Shortbread Cookies


 When my children were growing up, I always had home made cookies or cake for treats. Most of my cookie recipes have been handed down from my mother, relatives or friends.  That's how you can tell they are good!

With the holidays coming up, short bread cookies are always a delight whether plain, or rolled in chocolate shot or chopped nuts.

Personally we preferred these cookies plain and you will love them as we do.

For some reason these were originally named “Ring around the Cookies,” and I never knew why.

Perhaps it is best to simplify and just call them Shortbread cookies.

Shortbread Cookies

3/4 cup soft shortening
1/4 cup soft butter or margarine
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Mix together well and then add

1 1/4 cups sifted all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup quick rolled oats

Mix together thoroughly and divide in halves. Shape into a roll 1 ½” in diameter.
Wrap in wax paper and chill one hour. Slice ¼” thick.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees on a cookie sheet.
Serve with ice cream or enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

This post linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do amble over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Falling Stars edited repost

image courtesy photobucket.com

With all the city street lights it was too bright and it would not work for us kids. To view the falling stars we needed a place where it was dark and we could relax and pass the time.



image courtesy photobucket.com

 As children we would walk several blocks up the hill the nearby cemetery, and lay on an area that was soft grass. The wait often seemed a long time, but our eyes would scan the heavens and before long we would see a star slide across the dark blue of the sky.

Shooting stars what were they? Were they pieces of a meteor falling out in space? Or were they Angels on a mission? What ever the answer, we were thrilled when we could watch the heavens display their own demonstration of fireworks.

“There is one,” we would cry out, and before long, we would view another one shooting across the sky.

In those days, our entertainment was simple and usually confined to street games, such as kick the can, red light, and hide and go seek.

When it rained, we played board games, or worked picture puzzles. In the evenings there were our favorite radio programs, such as Amos and Andy, Fibber McGee and Molly, and the comedians, Bob Hope and Red Skelton. I loved to read, so books were a favorite past time.

And then watching the falling stars, that was my favorite thing.  I felt closer to God on those nights as we scanned the heavens.  I would wonder what was beyond those many stars and the distance far-away into space made God seem a long ways off from us here on earth.

As I grew older I came to understand that God was not far away, but I could invite him into my heart and his promise was to never leave or forsake me.

I believe Jesus wants us to be stars (not the falling kind) and shine for him while we are here on earth!

Another promise in the Bible was one that Jesus said as he departed to return to heaven,
“Do not be afraid, for I am going away to prepare a place for you, that were I am there you may be also.”

The host of believers who viewed Jesus rise up into a cloud, and disappear before their eyes, saw the Angel of the Lord appear to them. The angel declared - - -

Acts 2:11 Why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

In that day, Jesus will be the STAR of heaven as he calls all the believers to come home to be with Him.

This is a repost and am Linking up with Laura of Brag on God Fridays at: http://www.beholdingglory.com/1/post/2011/10/brag-on-god-friday13.html

Keeping a Job

image courtesy photobucket.com


I understand that some people are jobless due to downsizing or the company going out of business.

Others have NO clue as to why they were let go!

There may be fixable reasons to keeping a job that are still unknown to the jobless person.

These suggestions if followed; will help you to become a “Valued Employee.”

1. Respect Authority! Follow instructions given to you and WATCH your words!!   My mom would say, "Pay attention and NO back talk!"

2. Do your job the WAY the company asks you to do it. They hired you to do your work according to their method of doing business.

3. Save your remarks as to how the job would be so much easier if they would do this or that. They did not hire you to fix their system.

4. Smile and don't complain or find fault with others on the job.  Keep your speach at a minimum.

5. Show up on time and don't leave early.

6. Do your work and leave your personal life at home.

7. Limit personal phone calls and no Face Book or e-mail at work. Keep your cell phone on silent and no texting at work.

8. Complete assignments given to you, when or before they are due.

9. Follow all company policy and rules of etiquette and courtesy.

10. Be willing to learn new skills including a new computer program.

I must add - learn to take DEEP breaths when you feel stress.  Most of us breath shallow and stress is relieved by the deep breathing. 

These suggestions are essential for keeping a job or perhaps keeping your next job!

I had a friend who I helped to get hired where I worked. She broke every one of the above suggestions. They told her not to change the colors on her computer screen. So what did she do? Yes she did. They gave her a task, and she suggested that they use Excel instead of their method. She told her supervisor that she knew more about the computer than the computer specialist. All this did not set well with the supervisor.

She was fired the next day.  Actually she seemed happy to be free - - but I was left with a red humiliated face because I had recommended her!

I wonder if God is sometimes embarrassed when we do not follow His commandments?

At least He does not fire us, because He is the God of second chances!

Please check out daughter Nancy's post "OUT of WORK" at this site:

http://songsatnight.blogspot.com/2011/10/out-of-work-need-job.html

Linked today with: Joan at Grace Cafe  http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/2011/10/when-he-calls/ Please visit there to view other good words.

Watered Down Promises

Image courtesy photobucket.com

Thinking back when I was a young child; I can remember enjoying my glass of milk with my dinner, and it was SOooo good. I wanted more, but half of the milk in my glass was gone.

Half full
image courtesy photobucket.com

In my childish thinking I believed I could stretch the milk; so I went to the kitchen sink and added water to my milk.

Ugh what an awful taste. I had ruined the good milk by adding water to it.

At first my mother said I must not waste the milk, and to drink it anyway. However when she saw my tears of repentance, she relented and allowed me to pour the ugly tasting milk down the drain.

Sometimes, I am guilty of watering down the promises of God.  He gives us His Word with assurance that he will perform - - if we believe.

Abraham believed God and His promises. He moved into agreement with God and "He called those things which did not exist as though they did."

One major way Abraham called God’s promises into being was by giving God glory. Abraham must have had a mouth filled with praise, thanksgiving, adoration, and blessing to and for the Lord, and for His answer.

God counted Abraham’s request as already done, even though Abraham did not see the answer in the natural for many years.

The Apostle Paul was a man who had the "spirit of faith" and saw supernatural results in and through his life, everywhere he went!

Do you know that God wants us to have that same spirit of faith?

Are we guilty of watering down the promises of God and making excuses as to why it will not work for “me?” I have heard people tell me that they can have faith for others, but not for themselves.

 I wonder where these thoughts of doubt came from. Do you want to guess?

Yet some have also believed what I would describe as a watered-down version of the gospel, a gospel that promises forgiveness but rarely mentions the need to repent of your sin. “Join our church but it is OK to continue to live your sinful lifestyle.”

A gospel that promises peace but never warns of persecution, a gospel that says God wants you to be healthy and wealthy and never have any problems to speak of, is not the gospel of the New Testament.

As I think on this I remember that watered down milk does not taste good.

With that thought in mind, I must also understand that God’s word should be sweet to the taste and accepted at full value with all the cream and natural flavor left intact.

Linked today with “A Pause on the Path” Do visit Shanda’s site to view some good words at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/10/satans-tactics.html

Wearing the Right Clothing

image courtesy photobucket.com

Many times in life, we prefer options without obligations. Variety of places to shop, do as we please, to not always obey the rules. As Frank Sinatra sang,” I’ll do it my way.”

Actually, you see, it has to be - - God’s Way - - that's just the way it is. There are no options. You can't just do whatever you want. Which is something the unfortunate wedding guest of verse 11 discovered the hard way.

Gleanings taken from Guest Pastor Ken Gehrels sermon on Matthew chapter 22: 1-14

The setting was a wedding banquet and one by one the invited guests began to make excuse. They all had something better to do than come to the King’s wedding table.

In anger and desperation the King told his servants to go out into the highways and byways and compel those on the streets to come in to the wedding feast.

Tradition tells us that wedding guests were to dress in their finery. If they did not have the proper garment, one would be provided for them.

Here they came, some wearing a tux, others dressed in their best. They were showing respect and that they treated this event as a special moment. - -

Except one guest who decided, “What is the difference?”

So he shows up just wearing whatever. Track pants, a dirty T-shirt, and flip flops.

Nobody's going to tell him what to wear. He's his own man. He plays Life by his rules.

It's a huge insult to the host, a brash and highly improper push forward. And to this comes the reply "toss him out."  Weeping, grinding teeth in despair, darkness - that's the result.

The story Jesus told was not talking about fabric but about a spiritual action of accepting the garment of Salvation that God has provided for us.  We must be fully clothed spiritually before we can enter Heavens gates and enjoy the feast prepared.

We are reminded of the verse in Isaiah 61:10 New American Standard Bible

I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

May we never take God's offer of His gifts for granted, lightly, or frivolously, but always seriously and with commitment.

If you have not already done so, please accept God’s free gift of Salvation and be clothed in His garments that he freely offers.

image courtesy photobucket.com

Leaving behind the rags of sin, may we all be dressed in the freely provided, Christ-tailored garments of Salvation; and the Holy Spirit shaped robes of His righteousness.

Linking today with: Hear it on Sunday, use it on Monday,.at Graceful! http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/10/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday-fair.html

When Dreams Become Reality

image courtesy photobucket.com

As we grow older, our dreams often become our youthful wishes that did not come to pass.

Life happens and survival caused most of us to take up jobs or perhaps to pursue a career.

image courtesy photobucket.com

As a small child, I remember our Missionary minded Pastor OFTEN invited guest Missionaries to speak at our church. Their stories were so exciting, and some even reported miracles as they shared about Jesus.  Many were brought to Christ and schools of learning were established to train native workers to preach in their own country and their own language. 

As a youth, I took it all in and I envisioned myself with a thrilling life as a powerful, missionary, preaching and teaching, and saving the lost!

When life kicked in, I found myself with three children to nurture, and preach to. Then as time went on, there were others who came my way, needing a word or two and those were divine moments. You never know how far a few words or your acts of kindness may go.

More changes in life, and now - - out onto the wild blue yonder go my stories posted on a blog!!

In the mean time, while I cannot go, I give monthly to several organizations and missionaries so that others may go. - - Now that’s a thought!

Think about this:  Perhaps you are even NOW living out God’s dream for you!  Did you ever consider that?

Then there are other ways you may get involved in missions. You can be an “Unlikely Missionary.”

As noted on the post below, there are short term mission trips you may want to consider. Read further as you visit at my friend Sheila’s site, - - http://bit.ly/oFMIub

Please consider subscribing to her blog by e-mail. God Spotting With Sheila: http://www.godspotting.net/

Keep on loving and serving the Lord, and allow Him to give you HIS dreams to fulfill.

This post was shared at Spiritual Sundays hosted by Charlotte at: http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

And at: "Sundays in my City": Hosted by Unknown Mami at:
http://www.unknownmami.com/2011/10/sundays-in-my-city-116.html

Please do some blog hopping and enjoy these sites and the stories you will find there.

Here is a new hop I just discovered,  I shared there also.  Sister to Sister Hosted by Beck http://beckfarfromhome.blogspot.com/2011/10/sister-to-sister-prayer.html

Short on Cash? Guest Post by Nancy

image courtesy Photobucket.com

Oftentimes, when a person finds themselves without as much income as they once had, they discover that there really ARE things that can be cutback.

We have to earnestly ask God for help and then start the thinning process. Where can cuts be made? Good question. Practically speaking, it is a life style change that may stick long afterward.

While the list is not exhaustive, the following is offered as a good start.  

Basic Cell phone service is hard to come by but can be found. Cut all the extras and while you’re at it, cut the kid’s service too. Rationalizing will get you in trouble. Cut it and don’t look back.

Cable TV? - Basic service for TV and computer is still available. Net-Flix can go too.

Food? Well, Cook it at home (what a concept)....no more Starbucks for a while either! Eliminate pre-packaged food items and snacks. That will save a bundle AND you will be healthier in the long run from doing without the preservatives, additives and sugars. Your joints and liver will thank you.

Launder your own things. Purchase wash and wear instead of depending on the Dry Cleaners. Hemming a pair of pants, a skirt, or sewing on a button shouldn’t be too challenging for anyone who can text ninety-miles and hour, now should it?!

Goodwill and consignment stores aren't like they used to be. They are clean and modern. Many of these stores actually purchase new items from retail stores for 10-cents-on-the dollar, and then re-sell them at much lower prices than the retailer...and that's why you'll see Lots of NEW items! Humility might need a tune-up first.

Consolidate errands. Got 3 cars? Sell one! Let the kids pay their own auto insurance with money they earn. Hey, it’s a privilege not a right! They will appreciate getting to drive even more.

So many people pay for a storage facility. Now that’s sad!

When the garage is full of items not used in years, the kids’ rooms are bursting at the seams, it’s time for action. Yard sales, consignment shops, Craigslist or E-Bay - take your pick! Keep up the momentum or you will sink back into the oblivion of myopia.

Charge cards, cut them up, or only charge if you can pay all at the end of the month.

Lottery tickets!  Need I say more?

We have to earnestly ask God for help and then start the thinning process.

The key words are Ask God for Help, thank Him for provision, and then begin action.

Today I am hosting a guest post by Nancy.  Her blog site is found at:  http://songsatnight.blogspot.com/
You will want to bookmark her site and perhaps substribe to her blog.

Oak Bran Flax Muffins

image courtesy photobucket.com

With this colder weather, I decided it would be nice to have some healthy muffins on hand for snacks or breakfast. I got out my favorite recipe that I like so well and I share it here.

I had recently ordered some flax seed meal from one or my preferred vitamin sites; http://www.vitacost.com/ They offer excellent products at low prices.

 However I was low on walnuts, and also out of Oat Bran, so my recipe gives you some suggestions for substitutes if you are also out of anything.  

image courtesy photobucket

Our one apple tree is doing well, and gave us a bountiful harvest (One very large basket,) providing fresh apples, and I had a zucchini that needed to be used.  

Later I will core and peel apples to freeze. They will be enjoyed as apple crisp and apple nut bread and perhaps an apple pie.


Oat Bran Flax Muffins

1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup flax seed meal
3/4 cup oat bran (or substitute 1 cup quick oats)
1 cup brown sugar (or substitute white sugar and add 1 T molasses)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 cups shredded carrots (or substitute shredded zucchini)
2 peeled and shredded apples
1/2 cup raisins (optional also add 1/2 cup dried cranberries)
1 cup chopped nuts
3/4 cup milk
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Mix together the dry ingredients into a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, and vanilla. Add the fruit and nuts.
Pour all into dry ingredients and mix until moistened.
Fill muffin pans 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 degrees 15 to 20 minutes.
Makes 18 medium size muffins.

This post has been entered in Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/   Do amble over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Seasons in Life

image courtesy photobucket.com

We check the milestones usually at each decade; some are more difficult to embrace than others.

At ten years old we believe we are big stuff! We have the world by its tail!


courtesy photobucket.com


Twenty takes us out of the teen age years. Time for serious thought.

Thirty is usually a tough and thorny mile stone and often a depressing Birthday to celebrate! We are expected to act more matured now!!

At age forty we can be 39 for the next ten years!

Fifty is the time AARP invites us to become a “Senior Citizen,” and often there are discounts allowed for certain pleasures.

Sixty is the time we approach retirement and (hopefully) expect to slow down a bit. However, I sought a new career at age 60 and embarked back into the world of business to work another 10 years.

Seventy is very close to the allotted time that God says he has given to us for our days. I have joked that possibly at this age, I may be officially considered an “old lady.” NO, said one of my friends at church, 70 is still young.

Eighty is a rather large number and I cautiously approach it. However in my spirit I am still young although my body does not always agree.

Some may reach 90 and even 100. Certainly, milestones indeed

The Bible tells us that as our days, so shall our strength be, and I am claiming that scripture for myself. Body, soul and Spirit !!

Long life to you all, and may you enjoy good health, happiness and the treasures of many friends and loved ones all of your Birthday celebrations.

This is an edited repost and is shared at One Word Carnival. The word is Seasons.
Please visit and view other excellent posts there: http://peterpollock.com/2011/10/season-blog-carnival/

Visiting Victory Christian Fellowship

image courtesy photobucket.com

I had to pray all the way to church today, as I asked the Lord to keep my heart soft and forgiving. Today was the first Sunday of the month and the church that I usually attend had asked me NOT to share any of my stories on communion Sunday.


image ourtesy photobucket.com

 I did understand, but never the less, I was a bit bent out of shape.

That was why I needed to pray.   I asked the Lord to take the kinks out of me!

Because I knew about a struggling young church in our city that is feeding their neighbors, giving out warm clothing to those in need and preaching a good gospel, I had decided to visit there today.


During their service, this church opens up for a time of prayer requests and also thanksgiving - - just like my church does; and I decided to share my story about Praying for Israel with them. Today was to be the declared day of prayer for Israel, so I knew this should fit in. 

After the service the Pastor told me how much he appreciated my story, because he is a big fan of Israel. I was glad I had visited today, and I will return again.

The song service was lively and meaningful and the people were friendly. As the minister taught from the book of Acts about Paul’s second missionary journey, I took notes.

Paul went first to the City of Corinth, which we could call sin city, a city similar to any town today.  Every form of evil and wickedness was present.  He had been called to the Gentiles, but it was interesting that he always went first to the Synagogue and would teach there.

Paul at all times used the Old Testament Scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Messiah.  Jesus is the one you are looking for, he told the Jews. It is only the Word of God that will touch the hearts of men and bring them to Christ.

It is not the keeping of rules but a relationship with Jesus that will save a person.  Careful living is important and we are to be examples to the world, but the gospel must be presented to change those we reach out to.

The Pastor emphasized the necessity of prayer first and also Bible study to prepare our hearts to be ready to witness. To allow our prayer life and God’s Word to change us as Christians into a powerhouse, so that we are ready to share Christ.

Paul ministered with the anointing as he taught and the Jews were offended.  Paul told them that he would turn to the Gentiles to minister to. Never the less, Paul could not help himself, because he kept returning to the Synagogue to teach and he won many Jews as well as Gentiles to the Lord.

One night as Paul was discouraged, he had a vision and God spoke to him, telling him not to fear but to be bold and not silent and continue to speak out about Jesus.

I believe we can use those same words given to Paul to remind ourselves when we are downcast; to Pray, to Study and to ask God for boldness as we reveal Jesus to our world.

This post was shared at: Spiritual Sunday and at Hear it on Sunday, use it on Monday. Please visit their sites for good words you will discover posted there by others.

Charlotte’s site: http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-back_30.html

and at: Michelle’ site:
http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/10/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday.html