Psalm 27

This week I started memorizing Psalm 27.  It is one of my favorite Psalms and one that I had wanted to memorize.  Psalm 27:13-14 was very important to me last winter, very close to this time of the year in fact, when I had a herniated disc in my lower back.  The Lord used those Scripture verses to encourage me; what better way to remember them than to memorize them!

 

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First Snow of the Season - traditions

In our family we have a tradition to celebrate the first snowfall of the winter season and yesterday we had the first snow of the season - we bring our red and blue snowman cookie jar out from the cupboard storage and fill it with freshly baked cookies. 

Usually our first batch of cookies are Grandma Sue's soft sugar cookies (recipe to follow), but first a bit about the snow or lack thereof!  I thought we were going to have this big "snow event" and to be sure some areas did get snow.  Many of our friends got over a foot of snow but down here in the south (45 miles) we got just a trace.  Poor Andrew, the only one who was really looking forward to getting snow this early, walked down the stairs this morning with a disgusted look on his face, pointed out the window and said, "This!  This is NOT snow!"  Haha!

Now onto our favorite sugar cookie recipe! 

Soft Sugar Cookies

1 C. butter
1 C. shortening   (I use 2 cups of butter flavored Crisco)
1 C. sugar
1 C. powdered sugar
2 eggs
4 C. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. pure vanilla
1 tsp. cream of tartar

Cream butter, shortening, sugar and eggs.  Add vanilla, baking soda and cream of tartar and mix well.  Add in the flour by cupfulls, mixing well between each one.  Roll into balls and then roll in sugar.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.  You want them to look not quite done but not too soft.  Cool on rack for two minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.  If you want the cookies to stay softer store them in a tupperware or rubber container - they will get a little harder being stored in a cookie jar.

Enjoy!  If you make these for your family, let me know how you like the recipe.

Blessings,
Theresa

Daybook

For Today...

Monday, November 10th, 2014

 

 

Outside my window...  the morning light is beginning to break forth.  I thought I would wake to a ground covered in snow but so far there is just a dusting. 

 

 

I am hearing... beautiful piano music by Paul Cardall

 

 

I am thinking... that I will enjoy another cup of coffee with cream and coconut sugar while I listen to this beautiful music.  Mmm

 

 

  I am thankful...

• for a wonderful week full of so many blessings
• game night with my family
• God's word
• Sunday afternoon talks with my boys - always lots to share after fellowshipping with friends.
• being able to have my nephew spend the weekend with us
• that I can worship God through the creativity He's given to me
• beautiful piano music to soothe my soul
• for the wonderful years with our sweet Sheltie, Tess who we had to put down on Friday - very unexpectedly. 

 

{Tyler and Andrew playing legos}

 

 

{Lizzy wanted to play rummy too.  She went from lap to lap.  At one point we put her bed on a chair because she was crying so much to be part of the action.  ☺  Sleepy Jon in the background}

 

 

{Andrew showing Sammi his hand - there were two separate games going so she was helping him decide what to do.}

 

 

{Tess}

 

 I am wearing... a new white nightgown with lavender trim and flowers. 

 

 I am creating... planner pages.  Last week's theme before I started to fill in the details and then the start to this week - decorated for our first snow.

 

 

  I am enjoying...

 

 

I am wondering...  if I can get all of my Christmas shopping done before December this year.  It is a goal each year but never happens. 

 

 I am reading... through the Bible with my Good Morning Girls group.  I read Genesis 41 this morning.  I am almost finished with Aunt Jane's Hero - I probably could have finished it last night but I was so sore (knee problem) and decided to take an extra long hot soak in the tub.  By the time I crawled in between the sheets I was too tired to read. 

 

 I am hoping (trusting God)... for the salvation of some very precious loved ones and for my older children to be led by God in all areas of their lives.  For the love I have for my children to be clearly understood in even all of the little unseen things I do for them. 

 

 

 Around the house... we got the yard prepared for our big "snow event" that was supposed to happen but thus far seems to have taken a break. 

 

  In the kitchen...  We have a tradition to bake cookies on the first snowfall of the season and fill our winter snowman cookie jar.  We only use this cookie jar in the winter.  I'll have one of the boys get the cookie jar from the closet and wash it up while we make cookies. 

  

I am (still) learning… to let go and let God.  It is best to be taught by Him.  This is such an old entry but it is still so applicable.  Even this morning as I read and studied in Genesis 41 - Joseph who had been called forth from prison to interpret the Pharaoh's dream had two sons.  He named the first Mannaseh and the second Ephraim.  Mannaseh means to cause to forget and Ephraim, fruitful.  Joseph was able to "let go" of the unkindness and betrayal of his brethren and rejoice in the affliction of his current situation.  I have seen this played out in my own life.  How graciously God has healed hurts and after letting go of them He's brought His peace and joy even if still in the midst of affliction.  I also think that I have been more spiritually fruitful during those times of affliction - I've realized I really do have no control and the only right way to respond is to come before Him in total surrender and cling to Him. 

 A quote to share...  “If a tiny spark of God’s love already burns within you, do not expose it to the wind, for it may get blown out… Stay quiet with God. Do not spend your time in useless chatter… Do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself.” (St. Charles Borromeo)

 

 A few plans for this week:  If we get all of the expected snow they say we are to get, I am looking forward to staying home.  As much as I am not looking forward to the cold returning I do love that feeling of winter - where you feel all tucked in.  ☺ Just the normal activities this week with a possible skating day on Wednesday.

 

 A peek into one of my days... on Friday's, in my Facebook Bible study group I put up a new Fun Friday question each week.  Sometimes they are serious... sometimes silly.  Here is this week's question.  I would LOVE to hear your answer in the comment section - I'm sure others would too!  My Scripture and answer is below.

 

Luke 7:36-39 - "Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.  And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner."

This account has always touched me… The courage and vulnerability of this woman, a sinner (aren’t we all!), to enter into the Pharisee’s house to see Jesus and then cling to and weep upon His feet is so raw and pure – her need of a Savior overtook every inhibition she had.  May I be as she… pouring out my life at His feet.  Tossing out all pretenses and man made expectations and worship my King.

 

  This post is linked at The Simple Woman's blog.

Daybook

For Today...

Wednesday, November 5th, 2014

 

 

Outside my window...  it is dark... almost bedtime and boy oh boy am I ready for it!

 

I am hearing... Christopher and Andrew working on a snap together model at the kitchen table.

 

 

 

I am thinking... about what a wonderful week we've had.  We celebrated Andrew's 12th birthday and had a special surprise birthday tea for a friend of mine and overnight guests. 

 

{Andrew before opening gifts}

 

{My oldest two, with their dad who is an expert photo bomber}

 

 

  I am thankful...

• for God bringing restoration to relationships
• Birthday celebrations
• beautiful piano music
• for a wonderful time of celebration and fellowship on Monday and Tuesday with a lovely group of ladies.
• For lively music filling my home
• Late night chats with friends
• Overnight guests
• Seeing the heart and desire of a friends daughter to be taught and mentored
• For this sweet entry my daughter left in our thankful journal.
• A new to me tea flavor that Sarah brought and left for me yesterday.  Bengal Spice with cream and honey added.  Mmm

 

 

 I am wearing... a jean skirt, floral tank and a grey zip up workout sweatshirt.

 

 I am creating... journals.  A friend shared with me about her journaling - it was very inspiring.  I of course had to add my own artsy flair to it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm also knitting new dishcloths for me.  Mine were getting faded and very full of holes.  Here is my favorite pattern. 

 

 

I also made Andrew a Packers fleece blanket for a birthday gift.

 



 

 

 

  I am enjoying...  this Stephen Marq cd right now. 

 

 

I am wondering...  When I'll warm up!  We've been home for over 2 hours and my fingers and toes are still cold.  Burr!  Guess I should have worn a jacket.

 

 I am reading... through the Bible with my Good Morning Girls group.  I read Genesis 35 this morning.  I am about half way through Aunt Jane's Hero. 

 

 

I am praying (trusting God)...

• for the salvation of some very precious loved ones and for my older children to be led by God in all areas of their lives.
• For a friend who is to deliver soon
• Another friend who is in the hospital
• For ladies in my Bible study group who've recently lost loved ones.

 

 In the learning room...  We had a day off this week and have had computer problems which delayed the boys' math for a day.  I'm debating on whether or not we should school on Saturday this week or just let it go.

 

 

 Around the house... Things are neat and in order and I aim to keep them that way.  I'm hoping to get back to my room zone chore charts.  Here are some pictures of the guest bedroom that we decorated this week.

 

 

  In the kitchen... We've had lots of sweets and treats this week - so on the marketing list for this week I'll be adding in more fruits and veggies.  After my friend Brenda mentioned they were having chili for supper I now have a craving for it.  Definitely going to make some this weekend. 

Isn't this a creative Rice Krispie treat!  A sweet 9 year old named Esther made it and brought it over for our party on Monday.

 

 

I am learning… to listen to my body and slow down.

 

 A Scripture to share...  "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."  Romans 13:14

 

 A few plans for this week:  Hopefully we can lay low the rest of the week after the busy excitement at the beginning of the week.  Our daughter and her boyfriend are coming on Friday for supper and to play cards so I'm looking forward to that.  :)

 

 A peek into one of my days...  A cutesy new lamp for my kitchen counter.

 

 

  This post is linked at The Simple Woman's blog