Antjie

Antjie

Thursday 31 October 2013

Tears...


Tears are lenses through which our dim eyes see more deeply into heaven and look more fully upon God’s face than in any other way.

Words of Wisdom for Woman


Images: © 2009 Sue Chastain and Darleen Araujo

Words of Wisdom: 
Nothing is Too Hard for God

Words of Wisdom:
Don't be afraid to talk to God every single day. Nothing is too hard for Him. Every prayer is like planting a seed of hope. You never know when God will send you a harvest.

John 15:16
You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you (I have planted you), that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting (that it may remain, abide), so that whatever you ask the Father in My name (as presenting all that I AM), He may give it to you. (Amplified Bible)

Royal Blue Velvet Cake!!!


Prep Time: 30 min 
Total Time: 1 hr 35 min 
Servings: 16 

Ingredients:  Cake

  • 1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix 
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk 
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil 
  • eggs 
  • tablespoon unsweetened baking cocoa 
  • teaspoons royal blue paste food color 
  • toothpickful violet paste food color
Frosting:
  • 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme 
  • cup butter or margarine, softened 
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar 
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions:
  1. Heat oven to 325°F. Grease and lightly flour bottoms and sides of three 8-inch round cake pans, or spray with baking spray with flour. 
  2. In large bowl, beat cake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed about 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. 
  3. Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake 22 to 27 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched in center. Cool 15 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely. 
  4. Spoon marshmallow creme into large microwavable bowl; microwave uncovered on High 15 to 20 seconds to soften. Add butter. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and salt until smooth. 
  5. If necessary, trim rounded tops of 2 cake layers to flatten before assembling. Place 1 cake layer, top side down, on serving plate; spread with about 1/3 cup frosting. Top with second layer, top side down; spread with about 1/3 cup frosting. Top with untrimmed cake layer, top side up. Frost side and top of cake with remaining frosting. Store loosely covered. 
Expert Tips:  
  • To get the royal blue velvet color, remember the toothpickful of violet paste food color; if forgotten, the cake will bake up turquoise in color.

  • Use paste food color to achieve the royal blue velvet color. If you use liquid or gel food color, your cake color will vary.

  • To make candy garnish, line cookie sheet with foil, and spray with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, stir together 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup and 1/4 cup water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves; heat to boiling. Without stirring, heat to 300°F to 310°F, or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads. Remove from heat and stir in desired amount blue food color. Pour onto cookie sheet in random design. Let cool, and break into pieces. Garnish cake with candy pieces as desired.

New Beginnings,,,

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Lovely dress for a lovely little girl

Mouthwatering Deep Fried Cadbury Eggs

by Ashton 39 Comments


Deep Fried Cadbury Eggs Recipe:
Ingredients:

  • 12 Mini Cadbury Cream Eggs
  • Approx. 4 c. vegetable or other oil for frying
  • 3/4 c. flour, divided
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
Heat oil over medium heat in a small sauce pan on stove until ready for frying (about 375ยบ or 10 minutes).
Mix together 1/2 c. flour, baking soda, salt, milk, vinegar, and oil.
Unwrap Cadbury Eggs.
Place 1/4 c. flour in a small bowl. Coat each of the eggs in the flour.
Insert a toothpick* into one end of an egg. Dip it into the batter, tap excess off into bowl.
Dip egg into the oil for a few seconds, holding the toothpick, before dropping the entire egg (and toothpick) into the oil.
Using a slatted wooden spoon, rotate the egg so all sides are evenly fried to a golden brown. Use slatted spoon to remove onto paper towel layers for cooling.
Repeat with all eggs. I suggest removing the saucepan from the heat for a minute in between each frying (just while you’re preparing the egg) to prevent the oil getting too hot. If it gets too hot, it will burn the outside, but you’ll have an unmelted and dough-y inside.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.

*You don’t have to use the toothpick– I just think it’s easier!

31 Ways to Pray for Our Children...



A list of 31 ways that we can pray for our children along with scripture verses to guide us in truth. That's one for every day of the month! 

Pray that you parent your children with patience and persistence. Ask God for wisdom in discipline.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. ~ James 1:19, NIV 

While your children are growing, pray often for their salvation, as the prophet Isaiah wrote,
Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. ~ Isaiah 45:8 

Give children age appropriate responsibilities, praying that they will learn the value of stewardship. Teach them to appreciate all that we have as a gift from the Lord.
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity. ~ Titus 2:7, ESV 


Pray against the influence of peer pressure.
Ask God to help you in developing your child’s unique character and purpose.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ~ Ephesians 6:11&12, NIV 

Pray that God will help your child to speak wisely and bridle her tongue that it might be used effectively.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ~ Ephesians 4:29, NIV

Pray that your child will see the value and importance of modesty. That they may represent themselves as holy and acceptable servants of the Lord.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4, NIV

Pray that you guide your children toward a healthy level of self-esteem. Not an attitude that is driven by pride, but by who he is in Jesus Christ.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:13&14, NIV

Pray that your children are compassionate and charitable. That they desire to live beyond themselves.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ~ Colossians 3:12-14

Pray asking that your children will have a heart to please God, and walk in His ways. As the Psalmist wrote:
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ~ Psalm 19:10, NIV

Pray over your children when they are sleeping. Place your hopes and dreams for their future in the hands of our Lord.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jermiah 29:11, NIV
Start a prayer journal with your children so that you can guide them and teach them the power of prayer. 

Pray together as a family often.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

Pray with a heart of gratitude for the little things that go unnoticed. The way that her arms feel when she gives you a hug, the smile he gives you each morning as you approach his crib, the way it feels when he grabs your hand…
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV 


Read the Bible together and pray about the lessons therein that God might strengthen you as a spiritual leader.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. ~ Psalm 119:11, KJV
Pray that your child will value family connections.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. ~ James 1:27, NIV

Pray for ways that you might communicate Biblical principles to your child. And that your child will accept the Word of God as applicable for today.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. ~ 2 Peter 1:20-21, NIV

Pray that the time you share with your children will be of great value. That they might learn spiritual and life lessons from you.
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6, NIV

Pray that your children will have a desire and see the importance of attending church. That they would desire to assemble together and work as one with the body of Christ.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:24&25, KJV

Pray that they will cherish the golden rule. That they would be willing to lend a hand when help is needed and to treat others with love and respect.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. ~ Matthew 7:12, NIV

Pray that your children would recognize the glory of God, and the hand of their Creator in the world around them.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. ~ Psalm 19:1&2, NIV
Pray that your children will find their joy in the Lord. That they will learn to be thankful in all things, choosing joy over sorrow.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV
Pray that you will be an example of love and kindness to your children. An example that reflects the love of Jesus in all that you do.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ~ Luke 6:38, NIV
Pray that your children understand the love of God toward mankind in that He gave His only begotten Son to die that we might be saved.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:16, KJV
Pray for a heart of purity in growing children. That they will stand strong against temptation and lust. That she might see her body as the temple of the Holy Ghost and present it as holy and acceptable to the Lord.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me ~ Psalm 51:10
Pray that your child isn’t drawn in by the deceitfulness of money, but lives in such a way that he might attain an eternal reward.

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. ~ 1 Timothy 6:8&9, KJV
Pray with thanksgiving for the blessings He has bestowed on you through your child.

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. ~ Psalm 100:3&4, KJV
Pray for the spiritual welfare of your children with your spouse or a friend.

Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. ~ Matthew 18:18-20, NIV
Enlighten your children to the world around them by supporting missions and teaching them that there is a world both hungry for food and hungry for God. Pray that they will have a heart for missions.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ ~ Matthew 25:34-36, NIV
Pray that your children will grow strong in their faith as they adhere to the word of God.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ~ Romans 10:17, KJV
Pray that your child will develop and meek and quiet spirit.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ~ Ephesians 4:1-3, NIV
Pray that your child will develop a hunger for the Word of God and the wisdom to understand it.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ~ 2 Timothy 2:15, NIV
Pray that your children will grow in respect, submitting to those who are placed in positions of authority.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ~ 1 Peter 2:13&14, NIV

You are loved by an almighty God,
by:  Darlene Schacht

Words of Wisdom for Woman


Images: © 2009 Sue Chastain and Darleen Araujo

Words of Wisdom: 
God's Will Fulfills Our Dreams
Words of Wisdom:
Don't forget that God has filled your heart with dreams. When you choose God's path to those dreams, the doors will open. God wants you to be happy more than you do.

John 5:30
I am able to do nothing from Myself (independently, of my own accord-but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders). Even as I hear, I judge (I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to me, so I give a decision), and my judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult my own will, (I have no desire to do what is pleasing to myself, my own aim, my own purpose), but only the will and pleasure of the Father who sent me. (Amplified Bible)

Have a nice Day!

Tuesday 29 October 2013

"Waiting on the Wind" by Bob Perks

Perks Pearl of Wisdom
"There are things to do and plenty of excuses not to do them. But why would you undermine your own happiness? Do all it takes, for as long as it takes and you will never regret it."
Bob Perks


"Waiting on the wind"
by Bob Perks

It wouldn't take much for them to take flight.
They were waiting on the wind and the wind wasn't
cooperating at all. So they just hung there.

I tried grabbing a few and it was like I set the 
whole bunch free. They scattered every where.

I took the ones I had in hand and mixed them in the soil
in the small garden in front of my green house.

No guarantee they will grow, but I gave them a chance.

Sometimes we wait. Sometimes we think we can't move
on without the help of someone else. Sounds good, but
when you put your future in the hands of others you 
give up control. 

Like waiting on the wind.

Each seed in this plant can only grow to be one thing. It 
cannot fall and turn into a pumpkin. It cannot drift away
and become a mighty oak. 

We are not seeds. We are not dependent on perfect conditions
to grow. We can adjust, change plans, and make something
out of nothing if we have to.

When our plans and dreams turn to seed we can't just stand
there hoping that they will land in just the right spot.
We must gather them and plant them ourselves.

No guarantee they will grow, but we must give them a 
chance.

It may be smart, too, to save a few for the next growing season.

You can't cast them all and pray that they will prosper.

Mathew 13 3-8
"3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer  went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop-a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

In time, not earthly seasons, we all go through stages, seasons
of our own making. We are the farmer of our dreams. We must plant, 
nurture and feed, harvest and reinvest the seed within the time 
frame right for us.

Wait for no one like the seed waits on the wind. 

Share the bounty of your harvest with others whose season has not
come and your store house will never be empty.

Plan for the next planting and store away the fruits of your labor
for those times when the harvest may be lean.

Yes, God has plans for your life, but he isn't going to live it 
for you. 

You must work the plan, sow the seeds and share the harvest.

"Waiting on the wind," is for flying kites.

"I believe in you!"

13 Evidence-Based Medicanal Properties of Coconut Oil



While coconut oil has dragged itself out of the muck of vast misrepresentation over the past few years, it still rarely gets the appreciation it truly deserves. Not just a “good” saturated fat, coconut oil is an exceptional healing agent as well, with loads of useful health applications.
Some examples of “good” saturated fat include 

Fat-burning: Ironic, isn’t it? A saturated fat which can accelerate the loss of midsection fat (the most dangerous kind). Well, there are now two solid, human studies showing just two tablespoons a day (30 ml), in both men and women, is capable of REDUCING BELLY FAT within 1-3 months. 

Brain-Boosting: A now famous study, published in 2006 in the journalNeurobiology of Aging, showed that the administration of medium chain triglycerides (most plentifully found in coconut oil) in 20 subjects with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment, resulted in significant increases in ketone bodies (within only 90 minutes after treatment) associated with measurable cognitive improvement in those with less severe cognitive dysfunction.[I] 

Clearing Head Lice: When combined with anise spray, coconut oil was found to be superior to the insecticide permethrin (.43%).[II

Healing Wounds: COCONUT HAS BEEN USED FOR WOUND HEALING since time immemorial. Three of the identified mechanisms behind these healing effects are its ability to accelerate re-epithelialization, improve antioxidant enzyme activity, and stimulate higher collagen cross-linking within the tissue being repaired.[III] Coconut oil has even been shown to work synergistically with traditional treatments, such as silver sulphadizine, to speed burn wound recovery.[IV] 

NSAID Alternative: Coconut oil has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and fever-reducing properties.[V] 

Anti-Ulcer Activity: Interestingly, coconut milk (which includes coconut oil components), has been shown to be as effective as the conventional drug sucralfate as an NSAID-associated anti-ulcer agent.[VI] 

Anti-Fungal: In 2004, 52 isolates of Candida species were exposed to coconut oil. The most notorious form, Candida albicans, was found to have the highest susceptibility. Researchers remarked: “Coconut oil should be used in the treatment of fungal infections in view of emerging drug-resistant Candida species.”[VII] 

Testosterone-Booster: Coconut oil was found to reduce oxidative stress in the testes of rats, resulting in significantly higher levels of testosterone.[VIII] 

Reducing Swollen Prostate: Coconut oil has been found to reduce testosterone-induced benign prostate growth in rats.[IX] 

Improving Blood Lipids: Coconut oil consistently IMPROVES THE LDL:HDL RATIO in the blood of those who consume it. Given this effect, coconut oil can nolonger be dismissed for being ‘that saturated fat which clogs the arteries.’ 

Fat-Soluble Nutrient Absorption: Coconut oil was recently found to be superior to safflower oil in enhancing tomato carotenoid absorption.[X] 

Bone Health: Coconut oil has been shown to reduce oxidative stress within the bone, which may prevent structural damage in osteoporotic bone.[XI][
Note: OSTEOPOROSIS IS A MYTH, as presently defined by the T-Score] 

Sunscreen: Coconut oil has been shown to block out UV rays by 30%. Keep in mind that this is good, insofar as UVA rays are damaging to the skin, whereas UVB rays are highly beneficial (when exposure is moderate).[I] Make sure to check this list of other SUN-BLOCKING OILS.
read more:

Words of Wisdom for Woman


Images: © 2009 Sue Chastain and Darleen Araujo

Words of Wisdom: 
God's Will is Worth the Wait
Words of Wisdom:
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to wait for God to show you what's next in your life. But just know that God is never late and it's always worth the wait.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courageand faint. (Amplified Bible)

Good Morning to You too....

Have A Blessed Day!

Monday 28 October 2013

Good night and sweet dreams....

Awesome Bookmarks & Cards

Paul encouraged us to renew our minds with the truth when he said, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8.

We offer these free printable bookmarks as a daily reminder to you of God’s truth! You can download them as pdf files and print them off yourself.

Identity Bookmark
Understanding who we are is crucial to victorious Christian living. Here is a bookmark that lists who God says we are as Christians. We can never be reminded enough of the new identity God has give us through Christ.
download pdf (384 KB)

Forgiveness Bookmark
Forgiveness is crucial to healthy relationships. Even though we don't want to, we sin against one another every day. Understanding how to truly forgive is a big step in healing from past hurts. This bookmark offers one path to forgiveness.
download pdf (376 KB)

Letter From Father
Sometimes it is easy to get mired in our circumstances and feelings, and we forget how our Heavenly Father really thinks about us. Here is truth from the scriptures formulated into a letter from God. Print it out and post it on your refrigerator.
download pdf (1.1 MB)

Set Your Mind
Philippians 4:8 says "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Here is a simple analogy designed as a card to help you think about what you are tuning into on your mental radio. Print it out and use it as a reminder to set your mind on Life.
download pdf (1.3 MB)

Emotions
God created us in His image. Part of that image includes feeling and expressing emotions. It’s good to know what we feel. They point out what we believe to be true about God, others and ourselves at a particular moment in time. Here is a card designed to encourage you to use your emotions as tool to look into your beliefs. Print it out and use it as encouragement to set your mind on truth.
download pdf (932 KB)*

Cheese and Beer Bread


It's the perfect accompaniment for a hearty soup or stew, and it also makes great sandwiches. Best of all, it's a cinch to put together. There's no rising or kneading required, but it still has a similar quality to yeast bread because of the beer.

I made this bread to serve with soup on one cold, rainy evening.

Cheese and Beer Bread Recipe:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 can beer (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp butter, divided
How to:
Preheat oven to 375F. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cheese, onion powder and garlic powder. Pour in beer slowly and stir together until combined. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan. Drizzle with 1 tbsp melted butter. Bake for 35 minutes. Drizzle with another tbsp of melted butter. Bake for an additional 25 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and finish cooling on rack.

How to make Date Balls...



You can use Rice Crispies, Marie biscuits or Amaretto bits.  You can make it in a pan and cut into slices or roll up the batter into balls and then rolling it in coconut OR go more decadent and chocolate dip it. 

Here is the basic recipe
Ingredients:

  • 250g Butter or Margarine
  • 250 ml Sugar
  • 500g pitted Dates - finely sliced
  • 1 egg, well beaten
  • 200g Marie biscuits into pieces
  • coconut
How to:
Melt sugar and butter over low heat, the mixture shouldn't brown. Add dades and egg and stir well so that egg evenly interfere. Add biscuits and mix well.
Remove from heat and pour mixture into a greased pan 23 x 23 cm. Smoothed down with a knife. Sprinkle coconut on top and let cool. Cut into squares and enjoy.

TIP: The Marie biscuits can be replaced with Rice Krispies. Add enough Rice Krispies. Roll the mixture into balls. Roll the balls in the coconut

Friendship never Grows old...


Wise words written by a 90 year old woman!

This is something we should all read at least once a week! 
Make sure you read to the end!
“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I’ve ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
  1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
  2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
  3. Life is too short – enjoy it..
  4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.
  5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
  6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
  7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
  8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
  9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
  10. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
  11. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
  12. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
  13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it…
  14. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
  15. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.
  16. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
  17. It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.
  18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
  19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special 
  20. occasion. Today is special.
  21. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
  22. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
  23. The most important sex organ is the brain.
  24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
  25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’
  26. Always choose life.
  27. Forgive but don’t forget.
  28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
  29. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
  30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
  31. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does..
  32. Believe in miracles.
  33. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
  34. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
  35. Your children get only one childhood.
  36. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
  37. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
  38. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
  39. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.
  40. The best is yet to come…
  41. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
  42. Yield.
  43. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

Wise Words written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio.

Words of Wisdom for Woman


Images: © 2009 Sue Chastain and Darleen Araujo

Words of Wisdom: 
Teach True Love Through Respect

Words of Wisdom:
One of the best things you can do for your children is to love and respect their father. Teaching kids early about real love is an amazing gift they will treasure forever.
Ephesians 5:5
Be imitators of God (copy Him and follow His example), as well-beloved children (imitate their father). (Amplified Bible)

Thursday 24 October 2013

10 Funny Quotes for Dog Lovers and Crazy Cat People


I resent it that some refer to me as a “crazy cat lady” because I own four felines, while those who own the same number of canines are called “dog lovers.” But I’ll set aside my resentment for a minute to share a fun list of 10 quotes regarding dog lovers and cat people. 
  1. Cats are smarter than dogs. You can’t get eight cats to pull a sled through snow. –Jeff Valdez
  2. Dogs come when they’re called. Cats take a message and get back to you. –Mary Bly
  3. I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals. –Winston Churchill
  4. I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven’t got the guts to bite people themselves. –August Steindberg
  5. Never sit with a cat in your lap when your wife turns on the vaccuum cleaner. –John Small
  6. People that hate cats will come back as mice in their next life. –Faith Resnick
  7. Dogs do not use computers. They can’t stick their heads out of Windows 98. –Unknown
  8. A cat isn’t fussy, so long as you bring her milk in the shallow, rose-patterened saucer and fish on the blue plate. From which she will take it and eat it off the floor. –Arthur Bridges
  9. I have a great dog. She’s half lab, half pit bull. A good combination. Sure, she might bite my leg off, but she’ll bring it back to me. –Jimi Celeste
  10. If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them. –Phil Pastoret
Are you a dog lover, a crazy cat person, or both?

Baked Breakfast Egg Cups!


I can't tell you how much we love eggs around here.  We love them fried, poached, boiled, scrambled, baked and in an omelet. I think they are one of the world's most perfect foods. In fact, I myself could probably live without meat using eggs as my protein source.
Now I don't mean to brag, but I can make a mean, mean breakfast. It is my absolute favorite meal of the day to make, and I serve up the best of the best around here. 
This summer I intend on sharing more of our favorite egg dishes with you. Some people are afraid of eggs. That's just not necessary!

This egg dish is one I like to make for the boys. It takes 2 minutes to whip up and throw in the oven, but I feel like I'm serving them a nutritious breakfast on a busy morning.


Baked Egg Cups Recipe:  (serves 2)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/8 c. milk or half & half
  • 1 T. salsa
  • 2 T. cheddar cheese
  • 1 T. fresh chopped chives
  • 1 T. parmesan cheese
  • salt/pepper to taste
How to:
Grease 2 muffin pan cups. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Beat the eggs and milk. Add in the chives, cheddar, salsa and salt/pepper. Pour mixture into prepared cups. Sprinkle with parmesan. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until eggs are fluffy and set.

**When I serve these, I sometimes pour pure maple syrup over the top. Delicious!
         

Words of Wisdom for Woman



Images: © 2009 Sue Chastain and Darleen Araujo

Words of Wisdom: 
Be an Example of Forgiveness


Words of Wisdom:
Women will always be examples of right living to their children. Showing your kids what forgiveness looks like will always be one of your most important examples.

Colossians 3:13

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has (freely) forgiven you, so must you also forgive. (Amplified Bible)

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Good Nite!

Words of Wisdom for Woman

Images: © 2009 Sue Chastain and Darleen Araujo 


Words of Wisdom: 
Don't Let Fear Be Your Guide 


Words of Wisdom: 
Don't let fear be the reason for your decisions. Instead, fill your heart and mind with positive, life affirming words that will never change. Look to God's Word.  

2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. (Amplified Bible)

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake!


Chocolate Chip Cheesecake:  
*Preheat oven to 325 degrees
For the Crust Combine:

  • 1-1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 c. baking cocoa
  • 1/3 c. granulated sugar
  • 1/3 c. melted butter
Mix well with a fork and press into the bottom of a 9" springform pan that's been sprayed and lined with parchment paper. (I used this silicone baking pan because I was using my springform pan for the other cheesecake and wanted to see how this worked. I was impressed!):


Next, in a large mixing bowl, beat:
  • 3-8 oz. pkgs. softened cream cheese until smooth (start with all your ingredients room temp for best results!)
Add to this:
  • 3 eggs, one at a time, beating just until blended after each. 
  • Also add 3 t. vanilla extract
In a small bowl mix:
  • 1 c. miniature chocolate chips
  • 1 T. all-purpose flour: 


Stir the chips into the cream cheese batter and then into prepared pan. Then top this with 1/2 c. more of miniature chocolate chips:


It's best if you have your cakepan/springform pan sitting on a large cookie sheet so it's easier to handle later. Bake for 1 hour. Shut the oven off and leave sitting in the oven for another hour to cool and prevent cracking. Cool to room temp, and then refrigerate for several hours. Garnish as desired and enjoy this yummy dessert!

Why Yelling at your children?


I yell at her to obey. To stop whining. To quit bugging her brother. To be the example. When I yell, I see her spirit is crushed and I instantly feel guilty. When I yell at her I'm squelching the opportunity to connect our hearts... to win hers.I want to learn to respond, not react. Ya know? Do you find yourself reacting to your children's disobedience rather than responding? Reacting is full of emotion and happens without careful thought. Responding stops and thinks first. It takes purposeful thinking about that little soul and how you want the heart changed, not the behavior. Yeah... it's super hard. The mommy-discipline. For we must talk softly, sweetly, and slowly... and always with love. This will win their heart.

Before my daughter got on the bus this morning I yelled at her, was harsh, and just plain nasty. This evening I spent the night teaching her how to ride her bike. Just as I am typing this post my daughter looked at me and said, "Mommy, I'm glad we hung out together tonight." You see, your child needs YOU. They need you to be present and kind and available. I'm learning too, sweet Mama. 


So remember:1) Be kind with your speech.

2) Be sweet with your actions.

3) Don't react; respond.

4) Don't ever yell at your children; it crushes their spirit.

5) Spend quality time with them.

6) Show them Christ's love. Each moment is a chance to show them His grace.

7) Seek to win their heart; not just change their behavior.

by:  Traci Michele

Words of Wisdom for Women


Images: © 2009 Sue Chastain and Darleen Araujo
Words of Wisdom: 

Give God Your Worries

Words of Wisdom:

As a woman, you are not automatically assigned the job of "chief worrier." Instead, fill your heart with trust, hope, and God's peace. You'll sleep so much better at night. 

Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater (in quality) than food, and the body (far above and more excellent) than clothing? (Amplified Bible)

Good Morning!