LEARNING..........YOUR NEVER TOO OLD

LEARNING.........YOUR NEVER TOO OLD


I can remember as a young girl learning to ride a bike; learning to jump a rope; learning to play hopscotch; and learning to read a book......

Our pastor has encouraged us to keep learning. If your are going through something in your life that you don't seem to understand ; do as much as you can to find out about that subject.
That is sooo wise. At our church they handed out a "read through the Bible" pamphlet in January.
It is a daily devotional that helps you to read and learn each day. I have learned more in my Bible these past few years that any other times in my life and for that I am thankful.

I have always considered myself a slow learner. I mean I may have to read something over a few times in order to understand it fully. I have two or three books that I am reading at the moment. When my husband became a diabetic I had to really study on the subject; learn how to give shots; and how to make good appealing meals for him.

At the young age of 52 ; I have read many good Christian books on marriage; child rearing; diet and nutrition; biographies; decorating and colors; and other subjects I have needed.

I go to a church that has a large bookstore; a ladies magazine that is put out each month; or I have gone to blogs such as "Ladies of Grace" and sought her selection of many good books.

I know you are never too old to learn. In fact, if you think you know it all you probably don't!

I can sit by my mom of a young 89 and learn new things...determination; strength; adapting; or love. My husband did a printing business for a long time. I never knew anything about printing but now I know the weight of the paper; the type of ink or color you may want to use; the time put in it; how to run the machines; put binding and books together; and about how much it will cost you. My sisters and sister in law have taught me how to decorate; make a beautiful buffet and other fun ideas. My son taught me how to start a blog and my daughter is still teaching me ways to run it.

I can remember as a young wife an older lady teaching me how to do the laundry better by sorting the clothes by colors; and how to hang them on the clothesline to make enough room and so they wouldnt wrinkle as much ( I know that was the old days ha ha). Many have taught me and I have in turn taught young women how to cook meals; organize; and do other household duties.

You can NEVER stop learning....................

What are you baffled about? Is it your children? Your finances? Your illness or family members illness? Your depression? Your weight? Your home? Your lack of education?
Many many things........

Instead of putting in your thinking.........No one cares or no one ever taught me that.... ask God to help you find a way via a book; a friend; or even a blog and LEARN!

HIS WAYS ARE PERFECT....

HIS WAYS ARE PERFECT...........
My youngest daughter finished her schooling about a month ago for a nursing profession. Now she has found a nice job caring for others.

I have always prayed for my children that they would do Gods will and purpose for their lives and that they would love God with all their heart and soul and minds! I have to admit when they were young I had many many ideas of what God would do with each of their lives by what I saw in their personalities. But............God has His purpose and His design for each of us!

My husband and I tried to teach them right and wrong. We tried to teach them to obey; honor and respect others. We tried to teach them to work hard. We tried to teach them to love God and His word and seek His will. They went to a Christian school ( my husband sacrificed many a time to make sure this was possible); were involved in their church; school; youth groups and home.
We all worked together many many times over the years whether a project at home; with a camp; a banquet at church or other projects. We didn't wonder about it we just joined in and did it!

My daughter had many health problems when she was younger. This stunted her self confidence a little but we just kept loving her and pushing her along. She attended a Christian college for a while in which she learned many good things but then decided to help my husband with his business for the next couple of years. What a good; hard worker she was. Never complaining; but helping her dad and who ever needed help. Many long hours she spent working her job. She also kept busy in her Sunday School class by printing the class paper.

When she wasn't working she was helping others. She always has had compassion and strength.
She had strength and beauty as it may............Soon after my husband had a heart attack our business took a turn. Eventually we had to close down that part of our lives and once again we were praying for His will and timing. God opened up the doors ....and she walked through this time of her life to help others! I have no doubt that at this time God will use her to bless many lives through her hard work and beauty of compassion..........I am proud of her endurance and love her so very much.
I do not know what may be next in her days ...... I am proud of all of my grown children and know not my ways my " His ways are perfect!"

A BIT OF SUNSHINE AND ROMAN STYLE CHICKEN

ROMAN STYLE CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS: * THIS IS THE RECIPE I COOKED FOR
FOR MY HUSBAND THIS WEEK. I ALTERED
IT A LITTLE AND IT WAS GREAT!

• 4 skinless chicken breast halves, with ribs
• 2 skinless chicken thighs, with bones
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus 1 teaspoon
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus 1 teaspoon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 ounces prosciutto, chopped ( I used bacon)
  
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Directions

Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a heavy, large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, cook the chicken until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Keeping the same pan over medium heat, add the peppers and prosciutto and cook until the peppers have browned and the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, , and herbs. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan, add the stock, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 to 30 minutes.

If serving immediately, add the parsley. Stir to combine and serve. If making ahead of time, transfer the chicken and sauce to a storage container, cool, and refrigerate. The next day, reheat the chicken to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the parsley and serve.

WHAT TO DO ON A COLD JANUARY DAY...THIS AND THAT

THE WINDS HAVE BEEN ICY COLD HERE
AND THE WHITE FLUFFY SNOW CONTINUES
TO FALL DAILY BUT....EARLY IN THE MORNING
A NICE CUP OF HOT CHOCOLATE IN MY CUP
FROM MY SWEET MOTHER IN LAW MAKES
FOR A NICE DAY...
NEXT..I TOOK CHICKEN OUT OF THE FREEZER
TO THAW IN PREPARATION FOR A DELICIOUS
CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE DISH FOR DINNER
THAT EVENING....



I SLICED UP 2 RED AND 2 YELLOW PEPPERS.
THE LORD GAVE ME THESE THIS WEEK FOR
.99 FOR FOUR. THEY USUALLY RUN $3.99 LB.
I THEN DICED UP SOME GARLIC CLOVES.
I ADDED ABOUT 3 OUNCES OF BACON.
THE HOUSE WAS SMELLING GOOD......
DICED TOMATOES AND CHICKEN BROTH
PUT IT ALL TOGETHER WITH THE BROWNED
CHICKEN AND MY HUSBAND LOVED IT....
ESPECIALLY THE SAUCE IT MADE OVER
BROWN RICE.........
I HAVE BEEN FINISHING MY VALENTINES...
EACH IS UNIQUE .................
ITS SO RELAXING......
I TRY TO THINK OF WHOM I AM GIVING
EACH CARD AND THEIR PERSONALITY...
I ALSO DID SOME SPECIAL CARDS FOR
FRIENDS IN NEED............

I PRAY YOU ARE HAVING A WONDERFUL WEEK...........ITS STILL WINTER HERE AND COLD COLD DAYS..........

I DID MAKE A NICE DISH FOR DINNER MY HUSBAND LOVED. I KNOW HE ENJOYS VEGETABLES AND I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING DIFFERENT RECIPES THAT MIGHT FILL THIS NEED. I ALSO WANT TO HAVE GOOD FLAVOR AND MAKE IT LOOK APPEALING. THIS SEEMED TO CARE FOR BOTH......

I ALSO HAVE BEEN FINISHING MY VALENTINE CARDS. I HAVE A HARD TIME JUST SETTLING IN AND WORKING ON MY CARDS. BUT......I CARED FOR MY OTHERS THINGS THAT NEEDED DONE AND MADE A SLOT OF TIME FOR THIS. IT MAY SOUND CRAZY...BUT ITS RELAXING TO ME. I PUT ON SOME NICE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AND TOOK ALL MY THINGS OUT ON MY TABLE TO WORK ON THE CARDS. THERE IS NO PATTERN TO THESE BUT I WORK WITH WHAT I HAVE FOUND OR BEEN GIVEN.
I END UP WITH THE COLORS I LOVE ALL AROUND THE TABLE....PINKS; APPLE GREENS; ROSE; REDS; CHOCOLATE BROWNS; AND YELLOWS......... I THEN GET BUSY AND MAKE MY LITTLE CREATION TO GIVE AWAY TO SOMEONE I CARE FOR....

I DONT SEW ( BUT HEMS AND AN OCCASIONAL BUTTON) BUT I LOVE TO WALK INTO A FABRIC STORE AND SEE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL COLORS OF MATERIAL! I CAN IMAGINE THAT SOMEONE WHO IS CREATIVE IN THIS WAY CREATES HER GOODS IN THE FORM OF FABRIC....

WE ARE ALL CREATIVE IN SOME WAY......SOME WITH NUMBERS; SOME WITH COOKING; SOME WITH FABRIC; SOME WITH SELLING; SOME WITH SPEAKING; SOME WITH WRITING; SOME WITH TEACHING.........

FIND WHAT YOU DO BEST AND GIVE IT YOUR ALL!!!!

VALENTINES AROUND THE HOUSE...THIS AND THAT

I HAVE BEEN PUTTING TOUCHES OF
VALENTINES DAY ALL THROUGH THE
HOUSE. I MADE A FEW CARDS TO SEND..
ANOTHER CARD... I LOVE PINK AT
VALENTINES DAY....
ANOTHER CARD....THE "RED" SPARKLES
BUT YOU CANNOT TELL IN PICTURE..
I FOUND THESE FUN VALENTINES BAGS
A FEW MONTHS AGO FOR .50 AT A THRIFT
STORE AND SHREDDING FOR BAGS FOR .25
I TOOK DOWN THE "LET IT SNOW SIGN"
AND PUT UP THIS ONE ( BUT ITS STILL
SNOWING!
SOME PRETTY SOAPS IN A VALENTINE
DISH TO ENJOY....
MY KITCHEN TABLE PLACEMENTS..
MY VALENTINE DININGROOM PLACEMATS


I have enjoyed just decorating a few places for Valentines Day all through the house. It makes it so cheery! I have to cut out some little hearts for each pane in my front window. I looked at those Valentine clings and they always seem to fall off when they get cold . Does anyone else have that happen. So I thought I would purchase a poster board in pink or red and cut out some little hearts and put those in my windows. That would only cost about .50 for a whole window!

I plan on getting my Valentine cookie cutter out soon and making some cookies to give away to my loved ones far away and to some "others" for fun!

There are so many people out there that need our love and just to know they are special.
What will you be doing for Valentines Day?

LOOKING INSIDE..........OURSELVES

"LOOKING INSIDE ....OURSELVES"


I really like Mondays! It always seems like a new beginning to me.... I guess its because it comes after Sunday. Sundays are great days where you can go with your cup empty and come out with it full and overflowing. It seems like all the sermons preached I have needed!

Its a renewal of my spirit to be able to go another week through the obstacle course of life!
We might want everything to run smoothly in our lives but we would never learn the lessons to be taught if we didnt run the course. In the later part of my life, I have learned to ask God to show me His lesson in my struggles. What does He want me to learn?

Just as our baby granddaughter struggles learning to stand up and walk there are many times she falls down. She might cry and stay sitting for a few minutes and even look up for our help but we smile and tell her "You can do it" and in a moments time she is up and wobbly as it may take "one step at a time" until she is walking again across the floor. Someday soon, she will be running across the floor. After a while she will be climbing upon a swing at the playground and sliding down the slide. All by herself!!! God says to me: " Come on you can do it...........One step at a time" and soon I may glide through my life onto another. And after my struggles. After my lessons learned. I can someday help another by taking a hand and telling them " Lets try and take a few steps...."You did it!" "You did it".........Oh you fell? Thats ok "Lets try again"......

Looking inside is not always easy..........Are we fretting about this and that and having so much to do? " Simple. "Do less". Are we worried about others and their lives and what they are doing?
Simple. Concern yourself with what God needs you to do. .....

I love Mondays........they are a new beginning and come each week? For some...Mondays are a day full of woe. They are tired. They are weary. They dont know where to start. For those I say...Start with one thing and then " Do The Next Thing" and the next...... ( my good friend Mrs.
Fink taught me this and I love it!)......and before you know it the "Sun is shining again deep in your heart"...........

What will you do with this new beginning?

COMING SOON..........VALENTINES COOKIES

VALENTINES COOKIES............

Its not even February yet and I am talking about Valentine Cookies. But...its basically a one day holiday so I have had it on my mind. Cookies are a easy treat to bake and give so here
are a few recipes to try............

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla and mix until smooth. Sift together the flour and baking powder and stir into the creamed mixture alternating with the heavy cream. Cover the dough and chill for 2 to 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until bottoms and edges of cookies are light brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire racks. Makes approx. 4 dozen cookies.

Sugar Cookie Icing

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tsp milk
2 tsp light corn syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla or almond extract
food coloring

Combine the sugar and milk until smooth, then add the corn syrup and extract until the icing becomes stiff. Add more sugar to thicken or more milk to thin. Divide into separate bowls and tint with food coloring. Let dry at least an hour before stacking.

You may use this little recipe or "Mama's Fold Over Cookies" which is on my sidebar. This recipe is basically a shortbread cookie and can be used also for many many cut out cookies.

Have a blessed weekend!............