Yesterday I stepped outside my door to do a simple task – fetch the mail from the mailbox at the end of our long driveway.  My ears caught hold of a wonderful sound – nothingness!  No cars.  No trucks.  No people.  Nothing.  All was quiet.  The only sound was the crow of a rooster in the distance, and the wind blowing through the yard.  It was delightful.  It was like a beautiful melody singing in my heart.  Why?  Because for so long whenever I stepped outside my door the very opposite was true – there were cars, trucks, people, sirens, motorcycles…noise.

As I walked back inside, mail in tow, I thought about the gift of the quiet and why I appreciated it so much.  The folks that have lived out in this area all their lives are used to it, but for me, it’s a new pleasure that is such a delight, that I can’t even describe what my heart feels when I experience it each day!  After being used to noise, the quiet is a gift.

The Lord whispered in my heart then, a sweet truth that I pondered on the rest of the afternoon.  You and I will not appreciate the peace until you’ve gone through the storm.  We would become so complacent and dependent on ourselves if He didn’t allow the thunder of trials to reach our ears, or the splash of the rough waves to spill into our boat.  The disciples  on the Sea of Galilee appreciated the peace that Jesus brought because they’d experienced the rage of the waters.

If you’re going through a storm right now and are hearing the roar of the waves, know that there will be a day in the future when the sea is calm, and you will bask in the sunshine and relishing its quiet because you have learned that times of peace are a gift from God.  While you’re in the midst of it, remember Jesus’ words to the frightened disciples – “It is I, be not afraid.”  He is near.  Then also remember – Storms don’t last forever.

With love,

A great homemade soup that is simple and fast to whip together makes for a great lunch!  Last Saturday I made a broccoli soup recipe that I’ve had for a long time and every time I make it my husband comments over and over about how good it is.  He’s right!  The recipe, “The Best Broccoli Soup” lives up to its name. 

The Best Broccoli Soup
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
6 Tbl. butter
6 Tbl. flour
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 tbl minced fresh parsley
1 tsp onion salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups chopped fresh broccoli

In a soup kettle, melt butter and saute vegetables until tender.  Add flour.  Gradually add the broth and milk, stirring constantly.  Bring to a simmer.  After it has thickened, add fresh broccoli and let simmer.  Cook until broccoli is tender (about 6-8 minutes).

What’s prettier than a Coconut Cream Pie?! One that doesn’t weep or creep!

I made a Coconut Cream Pie for our church dinner on Sunday.  As I was making the meringue, I thought about the recipe my sweet Grandma gave me for Weepless Meringue.  Do you ever find the meringue on your pie either weeping and/or shrinking away from the crust?  That is so disheartening after you’ve worked so hard!  There is a trick to keeping that luscious white topping from disappointing you!    Lean in and I’ll tell you my Grandma Ray’s secret!

For a 4 egg meringue, Add 1/3 cup water to 1 tablespoon cornstarch.  Cook and stir over heat on stove until it begins to thicken.  At that point, set it aside and let it cool.

Water and corn starch will look like…glue.  =)

 Beat egg whites for meringue (2 tbl sugar per egg) to soft peaks.  Add cornstarch mixture, one tablespoon at a time until stiff peaks form…

In case you need the recipe for the filling, this is my favorite!

Coconut Cream Pie
3/4 Cup sugar
3 Tbl. corn starch
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups milk
3 egg yolks – reserve whites for meringue
2 tbl butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup coconut
Baked pie shell

Mix sugar and corn starch and salt in a medium saucepan.  Add milk, stirring with whisk.  Cook over medium heat until bubbly, stirring constantly.  Cook 2 minutes after getting bubbly – keep stirring!  Crack the eggs in a small bowl.  Add about half of the hot milk liquid to the egg yolks and whisk.  Slowly add the eggs/milk mixture back into the pan and cook until thickened about 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Add butter, vanilla and coconut.  Pour into cooled pie shell.  Top with meringue.

Meringue
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon Corn starch
Combine and cook on heat stirring until thickened.  Let cool.

3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
6 tablespoons sugar
Beat egg whites in mixer until foamy.  Turn to high speed and beat, adding 1 tbl of sugar at a time until soft peaks form.
Add the cornstarch mixture, one tablespoon at a time beating until stiff peaks form.

Spread meringue over filling. Add a couple tablespoons coconut on top, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

So, there you go, friends.  A great main dish and a fantastic dessert!  What was cooking in your kitchen this week?

With love from my country kitchen,

We all need a break – even if it’s a couple hours away while a babysitter stays with your children, or you go with your spouse to get a cup of coffee and just talk with no interruptions.  A time away will do you a world of good!

But perhaps you have the opportunity to plan a weekend away to be encouraged, such as the one our church ladies are planning next month.  You just can’t beat a great Ladies’ Retreat for the best kind of refreshment!  The Wilds spring Ladies’ Retreat is just around the corner!  Our church is attending the April 11, 12 date.  I have made my reservation on-line.  It’s a cinch to do.  Thanks, TW!  Love that feature!

If you’re in the area, can I beg ask you to join us?  I’d love to see at least 20 from our church attend this year!  If you’re a “Boones Creeker,” go on-line and look for The Boones Creek Bible Church group.  Register for the Fremont Inn.  You can ask for a particular roommate, too.  You’ll need to pay $25 registration fee, and then the balance will be due when we check in.  Please join us!

Our itinerary:

10:00 a.m.     Leave Boones Creek Bible Church
                      Head to Weaverville, NC to Well-Bred Bakery (Coffee and muffins, scones, etc. stop)
12:00 – 2:00  Asheville Mall – or wherever to shop
2:00 – 3:30    Brevard
3:30               Head to camp to register and get settled in.
7:00               Retreat begins with supper
Saturday:
Head home after supper.  Arrive back in Johnson City around 9 p.m.

Please encourage your friends to join us!  I know this will be a great time away.  Come and

be refreshed,

Failed to snap a picture with the drawers still inside!

I’ve been looking for a neat stencil to put on the plain drawers and couldn’t find anything I loved…until last week!  I was at Target and was scouring through the end of the aisle sales when I found a vinyl lettering marked down to under $4!!!!!!!!!!  It was a perfect size and I felt sure it would look great on my dresser.  It took me less than 30 minutes to get it aligned and in place on the drawer.  Here is the result:

I have a couple of glass knobs for the top drawers, but my father-in-law, who built the dresser (impressive, huh?) screwed and glued the wooden ones in place and they’re not budging!  Maybe one day I’ll get them off!  Anyway, I love the transformation.  Just goes to show you that  for a very little bit of money and some loving touches, you can create something you really love!

Thanks for taking a peek from my porch into my dresser makeover!  What piece of furniture are you thinking about redoing?

From my country porch,