20 June 2011
While out watering the garden one night last week, I caught sight of the first lightning bug I’ve seen this year. I’m looking forward to watching their gentle flashes of light glittering over the fields – they add such a charming touch to summer evenings.
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything,
but only God who gives the growth.”
—1 Cor. 3:7
8 June 2011
To let go and trust – willingly, without a fight.
There is a peace that comes with trusting in the One who “knows all things” (1 John 3:20).
When I’m completely submitted to the Lord’s will and purpose, the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7) covers me and I’m engulfed in joyously watching the Lord’s hand at work.
Yet too often I try to control a situation, wanting my way in my timing. I am left anxiously worrying about whether or not things will happen according to my plan instead of soaking in the rich mercies and blessings of my Savior in His timing. And, before long, I’m exasperated.
The entirety of every situation is in God’s hands, no matter what I try to do. It’s when I, in foolishness, pretend that I can “handle” things that I’m lead to anxiety and worry.
Wholeheartedly in every circumstance I must, by the grace of God, trust and say,
“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
I know that His will is perfect, His grace sufficient, His peace surpasses all understanding. This is a thought too wonderful for me, but I know I must hold fast to it and trust.
“How wise should we be if, with joyful certainty, we accepted each unfolding of His will as a proof of His faithfulness and love!”
—Susannah Spurgeon
31 May 2011
Honor life. Embrace life. Love life.
“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
—Psalm 127:3
10 May 2011
They’re green. They’re fresh. And they’re nutrient-dense.
Do they taste good? “Yes. A thousand times—yes!”
No worries, though, the color threw me off at first, too. But once you’ve tasted a well-blended and balanced green smoothie, you’ll understand why these make it to the lunch table nearly every day.
Our trusty blender is a Vitamix (Blendtec works great, too).
What’s in a green smoothie?
To make four glasses of smoothie:
The Greens:
- Lots [see above picture] of Spinach (its sweet, takes out the zing of the kale)
- 2-3 leaves of Kale
- 1 handful of Cabbage
- a dash of water
The Fruits:
- 2 chunks Pineapple Core (not eatable because of hardness, but when blended is delectable)
- 2 Pears (home-grown organic – we have plenty in our freezers)
- 2 Bananas
Other: Apples, Grapes, Berries, Coconut meat, etc. (Occasionally added.)
Blend greens and water in a sturdy blender before adding fruit to avoid the possibility of finding leaf chunks. Throw in the the fruits, blend it all together until smooth, and pour it out into glasses… which, in our family, means Ball jars.
Many of the fruits we use are frozen, making the smoothies chilled and great for a warm day. (We like to stock up and preserve fruits when they are in season or on sale.)
The finished smoothie – with the right combination – is sweet and refreshing!
P.S. Monday was the first time we’ve used fresh greens from the garden in our smoothies. The spinach and kale are being planted every-so-often so that they have a longer harvest season.
25 April 2011
Wrap a little fabric and a strand of ribbon around a jar of homegrown flowers—and you’ll have an intentionally lovely table centerpiece or hospitality gift! (This array of spring beauties was made by one of my cousins for our grandparents at a family gathering.)
Simple touches like this add “a warmth of knowing that someone has taken thought and put some originality into preparing the place where food and conversation are going to be shared. It really does something which cannot be achieved otherwise.” (Hidden Art by Edith Schaeffer)
This is an easy and whimsical touch that adds “extra beauty” to any vase or jar!
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20 April 2011
“The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.”
—Isaiah 40:8
7 March 2011
A flower with its vibrant, created life shines from the garden. Its declaration of the might of its Maker can been seen, and it is picked to be brought indoors. Inside it still reflects the beauty, the wondrous beauty, as it drinks in the water from the glass. It brightens up the surroundings with its peaceful and cheerful face. [Continue reading...]
7 February 2011
Sweet Breezy with the snow letters landing ever-so-abundantly. It was beautiful, peaceful, simple. And yet each little snowflake, each tiny letter of Christ’s love, completely and wonderfully complex.
[Today (and every Monday in 2011, for that matter), you'll find me here. It's a new site with six photographers, each capturing life from a different angle... click here to visit Six Angles.]
