Do you want a best friend??

Love at Last Sight by Kerry & Chris Shook

We all want deeper relationships with friends, family, and our spouses. The Shooks provide great advice and information for doing the easy and hard things that will strengthen relationships. The book is meant to be read in 30 days, each day consisting of 5 or 6 pages of personal stories and practical advice. Each chapter is completed by a Love at Last Sight Challenge to push your relationships to that next level.

The Shooks have give us great information, but instead of a 30 day journey, I would have gotten a lot more out of this book as a year long journey. So much of the advice is wonderful and takes TIME. It is hard to just take note of how to change relationships without having the time to put it into affect. I love the idea - I want to pass it along to friends who often seem distracted by their children or computers or tv. A simple life filled with friends and not technology or shopping is so rewarding.

Take the advice given by the Shooks to heart - you will become a better friend and encourage the same in others!


I received this book from Blogging for Books. My options are not their opinions. Blooging for free books is an awesome program! http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/

LitFuse - new review site...

LitFuse Reviews

The Clouds Roll Away
by Sibella Giorello

A book about murders, gangs, and cops – with no swearing or sex scenes? I love not having to put down a book part way through in response to the obscenities...thank you! Raleigh works for the FBI and has just moved home after a transfer to Washington, and she immediately gets put on a case involving a rapper in a historical Eastern setting. As I have never really been out East, it is hard to imagine the rich culture and beauty – and also the racism involved. Giorello paints a beautiful picture of Virginia in this easy to read page turner.

I liked this book, I wouldn't say I loved it. The plot was good and well executed, but I felt that when a big turn in the book took place, there wasn't a lot of gusto leading to it or explaining it. I would have loved to read an extra 50 pages to have more things explained, such as the history of the gang or the others involved in the drama.

Thanks LitFuse for this book!

Need help reading the Bible?

Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index
“Best Bible Subject Index Ever”
by Thomas Nelson

I am so grateful to receive this resource as it is my first cyclopedic index and Bible studying tool! It is so easy to use. Subjects include people, terms, and concepts listed alphabetically. The subjects often have an A, B, and C further describing the subject in an easy to read and use manner. I love that each name is followed by the meaning of the name (Jachan means troubled and Nahum means full of comfort)!

This book “combines the best features of a concordance, topical Bible, and Bible dictionary into one unique reference book”. My husband and I will get a lot of use out of this amazing tool – I hope you do too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Awesome Free Bible!

The Lucado
Life Lessons Study Bible
Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith
New King James Version

Beautiful. This Bible is spectacular. A gorgeous hardcover, black writing, and maroon headings. It is called a Life Lessons Study Bible, but I would call it simply a Life Lessons Bible. Each page has various Life Lessons about the corresponding scripture, describing the situation, observation, and Max Lucado's inspirational notes, application, and exploration (which relates to various Bible verses that go along with the passage). Thank you so much Thomas Nelson for this special Bible!

I will be passing this Bible on as a special gift to a friend. To me, study Bibles need commentary and insights to the verses, which I don't believe this Bible has enough of. It is instead centered on inspiration and application. It's great, I just wouldn't refer to it as a study Bible. Enjoy!

Thanks Thomas Nelson!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Booksneeze!

A Year With God
Make His Thoughts Your Thoughts - Daily Readings and Reflections on God's Own Words
by R.P. Nettelhorst

This is a beautiful Old Testament paperback devotional. Each day's reading is broken into two halves - a passage of scripture and a devotional drawing from the reading. The days are not numbered by the date, but simply by a number (1-365), which I enjoy because it is hard to start a book on January 1st ! This is strictly an Old Testament devotional, and all the readings come from those books. The author wanted to show us who God is, not Jesus, and what those words can mean to us.

The God of the Old Testament is very different from the God of the New Testament. The laws and rules of sacrifice and daily practices were well communicated and strict. So many signs from God were miraculous and black and white. God loved his people, but they did not always love him. This is a great devotional diving into many of those short passages that are often looked over as we read the Old Testament!
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Thanks Thomas Nelson!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Most of my Christmas presents are wrapped already! I hope 2 year old Wynter is going to love these beanbags...not that she can read them, but I'm sure she can throw them!

Fabric paint is so easy to use and looks amazing. I want to stretch fabric over old frames and paint either last names or some quotes on them. The words take a little time to prepare as they are printed on card stock, traced onto freezer paper, then cut out with box cutter or razor. The freezer paper can be ironed on to fabric (waxy side down!), and peels right off after the paint dries!

AMAZING STORY!

Heaven is for Real
by Todd Burpo

This is an amazing story! I laughed, I cried, and I'm still trying to comprehend the “adventure” of little Colton. During a major surgery where Colton was very near death, he actually got to visit heaven for a little while. Written by his father, a pastor, the references Colton makes to what heaven was like and the events that took places are backed up by amazing scripture. From the décor in heaven, the clothes Jesus wears and His physical characteristics, relatives Colton met for the first time, and events described in Revelations, no comment about heaven made by Colton is inaccurate. It takes a little boy to make us remember that modern day miracles do happen.

I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE! It is short and has short chapters. It moves right along and left me amazed. My husband and I have talked about whether we will know each other in heaven, and I truly think we will after reading this book. I can't wait to look up a picture referenced in the book by a little girl who has also been to heaven. Please read this if you get a chance!

Thanks Thomas Nelson!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Potholder's Galore!

Potholders! Easy day projects. I am not sure what I am going to do with these yet, but they were fun to create. I also made a few that are shaped like Mickey Mouse to give to relatives for Christmas but haven't taken a picture of them yet.

It's time that time of the year to get working on projects! What are you working on?

New Recipes!!

South African Gourmet Food & Wine by Myrna Rosen & Lesley Loon. Traditional South African food & more...

This cookbook published by Dorrance Publishing is such a treat! Work and life always get in the way of cooking, but I can't wait to try one of these recipes. As I have never been to South Africa, I know nothing of their food or culture. The entire cookbook is not comprised of all foreign recipes – only pages 11 to 72 are dedicated to traditional South African recipes. The last 230 pages are dedicated to appetizers, soups, seafood, poultry, red meats, salads, desserts, cakes & tarts, and cookies. In the center of the book there are approximately 16 beautiful picture pages of various recipes. I will enjoy using this cookbook and exploring the different recipes in the many years to come!!

“This is a book of not only traditional South African foods, but also international cuisine prepared with South African flair and presented in the style and manner that you would experience in South African homes of every description. From traditional family favorites to modern easy techniques to sophisticated entertaining, you will find a range of foods to suit every occasion and also experience something new and different.”

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html

Searching the web at work? Not me!

The hard part of googling at work is seeing all the cool things I could be at home making instead of sitting here just looking at the directions for how to make them!!

These websites have some cool projects that are manageable and inventive:

http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/small-projects.html

http://www.polkadotchair.com/p/my-tutorials.html

I am working on a few potholders at home, along with a lap quilt for my dad and a wedding quilt for a friend. Now all I have to do is finish one of the projects I have started!!!

I want to start the tree skirt "pattern" next...I call it a "pattern" because it's a picture of one that I am going to try to replicate without a pattern! May be tricky and actually require some math!

More free books! I love Booksneeze!

Holy Bible, originally by God, now an Internal Children's Bible published by Tommy Nelson

I was given this Bible to read and review from Thomas Nelson through an amazing bookreview program called Booksneeze. Check it out! www.booksneeze.com.

The International Children's Bible is a beautiful, fun Bible for children. I have a 10 year old nephew who would love the pictures in this Bible and proficiently read and understand it.

In addition to containing the Old and New Testament, there are many 3D pictures portraying Biblical scenes. These detailed pictures are very helpful for picturing what exactly happened, but they are not physically located next to the story they are depicting. For instance, the picture for creation is located in Joshua, not Genesis. Jonah and the Big Fish are shown in Jeremiah and the Conversion of Saul is found in John, not acts.

At the end of the Bible is a dictionary, a section titled “Where do I find it?” to help children find popular stories, a section titled “What God promises about”, and Memory verses for my life. There are also a few maps showing Abraham's Journey, The Desert Wanderings, Jesus' Last Week in Jerusalem, and Palestine in Jesus' Life. I am not a Biblical expert and these maps would really help even me to visualize the ancients' journeys.

I am not a fan of soft cover Bibles because they get beat up so easily, which is my only complaint about this book. It is beautiful, easy to read, has great pictures, and many helpful appendices. Thanks Thomas Nelson!!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Christmas in September?

I love BOOKSNEEZE! I have read so many great new books for FREE! Let me know if you have questions about it, or just google it. It's awesome.


The Nativity Collection: Six Stories that Share the Smiles, the Heart, and the Hope of Christmas
By Robert J. Morgan

It is so hard for me to believe that the stories Robert Morgan writes are simply that...just stories! His story telling capabilities are unbelievable. The characters, circumstances, plot twists, and emotions draw me in, captivate me, and leave me in awe. Morgan shares six short stories unlike any you've heard before, about the love of God and man during the Christmas season. It is beautifully illustrated and written.

I would highly recommend this book. It made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes. I even shared some parts of the stories with my husband while reading in bed! I've always thought of story books as being originally illustrated, but now I see that beautiful photos are a great option too. Writing has never been my forte, but I wish I could write great short stories (I would love to write children's stories!), and Robert Morgan is an inspirational writer.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

13th Century Surgery??

I have always loved medicine and anatomy, and the history of medicine is so fascinating. Doctors didn't always have procedures to follow and the knowledge that guides them, so they did what they reasoned was right. A lot of times, they were right. Other times, they were way off!

Due to these interests I requested The Surgery of Bruno Da Longoburgo – An Italian Surgeon of the Thirteenth Century by Mario Tabanelii (Translated by Leonard D. Rosenman, M.D.), published by Dorrance Publishing. This book was not what I expected. It is sophisticated material for what I envisioned for 13th century medicine! Although his thought processes are not always exactly correct, Bruno typically puts a lot of thought and effort into trying to determine what is happening and how to fix it. There are many anatomical and medical terms in the book, which would make it hard to read for one not well versed in those terms (much like myself!). Overall, I did not really enjoy this book, but I can see it being more interesting to doctors and nurses who know the current procedures!

Find this book or others at:http://dorrance.stores.yahoo.net/surofbrundal.html.
This book was provided by Dorrance Publishing. They have so many options for books you can order, read, and review....for FREE!!

Bakin Bread!

Baking bread is a lost art! It takes time, talent, and practice! Who knew you wanted to let yeast have time to dissolve and react before mixing it with dry ingredients! This was my first "fancy" bread, and it was delicious! The taste is ok, but the consistency and appearance are awesome! Give this recipe a try, and add dried fruit if you want!

Swiss Braided Bread

Ingredients
• 3 and 3/4 cups bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp active dried yeast
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 cup lukewarm milk
• 4 tbsp melted butter

Combine the wet ingredients (except the egg) and yeast.
Stir and let it stand for 15 min until dissolved.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
Make a well and add the egg and the yeast mixture.
Combine well to obtain a rough dough.
Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic
Place in a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it double about 2 hours (depending on climate you enjoy)
Grease a baking sheet. Punch the dough and divide into 3 equal pieces. Roll each into a long thin rope.
Bring one of the ends together.
Start braiding!

Cover them loosely and let sit for another 30 min until risen
Preheat Oven 375F. Now brush the braid and the knots with egg yolk and bake them for 30-45min or until golden.
Let them cool and slice them.
act

Love, Charleston

Love, Charleston
Beth Hart

Family relationships & marriage struggles are the heart of this wonderful novel by Beth Hart. Della is struggling with financial and marital contentment, Lish is medically sick with a non-supportive husband, Anne just wants to be loved, and reverend Roy finds love after losing his wife years ago. Rooted in all of their stories is the love and care God has for them all.

I really enjoyed this novel. The pages flew by and I always wanted to know what would happen in the next chapter. The book had a slow start, but it really took off about half way through. I will pass this book along to friends for them to enjoy as well!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Captured By Grace

Captured by Grace: No One Is Beyond the Reach of a Loving God
by David Jeremiah

Grace is freely given, within reach, and available to all. David Jeremiah gives straight forward, Biblically based instructions on how to obtain the grace of God. If plagued by guilt or shame, Jeremiah reinforces your worth, explains the forgiveness offered through the death of Jesus Christ, and compels one to live debt free in God's glory.

This book was not for me. As a believer who already knows what grace is and how to obtain it, I thought that through this book I would be challenged to reexamine grace and reflect on it's power in my life. The second section, Grace for the Present, did present good information on analyzing our dangers, toils, and snares, and offered insight on why we undergo trials and the good that can come forth. Overall, I was not stimulated by this book – I thought it was dry and uninspiring. Although the writing was very well organized and presented, I am not sure I would recommend this book to others.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

New Recipe Every Week......Part Dos

One of my goals this year was to make one new recipe a week....which I didn't do really while George was in the woods :( But...I got back on the bandwagon last week and made a few fabulous recipes!

Blueberry Buckle Recipe

Cake ingredients:

* 2 cups and 1-2 Tbsp of sifted, all purpose flour separated
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 pint blueberries

Topping ingredients:

* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/3 cup sifted all purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Method

1 Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch springform pan. Set aside.

2 Sift together the 2 cups of flour, the baking powder and the salt. Set aside. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg. Add the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the milk. Toss the beries with the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour (to separate and scatter evenly throughout the batter) and fold in. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Set aside.

3 Combine ingredients for topping with a fork to make crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this over the batter.

4 Bake for one hour, then test for doneness by gently inserting a fork. If it does not come out clean, give the cake another 5 to 10 minutes to bake.

5 When the cake has cooled, run a knife around the edges and lift the cake out o the pan. Serve with whipped cream.


Summertime Pasta Salad

1 lb. pasta (shells, farfalle, macaroni, etc.), cooked, drained
1 medium red onion, diced
2 medium green bell peppers, diced
1 cup diced celery
1/2 lb. fresh pea pods, blanched
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1/2 cup sliced radishes
1 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing:
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves minced garlic
Freshly ground black pepper

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold running water, and drain again. Prepare dressing by whisking all ingredients together. Stir some of the dressing into the pasta while it is still warm; pour just enough dressing to cause noodles to glisten. Prepare vegetables. Toss into pasta when noodles are lukewarm, adding additional dressing as needed to coat. Sprinkle and stir in Parmesan cheese. Chill until serving time.

Let's Do Lunch by Roger Troy Wilson

In this quick read Wilson presents a “dieting” plan that has worked for him and numerous others. He presents strategies and tips that can lead to a more healthy weight and lifestyle. The advice isn't new or rocket science. Roger tells readers what to eat and when to eat it, cutting out heavy foods and eating big meals at the wrong time of the day. It is a lifestyle I have wanted to adapt for some time but have postponed due to motivation.

Roger writes in a style that is easy to read and understand. He isn't a schooled expert. The information he presents is self-taught and practical. However, there are a few flaws to point out. The book is small to begin with, and only the first 92 pages are actual writing! The rest of the book is filled with recipes and a meal plan. Roger also tends to over-exaggerate points and does not write with fluidity.

In any case, I can't wait to try some recipes and start eating better! I made the Spicy Black Bean Soup last night and bought cantaloupe, watermelon, and locally grown carrots. I usually have a smoothie for breakfast or lunch already, which I will focus on for breakfast. My favorite smoothies are a few hunks of frozen bananas, frozen berries/pineapple, and soy milk blended with my Magic Bullet.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Big Two Six

Now I know what Hanukkah is like! My birthday isn't until tomorrow but it's been such a great few weeks leading up the big two six. Balloons, flowers, dinner, a headlamp, more balloons, clothes, 3D Jesus (yes, a 3D Jesus), Mike's hard lemonade, and a re-gifted i tunes gift card (any guesses who would give me that??)

George put a balloon in his mom's trunk two weeks ago, before he left for work, that she delivered today....it's the thought that counts for this surprise!

Angie/Brooks/Wynter gave me capris and a shirt, in a size 8 and small! Did I ever wear a size 8?? Do I own any small clothing that I would wear in public? I haven't tried them on yet but I know it will be close. Flattering!!!

Cast of Characters by Max Lucado

In Cast of Characters, Lucado presents a fresh perspective on stories of many characters from the Bible. Each chapter is centered on one or two individuals and recaps Biblically based details with a modern spin to help us understand what exactly happened so long ago. Each story is accompanied by a simple to read, but sometimes difficult to apply, lesson for life. He presents Biblical material in quick chapters in a way that is easy to read for teens or adults of any reading level.

My husband and I may use this as a devotional book in the near future. The end of each chapter includes a handful of study questions that would make for great discussion. Some chapters may be a bit long to use for a devotional, but the majority are a good length for us to read separately and come together to discuss.

I really enjoyed this book. The chapters are short and do not build from each other, so it is nice to be able to put this book down and enjoy another book. One small complaint I have is that at times Lucado tries too hard to drive a point home that he has already gotten across!

The Right To Lead

The Right To Lead – Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage

John C. Maxwell is the author of this beautiful, inspiring gift book. Through easy to read chapters filled with quotes and stories, he shows readers not how to learn to lead, but how to earn the right to lead. The stories are short, readable, and moving.

I filled a few pages with little quotes and tools to use to become a more effective leader, such as:

If we cannot act alone, we cannot act together.

It takes time to become worthy of followers.

I don't accept them. They accept me.

You've got to love your people more than your position.

There can be no courage unless you're scared.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has been or will be in a leadership position. You may have to try to lead once without formal training or experience, do an alright job or fail, and realize that there are tools out there to help you be better than you were. Then turn to this book.

Sewing small projects (well, at least looking up directions and planning to sew them later) has been a focus of mine lately.

Missie - any guess who might be getting which one for Christmas? There is one correct answer - one person is getting one of the above potholders.....

Summer of the Kings: Finally diving into and enjoying the Old Testament

Saul, Samuel, David, and Solomon.....the last judge and the first three kings of Israel. God didn't design us to be ruled by any king except for himself. A country without a person in charge? Major decisions made by a select few set apart as wise and worthy? How could that even work? It seems impossible to us, but this was the way the world began. Israel was content without kings and only judges....until nearby pagan countries - who worshiped false gods and did not follow the true God - appointed kings to rule their land. In response, Israelites ranted and raved for their very own king! Saul, the final judge, warned them of what would happen...

1 Samuel

¹⁰ Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. ¹¹ He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. ¹² Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. ¹³ He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. ¹⁴ He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. ¹⁵ He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. ¹⁶ Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. ¹⁷ He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. ¹⁸ When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day."

¹⁹ But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. ²⁰ Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."

He warned them....they didn't listen. All of Samuel's predictions come true.

Storm Warnings

Billy Graham is at heart an evangelist, not primarily an author, which I should have prepared myself for prior to beginning Storm Warning: Whether Global Recession, Terrorist Threats, or Devastating Natural Disasters, These Ominous Shadows Must Bring Us Back to the Gospel. Graham presents many current day disasters and events that are warnings signs of the end age and examines and deciphers the book of Revelations.

Instead of Graham diving into current and future events that stemmed from Biblical prophecies as I had expected, I struggled through the first 100 pages of Storm Warning, waiting for insight and information. The book is fairly simplistic, slow, and written for a general audience, which was not what I expected. As usual, unmet expectations can destroy a perfectly good experience, which could be the main reason I did not enjoy this read.

While describing and explaining the last book of the Bible, Billy Graham does not miss an opportunity to share the gospel message in Storm Warnings. The reason to discuss end times is install a bit of realistic fear into a sinful human race, which Graham does in a very positive, encouraging manner. I am a believer and think it is very important to share the gospel but wish more of this book was devoted to insights and descriptions of relevant current events. I hope believers and non-believers are touched by his message - he paints a great word picture of the author and message of Revelations, but this read left me wanting more.

A few more weeks and a few more new recipes...

Spaetlze
A few weeks ago Mom mailed me a new spaetzle maker, one of George's favorites. Cabbage and onions steamed in butter and cabbage juice, homemade noodles, with cottage cheese, tomatoes, and onions on the side. Classic! George's grandmother is a pro at it - I'm a rookie.

Cake
For Angie's birthday, last night I made homemade yellow cupcakes. With a half stove/oven, you do what you can. I have learned that cupcake liners, 90 for 89 cents, are worth the penny a piece. Removing stubborn cupcakes is annoying and unappealing. There are a few leftover pieces in the freezer for Megan to clean up when she visits on Thursday!

5K
Andrea, a fellow MCCer, and I ran a 5K this weekend. The weather was perfect, and we celebrated our accomplishment by spending 6 hours at the lake and then burgers on the grill. MAYBE a 10K will be next?

Weather
Thursday Megan is arriving, and we were going to Yellowstone for FOUR days over the weekend. Last weekend was 80 degrees, and the coming weekend is a high of 44 for the four days and lows in the twenties. Megan's toughness doesn't compare to mine, and her fingers and toes wouldn't survive the trip. What to do instead? :(

Learning to Cook one Recipe a Week

I am trying one new recipe a week, starting about four weeks ago. So far I have made...

Spinach Tortellini Soup
Delicious and easy!

Shrimp Curry with Rice
I think that recipe is in the recycling. And I made it on a night George's parents come over...awesome.

Orange Rolls
I shared these delicious, dense, chunks of rolls with friends...to get rid of them.Yeast and I don't cooperate.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Yeast needs time to dissolve in water/sugar before you can use! I never thought about actually following the directions on the pack of the yeast package.

Yogurt Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
I wish you could call this one a recipe. I used 1/2 a stick of cream cheese, a few dallops of yogurt, spoonful of sugar, and a touch of vanilla. Whip it up with a blender...delicious. More spreadable after sitting out for awhile.

This week.....spaetzle! Mom sent a new noodle making device I need to try! This is also one of George's favorites.