Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Bible in 90 Days

Print

I am amazed that I am at the end of the challenge; it seems like I just began!  This week I read through Mark, Luke, John, and ended after Acts 17.  It is so eye-opening to actually read the four gospels and see how much in sync they are.

Here are a couple of verses which have stayed with me...

Luke 12:25-26

25 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"

John 14:27-28

27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 16:33

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

It's not surprising that the verses which stood out involve God's peace.  This past week brought emotional turmoil into my home and my heart.  I know that we will have trials and tribulations, but why am I so surprised and shocked when it visits my house.

As we walk through this difficult time, I covet your prayers for me and my family.  Pray for peace, understanding, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Monday, September 26, 2011

Apple Crumble

Print

Ingredients:

Topping -

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup rolled oats
3 TBS sugar
6 TBS butter, softened

Filling -

3-4 large apples
2 TBS firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon


Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425 F.  Grease (or spray with Pam) a 2-quart baking dish.

2.  Combine the flour, rolled oats, sugar, and butter in a large bowl with fingers or a fork until coarse crumbs form.

3.  For the filling, peel, core, and slice the apples.  Layer the apple slices in the prepared baking dish.  Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apple slices.  Sprinkle the topping mixture over the top. 

4.  Bake 20-25 minutes or until the apples are soft, and the crumble is lightly golden. 

5.  Serve warm.

6.  Enjoy!

Notes: I lightly sprinkled cinnamon over the topping. Some good apples to use are Granny Smith, Empire, and Jonathan, but any will do... I used Gala.  For the rolled oats, I use Quaker Oats - quick 1 minute!



This post may be linked to: Tasty Tuesday Link Party This Week's Cravings Hunk of Meat Monday Delectable Tuesday Totally Tasty Tuesday Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays Tasty Tuesdays Tuesdays at the Table Hearth and Soul Hop Tasty Tuesday Tuesday Night Supper Club Slightly Indulgent Tuesday Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday What's Cooking Wednesday What's for Dinner? Foodie Wednesday Real Food Wednesday What's On the Menu Wednesday What's Cooking Wednesday Full Plate Thursday Fun with Food Friday Tuesday Tantalizing Taste Sweets for a Saturday What's Cooking Wednesday What's on Your Plate? Recipes I Can't Wait to Try No Whine Wednesday Savory Sundays This Chick Cooks Simply Delish Saturdays Recipe Sharing Mondays Fat Camp Friday Whisking Wednesdays What's Cooking Wednesday Cooking Thursday It's a Keeper Ultimate Recipe Swap   Twisted Thursday  Mangia Monday   Makin' You Crave Monday   Melt in Your Mouth Monday

Blessings,

     Ellen

Friday, September 23, 2011

Fall Garden 2011

Print

About 2 weeks ago, I tore out what was left of the summer garden and prepared the bed for fall planting.  I left the bell pepper plants since they were still producing.. a lot!

This fall I planted 3 types of lettuce - arrugula, red lettuce, and romaine.  I see delicious salads in our future!

Romaine, Red leaf lettuce, Brussel Sprouts

Broccoli, Arrugula, Spinach (not yet sprouted), and Strawberry plants


Red and green bell pepper plants


Oregano and a spider plant on the back porch

Salad from the garden... including green pepper, 2 types of lettuce, and tomato.  Mushrooms and carrots from the farmer's market.

How is your gardening going?  I know many parts of our country had a wicked-hot summer... me included.  I am loving the cooler temperatures. 

Autumn... bring. it. on!


Blessings,

     Ellen

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The Scroll... a book review

Print
The Scroll    -     
        By: Grant R. Jeffrey, Alton L. Gansky

Biblical Archaeology

Intrigue

Suspense

Artifacts

Danger

Dr. David Chambers, a well-known archaeologist, has just decided to leave Biblical archaeology.  His faith has been challenged, and he is doubting God and His goodness.  Just as he decides to  move into South American archaeology, he receives a call from an old friend and mentor Abram Ben-Judah inviting David into one more Biblical dig... unearthing the secrets of the Copper Scroll.

A team of archaeologists, including David's ex-fiance, and security personnel are pulled together to work as one toward one common goal.  Locate, find, and retrieve the artifacts as quickly as possible.  Even though the team has a top-notch security team, a leak is found.  Can the "mole" be neutralized before more people are hurt?  Can they locate the items listed on the Copper Scroll before Israel's enemies declare war on them?


I could not put this book down!  When I thought I had it figured out, I was thrown another curve.  I loved how Grant Jeffrey and Alton Gansky developed their characters; I was able to relate to them and their reactions.  Also, Biblical history was seemlessly woven into the story line---easily explaining the relevance of the finds or locations.  I only  had one problem with the book.... it ended!  This is a story I could have continued reading.  I wonder if we will be seeing more of Dr. David Chambers and his motley crew?!?!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars  

I received a complimentary copy of The Scroll by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky as part of the Blogging for Books program through Waterbrook Multnomah Publisher for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Saturday, September 17, 2011

The Bible in 90 Days

Print

Wow... another week of delving into God's Word! 

This week I completed Daniel and read through Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, and Matthew. 

Yes, you read correctly... I am now in the New Testament!

Here are a few scriptures that stood out to me...

Amos 5:14-15a

14 Seek good, not evil,
that you may live.
Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you,
just as you say he is.
15 Hate evil, love good;
maintain justice in the courts.

Micah 6:8

8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 7:12

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

It seems I needed to hear how to live for God... not for self.  And when I get tired from burning the wick from both ends... again, I can go to Jesus Christ and REST.

If you are reading the Bible in 90 Days (or more), how are you doing?  We are nearing the finish line.  What has God shown you?

Blessings,

     Ellen

Falls Like Lightning... a book review

Print
Falls Like Lightning, Shawn Grady, 978-0-7642-0597-2

"Smokejumper Silas Kent never expected to see pilot Elle Westmore again. In fact, reuniting makes him realize what a mistake he made all those years ago. But before he has a chance to try to make amends, he's called to lead a new crew into battle against a massive fire in the Sierra Nevadas.

And then things go very wrong, very quickly.

A suspicious engine explosion forces the crew to parachute early while Elle barely survives a crash landing. Silas reaches the ground safely, but in beginning a desperate race to reach the downed plane, he soon realizes he has more to fear than just a raging forest fire."   ~ the publisher

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Packed with suspense, mystery and a touch of romance, Shawn Grady has brought his characters to life.  From the opening fire-rescue scene to the closing drama, we are drawn into the life of smoke jumpers - unsung heroes who jump out of planes to fight the fires consuming forests, homes and the environment - and the pilots who willingly fly into danger.

Click here too learn more about the author Shawn Grady.

I enjoyed the book, but had a little trouble keeping all the characters straight in the beginning.  As the story unfolded, they became clearer.  With the use of flashbacks, we learn more about their history and backgrounds.   The author's firefighting background and knowledge shine through in this book.

To read the first 5 chapters, click HERE!

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Italian Bread... from the bread machine

Print

Ingredients:

Dough:
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

Egg Wash:
1 egg
1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoons cornmeal
Directions:

1.  Place flour, brown sugar, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.

2.  Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form dough into two loaves. Place the loaves seam side down on a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray and generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise, until doubled in volume about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

3.  In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture. Make a single long, quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife. 

4.  Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

5.  Enjoy!

Note: You can use 2 cups bread flour plus 2 cups all-purpose flour in place of the 4 cups all-purpose flour.

Blessings,

     Ellen

This post may be linked to: Tasty Tuesday Link Party This Week's Cravings Hunk of Meat Monday Delectable Tuesday Totally Tasty Tuesday Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays Tasty Tuesdays Tuesdays at the Table Hearth and Soul Hop Tasty Tuesday Tuesday Night Supper Club Slightly Indulgent Tuesday Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday What's Cooking Wednesday What's for Dinner? Foodie Wednesday Real Food Wednesday What's On the Menu Wednesday What's Cooking Wednesday Full Plate Thursday Fun with Food Friday Tuesday Tantalizing Taste Sweets for a Saturday What's Cooking Wednesday What's on Your Plate? Recipes I Can't Wait to Try No Whine Wednesday Savory Sundays This Chick Cooks Simply Delish Saturdays Recipe Sharing Mondays Fat Camp Friday Whisking Wednesdays What's Cooking Wednesday Cooking Thursday It's a Keeper Ultimate Recipe Swap   Twisted Thursday  Mangia Mondays

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Guardian... a book review

Print

Mystery… Intrigue…. The Catholic Church…  Good – vs - Evil
A scroll written by the Apostle John while exiled in Patmos 60 years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The Guardian
During the first century, the apostle John, under the direction of God Himself, writes a message on a scroll.  John then entrusts only his family to protect and guard it.  It has been kept safe and hidden for many centuries.  Now, as Thomas Riley lies dying, God sends the archangel Michael to summon his granddaughter Anna to his bedside.  She is now the newest Guardian of the scroll.
Even though she has believed her grandparents died many years earlier, she heeds Michael’s words and immediately flies to Pennsylvania.  But she is too late; he has passed away.  Now, with no grandfather to enlighten her, Father Vin steps in.  He tells her about the Apostle John, the scroll, the family history of guarding it, and the dangerous job ahead of her.  She is the one to locate it…. before Lucifer does.  Anna is the Guardian and Father Vin is her Protector.
With a private plane, her own bodyguards, and a safe house in London, Anna and Father Vin continue the journey her grandfather had begun.  Following clues left by Thomas, they begin putting the pieces together, slowly and meticulously.
Yet none of this is easy or safe.  They are being tailed by killers whose only desire is to be paid for the kill.  Who wants them dead?  Who will survive?  Will they accomplish the task set before them?  How high up in the Catholic Church does the deceit go?  What is on the scroll?  Can they break the riddle fast enough?
I loved this book!  I was hooked in the first chapter!
This book became part of me.  As I was reading, I wanted to know what happened next.  If I wasn’t reading at the time, I was running the storyline through my mind for possible twists and turns in the plot, etc.  I didn’t want to put it down!  (Unfortunately, someone had to make dinner and teach!)
I look forward to reading more books from Robbie Cheuvront (with Eric Reed).
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I received this complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing for my honest review.
Blessings,
     Ellen

Monday, September 12, 2011

Back to School Dance!

Print
Yes!  Homeschoolers have dances and proms and varsity sports
and graduation. 

My high school SENIORS attended the 2011 Back to School Dance
and had a ball. 

What do you think?


Matt and Melissa
(siblings)





Blessings,

     Ellen

The Bible in 90 Days

Print

This week's reading included: completing Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

Lamentations 3.22-26 was a gentle reminder...

22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

For all of us reading through the Bible in 90 days, this is a reminder that God's compassions "are new every morning."  Each and every morning we have a clean slate.  We can choose to follow God, or follow ourselves.  We can put God first and seek Him and His salvation each day.  What better way to honor God than by beginning each day with Him in His Word!

As I read through Ezekiel, the following pattern kept emerging.  God would tell Ezekiel, the son of man, to prophesy to the nations.  The section would conclude with, "Then they (My people) will know that I am Lord."

How many times did God need to get their attention?  Through sending then away as exiles, killing them with the sword or famine; yet, they turned to man-made gods and idols.  This part of the reading was written for me.  How many times has God allowed me to follow the wrong path and/or make bad decisions just to show me that He is the author of my life?  Why don't I learn any better than the Israelites?  Why do I think I can run my life better than God?

Father.... thank you for showing me the darkness in my own heart.  Bear with me as I seek to follow you whole-heartedly.  Lift up all who are completing this Bible-reading challenge.  Give us all the desire and time to delve into your Word.   Amen

Blessings,

     Ellen

Saturday, September 10, 2011

stumbling into grace... a book review

Print

"Humorous yet poignant stories from Lisa's life help readers relate to spiritual truths found in the life and ministry of Christ.

Stumbling Into Grace is the diary-devotional of one woman's honest, ongoing, bumbling journey of faith and how she finds encouragement through a deeper understanding of Christ's time on earth. Within each chapter she alternates her often humorous memoir with stirring portraits of Jesus and his own encounters as recorded in the New Testament.

Both intimately relevant and refreshingly inspirational, this book will help readers to jettison the theological misconceptions, guilt, shame, and hypocrisy they struggle with, exchanging them for a vibrant, passionate relationship with Christ that results in a more abundant, joyful life."  ~  book description from the publisher

Stumbling into Grace by Lisa Harper is written as a diary as she delves deeper into God's Word for herself.  She covers such personal topics as forgiveness, rest, contentment, gratefulness, and more.  She brings Bible teaching to a level we all can understand. 

I really needed to hear the sections on "Rest" and "Contentment"... both of which I struggle with.  Thanks Lisa for such a timely reminder!  Oh, don't you just love the cover of the book!

My rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Booksneeze for my honest review.

At the Women of Faith Imagine conference August 2011, I had the honor of meeting Lisa Harper and talking with her.  She is authentic, fun, and tall! 


Blessings,

     Ellen

Monday, September 5, 2011

Rain, rain... glorious rain!

Print
I love a good rainstorm, or better yet, thunderstorm!

But where I live, we haven't had rain for over 6 weeks...
at least not over our house!
 
Since weather data  has only been recorded since 1879,  the Chattanooga-area has had the driest month of August in history.

My lawn is loving it, but some of our area roads will be flooded.... some already are.





   

Blessings,

     Ellen

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Print

Ingredients:

3 1/2 Tbs chili powder
4 1/2 tsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
3 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust your level of heat!)

Directions for seasoning mix:

1)  Mix and store in an airtight container.

Directions for making taco meat:

1)  Brown 1 pound ground beef until no longer pink.
2)  Drain fat.
3)  Add 1-2 TBS homemade seasoning, to taste.
4)  Add 1/4 cup water.
5)  Mix thoroughly; simmer for 5 minutes.
6)  Enjoy!

Note:  This is a great freezer recipe.  Make your taco meat following the above recipe; let cool.  Transfer into quart-size freezer bags.  Remove as much air as possible.  Freeze!  These packets can be thawed quickly for an easy lunch or quick dinner!




This post may be linked to: Tasty Tuesday Link Party This Week's Cravings Hunk of Meat Monday Delectable Tuesday Totally Tasty Tuesday Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays Tasty Tuesdays Tuesdays at the Table Hearth and Soul Hop Tasty Tuesday Tuesday Night Supper Club Slightly Indulgent Tuesday Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday What's Cooking Wednesday What's for Dinner? Foodie Wednesday Real Food Wednesday What's On the Menu Wednesday What's Cooking Wednesday Full Plate Thursday Fun with Food Friday Tuesday Tantalizing Taste Sweets for a Saturday What's Cooking Wednesday What's on Your Plate? Recipes I Can't Wait to Try No Whine Wednesday Savory Sundays This Chick Cooks Simply Delish Saturdays Recipe Sharing Mondays Fat Camp Friday Whisking Wednesdays What's Cooking Wednesday Cooking Thursday It's a Keeper Ultimate Recipe Swap

Blessings,

     Ellen

Sunday, September 4, 2011

The Bible in 90 Days

Print

Reading God's Word daily has been amazing!  I am more able to string together the events in the Old Testament.  This week I have read from Isaiah 14 through to Jeremiah 32, so many "nuggets" of familiar passages and God's teachings.  Here are a few highlights....


Isaiah 43.1-3a, 5a, 25

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.

 25 “I, even I, am he who blots out
your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more.

I love this part of Scripture!  See how God keeps reminding us He is with us.  Life can't get any better than that!  We will go through trials, but we will never be alone.  Also, how many people do you know that will remember your sins NO more?  None, right?  Well God does.  Thank you Lord!

Isaiah 61.1-3, 10-11

 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

 10 I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations.

I first memorized Isaiah 61.1-3 while working through a Beth Moore Bible study.  It brought me peace then, and still does.  I've been the poor whom He has sent His people to help and lift-up; I was once the "broken-hearted," and God was there to bind my wounds;  God has comforted me in mourning and has shown me the way to healing, so I can dance every morning; He has released me from the darkness of my own sinful past and has clothed me with His salvation!  GOD gives me HOPE every day. 


If you are also reading the Bible in 90 Days, how are you doing? Are you struggling with finding the time to read or what God is showing you? There are times I'm not liking what He is showing me about myself. I'm praying for us all!


Blessings,

     Ellen

Scripture Sunday

Print



"Let the morning  bring me word of Your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in You.
Show me the way I should go,
for to You I lift up my soul."

~ Psalm 143.8





Blessings,

     Ellen
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...