who wants our food!!!
I purchased one of the "cling Easter forms" to put in all my spaces of the front windows...... My granddaughter comes in the room to say " Eggs Eggs Eggs"...........Just knowing that brings her some joy makes me happy too!............

Isnt life just full of celebrations??? It seems every month there is something else to celebrate! Maybe you dont want to "mess with" decorating; thinking about the holidays: celebrating due to burdens; illnesses; financial setbacks...........but sometimes thats the only things that helps us to look up and find JOY! I remember someone telling a lady whos husband was dying of cancer in the hospital that she should "get up each day" ; look her best; put on that smile and be " a light" for him and for her ........When my hubby was in the hospital for his heart surgery I stayed day and night for many days....I "remembered" what that person said and would get up " find an empty restroom" where I could prepare myself by prayer; having a pretty clean outfit on; doing my hair nice; putting on some makeup and the smile..........

Was I being "fake"? I dont think so....I was actually making my own 'spirit" lifted to keep me keeping on............ Celebrations help us........they help others....they help us remember ...........How do you celebrate??

IN MY EASTER BONNET.........LA DA DA

IN MY EASTER BONNET .....................

This month will bring Easter .........I can remember as a young girl my mom
taking us out to Wassons Department store and purchasing new white shoes; pretty white socks;
and a nice Easter Dress...........along with a hat and gloves..........

We would buy eggs and a "colors kit" . Mom would give us a "wax crayon" we had and we would write everyones name on it that would be coming to dinner. That egg would be set next to
their plate.....Mom would use her huge silver pot to boil so many eggs!! Then we would spread newspaper out upon the table and "dip" our spoons into the colors and bring our beautiful eggs!

My mom would also take some of the eggs and display them in a bowl on the table with Easter grass to look pretty on that day.

We would go on an Easter Egg hunt later in the day with our baskets and I remember how it
felt as if I could go forever looking for each egg.

Mom would "plan" her Easter dinner of Ham, potato salad; relish tray; deviled eggs; rolls; baked beans; and a beautiful dessert..........This would be written in pencil and was a treasured list. To this day she writes a list and it is still in pencil.

The table would be set with a beautiful white lace cloth and her best dishes and side dishes.
There might be flowers or some other centerpiece. As the family grew larger they added a
"chidrens table" and then a "grandchildrens table". We would all kid and become excited when we were able to sit at the adult table for sure.

Everyone that came felt loved and cared about. Everyone had a job of some sorts and helped in our out of the kitchen . Everyone laughed and cares were set aside for that day....


But.........early Easter morning

We would attend our Easter sunrise service.....I remember as a young girl getting a plant to take home but never understood why??

I love Easter and all its glory but I love Jesus more and that He came to this earth; took away our sins ; and died for us on the cross . All He asks is for us to simply believe in Him.

All you have to know are 4 things.

1] Man is a sinner. Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

2] There is a price on sin, eternal death. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

3] Jesus paid that price on the cross. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

4] By faith in Christ we can be saved. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

HERE IS HOW YOU CALL UPON THE LORD

Do you admit that you are a sinner?

Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?

If you are sorry for your sins and would like for God to save your soul, just ask Him.

Dear Jesus,
Please forgive me of my sins. I trust you today, JESUS, and only You, to take me to HEAVEN when I die. Thank you for saving me.
Amen.

Just as you were born to your parents, you were born into Gods family.
I would love to have you leave a comment if you prayed this prayer.......so I can pray for you and rejoice with you.....

What a special Easter this will be.........

MY FRAGMENTED TREE..............

This past week my hubby and I got to enjoy our first day of warm weather and sat in our
rockers on the front porch enjoying the breeze and the birds.........

I looked up and could see the outline of two pear trees.........(these are usually small but very full little trees)........the bare branches (not yet sprouted) stood out against the blue blue sky.
I noticed one tree very FULL and lush.......then the other tree I noticed was partially dying and some of its branches had been caught by the wind and BROKEN..........

I looked at that tree and thought how FRAGMENTED that tree was . Grown but yet pieces that didnt fit anymore..........

Again......in my heart........I thought how I felt like that tree......Why?? I dont know but I think God wanted me to ponder on that........

This past winter had been a huge one. Tons of snow and cold. My husband had been ill off and on and I for some reason had some bouts of illness as well. This past week I had two teeth pulled and thought it would be a come and go thing...but it hung on with its might pulling my health weak at times.....

But.......the tree.........its Fragments..........a lesson would come.....

Sunday was a wonderful day and words spoken through our pastor strengthened and encouraged.......

God sees our Fragments.......He is there admiring His creation...........Some trees stand beautifully among the grasses......Some trees must be used for Him..........

I could see the birds singing and perched upon this little trees branches this morning.......
I saw my "granddaughter" tucked in the trees boughs laughing alot with her grandpa.....
I have seen green blooms in the summer with a shade to cast to cool those around it........

The FRAGMENTS make up each life. They make up my life. Sometimes broken. Sometimes weak but then strong.........I need the fragments. Others need them.

I now admire that "little pear tree"........I have seen it stand in the deep cold snow ( knowing that the water will quench it in the Spring)..........I have seen old dead branches removed ( knowing it will strengthen the tree)..............I have seen the "sonlight" bring life back to the little tree so while it stands it may be strong and useful for its purpose............

EASTER EGGS.........MAKING MEMORIES

EASTER EGGS IN ALL ITS COLORS.........

I have enjoyed the fun of "coloring eggs"when I was young. It was a tradition in our home.
Even when our son was first born my hubby and I boiled some eggs and sat him in his "pumpkin seat"and colored eggs for a basket........All the colors ; all the laughing made this a good memory many times........
We begin by boiling some fresh eggs.................Allow to cool. Purchase a "egg coloring
kit" or make your own. I usually buy it for a few dollars..... Then spread newspaper over table
take fresh cooled eggs and color......
** Tips ....may use paper cups to clean up mess fast. or for little children use a "Whisk" and insert egg in middle of whisk to prevent any from falling.......

You may even take the leftovers and make "heavenly stuffed eggs"............These are a delicious and wonderful treat...............


Heavenly Stuffed Eggs

3-6 boiled eggs peeled and rinsed
mayo
mustard
Paprika

. After boiling your eggs and allowing them to cool. ..Peel; rinse

. Slice each lengthwise then take out yolk and put in bowl.

. Smash up the egg yolk with fork. Add about 2-3 T of mayo or lite mayo

. Add a dash of mustard or more if needed. Mixture should be creamy but not overdone.

. Fill each half of egg white with mixture using a spoon or may use a pastry bag to be fancy.

. Sprinkle with Paprika for color and taste.