Sister Time

~Love, love my sisters!~

This being our first summer apart, we truly cherish the moments we get to spend together....even if it is just for a short time enjoying sunshine on the beach.

Caroline and Lydia are both working for the summer at a beautiful camp in the heart of the Adirondack mountains. We are all so thankful to God for the doors He has opened to them this summer, but they are very much missed at home.

~

Short little visits like today are very precious.

Carissa

Oh the deliciousness of summer!!

It is like looking for little treasures in each pod. I have been marveling at the design ~ how each pea is attached to the pod and grows until it is big and fat, ready to burst out of its shell

It is the smiple things in life that tend to amaze me the most....

Carissa

Chickens

I have been thinking a lot lately about raising chickens. You might say that it has become a obsession of mine....but then, it's alright to dream. Right? :)

Above is the ideal hen house I would like to start out with. My mom found the plans for me at lowescreativeideas.com. Right now, with the size of our yard and neighbors not that far away, it is not reasonable for me to have a large flock. Maybe someday.....just not now. For right now I would love to have just a few chickens to be able to learn about them and have a little fun.

I love the way some of the breeds look. The Rhode Island Red is a very popular breed and most likely the one I would begin with. They have a more docile personality and are good layers.

The hen house pictured above holds three birds. Perfect for getting my feet wet.

A few fresh eggs for homemade mayonnaise and maybe eggnog.

Manure for the compost pile.

The happy, contented noise of chickens talking amongst themselves.

And a wanna-be country girl learning and loving the experience.

Someday.....

Carissa

Pull-Apart Honey Rolls

4-4 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour

3 tsp. xanthun gum

¼ tsp. cream of tartar

½ tsp. salt

3 tsp. active dry yeast

½ cup oil

2 tbs. honey

2 large egg + 1 large egg white

2 cups of warm milk (about 100^oF)

Mix 4 cups of flour, xanthun gum, cream of tartar and salt. Mix in yeast.

Add the oil, honey and eggs and mix until the wet ingredients get incorporated into dry mixture.

Add milk in a slow and steady stream mixing continuously. Once the mixture begins to hold together turn up the speed of the mixer to medium and beat for 6 minutes. The dough should be thick and smooth but tacky to the touch. And more flour by the tablespoon until the right consistency is reached.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide evenly into 24 balls.

Place balls into a 9x13 baking dish. Allow to rise for about 30 minutes or until balls are 1 ½ times their original size

Glaze:

½ cups sugar

2 tbs. butter, melted and cooled

1 tbs. honey

1 large egg

While rolls are rising, mix glaze ingredients. Generously brush tops of rolls with glaze.

Bake of 18-20 minutes until lightly browned.

All-Purpose Flour Mixture:

½ cup rice flour

¼ cup tapioca starch/flour

¼ cup cornstarch or potato starch

~An absoultly delicious treat with strawberry jam and a cup of tea.~

Carissa

Peacemakers

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

Matthew 5:9

This is the seventh of the beatitudes: and seven was the number of perfection among the Hebrews. It may be that the Saviour placed the peacemaker the seventh upon the list because he most nearly approaches the perfect man in Christ Jesus. He who would have perfect blessedness, so far as it can be enjoyed on earth, must attain to this seventh benediction, and become a peacemaker. There is a significance also in the position of the text. The verse which precedes it speaks of the blessedness of "the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

It is well to understand that we are to be "first pure, then peaceable." Our peaceableness is never to be a compact with sin, or toleration of evil. We must set our faces like flints against everything which is contrary to God and His holiness: purity being in our souls a settled matter, we can go on to peaceableness.

Not less does the verse that follows seem to have been put there on purpose. However peaceable we may be in this world, yet we shall be misrepresented and misunderstood: and no marvel, for even the Prince of Peace, by His very peacefulness, brought fire upon the earth. He Himself, though He loved mankind, and did no ill, was "despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." Lest, therefore, the peaceable in heart should be surprised when they meet with enemies, it is added in the following verse, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Thus, the peacemakers are not only pronounced to be blessed, but they are compassed about with blessings. Lord, give us grace to climb to this seventh beatitude! Purify our minds that we may be "first pure, then peaceable," and fortify our souls, that our peaceableness may not lead us into cowardice and despair, when for Thy sake we are persecuted.

From Charles Spurgeon Morning & Evening - March, Day 17, Evening.

I was blessed by this short devotional of Pastor Spurgon. So often I am tempted to fall into the world's unrest and chaos. It is, of course, by no means "peace at all cost". As Spurgon says, "We must set our faces like flint against everything which is contray to God and His holiness." No compromises for those called to a holy life. But instead God's children are called to have a heart and mindset ready to exchange unrest and disunity for a opportunity to spead the Gospel of Peace.

I have been challenged.

"But the Fruit of the Spirit is.....peace" Galations 5:22

Carissa

Changes

Father I know that all my life

Is portioned out for me,

And the changes that are sure to come

I do not fear to see;

I ask Thee for a present mind

Intent on pleasing Thee.

I would not have the restless will

That hurries to and fro,

Seeking for some great thing to do

Or secret thing to know;

I would be treated as a child,

And guided where I go.




Wherever in the world I am

In whatsoever estate,

I have a fellowship with hearts

To keep and cultivate;

And a work of humble love to do

For the Lord on Whom I wait.

So I ask Thee for daily strength,

To none that ask denied,

A mind to blend with outward life

While keeping at Thy side;

Content to fill a little space,

If Thou be glorified.

And if some things I do not ask

In my cup of blessings be,

I would have my spirit filled the more

With grateful love to Thee,

More careful, not to serve Thee much,

But to please Thee perfectly.

In service which Thy will appoints

There are no bonds for me;

My secret heart is taught the truth

That makes Thy children free.

A life of self renouncing love

Is one of liberty.

~Anna L. Waring~


Making a re-appearance into the blogging world (due to peer pressure, of course) to document some monumental changes. Stay tuned, faithful readers.

posted by Lydia