Love of Butterflies

Walking through our home you will see lots of pretty butterflies perched here and there or adorning some object of my affection.

My collection started because butterflies remind me so much of 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

If you follow my blog at all you have read about Aunt Jo and she loved butterflies too and for the same reason.  I have many of her butterflies in the form of jewelry and when I wear a piece my thoughts turn towards her often and the great influence she had on me.  She truly was a godly mentor for my life and encouraged me in so many areas.  When she died she was a week short of being 98 years old and she had lived for the Lord since the age of 10.  Such an amazing blessing for the Lord to give her to me and allow me the honor of gleaning her wisdom as a godly woman.

Recently the Lord has brought a young woman into my life 30 years my junior and God is using her to share more wisdom with me concerning being a godly woman.  I guess this is not quite a Titus 2 relationship as far as age is concerned but truly wisdom has no age requirement and my precious little Alicia proves that to me more and more as I get to know her heart.  Alicia has blessed me with butterflies recently and she touches my heart as did Aunt Jo.  

God is good to supply what and WHO we need in our lives.

 

Paul bought me this teapot in San Francisco several years ago.

This little lamp I purchased on a visit to my dearest friend Dolores who I lost a year ago and miss so much.  Some friends can never be replaced.

I got this cup for Aunt Jo when she was living with us under the care of Hospice.

A scarf of Aunt Jo's

This picture is from our guest room still referred to as "Aunt Jo's room".

Butterfly jewelry that belonged to Aunt Jo and worn with love now by me.

This butterfly came from Alicia and perches itself in my sanctuary (office).

These all came from Alicia just last week.

Wind chimes with butterfly for my garden from Alicia.

And finally this picture to share with you.  When I adopted Anthony I wanted to give him a special gift and found this painting by Joni Erickson Tada the woman that is a quadriplegic and paints with her mouth.  The painting reminds me again of 2 Corinthians 5:17 but I purchased it for Anthony to encourage him that God would use him in spite of any physical limitations he may have been born with. 

This hangs on the door of the "butterfly room" where my precious Aunt Jo spent the last 9 months of her life.  She taught me well that because of Jesus we are now new creations just like the butterfly.

Fruitful Pruning

Just had to take some pictures of my roses and share with you.  It is beautiful in Arizona right now.  Getting a little warm too fast for me but still beautiful.  Our roses and our other plants have come out of their long winter sleep and after a hearty pruning they are just gorgeous.  So please let me share the beauty here with you today.

My Chinese Elm (I think this is what it is) just pops at the entrance of spring and it is growing so well and so green and healthy.  Under it I have peppermint planted ready for a wonderful cup of tea.

Yes, it is nice to have cut flowers again from our own garden.  What a wonderful reminder of the Master Gardener at work in our lives pruning and weeding and improving as only He can.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.                        John 15:1-2

Mémère's Shrimp Cheese Ball

Janice’s Shrimp Cheese-ball

2 8 ounce packages of cream cheese

1 can small shrimp*

3 tablespoons dry minced onion

1 tablespoon Bon Appetite seasoning

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Combine all but nuts and then form into ball and roll in the walnuts.  Refrigerate several hours for best flavor.  

* I often use (imitation) crab that I buy at Costco in place of the shrimp.

The history of the recipe:

Many years ago at Sunshine Acres when Jason was little we had a cook that we became good friends with.  Nancy had a daughter named Janice and as single parents we often took the kids on picnics and outings together.  On one of our fun picnics Janice made this cheese-ball.  Yummy!  It has been the appetizer at more company or holiday dinners than I can remember.

http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/

My Prayer (part 1)

Thankful today for God's Instruction Book for Living!  God does not leave us alone or in the dark when it comes to living as His child.  His Word is clear and when obeyed it makes for a much more victorious life.  I am reading Psalm 119 as a prayer.  So much good encouragement here:

Psalm 119:1-48

1 Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. 3 They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. 4 You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. 5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! 6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. 8 I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. 13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

17 Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. 22 Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. 23 Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. 24 Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. 26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. 28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. 30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. 38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. 39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. 40 How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.

41 May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; 42 then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. 44 I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. 45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. 46 I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, 47 for I delight in your commands because I love them. 48 I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Summer Drinks

Spring has arrived with all its' glory and Precious Husband has been enjoying working in the yard.  We have both been on a mission to get all the little pestie weeds out of the yard and that is always a challenge.

With the arrival of spring and warm days I wanted to share a tip concerning cold drinks that my family greatly enjoys. 

Several years ago my mother turned us on to Lipton Peach Tea powder and it was a hit with all our family. My tip today is taking the mix one step further and making it so much better.  If you have had peach tea at the Olive Garden restaurant you will see there are peaches in the glass and that is my tip to recreate Olive Garden tea at home - yummy.  I usually buy the generic peach tea mix at Walmart (much cheaper) and then mix as stated on the can.  Open a small can of sliced peaches and add to the pitcher along with a good portion of the peach juice.  This is so pretty and so good.  

Lemonade is good with the addition of maraschino cherries in the pitcher or your glass.  Lots of options - your imagination can give you many combinations I am sure.  Enjoy and remember, "it's all in the presentation!"

Still My SuperMan!

Look what I found while cleaning my little sanctuary (my office).  Precious Husband is still my SuperMan after nearly 30 years!

. . . . . how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  Luke 7:11b

It's All About Home!

Allow me to share some quotes this morning from one of my very favorite authors and Bible teacher, Kay Arthur.

"A sanctuary you can create, a harbor of safety for loved ones from the storms of life, your shelter in the world - from the world."

"This is part of the joy, the wonder, of being a woman.  Here you celebrate the expression of being you as you take a house and make it your home.  What you create in your setting makes it uniquely you."

"Like the fragrance of a delightful potpourri, your sanctuary is filled with the scent of a woman.  For, in large portion, the presence of you, the essence of you, permeates and sets the atmosphere of this place called home."

"You know, for you've watched the power of a gentle smile, of a non-condemnng, listening ear, of open, forgiving arms, of your words and tone of voice, the mystical effect of a soft answer that turns away wrath, the power of words of kindness and encouragement when they grace your lips . . . "

"As you walk through your home, turning out the lights, closing another day, there's a sense of satisfaction, of accomplishment, as you give one last, loving touch, putting away the remnants of the day. . . knowing that with everything in place, when you awake you can begin with a sense of peace and grace."

ABM Cinnabon Rolls

ABM means automatic bread machine and with it you can make these incredible cinnamon rolls to bless your family and friends.  Ooohhhss and aaaahhhsss will be heard if you dish these up with a pot of hot coffee.  Oh ya, they are a winner.

Cinnabon Rolls

Dough

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup water

1/2 box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 cup milk

1 egg. Beaten

1 tab. Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Salt

4 cups bread flour

2 1/2 teaspoons Yeast

Filling

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 teaspoon milk

Place ingredients in the bread machine and set on dough cycle.  After complete, roll out to a 17 x 10 rectangle.  Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.  Spread soft butter over dough and sprinkle with sugar/cinnamon mixture.  Roll tightly from long end, pinching edges closed when completely rolled.  Slice rolled dough into 1/2”slices.  Place into greased pan.  Let rise until doubled.  Bake at 350*  for 15-20 minutes, until golden.  Do not overbake.  Frost while still hot from the oven.

Usually I make these up at night and refrigerate after putting them in the pan.  Then in the morning I take them out and let them rise and bake them. 

Allow Me To Brag

This is a long over-due post.  My Precious Husband is what causes the sun to rise each day for me.  How can I begin to tell anyone, let alone someone who has never met him, what an extremely special man I am married to?

This man with the big heart is the most unselfish person I have ever known.  It amazes me how giving one person can be with no thought of anything in return.

Our family most certainly would not be what it is if it were not for this husband and father that gives us all our stability.   Last night as we spoke to our daughter Michelle in Kentucky she remarked that she is a "daddy's girl" and proud of it.  Truly 5 children could not have a better father.

This month began a new season in our life.  Precious Husband is now retired and I am happy to report he is loving his new status.  I am thankful to the Lord that Precious Husband now has time to give of himself and get involved with our church family in ways he could not before.  It thrills my heart to see him take his Bible and study books out to the pond to ready himself for Tuesday night Bible study with the men.

I have waited a long time for this season and yes, I give thanks to the Lord for the season and for my Precious Husband to share it with.

Life will always hold challenges but I am thankful that God in His mercy and grace brought my Precious Husband into my life nearly 30 years ago to truly complete me.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Magic Cookie Bars

 

Today linking up with Tempt My Tummy Tuesday I want to share another old classic recipe called Magic Cookie Bars using condensed sweet milk, graham crackers, coconut, nuts and chocolate chips.

The recipe is very quick, easy and uses ingredients easy to keep in the pantry - all reasons that make this a total winning recipe.  Besides everyone loves 'em!

Magic Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
3. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature.

Meet Lil' Alicia

This cute little doll baby came home to live with us after our Chapel Women's Ministry had their first yardsale.  Isn't she the cutest thing you ever saw?

It was these boots that made her extra endearing.  Oh, she is precious, to be sure.

 

This is the Alicia that she is named after (pictured with her husband Jeremiah - the love of her life).

Alicia's brother had a need and the Lord put it on the heart of one of our WM ladies to have the sale.  It was just amazing how God blessed the two day sale.  We actually made $400 to bless Alicia's brother with.

I had to name our newly adopted lil' girl Alicia because in reality I would love to adopt the real Alicia.  What an amazing young woman she is.  She radiates the Lord in all she says and does.  She touches my heart in so many ways.  

Just one observation about Alicia - I doubt she would have ever been in time out as a little girl - but then again who knows.

So today I am sharing pics of our new baby and also of her namesake, a very special young woman.  Most importantly I am praising God for His provision through our yardsale.

Later this week I will share another blessing that occurred at our yardsale - so stay tuned.

Southern Arizona

Sharing more pictures of our day trip to south-eastern Arizona.  It was a beautiful day and country I had not seen before yet all in my own home state of Arizona.

This is the Singing Wind Bookstore we found way in seemingly in nowhere. 

Below is the cute resident donkey that greeted us and posed for pictures when we arrived at the bookstore.

 

It was fun finding formations in the rocks.  Can you see what looks to be a mushroom above?

Here it is up close.

So, can you see Cochise's head?

Lots of old trees with such character.  I so enjoyed our day.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Steak Marinade

These pictures were taken last week on a day trip to South-Eastern Arizona.  Beautiful day in Arizona with wonderful blue skies and special loved ones to share it with.

Precious Husband and I like to do cook-outs when we entertain and I came across the following marinade that gives us rave reviews every time.  I actually omit the basil and go heavier on the garlic but it is all about personal preferences really.  

Linking up at http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/ with Lisa and the ladies sharing wonderful recipes each week.

Steak Marinade

Combine in a large bowl:

4 T oil,

4 T soy sauce

2 T lemon

1 T brown sugar

2 crushed cloves of garlic

1 T basil leaves

This is best prepared the day before or at least the morning of so your meat can soak up the spices.

This marinade is called Lylah's Best Chicken or Steak Marinade and came from her blog.  She is a pastor’s wife and they live and minister in Scottsdale, AZ    http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/

Special note of thanks to my smart Precious Husband for suggesting another browser for my blog.  I had not been able to post pictures and all I could find was the suggestion to clear out the cookies which I did not want to do because of losing so many passwords.  So sure enough I tried another browser and walla I am up and running again.  Thank you Honey!  I love that you are so smart!

Another note: go see my delightful friend Heather at her blog and wish her a happy birthday today.  She is very special and you will enjoy her blog.

Love & Encouragement

So amazing when you receive encouragement and love from friends.  Even more amazing is when you receive those things from new friends.    Such encouragement and love came this past week in the form of a butterfly and teapot nightlight among other things.  My heart is so touched by such acts of love and encouragement.  

I am now encouraged to go out and do the same.  How about you?  Will you allow the Lord to use you to bring love and encouragement to someone in need today?