Growing Pains

 More teacups ready to be washed and packed to be shared at women's ministry this week.

Since I have committed to directing our women's ministry at church I am definitely being challenged with my time management. 

Studying 1 Peter today I read a passage in several translations and was convicted when I read 1 Peter 1:17 in The Message Bible.  It says, " You call out to God for help and he helps - he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living."

Sloppy living!  Ouch, I don't want to be guilty of that and yet I know at times I most certainly am.  My encouragement and hope comes from the fact that God in His love points out shortcomings to us and wants to help us experience victory in these areas.   


So today I am most thankful for the convicting power of God's Word and the encouragement I receive for victorious living from that same Word.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Blondies

Blondies

* 3/4 cup nuts, coarsely chopped
* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
* 2/3 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips


1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Butter a 9-inch-square cake pan, and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In the bowl of electric mixer, combine butter and sugars. Beat until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping sides occasionally. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until well combined. Add flour mixture; beat just until combined. Fold in chips and nuts.
4. Using an offset spatula, spread batter into pan. Bake until surface is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into center comes out barely clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

These Blondies are like a big delicious chocolate chip cookie only in a bar and a little richer and butterier.  I have them all ready to go to Bible study tonight and will send a pan with Precious Husband for the guys too.

Linking up with Lisa over at Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

Signatures

I get a lot of torment from family and friends concerning my handwriting.  I understand their predicament because I often cannot read my own writing, sad to say.  I think it is due to neurological damage brought on by age because my writing was not always ineligible.  That's my excuse anyway : )

Now you know one more thing about me.  I have terrible handwriting.  When you receive a note or letter from me it will very likely be produced on my computer to make things easier for you.  If the note or card comes with a gift you will know the gift is from me even without a card because it most always is wrapped with my signature lace.  Sometimes it will also include a bookmark made from the lace.

I have used this for years and it got its name (signature lace) many years ago when my mother-in-law would recognize my gifts wrapped with the lace and say, "Oh, I know who this is from."

I love to give to others and I love including my signature lace - a good thing.

I also want to leave heart prints wherever I go and hope the following little blurb will encourage you to do the same.

"Heart Prints"

Whatever our hands touch-we leave fingerprints!  On walls, on furniture, on doorknobs, dishes, and books.  There's no escape.  As we touch we leave our identity.

Oh God, wherever I go today help me leave heart prints!  Heart prints of compassion, understanding and love.  Heart prints of kindness and genuine concern.  May my heart touch a lonely neighbor a runaway daughter or an anxious mother or perhaps an aged grandfather.

Lord, send me out today to leave heart prints.  And if someone should say, "I felt your touch," May that one sense Your love touching through me.

 --author unknown