tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463639372187140662012-02-16T18:33:07.993-08:00My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. PSALM 73:26Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.comBlogger271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-2796499336247695122008-04-13T21:03:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:13.201-08:00

When I was a young Christian, the Pastor's wife of the church I attended was the piano and organ player. She was one of those precious saints who had grown up in the faith and had a rich legacy of hymns and choruses. I "grew up" (in my early 20's) being introduced to the old hymns...and oh, how I grew to love them.Pastor and Faith Shaw were called to another city, and I still miss them. As a

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-62167785384663508242008-04-10T15:52:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:13.431-08:00

Before I came to the Pacific Northwest, I wouldn’t touch Clam Chowder. But, on a short cruise to Victoria, B.C. I took a taste (Ivar's) from my son’s bowl…and couldn’t believe how good it was!Now that I’ve mastered making it, I feel like a true Northwesterner! I’ve made a few versions, even getting fresh clams at one time, but the one my husband likes best is actually pretty easy. I love how it

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-23723924037574271112008-04-08T21:43:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:13.546-08:00

How can a young man cleanse his way?By taking heed according to Your word.With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119: 9-11Beginning this week, I will post a scripture every Sunday that I will memorize. When I was a young Christian, I was part of a Discipleship Class in which

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-30697575069193534462008-04-08T15:56:00.001-07:002008-12-09T13:24:13.777-08:00

Today I am grateful for:1. "Luxuries" that our ancestors never knew....my electric stove, indoor plumbing, refrigerator, washer and dryer...they truly make life easier2. The truth of the old song: "Wonderful, wonderful Jesus is to me, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God is He; Saving me, keeping me from all sin and shame....wonderful is my Redeemer, praise His Name!"3. A wonderful Sunday

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-78993504583143248642008-04-08T15:36:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:14.036-08:00

"And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself, [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me, [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]." Luke 9:23 Amplified VersionThe following passage from my much-treasured

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-70692326018718590282008-04-07T19:46:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:15.080-08:00

You know, it’s been said that knives are the most important tools in the kitchen…you use them more than you use your cookware or your range.And I have to tell you…after 30 years of homemaking (which covers countless hours of peeling, cutting, chopping, mincing and slicing), these words are true.When I was a young wife, I “fell prey” to a door-to-door salesman (actually my best friend gave him my

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-10609577325425019622008-04-06T16:24:00.001-07:002008-12-09T13:24:15.792-08:00

Today I am thankful for:1. Memories....our ability to reminisce and re-live precious times of the past. Like this one of my son, now 27 years old, when he was only 11 months old. Look at that smile! God used that joyful smile and disposition to bring me through the darkest time of my life...his daddy had died only 2 months earlier. What a gift this little boy was..........and still is.2. My

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-17107049297272939572008-04-06T02:28:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:15.983-08:00

Can you plan three affordable days of meals, shop, take a picture, and share it with others? Check out Mary's creative idea here and start scheming...this'll be fun!

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-54257647240084758232008-04-06T00:27:00.000-07:002009-10-22T21:25:20.385-07:00

You know, for the first time in so many years, I have time to devote to doing things in my life and home that I have only been able to think about.Perhaps a little history is in order. More than 27 years ago, my husband died after only 4 years of marriage. God had given us a wonderful gift in our son, who was 9 months old at the time of his Daddy's death. Since that time, my life has taken me

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-12602697628468739362008-03-31T22:42:00.001-07:002008-12-09T13:24:16.349-08:00

Green tea has become part of my daily routine. As I've written before, I am making a real effort to change my eating habits, and incorporate some new, good habits. In addition to the Omega 3 food addition to our weekly meal plan, I have begun drinking green tea every day. Today I thought I would share some of its benefits.One fact I was surprised to discover is that although teas may be created

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-50726383691311570352008-03-31T20:53:00.001-07:002008-12-09T13:24:16.609-08:00

Today I am thankful for:1. having rediscovered the goodness of juicing2. the beautiful flowering shrubs and trees that are everywhere this time of year (and it is just beginning! :)3. a great weekend with three nephews4. beating my husband in Scrabble (finally)!5. the hope that is always ours in Jesus Christ

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-65815784380517105142008-03-28T02:12:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:16.984-08:00

2 c. milk2/3 c. turkey or chicken stock4 T. butter or Smart Balance 50/501/2 t. salt1/4 t. white pepper (or black)4 T. flour4 c. cooked, diced leftover turkey (include dark meat..it adds good flavor)1 c. frozen peas, thawedtoasted bread, cut and halved into trianglesIn a 3 qt. pot or large no-stick skillet, heat the milk, butter, and stock over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt and pepper,

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-70496224710212893832008-03-28T01:54:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:17.273-08:00

You can feel really good about not wasting anything the next time you make a turkey. Making stock is not hard or complicated. You'll be rewarded with delicious soup, and an amazing aroma will fill your home as you make the stock. And you don't even have to make soup right away -- just freeze the stock. I freeze it in 1 and 2 cup portions in freezer bags...label them and lay them flat in the

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-54722651042379134152008-03-28T01:40:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:17.425-08:00

1. The success He has given my son in business...thank you Lord!2. The Champion Juicer that has been in the pantry too long...I remember praying for one for the longest time and finally using a tax return to buy it 9 years ago. What a blessing to be able to make a fresh glass of healthful juice!3. The magnificence of our physical bodies...what a wonderful Creator!4. Turkey leftovers...it's so

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-10492905754744821182008-03-21T22:29:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:17.572-08:00

Thank you Lord...1. For test results that reveal no present cancer2. For the knowledge that He hears our prayers...and answers!3. For family and friends who are faithful in their prayer support4. For the beauty of the mountains all around us in this incredible Pacific Northwest5. For the abundance of fruits and vegetables all around us

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-20680458498052233972008-03-17T22:56:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:17.844-08:00

It is good to remind ourselves of the truth of these words....Whate'r my God ordains is right:His holy will abideth;I will be still whate'er He doth,and follow where He guideth.He is my God; though dark my road,He holds me that I shall not fall:wherefore to Him I leave it all.Whate'r my God ordains is right: He never will deceive me:He leads me by the proper path; I know He will not leave me.I

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-12816702325336983902008-03-17T22:43:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:18.021-08:00

Today's gifts:1. That now-familiar sound of a picture message coming over my cell phone... of my delightful grandson... instantly brightens my day!2. Finally, a new DVD player to watch good movies on3. Leftovers, for a take-it-easy kind of day4. The timely message of an old hymn...so rich for the soul5. My considerate husband, who is always so willing to lend a hand with the dishes...I am blessed.

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-86387345667779546502008-03-16T19:12:00.001-07:002008-12-09T13:24:18.411-08:00

Having decided to list 5 things I have to be thankful for each day, I wonder sometimes if it will become just a "list." As I sit and record each item, there are times I really have to think. Does that mean I'm just conjuring something up in order to have 5 items? Is it becoming something I "have" to do?No, in fact that is the very reason I am doing it. I am making a conscious effort to turn

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-27444690422304479422008-03-16T16:22:00.000-07:002008-03-16T19:26:55.933-07:00

Having just gotten over a cold myself, I find that I have passed it on to my husband! It's no fun to watch the people we love suffer with illness anytime, but when I've been the carrier....well, it makes me feel even worse!Kimi Harris, a dear young lady who has a couple of very good blogs, Womanly Pursuits and The Nourishing Gourmet, has posted a natural remedy that I tried and was pleasantly

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-80330452793401986822008-03-15T17:30:00.001-07:002008-12-09T13:24:18.585-08:00

Today I am thankful for:1. For our postal service...although we have children and grandchildren 2,000 miles away, we are able to share our hearts and bless them with Easter baskets2. For my son and his wife finding a new home in the area and price range they hoped for3. For the sweet, gentle heart of my husband4. For my brother and his new wife...God has blessed our family with Tracy, and has

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-16121054580227523982008-03-15T11:06:00.000-07:002008-03-15T17:29:46.936-07:00

In my ongoing struggle to fix my thoughts on God, His promises and His faithfulness, He speaks words of peace and comfort to me. He shows me what to do in difficult times, in the midst of trouble.1 I will confess and praise You [O God] with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing praises to You.2 I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-41122760602022839112008-03-14T12:55:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:18.769-08:00

Ever think about doing strength training for our spiritual health? Read on!"Every trouble is an opportunity to win the grace of strength. Whatever else trouble is in the world for, it is here for this good purpose: to develop strength. For a trouble is a moral and spiritual task. It is something which is hard to do. And it is in the spiritual world as in the physical, strength is increased by

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-74200969293163118892008-03-14T12:38:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:19.027-08:00

Today I thank God for: 1. Giving my Dad another 10 years with us when we thought we'd lost him after his two strokes2. Our wonderful pets...Journey, my gentle black lab/greyhound mix who has brought me joy for over 11 years ~ Zeke, who, although brings some challenges is a very loving and affectionate golden who gets better everyday ~ and Elizabeth, our "diva cat" who actually answers to her name

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-8695855212901981042008-03-13T17:07:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:19.186-08:00

12 The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].13 Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.14 [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age: they shall be full of sap [of

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-86297398504496565352008-03-13T14:24:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:19.410-08:00

After going to the doctor and getting a less-than-favorable report on my cholesterol levels, I have made a fresh commitment to learning how to prepare more healthy foods. I am spending time online studying health and nutrition (although doing this is not new to me...I have battled weight issues for what seems like my entire life). Some of it is fresh learning, much of it is review, but all of it

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-52348334332282164282008-03-13T14:02:00.000-07:002008-03-13T14:24:07.507-07:00

Cultivating a thankful heart is one of the best things I've begun doing. Although a strong walk with God takes more than that, it is a principle that is shown throughout scripture...praising God in the midst of difficult circumstances, worshiping Him while flooded with fear, rejoicing even in the face of immediate danger -- it is a powerful spiritual weapon. In my life right now though, it is

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846363937218714066.post-14988900458786210092008-03-12T02:41:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:24:19.733-08:00

One of my greatest weaknesses is discontentment and negative thinking. My prayer is that I will have a grateful heart, aware of all God's blessings in my life...and to be more focused on those things. It can be a real stronghold to dwell on what we lack, or what has hurt us, or what is hard about our lives...or even on our own weaknesses (not to mention the weaknesses of others).I have begun

Joy and Strengthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12036375483453504942noreply@blogger.com2