Friday, November 30, 2012

Turkey Squares

Turkey Casserole
courtesy photobucket.com

The left over turkey from Thanksgiving needed to be used up.  A few days prior I had made Turkey Croquettes which we enjoyed very much.  They were fried, so I wanted to make a version that could be baked. 

This recipe is similar to the croquettes, except everything is inside.  For this adaptation I would be using the chopped onion because it is for just Robert and me and we like onions. 

If you have at least four (4) cups of turkey use this recipe.  I cut it in half because all I had was two cups of left over turkey.  I had another cutting of chard, so we enjoyed fresh chard with our turkey.  There was some left over which was our lunch for the next day.

Turkey Squares

6 T butter
6 T flour
2 cups milk
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 small onion chopped

Make a white sauce with the butter, flour and milk remove from heat and add the bouillon cubes and the chopped onion.  Allow the onion to sit in the hot sauce and gently absorb the heat.

Add:

4 cups chopped left over cooked turkey or chicken
1 cup stuffing mix  (Give it a toss in the food processor)
1/4 cup dried parsley
4 large eggs
Salt and pepper taste.  (I left out the salt as the bouillon cubes are salty.

Mix well and pour into a 9 x 12 glass baking pan.  Sprinkle paprika on top for garnish

Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.  Cut into squares and enjoy.  Freeze any that is left over for another day.

This post has been entered in Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays
 Do visit Ann's lovely site and view other interesting recipes. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Remembering Grandpa


Image courtesy photobucket.com
 
My Grandpa on my dad’s side was big and tall. 
 
Before he retired, he had been a wood cutter and he still boasted large muscles and broad shoulders.

Grandpa loved to read the wild western novels, and he named his 12 children after some of the characters in the stories.  When I knew him, he still read those books and magazines about the cowboys, Indians, and cattle rustlers.
 
Grandpa liked lots of air when he slept, so on their screened in back porch they set up his and Grandma's bed.  I remember taking my nap time there.

Winkie was the name of his big orange cat that always climbed onto his shoulders.  Grandpa would not allow me to pet his cat, because Winkie only loved Grandpa; and would hiss and try to scratch anyone who came too close.

My Grandparents had lived in Tennessee when most of their 12 children were born. 
 
Some time later they decided to move to California where my Uncle Jim had purchased a tidy house in town for them to live in.   My dad and his youngest sisters lived there too and finished high school

When Grandma lived in Tennessee, she dipped snuff, but when she realized the ladies in California did not do such things, she quit and that was that.   
 
Someone once said to BREAK a bad habit, just DROP it. 

My Grandpa chewed tobacco and spit into a coffee can, and he was not about to give up his good ol’ chew.   

Honestly to me it was disgusting as the juice would sometimes roll down his chin.

Grandpa would use the tobacco juice for cuts, and once he put some on me when I was stung by a bee.

One time on a visit to my grandparents, grandpa asked me to walk with him to town.  Not owning a car, he put on his straw hat, and we walked to the store where he would carry back the groceries in large paper bags. 

On this day, he had me select small pints of ice cream so everyone could have a special treat that afternoon.  He even let me carry the ice cream home.

One thing about my Grandpa was that he loved me, and he had a heart of Gold.

I don’t know how Jesus felt about Grandpa’s chewing tobacco, but I can only hope Jesus was looking at Grandpa’s heart.


This post is shared at:  “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
 This post is also linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday
 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Alpha and the Omega


Alpha and the Omega
courtesy photobucket.com
 
Revelations 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Gleaning from Pastor Jerry’s sermon as he ministered and proclaimed that today is; “Christ the King Sunday”

It is the last Sunday in ordinary time before Advent begins next week.

The ending, and the beginning.  An ending often comes before the new can begin.

Christ the King Sunday was declared by Pope in 1925.   Seven years prior the armistice was signed on November 11th ending World War I.

Approaching was the depression, failure of banks and the stock market.  There seemed to be no ending of terror and atrocities.

What do American Christians do?  We elect Presidents and Leaders but we do not elect a King.  Yet we are interested in Royalty, their weddings, births and their scandals.

Much of our literature has to do with British royalty, Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses.  Ideally we can relate to monarchy, and “Happily ever After” stories.

However they are not a model for Christ the King.  Our divine Jesus came not to exploit his followers but to serve and to save the lost. 

Jesus gave us two signposts: 

1.  In the Beatitudes, to go the second mile - - A powerful way of silent resistance.
2.  That He was the Alpha and the Omega – The beginning and the end.

Jesus was a threat to the Jewish leaders and they wanted to do away with him.

When Pilot asked Jesus if he was a king, Jesus replied, “you say I am a king, but my kingdom is not of this world.”

No other has ever been a just ruler, not even famous King David or King Solomon, who both failed at times.

Today we view the end of one season and the beginning of another. 

Spiritually we can experience new beginnings daily. 

Jesus came not to be served, but to be a servant.  May we go forth and do likewise.

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

 

Friday, November 23, 2012

Turkey Croquettes


First Four Hot Croquettes
photo by Hazel
 
Our son, Steve and his youngest boy Max came for an after Thanksgiving visit.  We had plenty of left over turkey from yesterday, so I decided to fix an old favorite for dinner.

Friday after Thanksgiving, most people who cooked a turkey will have some left over.   

My favorite recipe takes time, Swiss Turkey Enchiladas, and you might enjoy viewing it at: Turkey Day NOT.  This is a delicious meal and it is excellent to freeze the extra ones.

But today I will share something a bit more simple and we always enjoyed this turkey left over version.

Steve does not like onions so I left out the onions.  I had just picked some fresh chard from our garden, so we served it and some mashed potatoes with the Croquettes.

Today I left out the salt, and celery salt.  They were seasoned nicely because of the stuffing mix that I crushed had seasoning and herbs in it.

Enjoy!

CROQUETTES (Poultry, Fish or other meat)

3 T butter
1/4 cup flour
1 cup milk
 
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp celery salt
1/2 cup onion chopped
2 cups chopped turkey or other meat. 
 
Soda crackers crushed place in a pan   (I used stuffing mix chopped in processor)
1 egg beaten with 2 T of milk in another pan.

Make a white sauce in a pan using the butter, flour and milk.  Add onion, seasons, meat and mix well.  Chill, then shape into 10 patties.  Dip in bread mix, then in egg, then in crumbs.  Fry in hot oil until brown on both sides, Drain on paper towel.  Place on cookie sheet and into oven on low until all the croquettes are done.  Serve Hot.
 

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   
Do visit her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

What a Difference a Day Makes


Drive Way All Clear!  Thanks Neighbor Bob
 
Yesterday's Fallen Tree Blocking our Driveway


Early this Thanksgiving morning, our good neighbor Bob came over with his saw, and he and Robert worked for a couple hours cutting up our fallen tree into wood stove size pieces. 

Then our neighbor transported the wood into his pickup truck, and he will then deliver the wood to the family in need of warmth for their home. 

Not wanting to leave our driveway a mess, our Christian neighbor, then brought over his machine that quickly takes care of the leaves and debris and our driveway is now spanking clean.

The large bush size part of the tree, they left and Robert will burn it soon when it is burn day.

So on this Thanksgiving Day, we have much to be thankful for.
 
To list a few - - Good Neighbors, a beloved family and friends, fairly good health, good food, and of course our dogs.
 

 
 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Wind, Rain and an Old Tree


 

 
Fallen Oak Tree (and Luke)
photo by Hazel
During the night that was full of wind and rain, one of our Oak trees could take it no longer.

Down it went blocking part of our driveway.  This morning, all our dogs, were interested, but Luke is the dog most inquisitive and you can see him wondering what I am doing with this camera.

Fortunately we have a circular drive, so we are not obstructed from leaving if we so desire.

Providentially our sweet neighbors know a lot of people, including some who use wood to burn in their stoves.  They will visit us in a few days and cut up the wood and remove it for us.  Good for them and good for us.

Previously mid-year, we hired a company to remove a couple of our Oak trees that might threaten our home if they fell.  They also took away the wood for their stoves.

During these winds, several large branches from our Oak trees have fallen, and Robert plans to do some burning when the weather clears.  Our county will soon announce a burning day so we can legally take care of this.

We are thankful that our truck was parked along the side of our mobile and not anywhere near the path of the falling tree.  Also thankful that there were no wires for the tree to hit.

Our little problem is minor compared to those in other areas who have experienced storms that surpass ours. 

We send up a prayer for them, and for the helpers who are working diligently to provide help and restore some sense of living.

Thank you Diane and Joe, for your part in making a dent in the devastation experienced in the New York area by the Hurricanes.

Click HERE to read Diane’s story How do You Spell Relief?”

 
This post is linked with Jennifer on Wednesday at:

 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What do I do?

image courtesy free clip art

There are several lovely blog sites that I follow by e-mail, and Ann Kroeker’s site is one of them.  She told a story that triggered this post.  Click HERE  to read her story
* * * * * *
 
When I married, I was working at an insurance company as a clerk typist.  As the children came along and were growing up, I became a stay at home mom.

There were a few times I worked in accounting offices, and my parents watched our children.  This was before they were of school age. 

For an extended period of time, my mother-in-law lived with us, and two women in the kitchen were one too many, so I went to work at the Montgomery Wards Catalog Store while she lived with us and she cooked.

I had an early shift beginning at 5:00 am so I was home by the time the children arrived back from school.  When she and her husband were reunited, I returned to the homemaker duties.

Then my husband went into business, and I became his "business partner," taking phone calls, writing up contracts, sending out invoices, paying bills, doing the taxes, running errands, making visits to city offices for permits, all while staying at home, and doing the cleaning and cooking.  

Years later we attended Rhema Bible Training Center and we became Associate Pastors for a church in California for several years. 

Our grown children needed us, so we moved back to the Bay area.  There we helped a small church, and preached occasionally for the Pastor.  The flock soon grew to a large congregation.  Another Pastor came, and we knew he would like to select his own staff, so we quietly left.

Robert had continued to work at his roofing business, and one day he was inside the belly of his asphalt container truck helping clean it.  He was using a machine that was leaking carbon dioxide but not to his knowledge.  When he began to feel faint he managed to climb up the ladder but once out of the tanker he fell to the ground and passed out.

Being a macho man, he refused to go to the hospital, but went into the office and found a place to lie down on a sofa until he felt well enough to drive home.  After that he was never the same.  He would go to work, and have no energy, and would need to return home.  The lack of oxygen had affected his immune system, and he was later diagnosed, with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Overnight it seemed, my husband was not able to work, and our recourse was to close the business, sell everything we had in the bay area, and move to Oroville where we had a
              
mobile home set up on two acres.  It took a year to sell our majestic home, and there were complications but taking a large loss we finally sold our property.  Douglas helped us sell the trucks, and equipment and finally our shop property.

In Oroville we began to dip into our savings, and eventually our daughter Judie suggested that I go to work.  At age 60, it took time, but I took a health course and was hired at the hospital as a physical therapy aide and loved working there for almost two years. 

During that time, Robert became the cook as he enjoys cooking and this gave him self worth.  Coming home to a nice hot meal was wonderful and I would tell him so.

Then the insurance company made a new rule and did not want the aides filling out the patient reports, and desired a licensed therapist to do this.  The hospital had no choice but to let four of the aides go.  I was one of them.

My mentor told me she had bad and good news.  The bad news is we must let four of you go, and the good news, you are the only one we feel bad about loosing.  I told her I would be fine and not to feel bad.  I had enjoyed working with them and would always remember my time there.

Signing up for unemployment, I collected one check and was called in by the County for an interview and was hired; placing Child support payments into the computer correctly.  As time went by I was promoted to Enforcement Officer which meant working with clients on both sides, and helping to reach a settlement for child support payments.  I also worked with contracts for the court.  At work I did not preach, but I was a witness and several miracles occurred during the ten years I worked there.

Upon retirement from the county, I began to attend a formal but lovely church and share some of my stories with them.  One member thought I was taking up too much time, and I was asked only to share once a month and to keep it short and not so much preaching.

When I complained to my daughter Nancy, she suggested that I write a blog and tell my stories there.  For two years I did so, and also my church began to accept me and now they actually look forward to my stories. 

My daughter asked that I compile my stories into a book, which I did, but not to a terrific response.  I have a lot of books left and perhaps they will end up as gifts. 

So what do I do?  Beats me!  Looks like I am a jack of all trades, and master of none.

I believe a better question is; Who are You?  I do know who I am!

May I ask you the question?   What do you do? 
Or if you prefer, Who are You?

 

Monday, November 19, 2012

What’s In a Name?

image courtesy photobucket.com

Our church did not have an organ, but our friend Esther began to beautifully play the wedding march on the grand piano.

Everything was progressing smoothly as my Dad accompanied me down the aisle, and I could see that my bride’s maids and their escorts had already found their places.  Our minister was standing in the front, and by his side was my Bobbie Ray Moon.

When I say my Bobbie, I had always called him by that name and everyone else we knew also did so.  Bobbie was the name on his birth certificate.  His mother had wanted a girl and gave him the name Bobbie, and no one really cared about the spelling of his name.

I was happy and smiling as the minister gave us our pledges to one another and then - - -

Time stopped as the minister said these words, “Hazel, do you take ROBERT to be your lawful wedded husband? 

Wait a minute – did I hear that right?

This was a hitch that I hadn’t planned on.  I thought I was marrying Bobbie and now the minister wanted me to marry a Robert and that wasn’t even his real name.  I hesitated, but after all this was a large production in front of a LOT of family and friends, so I looked over at Bobbie, and he whispered, “Say I do and I will explain later.”

Why wasn’t I told this before? I questioned in my 18 year old mind, but then I decided it would be best to go along with the charade, and hope I was marrying the right person.

As we rushed to have our photos taken, Bobbie explained that the minister had suggested that Robert was a more professional name and it would be better to use that name for the ceremony.  After all our marriage license had the correct names on it.

As the years went by, and my Bobbie went into business, our attorney recommended that he legally change his name to Robert as that would look more professional on his business cards and other legal papers. 

It was a simple task and for a fee our attorney took care of it.  So now Bobbie was Robert.

Many years later, one June we decided to travel to Reno and renew our marriage vows. 

This time, I married a Robert Ray Moon!

After all what’s in a name as long as you marry the right one?
 
* * * * * * *

This post is linked to Peter Pollocks One Word Carnival
The word is; Name

This post was also shared at: Tell Me a Story
http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/   

 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

This is God’s World



image courtesy photobucket.com
 
Taking notes and gleaning from Pastor Jerry’s sermon as he ministered from Mark 13 1-8

Mark 13:1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”

Jesus told his disciples that this marvelous building would be torn down, and that he was able to build it up again within three days.  These words were confusing to them, and they did not realize that Jesus was speaking of his death and resurrection.

When Jesus arose from the dead and appeared unto many, and after 40 days ascended into heaven, the angels foretold that this same Jesus would return in like manner as they had seen him go.

Again the Christians misunderstood and believed that any day Jesus would return. 

Through out history there have been many predictions as to a year, a day and hour of his return and many have gone up to a mountain waiting and were disappointed.

There are many different thoughts about the end times.  Some believe the wars, fires, earthquakes, floods and natural disasters are a sign of the soon return of Jesus.  If so we need not fall apart, but allow God’s peace to reign in our hearts.

God will be with us until the end, and that is good news indeed.

Even today there are dooms day preachers who are foretelling the return of Jesus.  We have seen cult leaders deceive their followers. 

In the 70’s the word was Armageddon, in the 80’s, Second coming, in the 90’s the Left Behind books, and movies were popular and in recent years Harold Camping and others have predicted dates, that did not mature.

End of the world stories are scary, but the truth is that we as Christian, need not fear, but again we must be prepared in our hearts at all times. 

It is wise to reflect and because we have hindsight we can look at the past predictions and stories, and take heart.  We have many things to be thankful for even in a shaking world.

Jesus assured us that the kingdom of God is here, now in our hearts. 

He also stated that no man knows the day or the hour of his return, not even the angels, only God the Father knows. 

Jesus also said that many will come in His name and say lo here or lo there but do not be led astray. 

Isaiah told us:  Do not tremble or be afraid.  God is in control and this is His World. 
 
This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays
Also shared with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty

Friday, November 16, 2012

Mosquitoes Is Eating Me!


image courtesy photobucket.com
 
Yummy one buzzes, “Your blood is delicious,” he says. 

One little guy is all it takes, to bite me and I am itching here and there. 

A nice rain a few days ago must have left enough breeding ground to bring in just one to bite me.  An open door for just a minute is invitation enough for one to enter the house.

In the morning my ear lobe was swollen and I needed to take out my earring.  My first thought was my earring is too tight, but that was not it.  Close inspection discovered bite marks in both directions.  My neck and ears were a feeding ground!

Searching the internet on how to kill mosquitoes, the instructions said, use a fly swatter or slap it with your hand.  A kindergartener must have written that bit of prose. 

My prayer for that mosquito is that he starve to death, because I need my blood.

Finally I discovered an old fashioned hint that said they would be attracted to a white saucer with some dish soap in the water.

So I placed a bowl of the solution on my night stand near my bed, one on the kitchen sink, and another by my feet near my computer.  So far no takers on the dish soap.

The saucers and bowls were left overnight and a close inspection revealed my mosquito doesn’t like dish soap in water.

Robert grabbed the shop vac with its nozzle, and went around the ceiling and curtains, then I swept the floor and he went under my computer area with the vac. 
 
Hopefully my mosquito has a new home, inside Robert's shop vac.

I tried several remedies for the itch, but nothing seems to be long lasting.  Finally I found a simple trick to use a bar soap and rub on the bite.  Instead I used a dab of liquid hand soap and it worked great.
 
* * * * * *
Changing the subject:  Today is Friday, and I usually offer you a recipe.  Here is a suggestion that we had for lunch today and it was so good.  Easy way to serve left overs!


Image courtesy
photobucket.com
Stir Fry with Top Ramen

Empty your refrigerator of left over beef or chicken stir fry and any vegetables left over and place in a frying pan. 

In a separate kettle, boil water per instructions on the packet of Top Ramen, drain and add to the vegetables. 

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Yoshida’s cooking sauce to taste and mix well.  Stir over heat until blended and food is hot and serve.

This post is shared at Ann Kroeker’s
 Food on Friday.  Do visit her lovely site.

 

Monday, November 12, 2012

New Car


 
Our car was getting old and our family had enlarged so we decided we needed a station wagon.  The year was in the mid 60s and we had a houseful of children at that time.

The first thing was to shop the sales ads in the classified section of the newspaper. 

After making several phone calls I discovered some interesting facts.  Several of the automobiles for sale had been owned by companies, and they were purchasing a new car because they could get a fleet discount.

I noted the prices they were asking for their four year old car, and made my own phone call to a car dealership and asked for the manager. 

Explaining that we were a new roofing company with two trucks, I asked, “If we purchased a new car from you, would you give us a fleet discount?”  The manager offered to talk and said that he could help us.

We talked some more as I explained the car we wanted and he told me how it would come equipped with certain accessories, and gave me a quote.  Amazingly enough the quote was very close to the cost of the used cars previously inquired about.

When I told Robert the good news, he was quite pleased with my shopping ability, and that evening we made a visit to the dealership in question. 

We selected a new white station wagon that the dealer had in his show room that was outfitted with all the trimmings.  Financing was needed and once our loan was approved which took a couple days, the vehicle was ready to be picked up.   Our kids were as thrilled as we were.  That new car smelled so nice and it kept that new perfume smell for a long time.

So it was that all the years we were in business, we would purchase a new car every four years.  Being able to depreciate the car was also helpful on the books.

We would have been satisfied with an old used car for the right price, but new was better when the price was so close.

I am reminded that God has made things new for us; a new name written down in Glory for starters.  We are changed into a new person when we receive Jesus as our Lord. 

Jesus has promised us a new heaven and a new earth.  Exactly when and how is a mystery until God the Father gives the signal for the celebration to begin.

The question is; will you be ready when the trumpet sounds?  If not, it is simple to get NEW now.

 
This post is shared at Peter Pollock’s One Word Carnival  The word is NEW.

Also shared at Hazel’s: “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Flanders Fields Everywhere !


Flanders Field
 
Gleaning from Pastor Jerry’s sermon as we observed Veterans Day and he reminded us that war is a terrible thing; yet it seems to be inevitable.

World War I was called the War to end all wars.  Our soldiers fought in Europe to bring peace.  The Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial in Belgium occupies a 6.2-acre site. At this peaceful site rest 368 of our military dead, most of whom gave their lives in liberating the soil of Belgium in World War I. 

General Eisenhower received a letter from 8 year old Keith, who offered a plan:  “Let all the world leaders enter a boxing ring and just fight it out in there.”  It might work??

Since then, many Wars have continued with many thousands of lives lost, both military and civilian. 

We live in an imperfect world and we don’t always agree with one another.  As Christians we do not like war. We are called to be peacemakers, in the family, in church, and in the workplace.  Jesus prayed and said, blessed are the peacemakers.  In another place he offered that in this world we shall have persecution.

When Jesus was arrested, Peter cut off the ear of one of the servants.  Jesus said, put up your sword, for those who live by the sword will die by the sword. 

How do we deal with a “Just War?”  There are religious wars, wars to defend; often force is needed to secure peace.  Usually war is a last resort, as peace talks and negations are tried first.  Cool heads and long fuses use diplomacy to bring peace.

What would our world be like if the three largest nations had not warred against Hitler?

There was World War II in retaliation for December 7th bombing of Pearl Harbor.

The horrors of war are not easily forgotten.  There are wounds physical and mental that take years to heal, if at all.  Many veterans suffer sensitively from Post War syndrome.

We hate war, but we are morally obligated to honor our military and the veterans who gave of themselves to fight for peace.

We seek peace, but there is only true peace when we find it within our hearts because of Christ.

May we be Christian solders, marching as to war, carrying the cross of Jesus?  Our fight is not with flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of darkness.

2 Timothy 2:1-3 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
 
Linked up with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday

Friday, November 9, 2012

Twice Baked Potatoes


Photo by fungus amungus
 
Yesterday, my husband and I made the 150 mile round trip to visit our HMO, where they had scheduled him for an ultra sound.  The Doctors are keeping a close watch on him, because he is taking several meds and it seems all drugs have those not so happy side effects. 

On the way home, we stopped at Win-Co Foods, where there are usually some good bargains.  Many of the items you will need for Thanksgiving were already on display and were nicely priced.

Robert is an excellent shopper and he discovered a 20# bag of large Russet potatoes.  As we paid for our items, the cashier was chatting with me and mentioned how her mother would make “Twice baked potatoes” using this size.  I told her my mother did the same thing, and that is probably what we will do with these. 
 
They are a lovely addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Today for our dinner, that is exactly what we enjoyed, along with some stir fried beef with carrots, onions and bell peppers. 
 
Included here is a recipe that you can adjust if you like more cheese and more of anything else. 
 
These potatoes will also stand alone for a nourishing lunch or late night meal.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Olive oil
6 large Russet baking potatoes
8 pieces bacon fried and crumbled
1/4 lb. (1 cup) grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1/2 cup cream
1 Tbsp minced fresh Italian parsley
1 cube butter
2 green onions, chopped  Optional
1/2 tsp salt or seasoning salt
freshly ground black pepper
paprika, for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 400°F.


Scrub and wash potatoes very well using a vegetable brush. Dry with a paper towel and rub with olive oil.

Bake potatoes in oven for about an hour, or until fork tender. Allow potatoes to cool slightly until they can be handled but are still hot.

Using a sharp knife cut the potatoes in half. (You will need a clean dish towel or mitts to handle the potatoes.) Using a spoon, scoop out as much of the potato pulp as you can, leaving the skins intact.

Meanwhile, mash the potato pulp using a potato masher, adding butter, salt and pepper, onion, cream, yogurt or sour cream, bacon, cheddar (save a little cheese for the top) and other seasonings. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Spoon the mixture into the potato shells until heaping full and return them to 425°F oven for 5 minutes. Sprinkle tops with cheese and paprika.  Return to oven (on top rack) until tops are golden and bubbly, about 5 minutes more.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Makes 12 servings.

If you plan to freeze the potatoes, do NOT add the onion, as it will ruin the potatoes.
 
This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   
Do visit her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

I am experimenting with comment boxes.  Use either box you are comfortable with.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Dreaming of Being a Missionary



A Heart for Missions
courtesy photobucket.com
 
In this world there are several things that I have desired to be. 

One desire was to be a missionary, so God gave me a missionary heart, to love missions and missionaries.  We cannot go, so we help our friends to go. 

The Bible tells us that those who send out the missionaries will receive the same reward as the missionaries who venture forth.   

Lady Evangelist Joyce Meyer
courtesy photobucket.com
The other was to become a Pastor of a church, but instead, God gave me a blog where I share stories.  After all that is what Jesus did, he shared stories that had a message to teach us how to live. 

At some of the places Robert and I have ministered, we have done the work of a Pastor, and not always with the name pastor.

I remember many years ago, after a stirring missionary service at our church, a young mother told our Pastor, “I believe God is calling me to be a missionary.”
The Pastor looked at the woman with her brood of six children, and remarked, "Lady, God has called you to a mission field of six sweet children, don't let God or them down, but nurture those children and teach them to love Jesus.  You can be a missionary to your children and to your family by your example and your words."

The woman was satisfied with his answer, and I shall always remember it.

We may be called at times to a mission trip or to longer stay, but usually God is giving you and me a missionary heart to work for him where he has planted us.

Our calling may not seem important to us at times, but it is a daily walk of listening and doing as The Holy Spirit instructs us to do. 

Don’t get me wrong - - it is always good to dream big!!


My comment policy has changed. 
Please let me know by e-mail if you have trouble commenting.
  

Monday, November 5, 2012

Pre-Sale




courtesy free clip art
 
Many years ago as we were preparing for a yard rummage sale for our church, a group of us ladies were sorting and pricing items. 

This was our first attempt at a rummage sale, and our plans were to donate the money from our sale, to a mission’s project.

We were laughing and having fun and we decided that if any of us wanted an item, we would call it a pre-sale and we would all agree on a price (usually a low price.)

Many of the local stores near the church allowed us to place signs in their window announcing our sale.  On the corner we tacked a large poster board sign to a pole, with arrows pointing to our church.  We also placed a small advertisement in the newspaper which attracted a nice crowd.  

Even before we had the tables set up in the yard, here came the early bird buyers.  They hoped to be first to get the knick knacks and anything old and antique before anyone else.

Can you believe it; we even had some thieves stealing items?  For instance, a small box that had perfume in it was suddenly empty.   Along with some small children’s toys that disappeared and no one remembers selling them.
 
We learned to watch for customers who might be carrying a large shopping bag or big purse and we acted like a spy trailing the person and looking carefully at their every move.

Finally, we decided if a thief needs our rummage that bad, perhaps we should just in our hearts - - give it to them. 
 
For us, it was the same as forgiving them upfront for being a robber.  The act will be on their conscience and we would have peace of mind.  It also gave us freedom to enjoy our sale and place our customers in God's hands.

Fast forward a few years.  Recently I donated a beautiful large crocheted afghan to our current church bazaar.  The evening of the event, I noticed that it was not there. 

Thinking back and remembering the days when we had our church yard sales in the past; I realized that the ladies must have had their own Pre-sale, and someone had purchased it early.

I was glad because now I know that my lovely afghan has found a new home where it will warm and comfort its new owner.


This post has been linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty

Also shared at: “Tell Me a True Story”
 http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
 

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Bench Marks


Jesus is Lord
courtesy photobucket.com
 
Taking notes and gleaning from his sermon as Pastor Jerry was preaching.  He was reading from several scriptures from both old and new testaments. 

Pastor reminded us that as Christians our Benchmark is: The Lord is Our God.”  He does not change!  Moses brought us the law written on stone, and declared:

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Jesus repeated this and added to it:  Mark 12:29-31  And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:  And you shall love the Lord your God with all thy heart, and with all your soul, and with all thy mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment.   And the second is like it, namely this; you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

We might ask, what is a Benchmark?   From Wikipedia:  It has been defined as: a reference point by which something can be measured.  A best-performing test, also called the gold standard.  A solid and immovable point often used by builders and map makers. 

Hebrews 12:28  Wherefore we receive a kingdom which cannot be moved - -

Christ has broken down the wall, and has given us the Law of Love and a new covenant.

In life bad things happen that shake our faith.  We live in troubled times, with recession; many lose money in their investments. We hear of earthquakes, fires, floods and tidal waves destroying lives and property.  Homes that were there yesterday are gone today, with thousands left homeless.

We need a balance a solid place to stand and one that will not move.  God’s Word can bring us comfort even in our loss.

Churches have ups and downs at times with a loss of vision and trying to hold steady.  We can be thankful for Ministry within the church, even our current Bazaar that brought in a good return for all the hard work.  Funds not just to cover expenses, but used as well between missions and the homeless.  It was also a time of serving our community and fellowship for our church and for those from the outside who attended.

The church may have changes; some will agree and willingly accept.  Others may not like the new ways of doing things and wish we would go back to the way it used to be.

Education for instance, the schools still teach the 3 R’s but today it is in different forms from when we went to school.

When we are hit with a problem, know that with God - - we can start again!

We must not lose our benchmark of the Scriptures:  The Lord our God is one Lord!  He is our solid Rock and in Him we can safely trust.

 
This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays
Also Linked up with Michelle’s  Hear it on Sunday