Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on JESUS, the AUTHOR and PERFECTER of  our FAITH, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We need each other in this race of life and we can't do it alone.  So thankful for the love and encouragement of the team!

James is my first son and I have prayed for him for many years.  I have held him close when he was very sick, healed his wounds, listened to his dreams and seen him realize a huge accomplishment in his lifetime.
My heart is to help him realize all that I have asked God in his behalf.  Really, God receives all the glory:

• To be faithful to God.  God is faithful.

• To obey God's Word, the Bible.  It is the true Word of God.
• To have a prepared heart to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and to follow Him.
• To be willing to serve God all the days of his life

 And, to raise up a righteous generation of Faith in God.  What a treasure in these days!

The Girls

My girls bring me so much joy and I love that we spent a week at the beach.

Carefree

Free to be 

Laughing

Enjoying life

Trusting

I am so grateful for them and love them more each day.

The passing of loved ones

I really miss Meme,Migs, Tia Queta, Uncle John,Uncle Ed, Uncle Weldon, Uncle Malcolm . . . and, oh, so many more loved ones.  They passed away . . Crossing over to a new life  . . .new bodies, fresh spirits, trouble free, no more tears . . . But, I really miss them all. And, I long to see them once more.  That will be the day God calls me home.  For now, I want to live life to the fullest surrender to God's loving plan and will for my life and for others. I want to cuddle my grandchildren and hug my children and support them in every way. Surrender to the lives of others . . .laying down my life, finding the cross and loving the living will of God.  Embraced in Him . . . Faithful God.  Loving Jesus and so grateful to be saved. I'm in tears.

Marinated and Grilled Beef Tips

Ingredients:

1 cup Kikkoman Sushi and Sashimi soy sauce
1/4 cup oil
6 cloves of garlic, diced finely
1 onion, diced finely
3 large Tblsp. of tomato paste
6 Tblsp. brown sugar
1 Tblsp. black pepper
1 tsp. cayenne pepper

Mix the ingredients thoroughly.  Set aside.

2 Flat iron steaks

Cut them lengthwise and then crosswise in large chunks.  Marinate the chunks of beef for 2 hours in the mixture in the refrigerator.

Heat grill and place tips on the grill. Heat to medium and serve with egg noodles!
Happy Super bowl dinner!

Venison Meatloaf

Ingredients:

2 onions, finely chopped
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 carrots, grated
1tblsp. Sage
1tblsp. Basil
1tsp. Thyme
1 1/2 Italian style bread crumbs
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 bottle ketchup
1tblsp. Salt
1tblsp. Pepper
1 lb. Italian sausage
2 lbs. ground beef
1 1/2 ground venison

Hand mix very well.  Mold into a loaf and bake for 1 1/2 hours until well done.  Coat the top with ketchup before baking.  Enjoy!

Old fashioned Pancakes

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup evaporated milk

Stir well.  Melt butter in saucepan.  Cook each pancake individually until golden brown.

My Friend the Oak Tree

As I drive into school each day, I look forward to seeing the old oak tree.  It is the first thing I see as I enter the campus and it is majestic, steady, and weathers many storms of nature and history.  It must be 200 years old . . . and, I pray " Dear Jesus, make me like the tree to others".  Help me comfort and provide steady refuge and longevity of Faith.  Help me teach the wonder of this dear friend to me . . . the old oak tree.

"It is not so much for its beauty

that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts,

as for that subtle something,

that quality of air that emanates from old trees,

that so wonderfully changes and

renews a weary spirit.

- Robert Louis Stevenson

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

4 cloves of garlic, diced

1 onion, diced

olive oil to saute

1 Tblsp. rosemary

1 Tblsp. basil

1 Tblsp. black pepper

3 bay leaves

1 can diced green chiles

2 cans diced tomatoes

                     Saute the above ingredients for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.  Then, add:

5 chicken breasts, cut in small pieces

2- 32oz. boxes of chicken broth

5 carrots, sliced in rounds

1 bag of new potatoes, sliced in quarters

1 can of black eye peas, rinsed

1 can of black beans, rinsed

1 can of pinto beans, rinsed

1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables

6 oz. white wine

Simmer for many hours and serve with cornbread and fresh fruit!  Happy New Year!!!

As a Mama, I know that the flu season is all around us!  Make a great chicken soup to 

warm the soul and bring healing to your family!

Lots of love for all!

Snickerdoodles

 

Snickerdoodles

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

2 3/4 cups flour

2 tsps. cream of tartar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

Roll balls in sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg

Bake for 8-10 minutes

Sprinkle with sugar!

Live life now!  Start a fire in the fireplace, make some spice tea and savor a snickerdoodle and relax!  Today is the day to begin to flourish and experience all that God offers!