Do you see that cherry filling oozing out of the side of the crust?  Oh. my. goodness.  This was the best stuff! Then when I looked up the recipe, I was blown away!  Only 5 ingredients that you literally “dump” into the baking dish – you don’t even have to stir it!  It doesn’t get any easier, friends!  But don’t let the simplicity fool you – this is a deadly dessert.  I didn’t add ice cream, but a scoop of vanilla on top of this would be heaven!

What a great idea to keep these ingredients on hand for a simple “go-to” dessert!  Do you have a recipe that you rely on?  What is it?

From my parsonage kitchen,

We are having winter weather in East Tennessee!  The snow started falling yesterday afternoon in heavy, wet flakes leaving us with about four inches of lovely white all over the yard and trees.  Whether or not you’re having snow and winter weather, it is winter here in the U.S.  Winter is the time to be indoors more due to the sometimes cold temperatures – and the fewer hours of daylight.

Hmmm, inside more.  It’s days like these that bring out my domestic side.  I want to bake, iron, and sew.  I enjoy thumbing through magazines or looking on Pinterest and coming up with new furniture arrangements.  I enjoy my crafting times when the sunny weather is hidden for a few months.

Why don’t you tend to some of the domestic chores at your house today – snowed in or not?  Sew on those missing buttons or hem that pair of jeans you bought months ago. (Here’s a neat tutorial on a great method to get that job done!)  Iron your linen napkins and use them at supper tonight.  Bake a new brownie recipe maybe these or a yummy cookie – perhaps this one.  Make a breakfast dish tonight to serve on Saturday morning after your clan has slept in. This Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast would be a great one to try!

Freshen up your Friday by pulling out all the domestic stops!  What domestic chores do you love?  Which are the ones you put off doing? Try doing it while listening to some good music, a book on tape or while watching a favorite movie!  The time will pass quickly and you’ll be amazed at what you have accomplished!

Be refreshed,

1. Abigail acted immediately.  
2. Abigail took a gift.
3. She chose the best time to speak with Nabal.  
4. Abigail spoke words of respect – “my lord.” 
5. Abigail humbled herself and took the blame for Nabal’s foolish actions, though she was clearly not at fault. 
6. Abigail reminded David of God’s character and care for him – she knew God’s Word. 
7. Abigail didn’t attack David. 

1. Don’t shove trouble under the rug hoping it will get better tomorrow – it must be dealt with.
2. Be generous. Give a gift in love to pacify anger. Proverbs 21:4
3. Use the HALT principle. If you or your husband are hungry, angry, lonely or tired, wait a while to speak.
4. Words said in respect will gain you your husband’s ear AND his heart.
5. Humble yourself and be willing to shoulder the blame. (Ouch, this one is hard!)
6. Be in the Word and fill your heart with it! Speak God’s Words to your husband and bring in Truth.
7. Attack the problem, not the person.

Do these principles make sense to you?  How do you think it would change a stressful situation?

One place I’m constantly changing is the shelf in my kitchen.  It’s my “mantle” if you will.  Here it is dressed patriotically.  Here is was ready for spring. 

What do you do when things are stressful at home? On Thursday’s post I’m going to share Five Ways to Protect Your Marriage in Difficulty. I hope it will encourage you!

With love,