Tag Archives: family

Words That Heal – Part 3

30 Saturday Mar 2013

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This weekend the world takes a breath, shops close early, and families spend time together in prayer, fasting and contemplation of Gods sacrifice of His Son Jesus.photo (81)Ecce Homo  circa 1623 Daniele Crespi    “Behold the Man”

Our family viewed at The Blanton yesterday on Good Friday. Notice Pilate touching Jesus arm.

The world becomes quiet.

 Quiet waiting before The Lord in prayer will give Him a chance to change your mood. The situation may not change, but you will have changed for the better in spite of the situation” Robert A. Cook

Psalm 88 v.1,2 is a cry of desperation  Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out before You day and night. May my prayer reach Your Presence;  listen to my cry.

There are times we must walk dark valleys and we can only get on our face before Him and plead.

Our hearts are so tainted we let sin bloom dark.
Jesus let the eyes of our hearts open to Your calling.
When words escape you let quiet rest in your soul and sing softly and praise His wonders.

Jesus took the penalty of our sin,  your sin, and my sin.
When Jesus died on the cross our sin was covered with His blood.
He died in our place.
“But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.” Isaiah 53:5

His Words spoken out loud heal our wounds.
Praying for each of you!
2 Corinthians 5:21

Words That Heal – Part 2

26 Tuesday Mar 2013

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Have you ever been somewhere and watched a wife nag and berate her husband?

Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife.

Proverbs 21:9

Have you felt the fear that creeps over her children as they cringe and attempt to hide as Dad gets verbally assaulted.
As a shop girl I saw a lovely woman become quite ugly as she lit into her husband nagging about his lack of something.
I shudder to think of her two daughters self-esteem.
 I wonder will they catch her hot temper and play it out someday on their co-workers, children, husbands?

Beware of criticizing or nagging others.

The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 21:23
Holy Week is stressful as we prepare for company.
Make a plan now and refuse to let unkind remarks be your legacy.
A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious treasure. Proverbs 24:3,4
This week gives yourself permission to unplug and fill your heart and home with Jesus.photo (23)
Wait and see the words that heal that come from your rested heart and mind.
Praying for you!

Corned Beef

17 Sunday Mar 2013

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

It’s not too late to buy a Corned Beef and prepare a very simple and easy dish for friends and family.

 

                                                       photo (54)   

Step One:   

Wash carrots, potatoes, cabbage and rinse the beef thoroughly.

Step Two:

Cook beef with pickling spices in a large pot on a low simmer for two hours.

Step Three:                                                                Corned Beef

Place cabbage, carrots, potatoes,and a little salt and pepper into the pot after two hours and simmer for about 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and your dinner is ready and waiting

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow

May the soft winds freshen your spirit

May the sunshine brighten your heart

May the burdens of the day rest light upon you

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

and the rain fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again my friend

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand

May God be with you and bless you

May you see your children’s children

May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings

May you know nothing but happiness

from this day forward

But rich or poor, quick or slow,

May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward

May the joys of today be those of tomorrow.

Aunt Grace’s Breakfast Casserole

28 Saturday Jul 2012

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Jesus is Lord over my spirit, my soul, and my body. Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus has set Aunt Grace apart.

She is an intercessor, a woman of prayer.  Her prayers and lifted hands brought peace to my husband’s Mom as she was on her way to Jesus. Uncle Tom and Todd had stayed bedside all night. When Grace arrived she brought comfort to Marilyn as she spoke to her unconscious soul with God’s Word, speaking words of praise and power and praying for healing.  And she gently touched her cheek and brushed her hair with her fingers.  Her presence, her touch and her words brought almost immediate comfort as could be seen on the heart rate monitor.  Immediately her elevated heart rate dropped and normalized at a much less labored rate.  My husband had wondered whether or not her soul was still with her unresponsive body.  Grace’s presence and the resulting physical response by his mother gave comfort that she was.  As the family prayed together in the remaining time, Marilyn began her walk into eternal life.

Whenever I visit Grace my faith is strengthed.  Her own faith, and her genuine interest reflected in the questions she asks and the attention she devotes to the conversation reveal someone who listens intently.  Time stops in these moments and I feel valued.

Whenever I enter Uncle Tom and Aunt Grace’s home I am wrapped in love. Her tiny fairy-like frame and gentle hands, and her lilting South Carolina accent always greet me with the most tender hug of welcome.  I have learned that a visit to her lovely home brings rest to this weary traveler, and her special brand of southern hospitality creates a peaceful environment. The beautiful setting of her home is a natural by-product of her career as an interior decorator, and I’ve always thought this home could easily be featured in an issue of Architectural Digest.  Breathtaking!

The level of her hospitality is a rarity in todays busy world, yet for her it is simply a way of life.  Fresh flowers in the bedroom, chocolates on the pillows, a crystal water decanter filled with ice cold water, and a bathroom with an assortment of luxurious necessities all say “Welcome to my home, you are special.”  No southern hospitality is complete without iced tea, and the whole process of sitting down to tea is a delight.  She prepares the most delicious meals, staging them in advance so that she has time to visit with me once I arrive.  All of this demonstrates her love, and I am filled to overflowing, and I feel like royalty.  Better than royalty I am family, and despite my being a Yankee, I feel as though I am an honorary member of the Southern Club.

In these visits the stress of a long distance road trip just melts away and I feel at home.

In the Gospel of John Jesus says “in My Father’s house there are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.”   Uncle Tom and Aunt Grace give you a chance to imagine what that might be like as I always feel as though I am welcomed into the presence of God through their love and blessing.

Here is a breakfast casserole I enjoyed from Aunt Grace.  May you be blessed by it!

6 eggs beaten
1 c cheddar cheese grated
2 c milk
1 ts salt
1 ts dry mustard
1 -1 1/2 lbs. sausage cooked and crumbled
6 slices of bread cubed

Place cubed bread into buttered 9 x 13 pan
Sprinkle sausage over bread.
Combine all other ingredients and pour over bread and sausage mixture.
Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
Serves 6

Todd’s Ultimate Crab Soup

16 Monday Jul 2012

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As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thessalonians 1:3 NLT

Todd had begun preparing the soup early in the morning when the distinctively sweet and spicy smell of Old Bay seasoning, the aroma our family associates with our family vacations for over twenty-five years on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, worked its way down the stairs and into my bedroom.  It was the arrival of a time-honored family beach vacation tradition — crabs!  Only this day we would be enjoying crab soup for Sunday dinner when we returned from our Sunday morning worship at the Corolla Chapel.  His inspiration?  An old Maryland crab house named Eats his family used to stop at every year as kids while driving down the Eastern sea board.  They all agree it is the best crab soup they have ever eaten, and strangely, he has perfected his efforts over the years using turkey, a suitable substitute when crabs are not readily available or cost prohibitive.

As a pastor my husband serves every day caring for the needs of others and inspiring and enriching all our lives, especially mine.  We have dined at many fine Outer Banks restaurants over the years, but my favorite dining has always been at the beach house and enjoying my husband’s cooking, a creative outlet for him and a break for me.

2 Cartons of Chicken broth

1 pound can of petite diced tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

12 Blue Claw Crabs, steamed and ready to go for the soup
From these, remove the dead man (lungs) and discard, then pull off the legs and separate the shell, saving to boil for a broth  added to the soup.

From the chest piece, break chest in half, leaving the meat inside and placing these large pieces into the broth with the claws.
Old Bay seasoning to taste.  My husband uses a lot!

A touch of sugar to offset the spiciness

Salt
Pepper
Bag of fresh or mixed frozen veggies (corn, butter beans, carrots, green beans)
1-2 large cans of lump crab meat (blue claw crabs)

 Slice two cups of okra

2-3 cloves of chopped garlic

1 bottle of beer (optional)

Shrimp or fish (as a substitute for crab meat)

Bring to a boil, then simmer.

Serves 14-16

 

Brian’s Linguine with White Clam Sauce

10 Tuesday Jul 2012

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2 dozen steamed clams…steam till they open! Watch closely it does not take long.
1 lb. linguine, cooked
1 c olive oil
1 c chopped onion
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans, 8 oz. , minced clams…including liquid
1/2 c water

1 Tbsp.parsley flakes
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Simmer onion and garlic until golden. Add clams (do not drain), water, parsley, oregano,
salt and pepper simmer 5 minutes. Serve over  linguine.

The original recipe was in “Taste and See”.  We all knew it was his recipe.

(Brian did not recieve credit for it when it was published. )

Marie’s Banana Pudding Cake

07 Saturday Jul 2012

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These last months have been very sad and physically draining with my beloved sis Peg’s passing. I was able to recover at the home of our friends Worthe and Marie.  Our families have been friends for half a century and we have been best of friends for 20 years. They were our first visitors after our daughter was born. We have shared the wonder and awe of life and highs and lows over the years.  Everyone loves Marie and she is a living breathing example of Proverbs 31:10-31.

Marie is a great cook.   She makes the most amazing hamburgers and homemade pizza, and her very comforting banana pudding dessert I recently enjoyed at her peaceful lakefront home is classic.

The original recipe was probably on a box, but I could not find it so here is how Marie made it.  

Glass Pyrex pan sprayed with Pam

6 bananas  (sliced thin)

1 box of vanilla wafers

2 large boxes of vanilla pudding

6 cups of milk

Make pudding with milk and set aside. Line the bottom of the pan with bananas. Place vanilla wafers on top of the bananas.  Spoon gobs of pudding sporadically over the top… leave enough for another layer. Line another row of bananas and top off with another layer of vanilla wafers.  Spoon remaining pudding and smooth over the top of all.

My pan was too big so I made a quick meringue.

6 egg whites

6 -12 tbs. of sugar

Whip with beater till stiff peaks form.

Red Velvet Cake

16 Saturday Jun 2012

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I’ve been making this cake for twenty-five years now.  The cake seems to take on a life of its own and will improve every time you attempt to make this grand and elegant southern favorite.  It has long been my husband’s  favorite  birthday cake.  This cake takes time, focus and a clear head, so I set two days aside to prepare the cake in stages, making room on my calendar to do so.    Do not try to answer the phone, text, answer the doorbell or multitask in any way shape or form while in process.

                                                      

The original recipe was from Marilyn Southard,  my mother-in-law, a wonderful Southern lady from Alexandria, Virginia who last year went home to be with the Lord.  Red Velvet is her birthday cake legacy.  She always made delicious desserts, and whether we traveled to the  mountains, or the beach she talked about her great love of God as we talked, laughed and cried together while cooking for our family.    As great a cook and mother/mother-in-law as she was, I remember her most for her faith in the Lord, strength of character, and her exemplary work ethic without sacrificing anything of her femininity, power and sense of style. For me she defined what it means to live well for the Lord.

Here’s my recipe:

1 c shortening                                            

4 oz. red food color

3 c sugar

4 T. cocoa

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. salt                 

2 tsp. soda

2 c buttermilk

2 T. vinegar

5 c. sifted cake flour

Frosting

20 T. flour

4 c. sugar

4 c. sweet milk

4 tsp. vanilla

4 c. butter

Cream shortening, sugar.  Add and beat eggs, add salt, buttermilk and cake flour.  Make a paste of food coloring, cocoa and vanilla and beat into batter.  Mix in at last-minute, but (do not beat): soda and vinegar.  Bake in 4 cake pans/ layers at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.  Frosting : Cook flour and milk over medium heat until thick.  Chill.  Cream butter and sugar. Add chilled paste along with vanilla.  Beat until fluffy.  Ice cooled cake.

I made this frosting  the wrong way for ten years, mistaking “sweet milk” for sweetened condensed milk.  I couldn’t understand why I had to pat it on in handfuls until Marilyn, walked me through the recipe very slowly and caught my error.  Turns out “Sweet milk” is a southern expression for whole milk where she grew up.  The two of us would chat throughout the two days leading up to my husbands birthday and although she is in heaven I like to think she can hear my thoughts as I continue to chat  with her.  That’s my hope anyway.  She’s probably busy singing Handel’s Messiah with the angels, but pretty sure Jesus let her know I was making her cake.

( I doubled the ingredients from the original recipe to make four layers)

My Father

03 Sunday Jun 2012

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Today my family will celebrate the anniversary of my father’s departure from this life. He passed on four years ago.  I’m still so sad he is gone.  I visited his final resting place on Father’s Day last year and  placed a bunny topiary. Difficult to face his headstone with mother’s name etched  without an ending date.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.

Psalm 55:22 NIV                   

I walked by a bed of broken glass one of my neighbor’s is using as a landscape planter. The glass describes how I feel when I visit my Mom and my Dad is not beside her. We quickly run off and do something fun together, but his absence is always there. It hurts and cuts all over. Sometimes the memories twinkle in the sun and I smile, but most of the time it just painful.

Our family motto ” be prepared”.  We had everything you might need for any impending disaster…even a generator. He taught us responsibility and structure by modeling it.

When I graduated from high school I took a trip with my girlfriends to Lake Geneva.  He said “Have a great time” and handed me a map.  Our successes and failures were our own. We were never scolded or lavishly rewarded for grades or achievements.  In college I had my first really awful grade. Feeling dejected, I visited  Mom and Dad to show my report card. He pulled out a report card from his desk (we attended the same university) and we had the same grade. No words  exchanged.

He smiled and we laughed…no condemnation.

No preparation for this. I miss his blue eyes. He hardly ever smiled, but when he did it was powerful and stayed with you.

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.   Hebrews 13:5

My friend Kim C. sent me a lovely sympathy card. For four years I have kept it on my desk as a great source of comfort.

Kim and I  watched and waited as his health declined. She cares deeply for others and her great love and prayers sustained me on days I just breathed in Jesus and out Jesus.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie dow in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters, He restoreth my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3

My father loved everything associated with airplanes. He was an engineer and worked on all sorts of projects throughout his lifetime of designing things that fly, one particular helicopter was his favorite and when we went to take a test flight, I was little, I was whining,  but understood when my Mom said this was our bread and butter, so enjoy yourself and I did.

I gave him this airplane and it just makes me smile when I look at it.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NIV

Black-eyed Peas on New Years Day

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Looking for a recipe for prosperity and happiness in the New Year?

Psalm 1 is a place to start.

The Hebrew word ashrei, or blessedness comes from living out your life in accordance with God‘s will.

How do you know God’s will?

Everyday wake and immediately meditate on God’s word.  Praise Him!  Begin your day in adoration of  God the Creator of all.

Pray about it, pray the verse for anyone your Father has placed on your mind.

This morning I prayed for you and my family and friends.

Here’s how it sounded…. Happy are the friends who follow my blog, my family, my friends they who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the paths of sinners.

Prosperity and happiness depends on your willingness to live in obedience to scripture.

But the humble will inherit the land and enjoy abundant prosperity.  Psalm 37:11 HSB

Humble in the Greek is translated poor in spirit — to be impoverished of self and concerned for the things of God.

What is God concerned about?

The world will tell you prosperity comes from a  cooked pot of black-eyed peas on New Years Day.  Our tradition in families differ, but cooking up a pot of these lovely legumes are a non-negotiable in southern families, ours is no different.  I’ve misplaced my cookbook so this is my twist on the tradition.

1 pound of black-eyed peas

Soak and cook a couple of days earlier tossing off the dirt (your old self) and discard any particles(regrets) in the water.

1 large can of chopped tomatoes

1 small onion finely chopped and sautéed in extra virgin olive oil.

1 large garlic clove finely chopped and sautéed in extra virgin olive oil.

Pepper to taste

Add a few small pieces of the leftover Smithfield Ham (Salt cured) before placing bowls on the table for your New Years Day Dinner.

Serve the simple dish with Udi’s gluten-free dinner rolls, and a salad.

Pull out all the stops with linens, candles, crystal and setting.

A humble dish and a table set for a King.

May you be favored and prosper in the New Year! May the Lord bless you in 2014 exceedingly and abundantly beyond your wildest imaginations!

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith.  Ephesians 3:14-16 HCSB

Thank you very much for taking the time to follow my blog in 2013. You have been a great blessing to me and I look forward to praying for you and  writing more in 2014!

Trish