Some days here on my blog I give you a peek from my porch or a front row seat in my kitchen.  Today, I’m opening up my heart.

My heart as a pastor’s wife is a normal heart; it’s just like yours.  Oh, there may be more people crowded in there, but that’s to be expected.  You see those folks jumped in one by one as they entered the doors of our church.  Some came as a result of coming to Christ.  What a joy! Some came because they moved into the area.  Others came because they were looking for a church that took a stand on the fundamentals on the Word of God.  I’m sure some came because they were unhappy with something that happened in their former church.  No matter, my husband and I opened our hearts and loved each one. They came into the church doors and entered our heart doors all at the same time.

We’ve spent more time with some than others.  There were family hurts that needed biblical counsel.  We cried with them over the trial and difficulties. We rejoiced when things were made right.   There were physical issues, like surgeries and long recuperation that drew us to others’ hospital rooms or homes so that we might pray and encourage with Scripture.  We’ve had sweet fellowship with many – either at church as we worked on projects together, at a restaurant after a service or in our home.  We’ve prayed for revival, for their particular ministry, and their families’ needs.  Our hearts were knit with theirs.  You see, we have a heart, like yours, that loves those that we minister with and for.

A heart for the Church is what the Lord has given me in these 30 some years as a pastor’s wife.  Though I entered this role scared half to death and unsure of what to do, the Lord has taught me…”Just love people.”  Those are the words of encouragement He’s given time and again when I didn’t know what to do for them.  However, there’s a risk in that.  The risk lies in being misunderstood, or of being misjudged.  There’s the risk of those that we love being misled and turning away from the Church and from us as a couple.  Our hearts are at risk, and when folks walk out, it is painful.  Some leave without ever coming and talking to us face to face.  They “hear something” that is spread.  They believe it. They never question it.  They’re gone – like a tumbleweed in a desert dust storm.

How painful that is.  Today that pain led me to the cross (always the best place to take hurts).  I was reminded that ALL forsook the Lord when He went to Calvary.  We haven’t been forsaken by all.  Hardly.  We have a wonderful group of people that are standing beside us, praying and interceding on our behalf.  I am blessed.

This pain runs me to my Savior (always the best person with whom to share hurts).  He understands being misjudged.  He understands words being twisted.  He understands friends forsaking friends.  I am loved.

I nestle up close to Him and He reminds me of His steadfast love with the words of this song:

So, welcome to my heart today, but before you got here the Lord has been here, comforting and encouraging.  I’m okay.  I’m really okay… because I’m remembering His promise, His love!

To each of you, near and far, if you’re a church member, please take special note to give your pastor and his wife the benefit of the doubt that you would want, if someone were talking about you.  Go to your pastor – whoever he is and speak with him before you decide to leave.  We don’t deserve anything, but why not at least share what’s on your heart to make sure it’s accurate?  They are FAR FROM PERFECT, but your pastor and his wife love you.  You entered their hearts when you came.  They’d love the chance to speak with you about whatever is on your heart.

With a bandaged, but healing heart,

Last week I was privileged to attend yet another decorating class at Gracious Designs, a lovely design store in Johnson City.  I’ve attended many other classes, and each one inspires me and teaches me how to make my home inviting and lovely, and also tastefully Southern.

Signs like these are scattered about Gracious Designs Store.

Last Saturday the class was on bringing summer into your home.  It piqued my interest since summer is my favorite season!  Bring summer inside?  How do I do that?  Here were some of their suggestions:

Here are a few touches I’ve added:

Click on picture to enlarge.

I am looking for time to change the drawing on my chalkboard hanging over the fireplace to something summery.  But it’s always a work in progress!

Look around to see what you could you bring in that would add some summery touches.  Perhaps a birdhouse or an iron bench or chair would be the perfect addition to a bedroom or your living room.  Let me know if you find something to add!

Thanks for stopping by for a peek!

With love from my country porch,

Last week in our Apples of Gold class I shared a meatless menu.  The benefit of a menu without meat is, of course, that it’s so cost effective.  It also suits those guests that might be vegetarian.  I am a meat lover, but I really enjoy this menu.  It’s filling and you really don’t know you’re missing anything!

I’ve shared the Black Bean Cakes here before.  Have you tried them?  I was surprised how really good they are.  They’re packed with ingredients that give it great flavor.  If you haven’t tried them yet, you need to get this on your menu!  I added a couple new salads that were a great accompaniment and then we ended the meal with a Southern Living cake – Strawberry lemonade.  Wow!  Is that a keeper!

Our lesson was about Loving Our Children, so I wanted to decorate the tables in a way that would be appropriate for entertaining children.  I set out board games for part of the centerpiece, then added flowers that coordinated with the games.  If you’re having game night at your house, why not use the game to set the stage for the meal?

Ingredients
1 large cucumber
1 tsp coarse sea salt
1 Tbsp light sour cream
1 tsp finely chopped onion
1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp sugar

Directions

Peel your cucumber – or you can leave the peel on if you want – slice cucumber into fairly thin slices. Place into a colander and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Set on something to catch the water that drains off, and set aside.
Mix together sour cream, onion, dill, vinegar, and sugar. Cover and place in fridge.
Let cucumbers drain and dressing chill for at least an hour, up to 2 hours.
Before serving, rinse cucumbers under running water briefly. Pat dry with paper towel.

Toss dressing with cucumbers and serve.

Greek Pasta Salad
2 9oz pkgs cheese ravioli, cooked and drained
2 bunches asparagus, cooked and cut into 1″ pieces
1 cup green onion, chopped
1 yellow squash, finely chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
4 oz. Feta Cheese
4 oz. semi-hard cheese (such as Gruyere), grated
1 small can sliced black olives
6 diced tomatoes
Lemon Dressing

Cook ravioli and drain.  Mix all ingredients together, season with salt and pepper ot taste.  Chill.  Serves 8-10 (or more!)

Strawberry Icing
1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup chopped fresh strawberries
1 drop pink food coloring gel (optional)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation

1. Beat cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth; add strawberries and food coloring (if desired); beat until blended.
2. Beat cream and juice at medium speed until foamy; increase speed to medium-high, and slowly add remaining 1/3 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold half of cream mixture into cheese mixture; fold in remaining cream mixture. Use immediately.

I hope you’ll incorporate one or more of these recipes into your menu this week.  Stop back and tell me how you like them!  I believe all the apples members enjoyed this meal.  It’s perfect for entertaining and the great thing is that so much can be done the day before.  You’ll look like a perfect hostess all calm and collected!  

Thanks for stopping by my country kitchen,

Sometimes it’s just the little things that make my day, like a glass bottle on my bathroom sink.  Yeah, I’m a bit odd like that.  But the truth is, I don’t like lots of “stuff” on the counter in the bathroom. What is on there needs to be pretty.  I dislike bottles of lotions, toothpaste, or makeup out cluttering up the space.  So I’m always trying to think of either clever ways to disguise the containers or good storage ideas.

I like using a mouthwash, but I didn’t want to leave that ugly bottle sitting out, but if it’s not out where I can see it, I forget to use it!!  So, I looked at TJ Maxx for a pretty bottle to pour it into.  I found this one for $4!  I brought it home, washed it out and poured the remainder of the mouthwash into it.  Now it’ll look pretty and be in plain view so I won’t forget to rinse after brushing!

I know this isn’t genius, but like I said, sometimes it’s just the little things that make you smile.  If your bathroom counter is cluttered up, why not look for pretty ways to display the necessary creams and liquids.  You might want to label the bottles if you have more than one.  You don’t want to rinse your mouth with rubbing alcohol.  =)  That could turn a smiling day into a puckering one!

Stay refreshed,