Grace & Me

I guess you have noticed I have taken a seriously long break from blogging. I have so much to share and so much has happened in the past two plus months. Most I will save for another time, the greatest news is that is what I have been given MORE TIME! As you must have an idea, I have this journey with cancer that wants to keep interfering with my life but it is just a bump in the road and I will continue . The most important thing I want to share today is God's grace is more than enough. More than life, more than health, more than anything it is...

2 Corinthians 12:9  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

It's Autumn * Happy New Year*

First, I know this may seem weird but I do not like New Year's day.  I don’t know why but to me it is kind of a depressing day maybe it is the letdown after all the holidays or what but I don’t like it. So last year I made the choice to make my New Year the 1st day day of Autumn. It was great, after all even Hallmark pocket calendars start in September!  If you think about it Autumn is the time to harvest old crops and plant seeds that will bloom in spring.

 So this year I have made a list for my
New Year

*Read the Bible in a year in chronological order – I thought my love of history would make this be an even bigger blessing.

*Make a new friend each month and pray for them for that month- That is 12 more people in my life that I could learn from and maybe I will be a blessing to them.

*Dance at least once a day- even if I don’t feel like it!

*Go for a Walk 3 times a week-God has so many things to see even when it’s raining and cold

*Act like a girl throughout the month-not a tough woman but a girly girl. This may be odd to some but sometimes I forget this.

*Learn to sew -AND actually make stuff, cute stuff, and something in RED

*Buy Boots- I know this is not very spiritual but I have wanted boots for 3 years and I really want to get a pair this year so I just added them to the list-

So this is my short list so far. What made me want to make a list this year is I really started thinking of how long a year really is. For me it is not 365 days, I live in increments of 14 days. I take my cancer meds. for 14 days then I am off for 14 days and then repeat it again I do this for a year. That means I could live for a year or not, I could live for 20 years or not, but my choice is this I want to make every day count.  After all I could be crossing the street and get hit by a charging moose and die, you just don't know! What a difference a day makes when you make that day count for something more than yourself. (OK maybe I shouldn't have let you know about the boots) 

After all reading the bible every day is great, but if you are not DOING something with that knowledge about a true and loving God what good is it. And being healed from a disease is great but if your life is just about living for you what good is that.  So maybe I make a list with the hope that every day God will change me and make me a better person with a purpose for Him.  So I hope you will make today be

“The Best Day Ever!"  

Hebrews 13:8 -Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Good bye and Hellooo

“Good bye Summer” *sniff *”I’ve loved you so” *sniff sniff** she says while dabbing her eyes and shoulders slightly slumped- “You know you are my favorite season”*sniff* “ I don’t know what I will do without you Good bye Summer”- weeping she bows her head then pause. Lifting her head she then raises a fist and says-“ You're not going to lick me. I'm going to live through this and when it's all over I'll never miss you again nor any of my folk.”

Exit Summer

Enter Autumn

“Oh Autumn”, she exclaims “do listen to me, I must have loved you for years, only I was such a stupid fool, I didn't know it. Please believe me, you must care” “I’ve missed you so” - arms extended in front with open hands- “You know you are my, my,my favorite season Oh Autumn"- she takes Autumn by the hand they embrace and leaves begin to fall

Three years of drama in high school and I finally get to use it,

yea I really wasn’t that great

Seriously, just think of all the beautiful colors fall brings red, orange, and gold.

And it with the season comes apples, sweet juicy apples for eating and tart ones for pies.

I can’t wait for a slight chill so we can enjoy hot chocolate or yummy pumpkin spice coffee

We are going to have so much fun this year, fun fall crafts for the babes to make and treasures to be found under all of the fallen leaves, walks to take on a windy days and lots of baking- oh yes there will be baking! I am so excited I need to make my fun list so I don’t forget anything.

Here is my first Autumn Recipe I want the babes to make. The leaves may not end up looking quite like these, remember last year we had beautiful six armed gingerbread men, but it’s going to be fun!!

Aut-yum Leaves

Here's a treat no kid will leaf behind. Made with store-bought piecrust dough, these leaves are filled with chocolate and peanut butter chips -- but try jam and cream cheese, or chocolate chips, walnuts, and mini marshmallows, if you prefer.

Ingredients

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon of water

• Prepared pie crust

• Mini chocolate chips

• Peanut butter chips

• Raw sugar

• Flour for work surface

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°. Whisk one egg with a teaspoon of water and set it aside.

2. On a floured surface, roll out a prepared pie crust so it's about 1/8-inch thick. Use a large leaf-shaped cookie cutter (ours is 4 1/2-inches wide) to make as many dough leaf pairs as possible.

3. For each pocket, spread about 4 teaspoons of mini chocolate chips and peanut butter chips on a leaf, leaving a 1/2-inch margin at the edge. Brush egg wash onto the edge, place a second leaf on top, and press the edges to seal.

4. Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle it generously with raw sugar. Bake the leaves on a parchment-covered cookie sheet until their edges are just beginning to brown, about 12 minutes. Let them rest on the sheet a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.


Ecc. 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven

ShOw aNd TeLL

Some days I feel like Lilo’s doll Scrump

I know it is a little bit dramatic but I do feel like a sewn together doll, thanks to the ravages left from all of my surgeries. I know I am blessed that most of my scars cannot be seen with my clothes on, and I have seen what others have gone through and it could be so much worse. Most of all I am blessed to be alive! But… I have THOSE days when I see myself and I long for the days before cancer. I do realize it is all vanity, but occasionally I do have THOSE days, and sometimes it just makes me sad.

Funny thing is my Grandbabes find it fascinating. They have no idea why I have these scars they only know that I had some “bad stuff” taken out. In the beginning, I was so afraid they would only see me as the sick Grandma and it use to be a huge fear of mine. But that is not how it turned out at all, they think that is just how I am, and I am their little SHOW AND TELL doll. They are always asking if they can see them, I know it is somewhat freaky I agree, but they are all under five years old they are just babes, and they think it is great. They also think it is great to see a praying mantis or a large beetle.  What is my heart’s desire is they will know when they get older is that their Grandma was touched by God and lived her life with joy. When they come to the age of trials in their lives, they will remember my trials and know that God will always be there for them too, for they were a witness to His unfailing love. No matter how hard the trial is or how they may want to give up, they will remember the testimony of my life and will have the confidence knowing God will never leave them. They may know the pain of the scars but they will remember the joy in the story.

How about you do you have any scars? My hope is that you do, NO not scars that are visible to the eye, but a scar where the “bad stuff” was taken out. Maybe you have a scar where God took out your hard heart and gave you a heart full of Christ love. Or a scar where you had small clenched fists and God gave you new open hands for giving. Do you have a scar on your eyes where you were blind to the need of others and God gave you new eyes to see? Or maybe, just maybe you have a scar that reaches from the top of your head to the soles of your feet where God made you whole. Be a testimony of hope to someone’s life, share your story, and be that SHOW AND TELL person God has called you to be.

Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

First Person Responsibility

Do you have any pet peeves? I think we all have some pet peeve, you know that thing that annoys you and makes you think your perfect little world is disturb by that one thing. How about: when people leave the cap off the toothpaste, or people who drink directly out of the milk/orange juice container, and then put the empty container back in the refrigerator - that is somewhat annoying but that's two things . Not washing hands after using the bathroom- OK that is just disgusting. Guys who leave the toilet seat up- I had three brothers and then two sons I was always the only girl, so really when you think about it maybe guys is people who leave the toilet seat down. How about when you’re eating something and a person will just steal a little bit of it – yep that does kind of  bug me !

 Well I am going to share mine and it is my ugly side but here goes… my biggest one is what I call “First Person Responsibility”. This is the first one at the red light has the responsibility to make sure when the light turns green he GOES and tries to get everyone behind him through the light too.

 He doesn’t think about Aunt Mabel’s cookies, or talk to the person in the passenger seat, or anything else. I feel like it is a job that you shouldn’t take lightly. If you wait, the light will think no one is there and BAM it is red again and the only person who gets through is that guy and the rest of us are all sitting back at the intersection waiting on a red light.

I try very hard to remember forgiveness with this one, and I also try very hard not to just nudge that person with my car. I think that is illegal but maybe the judge would see my theory and feel like it is completely appropriate behavior on this one, but then I don’t think I want to risk it. I bet at some point in my life I was that girl at the red light that waited and didn’t get anyone else through but me and I didn’t even know it- no not me, no way-well maybe.

When it comes down to it, we all have that “First Person Responsibility” to lead by our example. How others who are watching to see what direction we will take and then they will follow. It can be simply how your children see you when you get angry or disappointed waiting and watching to see how you will get through it. Some may be watching to see how you react to change, are you going to just stay there waiting, or will you move on in faith knowing God has a plan. Maybe you don’t even know that there is someone behind you but they are there, and they want to get through the green light too. Life can be so hard sometimes and if we see someone walking ahead of us leading showing us the love of God, we can all make it. We are all leaders in some way or another, at one point in your life you are the first one at the red light just remember when it turns green I am behind you so let’s go, get us through the intersection.

1 Timothy 4:12 -Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Cake Pops

I wasn’t going to write a food post this time, I had a different one all planned out but… I found out today my favorite little Bakerella has a book coming out on September 8th. Maybe you have never heard of Bakerella and all of her yummy creations, but she is the creator of “Cake Pops” Her logo is “sweet inspiration & fun baking ideas” and it is so true!

Like this

And this

She also makes Cake Balls, look at these Red Velvet ones and the recipe

Red Velvet Cake Balls

1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)

1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)

1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)

wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.

2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)

3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)

4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)

5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.

6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)

I also only melt a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken. It’s easier to work with when it’s hot.

I am sure you are going to be the bestest of friends with her from now on. Even if you aren’t a great baker her ideas and instructions can walk even ME through to Bakersland or is it Bakerella-land. I am putting this book on my wish list!

Please note I am not paid for this endorsement nor to I expect any special favors from Bakerella-but I love to share great ideas especially when it has to do with yumminess!

Wipeout

 Have you ever seen the TV show "Wipeout"? Each week crazy people take on one of the world's largest extreme obstacle course hoping to be the "Wipeout Champion." It is at times grueling to watch people get  smacked around, catapulted in the air, swim or crawl through mud, shot in the face with all kind of nasty stuff, and continue to the next round.

For some reason it is my Grandson’s “new” favorite show, (last week it was Little Bear), so when he was over the other night he said, “Grandma, let’s watch my favorite funny show”. I know before you say anything about violence on television I too thought the same thing. So I said, “I don’t think we should watch this, it is kind of a mean and an awful lot of hitting going on”. His response was” No Grandma, it’s funny, they get knocked down but they can get up and do it again”. So we watched it and every time someone would get wiped-out, he would say, “Wait Grandma watch, they get up and get to do it again”.

So here I am, the next day sitting in church and all of a sudden little flashes of the “Wipeout” scenes come flashing through my head. That is when I realized this has been my life for the last several weeks.

I would start out fine thinking OK I can do this, right God, and bam I got sucked punched, knocked me to my knees

 got up and shook it off, feeling the sting on my face I continued on, and bam catapulted into a sea of yuckiness,

got up again and tried to stand tall, and bam and the big old sweeper kicked my feet right under me

I laid down for a while on that one but pulled myself to a half standing position.

Finally, just when I didn’t think I could take anymore I crawled into the throne room of God and begged for His grace. Do you think the course ended there? The answer is nope, the next day received a couple of phone calls, that let’s just say wasn’t the best news, and bam blow to my left side

I limped around on my right for the rest of the day.

As I sat in church thinking of all that has taken place lately and hoping to hear from God, that He will bless me with a calm, sweet week--all I can hear is this little boy's voice about this crazy show-- and I realize I GOT UP! I didn’t stay down in the mud, I didn’t lay down face first drowning in the water, and I didn’t stay on the ground. I GOT UP! I may have crawled at times but I GOT UP! I guess Grace doesn’t always bring victory in the obstacles, sometimes Grace comes with Mercy and just let’s you GET UP and get through the obstacles!

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the LORD Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Pillow Cookies & Me

I found this receipe at bakerella  and oh baby look at all of this yummy goodness. I am going to make them for our 4th of July Party. Can you imagine a chocolate chip cookie with a brownie inside, that is like winning the lottery, well maybe not the lottery but something pretty good! Besides isn't it true anything you eat on the 4th of July is freedom from calories? Well it should be because I am making these!  

Brownie Pillow Cookies

1 package brownie mix

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

12 oz. bag miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make brownies according to package and let cool. Cut about ten 1 inch squares. Enjoy the remaining brownies. (I used a pan about 8 X 8)
For the chocolate chip cookie dough, beat butter with a mixer until creamy.
Add brown sugar and beat until smooth
Add eggs, yolk and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
Combine flour, baking powder, soda and salt in a medium bowl and stir together with a wire whisk.
Add flour to butter mixture and beat until combined. Stir in mini chips.
Let dough chill covered in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Use a measuring cup to scoop batter by the 1/2 cup. Since it’s chilled, you may need to pack it with a spoon. Then use the spoon to remove the dough from the cup and place it on parchment paper. Work quickly so the dough remains chilled or either prepare one cookie at a time so the rest of the dough remains cold.After the dough is on the parchment paper, make an indention and place a 1 inch square brownie in the center. Press the brownie down gently and work the remaining dough around the brownie. You can use your hands to shape the dough into a ball.
During this step, I found it easier to use a piece of parchment paper as a work surface since the dough can get sticky and then I used another piece of parchment paper for the baking sheet. If your dough gets too soft, you can chill the rolled dough balls for a few minutes right before baking.
Prepare six cookies at a time using a large baking sheet (15 X 20) and bake at 350 degrees for about 18 minutes. Return the remaining dough to the refrigerator until time to bake the second batch.
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes and then cool completely on a wire rack.
Makes about ten cookies using a little less than a 1/2 cup of dough for each cookie.
If your cookies start to get too brown before they are done baking, you can place a sheet of aluminum foil over top for the last few minutes.

and then it should read EAT THEM!

Happy 4th of July

SuMmEr FuN

I lOvE summer lOvE, LoVe, LOVE it! All the seasons have their own set of reasons to love them but summer just has so much more to offer me. Lots of fun, less clothes, flip-flops, swimming, all of my favorite fruits, long warm nights and of course ice cream. This year I decided to start my own Summer List. I got the idea from Meg at megduerkse/ whatever/the-summer-list.html . So of course, I wanted to make my own! My list is a little different from others as I don’t have little ones at home but ….I wanted each Grandbabe to know all the fun that we can have during the summer. After all isn’t that where memories are made when you are young going to Grandma’s, drinking ice tea with sugar, eating ice cream before dinner, wearing her jewelry, making great things in her kitchen regardless of the mess. Well that’s what I do! All the things I hated cleaning up after when I had my babes at home now they bring me joy. Now my house is always clean, no fingerprints on everything, no pattern marks all over the toilet (sorry I had boys), no used dishes under the bed, now my laundry is done in two hours. So I have lots of time to think of messes that my Grandbabes can do at my house. Funny how things change you work so hard when you are young to make your house so perfect for your family and then you get a little older your kids grow up, your house is perfect and then you work so hard to mess it up. Love this season of my life and especially... I love being Grandma Lolo!

"Mini" and Me

If you have followed me or know me, you do know that at times I am a little cRaZy. My love of fun and laughter at times may seem a little over the top, I guess it comes from my past years of fighting depression and having so much sorrow in my life that I refuse to have a day that is not filled with joy. Joy was part of the blessings I received when the Lord gave me a new life, great package deal I might add. Well with all that said my Pastor is on sabbatical for 3 months from June1 to September 19, not only will we be praying for him during this time we have also been given this:

It is our “Mini Marty”

It is a kind of contest to take our “Mini” with us this summer to take pictures on our vacations or wherever and submit them. My photo was the first one submitted and shown on the overhead at church. OK I have to admit the quality of the photo is bad- but in my defense, first I had to put the “I voted” sticker on him, next I had a hard time getting him in a seat belt, then when I was taking this picture it was in the parking lot and people started really looking at me, can you say awkward…

I can’t wait to see how others will get creative too, but I have to admit I really want to win. Any ideas?? What makes this so great is it really does remind me to pray for Pastor Marty, I see him every morning on my fridge, and you know I am all about the reminders on my fridge. Life can be so hard sometimes we forget to have fun. When you think about it how can we share Jesus with others if we are not living a life that shows others joy. Now I am not saying you have to dress in a clown suit or be a stand up comedian, but have you ever heard someone laugh aloud and even though you have no idea what they are laughing at and somehow you feel like laughing? That is the kind of joy I am talking about the kind that others want to have just because they see it you, I call it contagious joy. So here is my challenge, go out this summer and have fun, share your joy, take pictures of you with your “Joy” make it be your “Mini Marty”.



Acts2:28: You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.