Weather has always intrigued me, amazed me, and certainly gotten my attention. My husband will tell you that my favorite channel is The Weather Channel. Though now I have a great respect for the weather that God sends our way, I do not fear it near as much as I use to. However, I am daily reminded that my God is in control of ALL things. Weather included!
Several weeks ago, as we were driving down the road, we encountered a severe thunderstorm. One of the fiercest I had ever been through. Worry overcame me, and the fear was paralyzing. Then in the midst of the terror, there was a ray of sun in the distance. As we drove closer to the clearing, there appeared a rainbow. A vivid reminder that the God of the thunderstorm is also God of the sun! I began to weep and almost had a joyous fit over how mighty and powerful God is! My friend was in the vehicle behind us and we began texting (neither of us were driving) about how magnificent our Lord was! Why would I fret? Why should I fear? Just this morning, I was reading of a little girl who was walking through a lightening show and her mother was asking her why she showed no sign of fear. Her response was that God was taking her picture! It's all in how we percieve it!
I have been greatly burdened by the careless remarks I hear daily about the weather. Yes, there are days when it is very hot. And there are days when it is very cold. There are days when it is raining and we want it to be sunny and days when it is dry and we want it to rain. For instance, I live in South Georgia and it is fall. However, for the past four days, we have had uncharacteristic weather for the season we are in. It has been rather warm, and I have been sweating. It is also very dry, and we are in much need of rain. It is easy to live in the here and now and think of our situation at hand and complain about how miserable we are. Why do we complain?
One reason we tend to complain is because others do. It has been said that negative rubs off faster than positive. Our friends are fussing about how miserable they are, so we do too. Another reason we complain is because we are selfish. We have an outdoor event planned and it is raining on our parade. We've picked out beautiful fall sweaters for our outdoor family pictures and today's forecast is predicting record high temperatures. Another reason I feel we complain is because we have forgotten who God is. We have forgotten that He made the heaven and the earth, the sky and the sea, the land and the plants, and even us. Instead of having a great respect, reverence, or fear of our Creator, we speak of Him and His Creation as though it were an unwanted piece of artwork. I don't think we intentionally set out to dishonor Him, but when we forget who He is, it happens oh so suddenly.
I've often pondered why there is such drastic changes in temperature. Why sometimes the weather is uncharacteristic for the intended season. But as I shared with the high school girls just recently, God has a plan for everything! He looks after the birds just as He does you and I. What if one tiny sparrow has a broken wing and He is allowing the warm temperature to linger until the little bird heals and can get to warmer weather. What if the homeless man you pass on a daily basis is fighting an infection and He is postponing the cool weather for a day or two in order for the man to heal. The "what ifs" could go on and on, but the question really is who are we to complain? Remarks are one thing, but complaining is quite another.
Dear friend, we are not dealing with "Mother Nature". Nor are we speaking with "The Man Upstairs". All of us were designed and created especially by Him and for Him; to bring glory to His name! As I was reading in Exodus this morning with my youngest son, I was reminded of how the Israelites had been so quick to forget about all of the things God had brought them through and began to allow a complaining spirit to consume them. Have you, as I have so often found myself, forgotten about all that God has brought you through? Have you forgotten how holy He is and how sinful you are? I am convinced that if we remind ourselves daily of His goodness and our sinfulness we will become dependant upon Him for our every breath. And our lips will speak of His majesty, glory, and power!
Are you in need of an attitude change?
How do others view your God based on how you speak of His creation?
What are some "what ifs" you can ponder the next time you are tempted to complain about the
weather?
Never say it's a "bad" storm. God doesn't make anything bad. Instead, say it's a rough storm.
~my mom
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Apple Pound Cake
This recipe was passed down from my Granny Griffin. It is a delicious, moist cake that our family especially enjoys this time of year. I'll include the original recipe, but there are several ways you can personalize it. My family does not particularly care for pecans in our desserts, so I leave those out. Also, the glaze is wonderful, but if you are not planning on eating this cake immediately, I recommend leaving it off as it will make the cake soggy. Another suggestion is baking this in two loaf pans instead of the typical tube pan. When baked in two separate pans, you can wrap one in foil and share it with a friend or neighbor! Don't worry... if you don't have an extra large family there will be plenty left for you and yours =). So if there are apples sitting on your counter, grab an apron and start slicing. You can be sniffing, sampling, and sharing this dessert before the day is over!
Apple Pound Cake
Cake:
2 c. sugar
3 c. self rising flour (I use Cake Flour)
1 1/2 c. Wesson Oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 - 2 c. raw apples (cut into chunky or bite size pieces)
1 1/2 - 2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
2 tsp. vanilla
Glaze:
1/2 c. butter
1 c. light brown sugar
1/4 c. evaporated milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Cake:
Mix dry ingredients. Add eggs and oil and stir. Add apples and nuts. Mix all ingredients together with an electric mixer. Add vanilla. Spray a tube pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour.
Glaze:
Heat butter and brown sugar over low heat until butter melts. Add the milk and bring to a full boil. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and allow to cool down before spreading over cake.
Apple Pound Cake
Cake:
2 c. sugar
3 c. self rising flour (I use Cake Flour)
1 1/2 c. Wesson Oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 - 2 c. raw apples (cut into chunky or bite size pieces)
1 1/2 - 2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
2 tsp. vanilla
Glaze:
1/2 c. butter
1 c. light brown sugar
1/4 c. evaporated milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Cake:
Mix dry ingredients. Add eggs and oil and stir. Add apples and nuts. Mix all ingredients together with an electric mixer. Add vanilla. Spray a tube pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour.
Glaze:
Heat butter and brown sugar over low heat until butter melts. Add the milk and bring to a full boil. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and allow to cool down before spreading over cake.
Applesauce
If you're like us this time of year, there are apples to be eaten! Before they waste away, why not make some homemade applesauce? Here is a quick and easy recipe for a delicious fall treat.
Applesauce
4 apples
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
Peel, core, and chop apples into bite size pieces. In a medium saucepan, stir apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice together. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Cool. Mash with a potato masher, fork, or electric mixer until desired texture is reached. Refrigerate after mashing. Enjoy!
Applesauce
4 apples
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
Peel, core, and chop apples into bite size pieces. In a medium saucepan, stir apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice together. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Cool. Mash with a potato masher, fork, or electric mixer until desired texture is reached. Refrigerate after mashing. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Adopted!!! Ephesians 1
As I sit to write this blog, I am reminded of the fact that my daughter will turn 14 this Friday! Where did the time go? It seems like only yesterday I had her cuddled in my arms with feelings of overwhelming love and fear all at the same time. As a new mom, we all wonder how we could ever love anyone more and question how we will ever be able to protect our children and care for them the way God has intended for us to. For myself, there were even greater emotions as I cradled my newborn and wondered who would ever "choose" us.
You see, I was a single mom setting out to raise a little girl on my own. There were obvious, overwhelming questions that I struggled with. But God had even greater plans for us than I could have ever imagined! He sent us the most wonderful husband / father that any girl(s) could ever ask for. We were so blessed to have a man who chose us! Who loves us and accepts us unconditionally!
Several years ago, while driving down the road, I explained this to my daughter. I shared how much her daddy loved her and chose to be her daddy; the same way that God chooses us to be His very own! In Ephesians, Paul explains to us that as Christians, we will receive the same inheritance from God our Father as Jesus! Just as my daughter will inherit the same blessing as her siblings, we will gain the same inheritance as Jesus! Can you even begin to wrap your mind around that thought, dear friend?
How about you? Do you feel neglected? Like no one loves you? Do you feel lonely? Like no one understands where you've been or the hurt you've felt? Do you feel abandoned? The ones you thought loved you and cared for you have left you for bigger or better dreams? You are not alone! I dare say we all have had these emotions at one time or another. But God loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. He made a way for us to be connected to him! How did He chose you? Do you remember the very day that you were "adopted" into the Kingdom of Heaven?
I'll never forget the day the judge ruled and the decision was final for my daughter to legally be adopted by my husband. It was a day of celebration! Do you vividly remember the day your name was changed and you became a child of God? If not, you can. Today can be the beginning of your celebration!
You see, I was a single mom setting out to raise a little girl on my own. There were obvious, overwhelming questions that I struggled with. But God had even greater plans for us than I could have ever imagined! He sent us the most wonderful husband / father that any girl(s) could ever ask for. We were so blessed to have a man who chose us! Who loves us and accepts us unconditionally!
Several years ago, while driving down the road, I explained this to my daughter. I shared how much her daddy loved her and chose to be her daddy; the same way that God chooses us to be His very own! In Ephesians, Paul explains to us that as Christians, we will receive the same inheritance from God our Father as Jesus! Just as my daughter will inherit the same blessing as her siblings, we will gain the same inheritance as Jesus! Can you even begin to wrap your mind around that thought, dear friend?
How about you? Do you feel neglected? Like no one loves you? Do you feel lonely? Like no one understands where you've been or the hurt you've felt? Do you feel abandoned? The ones you thought loved you and cared for you have left you for bigger or better dreams? You are not alone! I dare say we all have had these emotions at one time or another. But God loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. He made a way for us to be connected to him! How did He chose you? Do you remember the very day that you were "adopted" into the Kingdom of Heaven?
I'll never forget the day the judge ruled and the decision was final for my daughter to legally be adopted by my husband. It was a day of celebration! Do you vividly remember the day your name was changed and you became a child of God? If not, you can. Today can be the beginning of your celebration!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Pumpkin Pie Bars
It's October, and Fall is in full swing. With the chipper mornings and beautiful afternoons, it is perfect weather for traditional home cooking. If you like pumpkin pie and cheesecake, you'll LOVE this recipe! It is a wonderful combination of the two.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines cake mixes.)
1 egg
1 stick butter, melted
Filling:
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (16-oz.) box powder sugar
1 stick butter (room temperature)
3 eggs
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Mix all three crust ingredients together with an electric mixer until a stiff dough is formed. Press dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Using the same bowl (no need to wash), beat the cream cheese, powder sugar, and butter until creamy. Add the eggs (one at a time), then add the pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined. Pour over the pressed crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until done. You want the center to be a little gooey, so don't over bake! Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Don't cut these too big. They are rich and filling.
Suggestion:
For an added touch, you can sprinkle the serving platter with cinnamon before placing the bars on it. Then garnish each bar with whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon as well. Then they will be just as beautiful as they are delicious! (You can leave the whipped topping off of mine.)
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines cake mixes.)
1 egg
1 stick butter, melted
Filling:
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (16-oz.) box powder sugar
1 stick butter (room temperature)
3 eggs
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Mix all three crust ingredients together with an electric mixer until a stiff dough is formed. Press dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Using the same bowl (no need to wash), beat the cream cheese, powder sugar, and butter until creamy. Add the eggs (one at a time), then add the pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined. Pour over the pressed crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until done. You want the center to be a little gooey, so don't over bake! Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Don't cut these too big. They are rich and filling.
Suggestion:
For an added touch, you can sprinkle the serving platter with cinnamon before placing the bars on it. Then garnish each bar with whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon as well. Then they will be just as beautiful as they are delicious! (You can leave the whipped topping off of mine.)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dark Mocha Brownies
Dark Mocha Brownies
1 box dark chocolate brownie mix (check the back of the box for additional ingredients)
1 bag dark chocolate chips (reserve 1/2 cup)
1 (8-oz.) pk. cream cheese
1 stick butter (plus 1 T.)
1 box powder sugar
2 T. coffee or espresso (room temperature)
Mix brownies according to package directions and stir in the chocolate chips (making sure to set 1/2 cup aside). Cook according to package directions and cool completely. Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature. Mix cream cheese, butter, and powder sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Add coffee and mix well. Spread over brownies. Melt the reserved 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 T. butter in the microwave. Stir well and drizzle over the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
Hint: My husband and I enjoyed these better chilled. So I recommend to refrigerate them before serving. Also... if you love raspberries as much as we do, scoop 1/2 c. raspberry jam into a bowl and stir well with a spoon. Using the spoon, drizzle the raspberry jam over the cream cheese frosting as well. YUMMY!!!
1 box dark chocolate brownie mix (check the back of the box for additional ingredients)
1 bag dark chocolate chips (reserve 1/2 cup)
1 (8-oz.) pk. cream cheese
1 stick butter (plus 1 T.)
1 box powder sugar
2 T. coffee or espresso (room temperature)
Mix brownies according to package directions and stir in the chocolate chips (making sure to set 1/2 cup aside). Cook according to package directions and cool completely. Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature. Mix cream cheese, butter, and powder sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Add coffee and mix well. Spread over brownies. Melt the reserved 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 T. butter in the microwave. Stir well and drizzle over the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
Hint: My husband and I enjoyed these better chilled. So I recommend to refrigerate them before serving. Also... if you love raspberries as much as we do, scoop 1/2 c. raspberry jam into a bowl and stir well with a spoon. Using the spoon, drizzle the raspberry jam over the cream cheese frosting as well. YUMMY!!!
Ranch Cheese Ball
Since football season is in full swing, I thought I'd post a couple of finger food recipes that are great to serve if you're having friends over to watch a game.
Ranch Cheese Ball
1 (16-oz.) cream cheese
1 c. grated Cheddar, Co-Jack, or Colby Cheese
1 envelope dry Ranch dressing mix
real bacon bits
Mix softened cream cheese, dressing mix, and cheese together and form into a ball. Roll in bacon bits. Chill and serve with Ritz crackers.
Ranch Cheese Ball
1 (16-oz.) cream cheese
1 c. grated Cheddar, Co-Jack, or Colby Cheese
1 envelope dry Ranch dressing mix
real bacon bits
Mix softened cream cheese, dressing mix, and cheese together and form into a ball. Roll in bacon bits. Chill and serve with Ritz crackers.
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