Lemon Scones

Today I made some delicious lemon scones. (If I do say so myself.)

I Googled "scones" and I found this recipe on one of the first websites that came up. I will give you the recipe with the slight changes I made.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup white sugar (next time I think I'll put in less )

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup cold unsalted butter cut into pieces (I used salted 'cause that's what we had)

1 egg lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract (we happened to only have 1/8 of a tsp, if even that much. So that is all I put in)

1/2 cup whipping cream or milk. ( I made butter milk because I read that butter milk makes more of a biscuit like scone, which is what I wanted. Just add 1-1/2 tsp of white vinegar to the milk.)

1 lemon, zested (I made this part up. I wanted to have something in there that would cover up the lack of vanilla extract.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place the rack in the middle of the oven. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pasty
blender or two knives. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. In a small measuring cup combine the whipping cream, beaten egg and vanilla. Add this mixture to the flour mixture. Stir just until combined. Do not over mix.
Knead dough gently on a lightly floured surface. Roll or pat the dough into a circle that is about 7 inches (18 cm) round. I then cut mine into triangles but they can be cut however you prefer.

Bake for about 15 - 18 minutes or until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of a scone comes out clean. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Scones are best served when they are hot. You can eat them plain or with butter or a favorite jam. There is also a note at the bottom of the web page saying that these scones freeze well.

Here is the link to the website that I got the original recipe from: http://www.joyofbaking.com/index.html

Type "scones" in the search box and all kinds of different scone recipes will pop up. This recipe was the Cream Scone recipe. I hope to be trying different scone recipes in the near future.

Posted by: Carissa

Circular Reasoning (the best kind)

"Atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning. . ." – Mere Christianity

"My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?" - Mere Christianity

~C.S. Lewis

posted by Lydia

Study Time

This past week was my first week of college. I'm taking a online English class this semester to ease into college and figure out how to take online classes. Of all weeks to start school again I had a very long and difficult week. One evening I came home from work worn out. I did not know how I was going to stay awake to do school. Mommy and Daddy were going out for the evening so I decided to set up camp, so to speak, in their room. I made myself very comfortable.


I once took a class in co-op on ways to help you study. I have found that making myself a small, comfortable area is the best way for me to study. My dad said that he used to study theology in a janitor's closet. If I had to, I might be able to do the same, but while I have lovely tea sets and soft lighting I will use them to their fullest potential.

I had Lady Gray tea. Mommy found this tea loose leaf at the Christmas Tree shop. We are all in love with it! I actually chose it that night hoping the caffeine would help me. It didn't effect me one bit. Oh well. :)

This is a scarf I've been knitting. Sometimes it helps me to have something to do with my hands while I'm thinking. This yarn is a lot of fun to work with and makes a very pretty accessory. It is, however, very expensive and I bought it when it was very on sale. I like a good bargain.

Well, this is where I do some of my best studying. Everyone in school should at least try this method. Sometimes it even makes those hard subjects (like writing, ugh!) a little more enjoyable. Happy studying!

Posted by: Carissa

Romans 5:1-5

Yesterday was a wonderful day in church. Our pastor has been preaching on the subject of love for a month or so. Yesterday he expounded Romans 5:1-5. What a glorious little cluster of verses!

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into the grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only in that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

-Having been justified. Hallelujah! We are free! Our pastor painted a very vivid picture of a modern prison. A huge gate, rows upon rows of barbed wire. More gates, guards, and more rows and rows of barbed wire. Then finally a cell, heavily guarded. What if someone then comes along and says "You are free. I have payed the price against you. You can leave this prison. Go!" The prisoner could then run and never look back at that dark and dreary place. He would glory in the sunshine and the open space around him. We have had that same experience when God in His great mercy set us free from our sin. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

-We have peace with God. This peace is from knowing that we are acquitted and justified before God. Therefore it is everlasting peace. What a comfort it is throughout life to dwell in this peace!

-We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. We have the joyful expectation of Heaven after this world has passed away. We shall see the glory of God and we ourselves shall be glorified. Can you really imagine such a day. I love to dwell on that coming day.

-Glory in tribulations. Who would have thought that glorying in tribulations could be possible? But when we view our tribulations in the light of the previous verses they seem rather small don't they. Besides, we are told why we can glory. Tribulations produce perseverance. And perseverance, character. And character, hope. I pray that I will always see my tribulations and trials in this light.

-Hope does not disappoint. How is it that this hope does not disappoint when so many hopes in this life do? This hope's strength is based on the wonderful, amazing love of our great God. The love of God sustains us and refreshes our hope.

I hope you are able to get as much joy and comfort out of these verses as I did. I almost laughed with joy right in the middle of the sermon. We are so undeserving of all of this hope and joy but yet God has given all of this to us. Thanks and praise be to God!

Posted by Carissa

Becoming Mr.Knightley

We had a dear friend over two weeks ago who had never watched a Jane Austen movie before(!!!), so we sat her down and made her watch Emma (my personal favorite), while my sisters and I kept a running commentary, just to make she didn't miss anything. (Some people find us rather annoying to watch movies with, but if you would like to make the most of your movie-watching experience, we are available Monday through Friday between the hours of approximately 8:00 and 10:00. Bring the popcorn.)

Anyway, while watching Emma, I was once again struck by the character of Mr. Knightley. He is by far my favorite hero, especially when his virtues are contrasted with... Mr. Churchill *shudder*. So, I was set to thinking: how can we, as Christians, be Mr. Knightleys in a Mr. Churchill world? Well, lets take a look-see at some of Mr. Knightley's good qualities, shall we? Lights, please!

#1. Good sense. No kidding, here. At times it is one's good sense and maturity that sets one apart from others, especially when you're young.

#2. Respect for the elderly. Mr. Knightley showed a great deal of respect toward Emma's father, Mr. Woodhouse, even though he certainly was a "troublesome creature".

#3. Stark, no-nonsense honesty. This is one of the most wonderful qualities about Mr. Knightley. He never beats around the bush and he lets nothing slide ("Badly done, Emma!"). This kind of friendship can be painful, but it is necessary. "It is not pleasant for me to say these things, but I must tell you the truth while I can, proving myself your friend by the most faithful counsel."

Here's a clip from my favorite version of the movie. I love the archery scene. I call it "Sense and Sensibility". Whoops, is that one already taken?


Have you watched Emma before? If so, what qualities do you admire most about our featured guest? I'd love to hear from you!

posted by Lydia

A Sabbath Eve Hymn

I need Thee, precious Jesus, for I am full of sin;

My soul is dark and guilty, my heart is dead within.

I need the cleansing fountain where I can always flee,

The blood of Christ most precious, the sinner’s perfect plea.

I need Thee, precious Jesus, for I am very poor;

A stranger and a pilgrim, I have no earthly store.

I need the love of Jesus to cheer me on my way,

To guide my doubting footsteps, to be my strength and stay.

I need Thee, precious Jesus; I need a friend like Thee,

A friend to soothe and pity, a friend to care for me.

I need the heart of Jesus to feel each anxious care,

To tell my ev'ry trial, and all my sorrows share.

I need Thee, precious Jesus, and hope to see Thee soon,

Encircled with the rainbow and seated on Thy throne.

There, with Thy blood-bought children, my joy shall ever be

To sing Thy praise, Lord Jesus, to gaze, my Lord, on Thee.

~Federick Whitfield

Have a peaceful evening and a blessed Lord's Day.

posted by Lydia

Take Time For Tea

I have no idea who decides these things, but it appears that hot tea is being celebrated this month! It makes me wonder if the person responsible for this has remarkably good taste or is suffering from a nasty head cold. Either way, I'm pleased that tea-time seems to be making a comeback. Now...lets see what we can do about getting people to drink from tea cups. That would be progress! ;-) Well, I might just have to go brew myself a cup of tea in honor of the month. Care to join me?

posted by Lydia

So, inauguration day is upon us. As I was thinking of President-elect Obama's campaign logo, "Change we can believe in", this post from Beauty from the Heart was brought to mind. What a precious reminder of God's changelessness in spite of fickle men.

posted by Lydia

For You are my lamp, O Lord:

The Lord shall enlighten my darkness.

For by You I can run against a troop:

By my God I can leap over a wall.

2 Samuel 22:29-31

This verse has been a true treasure to me in recent months and has blessed me again this evening.

Posted by: Carissa

Comic Monday

Just in case you all need a little comic relief this afternoon, I thought I'd post the video that made me laugh all weekend. I think that the facial expressions are the best part. Enjoy!

posted by Lydia

Have Thine Own Way

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.

Mold me and make me after Thy will,

While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Search me and try me, Master, today.

Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,

As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Wounded and weary, help me, I pray.

Power, all power, surely is Thine!

Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Hold o’er my being absolute sway.

Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see

Christ only, always, living in me.

posted by Lydia

Upon a Winter's Day

Off for a walk upon a winters day. The snow makes a "reet-eet, reet-eet" sound under the feet due to the COLD weather. It sounds uncomfortably like styrofoam.My self-portrait. That's just about as original as it gets with me :-).

Our snow-bound sidewalks. Good thing I had my trusty snow boots on.

I thought this mailbox looked kind of "artsy". If only I could figure out how to get my camera to do black and white.....

Notice the ferocious guard dog. He seemed to be very pleased that he had scared away the little girl who DARED walk past his house....until that same little girl turned around and took his picture!

This new candy store was just to cute. To bad it was closed; they had signs up for *gasp* Chocolate!!! Ahem. Moving on.
This would be the pile of slush where I nearly broke my neck. In front of an oncoming car. No, I wasn't worried about getting run over. My pride on the other hand....

I thought that this scene looked tragically romantic, in a Anne of Green Gabbles-ish sort of way. The still swings, the snow blocked walkways, the absence of children's laughter.....aren't you seeing what I see? ;-)

I call this picture "The Mysterious Stranger". O.K, so it was my sister that I met during my travels, but that doesn't sound nearly as exciting. Of course, she was wearing my hat...and my scarf...and my mittens too, come to think of it. Who could that be but a sister?

So, Caroline and I continued our winters walk together, keeping our distance from the strange creatures called kids walking home from a odd place called school; without their coats, might I add. It couldn't have been more than 10 degrees out! We must be really out of the loop. Apparently it's cool to be cold. Figure that one out.

Our final destination: the local library. There is nothing like a good book on a cold winter's night. Have a lovely evening and keep warm!
posted by Lydia

Indoor Garden

Going up the stairs to our attic room we have a rosemary plant.The smell gives you an outdoors sensation as you enter the room.

On the next landing we have a little ivy plant Carissa found.

Okay, we cheated with the ivy plant growing up the mirror. It was already pretty big when it was given to us. :-)

This is my Aloe plant. The juice inside is used to put on burns and cuts.
What I hope will become Crocuses.
No I haven't tipped the pot over in my sleep (yet).

posted by Caroline

The Satisfaction of a Well Played Game

If you are a chess player, you will completely understand this Pixar short film. If you are not, well, I'm sure you'll get a laugh anyway. My, how I would LOVE to play this gentleman. He looks like he's having a grand old time!


posted by Lydia

I Need a List

We had a friend over this weekend so I could show her how to read a skirt pattern. But as I went through my patterns I found it wasn't there. After looking high and low I remembered lending it to someone else. While reassuring my friend I'm not as scatter brained as I look, I tore apart the skirt I had made....

... and traced the pieces on tissue paper.

That set us a little back so we both worked on it.

Thankfully my improvising worked, Stephanie learned how to make a skirt, and I learned I need to keep a list of things I've lent out to people. :-)

posted by: Caroline

Have you ever had one of these days? Me too. Hope you all are enjoying the joys of January as much as this gentleman!

posted by Lydia

Practical Progress

We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.

~C.S Lewis

posted by Lydia

My Jesus I Love Thee

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;

For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,

And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;

And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;

I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

~William Featherston

posted by Lydia

Of Colds, the Internet, and the Spirit

I'm home sick today (again), and since I couldn't make it to church with my family, I was able to get online and listen to a sermon by the paster of a sister church in Michigan. Ahhh, the magic of the internet! The sermon was on the evidence of the Spirit dwelling in a Christian. He gave ten distinguishing ways to recognize the Spirit in the soul.

1. The soul is made alive

2. The soul is taught

3. The soul is led to the scriptures

4. The soul is convinced of sin

5. The soul is led to Christ

6.The soul is made holy

7. The soul becomes spiritually minded

8. The soul feels an internal warfare

9. The soul loves Christians

10. The soul is taught to pray

posted by Lydia