"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hand. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127:3-5

Monday, December 20, 2010

Peanut Butter Fudge

This is the best, creamiest peanut butter fudge I have ever tried. I have no idea where I got the recipe. It is yummy!

Peanut Butter Fudge

1/2 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup milk
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar

Measure powdered sugar into large mixing bowl. Set aside.
In medium sauce pan, melt butter on medium heat.
Add brown sugar and milk.
Bring to rolling boil.
Let boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat.
Stir in peanut butter and vanilla.
Pour over powdered sugar.
Mix with electric mixer until smooth.
Pour into greased or wax paper lined 8x8 baking pan.
Chill until firm. Cut into squares.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Precious


Three of my best gifts ever!


Friday, November 19, 2010

Make A Difference

Make a difference in a child's life. Sponsor a child in an AIDS and poverty stricken nation and change their life forever. Only $20 a month. Only a one year commitment.

Check out this link:
http://www.cohcommunity.org/sponsor-a-child/

Saturday, November 13, 2010

We Have More Than We Realize

My daughter, Carmen, sponsors a child named Clyton from Zimbabwe through World Vision. As I was reading a letter from his mom, something stood out that made me feel so grateful and so ashamed at the same time. She wrote, "we were surprised to hear that there is a ministry that gives free food and clothes for free within our community." Here in American, I would never be 'surprised' to hear about such a ministry. There are several in every major city and usually at least one in most smaller cities and towns. Unfortunately, Clyton's family does not qualify for this program because it is only for orphans and people with disabilities.

Clyton's mother also wrote that her children were not in school because she doesn't have the money for them to attend. Many schools in Africa either cost tuition or require uniforms that many families cannot afford to purchase. It made me think about how much we have here in America. Even those of us who have less than everyone else. It is all a matter of perspective. Even the poor in America have advantages. The schools might not be the best, but they are free. Ministries are available to provide school supplies, clothing, food, and other basic needs. Government programs provide free money, free food, and free medical care to the poor. The disabled have the opportunity to receive money through disability. The unemployed often get free money from the government as well.

Don't get me wrong. I know that there are still people in need here in America. I know of seniors who can't afford medicine, veterans who can't afford medical care, and many people who simply live in hunger and in need. But the difference is a matter of opportunity. Opportunity exists here in America that simply does not exist in many countries of the world.

Here is something to think about: when you say that you are starving, it simply means that you are a few hours late for your next meal. When a child in another country is starving, it means they are dying from lack of nutritious food. When you say that you have no money, it usually means that you can't afford that new gadget or pair of shoes that you desire. When a family in other countries say they have no money it means they have nothing.

My sister had the opportunity to travel to Malawi, Africa a few years ago. It is located next to Zimbabwe. As they toured the village, they learned what it truly meant to have nothing. The people had only one set of clothing which was often in rags. The children slept on dirt floors. They didn't even own a blanket to keep them warm. Their diet mostly consisted of nsima, a food made of ground maize (corn). In fact, the mission trip that she went with ordered plenty of chicken and other meat. The local pastors ended up getting a little belly pooch during the two week mission trip because they weren't used to eating so much food especially meat. When I think of how much food that I waste, I want to cry. I am so grateful for the abundance that I have available to my family, even in our time of financial hardship. And I am so ashamed that I often feel like it is not enough.

I am thankful for ministries who serve the people in need in countries where the people have so little. It makes me sad, too, to see so many people here in America oppose helping in the people in other countries. Yes, there are poor here in America. But I choose to help those who have no other opportunity for help. I just wish I could do more.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Peace

I have been thinking about this alot lately. What is the difference between a peace maker and a peace keeper? Keeping peace and making peace are not the same thing. I will blog more about this later, but in the mean time, opinions are welcome.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Fall Fun






My husband and I felt God calling us away from celebrating Halloween a few years ago. We still participate in trunk or treat at church and we usually go to Chuck E Cheese or do some other fun thing on Halloween night. Some people say that we are still celebrating Halloween but in a different way. While it might seem that way, I don't believe that we can just pretend that Halloween doesn't exist. I do think it is a safe and fun alternative. And the only way we have been able to avoid most of the evil aspects of the holiday that we want to avoid. We do not condone celebrating evil like it is something good, even if it is only one day a year. I have to admit, though, that this year I have really struggled with wanting to take my kids trick or treating. Maybe it is because I know how much fun Declan would have. Maybe it is because I am craving candy. Or maybe it is because I am feeling left out. My sisters and their kids have so much fun together on Halloween. Or maybe Satan is trying to make it seem acceptable. Whatever the reason, we still won't be celebrating. However, Gabe has a rocking good costume for Trunk or Treat!


Declan is a cute little puppy!




Monday, October 25, 2010

Storms

I will praise you through this storm. I will lift my hands. You are who you are, no matter where I am......

For today, I am making a conscience choice to live thankfully. Even though there are so many storms in our life right now, we also have much to be thankful for. If I concentrate on my trials I will be overwhelmed with fear and hopelessness. Instead, for today, I am going to thank God for each breath and for each blessing, no matter who small it may seem.