Life is busy, isn’t it?  But in between the busyness is the need for food!  That doesn’t mean you need to go out.  A meal at home is so inviting, and many times more tasty, and more conducive to good fellowship!  Thinking, planning, and preparing ahead of time is the answer! 

The meal I had yesterday came after a busy retreat weekend at our church, but I’m so glad I didn’t wimp out and not have guests in my home, or I would have missed out on the blessing!

The week before, I made an apple pie and froze it, unbaked.  I also made a Frozen Waldorf Salad and made homemade rolls to put in the freezer.  Almost half of the meal was done early in the week and tucked safely into the deep freeze!  What a relief food in the freezer is at the end of a busy day or week!

Rosemary Pork Roast

Frozen Waldorf Salad

1 20 oz. Can crushed pineapple
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup celery
2 medium red apples, chopped
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Drain pineapple, reserve the juice.  Place juice in a saucepan with sugar, eggs and salt.  Cook stirring constantly over medium low heat until slightly thickened.  Remove from the heat, cool.  Stir in pineapple, celery, apples and pecans.  Fold in whipped cream.  Pour into a 9 inch square pan.  Cover and freeze until firm.  Let stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cutting.

I failed to get a picture of our dessert of Apple Pie, but let me just tell you what I did.  I placed a piece of pie on the plate and a scoop of Pralines and cream Ice cream, then drizzled my homemade warm caramel sauce over all.  It takes apple pie to another level!  =)

Did you cook yesterday?  What did you serve?

The winners of my 1,000th post give away were:

Lynne Siglin and Debbie Duncan.  I have sent an email to both ladies.  Congratulations!

From my parsonage kitchen,

When was the last time you got out and had fellowship with a friend?  Women tend to be so busy with life that they seldom make time for fellowship that will encourage and strengthen them as a Christian woman.  We need each other. 

I love what Paul says in Philippians 3:17, 18 – Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.  This is a warning not to fellowship with the wrong people, as well as an encouragement to fellowship with the right people!  Paul is saying, “Walk with people like me and steer clear of someone who will take you down the wrong path!”  This is a reminder to me that we need the influence of strong believers in our lives. 

What a blessing it is to get together with another Christian woman, who loves God, loves His Word, and loves doing the things that will honor the Lord!  Can I encourage you to schedule time to get with a godly friend in the next week?  Share a cup of coffee and talk about what you’re reading in the Word. Share your burdens with one another.  Pray together.  It will refresh your heart and hers!

Tonight begins our ladies’ retreat at Boones Creek Bible Church!  I am so excited!  If you’re in the area, please join us.  If you click on the link to our church, you will find the details.

See you then!

Be refreshed,

1. Go to the Facebook Page and “like” this page (if you haven’t already). Then…
2. Click here to go to the giveaway page.  It will take you to a form where you will leave your name and email address.

Yesterday being 9-11 brings many memories of the terror of 2001, but 9-11 is a very special day for me.  Not only is it my birthday, it is also my spiritual birthday.  I know I’ve shared that before, but I’m not over it, and pray I never will be!  I have to stop and thank the Lord for giving me physical life on that day, but best of all, He gave me spiritual life that day in my Sunday school class.  There’s no better birthday present than that!

I have so much to be thankful for; my family and friends who were so gracious to remember me with texts, Facebook greetings, cards, and calls is a blessing.  A husband who goes out of his way, spite his physical limitations right now, to make my day special is a blessing beyond compare. 

Yesterday morning I had gotten up and finished making cinnamon rolls that I’d let rise overnight, so yes, there were hot rolls for him to use for my breakfast.  However, he went to the sweet trouble of plating it on our “birthday plate,” dished up fruit, yogurt and granola, and poured a fresh cup of coffee into the our “birthday mug.”  Then he put a tablecloth on the patio table and served my breakfast out there.  What a lovely way to start the day!

One o’clock brought an appointment he’d made for me to have my nails done at the lovely Austin Springs Spa at the Carnegie Hotel downtown, Johnson City.  Suppertime found us seated outside at Carrabba’s where we shared an entree’ of the best fish I think I’ve ever eaten!  From beginning to end, it was a great day!  Though he couldn’t get out and drive, he found a way to be thoughtful on my birthday.  I am blessed!

What could you do for someone in your home today?

From the parsonage windows,

While I did do some cooking, the parsonage kitchen has had several “carry-in” dishes this past week. As I’ve reflected on the huge blessing these meals were to me, I thought it might be an encouragement to my readers to hear some of the loving gestures that have been such a help to us.   Let me give you a peek into the blessings that others have brought to our kitchen.

• At the beginning of this I thought we’d have no trouble with having meals at home.  My husband was the one having surgery – not me!  Why would we need a meal prepared for us?  Ha!  I found out the first day that finding the time to plan, prepare and serve a meal was nearly impossible.  The parson’s needs were so pressing.  The phone was busy with calls and texts.  There was getting him settled and resting.  Then the run to the pharmacy.  Days were also busy because I was adding the things he normally does – things around the house and outside in the yard as well, plus little ministry tasks that needed attention.  So, a meal coming in already prepared was a wonderful blessing to him, but also to me!
• When someone called and said, “I’m fixing ___________ for your meal.  Would that be okay?”  It took the pressure off of me to tell them what to prepare.  
• Someone called and said, “I am bringing you a lunch meal.”  That chicken salad was not only super delicious, it was a huge help in the middle of the day.  There was enough for several lunches!  Another blessing!
• One friend brought an extra chicken pot pie for another day!  I have it tucked in my freezer ready for this week.  How thoughtful!

• Muffins were great for a snack and breakfast.

• Someone brought a one layer square cake that was a blessing to have when we received company from out of town.  We got to be hospitable, due to their thoughtfulness. 

I have learned many things already in this trial, but this one is so practical.  Do something.  Don’t just think about it, wonder or ask “what you can do.”  Think of something and do it.   I’m praying I know better how to be a blessing when others are ill.  I know firsthand how much it means to be thought of, but also the tremendous need there is especially in regards to food – it’s kind of an important element of each day!  Providing a meal is even helping in the healing process…bodies are healed, and so are spirits!

How have others blessed you with food when you were ill?  How about sharing with us by leaving a comment here or on the Facebook page?

Hugs to each of you for the blessing you have been in the parsonage kitchen!