He got his reward.
August 30, 2010
Patiently waiting for the completion of a photo shoot, Bently stood a few feet away watching the scenery and taking in the smells of the great outdoors.
After the photo shoot was finished, he realized what was actually on the plate being photographed . . . and he also realized that the contents were edible . . . and rather scrumptious looking.
For his endurance and patience while waiting, he got his reward.
P.S. No worries, he ate just a few small bites.
Many places to visit . . .
August 14, 2010
. . . and many things to learn that can be found between the covers of books.
There is something very refreshing and satisfying about sitting down with a good book to read and study. With a long list of books to read, as well as a good deal of research to do, we will be enjoying many books over the next few weeks.
A book that I have been reading is “Beloved Bride” by Bill Potter. It is a collection of letters from General “Stonewall” Jackson to his wife, Mary Anna, with snippets about their life sprinkled throughout.
After the death of his first wife and their baby, General Jackson wrote the following in a letter to his sister, which is a wonderful example and depiction of his trust in the Lord:
“I have been called to pass through the deep waters of affliction, but all has been satisfied. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord. It is his will that my Dearest wife and child should no longer abide with me, and as it is his holy will, I am perfectly reconciled to the sad bereavement, though I deeply mourn my loss.
“Oh! The consolations of religion! I can willingly submit to anything if God strengthens me. I have joy in knowing that God withholds no good things from them that love and keep his commandments. And he will overrule this Sad, Sad bereavement for good.“
What good books you have been reading lately?
What’s for breakfast?
July 28, 2010
These wonderfully delicious cakes! You can get the recipe for the best pancakes here.
Summertime
July 19, 2010
Warm weather is not always my cup of tea, but there are plenty of summer-y things that make up for the temperatures. For example . . .
fireflies lighting up the surrounding fields at night,
sweet watermelons, {and fond memories of} juicy messes and sticky fingers,
a large patch of Black-Eyed Susans,
campfires at night, while roasting marshmallows and sharing stories,
buzzing bumble bees,
walking on sandy beaches and feeling the sand between my toes, and
stunning sunsets that fill me with awe of our Creator.
Those are just a few of the things that remind me of summer, and make me thankful for this warm season. What are your favorite things about summer?
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
July 14, 2010
Cookies. Chocolate. Peanut butter.
All together in one perfect little cookie. These are the best cookies I have ever had – with a couple others falling in at a close second and third.
If it hadn’t been for eating gluten-free, we probably would never have found the best chocolate chip cookie recipe . . . and believe me – even though they’re free of gluten – these taste wonderfully normal (and even better)!
With no further ado (expect to say “Thank you!” to Kate, who has graciously let me post a slightly altered version of her recipe on my blog), here is the recipe . . .
The Best Chocolate Chip + Peanut Butter Cookies
BAKE: 9 minutes at 325° | YIELD: Two Dozen | NOTE: They’re gluten-free!
Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups Gluten-Free Flour blend
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine the brown sugar, peanut butter and butter in the bowl of your mixer. Beat until fluffy – about 3 – 4 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fluffy – about two minutes.
Dump in the dry ingredients (all but the chocolate chips) and mix until combined and smooth. Add chocolate chips. Mix until well distributed.
Form into balls (we use a 1″ scoop) and place on parchment paper about 2 inches apart.
Bake at 325°F for 9 minutes or until the top becomes slightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 3-4 minutes on the cookie pan before lifting gently with a spatula to the cooling rack. Store in an airtight container.
Note: To use whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour in substitute for
the gluten-free flour blend (making it non-gluten-free), you can
use the same amount for the replacement. (Thanks, Katie, for the tip!)
These taste wonderful! I hope you enjoy them!
A Day at the Beach with Jack {the dog}
July 10, 2010
Jack is a part of the dear Devine family, who we visited last week. While we were there, we went to Indiana Dunes for the first time – it was breathtaking!
Beautiful Places
July 3, 2010
There are some places that leave me in awe. Some places that reflect beauty in ways that I could not have imagined on my own. Some places that just make me smile at the creativity of our Creator. And some places that I’ll never forget.
If you were to replace “places” with “people” in the above sentences, it would all still be true.
We are continually surrounded by things that impact our lives: people, births, deaths, landscapes, walls, etc. And the things we do ourselves impact those around us: sowing, smiling, reaping, building, encouraging, weeping, creating, sharing, understanding, etc.
There is a ripple effect that we have on the people and the things surrounding us.
Just like the beautiful scene above had an impact on me, you have an impact on those around you – whether you realize it or not.
When we do something, it not only changes our lives, but it also shapes the lives of others, and sometimes it does so without us ever even realizing it. We are being watched by younger siblings, parents, peers, strangers, etc.
What do they see you doing that will have an impact on their lives?
The Walls Reflect
June 26, 2010
Imagine the furnished living room of a home.
The lamps seem to brighten the rooms in the cool of the evening as the sun sets, adding a comforting warmth. The furniture well-worn, having the look of being well loved. The family China cabinet holds what appears to be precious dishes used for the most special occasions.
The end-table next to the sofa is noticeably hand-carved, as it could be seen that great care was given in the composing of its every detail. A writing desk in the corner has an unfinished letter on it, and in the writing of a child the beginning reads, “Dear Grandma.”
Four filled bookshelves cover one wall, suggesting a love of learning. On the other walls are found family pictures, paintings of virtuous men and women, embroideries of Scripture.
What does this room tell you?
What things do you imagine happen each day in the life of the family living in this home? How do you picture their outlook on life? What do you believe is important to them?
The things found and seen in this room reflect the daily life of the family who lives at the described dwelling. Their worldview can be found when searched for, and the things they hold dear are evident in the furnishings and surroundings alone.
Which leads me to a question we all should ponder,
If the rooms of your home were frozen in time, what would your living room
say about your family and what is important to you?
While living the life my Lord has blessed me with, I am at home with my family enjoying being a daughter, homemaker and artist. My highest goal is to give glory to God and enjoy Him forever. It is He that has saved me with His amazing grace and is continually molding me; to Him I owe everything. Read more . . .
