A Note of Thanksgiving!

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

Psalm 100:4

The last few days have been busy!  (I can tell the holiday season is upon us!)  I don't know what day of our 65 day journey we are up to...not sure where the calendar is!

My house is not perfect, but there is more done than I had hoped possible....sort of. *Smile*  Regardless, my heart is glad for HE is with me!  

I love this time of year for so many reasons!  I always feel so blessed during this season, even in the lean times....we all are so blessed!

The last few days, we have had ups and downs....but all with great joy!  We are making lemonade from some of our lemons...it's interesting and fun....part of the adventure.

I read this morning, there is a whole lot of living between "now" and "then".....between our smiles and our sighs.  We need to embrace each moment.

The turkey (breast, it was suppose to be a whole turkey....one of the surprises of the last few days), is soaking up the *brine*.  I'm getting ready to "start the bread to rise" as Granny would say, if she were still with us.  Then I'll make up the pie crust.

I will miss those who won't be at our table this year...those who have passed on, those who will be too far away.  This season causes me to reflect on how the faces around our dinner table are ever changing....generations passing.....

I miss the family I grew up knowing....but I love my children and grandchildren so much.....I wouldn't trade one moment of now to be able to visit the past.  Honey-hunk and I are the middle generation....we remember parents & grandparents, great uncles & aunts.....and we look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren.  It is an awesome time!

Tomorrow, and everyday, I will be giving THANKS for you, for your friendship!  I will be asking ABBA to bless you and your homes.  May HIS Shalom (Peace...the Prince of Peace) be with you and may HIS angels have charge over you!

It would be awesome if you could drop by for a visit tomorrow....we could have pie & coffee....leftover turkey and cranberry relish.

We would laugh and cry together....then laugh some more!

Welcome, new followers!  I am so happy you are here!

I will try to get caught up on our "journey" posts over the weekend.  I have found some awesome ideas for gifts....inexpensive gifts...but so NICE, I want to share. 

My Bible studies have been amazing the last few days....would like to share from those also.  Is God saying something to your heart?

We rec'd word a former neighbor *next section over* passed away.  She was a precious lady and a good friend to my sweet mother-in-law (Granny Dorothy).  Please say a prayer for the family of Mildred Altom, if you don't mind.  

Mildred was 93.

Her younger sister, Jo, still lives close by.  I will try to go by and visit with Jo next week.

 

Blessings,

Cheryl

Day 23 ~ A Sad Day

Day 23

of Our 65 Day Journey

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"  ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Praying for the families of those who died in the plane crash and for the OSU community and family.

From Miranda Serna's FB page: 

Favorite Quotations: "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope that I have not a single bit of talent left and could say to him, "Dear Lord - I used everything you gave me and thank you for all you entrusting in me!". 

 Beautiful

 

Wanted to let you know, I probably won't be online much today  (Saturday), but for those of you who had prayer requests, I am praying. 

You are precious to me!  And you are precious to HIM!

Today, I am thankful for everyday splendor.

 Have a blessed day today!

Shabbat Shalom,

Cheryl

Day 22 of Our 65 Day Journey...more than a third there!!!

Day 22

 

 

of our 65 Day Journey

and it is also

 Fearless Friday!

And WE are blessed….

It is less than a week until Thanksgiving!

There are so many thoughts running through my brain, I am having difficulty in sorting them out.  I hope I will be able to share some of them with you….but not today.  I’m still sorting!  But soon!

The Prayer room is open….we are praying for you!

If you have a special request, please leave me a note in the comments…or you may email me (info is in the sidebar) or you may contactAngela, her information is also in the sidebar.

So, what are you thankful for today?

In keeping with Shawn’s

Thirty Days of Thanks

I am thankful for………God’s abundance, I can’t define it any better than that, only to add

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

~ Psalm 84:11~

Are there things we could use?  Of course!

Are things perfect?  No

Is our bank account running over?  (Over, in which direction?)  Unfortunately, no!

Do I ever feel overwhelmed?  If you only knew…

Still can’t comment on most of my friends blogs…makes me feel guilty, but I’m leaving you with this:

"God is looking for people on whom He can place the weight of His entire love, power, and faithful promises."

"God knows that you can withstand your trial, or else He would not have given it to you. His trust in you explains the trials of your life, no matter how severe they may be. God knows your strength, and He measures it to the last inch. Remember, no trial has ever been given to anyone that was greater than that person's strength, through God, to endure it."

From: Streams in the Desert.

Just something Angela shared the other day…

It washed over me like a wave of joy, peaceful, taking away the stress and leaving me feeling refreshed, renewed!

We are blessed!

(Speak LIFE into your situations, ladies. )

Praying for each of you, for those who follow and those who just happened by and praying for your families. 

May God’s Shalom (HIS peace) fill your hearts and your homes.  May each need you have be met in ways you've never imagined.  May your bodies be healed by the ONE who bore the stripes that paid for your healing.  May HE who created the universe give you the desires of your heart and may your relationship with HIM through HIS Son be more than you had ever hoped for. 

Remember, YOU are more than conquerors!!!

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”  ~ Romans 8:37

Blessings,

Cheryl

Day 21 of Our 65 Day Journey

Day 21 

of Our 65 Day Joruney!

Since Thanksgiving is only a week away,

Beth over at A Work in Progress is doing Top Ten Thanksgiving Yumminess!  Come on and join the fun….

Ten Must Have Foods for Thanksgiving…..

1. Mr. Tom Turkey! 

2. Cornbread dressing….not stuffing….dressing

3. Giblet Gravy (which I make without the giblets)

4. My mother’s cranberry relish recipe

5. Some kind of sweet potatoes   (soufflé is preferred by dd#1, plain old candied and topped with toasted marshmallows is dh’s favorite)

Next five in order of preference ……..

Everyone, Aunt Billie’s cheese ball

Everyone, hot rolls (homemade the best, but will except others)

Nearly everyone, mashed potatoes (garlic cheese mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving!)

Me…..BROCCOLI  (can be a casserole but plain, steamed is fine), both dds would rather have green bean casserole and of course the boys would rather have mac & cheese (not happening), honey hunk will be busy with the dressing and sweet potatoes, so he doesn’t count here!  BTW – Broccoli can be raw on the relish tray….(I’m really not difficult to please!)

And Fruit Salad…..we use 3 or 4 recipes….depends on our mood!

And dessert…..

Well that is probably a whole ‘nuther TEN!

Pumpkin Pie

Pecan Pie

Apple Pie

Four Layer Chocolate Pie

Cream Cheese Bars (Also known as Neiman Marcus Bars)

Chocolate Chip Cookies or Blonde Brownies

Cheese Cake….anykind!!!  (I’m wanting to try White Chocolate Raspberry….maybe Christmas)

Peanut Butter Pie

Banana Pudding

Rice Krispie Treats (The boys also make the day before)….

In realty, we will probably have the first four, along with the Rice Krispie Treats.  We’ve had two pans of blonde brownies in the last couple of weeks.

Thanksgiving (or parts there of) will last from Thursday through the weekend, feeding approximately 25.

If anyone wants recipes….just let me know!  Our Cheese Ball and (one of our) Fruit Salad recipes can be found here!

Thirty Days of Thanks!!!

 Join Shawn for more Thirty Days of Thanks!

Wednesday ~ The gorgeous trees outside my kitchen window.  They make me happy while I’m washing dishes!

Thursday ~ The tremendous Bible Study I’m a member of!  Those gals ROCK!

Around the House

Yesterday, I made two batches of Triple Berry Jelly for gifts!  Just finished making the second batch when dd#1 called and (just happened) to mention she was out of jelly!!!  I think she smelled it cooking….70 miles away!  Makes me happy that like their mama’s jelly though!

Still cleaning cabinets and such…seems like the never ending job!!!  But I know I’ll be much happier when it’s done!!

Hope you are having a wonderfully blessed day!

Tomorrow is Fearless Friday.  If you have a prayer request, let me know.  We would love praying for you!

Cheryl

Day 19 and The Simple Woman's Daybook

Day 19

of Our 65 Day Journey!

Isn't this a gorgeous time of year?!!!

If you didn't come by yesterday....be sure a scroll down!  Angela blessed us with a guest post!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Outside my window...  ~  It’s dark, a little cool, and cloudy.  A fine mist is falling.

I am thinking...  ~ the preparations for Thanksgiving. 

I am thankful for...  ~ In keeping with the Thirty Days of Thanks….

Monday ~ (I got so excited about Angela being my guest, I forgot to post what I was thankful for)….so, I am thankful for all the natural beauty God has placed around us.

Tuesday ~ (today) I am thankful for the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.

I am wearing...  ~ Tan slacks, a rose colored top and *surprise* shoes!

Well, sometimes you have to get out and go to the grocery store.

I am creating... ~ An orderly home, an orderly life.  There is MUCH work to be done, but it is up to me.

From the learning rooms... ~ The boys have been working on individual projects and I have been learning a few new things, too!

I am remembering… ~ What it was like to wade in the creek on warmer days.

I am praying … ~ For a good friend who is dealing with (too) many family issues, for our country and for Israel.

I am going...  ~To attempt some new craft projects.

I am currently reading...  ~ I’m still reading Mother Warriors by Jenny McCarthy, about the fight to overcome Autism.  I want something really good to read…..I’ve been looking, trying to decide what to order.  I usually have at least a ½ dozen books stashed away, for days that are better spent inside with a warm cup of something yummy to drink .  This year I’ve let the days slip up on me. ;)

I am hoping...  ~ to find time to get a pedicure …soon!

I am looking forward to...~ the smell of turkey filling the house!

On my mind...  ~ my kids

Noticing that...  the boys are going to need new boots

From the kitchen...  ~ Fresh bread is rising and I’ll be putting a pot roast on to cook in a few hours.  (I think I’ll bake the boys (and Honey hunk) a pan of cinnamon rolls.)  Later, we’ll roast some pumpkin seeds.

Around the house...  ~ I’m making progress….some days, I think I am probably the only one who notices.

One of my favorite things… A warm cozy quilt that smells like it just came off the clothesline.

A picture to share… ~

Quote of the Week… ~

"The longings of your heart are not incidental, they are critical messages. The desires of your heart are not to be ignored, they are to be consulted. As the wind turns the weather vane, so God uses your passions to turn your life. God is too gracious to ask you to do something you hate." ~Max Lucado ~ Just Like Jesus.

Be sure and visit The SimpleWoman’s Daybook for more daybook entries.

 Blessings,

Cheryl

Day 18 ~ Come and Meet Angela!

Day # 18

 Of Our 65 Day Journey!

We have a guest blogger today!  I want you to meet

my friend, Angela!

Angela's blog is Free Spirit Haven

 (I hope you will go by and visit with her!)

Angela is one of God's busy people!  

Some of the things she does ~

She is a motivational speaker, writer, business entrepreneur, and like the lady of Proverbs 31, she desires to "laugh at the days ahead".

 Angela, along with her husband and children, live in

Ontario, Canada.

 (Yes, there is a story behind the roses!)

This is two pictures, one woman!

By doing what Angela calls her Sacrificial Diet

she has lost 110 lbs!

She puts a lot of effort into encouraging others who would like to loose weight or make other life giving changes!

So, meet my friend

A N G E L A

Cheryl at   The Prairie Maid 

asked me if I would be willing to do a guest post at her beautiful blog.

Her exact words were:

So,  I'm thinking, would you do me the honor and be a guest blogger on the  Prairie Maid?  You can write on whatever subject the Lord lays on your  heart.  I was thinking S.O.D., organization, determination, changing  your life....etc.  You get the point, but I really want this to be a God  thing, so leaving it up to you and HIM.

That's one of the reasons why I just love that girl... "want this to be a God thing"!

amen amen amen!

So on November 2nd, with a cup of coffee by my side...

pen in my hand and my inspirational journal opened, I began to write:

Jesus, a new season is upon us. Not just preparing for the celebration of Your birth to mankind, but a season of new beginnings for my family's lives.

I've been weighed down for some time. Not just with food but 'things'. Attachments, behaviors, thoughts.

Simplify.

Organize.

Declutter.

From things, attachments, behaviors and thoughts.

It will not be overnight. It will not be easy. This discernment is HUGE in itself.

I can now walk in this truth instead of walking as a failure.

Failing to believe because of what is seen around and within me.

I am changing, no matter what it looks like around me or what my emotions are trying to tell me.

God is bringing about simplicity in our lives.

What truly matters in this journey of life to the Promised Land.

Simply living in love.

In my actions, thoughts and words.

God is organizing our lives.

Room by room.

Relationship by relationship.

Circumstance by circumstance.

God is decluttering our lives.

In thoughts, with words, by actions, through our circumstances and our home.

Giving us the essentials.

What is true, noble, right, pure, holy,lovely, admirable.

Everything that is excellent and praiseworthy!

So folks, that is what I wrote that day.

And I leave you with this...

Do not sabotage your success.

Some of you understand exactly what I'm sharing here since we have been 'talkin' through emails and phone.

God LOVES us. The good work that He started in us, He WILL complete on the day of Christ Jesus.

He is NOT finished with us.

Where you are now is not going to be forever.

Be happy. Joy filled.

Even during times of great loss, pain, hurt, sorrow...there ARE glimmers of joy...

Grasp unto it...hold it close.

Blessings and thank you  The Prairie Maid !

Angela....Thank YOU!

Oh, while I am thinking about it,

Judy over at Cranberry Morning has an awesome soap giveaway going on!!!  Be sure and go by!

May you day be blessed,

Cheryl

Day 16 and Counting

Day 16 

of Our 65 Day Journey!

Cowboy Booties

&

Girlie Cowboy Booties!

Aren't these sweet!!!

I wasn't going to post today.....we have a houseful of kids!!!  Eight!  All day, I've thought about the old show, Eight Is Enough! and laugh to myself!!!  Whew!

Anyway, was trying to explain these booties to an online buddy and Photobucket was co-operating, to allow me to post a picture on the forum we were on....so, decided to load them here so Bren can hop over and view them!

I would like to make a pair of each for the two youngest grands for

presents.  I think they would make great house shoes for this winter and I love the way they look!  (I think my daughters will like also...but if they don't who cares?!  JK)

I found both of these on Pinterest.  Have you been to Pinterest?  

Oh MY!!! 

If you don't have enough ideas you are wanting to do.....go!  And I mean, ideas about 

EVERYTHING!

You can visit my Pinterest boards HERE!

If you are not a member, you will need to "ask" for an invitation.  Which will arrive shortly in your email.

Then you just signup!

Invitation

If this doesn't work, let me know!

So, I got "hooked" on Pinterest (thank you, Linda!) because Prairie Flower Farm sent me there!!!   And now I tell Honey hunk, it is all Linda's fault! LOL

We are planning on renewing our vows in April of 2013.....it will probably be an outdoor affair!  

I keep finding things like this on Pinterest ~

and this ~

such fun!

Well, friends....it is time I tell you what I am thankful for today!

Saturday.....I am thankful for the internet and the wonderful friends I have made via the net!  You gals (and a few guys) are the greatest!

~ For MONDAY ~

We will have a Guest Blogger!  You will enjoy, I promise!  And if you do not already know her (shhh, it's a secret for now), you will make a new friend who you will really like!!!

Be sure and come by!

Shabbat Shalom!

Cheryl

Day 14 of Our 65 Day Journey

 Happy Veterans' Day!

 The words "thank you" are in no way enough, still ~ thank you and may you be blessed!

I've sat here for at least 2 hours, trying to figure out what to blog about!  I still have nothing.  I am rarely at a total loss for words.  This is so not me (the talker)!

Day #14 

 of Our 65 Day Journey!

~ I promised some recipes ~

Two years ago, I taught a cooking class at our local university.  We had such fun!!!

One of the recipes I shared with the class, was also one of the first recipes I taught the boys to make.  It is a family tradition, first made by my aunt (Aunt Billie) probably 50 years ago!  We've made it every Thanksgiving and Christmas since  (and several other times during the year).  So if you have kids or grandkids just itching to help.....they can do this!

Holiday Cheese Ball

2 cups of mild cheddar cheese grated

1 8oz. pkg. of cream cheese, room temperature

chili powder

garlic powder

2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

Mix all ingredients except for the chili powder.  If the kids are doing it, make them wash their hands and then turn them loose!!!  If you are doing it, you may use the food processor.

Once everything is well blended, roll into desired shape.  I like to make two cheese logs, so when it is served, you can slice it and it just fits on Town House Crackers.  My daughters like to make one large cheese ball....whatever.  Once you have it shaped, liberally sprinkle chili powder onto a large plate or freezer paper and roll your cheese logs/ball in the chili powder.  Coat well.

Wrap and chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours (to let the flavors blend) (that usually does not happen here).   

Enjoy!

Simple Fruit Salad

This is an easy (and lite) fruit  salad and everyone loves it.....even the picky people.

3 oranges, peeled, sections pulled apart and cut into chunks....you need to try and remove that thin membrane (?) that covers the orange sections (as much as possible)

3 bananas sliced

1 large can of Pineapple chunks 

or tidbits

1/2 cup sugar

a few maraschino cherries cut in half for garnish (if you want)

Drain the pineapple (save juice!), place in bowl.  Slice the bananas into the pineapple juice (it will keep them from turning brown).  Add oranges, sugar and cherries if you want!  This is so good and refreshing....not heavy like some fruit salads. 

(Looks yummy!)

I also have a new recipe for a Pumpkin Pie Latte....actually I have two.  One came from our local rural electric company and the other was  sent to me by Taste of Home magazine.  I haven't tried either, but I'm planning to!  After I taste taste the two, I'll post my favorite!

Don't be surprised if my favorite is plain old pumpkin pie with a good cup of coffee!  Just sayin'!

Thursday - thankful for our country.  With all its faults, it is still the best in so many ways.

Friday - thankful for our Veterans!

Praying for each of you today!  

Blessings,

Cheryl

A Very Special Story

  Today (Wednesday) is  

Day # 13 

of Our 65 Day Journey!

 (I think.  The lights are out and I can't see the calendar.)

Welcome new followers! 

Beth77....answering your question at the bottom of this post.

 I have a very special story for you today.  One of my friends sent it to me and I wish everyone could read it.

(Don't worry, there will not be a test later. ;) )

IS IT JUST A FOOTBALL GAME?

(This is a true story.)

There was an unusual high school football game played in Grapevine, Texas.

The game was between Grapevine Faith Academy and the Gainesville State School.

Faith is a Christian school and Gainesville State School is located within a maximum security facility.

Gainesville State School has 14 players.

They play every game on the road.

Their record was 0-8.

They've only scored twice.

Their 14 players are teenagers who have been convicted of crimes ranging from drugs to assault to robbery.

Most had families who had disowned them.

They wore outdated, used shoulder pads and helmets.

Faith Academy was 7-2.

They had 70 players, 11 coaches, and the latest equipment.

Chris Hogan, the head coach at Faith Academy, knew the Gainesville team would have no fans and it would be no contest, so he thought, "What if half of our fans and half of our cheerleaders, for one night only, cheered for the other team?"

He sent out an email to the faithful asking them to do just that.

"Here's the message I want you to send," Hogan wrote.

"You're just as valuable as any other person on the planet."

Some folks were confused and thought he was nuts.

One player said, "Coach, why are we doing this?"

Hogan said, "Imagine you don't have a home life, no one to love you, no one pulling for you. Imagine that everyone pretty much had given up on you. Now, imagine what it would feel like and mean to you for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you."

The idea took root.

On the night of the game, imagine the surprise of those 14 players when they took the field and there was a banner the cheerleaders had made for them to crash through.

The visitors' stands were full.

The cheerleaders were leading cheers for them.

The fans were calling them by their names, Isaiah, the quarterback-middle linebacker said, "I never in my life thought I would hear parents cheering to tackle and hit their kid. Most of the time, when we come out, people are afraid of us. You can see it in their eyes, but these people are yelling for us. They knew our names."

Faith won the game, and after the game the teams gathered at the 50-yard line to pray.

That's when Isaiah, the teenage convict-quarterback surprised everybody and asked if he could pray.

He prayed, "Lord, I don't know what just happened so I don't know how or who to say thank you to, but I never knew there were so many people in the world who cared about us."

On the way back to the bus, under guard, each one of the players was handed a burger, fries, a coke, candy, a Bible, and an encouraging letter from the players from Faith Academy.

What an incredible act of Christian witness and kindness and goodness that was.

Proverbs 11:17 says, "Your own soul is nourished when you are kind.."

Proverbs 3:27 says, "Do not withhold good when it is in your power to act."

Be kind to someone this week.

Be kind to every person you meet.

You might be amazed at what God will do with a simple act of kindness.

 

 

Join Shawn for Thirty Days of Thanks!

Wednesday ~ Today, I am thankful for all the good, caring people who are out there....the ones we rarely hear about.  Still, they live their lives walking in HIS footsteps!  Each one is a special blessing.  Each one makes the world a better place.

 

Beth 77, the post yesterday ~ The Simple Woman's Daybook is the brain child of  Peggy Hostetler.  You can find it here.  She also has two blogs, The Simple Woman and The Real Organic

 

The Simple Woman is her older blog and I don't think she is still blogging there.  The Real Organic is new.  You will enjoy her writings.  

And....buffet!  All the way....makes people feel at home and so much easier. ;)

 

Blogger is still making it difficult to comment on most blogs....I can't comment here on my own...blah!!!  I tried switching from Mozilla to Internet Explorer, but that didn't help.  I think blogger is doing some kind of changes, as I have noticed I am not the only one having problems. 

 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday!!!  Promise I will come (and comment) ASAP!

 

May each of us be a blessing, an encourager, a help to someone today!

 

Hugs,

Cheryl