"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalms116:15)
In loving memory of my Father
Scott Shamburger 1958 - 2012
2/13/12
1/21/12
Healing
I was just sitting here, pondering how to word the post I wanted to write, and listening to our "hymns" station on Pandora, and the song, Be Still My Soul began to play. The Lord brought the words of this very hymn to my mind the other night when I was up caring for a very sick Elsie.
Be still my soul: the Lord is on they side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
The cross of grief and pain has been very heavy this week. Elsie was sick for several days, throwing up repeatedly. Jonathan was sick as well, and I had it one night. My Dad, who has been fighting brain cancer for nearly a year now, had been getting worse as the week wore on, and had to be taken to the emergency room late last night. But Jesus has been gracious and faithful to hold each of us, giving strength and peace in the midst of so much pain. He has granted Elsie healing of her stomach virus. My Dad will receive his healing at the feet of Jesus. That is such a beautiful, comforting thought.
I am so thankful for the atoning blood of Jesus. Without salvation through Him we would be so lost, lost in sin, lost in pain and sorrow. But we have such a great hope! I know that whatever comes into my life, I can fall on Him for *healing*.
Be still my soul: the Lord is on they side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
The cross of grief and pain has been very heavy this week. Elsie was sick for several days, throwing up repeatedly. Jonathan was sick as well, and I had it one night. My Dad, who has been fighting brain cancer for nearly a year now, had been getting worse as the week wore on, and had to be taken to the emergency room late last night. But Jesus has been gracious and faithful to hold each of us, giving strength and peace in the midst of so much pain. He has granted Elsie healing of her stomach virus. My Dad will receive his healing at the feet of Jesus. That is such a beautiful, comforting thought.
I am so thankful for the atoning blood of Jesus. Without salvation through Him we would be so lost, lost in sin, lost in pain and sorrow. But we have such a great hope! I know that whatever comes into my life, I can fall on Him for *healing*.
1/13/12
The Simple Woman's Daybook~~Snow Day Edition
Outside my window ~~ Snow! We've received 4 - 6 inches so far, and it's still falling. Isn't it interesting to watch snow fall? One tiny flake at a time; you'd almost think they could never add up to enough to measure anything, but if it is snowing at all steadily, you can just watch the ground turn white and then the snow begin to build up over everything. Such beauty!
I am thankful ~~ for a beautiful scene outside the window, but also that I get to stay home today, just enjoying the beauty from the warmth of our snug house. And I am very glad for a furnace!
In the kitchen ~~ I have cube steaks thawing to make Chicken Fried Steak for supper, request of Jonathan.
I am wearing ~~ A long homemade flannel skirt, cream with burgundy and green paislys and flowers on it, with a cream colored shirt and a green flowy sweater vest. I also have on a plaid infinity scarf because the neck of my shirt is a bit low.
I am creating ~~ Yesterday I began cutting out coordinating dresses for Elsie and Eden. Just a few more pieces to cut out and I'll be able to get going on sewing whenever I make time for it again. The cutting out part of sewing is not at all my favorite; I much prefer the actual sewing and putting together, but cutting is a part of the process, isn't it?
I am going ~~ Nowhere at all! Today is a day for sticking close to home.
I am wondering ~~ Just how much snow we'll actually get and if the roads will be very badly drifted when Jonathan is driving home from work.
I am reading ~~ The Knowledge Of The Holy by A.W. Tozer. My parents gifted it to Jonathan and I while we were visiting there a few weeks ago.
I am looking forward to ~~ Having Jonathan's Dad and sister over for dinner after church Sunday. His Mom is out of town for a time, caring for her mother far off in Kentucky, so we are trying to have them over when we can to help fill the void I'm quite sure is there without her.
I am learning ~~ To look for God's hand in every circumstance, and trust that He will do His perfect will to my own good, whether or not things turn out the way I desire.
Around the house ~~ I'm doing laundry today, and some cleaning to get ready for our company.
I am pondering ~~ I've been thinking about thinking. I know that sounds humorous, but I really have. When I find myself considering something, I often think next, is this thought glorifying to God? Is it profitable? "Finally, brethen, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
A favorite quote for today ~~ "But unless the weight of the burden {one's obligation to God} is felt the gospel can mean nothing to the man; and until he sees a vision of God high and lifted up, there will be no woe and no burden." A.W. Tozer
A peek into my day ~~
I am sharing this post with the other day-booking ladies here. This is my first time, and I truly enjoyed following the prompts and writing this!
I am thankful ~~ for a beautiful scene outside the window, but also that I get to stay home today, just enjoying the beauty from the warmth of our snug house. And I am very glad for a furnace!
In the kitchen ~~ I have cube steaks thawing to make Chicken Fried Steak for supper, request of Jonathan.
I am wearing ~~ A long homemade flannel skirt, cream with burgundy and green paislys and flowers on it, with a cream colored shirt and a green flowy sweater vest. I also have on a plaid infinity scarf because the neck of my shirt is a bit low.
I am creating ~~ Yesterday I began cutting out coordinating dresses for Elsie and Eden. Just a few more pieces to cut out and I'll be able to get going on sewing whenever I make time for it again. The cutting out part of sewing is not at all my favorite; I much prefer the actual sewing and putting together, but cutting is a part of the process, isn't it?
I am going ~~ Nowhere at all! Today is a day for sticking close to home.
I am wondering ~~ Just how much snow we'll actually get and if the roads will be very badly drifted when Jonathan is driving home from work.
I am reading ~~ The Knowledge Of The Holy by A.W. Tozer. My parents gifted it to Jonathan and I while we were visiting there a few weeks ago.
I am looking forward to ~~ Having Jonathan's Dad and sister over for dinner after church Sunday. His Mom is out of town for a time, caring for her mother far off in Kentucky, so we are trying to have them over when we can to help fill the void I'm quite sure is there without her.
I am learning ~~ To look for God's hand in every circumstance, and trust that He will do His perfect will to my own good, whether or not things turn out the way I desire.
Around the house ~~ I'm doing laundry today, and some cleaning to get ready for our company.
I am pondering ~~ I've been thinking about thinking. I know that sounds humorous, but I really have. When I find myself considering something, I often think next, is this thought glorifying to God? Is it profitable? "Finally, brethen, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
A favorite quote for today ~~ "But unless the weight of the burden {one's obligation to God} is felt the gospel can mean nothing to the man; and until he sees a vision of God high and lifted up, there will be no woe and no burden." A.W. Tozer
A peek into my day ~~
The bank of the pond across the street.
I am sharing this post with the other day-booking ladies here. This is my first time, and I truly enjoyed following the prompts and writing this!
1/12/12
Supper From the Garden...In January!
Eden is a baby of a very tender tummy. I can't eat dairy products, tomato products, garlic or other "spicy spices", hot dogs or too much pork, or chocolate, or she will be up all night with a gassy tummy-ache. (Chocolate -- that's the killer!) We used to eat a lot of Mexican foods, but that's obviously out now, as well as many other favorites, so I am trying to find new recipes that don't make her sick.
Yesterday afternoon I was paging through the More-With-Less Cookbook, and found Colorado Pie. It's a new favorite, friends! I made the sauce with half homemade tomato juice that's really half tomato water, and half almond milk. It tasted good and no tummy-aches! The green beans were from our garden, and I added some shredded homegrown squash from the freezer. I served the pie with mashed potatoes and homemade applesauce, also from the freezer! We did think the recipe called for too much salt, so I would recommend reducing the salt in the filling.
Colorado Pie
Prepare pastry for a 2-crust pie, using 1 teaspoon onion salt instead of regular salt if desired. I use the recipe in the Betty Crocker cookbook, and make it with whole wheat pastry flour. Line 9" pie plate with pastry.
Brown in skillet:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
Stir in:
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups cooked green beans, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon oregano
1 10-ounce can tomato soup OR sauce recipe below
Pour into pastry lined pan, add top crust and cut slits in it. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
Sauce
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a heavy saucepan. Blend in 3 tablespoons flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, cooking and stirring until bubbly.
Whisk in 1 cup milk or tomato juice. Cook just until smooth and thickened.
We are expecting a snow storm tonight! They're calling for 5 inches of snow and brisk winds, with more snow coming tomorrow. We're excited...we love snow and have hardly gotten any yet this winter! Jonathan has brought in a pile of wood for the fireplace and I think I'll mix up some hot chocolate mix for him. I'll have to stick with hot tea myself. I've discovered a new favorite tea. Bigelow's Orange and Spice herb tea. Oh, it's so good! A little bit tangy with just a hint of cinnamon...Mmm! Just the drink for a cold day.
Yesterday afternoon I was paging through the More-With-Less Cookbook, and found Colorado Pie. It's a new favorite, friends! I made the sauce with half homemade tomato juice that's really half tomato water, and half almond milk. It tasted good and no tummy-aches! The green beans were from our garden, and I added some shredded homegrown squash from the freezer. I served the pie with mashed potatoes and homemade applesauce, also from the freezer! We did think the recipe called for too much salt, so I would recommend reducing the salt in the filling.
Colorado Pie
Prepare pastry for a 2-crust pie, using 1 teaspoon onion salt instead of regular salt if desired. I use the recipe in the Betty Crocker cookbook, and make it with whole wheat pastry flour. Line 9" pie plate with pastry.
Brown in skillet:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
Stir in:
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups cooked green beans, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon oregano
1 10-ounce can tomato soup OR sauce recipe below
Pour into pastry lined pan, add top crust and cut slits in it. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
Sauce
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a heavy saucepan. Blend in 3 tablespoons flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, cooking and stirring until bubbly.
Whisk in 1 cup milk or tomato juice. Cook just until smooth and thickened.
We are expecting a snow storm tonight! They're calling for 5 inches of snow and brisk winds, with more snow coming tomorrow. We're excited...we love snow and have hardly gotten any yet this winter! Jonathan has brought in a pile of wood for the fireplace and I think I'll mix up some hot chocolate mix for him. I'll have to stick with hot tea myself. I've discovered a new favorite tea. Bigelow's Orange and Spice herb tea. Oh, it's so good! A little bit tangy with just a hint of cinnamon...Mmm! Just the drink for a cold day.
1/9/12
Sweet Potato Lentil Soup
My sister, Abigail, discovered this Lentil Soup recipe and made it for the family at home. They enjoyed it so much that she sent the recipe to me, and the first time I made it, Jonathan and I loved it! It is an unusual combination, but the flavors meld together so very well. This soup goes together quickly, thanks to the fact that lentils do not require a pre-soak. I like to serve it with muffins, sliced cheese and a big green salad. I'm posting the recipe here in hopes that you too will try it and enjoy it as much as we have!
Sweet Potato Lentil Soup
1/4 cup butter
2 large sweet poataoes
3 large carrots
1 apple
1 onion
1 1/2 cups lentils
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt1/2 teapoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth (I actually just use water)
plain yogurt if desired
Peel and chop sweet potatoes, carrots, apple and onion. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute chopped vegetables, stirring and cooking until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.
Stir the lentils, spices and broth into the pot with the apple/vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the medium-low; cover and simmer until lentils and vegetables are soft, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Serve with yogurt for garnish.
Sweet Potato Lentil Soup
1/4 cup butter
2 large sweet poataoes
3 large carrots
1 apple
1 onion
1 1/2 cups lentils
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt1/2 teapoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth (I actually just use water)
plain yogurt if desired
Peel and chop sweet potatoes, carrots, apple and onion. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute chopped vegetables, stirring and cooking until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.
Stir the lentils, spices and broth into the pot with the apple/vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the medium-low; cover and simmer until lentils and vegetables are soft, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Serve with yogurt for garnish.
1/6/12
Homes For All
The dog has a kennel, the pig has a sty
The rabbit a burrow (I don't know just why);
The bee has a hive, and the bird has a nest,
For bossy the cow, a good barn is best.
The horse has a stable, the chicken a pen,
The cat has a mat, but the wolf has a den;
A cave for a bear, and a hole for a mouse,
But I am so glad that I live in a house!
By Mable Watts
1/5/12
And We Are Home
Home, that is such a beautiful word!
We just returned from a trip to visit my family in Texas, a 1,200 mile journey that we spend two days driving. I guess I could say we were visiting "back home", but now my home is in Michigan, so I have two homes! But this little home of ours, here in Michigan, is my real home; for I have my True Love and my Little Loves here with me. Yes, home is really where love abides, where one's heart is.
When we left, the ground was still oddly bare of snow, but we arrived home to see a pile of white! There was such a lovely sunrise this morning, all pink and purple and reflecting off the snow, but by the time Eden finished nursing, most of the color had fled. Here are some pictures of the morning.
Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
~Henry Van Dyke
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
~Henry Van Dyke
We just returned from a trip to visit my family in Texas, a 1,200 mile journey that we spend two days driving. I guess I could say we were visiting "back home", but now my home is in Michigan, so I have two homes! But this little home of ours, here in Michigan, is my real home; for I have my True Love and my Little Loves here with me. Yes, home is really where love abides, where one's heart is.
When we left, the ground was still oddly bare of snow, but we arrived home to see a pile of white! There was such a lovely sunrise this morning, all pink and purple and reflecting off the snow, but by the time Eden finished nursing, most of the color had fled. Here are some pictures of the morning.
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