The Most Important Book in All the World

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:12

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  Romans12:2

Tortellini Soup

I found this recipe on Pinterest a few weeks ago, the picture looked so good that I right away added the ingredients to my shopping list, and made the soup shortly thereafter.  I was not disappointed! With sausage, cheese filled tortellini, herbs and more, it's super flavourful and yummy! My husband, who is not the biggest soup fan, even said it was really good. :) I had never purchased fresh pasta before, but it's easy to find in the refrigerated section at grocery stores.  I will be making this recipe again for sure! 

Here is what you'll need:

2 Tbsp. Olive oil

1 onion chopped 

5 garlic cloves, crushed

1 lb Italian sausages, cut in pieces, or 1 lb of ground Italian sausage 

1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. rosemary
1 tsp. basil
2 cans stewed tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
1 bag (about 12 oz.) fresh pre-washed spinach, chopped
1 package fresh or frozen tortellini
Parmesan cheese, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Brown onion, garlic, and sausage in olive oil. Drain oil.
2. Add oregano, rosemary, basil, tomatoes, and chicken broth. 
3. Add tortellini and spinach, and cover and simmer for about 8-10 minutes. 
4. Turn off heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy with some crusty garlic bread. Delicious. :)

Beautiful Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

::Kings Don't Eat Better Then This::

My awesome husband completely surprised me yesterday when he brought home two live lobsters-a rare and special treat- Yesterday night we had an incredible meal. It doesn't get much better then eating delicious sweet lobster dipped in hot butter, yummmm, :) with my favorite man in the whole world (who shared most of his lobster tail with me.  True love is when someone shares their lobster when they like it every bit as much as you do.) :)  Thank you Graham, you're the best. :):):)

Water Painting= Summer Fun for Little Ones

Here is a quick easy idea to keep the little people in your life occupied; for a least a little while.  :) Water painting! :) All you need is water, paint brushes, and a concrete surface. Here are a few pictures I took yesterday of the kids here having fun with it. Today they had sidewalk chalk, and I'm going to say they spend about the same amount of time with both activities. It really doesn't take a lot to keep little ones happy and creative.

"Painting" away. Abby and Willy are constantly together, -so cute- I get asked a lot if they are twins. :) 

Ready to paint. :)

Little girls, having fun on a warm summer day. 

Summer Sweetness.

My Mother-in-law brought over a yummy treat a few minutes ago. A basket of sweet strawberries picked from the garden. :)   The children and I enjoyed eating them very much out on our patio. I'm hoping to be able to go to a You Pick strawberry place sometime this summer, I'd love to try making jam, and also freezing some! To say that I love strawberries is an understatement, and fresh ones? Well they can't be beat! :) mmmmmmm!! 

Quotes: Founding Fathers and Presidents

The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government — lest it come to dominate our lives and interests. -Patrick Henry

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.  -Patrick Henry

It is when people forget God that tyrants forge their chains.  -Patrick Henry

Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature…. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation … it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.  -James Garfield, the twentieth president of the United States, 1877

We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.  -Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation

If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instruction and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity.  -Daniel Webster

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.  -Thomas Jefferson

4-H Fairs and a Funnel Cakes

For most of my growing up years we would go to the Eureka IL county 4-H fair every July.  Our fair had it all: art, dog obedience, small pets, (I even showed my hamster one year :), small engines, canning, cake decorating, flower arranging, photography, sewing, you name it, there was something for everybody. 

The part I liked a lot was it was old fashion fun, no fancy rides, just good times watching the horse, beef, and dog shows, walking though the rabbit, poultry, horse, and cow barns, as well as going through the big exhibition building and seeing everyone's projects.

 And then there was the food! :) It was always a treat when we got to eat fair food, there was something yummy about the lemon shake-ups, Pronto pups, nachos, cheese fries and funnel cakes. :) Which brings me to the point of this post.  I recently took the time to make funnel cakes and it brought back all these good memories. :) They turned out really good and I thought you might like to make so too so here is the recipe. 

Funnel Cakes

3 eggs

1/4 c. Sugar

2 cups milk

3 2/3 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1. Get cute little helper and make the batter. :) This picture was taken after the mess was cleaned up. :)

2. Fry up the cakes

3. Sprinkle the powder sugar on and enjoy. 

Here are the real instructions for those who need them :)

Beat eggs and sugar together and then add the milk slowly--beat. Add the dry ingredients and beat until smooth and creamy. Pour batter into a funnel and at the same time, use your finger to plug the hole. In a large cast iron pot, add 2 inches of oil to the bottom.   When the oil becomes hot, move your hand over the pot and slowly release your finger so the batter can start cooking.  Move the funnel around to make designs.  Brown on both sides--then remove and drain.  Top with powdered sugar.