Just For The Record:)

VERY VERY MUCH:)

God is so Good

My handsome Fiancé:) and I
(This picture was taken around a week before we became engaged).

"I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together."

~Psalm 34:1-3

This love that God has given

"Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things." ~Psalm 72:18

(this picture doesn't do my beautiful engagement ring justice:)

After a courtship lasting around five and a half months, (most of it being long distance as we live more than 2000 miles apart; the phone and email were put to good use:) the most amazing, and wonderful man named Graham asked me to marry him:):):) and I said "yes". That was one month ago today, and my heart is still filled with thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for His leading and great goodness in bringing Graham and I together. I can't believe how blessed I am, and yes, I am very excited and happy:).

Thy Word

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." ~2 Timothy 3:16-17

Thy Word is like a garden Lord

With flowers bright and fair;
And everyone who seeks may pluck
A lovely cluster there.
Thy Word is like a deep deep mine;
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in the mighty depths
For every searcher there.

Thy Word is like a starry host,
A thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler,
And make his pathway bright.
Thy Word is like an armory,
Where soldiers may repair,
And find for life's long battle-day
All needful weapons there.

Oh, may I love Thy precious Word;
May I explore the mine;
May I it's fragrant flowers glean;
May light upon me shine.
Oh, may I find my armor there;
Thy Word my trusty sword,
I'll learn to fight with every foe
The battle of the Lord.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Words: Isaac Watts, 1707 Music: Lowell Mason, 1824

Banana-Bran Muffins

1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
1 cup wheat bran
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup mashed ripe banana (two large bananas)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup natural sugar
1 egg

In a medium bowl combine the flour, bran, baking soda, salt and nuts. Set aside. In another bowl beat together the banana, butter, sugar, and egg until completely mixed. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until blended. Spoon into greased muffin tins, filling about three-quarters full. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until done. Yield: 12 muffins

The One Another's of Scripture

Love one another

John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 15:12 - This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:17 - These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Rom 13:8 - Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

1 Th 4:9 - But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

2 Th 1:3 - We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

1 Pet 1:22 - Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 John 3:11 - For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1 John 3:23 - And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:11 - Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

1 John 4:12 - No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

2 John 1:5 - And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Do not oppress one another

Lev 25:17 - Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the LORD your God.

Be at peace with one another

Mark 9:50 - Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

I Thess 5:13 - And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Show hospitality with one another

John 13:14 - If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

1 Pet 4:9 - Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

We are members one of another

Rom 12:5 - So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Eph 4:25 - Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Honor one another

Rom 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Do not judge one another

Rom 14:13 - Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

Receive one another

Rom 15:7 - Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Do not excuse one another

Rom 2:15 - Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;

Do not fight with one another

Gal 5:15 - But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Serve one another

Gal 5:13 - For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Do not envy one another

Gal 5:26 - Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Admonish one another

Rom 15:14 - And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Wait for one another

1 Cor 11:33 - Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

Greet one another

Rom 16:16 - Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

1 Cor 16:20 - All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

2 Cor 13:12 - Greet one another with an holy kiss.

1 Pet 5:14 - Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Care for one another

1 Cor 12:25 - That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Bear the burdens of one another

Gal 6:2 - Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Show deference to one another

Eph 4:2 - With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Forgive one another

Col 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Be kind to one another

Eph 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Submit to one another

Eph 5:21 - Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

1 Pet 5:5 - Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Do not lie to one another

Col 3:9 - Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Provoke to good works one another

Heb 10:24 - And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Comfort one another

1 Th 4:18 - Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Th 5:11 - Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Concern yourself in the affairs of one another

Phil 2:4 -Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Do not hate one another

Titus 3:3 - For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Do not speak evil of one another

James 4:11 - Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Pray for one another

James 5:16 - Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Be like-minded toward one another

Rom 12:16 - Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Rom 15:5 - Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Do not hold a grudge against one another

James 5:9 - Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Highly esteem one another

Phil 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Do not be partial toward one another

James 2:1 - My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Have fellowship with one another

I John 1:7 -But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Edify one another

Rom 14:19 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Rom 15:1-2 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

Eph 4:16 -From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Eph 5:19 - Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Teach one another

Col 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Do good to one another

I Thess 5:15 - See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Exhort one another

Heb 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Minister spiritual gifts to one another

I Peter 4:10 -As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Colossians 3:1-4

"If ye then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth. For ye are dead,
and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life,
shall appear, then shall ye also
appear with him in glory."

Colossians 3:1-4

Crochet Projects

Here are a few crochet projects we have been busy with lately. It's definitely been fun to put all our new yarn to good use! I'm hoping to be able to start on a few more projects as soon as I finish with my afghan. :)

My younger sisters (almost completed) afghan.
She does such a beautiful job.
I love the pattern that she choose for this one!

Here is the afghan that I'm currently working on.
I will try to get a picture of it when it is all the way completed. :)

Trusting In Jesus

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Words: Louisa Stead, 1882. Music: William Kirkpatrick.

Bad Winter

After struggling on foot through deep drifts, rescuers finally reached the cabin and managed to shovel away enough snow to clear the door. The mountaineer responded to their knocking and was told by the rescuer: "We're from the Red Cross." "Well," the mountaineer responded scratching his head, "it's been a right tough winter and I don't see how we can give anything this year."

Yarn

A few days ago we were blessed to have a friend drop by unexpectedly, and give us three large bags, (plus a few boxes) of yarn. It was so very neat because just the night before our friends came, my sisters and I were talking about wanting to start a few crochet/sewing projects and how we would need to go buy some yarn and batting. Well, it turns out that not only was there yarn, there was also four bags of batting. :) The Lord is so good isn’t He?

"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

~Psalm 37:4

All the yarn.

Books from the library, I can't wait to start crocheting. :)

Busy Day Cake

Busy Day Cake

2 1/3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
5 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2/3 c. oil
2 eggs
1 1/3 c. milk
2 tsp vanilla

Sift dry ingredients together. Add the oil, eggs, milk and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased 13x9 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until done.

Frosting:

6 Tbsp. butter
8 Tbsp. cream
1 c. sugar
1 c. coconut

Mix together. After cake is baked spread the frosting on top. Broil in oven until frosting bubbles. Enjoy!

::A Beautiful Psalm::

Photo taken in Tallahassee FL.

"I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever."

~Psalm 145

Step by Step

"When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble." Proverbs 4:12


Child of my love, worry not ore the unknown morrow,
Fear not the new demand life makes of thee;
Thy ignorance doth hold no cause for sorrow
Since what thou knowest not, is known to Me.

Thou canst not see today the hidden meaning
Of My command, but thou the light shalt gain;
Walk on in faith, upon My promise leaning,
And as thou goest all shall be made plain.

One step thou seest-than go forward boldly,
One step is far enough for faith to see;
Take that, and thy next duty shall be told thee,
For step by step thy Lord is leading thee.

Stand not in fear thy adversaries counting,
Dare every peril, save to disobey;
Thou shalt march on, all obstacles surmounding,
For I, the Strong, will open up the way,

Wherefore go gladly to the task assigned thee,
Having My promise, needing nothing more
Than just to know, where'er the future find thee,
In all thy journeying I go before.

-Author Unknown

African Violet Update

This past November I did a post on my new African Violet plant. Since then the new plants that I started have grown quite a bit. I learned that the best way to start African Violets is to put the leaf cutting directly in soil as opposed to first starting them in water. Another big help was covering it with plastic and having it's pot near a east-facing window.

The original plant.

The new plants


"This is the day that the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Gingerbread

This recipe is one of my favorites! My whole family enjoys it as well. Very simple to make, and yet it turns out delicious. :)

Gingerbread

1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
3/4 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1/4 cup honey
1 egg
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 molasses
3/4 stick butter

Mix dry ingredients. Rub in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. In a pan heat molasses, honey and corn syrup. Add milk, pour into dry mixture add egg. Whisk until smooth.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

The Grace of God

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." Titus 2:11-15

Jesus Christ

is the grace of God
revealed.

God's Presence, Promised.

Here are just a few verses from God's Word that speak of HIS PRESENCE WITH US. How very encouraging to is to know God is with us, and cares for us! Praise His Holy Name!

"The upright shall dwell in thy presence" (Psalm 140:13).

"My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest" (Exodus 33:14).

"The LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them" (Numbers 23:21).

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee" (Isaiah 41:10).

"Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them" (Ezekiel 34:30).

"The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you" (2Chronicles 15:2).

"The LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

"If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John 14:23).

"And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed" (Joel 2:27).

His Marvelous Kindness

"Take away anything I have, but do not take away the sweetness of walking and talking with the King of Glory! It is good to let our thoughts run away with us sometimes, concerning the greatness of our God and His marvelous kindness to us. As we look back, what wonderful leadings and providence

we see; what encouragement we find for the future."

-John Stam, Missionary Martyr

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:3

Lemon Herbed Chicken

This recipe, which I found the other day, turned out really good when I made it so I thought I would share the recipe. :) The lemon and herbs gave the chicken a wonderful flavor. It was pretty easy to put together as well. Hope you enjoy!

Lemon Herbed Chicken

4 pounds chicken

1/4 cup onion chopped
3 Tablespoons Butter
Juice of One Lemon
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 Tbsp. Parsley
1/4 tsp. Thyme

Place chicken in crock pot or roasting pan. Rub with butter. Squeeze the lemon juice over chicken and add the remaining seasonings. Cover and cook until done.

A Precious Promise from God's Word

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

~Psalm 46:1-3

Old Calenders

Recently I've been trying to think of ways to use old calender pictures now that the New Year is here. :) Some of the pictures were so pretty, and I did not want to just throw them out, so I decided to make a few envelopes out of some of the pictures and hang others. I will also probably be using some of them for home made cards.

We usually buy our calenders from Bible Truth Publishers. Their Scripture calenders are so beautiful! If you never have, I would recommend that you check out their web site. In addition to calenders, they carry many wonderful Stories and Biographies all at reasonable prices. We have ordered from them for many years.

The smaller calender pictures after being cut; they made great hangings.

To make envelopes out of old calenders simply
take apart a store bought envelope to use as a pattern,
cut and make adjustments as necessary.
Trace around the pattern, cut out and then glue the sides.

Finished envelopes. :)

A Few Favorite Books :)

I thought I would share some of my favorite books, (two of which I am still in the process of reading). All of these titles encourage ladies in their calling of being godly daughters, wives and homemakers.

Do you have any favorite titles that have been an encouragement to you? I would love to hear about them! :)

Home-Making

Authors: J.R. Miller

Female Piety

Author: J.A. James

The Hidden Art of Homemaking

Author: Edith Schaeffer

The Hopechest: A legacy of Love
Author: Rebekah Wilson

How to be a Lady
Author: Harvey Newcomb










Beautiful Girlhood
Author: Karen Andreola

Before You Meet Prince Charming
Author: Sarah Mally

Raising Maidens of Virtue
Author: Stacy McDonald

~Happy New Year~

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

~Numbers 6:24-26