Abundance House

A Wonderful Summer is Brewing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 May 2026 23:53:03 +0000

Summer break begins soon. Graduations have already begun. Bridal showers and weddings will be popping up all over during the month of June. Gatherings with refreshments to serve abound. Whether you are in need of food ideas for a shower, a reception, a fun afternoon with a few of your very favorites, or simply an afternoon pause, it is always the right time for tea.

We've shared them before, but these recipes never grow old. New recipes are fun, but some are non-negotiable. These are the ones we use every single time and have for over twenty years. May they bring you refreshment and delight.

LEMON CURD

Juice of 3 large lemons

5 eggs

1 c. granulated sugar

8 T. unsalted butter

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into heavy-bottomed sauce pan or double boiler. Cook over low hear approx. 10 minutes until thickened. Use whisk if lumpy. Place in glass container. Cool to room temperature uncovered. When cooled, place lid on container and store in refrigerator. Curd will thicken more when cooled and chilled.

MOCK DEVONSHIRE CREAM

1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese

2 T. powdered sugar

1/2 C. sour cream

Beat cream cheese and sugar together. I use a food processor but it can be done by hand. Fold in sour cream. Store in refrigerator.

SCONES

2 c. flour

1/4 c. sugar

4 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

3/4 c. butter

1 c. milk

Combine dry ingredients. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or grate frozen butter into bowl and then combine with dry ingredients. Gently stir in milk. Softly roll out onto lightly floured surface. Cut with small biscuit cutter or desired shapes. Place on parchment lined baking sheet. Can brush with egg wash made with egg and milk then sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Cool on clean tea towel or wire rack. Serve with preferred toppings.

Remembering

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 May 2026 02:48:26 +0000

I pray we remember what The Word says:

“I pray the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:18.

"... to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’" Acts 26:18.

Shalom, shalom

Sent from my iPhone

They Caught Me

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 09 May 2026 14:33:47 +0000

“The troubles and petty things will eventually pass away by His grace and help. But God and His beauty are eternal. His desire is that I should walk through life with my eyes set on His goodness and my heart set on His beauty.”

While reading through a weekly newsletter this morning these words caught and held me captive.

Fast Food from Home Appliances

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 May 2026 22:54:00 +0000

Extra ingredients aren't the only options for preparing fast food at home. Certain tools/appliances can provide fast options for our favorite long version meals. Multi cookers like the Instapot, rice cookers, and other appliances can be some of the best "servants" in the kitchen. A bread machine is another appliance that can be a true life-saver for busy cooks; the dough setting makes homemade pizzas and pigs in a blanket type meals a definite fast food from home possibility.

Another surprising "servant" to help with meals on busy nights is the slow cooker. Preparing ingredients and freezing them ahead of time makes it super quick and easy to pull out a meal the night before, thaw it in the refrigerator, and pop it in the slow cooker before heading out the door in the morning. When we return home at the end of the day supper will be ready and waiting when we walk in the door.

Garage sales and online shopping sites are good sources for finding appliances at reasonable prices. Spring is an excellent time for letting family and friends know you are in the market for these time-saving or time-creating appliances as this is a popular time of year for cleaning out closets and unused items in the home.

The more I ponder the topic of fast food from home, the more I find to consider. Ingredients, ideas, appliances, recipes, it's beginning to feel like a subject with limitless options. The more I consider, the more that comes to mind. It's been said, however, that all good things must come to an end. I don't believe that is completely true. I do agree that to everything there is a season and to everything there is a time. With that being said, there are other topics to consider so it looks like it's time to put fast food from home away for a while.

Thank you for reading, loved guests. Your presence here is appreciated. Enjoy each moment of every day together in love.

Shalom, shalom

Fast Food at Home on the Brain

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 May 2026 22:17:00 +0000

Homemakers have been utilizing quick and easy meal ideas for generations. Everything old shows up again. It just makes a few little adjustments for the new generation in which it arrives. Some of my grandparents grew a large garden and cooked mostly from scratch. My husband's grandmother grew a HUGE garden and made EVERYTHING from scratch, even her soap, for herself, family, and friends. "Because you never know when there'll be a bad year." We all now know exactly how right she was. We don't know when there will be a "bad" year.

Now we're the ones learning to do what our grandparents learned to do from the the "bad" years they experienced. Having a stash of ideas for fast food from home is a lot like having ingredients in the pantry. Some seasons we will use more of our ingredients from the pantry; so too during some seasons we will use more from our stash of fast food ideas. Not every meal every night will be a fast food from home meal forever, but there may be seasons of fast food from home every night. This is okay. This is acceptable. It is normal life. Seasons come and go.

We don't use everything all at once for one meal. We simply have what we need when we need it. Having what we need allows us the opportunity to relax and breathe because we know that we don't have to "make it all happen" or "hustle". Everything we need to make meals is already in our home. Whether the ingredients are in the refrigerator, on the pantry shelf, in the kitchen cupboards, or in the freezer doesn't matter. There is something to work with available. Our family will be fed.

Yes, having extra ingredients on hand can save financial resources, but the greatest value is the peace of mind it provides. Less stress equates to increased peace, and that in and of itself is healing. It can be compared to nutrition for the body, yet it is nutrition for the soul (mind, will, and emotions).

Shalom, shalom, dear ones

Toppings Please! More Fast Food at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 May 2026 21:49:00 +0000

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF MAY 2026!!!

A few more ideas concerning fast food at home popped up while I was adding some graphics to previous posts. Now these are NOT complicated meals to prepare. Nor are they gourmet feasts. We are after all talking fast food from home. All of these quick, nutritious ideas involve a base food with toppings of choice. They are also completely and totally customizable to suit individual and/or family preferences. Best of all, each of them can be served for any meal of the day.

Here are the base ideas:

Yogurt
Cereal/Grain
Lettuce
Scrambled Eggs

Here are a few of the endless options for toppings:

honey
nuts
granola
fruit
vegetables
cheeses
meat
beans
salsa
sour cream
sauces
dressings
hard-boiled eggs
poached eggs
over easy eggs
flavored oils
herbs
seasonings

At least two of the base options and their toppings can be eaten as either a bowl or in a tortilla/flat bread. Yogurt is fun to turn into a parfait by layering it with its toppings in a tall glass when you want fast but a little "fancy" too. As always, ease for those times we just can't "do" a full on meal and creativity to keep it fresh.

Report on Canning

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:14:00 +0000

Our last "Fast Food From Home" article was a report from the archives. Canning was the main topic covered in the article written by my oldest daughter. At the time of the original posting, she had only canned dried beans and beef stew. Thanks to my daughter's canning, many fast meals have been eaten and enjoyed through the past 15 years.

Dried beans and beef stew are no longer the only items on the canning menu. A variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces make it possible to produce delicious meals in literally minutes. My daughter enjoys experimenting, and we enjoy the tasty results.

Here are some we've been blessed to have on our pantry shelves through the years:

pork
chicken
beef
salsa verde
red beans and rice with sausage
chicken and vegetables
ham and beans
ham
vegetable broth
turkey broth
chicken broth
beef broth
ham broth
carrots
mixed vegetables
black beans
garbanzo beans
red beans
pinto beans
kidney beans
white beans
sweet potatoes
zucchini pineapple
hot pepper sauces from a variety of peppers
salsa
diced tomatoes and chiles
jams and jellies
green beans
white chicken chili
curry sauce
homemade pork 'n beans
baked beans
apple pie filling
potatoes
tomato juice
tomato sauce
whole tomatoes
jalapeno slices
pickled jalapenos
banana pepper slices
diced chiles
pineapple chunks
pickled beets

A Beehive

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:07:21 +0000

"...bees make honey, and it sure tastes good. Did you ever smell a flower? Well it sure smells good. And you'd be good if you could see how good being good can be."

These words from a childhood song unexpectedly began to sing inside of me after reading an article about the new beehive at the White House. As I watched the video accompanying the article a peacefulness that seemed healing filled the air while President Trump and First Lady Melania showed King Charles and Queen Camilla the new beehive in the White House gardens.

Not only did the White House beehive look beautiful, but it felt as if it was producing healing in a very practical way. A thought came of how wonderful it would be if other homes across our nation would place beehives in their gardens and produce honey for healing and beauty in all of our neighborhoods. Those who don't have beehives could plant flowers for the bees to gather pollen from. Healing from a simple beehive, simple yet profound. The words from that childhood song are flowing again, but stronger this time. "...and you'd be good if you could see how good being good can be." How good being good can be.

May each of us see and be goodness wherever we are. Then all will know how good being good truly will be.

Shalom, shalom

Photos from PublicDomainPictures.net

Spring Blossoms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:48:28 +0000

Sweet blossoms herald the arrival of spring.

Spring is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:45:23 +0000

Flowering almond and blossoming plum branches announce the arrival of spring with simple elegance. They are living evidence and proof of beauty, truth, and grace as they send out the good news that new seasons of living continue. Goodness exists. It is greater than darkness. Evil does NOT get the final say. Things may look a shambles or feel tough, but in the middle of the mess beauty is sending forth a message of hope. Life is, and it is good. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalms Shalom, shalom dear friends

The Light Shines

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:05:00 +0000

REMEMBER: no matter how cold, no matter how dark, the light shines…and the darkness overpowers it NOT.

(See John 1:5 - "And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]."

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMPC‬‬)

Be Still & Know

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:12:00 +0000

Seeming chaos swirls viscously. However, there is a truth that stills the seeming chaos. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. The Greater One living in us has given us the authority in His name to say, "Peace, be still!" to the swirling noise around us. The noise and chaos are not the storm. The children of the Most High God arising and shining the Light of the World every where they go are the storm. The seeming chaos and noise are not the storm; they are merely the reaction of darkness and evil to the Light of God shining out from within us. "Fear Not." "Love Never Fails." 1 Corinthians 13:8. The glory of the Lord has risen upon us. Isaiah 60.

In the Love of the Lord Jesus,

Shalom

Purging and Cleaning of the Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:11:00 +0000

If you happened to catch yesterday's post about my "I can't"s being revealed for the "I won't"s they really are, then today's sharing will make a lot more sense. Well, it will at least provide perspective on where I am coming from. If I may, I'm going to pick up where we left the conversation off yesterday. Thank you for your patience as I ponder out loud.

Further pondering on those "I can't" perspectives has brought to light not only the fact that "I won't" was the truthful statement, but also that I frequently say I can't because I don't want to. Just up and stating "No, I won't," with a "because I don't want to." attached as the reason is rather bold, and well, to be honest, it sounds a tad bit spoiled. Doesn't it? Yes, yes it does. Mostly because it is a selfish answer coming from a spoiled woman's mouth, mostly.

Oh, no, not only and always is it from a selfish, spoiled attitude, but often it is. Enough that it has caught and held my attention. Purging and cleaning of the mind and soul. This is what these first days of the second month are turning out to be. What a blessed gift these days are! I am grateful!

Thanking God for Days of Soul Cleaning,

Shalom

You Can't or You Won't???

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:39:00 +0000

Gently, yet clearly, the revelation came. No trumpets sounded. Lightning didn't strike. Truth revealed in love came shining the light of God's Word on my motives and intentions. Not all of them were righteous. Not all of them were sinful either. I was laid bare before the Truth, and I am grateful.

One of the revelations was that there have been a number of things I have been saying "I can't" about when the truth is "I won't". My ability, or lack thereof, has nothing whatsoever to do with anything when I am in covenant with God who says in His Word that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. In light of this revelation, my journal will have some extra entries this week as I ponder on all He revealed.

As I go about my day fixing meals, baking bread, and doing numberless little things homemakers do, I can't help but think how apropos the timing of this revelation is. The month we celebrate love and our 35th wedding anniversary seems the perfect month to eliminate the "I cannots" from my vocabulary and thinking. It also feels fitting that growth in honesty and recognition of inaccurate perspectives take place in this love-focused season. Transparency requires a confession of how I also find myself slightly surprised, while not surprised at all, that being transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2) is as ordinary of a process as former patterns of thought being replaced by new, truthful ones. I wonder how many other aspects of living a godly life I have made more difficult and mysterious than they really are?

Purging old lies for the Truth,

Shalom

Keep an Attentive Eye on Yourself...Bear His Own [little] Load

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:29:00 +0000

" 6 Brethren, if any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also.

2 Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and [a]troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete [b]what is lacking [in your obedience to it].

3 For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another’s load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.

4 But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [[c]in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor.

5 For every person will have to bear ([d]be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [[e]little] load [f][of oppressive faults]." -- Galatians 6:1-5 AMPC

💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡💓♡

The Word of the Lord provides every answer we need. Having said that, this passage from Galatians seems more than a little appropriate for such a time as now. Blessed be the Word of the Lord. Good is the Word of the Lord. We honor and esteem the Word of the Lord.

In Jesus' name,

Shalom

To Everything There Is a Season

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:21:00 +0000

Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 AMPC

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to be glad and to get and do good as long as they live;

13 And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

14 I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor anything taken from it. And God does it so that men will [reverently] fear Him [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is].

💕.⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯💕.⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯💕.⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯💕.⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯💕.⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯💕.⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯💕.⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯💕.

So very many words are being spoken, shouted, and written during these first days of the year 2026! Whenever there are too many words to listen to, I withdraw from the fray, as they say, and get away with the only One Whose words are true. Please know that no matter how ugly it sounds and appears right now, God IS, and HE IS GOOD. He is moving and doing great things everywhere. If we choose to look for Him, we will find and be found by Him. If we choose to listen for His voice, we will hear and be heard by Him. His ear is not closed to our cries nor has He left us alone to "fend for ourselves."

There were many beginning of the year challenges being presented online to participate in this year. Pantry challenges for using the food stuffs we already have instead of purchasing more are always a fun start to a new year. Making January a digital free space for the reading and writing of books and letters on paper with ink provides breathing room for the growth and expansion of the soul. Fasting the internet, complaining, main stream media, social media, sugar, white processed flour, processed foods, pop, and other sugary foods benefit spirit, soul, and body. However, as good as all of those fasts and challenges are, what if we let January be what it was and begin again with a new way of living right now on this second day of the second month?

What if right here, right now, February 2, 2026, with people all around us screaming and crying untruthful, emotionally-driven words everywhere, we exercise our free wills to choose peace and quiet of the soul? What if we make a deliberate decision to say only that which benefits the hearer? What if we live the Light of the World out loud in a free expression of Truth? What if we choose with intention to spend some of our minutes and hours each day feeding on the Words of The Way, The Life, and The Truth, the Bible, instead of feeding on words that feed our own selfish appetites or fuel our own emotionally-driven replies? What if we made this season a season of Jesus, of Life, of Truth, of grace, of faith, of righteousness, of peace, of joy in the Holy Spirit? What if we did?

What if we also made our lives into a living sign held high shining the love of God brightly from within? What if we made ourselves into living testimonies of peace, patience, and love everywhere we go? What if everyone we come into contact with could see Jesus and hear Him so clearly when we interact with them that they can't help but be changed? Wouldn't a genuine, authentic smile warm the coldness? Wouldn't a kind word stick out in the best possible way with so many harsh words being shouted loud? Wouldn't going about our day doing our work with faithful diligence and honesty be a beacon in the darkness? Wouldn't excellence be a rare gift for an employer to treasure?

What if the children of God radiated confident trust in their Heavenly Father? Wouldn't the seemingly overwhelming darkness be as nothing compared to the greatness of our God entering spaces in us? Wouldn't it? How much could the darkness accomplish if the Light of the World were lived by us everywhere we went? According to John 1:5, nothing. "John 1:5 And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]."

To Everything there is a season and a time. What if this became a season of Jesus in us the hope of glory revealed? To God be the glory great things He has done. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice! Let the earth and all that is in it hear His voice coming forth from out of His children. Rejoice in the Lord! Again I say, Rejoice! Children of the Most High God, Yahweh, Rejoice!

Shalom

Give Him 15 for 01/27/2026 🌲

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:01:00 +0000

Give Him 15 for 01/27/2026 🌲

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January 27, 2026

Introduction

We all face challenges as we cope with these perilous times. Today's post coaches us on how to do so. It was written by our friend Terri Brown, a seasoned prophetic intercessor, but also one who possesses the pastoral heart of Jesus, the great Shepherd. Terri and her husband, Jack, Pastor a wonderful congregation in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her title is:

Coping with Difficult Times

Bonnie, our two-and-a-half year old granddaughter, who is usually determined to keep up with her 5 older siblings and twin brother, was in our backyard playing in the snow. She wanted something, so she started crying and complaining. Grandpa Jack started explaining that big girls talk and say what they want and don't need to scream and cry. He continued to explain to her that babies cry to get their way. He asked, "Don't you want to be a big girl?" She looked up at grandpa and firmly stated, "I want to be a baby."

We all laughed, but then a little later, I was contemplating the many tumultuous situations in our world and feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. I saw that I had the same choice: either cry and complain or use my voice.

It is easy to get discouraged with what we are seeing in the newsfeed concerning our nation or other nations, or by what we are encountering closer to home. In each case, we, like Bonnie, have a choice. We can 1) Use our voices to seek the Lord, make requests, declare His purposes, release wisdom, and, when necessary, advocate for the hurting. Or…

2) In contrast, when things seem uncertain or desperate, we can choose to step into a place of avoidance, putting our heads in the sand and avoiding any responsibility to become involved. Many of us have well-worn paths to our place of avoidance. As Alicia Britt Chole states in 40 Days of Decrease, "Uncertainty is quite revealing. The unknown triggers different reactions in different hearts and exposes our souls' defaults. Ambiguity reveals where we instinctively go to feel the illusion of security again. In response to a yet-unnamed but imminent storm, some hide, some run, some live in denial, some escape into fictional worlds, some feast, and some stake out their territory."(1)

3) A third choice is that we can resort to inappropriately attempting to control the situation. In Mark's gospel, Jesus brought up the topic of His death and resurrection again with His disciples, "…the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again" (Mark 10:33-34 NKJV). I am sure the disciples felt great concern for Jesus, but also probably felt concerned and uncertain about their own futures.

It's interesting to see the response of James and John in verses 35-38. First, the two brothers come to Him and say, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." Doesn't that sound like a little child, "Mom, will you say yes to what I'm going to ask you?" I am kind of scared to ask, so I am going to try to control your answer before I do so. In the face of uncertainty, we often try to control God and others. James and John couldn't control what was going to happen to Jesus or themselves, so they asked if they could sit "one on your right and the other on your left in your glory." They sought as much security as they could by asking to be closest to Him when all the dust settled.

As believers, and especially as intercessors, it is vital that we acknowledge our feelings about what is occurring, but we must not step into a place of control or avoidance. When we face a difficult personal situation, we may experience great pain as we grapple with the problem and pray about it. This can be difficult, but we must do so and also acknowledge these feelings. At times, we may need to repent of wanting to control God or people. Acknowledging that we want to head down the paths of avoidance or inappropriate control may prevent us from taking these fruitless trips. We should beware of the common temptation of just wanting to be a baby, like Bonnie, and let someone else take care of it. We have the power to choose and can, by the grace of God, step up and use our voices as the Lord leads us.

The Psalmist in Psalm 131 states: "God, I'm not trying to rule the roost, I don't want to be king of the mountain. I haven't meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. I've kept my feet on the ground, I've cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother's arms, my soul is a baby content" (Psalm 131:2-3 MSG).

When we position ourselves in a place of trust-generated contentment, we don't have to hear over internal chaos and turmoil. We've quieted our hearts, enabling us to press into the Lord and seek Him regarding our role in these tumultuous times. We shouldn't immediately go to war, saying all the prayers we can think of, but from a place of calm trust, we must listen in order to come into agreement with what the Lord is saying about the situation.

We should all acknowledge that we are tempted to walk down these avoidance and control trails. But we should also determine that in this critical season of uncertainty, we are going to press into Jesus and trust Holy Spirit to guide us into what the Lord desires or requires.

I also find it helpful to rehearse the faithfulness of the Lord in my and in others' lives. Rehearse His past faithfulness toward your family, church, city, and your nation. Agree with Lamentations 3:22-25 (NLT): "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him! The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him." Recite His faithfulness until you sense faith arising, then declare the Lord's faithfulness and your trust in Him.

Next, seek the truth concerning what you are feeling overwhelmed about. You might do this by waiting on the Lord and hearing His perspective. You might research whether the report that has upset you is accurate. Talk to trusted people who might have more information. Listen to others who are praying. What are their prayer strategies?

This may not bring all the answers you desire, but you'll be able to embrace the mystery and press into the One who knows all. Mystery is part of this walk with Jesus. When we encounter mystery, it is an ideal time to press back into Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our prayers may be a simple, "I trust You, Lord. I'm not sure what You are doing in this season, but I choose to trust You. Show me how to pray."

Whether your assignment is to pray for a nation across the globe or a person in your own family, be courageous and resolve to be bold and partner with the Lord in these strategic times.

Pray with me:

Father, You have told us that keeping our minds fixed on You brings perfect peace. (Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬-‭4‬). In the New Testament, You said to let Your peace rule - act as the umpire (brabevo)(2) in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). In these tumultuous times, remind us to walk in Your peace and allow it to rule our thoughts and decisions.

Wars rage, evil rulers make threats, riots and violence occur on our streets, but You are not unaware of nor perplexed by these things. Your omniscience and foreknowledge are always at play, allowing You to see the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). In difficult times, we will wait upon You, find Your direction, and pray accordingly.

We will NOT fear evil reports; our hearts are fixed, steadfast, trusting always in You (Psalm 112:7). As intercessors, remind us to always operate from our position seated with You.

During this challenging season of change, we ask You to lead President Trump and his team as they deal with Russia, Iran, China, the Greenland situation, the unrest in Minnesota, and many other challenging situations they find themselves having to navigate. Continue to fan the flames of revival, causing it to break out across our land. Let this 250th anniversary of America be a year of rededicating this land to You. All of this we pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Our decree:

We decree that during this season, we will walk in the knowledge of God, be strong, and, as He leads, take action in prayer (Daniel 11:32)!

Click on the link below to watch the full video.
https://youtu.be/M7k6ZLi7qzs
Today's post was contributed by our friend Terri Brown. You can find out more about her at TerriBrown.live.

Alicia Britt Chole, 40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger, (Nashville, TN: W Publishing [an imprint of Thomas Nelson]), p. 44.

James Strong, The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 1018.

Recent Articles:
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Valentine's Treats, Homemade Doughnuts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:00:00 +0000

In anticipation of Valentine's Day and My Beloved's and my 35th wedding anniversary next month, here is a repost from 13 years ago. Today's extremely cold temperatures make it the perfect time for these homemade doughnuts. Enjoy, dear ones! Shalom!

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Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and we have begun celebrating early by making homemade doughnuts. Yum, yum, yum. I say "we" because Not of This World stayed up last night helping me fry this large recipe up. This is my Valentine's Day gift to My Beloved. Because they are for an extra special, once in a while occasion, I am not concerning myself with their nutritional value. Eating well the majority of the time allows our bodies to handle once in a while occasions without getting bogged down.

We'll begin with the doughnut recipe itself and proceed onward to the glaze and cream filling. Because My Beloved prefers a white cream filling this is not a pudding type filling recipe. Those who prefer a pudding or Bavarian filling can find recipes via an internet search. The doughnuts are a version of potato doughnuts. As with most homemade dough recipes, these are at their very, very best immediately after cooking. They are however still quite moist and tasty the next morning too. Oh before I forget, it is a large recipe. Unless you are sharing with others or making for a large gathering, you may want to consider halving the recipe. Also, notice the 12 C. of flour. Most home mixers can't handle this large amount of dough resulting in the recipe being mixed by hand. You will get a true workout for your arms by the time the dough is kneaded. Your legs too if you are short enough to require standing on tiptoe to really get into the kneading. Oh wait, maybe I just needed to do that because there is a baby bump in front of me that requires some adjustments in order to reach what I need to. Most readers probably won't need to make such adjustments.

Doughnuts

4 C. milk
1 C. sugar
1 C. shortening
1 tsp. baking soad
1 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbl. vanilla
2 pkg. yeast
1 C. warm potato water
1 C. mashed potatoes

Mix the above ingredients and let set 30 minutes or until foamy. Then add:

4 well beaten eggs
1 Tbl. salt
12 C. flour

Knead. Let rise until doubled in size. Roll out to approx. 3/4 " thickness. Cut out into whatever size and/or shape you prefer. Let rise until doubled in size. Cook in hot oil flipping when one side is golden. While still hot dip in glaze.

Glaze

1/2 C. butter
Approx. 1/4 C. sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tsp. salt

Heat over medium heat until melted. Remove from heat and rapidly stir in:

4 C. powdered sugar
2 t. maple flavoring

* for chocolate glaze, add 4 oz. choc. to melting mix and decrease powdered sugar to 2 C. For traditional glaze, omit both maple flavoring and chocolate using 4 C. powdered sugar.

Cream Filling

1 C. shortening
1 C. butter
4 C. confectioner's sugar
4 tsp. vanilla
3/4 C. marshmallow creme

Cream above ingredients together. Dissolve:

1/4 tsp. salt in 2 tsp. very hot water.

Add to above mixture and beat until blended. Fill doughnuts as desired.

Please remember that love doesn't require a physical gift. True love is a gift in and of itself. Showing our love in a fun, new ways is always a treat, no matter how little or much these new ways cost. Have you ladies ever had your toenails painted by your beloved? Now that is romance no amount of diamonds or costly gifts can even begin to touch! What can we ladies do to speak our beloved's romance language? I'm sure there is something. Ask God, He will give us just the ideas we need, at just the right price too. Try Him and see if He won't. We will need to be willing to hear and do something that perhaps we didn't expect to hear though:)

Needing help getting in the groove of love this Valentine's? Try reading 1 Corinthians 13. Allow it to saturate your heart and mind. Married folks might benefit from going to Song of Solomon and soaking there awhile. 1 John 4:7, 8 tells us that God is love. Since He is love, it only makes sense that spending time with Him and His Word will aid us in filling up our love tanks. Once we are filled, we will be able to overflow our abundance onto those around us for love, true love, is about the giving rather than the getting.

Enjoy your doughnuts and have a Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow!

Never Has, Never Will

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:28:00 +0000

" And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]. "

John 1:5

"...for the darkness has never overpowered it..." Never. He said never.

" Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life."

John 8:12

"...I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me...will have the Light which is Life." Will have. Jesus said who follows Him "will have" the Light which is Life. He didn't say maybe; He said will have.

When there are so many evidences of evil raging loud it does a person good to remember verses with words like "never" and "will". There is a calming strength in knowing Truth and allowing Him to set free from the rumbling going on in the world around.

Shalom, Shalom

With Love, Mama

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 01:30:00 +0000

I was reading through the titles of previous posts to see what was posted last year, 2025, during this month. The title of this caught my eye, and after reading it I now know it is as much for the first month of January 2026 as it was for January 2025. Imagine we are sitting together at a kitchen table with cups of our favorite warm drink soaking in the warmth of being together with each other. Love and Shalom to you dear reader.

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How I have longed to come visit with you. How I have sought the Lord Jesus and prayed fervently for you that come here. My heart overflows with love and concern for everyone who reads the words written here. As I have read over previous posts, I wonder why anyone comes at all. And yet, I know why: the Father draws us together in this place.

It's with the heart of a mama I find myself praying for all who might read these words. In the night, when most are sleeping, I so often pray that you will know God in deeper ways than ever before and that He will keep you in His perfect peace. I pray that every promise in His Word manifests in your life. May healing of your spirit, soul, and body be complete and sure. May every word in His Word become life and light to you in the dark seasons,

When discouragement and confusion attempt to strangle the life out of you, may you remember to breathe deeply of His breath that is in you, for it is His breath that you breathe. May you breathe in the presence of Jehovah Shalom, God your peace, and exhale anxiety, fear, and stress over and over and over again until all trace of terror and anxiousness have gone,

When it seems as if every dream has been crushed and all desires feel unmet, I pray God Holy Spirit envelopes you as Comforter and reminds you of Truth that holds you close. Promises will wash over you in a flood of Goodness, Mercy, and Grace. You will know Truth, AND it will SET YOU FREE.

When you want to give up and quit but can't because there are others who rely on you, I pray you allow yourself to trust in Him and rest in Who He Is. His grace truly is sufficient. In our weakness He is strong. It's true. Rest, dear one, rest. Jesus is enough. When you know you aren't enough, He is. So, rest precious one, rest in Jesus.

With a mama's heart I write as I would write to my own dear child, it's okay if you're not okay. The One who is all is okay, and He is able to do everything we can't. Let yourself trust and believe in Him. All those other voices prattling on and on and on mean well, but Jesus is Truth. It's the voice of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we long to hear, and He is speaking to all who listen. Hear Him call your name.

It's a fact we want what we want. When we don't get what we want, emotions can rise up fierce, but that too is okay. He knows us. He isn't afraid of big feelings and emotions. He holds the universe in His hands; our emotions aren't a problem to Him. He loves it when we come to Him and tell Him everything; there's no greater listener to pour out our woes to than the One who made us and cradles us close.

He isn't expecting legalistic perfection. He knows we are just dust walking. He expects us to live a process that is often messy and not always neat and tidy. We're the ones who want things all orderly and perfect. Not Him, He loves being the order in our lives and delights in catching us as a loving parent catches their tiny child who is learning to walk or running beside cheering when they attempt their first bicycle ride.

Abba God delights in us. We are His. God is. God is good. God loves us. This is all we need. When this life is all wrapped up and complete, we truly won't care about anything other than pleasing God and our loved ones knowing Him. Really, we won't. Come here, love. Go ahead now, exhale all that tension out. That's right, exhale again. Imagine every bit of tension draining out of every single cell in your body. Now that all of that nasty stress is gone, imagine every cell filling back up with the healing, keeping love of God as you inhale Him and His goodness in. Feel free to inhale Him in as many times as you like; see your cells filling with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. It's amazing how many times He has met me in the breathing in of Him and breathing out of all that is not Him,

He isn't far away. Nor is He difficult to find. Emmanuel, God with us, is always near. As I close out this letter I pray you meet Him. If you already know Him, I pray your relationship deepens and becomes richer and sweeter with every passing moment. May you be kept in His love and care knowing and experiencing for yourself the riches of His mercy and grace. May you be infused with the power of His resurrection and His glory be a shield around you. In Him may you live and move and have your being, I pray you know and experience Him as the glory and the lifter of your head. It's in His name, the name of Jesus, I pray all these things.

With love,

Mama

Don’t Despise the Simple or the Small

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:53:00 +0000

There is something soothing in the small activities of the home. Treating a stain with bar soap, scouring a sink clean with basic powder, simmering bones and veggies for a nutritious stock. All of these, plus many more, soothe and comfort as little else can.
I have read the same calming influence can be obtained in crochet and knitting. While listening to classical music and reading living literature likewise provide an exhale to the overstimulated.

Is it possible the reason so many require professional treatment for anxiety and stress is because so few engage in the small acts of a home centric life? Or is it because performing daily tasks by hand, the slow way, is even more rare in today's automated culture? Hmmm. It's something to wonder about.

To the pondering of the truth, beauty, and grace found in living low and slow,

Shalom, Shalom

Sent from my iPhone

A Spurtle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:28:00 +0000

This is one of my newest favorite kitchen tools, the spurtle. I have used one every single day since receiving a variety of styles for Christmas.
Sent from my iPhone

A Good Start

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:10:00 +0000

Lights on the tree, a football game on the tv, an almost finished book, and an empty mug; proof the new year is off to a great start. There is a puzzle my daughter completed today on the table beside me companioned by a pile of books to read as time is made. Much could be said concerning the coming year. It is certain that troubles will come and trials will fall. It is even more certain that the Lord our God will deliver us from them all.

Tonight, however, right now in this moment called now, there is beauty in the ordinary. Today has been a rare gift of ordinary living free of drama and excess noise from without. For this first full day of a brand new year there has been the blessed peace of slow living: books were read, magazines perused, simple meals cooked and eaten, a puzzle completed, holiday greetings written, and hot coffee savored in new mugs. An entire day was lived with absolutely no rushing to and fro laboring hard and long with little to show. For one entire day we rested and went slow.

Tomorrow is full of possibilities not yet known. Gentle tidying, strong stout tea, a putting away, a sorting of things both old and new, no matter what comes, we will get through. God's grace is real. It's true and strong. His love is deep; His mercies long.

Before tomorrow though there is tonight. One short hour of tonight remains. Tonight is the first night of a new year. Good night dear readers. Sleep well and rest sweet in the love of our Savior and Lord Jesus.

Shalom, Shalom

Sent from my iPhone

Happy Reformation Day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:27:00 +0000

Years ago on this very day, Martin Luther nailed some theses on the door of the church. Could he ever have predicted the stir those revelations from the Word of God would cause? Not likely.

Today we find ourselves in need of reformation still. The One who saves by grace through faith is the One who heals and delivers. Only Jesus can save. Only Jesus can heal, and only Jesus can deliver a heart and a nation.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. May today be a day of reformation in our hearts, families, and nations. To God be the glory great things He hath done! A mighty fortress is our God!

Shalom shalom!

Sent from my iPhone

A Time to Think Well

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:22:00 +0000

Thoughts become Habits

Habits form Patterns

Patterns determine Choices

Choices bring Results

I am as I think I am. This sounds familiar. It sounds a lot like "For as he thinks within himself, so is he." Proverbs 23:7a. Thoughts matter, A LOT. What am I thinking about? Am I being deliberate in choosing what I think about? Do I allow any old thoughts to stick around, or do I kick out those that don't serve me well? This is a season to think well. Being lazy with thought choices will not produce good life fruit. Not only do I need to make smart choices of thought, but those around me need me to choose wisely as well. The best version of me is needed more than ever. Knowing, of course, that the very best version of me is me being who God created me to be. Here are a few of the things God has said about thoughts in His Word:

"So then, prepare your hearts and minds for actions! Stay alert and fix your hope firmly on the marvelous grace that is coming to you." 1 Peter 1:13

"Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm." Colossians 3:12

"Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always." Philippians 4:8

With so much going on around us being intentional with our thinking is essential. It truly could make the difference between life and death of the body, spirit, or soul. Fear is not necessary when there is love. Because Love does conquer all. Love is greater. The greatest of these is Love. Yet, Love requires a decision to be made, and decisions begin with thoughts. This is a time to think well, dear ones. "Think on these things..." Philippians 4:8

Shalom, Shalom