Big Whoop?

 

Why yes... that is a new whoopie pie that was made just for today's celebration. 

I recently discovered not just one, but TWO cookbooks about making Whoopie Pies.  Who would have thought there'd be even one such thing let alone two.  But two there were and I checked both of them out of the library in search of expanding my abilities in whoopie pie baking/making.
These were actually J's idea and she diligently helped with the filling process.  They were fun to make and everyone seemed to enjoy them at the Independence Day cookout this afternoon.

They are a 'from scratch' recipe chocolate cake with buttercream frosting filling and I think they are better than the other ones I make.  Looking forward to trying out some other recipes from the books.  Now to find some willing taste testers... I'm sure my kids & Steve will be happy to oblige... and there may even be a few willing mouths at church as well. :-)

May God bless America!  May we never forget why our country was formed and all those who have fought & died to grant us our many freedoms.  And may we never take for granted any blessings we enjoy.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~2 Chronicles 7:14

Odd Cat

Crazy random photos -

After seeing me post this photo on Facebook, one of Steve's running friends told him "That is one odd little cat you have." Yes - she is sitting in a trashcan in the bathroom.  We don't know why.

Yes - those are Steve's ratty old work shorts and that is the odd orange kitten peeking out.  Seems it was a comfy spot.

Saffron is just the newest addition to the pet-insanity that we live with here... and we love her.  She is lots of fun even if she doesn't really know her name and seems to think we all exist simply to feed her and provide a lap to sleep on when she needs one.

A precious child from Tanzania anyone?

Follow the bloggers on the TRIP... read the words... see the photos... feel deeply. 

 Photo credit Keely Scott for Compassion International

Then pray about how God may want you to sponsor a precious little one in Tanzania (or elsewhere in the world) and change lives... because Jesus said we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.  And Tanzania is almost your neighborhood... right?  Just like that Samaritan in Jesus' parable... be a neighbor and love.


 Blessings on the journey~

Some reading

So... I've been doing some reading... not a news flash to anyone who knows me.  I read a lot ~ not as much as some but way more than many.
In the past few weeks I've been reading these:

Which I mentioned here and can be purchased here.

bought from here

bought from here

J has also read the last two (Interrupted & 7) and has loved them to the point of not really wanting me to loan them out because she wants to re-read them.

The focus of all of these is living and loving like Jesus did and as He commanded - up close and personal with "the least of these".  It is about living our faith (see the book of James) and walking the walk that matches the talk.  Not the typical American version of Christianity in most places and not an easy thing for most of us living the average American life.  I have been so impacted that it is hard to sort out at the moment and find my family on a journey to really figure out what Jesus is calling us to do/change/be.
This also follows with the book Radical that I read last year. 

We have begun a family study of the book of James - yep, we're our own 'small group'.  I'm anxious to see how God is going to use this time together in Scripture, the books, much prayer, and some willing hands & feet.
The journey may not be swift or comfortable, but following Jesus is absolutely worth it and I know that we will all be different moving forward.  Jesus loves us far too much to leave us as He found us.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 says: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

That sounds like a promise to me... and I am seeking with all my heart.

Blessings on the journey~

Spring Oddity

J took this photo of a flower growing in our neighbor's garden.  Isn't it the most amazing thing?

Rare & Elusive

A photo of all of us together - even Piper with her favorite red ball.

Blogging Fail

   I had intended to blog through the study I'm doing of Ann's book with an amazing group of ladies on Monday mornings... but I am failing. 
   Not because I've quit the study or anything - just that I'm finding it tremendously difficult to make the time to type all the notes out and honestly - some of the reader's guide questions are hard to answer - and harder to share on the interwebs  (yes - I know that isn't a 'real' term).
   I believe that Ann's book, One Thousand Gifts, is amazing.   I did find (via a helpful friend) that it has been critically reviewed by some (just Google critique of "book title").  We discussed the critique at some length one week in our group.  Our general determination was along the lines that this - as any book- must be viewed through the lens of God's word and we must be discerning and cautious.  Only God's Word is our ultimate authority for living our lives and we must be certain to always go back to scripture to verify truth and be diligent in guarding our minds (and hearts) against any type of false teaching.
   Our group has fluctuated in size from week to week - that is the life of moms w/ children.  Some weeks all things are good and we can all be together and other weeks - life happens.  I'm learning so many new things each time we are together and then in my obsessive processing of all my insecurities and failings after each gathering.  God is so very gracious to me.  In all things.  I am very aware that I am not at all capable here and it is just grace that He is allowing me this opportunity with this group of special women.