Chinese Chow Mein



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Years ago, my husband had a Roofing business in the city of Oakland and they did work in all the neighboring cities. If he had a job in downtown Oakland, I would often meet him for lunch.

He had three favorite Chinese restaurants; one was called the Economy Cafe. The food was excellent, and reasonable, but the place was very small. So small in fact that there was a need to SHARE tables with other customers. Regular patrons were okay with this, and they expected to have company join with them at their table.

Another restaurant was owned by a family, and you could watch their children in the back room playing, while their parents worked the front. I remember seeing a play pen with a small baby on one occasion.

The third restaurant was very different. There was no menu, because the waiter would come by with a cart loaded with delicious looking foods, and you could select the dish you wanted. Each entree was added to your bill and everything was so inviting it was difficult to choose.

Our family liked occasional Chinese food so, I decided to create my own recipe for Chow Mein. On our budget I often used a can of Spam sliced into small pieces to make Pork Chow Mien. Naturally you can use beef or chicken either of which makes a lovely dish. This recipe is simple and easy to make.

Chinese Chow Mein

1 small bunch Bok Choy chopped
1 small chopped onion
3 Ribs fresh celery (sliced)
1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 (4 ounce) can mushroom pieces, drained
1 (7 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
2 cups cut up cooked chicken
3 Tablespoons cornstarch (level)
1/4 cup water
1 (10 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 pound cooked vermicelli noodles
(I used the Chinese thin noodles and boiled until tender)

Directions:
In a large pot, sauté celery, onion and Bok Choy in oil for about 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add bean sprouts, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and chicken.

In a large bowl, blend cornstarch with water. When smooth, add chicken broth and soy sauce to bowl. Mix well and pour over meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil, stirring until sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Serve over hot, boiled Chinese noodles, cooked rice, or Crisp chow mien noodles.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays 
(Recipies and stories about food)

And with Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday
(to Sacrifice drink money for those needing clean water)

Hope Chest

Hope Chest

When I was growing up, we had food, clothing and shelter, but not much of the “extra things. “ Our family lived on a budget, but as children we were happy and well cared for.

As I approached my mid teens, I knew that a “hope chest” was not a budget item, but it did not deter me from beginning to collect little things and keeping them in a box.

My mother taught me how to crochet an edging on pillow cases, and how to embroider. She showed me how to iron on a print that I wanted on my pillow cases, and all the different stitches that would look nice on them.

If I had a hope chest, the hand made quilt that my mother gave me would have gone into it.

Fast forward 20 years  - - and our daughter Becky and our foster daughter Nancy were about to graduate from High School.

Nancy had lived with us for five years, and she was and is still a part of our family. I wanted these girls to each have a nice hope chest, for their graduation gift, so off we went down town to the Furniture store.

There we viewed some Lane cedar lined Hope Chests that were in our price range. Oh how nice that cedar smelled. Each girl selected the chest that they liked best, and I paid for them, and made arrangements for delivery.

When the chests arrived at our home they were placed at the foot of each of their beds, and items that they had been saving were placed inside.

Both girls were “Hoping and a Praying” for a good Christian man to go with each hope chest. In time, those prayers were answered, but not without delays and stories to tell.

The Bible tells us to put our Hope is in Jesus Christ, for He is to be our spiritual Bridegroom.

We look forward to that day of the Marriage supper of the Lamb.

Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.


Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;


Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
And with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences

Failing at times - Feeling Disappointed?

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After reading some of the artful, lovely posts by those who seem to flow in flowery language, we often weigh ourselves against them and think less or our own endeavors.

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Our thoughts tell us to be disappointed in ourselves and to crawl off somewhere and hibernate.   Thoughts such as "Poor me" and "I am a such a failure" cross our mind.

Yes, we often feel small and discouraged because we compare ourselves with others.

That includes me too, but then - - I remind myself that we are all DIFFERENT, and our ministry is not the same as theirs or others. We must remember that we are individuals and no two of us are alike.

Each of us will reach those who God allows us to touch. Our earthy attempts may not seem as perfect as some, (or even to us) - - but to that right person, it will strike a cord that will encourage, challenge and bless.

We hear those words of disappointment, failure, inferiority often only in our own mind!

Some heard it audibly when they were a child from unthinking persons who themselves found it necessary to feel BIG by causing others to consider themselves SMALL.

The thing we must remember is that that the Father of liars, old Satan himself tells us lies through others, and even by input into our thinking. We need to catch that lie and understand it for what it is. NOT TRUE, and replace that lie with God’s word – the truth.

We must at all times remember that Truth is in God’s word, and He always says that we are chosen, we are forgiven, we are loved, we are special, and we are a success In Him.

We have got to depend on the Lord for our inspiration, and allow Him to give us thoughts and memories to share our stories with others. Then do not fear, but in boldness speak and write and set out to BE what God tells you that you are.

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When Jesus gave the directions to BE disciples in all the land, he did not say DO discipleship. We are called to BE, and you are the only one who can act out what God calls YOU to be. So just BE you and forget that you feel naked or vulnerable at times.

Just go with God and BE what he says to BE. Forget about those who receive your words as they travel out to your audience, and let the chips fly and land where they may.

God knows what he is doing through you, and you are only the messenger.

One thing to remember is that God is NOT disappointed in you. He believes in YOU.

This post is linked to Peter Pollock’s One Word Carnival

The word is; FAILURES

Waiting is Often Difficult

The Return of Jesus
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Our Pastor Carl was not well, and I was asked to be a stand in on Sunday. I was happy to accept even though I was sad that Pastor was having physical problems. This is a portion of the message that I ministered on Sunday.

Reading from several scriptures that encourage us to Wait on the Lord.

Psalms 27:14 WAIT on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: WAIT, I say, on the Lord.

Psalms 37:7 Rest in the Lord, and WAIT patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.

Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but WAIT on the Lord, and he shall save thee.


Isaiah 40:31 But they that WAIT upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The Bible has a lot to say about waiting - - - I selected a few examples - -

Adam and Eve because of their disobedience had to leave behind all the wonders that were in the garden, but they were promised a savior. The WAIT was something their descendants would only discover many decades later.

The children of Israel because they refused to believe God, and enter into Canaan, found it necessary to WAIT 40 years before their children could enter the Promised Land.

David WAITED patiently for God’s timing until he was anointed King over Israel.

Samson WAITED until his hair grew back and his strength returned so that he could achieve a final act of deliverance over the Philistines.

Queen Esther WAITED until her people had fasted and prayed for three days and nights before she was brave enough to come before the King to plead for the lives of her people.

Jesus WAITED thirty years before He began His earthly ministry.

In the Garden Jesus WAITED and prayed asking the Father if there was another way that salvation could come about. His final plea was Not my will but thine be done.

We know the story how Jesus was taken and crucified by cruel men, and then was laid in a tomb with soldiers guarding it, to make sure no one would steal the body and falsely declare that he had risen.

The three days of WAITING after Jesus was placed in the tomb, was three days of grief and confusion. The disciples asked “How can this be?” We thought he was going to set up His kingdom now! For they misunderstood all that had happened.

When Jesus appeared to his followers after his resurrection, they still did not understand even after he had spent 40 days teaching them from the Old Testament.

Acts 1: 6-8 So when [the disciples of Jesus] met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

As Jesus stood on the mountain giving them the great commission, “Go teach and preach, and I give you authority to do so,” he ended his proclamation by saying, “Lo I am with you always even until the end of the age. “

Oh yes, some of them thought, (with misunderstanding) Jesus just said He will never leave us. He just told us that He will be with us always, so He must be going to help us set up His kingdom.  They just did not get it!

Jesus instructed them to return to Jerusalem and WAIT for the promise that would give them the authority and the power that they needed.

Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but WAIT for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

As Jesus stood on that mountain, the crowd was amazed as He began to rise in the air and a cloud received Him out of their sight. The people began to tremble and were frightened beyond belief, but what happened next caused them to understand that something bigger than they had ever thought was about to take place.

Two angels appeared to His disciples and said to them, "Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

And so we WAIT !

The book of Acts records the beginning of the Church and how the disciples went forth proclaiming the Good news. They told how Jesus was the Lamb of God who was slain so that all who believe and receive Him will be ready for heaven when He returns again.

We are waiting for His return, but we must not be idle as we WAIT.  We are to be about the Father’s business.

Searching the scriptures and learning about Jesus is one thing, but we must not just know about Him, but we must Know Him in our hearts.

Some false prophets, have set dates for the Lord’s return. There have been many embarrassed and red faces by those who predict such things.

The Bible warns us that no man knows the day or the hour because it is our Father God who will give the signal for Gabriel to blow his trumpet.

Jesus desires us to WAIT patiently for His return but he also needs us to be actively going about our day serving Him to the best of our ability.

Galatians 5:5 Until then we through the Spirit WAIT for the hope of righteousness by faith.

This post is linked to:
Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem
And to: Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday

Spaghetti Dinner

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The telephone rang and pulled me away from my computer. It was my daughter who wanted to know if it was too late to add another ticket for tonight to the annual spaghetti dinner at my church. My granddaughter Ashley’s boyfriend was in town this week-end and he would very much like to attend with us. I told Becky I would call her back after I found out for sure.

Our town has events that are attended by sometimes large crowds. Tonight would be one of those occasions. There were times when the tickets had been sold out and I hoped that this was not the case for tonight. I called one of our ladies and she assured me that they would set another place at our table. One year a chef from a local restaurant made the sauce, and I was hoping this year the spaghetti dinner would be another hit.

When our children were growing up, I fixed home made spaghetti at least once a week. I browned half a pound of hamburger with my onions and drained the grease. Another thing I added that was unusual was a small can of whole kernel corn to the sauce. I know that sounds crazy, but my family loved it. The idea of the corn came from a recipe in a free cook book that I received when we purchased our marriage license for two dollars many long years ago.

Looking through my files, I could not find my spaghetti recipe so a quick look on the internet revealed one that was very close to mine. This one is simple and easy.

HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI/PASTA SAUCE

Ingredients

• 1 chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (pulse in the blender if they are whole tomatoes)
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• Add enough water to Fill the tomato paste can
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 tablespoons red wine or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian dry seasoning
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes -(optional 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper or dash of Tabasco)

Directions

In a large skillet gently brown the onion with the olive oil, add the crushed garlic and brown gently. Combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, garlic, sugar, vinegar, oregano and red pepper flakes. Stir all together and simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes (for the best flavor). Stir frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent burning.  Metal spoons can leave a taste of metal in your sauce and you don't want that.  I like to add hamburger to my sauce but that is optional.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays
Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.
Anything about food is welcome if you would like to enter her blog hop.

Hair Styles

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For many years I had worn my blond hair in a sort of school girl Dutch Bob. It was a simple style and easy to care for.

Then several years ago now, my husband suggested that I might enjoy a very short hair style. He took me to his lady barber who cut hair for both men and women. Many of the women were senior citizens in our area.

"Short real short," is what my husband told her. When the barber finished, I wondered if that was really me.

The girls at work told me they did not like my new look.

"You will get used to it and then you will like it," I told them. It certainly was easy to care for. No curlers or hot iron needed. Simply wash - dry and that was it.

If my husband is happy with my hair, then I too am pleased.

As far as God is concerned  - - God could care less about my hair, because He only looks at my heart.


You will enjoy these two posts below on Hair

Sheila at  God Spotting with Sheila wrote on her recent hair cut.
To enjoy her post “The Hair Cut: click here.   

Also don’t miss the post "My Hair my life"
by Deidra Riggs  click here

Please leave them a comment and tell them you saw this here at Joyful Noise!

Pride and Confidence?

Hebrews 10:35-36   Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
I believe that a truly Born Again Christian can mistake CONFIDENCE and think that it is Pride.

When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He included his Authority along with the GO ye and preach and teach.  We should not to be afraid to use what he has equipped us to use.

The Bible instructs us to Fear NOT and to be bold in the Lord. Although humility is also a walk, boldness truly means that IN Christ I can do all things through Him, but without Him I am nothing.

Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?


Proverbs 28:1 Amplified Bible The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion.

As a garment we put on HIS righteousness, (not our own) we can then stand PROUD in God and act out what He is telling us to do.

I am reminded of the little kindergarten children who receive their diplomas. They stand so proud, not arrogant, but pleased that they have passed every test. Also they are happy that their parents are proud of them!!

Be confident in the assurance that God is proud of YOU!

Does that not please you?


This post is linked to Faith Barista Jam Thursdays
and to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

Insider Information

Sharing today a Devotional by Beth Jones

Insider Information

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." John 16:13, NKJV
________________________________________

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible! I love this promise about the Holy Spirit. We have "insider information" by virtue of the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us! I hope you are encouraged today as you consider two amazing pieces of "insider" info the Holy Spirit gives.

He will guide us into all truth: We have the best Guide in the entire world! Ever been on a guided trip? Perhaps four-wheeling, rafting, snorkeling or hiking? Isn't it great to have a guide who knows the ropes? A guide who knows all the things you must see and all the places to avoid? A guide who keeps you safe while taking you on a memorable trip? All we have to do is follow the leader and he will guide us!

The Holy Spirit is the quintessential Guide! He knows the truth about every turn, bump and curve in the road and He will guide us all along the way. He knows all the things we must see and all the things we need to avoid. He keeps us safe while guiding us on a truth-loaded, faith-filled adventure. Our job is to listen to the Guide and follow His lead.

He will tell us things to come: This may be one of the best promises in the Bible! The God who knows everything about the future lives on the inside of us. Talk about "insider information." Think about it. No one else in all of creation knows the future; the only Person who really knows what the future holds is the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Holy Spirit wouldn't just keep it to Himself, but He would tell us the things to come. You can take that promise to the bank.

You can rest assured that when you seek the Lord, anything that you need to know about your future – the Holy Spirit will show you. He will give you an inclination, a "sense" of what is coming, a knowing and the insider information you need for the circumstances and decisions that affect your life.

Take a moment to read the way the Amplified Bible spells it out…

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. (John 16:13, AMP)

Today, lean on the Holy Spirit…

Say this prayer and make it yours:
 "Father, thank You for the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit, I want to know You better. I want to stay in step and follow You as the Guide of my life. I want to hear Your voice and pick up Your signals as You show me things to come. Thank You for all the 'insider information' I need. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Jeff and Beth Jones Ministries

P.O. Box 745 - Portage, MI 49081

http://www.jeffandbethjones.org/



Patience is a Virtue Learned



Waiting - Waiting
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One of my male Blogger friends reminded me after yesterdays post - - That Life, work, and testosterone get in the way of a MAN’s spirit sometimes, and yes men do at times get irritated at their wives. Each spouse has different takes on the event.  He feels lack of respect and she feels a bit less than love shown.  In the end forgiveness is the key to peace.

My own memory was jogged a bit as I considered my own selfishness and loosing my own patience many times. Here follows a true story that you may identify with. We all are able to learn if we have a teachable spirit and are able to become quick to apply truth.

Patience is a Virtue Learned

Many years ago, we had moved to a new house on the hill that was about four miles from out church. Our children were in their late teens and early 20s, and our two daughters still living at home with us, had their own jobs and transportation.

My husband and I had gone to the Wednesday night service at our church, just the two of us. The service was over and I was talking to one of our friends because we were planning an event soon to happen. Robert said to me, “Come on I need to go home.”

I replied, “Give me another minute.” - - I should have understood that tomorrow was a big day at work for him, and he needed his sleep, but I was busy talking.

I love my husband dearly and he is a wonderful man, but there is one virtue that he did not have, and that was “Waiting.” He to this day still hates to wait in line at the store, and if the line is too long, I have known him to leave without purchasing anything.

Patience was not my husband’s best attribute, but that night he learned a lesson by experience. Some times you can learn by being instructed, but other times you learn by experience. Perhaps I needed to learn a lesson too.

Anyway, there were several couples still at the church, and my husband thought to himself, “I am sure that someone will give her a ride home,” so he jumped in our car and took off without me. Now this was not the first time he had left me somewhere, and as soon as I understood what had happened, I decided that this would be the last time.

Most everyone at church had left, and my friend and I finished our planning. I gathered my things and started to leave the church. One of the fellows realizing what had occurred said, “Hey, let me give you a ride home.” I was a bit angry at that point, so I blurted out ”No thank you, he must have want me to walk home, so walk home I am going to do.”

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One of my faults is that I am a manipulator, and that night I had a plan. There is always a short way and a long way, and that night I decided to take the long approach home. I would walk up the hill to our son and his wife’s cottage because I knew they were on a mini vacation. In my purse was a set of their keys so that was not a problem, once there I would take a short nap.

Arriving at their place, I let myself in, and rested for probably thirty minutes, then I decided it was time to go home. Taking the trail along the freeway, I hiked back to our overpass that would take me home.

Very quietly I readied for bed and slipped carefully under the covers. Strong arms entwined around me and a soft voice said, “How did you get home?” I replied, “I walked home, isn’t that what you wanted me to do when you left me.” His soft voice continued, “I will never leave you again.” “Do you promise?” I asked.  His reply was, “Yes I promise,”

We never spoke of this again, but  - - My lesson was to be ready when he says, “Let’s go.”

His lesson was arrived at by an experience, and true to his word, he has never left me again.

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
With Wednesday with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences

and Linked to Joy in this Journey

 

Wife Abuse repost

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It wasn’t because I felt threatened, because that wasn’t the case. My thought was; to be forewarned was to be forearmed.

I don’t remember how the conversation came around, but it probably had something to do with the news paper, about a wife being beaten by her husband.

At the time, we were engaged to be married, and this seemed like the appropriate opportunity to make my statement.

It was short and sweet. “I don’t expect you to ever hit me, but if you ever do, the first time will be the last time, because I will be gone before you can hit me again.”

We never spoke of this after that, and through the years, there may have been a time or two that he wished he could hit me; like the time he hit the wall instead, and made a hole that needed to be patched. - - But physically hit me; NO he never did.

He has been a kind and loving husband - - most of the time.  We do not argue or fignt but there are times we may get a bit angry with one another!   But we have learned to walk in forgiveness.


Besides physical abuse, there are other ways to hurt your spouse, and that includes verbal abuse, and the silent treatment.  Oh no, that silent treatment is not good.

One day, I was at my computer with my wallet open and my credit cards visible. I was printing a receipt for a charity gift I had just made on the internet.

Behind me, I heard a voice, “What are you doing now?” my husband barked at me, as his blood pressure went up several decimals. I won’t include all the rest of his speech, but it lasted about 5 minutes, as to why I shouldn’t do this because of all the scams, and how we are on a budget and we need to pinch every penny.

Talking about the wind being knocked out of your sails - - that was me. I explained to my husband that it was for a good cause, and I was depending on those persons involved who I trusted, that it was a legitimate charity.

I was reminded about the story of Abigail in the Bible, (1 Samuel 25,) who brought King David food, but she did not tell her husband right away. Her husband had refused to contribute provisions to King David, and she knew this was not right. In fact she was troubled for the safely of her household due to her husbands selfishness. So she decided to take matters into her own hands. She did what she knew had to be done, even though she knew her husband did NOT approve!

The next day, after delivering her bounty to the King, she told her husband what she had done. What happened next was shocking to say the least.

Her husband was so angry, that his blood pressure hit sky high, and because of that he suffered a stroke, and fell over dead.

This Bible story illustrated to me, that there may be occasions when it is better at times to hold off sharing with your husband, your small gifts to charity, at least until a better day.

Timing is crucial, if you value keeping him alive.

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty