Saturday, March 21, 2009

A Violet!!!

Sure, yesterday was officially the beginning of spring. And yes, many states such as New Jersey, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin all had snow falling from the sky on that promising day.

This morning, I took a few shots of the snow that had yet to melt. But what I discovered shortly after noon was really surprising.
A beautiful violet was in full bloom!!! I'd been lamenting that not a single crocus or daffodil has poked through the ground, but here was this cheery little flowery face looking up to greet me!!! Oh, what a beautiful day it's been! --LKR

Monday, March 16, 2009

Adventures in Mud, Muck, and Slush

Hi, it's me, Mister Poochie! What a beautiful day we had, today! It was in the 60's, it was!
Ice and the white fluffy fun stuff were melting fast. Yesterday, too, was warm! Hurray!
We did not have a really long walk, today, oh, no. Mud and slippery slush kept us from going too far. For cyclists, too!
I helped Mom up this one, I did!
Some trails we had to cross over... .
Mom caught me picking up on scents, she did!
We didn't take this path, oh no!
Nor go down this trail, for sure!
Mom sunk deep into mud right here, she did!
This path is called Bump. I wanted to explore, but Mom said, "No, we go home."
I got to play wild dog on the way back, I did! I lead Mom off trails and into fields where we ran and Mom laughed.
I found a "leave it" running through the grass, I did. Mom wouldn't let me make nice. These are holes where the "leave it" live and travel. We had fun! --Mister Poochie

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Big Falls

I was in great need of seeing the top of Big Falls on this beautiful day! We were relatively close by, so took a quick trip on over.
William had just done a solo for cello, and was all dressed up!
This steep path leads to right below the falls.
I love the ice on top of the rocks!
This is the top of the falls. I would have loved to have seen this with more ice and less sloshy snow, but I'm not complaining!
Cool, huh?! While we were here, a large chunk of slush slid down into the river. It was a quieter noise than the last time we were here and heard ice heaving, falling into the icy river below.
Next year, I'd like to spend more time here out in the winter! It's truly beautiful here year round! --LKR

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sunday's Song--When God Ran

When God Ran

Almighty God,
The Great I Am,
Immovable Rock,
Omnipotent,
Powerful,
Awesome Lord,
Victorious Warrior,
Commanding Kind Of Kings,
Mighty Conqueror

And the only time,
The only time I ever saw Him run
Was when He ran to me,
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
He said, "Son,
Do you know I still love you?"
It caught me by surprise,
When God ran

The day I left home,
I knew I had broken His heart
I wondered then
If things could ever be the same

Then one night,
I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road
Ahead I could see

It's the only time,
The only time I ever saw Him run
When He ran to me,
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice,
He said, "Son,
Do you know I still love you?"
It caught me by surprise,
It brought me to my knees
When God ran

I saw Him run to me
And then I ran to Him

Holy One
Righteous Judge
He turned my way
Now I know
He's been waiting for this day

And then He ran to me,
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice,
I felt His love for me again

He ran to me
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice,
He said, "Son",
He said, "Son,
My son,
Do you know I still love you?"
Oh!
He ran to me
When God ran.

--Benny Hester, 1985

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Dog Days in the Dead of Winter???


Hi! It's me, Mister Poochie!

Mom took this picture, she did, as my little kitty brother Toby and I were taking our nappy naps. Remember how
tiny he was? Well, he's sure not that small any more, no, he's not! At 10 months, he is way bigger than our almost 17 year old kitty sister Rocky!

Mom and Alpha often have to rescue Rocky kitty kitty, they do, when he tries to "suma wrestle" with her. She just does not like that, she doesn't. Mom likens it to a toddler attacking a frail elderly lady!

Anyway, Mom says we're laying low, today. Something to do with a snow storm coming through. But when I saw a flash of lighting and heard Mom squealing with delight, I was confused. This time of year? Mom said "yes"--she knew what I was thinking, she did!

Mom just loves thunderstorms, and danced around the kitchen while I scurried out of her way. She calls it her happy dance, she does, and said the thunder and lightning makes her think of summer, her favorite season. So while we got about six inches of the white fluffy fun stuff, Mom's anticipating the sunny season!


I just want to go play and roll around in that white fluffy fun stuff, I do, but Mom says it's a white out, she did. Maybe later... . --Mister Poochie

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sunday's Song--Hear My Cry

Hear My Cry

Hear my cry O Lord
Attend unto my prayer
From the ends of the earth
Will I cry out to Thee.

And when my heart is overwhelmed,
Oh Lord,
Lead me to the Rock
That is higher than I,
That is higher than I.

For Thou hast been
A shelter unto me,
A high tower, Lord,
Against the enemy.

And when my heart is overwhelmed,
Oh Lord,
Lead me to the Rock
That is higher than I,
That is higher than I.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Sunday's Song--No Higher Calling

No Higher Calling

Down at your feet O Lord
is the most high place
In Your presence Lord
We seek your face
We seek your face

There is no higher calling
No greater honor
Than to bow and kneel before Your throne
I'm amazed at your glory
Embraced by your mercy
O Lord, I live to worship You.

--Lenny LeBlanc & Greg Gulley, 1989

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentine Outing

Valentine greetings to you all! To celebrate this beautiful--but frigid--day, Hubby and I went to visit the south side of Big Falls County Park in the snow and ice.
It was a beautiful--but sometimes slippery--walk through the woods to get to the Eau Claire River.
My jaw dropped to see how the snow had melted in this part of the park. If the weather were not a factor, one would think this was a mid March day, here in western Wisconsin!!!
Yup, this river is full of shards of ice! Way cool! Hard to believe, but in all my years of existence, this was my first real up-close and personal look at a river in winter! Ponds? Yes. The Jersey shore? Of course. But never a river, and growing up, we were surrounded by the Passaic River and one of it's branches!!!

Cool, huh?! There were several formations like this close to the shore line.
Look at all the layers on this large piece of ice!!!

This kind of reminds me of the scene in the first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve where he finds out who he is and where he came from.
This looks too much like spring, doesn't it?!
Shortly before we left, we heard a horrendous cracking, heaving, and crashing noise. We supposed it must have been a huge chunk of thick ice that broke free on the upper, more spectacular part of the falls at the north of the park. --LKR

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Long Live the Penny!

On this my oldest daughter's 15th birthday, I learned they were honoring her--and coincidentally (ha ha) Abraham Lincoln--with the release of one of four new designs to the penny, a first in 50 years! Okay, okay, so this is in celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday. But I always counted myself blessed to have a child born on such a great--yet humble--man's birth date while we lived in the land of Lincoln.

The first of four new designs to the tail of the penny is being released today, and with each new quarter of the year, a new one will be released. Different aspects of Lincoln's life will be represented: reading as a young man (pretty significant since he taught himself how to read!), an image of a log cabin, Lincoln as president, and the US capital dome in it's early stage. I would have liked to have seen his home in Illinois depicted, but no one asked me!

Long live the humble penny!!! --LKR

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Sunday's Song--Amazing Love

AMAZING LOVE

MY LORD, WHAT LOVE IS THIS
THAT PAYS SO DEARLY
THAT I, THE GUILTY ONE
MAY GO FREE!

AMAZING LOVE, WHAT SACRIFICE
THE SON OF GOD GIVEN FOR ME
MY DEBT HE PAYS, AND MY DEATH HE DIES
THAT I MIGHT LIVE, THAT I MIGHT LIVE

AND SO THEY WATCHED HIM DIE
DESPISED, REJECTED
BUT OH, THE BLOOD HE SHED
FLOWED FOR ME

AND NOW, THIS LOVE OF CHRIST
SHALL FLOW LIKE RIVERS
SO COME WASH YOU GUILT AWAY
LIVE AGAIN!


Thursday, February 5, 2009

Duckling Feeding Fish

I just love this clip and hope you will enjoy it, too!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Sunday's Song--You're Worthy of My Praise

You're Worthy of My Praise

I will worship, with all of my heart
I will praise You, with all of my strength
I will seek You, all of my days
I will follow, all of your ways

I will give, You all my worship
I will give, You all my praise
You alone, I long to worship
You alone, are worthy of my praise

I will bow down, and I'll hail You as king
I will serve You, I will give You everything
I will lift up, my eyes to Your throne
I will trust You, trust You alone

I will give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone, I long to worship
You alone, are worthy of my praise

I will give, You all my worship
I will give, You all my praise
You alone, I long to worship
You alone, are worthy of my praise

You are worthy, You are worthy
You are worthy of my praise

Well, I'll give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone I long to worship
You alone are worthy of my praise

I'll give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone (you alone) I long to worship
You alone are worthy of my praise.


--David Ruis

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Purple Finch Family

Almost every year, purple finches build a nest in one of our hanging baskets. I must admit, it's a very nice neighborhood to raise a family!
Do you see mother finch's beak?
...And then there were four!!!
Our first little guy is "eggxhausted". At first he thought I was one of his parents! He needs to save his strength.
"Me! Me! Me! Me!"
Aren't they adorable?!
They grow up so fast!!! Can't wait for another year of baby birds!!! --LKR

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sunday's Song--Majesty

Majesty

Majesty

Worship His Majesty
Unto Jesus, be all glory
Honor, and praise

Majesty
Kingdom authority
Flow from His throne
Unto His own
His anthem raise

Majesty
Worship His Majesty
Unto Jesus, be all glory
Honor, and praise

Majesty
Kingdom authority
Flow from His throne
Unto His own
His anthem raise

So exalt, lift up on high
The name of Jesus
Magnify, come glorify
Christ Jesus the King

Majesty
Worship His Majesty
Jesus who died, now glorified
King of all Kings

So exalt, lift up on high
The name of Jesus
Magnify, come glorify
Christ Jesus the King

Majesty
Worship His Majesty
Jesus who died, now glorified
King of all Kings.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Sunday's Song--Refiner's Fire

Refiner's Fire

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Taking a (Much Needed) Break!

It's much warmer outside, today, but I'm still glad to have not set foot through the front door all day!!! Luxury--the kids can take Mister Poochie out during the day instead of me! In the summer, it's a pleasure; in the winter, it's a chore!!!

I've been taking breaks off of working on uploading last-minute photos and putting pages together for my daughter's elementary school's yearbook, and doing some relaxing embroidery, instead. Oh, and blogging this! Our first deadline is February 2nd, but it's better to get it done earlier. Less stress!!!

I've been on the volunteer yearbook staff for five wonderful years, now, and love it! Sadly, this is my last year, as my baby will be graduating 5th grade and entering the middle school scene. I'm really going to miss the kids, staff, and the great group of volunteers who help put together this wonderful book of memories! I'm just hoping someone will step in as the new adviser. We already have a wonderful photographer who stepped in last year to help me with the (fun and rewarding!) work load! Thanks, Anne!!! --LKR

Friday, January 16, 2009

Arctic Air Arrives, Again

Well, it was another cold day off for the kids, again. Every area school district but ours had decided school would be closed today by last evening! Frigid arctic air has been coming through, turning our already bitterly cold temps into new record lows!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

A New Record

We set a new record for today's date. Back in 1977, it was -22F. This morning, the air temperature was -30F!!! Needless to say, the kids have school off, today!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sunday's Song--Ancient of Days

Ancient Of Days

Blessing and Honour
Glory and Power
Be unto the Ancient of Days
From every nation
All of creation
Bow before the Ancient of Days

Every tongue in heaven and earth
Shall declare Your glory
Every knee shall bow at Your throne
In worship
You will be exhalted oh God
And Your kingdom shall not pass away
Oh Ancient of Days

Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth
Sing to the Ancient of Days
For none can compare to Your matchless worth
Sing to the Ancient of Days.

--Ron Kenoly

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Sunday's Song--Now I Belong to Jesus

Now I Belong To Jesus

Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,
From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,
He gave His life to ransom my soul;
Now I belong to Him;


Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.


Once I was lost in sin's degradation,
Jesus came down to bring me salvation,
Lifted me up from sorrow and shame,
Now I belong to Him;


Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.


Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me,
Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me
His precious blood, He came to redeem,
Now I belong to Him;


Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

--Norman J. Clayton

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Sunday's Song--O Little Town of Bethlehem

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel.

--Phillips Brooks, 1868

Friday, December 26, 2008

Recipe--Gluten-Free Salmon Pinwheels


Gluten-Free Salmon Pinwheels

Mix:
8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
1 t dried dillweed

Spread onto:
4 8-10" Rice Tortillas
(I doubled this and also used Spring Rolls Skin which we liked better)

Sprinkle on top:
4 1/2 oz Smoked Salmon, finely chopped

Evenly space on top:
16 Spinach Leaves
16 Strips Pimento (I just used olives)

Roll tortillas tightly, using extra cream cheese to seal, if needed. Wrap securely in foil or plastic wrap. Place in fridge over 2 hours, but under 24 hours. Cut in 1" pieces, and place cut side up on platter. Cover 'til ready to serve. Enjoy!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!!!

On Christmas Day, it's nice to be able to reflect on the real reason for all of our celebrating: Jesus coming into the world to save sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15)

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!! --LKR



O Holy Night
(Minuit Chrétien)

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend!

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

--Placide Cappeau, 1847

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Family Get-Together

We hosted Christmas in our home, this year, and had a blast! Since moving from the Chicago area and away from long-time friends and our church's youth group (that we hosted monthly), we don't do a whole lot of entertaining, anymore.

The menu is the same at Thanksgiving as it is for Christmas: turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, rice stuffing, gluten-free bread stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, canned cranberry sauce, and a gluten-free green bean casserole--or just served with sliced almonds as it was for today.
Every year, starting right after Thanksgiving, begins dessert making. Cookies, candy, and other goodies are made for friends, neighbors, coworkers, teachers, and last but not least, family. Our large freezer, aka garage, keeps these treats safe and cool 'til the opportune time.

Because a large crowd was coming, my youngest made a veggie tray while I made a parsley ranch dip shortly before family arrived. Cheeses and sausage also were served. A few days before this, I also whipped up two different cheeseballs. Gluten-free crackers accompanied these appetizers. Salmon pinwheels made with rice tortillas, a big hit, were a new hors d'oeuvre that wes served, this year.
After the feasting, there was a flurry of activity. Time flew by too fast, and soon people began trickling out, family by family.

A very Merry Christmas and Hannukah to you all! --LKR

Monday, December 22, 2008

Recipe--Ham and Cheese Cheeseball


Ham and Cheese Cheeseball

16 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 C Sour Cream
1 T Garlic Salt
1 C Ham--I used Canadian Bacon
1 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese--I also used a little bit of Swiss Cheese
1/4 C Parsley

Beat first three ingredients in bowl 'til smooth. Stir in ham and cheese. Form into balls and roll in parsley. Refrigerate. Serve with crackers--Mary's Gone Crackers and Glutino Gluten-Free Crackers are superb. Enjoy!!!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Sunday's Song--Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

--
Charles Wesley

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sunday's Song--O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Locks of Love

It was reminiscent of the scenario two years ago; Elizabeth waiting patiently as I worked the rat's nest out of her younger sister's hair. This year, it took me 1 1/2 hours to do!

Both girls enjoy growing their hair long to donate to Locks of Love. Today was Elizabeth's third time and Hannah's second.

It's a super cause, and an "acceptable excuse" to allow them to cut their lovely locks even though Hubby and I both love their hair longer.
Elizabeth loves her hair long, too, but also likes to donate her hair to help others.
Since it grows back rather quickly for them (unlike with me!), it's something fun for them to do! :-)
It was really neat--the same two ladies at Fantastic Sam's (located on Mall Drive in Eau Claire) that cut their hair two years ago did it for them, again, and remembered us!!! :-)Thanks, Wendy and Emily! --LKR

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

...The Saga Continues

If this morning was a bit chaotic and on the 'Oops!" side of things, the rest of the day went quite well:

1) Vet gave a thumbs up on kitty's healing injured eye;
2) Van was fixed and looking wonderful thanks to Nelson's Auto Body;
3) Only paid about $22 to fill up the van--hurray!!!;
4) Poochie finally dropped a load in front of me so a sample could be taken to the vet (yes, my second trip there, today!!!);
5) The sun came out and I needed my sunglasses!!! Yesssss!!! :-)
6) Flock of wild turkeys on both sides of the road as I was driving by :-)

Much more good stuff happened that I'll be remembering tonight as I count my blessings one by one! --LKR

A Series of Unfortunate Events...

This morning was difficult, to say the least. A snow storm had come through just to the south of us, and all three cherubs were hopeful for a snow day. My son, who's historically had difficulty getting up on mornings when there is school, was more difficult to drag out of bed than usual.

My hubby had to get to work to teach college early this morning, so I took over with the early morning routine. Tickling and being overly silly helps make things better for my son in the morning, but we unfortunately ran out of time to get out for the bus. Meanwhile, my oldest daughter ran back into the house, and, between breaths, said, "It's not my fault! The bus driver never even saw me!" She had been running alongside the bus!!!

The bus arrives at the corner at 7:00am. It's still dark, and I just can't understand why junior high and high school students who are naturally becoming night owls are subjected to early morning wake up calls.

The snow plow came through our neighborhood at 6:35, this morning. They are busy working on the main roads before this, which is more than understandable. I listened to the radio for school closings, and they were all south of us.

I got my youngest daughter up while my oldest decided her stomach was awake enough for breakfast and made scrambled eggs. My son wouldn't eat. My youngest rarely can eat in the morning because of GERD which my oldest daughter also has. Challenging, but I understand because I had similar problems.

My oldest started the car to warm up, then took Mister Poochie out in the swirling snow. After youngest left on her bus, oldest went to sit in the car, then came flying back into the house. "It's not my fault! Promise you won't get mad at me, okay? I accidentally power locked all the doors in the car..., and my backpack is trapped inside!"

I laughed and made another call to both schools, then called hubby. Unfortunately, our van is being worked on, and this is a loaner car. Hubby fortunately was able to drive over to the auto body shop, get a spare key, and drive the cherubs off to school. I am now leaving for the vets for an eye check-up for our 7 month old kitten who had an eye injury. --LKR

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Sunday's Song

Emmanuel

Together in this place of worship
Your greatness we proclaim
We stand as one in giving You
All glory and acclaim.

To You our hearts are open
To You our hands we raise
Come take the place
Of honor in our lives.

Emmanuel
Our God is with us
Prince of peace
Mighty One
The ever-living God.

See the praises of our Savior
Rise to open skies
With the dawning of redemption
Your glory will arise
For You alone are worthy
Here in Zion You are praised
Our Lord and King
Forever You will reign.

Emmanuel
Our God is with us
Prince of peace
Mighty One
The ever-living God.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Sunday's Song--We Gather Together

We Gather Together
We gather together
to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens
His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing
now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name,
He forgets not His own.
Beside us to guide us,
our God with us joining,
ordaining, maintaining
His kingdom divine;
so from the beginning
the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, wast at our side,
all glory be Thine.
We all do extol Thee,
Thou leader triumphant,
and pray that Thou still
our Defender wilt be.
Let Thy congregation
escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised!
O Lord, make us free!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! What are you thankful for, this year?

I'm thankful for family, friends, our pets including a cuddly new little kitty, health, a detox that's going really well, my dream camera, our beautiful flower gardens..., and an abundance of wildlife that roam our neighborhood. But I'm especially thankful to and for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and all the blessings, care, and love He's bestowed upon us. May His grace, mercy, and love touch your life today! --LKR

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Pass the Pomegranates, Please!

We just love pomegranates! Unfortunately, they're a seasonal fruit and only available to us in the fall. Here is an easy way to access the seeds:
Cutting the very top of the pomegranate reveals the whitish skin separating the seeds into sections.
Slightly cutting into the sections makes it easier.
It's now easy to gently pull each section apart!
The seeds are easily freed with your fingers and a little bit of twisting.
They are wonderful additions to salads, yogurt, or cereal, but we love to eat them all by themselves! Yes, it takes a little work to get to the tasty seeds hidden within, but it's well worth it!

A note of caution is needed, here: Please be careful if you take certain medications. The same drugs which are effected by grapefruit will also be by pomegranates.
--LKR