Flank Steak for Dinner Tonight

I received this recipe from an e-mail recipe exchange. The contributor is Gayle Servel. It looks so good I'm trying it this weekend. I'll let you know how many stars the boys give it ; )

Criss-cross diagonal shallow cuts on one side of flank steak (like 1-inch X's) to tenderize. Lay 5 strips of half-cooked, smoked bacon lengthwise on steak, then chopped parsley, salt and minced garlic. Roll like a jelly roll (tightly), secure with toothpicks. Broil or grill, then cut l - l 1/2 inch pinwheels. Easy and delicious, great for company. Enjoy!

35 More Days Until Christmas: Tip From Grandma Izzy

My Grandma Izzy always decorated her house with wonderful little scenes that made such an impression of what "Christmas" looked like in my little mind. There was a small village under the tree with a train that wove its way around the tree, a crèche with sweet little animals looking in, (some were plastic toy animals) also tinsel, lights and angels all around. She used whatever she had to embellish what she had saved over the years. The result was glorious.

Today we hear the mantra "recycle/re-use".. but Grandma did these things for the sake of being thrifty. For example, she would use Christmas cards from the previous year that were sent as large gift tags that decorated the box beautifully. She also re-used gift wrapping paper, wrapped gifts in oatmeal boxes, nut tins and cereal boxes. She even wrapped some gifts in tin foil, (it's shiny and pretty - why not?)

While surfing the blogs this morning I saw this card luminary and it reminded me of my Grandma. She would have enjoyed this idea...

Southern Living's Caramel Pecan Pie

Easy and Nummy!

Caramel-Pecan Pie

Prep: 20 min., Bake: 38 min., Cook: 7 min.

1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts
28 caramels
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
Chocolate-Dipped Pecans (optional)

Fit piecrust into a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions; fold edges under, and crimp. Prick bottom and sides of piecrust with a fork.

Bake piecrust at 400° for 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned; cool on wire rack.

Combine caramels, butter, and 1/4 cup water in large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, 5 to 7 minutes or until caramels and butter are melted; remove from heat.

Stir together sugar and next 3 ingredients. Stir into caramel mixture until thoroughly combined. Stir in pecans. Pour into prepared crust.

Bake pie at 400° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°, and bake 20 more minutes, shielding edges of crust with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove pie to a wire rack to cool. Top with Chocolate-Dipped Pecans, if desired.

Yield: Makes 8 servings

Great Christmas Time Sites

www.buymommade.org

This is a great spot to shop for Christmas gifts. Order now to ensure proper planning time on wrapping and presentation.

www.tipjunkie.com

I receive an e-mail from them every day and I'm amazed at how often it serves a door to my inner-creative woman. I LOVE it! Right now you can download a free Christmas organizer to help you get through the season with more good memories than frayed and frustrated ones.

http://www.knoxvilletennessee.com/christmas/stories/

GREAT Christmas stories. One idea for this year is to start a Christmas story book of your own for your family. Every year, take a 'new to you' story, or perhaps a favorite old one. Read it to the kids, let them create pictures for the story, and then add it to a binder that you store with your Christmas ornaments. You can also add a summary of each Christmas with pictures and thgouths of the season. After the years go by and the kids have grown, you will have a treasure to give back to them as you copy the collection and gift it to their families.

http://www.joyfulheart.com/

This is a great site to encourage and inspire, to anchor your heart and spirit to the true meaning of Christmas.

What to blog, What to blog?

As a blogger, I often experience, and hear, how blogging every day can be a challenge. Writer's block affects more than columnists and reporters, but here are five top-tempting-tips to snap you out of your funk and into some fun:

1. QUOTABLE QUOTES

"Magic is a bridge," he said at last, "a bridge that allows you to walk from the visible world over into the invisible, and to learn lessons of both those worlds." -From Brida by Paulo Coelho

Write about one of your favorite quotes from precious people. For inspiration see this website: http://www.famousquotes.me.uk/famouspeoplequotes.htm

2. BOOK REVIEW

Write a review on a book you have just read, a book that is recommended to you as pertaining to your particular interests or one of your all time favorites.

3. LATEST NEWS

Opinion piece: As news unfolds before you, what do you think about today’s events, findings or an actors or actresses plight? Can you pepper it a bit with some facts or something juicy?

4. LIFE LESSONS

Borrow from your own past to inspire or encourage others. Describe an event and how it changed or made an impression in your life.

5. INSPIRERS

Check out famous folks who had, (or has) a birthday today. Do any of them have traits pertinent to your particular blog? If your blog is about art, write on an artist. If your blog is a self-help site write about a person who displayed the kind of character necessary to inspire your followers. Have fun!

Fresh Apple Cake

FRESH APPLE CAKE

In the late 19th century apples came to Aptos, California. After so many of the trees were cut and sent to help rebuild San Francisco after the infamous fires of 1906, the large trees were replaced with apple trees. The industry was Aptos' strength during the 20th century and is still a corner-stone of our beautiful landscape as you drive through Aptos hills.

In celebration, here's a wonderful Fresh Apple Cake Recipe:

Mix together:

2 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. nutmeg

Whisk together and Add:

3 large eggs

1 c. melted butter

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 t. vanilla extract

Stir in:

3 c. chopped apples

1/2 c. raisins, chopped

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Grease and flour a bundt cake pan. Bake cake for an hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before removing cake from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Dust cake with powdered sugar. Keep wrapped in plastic to keep for a few days.

So, who is walking on turf and who is walking on grass?

When Pelosi came out with the "Turfgrass" statement I was so insulted.

Now, there may be some guys out there on a mission, but overall the "House", and it's members, should respect the fact that the whole country is NOT backing them on the democrats unclear, scatter-brained rendition of a health care bill for reformation.

Does anyone understand it? Really understand and know what's in it? NO!

The democrats are planning a multi-million dollar media campaign to help convince the American people that their plan is a good one. Hmmm.

Note to Democrats: Someone HAS to read the bill before they spend millions - especially when our country is in debt to the tunes of Trillions... (how many pennies makes a trillion anyway?)

My mom lives in Chico. She and a couple of friends went to listen to her Congressman Wally Herger, speak on the health care bill. What she got was a lesson on how the democrats plan to convince Americans that this is a good idea....

"We went to hear Wally Herger speak on the new health care bill. Most of the audience agreed with him, but there were a few rabblerousers in the crowd, and walking around outside bearing signs. He even got a standing ovation. When some one was asking a question that was way out in left field or totally backing Obama's bill, Wally just told them it is a free country and you are entitled to your opinion. Then the local newspaper came out with a picture of Herger on the front page with a big caption "Wally Herger Lies".

So... who is walking on turf and who is walking on grass?

1 Thessalonians 5:23

May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

As I was reading from my "thought for the day" book entitled "Breaking Free day by day", by Beth Moore I came across a piece of text that gave me an epiphany. Look at what Beth says as to this verse:

What a relief to know that we'll never battle anything out of God's jurisdiction. He can just as easily defeat His opposition on Mt. Carmel as He can on Mt. Zion. It's all his turf.

The same is true in regard to our own battlegrounds. God created us to be whole creatures made of three different components: body, soul and spirit. So as long as we see God as Lord of our spirits alone, we will continue to live in areas of defeat.

God is as surely the Lord of our souls and bodies as He is of our spirits.

My thought from this was, "how do you 'sanctify' then your complete self?"... I guess one day at a time. What a way to start the morning!

Julie and Julia - adorable!

" Being tall is an advantage, especially in business. People will always remember you. And if you're in a crowd, you'll always have some clean air to breathe." - Julia Child

Who could neglect their blog the day after seeing "Julie and Julia"? It was thoughtful, funny, and most of all inspirational.

What inspired me the most was Julia Child's attitude in contrast to Julie's. Julie, is a disenchanted young lady who wanted at one time to be a writer. Having failed at her one attempt, she has spent close to 10 years working at one meaningless job after another, and never finding satisfaction with anything. She is easily defeated by her own negative attitude. Julia Child on the other hand would never admit defeat.

Julia faced each challenge with a flair of competition, not just with others, but with herself. When negative things happened to her she simply found it to be her next challenge, never a defeat. Her positive spirit smoothed the rough edges of her experiences and added joy to her blessings.

However, when Julie refuses to let the real Julia Child's opinion overshadow her hard work, Julie finds the "Julia" within her, and inspires us as well.

It just goes to show, life cannot get bring us down if our attitude is up...

Now, how do you make "Boeuf-Bourguignon"? Oh, here we go, and "Bon Appetit!"

http://www.recipezaar.com/Boeuf-Bourguignon-a-La-Julia-Child-148007

"The Mercy Seller", by Vantrease

Vantrease builds a well-woven storyline in "The Mercy Seller". She handles the intrigue and conflict that arose during the birth years of the Reformation with compassion and insight. She has not written a "Christian" book, but she has allowed her characters to be who they are - Catholic, Christian, deists, etc., and I loved it.

It was a "can't put down" book - a rare find. She tangles a Catholic priest, diligent toward his duties of selling indulgences to those in need of forgiveness, with a beautiful scribe intent on sharing the word of God to others in their own language. Their beliefs are shaken, their confidences disturbed, but what separates them eventually binds them with an undeniable passion.

Swedish Pancakes

When the boys were young, we went skiing with a Swedish family that we just adored. We hated to see them move back home a year later, but we enjoyed them while we had them. We often remember that trip and talk about the fun we had, the sense of humor that electrified our group. My boys will still ask me, "can you make those pancakes that Tor's mom made?" 

Well, here's a recipe that comes close. I am only missing an ingredient: The Lind family to enjoy them with. 

Swedish Pancakes

Whip together: 2 eggs, 1 cup milk and 1/3 c. melted butter.

Add: 1 c. flour; 2 t. sugar and a big pinch of salt

Beat until smooth. Cook by 1/4 c. for each pancake. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Homeschool Summer School - give your child MORE

http://www.ehow.com/how_4845821_child-this-summer-educational-edge.html

This is a link to an article I wrote for enriching your child's education this summer. I'll blog from time to time during the summer to share about our progress here with our soon-to-be 7th grader. 

Just finished Reading... Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, by Fannie Flagg

Fannie Flagg's books are like down home southern cooking, delicious, filling and made with love. Her greatest gift is creating characters you can fall in love with, laugh with and feel a connection to similar to your best friend back home. When I ordered her latest book, Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, I was quite entertained, I laughed out loud and eventually put flesh and bone to her characters, but I did hit one disappointment. 

While the characters are just as friendly and welcoming as ever, Fannie's story went flat as her concept of heaven reflected more about Fannie than it did a typical American bible-belt town. 

Fannie obviously believes that heaven is whatever you want it to be, and that you should just live out your days and don't worry about your eternal life, it will all work out just fine. Her new-age theology was a bit irritating to me.

I would still recommend the book, but am simply giving a "reader beware" statement. You'll love Aunt Elner! But keep in mind, Fannie's heaven is not the heaven of the bible, and her new-age theology may give comfort to those who have an irritating itch when it comes to thinking of eternity, but I believe her salve is more injurious than helpful when it comes to this topic.

Lessons of Old Hymns

Try to describe "yearning". Try to define "providence". Try to teach a young mind what a thirsty soul feels like. How do you describe what only life and experience can wrought. 

There is a language, some would say a spiritual language, found in music that speaks directly to the soul, unlike verbal expression. The combination of this language with spiritual truths defines worship and is found beautifully in old hymns.

Old hymns move me, defining emotions and giving words to thoughts and feelings. I recently bought an old hymn book, dated 1937, on Amazon. My $5.37 investment has blessed my heart immensely. I love reading these hymns, many that I've never heard before. 

Here is one from a 1650 Scottish Psalter:

My thirsty soul longs ardently, 

Yea, faints Thy courts to see; 

My very heart and flesh cry out, 

O living God, for Thee.

Here's another written for children:

Christ watches me, His little lamb, cares for me day and night,

That I may be his own in heaven: So angels clad in white

Shall sing their "Glory, glory", For my sake in the height.

And when trials come, this beautiful late 18th century hymn is poignant:

Should thy mercy send me Sorrow, toil and woe,

Or should pain attend me on my path below,

Grant that I may never Fail thy hand to see;

Grant that I may ever cast my care on thee.

When my last hour cometh, fraught with strife and pain,

When my dust returneth to the dust again,

On thy truth relying, thro that mortal strife; 

Jesus, take me dying, to eternal life. 

Salty Salt

There's a saying I don't hear very often, but it was popular amongst my grandparents' peers. They would describe someone as the "salt of the earth". They were usually referring to someone who was consistently about the Lord's business, sweet natured and amiable. 

In Matthew, Christ calls us to be salt to the world. People of His, who give the world flavor, bring out the best in others. They are giving, humble, spiritually attractive and enhance the desireable while never taking credit for themselves. 

He warns us against losing our saltiness. Salt was created for a purpose, just as we have been created for a purpose. We all have different "flavors", but we're all instrumentally important to God's overall, eternal plan. 

It's important to know your gifts, your God-given abilities so you can play your part in God's ultimate plan f0r others as well as for yourself. My "saltiness" comes from my relationship to others and my creative gifts. I pray I use these gifts wisely and never hide behind a false modesty or any amount of pride. These gifts are what makes me a "salty-salt". 

What makes you salty? 

My Prayer Chicks

In Proverbs 18:24 it says, "A woman of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a sister". (Chick translation)

These are my sisters. They are the ones I call when times get tough, when I don't have the answers or when I just need to tell somebody the exciting news. They are not fair-weathered friends, for they have accompanied me through a variety of storms, some just windy days, some catostrophic. 

I can relate to the Proverbial woman who has too many "friends". They are the shallow connections we make that serve as investments to our own sense of successful socializing. But a true friend that sticks closer than a sister doesn't care about how you look, how much money you make or whether your zip code is impressive. A true sister is the one who tells you the truth, questions your intentions and hugs tight on you when everyone else is letting go. 

My prayer chicks are true sisters. We have been meeting for over 14 years. We have prayed over pregnancies, held hands through tragedies, laughed together, cried together, swapped clothes, swapped kids, visited hospitals, patched up eachothers kids, prayed for husbands, and blessed eachother in a myriad of ways. 

I am looking forward to growing old with them, going to their children's weddings, holding their hands at funerals, celebrating with them for their golden anniversaries, being there when the next one hears the "C" word, wearing purple together and taking trips to "somewhere warm". 

Love you ladies, and thanks for Blessing me real good!

Some things are funny... 'til milk comes out your nose.

I know that "All Scripture ...is profitable....that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17, however, I think I would be better equipped if I knew what made Jesus laugh. I'm sure there's "sinful" laughing, but what's appropriate for a child of God?

I'm confident that Jesus laughed. I don't mean giggled, I mean full-belly-hurting-rib-clenching-hardy-har-har-milk-out-your-nose laugh, but Peter and Paul don't tell us about it. 

We know He cried, He slept, He ate fish and made good wine, but we don't read anywhere what made him laugh. Peter must have made Jesus laugh, he was funny! "I'll never let you wash my feet Lord..... well, when you put it that way, how about my whole body?".... "I'll never deny you... cockadoodledooo"! He was the first one with his hands up, lips puckered with his "oooh! oooh! oooh! Pick me!" attitude. I love him. 

This is one of the hundred questions I intend to ask my Jesus about. What makes Him laugh? His answer will probably be.... me. 

Book Review for "In Search of Eden", by Linda Nichols

With man, the things that are painful, unbearable, are left to harden and decay, rarely resulting in anything good. But with God all things are possible. Miranda discovers the truth of this in a heart-lifting story of Grace and mercy. At the age of 16 Miranda gives birth to her baby. It is quickly taken from her and she is left with a yearning that lasts for years. While searching for her baby she discovers herself and finally comes face to face with the Hound of Heaven. 

Neighbors

Like most folks, we have two neighbors, one to our left, the other to our right. On our left are the Townsend's. With four children and a backyard with a huge trampoline, the spontaneous outbursts of giggling, screams and joy reverberate refreshingly over the fence. However, to our right is a mystery family. 

We have lived here almost 5 months and I couldn't tell you what the folks to our right look like. So, today I am going to be a "Southern Texan" and take some brown sugar pound cake over to them.

When Jesus asked us to love our neighbors as ourselves I guess He figured we could identify them. I'd best get on that...

Book Review for "Sufficient Grace", by Darnell Arnoult

Disappointed. 

It's the kind of disappointment that comes from licking a tootsie roll and finding no center. There were some moments of enjoyment in the sugar coating, but the quintessential chewy-chocolate-goodness was missing. 

Arnoult weaves a wonderful tale, builds a few characters that are very likeable and fills it out with good old southern charm. My human nature liked it, however my Spiritual nature was left searching for substance. 

The characters' spiritual life completely lacks formation, mixing myth with Christianity, reflecting the author's misunderstanding of a Christian worldview. For example, a few of her main characters mix the world of fairies with Christ, and the author doesn't resolve this for them at any point or time. 

The fundamental issue in the story deals with mental illness, but the author leaves her protagonist as confused, alone and sick as we originally found her, perhaps more so. Furthermore, her characters, while they describe themselves as bible-believers, have no qualm about having sex outside of marriage. Again, the author does not resolve this in any spiritual way. Her characters feel unabashed and they suffer no consequences by it. Having developed her story in the heart of the bible belt, and having described her tale as spiritual, I expected more traditional values. 

This isn't about grace, it's about making excuses, letting go of substance and expecting none in return. 

Very disappointing. 

Celebrating Life

Yesterday I attended a baby shower for my niece. I watched her as she opened gifts with the awe that governs mothers as they anticipate their unseen child.  I watched and wondered the usual things. Will the baby be healthy? What color eyes will she have? Will she be tall like her mama or petite like her auntie. I can only imagine the possibilities, but the things I pray most for her are not external. 

I pray she sees her life full of blessings and doesn't harbor the skepticism that kills dreams and erases hope. I pray she sees Gods hand as it works in her life as an exciting adventure and not as an intrusive power beyond her desired control. I pray she has a sense of belonging and being loved beyond the circumstances that govern other peoples behaviors and emotional contradictions. I also pray that I might be a better cheerleader than I was for her mama. 

In the chaos of raising my own children I'm afraid I have not been the kind of aunt I always thought I would be. I don't know about all of her "firsts", or what she hoped for, feared or dreamed about. I prayed for her, but I didn't live much out with her. 

I guess that is why babies give us so much to celebrate. They are a new opportunity to love and be loved, and maybe this time we'll do it better than we did before. I want to know Gabriella's first word, make a fuss when she falls down or giggle with my niece at her first brain freeze. I've heard it told that babies are God's way of saying that He's not finished with us yet. He brings us new opportunities to love along with all the challenges we face to live. 

Dieu est bon, Tojours.

How to Write your Own Love Story

I wrote this for Ehow.com. It was so much fun I thought I'd share it here as well. 

Valentine's Day is just weeks away. Want to have something memorable to give the love of your life? How about a love story based on your own relationship? You'll both enjoy the re-telling and your story may become a favorite for generations to come.

Step 1: Characters in any love story consist of two protagonists, and perhaps a few antagonists. Were there any individuals who opposed your getting together? Perhaps an old love, or a prospective one who tangled up your plans for a bit? Also include key secondary characters such as parents, siblings and friends.

 

Step 2: Plotting out your love story is a fun exercise to re-visit as you recall your first dates, first kiss, first phone calls and the first time you met the parents. Make sure your key events are shared with the humor, sensitivity and wonderment of your then budding romance.

 

Step 3: No story is complete without a conflict. What was the greatest challenge the two of you dealt with? Conflicts arise due to loose strings from previous relationships, confused feelings, misunderstandings or perhaps children, religion or politics. There may have been more than one, but whatever they are, no matter how many, share them within the story.

 

Step 4: Resolution comes when the conflict is resolved. Often times in a relationship it is the epiphany that occurs when your sense of attachment is stronger than any fear you may have over the conflict. For example, the moment when you realize he is really listening to you, your heart, and for the first time you feel the connection of truly sharing your soul with another human being.

 

Step 5: Share your “happy ever after” ending. If it hasn’t happened yet, perhaps this is where you start to dream, (or hint), of how it all comes together for the two of you.

 

Step 6: I like to call the extra’s in a story the seasonings. A little salt, (wisdom), a little pepper, (spice) or a little sugar, (humor) adds a lot to any story. My idea of Salt usually comes in the form of poignant quotes. For example, C.S. Lewis once said, “We read to know that we are not alone”. He was, of course referring to that sense of finding the other half of yourself in another. Spice and Sugar comes from your individual stories and intense emotions of passion, elation and infatuation.

 

Step 7: Give your love story a fitting title.  Mine would be entitled, “Falling on the Stairs” since I first saw my husband while I was ascending and he was descending a flight of stairs. Right under the title is a great place to put the quote you found. It helps to set the mood for the reading. 

Ryan Cook Died

The first time I saw Ryan Cook I was struck by his all-American look. He wore a collared knit shirt, wore his hair short and looked a bit like a young Affleck. His folks built a house behind ours to be next door to their grandparents. We were glad to call them our neighbors. 

Ryan's folks put in tireless hours in support of local sport groups. We would often see Ryan riding his four-wheeler to the lake, or his brother, "Cookie" alongside him. Over the years we knew Ryan had gotten in a bit of trouble, sometimes deep trouble, but we believed in him, that somewhere down the line he'd turn it all around. 

Saturday night his line ended. 

The police don't have any suspects, but they have stated they believe it was drug or gang related. 

We grieve for Ryan's folks, his brother, his family and his friends. But we are also reminded of the great need for compassion. It seems so easy to leave the troubles of others on their doorstep. It's too late now for us to reach out to him, to love on him and maybe let him know, a little louder, that God had a plan for his life, and maybe show him the way toward it. 

To look back and know we could have been the hands and feet of Christ leaves us grieving not only for Ryan, but for ourselves. I'm once again reminded that there's nothing worse than a whoopin' from the Lord. 

Nick's small college business - great T-shirts and sweatshirt designs

For those of you who would like to see a deeper side of Nick, our son attending UCSD... go to this website: http://www.passeisanempire.com/passeisanempire/nick.html 

This website was designed for two purposes: 1) Display artwork and creativity; and 2) Sell a merchandise line developed by these talented artists. Nick is a poet, so you can read some of his work. It's at times a bit dark, but as he says he usually writes while going through difficult times. The clothing line is small, but has some terrific designs built on quality materials.

While writing this blog entry I realized it was quite long, going into extensive details of the numerous wonders of my son. However, then I realized, "I am SUCH a mom!" So I cut all that bragging out. 

Resolutions

The word "Resolution" is defined as: Determination, Strong Will

I have a distinct fear of failure. That's why New Year Resolutions frighten me. I've tried in the past to lose 20 pounds or exercise daily, only to find myself wallowing in the pit of overwhelming defeat. But this year, I'm facing my fears and making only two distinct resolutions for the year. 

My first resolution is too private to share here, but one I'm committed entirely to. My second one I feel just as passionate about. I am determined to make better, purposeful choices daily. 

It could be a healthier meal, a casual conversation with one of my sons about the ways of God, or perhaps a sweet note to my husband reminding him of the reasons I love him so. I think of the possibilities as these positive choices accumulate over the year. 

My husband, sons and daughter are my most precious blessings. As I look at the next two years our lives will inevitably change. We will have Sunny continuing in her new-birthed career, 3 in college and our baby-bird Nemo facing the high school years. What do I want to leave my three collegiates with? What impression of life do I want them to have as they leave these hallowed doors of home? 

 We've had so many changes this year. We join the majority of those feeling the financial hardships of the future. We've left our home of 4 years in Texas, our Southern friends and continue to miss them. We have a new home, new schools, new careers. These changes and these hardships can bring about the best, or the worst. Our attitudes are the rutters and our faith is our compass.