Thursday, September 30, 2010

* DURING World War 2 ..

"DURING World War 2, my missionary husband and I were working in French territory in West Africa. Walter carried a British passport and was detained under house arrest. An American, I was to leave the country - alone.

One night as I prayed, I sensed that the Lord would enable both Walter and me to leave via the Gold Coast. I was so happy that as I packed my suitcase, I begged Walter to pack his. He refused, knowing that he would be arrested for trying to leave. He was, however, permitted to accompany the children and me to the border.

As we traveled to the border town by truck, it began to rain. I held the baby in the cab, but the others were in the back of the truck with no covering but a tarpaulin.

Cold and wet, we spent that night in an inn. Worse than the physical discomfort was the ache in my heart. I had not received permission for Walter to leave with us, and I felt my Lord had let me down. The following morning the children and I got into a small boat and were taken into English territory.

A short time later, I was taken to a hospital. One night I felt sure I was dying, and I cried out to God. His message to me was, "Have faith in God." The next day, the children rushed into my room saying, "Daddy is coming tomorrow!" I was so weak I began to cry, and my son, David, said "I thought you would be happy, but here you are crying!"

The Lord had enabled Walter to escape and to join me and the children. Eventually we were able to come back to America via the Gold Coast, just as the Lord had promised me." FLORENCE ARNOLD

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered (*MARK 11:22).

* "CARPE DIEM" / "Seize the Day" .. !! *

"Seize the Day" - today is the first day of the rest of my life !!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

* STEP BY STEP .. 'Poaching' / "POACHED" Eggs !!

1. MAKE a whirlpool in a pan of boiling water using a wooden spoon. Putting the Eggs into the whirlpool will help keep the Whites in a neat shape.

2. Break Egg into a small bowl or cup and gently slide it into the whirlpool. CONTINUE step with the remaining Eggs. RETURN the Water to the boil.

3. USE a slotted spoon to carefully remove the Eggs (then drain them on absorbent paper. At this stage, you may trim the whites if they look ragged).

'Wonderful' POACHED EGGS !

FRESH Eggs (*preferably FREE RANGE or BARN LAID) are key to wonderful poaching.
MOST Eggs will have a best-before date, BUT, if in doubt, place the Egg in a bowl of cold Water.
A FRESH Egg will lie on the bottom, WHILE a stale Egg will float! MOST Poached-eggs come out of the Pan with ragged-edges. Once drained, place them on a Cutting-board and quickly trim the edges of the whites with a small, sharp knife (for better presentation, if desired) - that's what chefs do!!

* SERVE Eggs on Wholemeal toasted Bread. A mild-flavoured Hollandaise sauce goes well with Poached-eggs, Asparagus and Fish, also. * BON APETIT

* INSTEAD ?? !!

* INSTEAD of using a metal ring, fry an Egg in a thickly cut circle of Capsicum.
Looks AND tastes great - AND saves on washing-up!

* SPRINKLE a few drops of Lemon Oil onto your Cobweb Broom BEFORE cleaning away the webs. *Spiders hate Lemon Oil AND won't return to THAT spot!

* TO remove a splinter from a young child, PUT a little of teething-gel ON the area to numb and soften the skin. No more tears!

* TAPE a plastic-bag to the front of your Sewing-table to catch all the snipped threads AND trimmed edges while using your machine. Beats picking them up from the floor!

* "IN a JAM" ? !!

Q. WHAT Vegetable goes well with jacket Potatoes?

A. Button Mushrooms !

Q. WHY are Giraffes good friends to have?

A. Because they stick their Neck out for you !

Q. HOW do you make a Potato puff?

A. Chase it around the garden!

Q. WHAT Jam can't you eat?

A. A Traffic jam.

* "THAT fiery FURNACE" .. JOY in HIS presence ...

"BECAUSE of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning" (LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23).

"WHILE visiting a glass factory in Monterrey, Mexico, I watched with great interest as the skillful artist worked. WITH long tongs he first held a piece of glass in a furnace until it began to melt. REMOVING it, he went quickly to work. WITH simple tools and with lightning speed, he created a beautiful blown-glass ornament. THE finished product became a reality only after the glass was subjected to the intense heat of the furnace.

EVEN though we experience the heat of many trials, God is there to shape us in His beauty that we may be useful objects for His glory. THAT fiery furnace may be the loss of a loved one, a disaster resulting in loss of possessions, a financial crisis or the deep sadness of knowing a family member is unsaved. OUR journey here may sometimes be lonely; there may be bitter tears of disappointment and pain, yet it is in the crucible of lfe's testings that we are reminded of the love of our Heavenly Father.

WHAT a comfort it is to know that His mercies are new every morning and that there is real joy in His presence". KATE ESPARZA

* COOKING with...OLIVES (EASY Olive TAPANADE) !!

3 Cups pitted Kalamata Olives, drained, rinsed.
1/3 Cup chopped fresh flat-leaf Parsley Leaves.
1 Garlic-clove, chopped.
1 Anchovy Fillet.
1 Tablespoon drained Capers.
2 Tablespoons Olive oil.

PLACE Olives, Parsley, Garlic, Anchovy and Capers in a processor and run until finely chopped.
WITH the motor still running, add oil in a thin, steady stream until Tapenade is smooth.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

* "Hullo"!!

Have been "zonked" today but got out of bed because I needed to write something else.

P.S: * If you need encouragement to email - would be delighted to hear from you!

"Thanks very much" for reading this blog.
Cheers, Kim.

Monday, September 27, 2010

* "STANDING ON THE PROMISES" .. !! *

1. STANDING ON THE promises of Christ my King, Thru eternal ages let His praises ring; Glory in the highest I will shout AND sing, STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD.
Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior; Standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God.

2. STANDING ON THE promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior; Standing, standing, I'm standing of the promises of God.

3. STANDING ON THE promises of Christ the Lord, Bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord, Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword, Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior; Standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God.

4. STANDING ON THE promises I cannot fall, List'ning every moment to the Spirit's call, Resting in my Savior as my all in all, Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior; Standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God.
R. KELSO CARTER , 1849-1928

"WILDERNESS of your Intuition ? ..".

The Actor/Author, Alan Alda reveals what life has taught him (so far !):

Be brave enought to live creatively! The creative is the place where no-one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can't get there by bus, .. . What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself. Challenge your assumptions. [They] are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.

*** " WHY is IT so ??? " .... !!! ***

'Blood Crimson to Orange blown leaves, pant without voice' .... . (k.w.)
***arrange the adjustments to finalise this Poem that will belong to you! Cheers.k.

* FROZEN Yoghurt with BERRY sauce !!

SERVES 4

1 package (10 ounces) frozen STRAWBERRIES, thawed
1/2 teaspoon pure Vanilla extract
1 Pint low-fat Vanilla frozen YOGHURT

PLACE the Strawberries AND Vanilla extract in a food processor. Puree UNTIL smooth!
SPOON the Yoghurt into individual dishes and drizzle the Strawberry Sauce over the top. Serve immediately.

STRAIGHT FORWARD !!!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

* HEALTHY treat . . . Grape ICYPOLES !!

GRAPES are tasty straight from the bunch - and make an important contribution to a sweet Dessert.

THE following healthy iced treat Recipe is from the AUSTRALIAN Table Grape Association:

* GRAPE ICYPOLES !

Ingredients:
250g. Red AND/OR Green Grapes (cut in half)
2 Cups unsweetened Apple juice

Method:
PLACE cut Grapes into four (4) ice-block moulds.

POUR the Apple juice into the moulds AND clasp the tops in place. Freeze overnight.

SIMPLE !!!

** Have you THOUGHT about this ?? **

GOD does what's right AND He cares more for me than Himself ! ! !

* THE complete doctrine of the Bible proves it.

* OUTLASTING time ?!

"SET your heart on the things that outlast time". "Let heaven fill your thoughts..." (v. 2).

* Colossians 3: 1-17

Rest in God. Take heart ! ( * You'll be disappointed, if you "look to man".)

*** Forgive yourself ! ! ***

"...I also forgive..." (v. 10: New International Version).

* ACCEPT God's forgiveness, and forgive yourself.

THERE must be literally millions of Christians who have never learned THIS precious secret of inner peace and poise: God has forgiven you - so, forgive yourself.

2 Corinthians 2: 1-11.

SELWYN HUGHES

* ASSURANCE ... * "Read it FOR yourself" ... * 1 John 5: 1-15.

"I have written this to you ... that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5: 13).

"IF we believe God's Word, then we will never doubt the reality of our Salvation". SELWYN HUGHES

"Read it for yourself!"
The story is told of a young Christian who, having accepted Christ, went home that night and before going to sleep, read these words in his Bible:
"He who has the Son has life."
"Thank you, he said, "I know I am saved because the Bible says so." In the night, the adversary came to him and said, "You are not saved. It's all a myth." Switching on the light, he opened his Bible at the verse he had read before, then putting his finger on the verse, said to the foe/devil "There it is - read it for yourself!"

*Prayer:
Lord, how foolish I have been to listen to the/my adversary's doubts. I see so clearly how THIS has caused me to lack the assurance You want me to have. NOW I rest on Your Word and believe Your eternal truth. I am Yours, dear Lord, and You are mine, for time and through eternity. Amen.

P.S: WHAT do you believe??

Thursday, September 23, 2010

*** ~ " I WASN'T A CHRISTIAN and THOUGHT I was DOING just FINE !!! " ~ ***

I'm so tired at this moment, but, my fingers remain tapping. I only hope it's worthwhile. Only God knows !

Becoming born-again in Jesus is TRUE Christianity with the absolute promise of ETERNAL LIFE with Him. ETERNITY is a LONG time. WHERE do you want to share your eternal destiny (THERE is such a one) ? In Heaven or Hell. We are each an individual soul. WE have to make the choice. It's a reality ! It says that in the Bible !

Have we become too complacent to the importance of guidelines that are in OUR best interest? I honestly think so. WHAT do you believe?? WILL you try to rightly change your mind WHEN it has become too late for you to do so (we are required to make the decision while we are living now on this Earth - NOT given the chance afterwards because as Jesus says we would have chosen to go with Him while we were currently here on this Earth if we were wanting to be with Him at all) ! He gives us enough chances/His grace to choose in ENOUGH time.

DIDN'T realise I was going to talk about the issue to THIS extent either yesterday, an hour ago or even at all. *Sincerely ask Jesus to come into your heart. YOU would have an earnest yearning to do just that if it's going to happen !

A true CHRISTIAN is/has become born-again in Him/Jesus God after making that accepting choice. It's that simple. IS there a problem with that practicality ?? It's your future your'e "gambling" with. It will be the most important decision you will ever make ! !

*I PERSONALLY wouldn't have survived this far if it hadn't have been for His patient encouragement along the way of my life's journey. I doubt very much whether I'd truthfully be here NOW at all (maybe there are a few people who have been reading this blog THAT 'wish' I wasn't) !!

LIFE is hard ENOUGH without allowing it to become more hard. Even harder. I often wonder now, how non-Christians cope. I wasn't a Christian once myself and thought I was doing just fine!

* THROUGH the Storms !!

"SO, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you (*ISAIAH 41:10)."
"WHAT a beautiful sunny morning! It was one of those rare days in early June. But by early afternoon the clouds began to come up very fast. The sky grew darker and darker, so black that only the streaks of sharp lightning gave any light. IT was the most furious storm I had ever witnessed. The wind and rain beat against the house, and thunder rumbled until the earth shuddered.

A small, tearful voice called, "Mommy, are you afraid?" I held my child tightly in my arms, not wanting to admit that I was afraid. "Can we pray?" asked the small, trembling voice. SHE prayed a few simple words, telling Jesus that we were afraid and asking Him to take care of us. THEN, in a trusting voice, she said, "Now I can take my nap. Jesus will take care of us."

WHEN the storms of life OVERWHELM us, WHEN death robs us of the one we hold dear, WHEN loneliness sweeps in, WHEN we feel friendless, WHEN pain envelops us, WHEN our faith is faltering and we are fearful, how do we react? DO we cry out, "WHY has God permitted THIS affliction and pain? WHY has He taken my loved one? I DO not understand why my plans have been overturned."

HAS the sweetness vanished from life? ARE you troubled AND afraid? God longs to heal OUR hurts AND give Victory over our fears, but He waits for us to cry-out to Him. He responds to our MOST desperate needs as we TRUST Him during the storms of LIFE." MILDRED SCHLEH

* WORK with enthusiasm ??

"JESUS said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working"
(v. 17: New International Version).

*JOHN 5: 1-19.

PRAYER: Lord, You know how easy it is for me to take the lazy way out of things, but help me to remember Your own example, both this day and every day. Amen.

* A 'New' LIFE !

"WHEN someone becomes a 'Christian' he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:18, TLB)

* Find out how to become a true-Christian by reading this blog Archive/see associated post of 27/11/2010.
(Cheers.k.)

FAITHFULLY !!

"...give your bodies to God, Let them be a living sacrifice, holy - the kind he can accept..." (v. 1)
* Romans 12: 1-8.

PRAYER: Thank You, Father, for showing me the need to discipline myself. HOW glad I am that I do not have to rely on my will-power alone, but as I surrender fully to You, all your power sweeps into my being, helping me to become the kind of person You want me to be. Amen.

*Study/Matt. 25:1-13; Prov. 18:9, 6: 6 -7; Heb. 6:12

1. Why did the maidens miss the wedding?
2. WHAT picture does the Bible give us of diligence?

* PREPARE 'NATURALLY-sweet' ? BROAD BEANS ? ! ...

PREPARE by podding and cooking in Boiling salted Water for two (2) minutes. DRAIN and refresh, then, squeeze ("cuddle") Pods out of the outer thick skin.

* ENJOY a delicious difference ! !


(P.S: Broadbeans prepared in that way can be used in Stir-fries and many other Vegetable Dishes.)

* TOP tip ! !

YOU can make many quick and easy Stir-fries using the vegetables ("vegies") in your fridge and sauces from your Pantry. MAKE sure you have everything prepared and ready to go before you start to cook. ADD Ingredients in order of cooking-time - harder 'vegies' first then softer ones followed by sauces. * REMEMBER: Vegetables in Stir-fries, should be tender-crisp, SO, don't overcook!!

* BEST way to PREPARING Strawberries for EATING and USE in Recipes' !

DON'T wash Strawberries until you are ready to use or eat them. REMOVE from fridge 1 hour before eating, then wash with hulls intact (*THESE help keep the water from breaking-down the texture and flavour INSIDE the Strawberries). REMOVE hulls and slice as required!!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

* BUTTERMILK 'Fruit' Sherbert !

Serves: 4

2 cups frozen unsweetened Blueberries
1/2 cup non-fat BUTTERMILK (* look for the substitute non-fat BUTTERMILK recipe (made with drops of Lemon juice) on this blog, if ACTUAL Buttermilk is unavailable)
2 or 3 drops of Honey (optional)

In a food-processor, combine the frozen berries with 1/4 cup of the Buttermilk. Process until the berries are coarsely chopped. COVER and process, adding the remaining 1/4 cup Buttermilk a little at a time through the cover-opening. UNCOVER and redistribute the berries. COVER and process again until mixture is smooth and has the texture of frozen custard or soft-serve ice cream. * DON'T overprocess! IF desired, sweeten to taste with a few drops of Honey. SERVE immediately !!!

* RASPBERRY Chicken !!

Serves: 4

4 chicken leg quarters, skinned
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup seedless red Raspberry jam
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

PREHEAT the oven to 375deg.F. SPRAY a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray (*preferably Olive oil). PLACE the chicken leg quarters in the baking dish and sprinkle with salt (* preferably ground Sea-salt) and pepper. BAKE for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

IN a small saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients; mix well. COOK over low heat for about 1 minute, until the sauce is smooth, stirring occasionally. REMOVE the chicken from the baking dish and place on a serving platter. TOP with the sauce and serve.

P.S: HAVE heard that processed-fine white salt has 3 minerals but, unprocessed Sea-salt contains 70 minerals. Interesting.

** LESS STRESS !! **

"STRESS less" !

"STRESS less" !

"STRESS less" !

"STRESS less" !

"STRESS less" !

* Reinforce those self-affirming words EVERYDAY by telling them to yourself !


** (P.S. PRACTICING competently works.)

*** Essential advice: " Practice MAKES Permanent !! "

* DEFEATING Discouragement !

DISCOURAGEMENT is THE major TOOL the ADVERSARY/enemy/foe USES for DEFEATING ! ! !

'CRUISING' with the .. LORD !

"You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory" (PSALM 73:24).

"Recently, while driving down the interstate, instead of putting the "pedal to the metal," I sat back, enjoyed the scenery and let our cruisematic do all the work. I had never realized just how easy it is to be an inconsistent driver, but the cruisematic has taught me some lessons.

WITH the cruisematic in control, there is no slowing down when going up a hill or rounding a curve; no speeding up when passing another vehicle, no slowing down when passing a radar detector! You no longer slow down when talking or speed up when singing, or whatever else you do when you drive. All you have to do when the cruisematic is functioning is steer.

I thought about the cruisematic in relation to the Christian life. The Holy Spirit in us wants full control so that He can steer us around, over or through every circumstance in a way that will bring glory to God. Our will is like the steering wheel. We aim the car in the direction we want it to go. Sometimes we get into difficulty and wish (hope for - mine interpretation.k.) we were somewhere else.

IF we will only let the Holy Spirit, our "cruisematic", take full control and determine in our hearts to allow Him to take over our will or "steering wheel," we will have joy and peace in our circumstances. We will also find our lives becoming more consistent and disciplined". YVONNE DAVEY

(*See associated post dated 27/11/2010.)

* CONTINUING Love ! !

* JOHN 15: 1-16.

"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love" (v.9).

Christianity is a loving relationship with God and Jesus.

Daily joy:
IF you are trying to live a successful (Christian) life but are finding it difficult, ask yourself: "How much do I love Jesus?" (*then, ask Jesus to give you "faith in Him").

THE Scriptures ..

* 2 Timothy 2: 14-26.

"...Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. KNOW what His Word says and means" (v. 15).

PRAYER: Father, thank you for showing me the importance of studying Your precious Word. Help me to love You and Your Word, the Bible, more than I have ever done before. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


*Study:
Psalm 119:89-104; Acts 17:11;
Romans 15:4; Deuteronomy 11:19

1. What did the psalmist do during the day?
2. What does he gain from the Word of God?

The more you love God, the more you will love the Bible.

* 'SALSA' Fruit SALAD !

Serves: 8

2 Cups chopped Watermelon
1 Orange, peeled and diced
1 Pint (2 cups) Strawberries, stemmed and sliced
2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
1 Tablespoon Honey

IN a medium bowl, combine the Watermelon, Orange, and Strawberries. DRIZZLE with the Lemon juice and Honey and toss well. COVER and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

"Piece Of Cake" !

'William,' exclaimed his Mum. There were 2 pieces of Cake in that Pantry last night, and now there's only one. How do you explain that?'

'It was dark in the Pantry,' said William. 'And I didn't see the second piece !'

MUSEUM !

Dad was taking Danny around the Museum, when they came across a magnificent preserved Lion in a case.

'Dad,' .. asked a puzzled Danny.

'How did they shoot the Lion without breaking the glass?'

* DEAD Sea ? ! *

Will and Bill were arguing about whose father was stronger !

Will said, 'Well, you know the Pacific Ocean? My dad dug the hole for it.'

Bill wasn't impressed.

'Well, that's nothing. You know the Dead Sea? My father's the one who killed it!'

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

DIG DEEPER

"Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding" (PROVERBS 2:5-6).

"ALL that Scripture has to say about God's commandments, truth and statutes stresses the importance of using His Word as a guideline for living. It emphasizes how vital it is for each of us to search for truths that directly benefit us in our daily needs.

MUCH of our "spiritual food" is prepared by others through television, radio and books - a veritable banquet from which to choose. It is good to get others' ideas on a situation, but how refreshing it is to let the Lord speak to us and to reveal our need as He sees it. LET us be challenged to dig out for ourselves the special truths God has for us.

WHAT then is the formula for understanding "the fear of the Lord"? How can we be of more use to Him in our everyday contacts with people?

PROVERBS 2:1-5 contains several verbs which present the outline for understanding "the fear of the Lord." THEY are the fundamental elements of Christianity, the basic requirements for living the Christian life.

1. ACCEPT my words - read and study.
2. STORE up my commands - memorize.
3. TURN your ear - meditate and pray.
4. APPLY your heart - apply truths to your life.
5. CRY aloud for understanding - have a desire to know more of Him.

LET us follow our Lord more closely by "digging deeper" and discovering what He wants us to learn each day!" BARBARA A. BARKER

* The TREASURES .. of darkness ? !

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name (ISAIAH 45:3).

"These ancient words leap from the text. What hope and help they give in life's complexities and sorrows!

HOW can there be treasures in darkness, when it is so overwhelming? The astronomers know this pervasiveness as they focus on "dark holes" in space; the anthropologists are aware as they study with a new perspective a dark continent; the theologian perceives humanity - by choice roaming in darkness.

EVEN more benumbing is the darkness that envelopes a Christian in time of tragedy! IS there a treasure to be found when a man's eyes are blasted out, when a child is claimed by death, when a young wife and mother is accidentally killed or when a partner is abandoned?

THERE is but one direction in which to look and that is toward the God-Man whose greatest triumphs came out of darkness! FROM the agony in the garden came the magnificent sacrificial cup! FROM Calvary's place, where nature drew its shroud over the earth, came a cry heard across the centuries - It is finished! FROM the blackness of the tomb sprang resurrection victory. Our blessed Lord found His treasures in darkness!

THIS same Lord said, "Follow me." HE is with us in the crucible of smothering grief or in the narrow aisles of pain, when we stand on cliffs of unbelief or walk in the valley of the shadow of death. He is there in the darkness.

WHERE is this treasure? With joy we exclaim, "The treasure is in the Holy Presence of the Lord!" CURTISS BEDFORD

Monday, September 20, 2010

LISTEN - carefully !

''...the Lord came and called ... and Samuel replied, 'Yes, I'm listening.' " (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

PRAYER: Yes, Lord, I will be that one - teach me how to be quiet and to wait before You, so that I might hear Your voice and listen to Your message to my heart. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

* see associated post dated 27/11/2010.

**** DARK-BLUE !!! ****

"AMONG Grey shapes, Gold glittering shines in Dark-Blue Era". (k.w.)

* * PRAYER (Pray) !! * *

PRAYER: "Lord, I see that prayer is a vital necessity if I am to grow in my Christian life. I will try, Lord, never to begin a day without prayer. Help me to keep to this even when I don't feel like it. For your dear Name's sake. Amen."

(*PRAYER is: talking to God!)

Sunday, September 19, 2010

** MY LIFE !! **

I live my Life again - through Him !!

** COOK Like an Italian ! **

Tobie Puttock; a 36-year-old Chef says that because of Jamie's abounding energy Jamie has taught him that "there aren't any limits. If you want to do something, go for it. ...

I'M happiest when I switch off my mind and focus on one thing.

Things happen in life, you either work around them or let them pull you apart.
I see so many people taking life too seriously and landing in trouble. It's not worth it. You should live every day to the fullest.

IN Italy I discovered why I enjoy food. But the things that made me passionate about cooking didn't happen in the kitchen. They happened in people's homes and around dinner tables. The Italian lifestyle revolves around food, and that made me addicted to cooking" (from Tobie Puttock's latest book, Cook Like an Italian).

Saturday, September 18, 2010

* THOUGHT !! *

I enjoy blogging. I do the best that I can at the time!

Have been trying to work-out how to make this site better! ANY suggestions?

* Food to me represents "food for THOUGHT" (as well as actual food recipes'). WHAT do you believe??

* AM tending to feel abit disillusioned with the "internet thing" at the moment. SEE, I have my moments, too.

Oh well, ENOUGH of the "pity party"!


"Catch up later".

* "A Year IN Provence" .. SANDWICH !!

SERVES 2

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
8 to 12 spinach leaves
2 French rolls, split
4 ounces low-fat mozzarella cheese, sliced
2 plum tomatoes, sliced

HEAT the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. ADD onion, oregano, and basil and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. ADD the water, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. REMOVE from the heat and stir in the olives and Parmesan.

ARRANGE 2 or 3 spinach leaves on bottom half of each French roll. Spoon HALF the onion mixture onto each, top with the cheese slices, and then the tomato slices. ARRANGE the remaining spinach leaves on top and then the tops of the rolls. CUT in half to serve.

(* Enjoy your visit !)

Friday, September 17, 2010

WHAT do TERMITES eat for DESSERT ???

Q. WHAT do you get if you cross a Hyena with a Beef or Chicken Oxo cube ??
A. An Animal which makes a laughing stock of itself !

Q. WHAT do you get if you cross a Cat with a bottle of Vinegar ??
A. A Sourpuss !

Q. WHAT do you call it when a Cat stops ??
A. A paws !

Q. WHAT do Termites eat for Dessert ??
A. Toothpicks .. *(or, if you prefer, "Treescake") !!!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

SOVEREIGN !

"Paul had a sickness of which he was not healed. Timothy was told to take natural means for his "frequent illnesses" (1Ti 5:23). Trophimus was left at Miletus "sick" (2Ti 4:20). God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul (Ac 19:11-12). BUT he did not choose to do so in case of these two friends of his. The One, by whose power a miracle is wrought, MUST be allowed to say how and when that power is to be exercised. *It is not always in the way we would hope for or expect. Elijah goes up by a whirlwind into Heaven (2Ki 2:11). Elisha falls sick with the sickness of which he died (2Ki 13:14). Herod kills James with a sword. Peter is delivered from Herod's power by an angel (Ac 12).

IT is shown from; and it is witnessed in the Bible that sickness, illness - or a disability - is sometimes actually in God's purpose for a person, as in the case of Paul (2Co 12:7-10) who is the "example" Christian (1Ti 1:16)! Of course we can and should pray for healing - just as we should also seek medical aid. Such problems are included in the "everything" of Philippians 4:6. *IF we call our Lord Jesus, "Master and Lord", we are acknowledging that our "times are in (His) hands" (Ps 31:15), and that would cover times of sickness/illness et-cetera as well as health. We may beseech/beg (2Co 12:8); we may pray; we may supplicate/earnestly request (Php 4:6) - but we may not dictate to God. He is the Sovereign God of the Universe!

Trust Him. He loves you (Jn 16:27). AND He will not withhold any good thing from you (Ps 84:11).

He is the God of all grace (1Pe 5:10). We may come confidently to His throne (Heb 4:16), that
we may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need. AT the same time we are to be humble/ not overrate our qualities under His mighty hand, that He may praise us - lift us up - in due time. SOME answers to our questions may be waiting for us in Heaven! HE has always known what the consequences of obtaining/"getting" the things we so desperately ask for would eventually be. We seldom, if ever do. He is the God of knowledge! Perhaps we shall see in Heaven how merciful He has been in not granting us some of our requests". ALICE M. CHAMBERS

* Painting ..

"We have our
brush and c o l o u r s - we
paint paradise
and in we go". (Nikos Kazantzakis)

*** BREATHLESS .. ( a love story ! ) ***

"Breathless,
we flung us on
a windy hill,
laughed in the sun, and kissed
the lovely grass".
(Rupert Brooke)

*** "UNIQUE" !!! ***

"Does caring
for me loom
so large that
it obscures
everything else?
I am still me and
you are still you
and we together have our world
about us". (Carer)

*** Landscapes !!! ***

"The real
voyage of
discovery
consists not
in seeking new
landscapes
but in having new eyes". (Proust)

*** "TWISTS and turns" .. !! ***

"The road is
long and hard
It twists and turns

Obstacles present
themselves
We are overwhelmed

Caring is hard
But deep in our heart

We know that this is
what we want to do

As time goes by we
know that it enriches
our life". (Carer)

* UNFINISHED Vessel ..

"LORD, many years ago
You placed your encircling arms around me.
During the ensuing years
You have guided me through tunnels, green pastures,
dark valleys.
But you always brought me back
to the mountains.
Today you have brought me
literally to the mountains of Irian Jaya.

Like the clay to which the potter
continues to apply pressure to form the vessel,
so I feel each day
pressures that are forming me
to Your image.
But that same potter who uses one hand
to apply pressure from without
uses the other hand within the vessel
to keep it from collapsing.

I am ten thousand miles away
from my homeland
but I am still turning
on that potter's wheel
like my fellow Christians.
Lord, mold us, form us, shape us,
that some day we all may be placed
on our Father's pedestal
as finished vessels." CAROL MCDONALD

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God"
(2 Corinthians 4: 7).

* 'SLOW-cooker' Bean Salad !

COOK Beans in 'SLOW-cooker'/"Crock-pot". ALLOW to cool in ANY remaining liquid. DRAIN.

TOSS 3 Cups cooked Beans in 1 Cup of Dressing (1/3 Cup Malt-vinegar, 2/3 Cup Olive oil, 1 Teaspoon Sea-salt, 1 finely chopped Garlic-clove, 1 Teaspoon Mustard, good grinding of Black-pepper well mixed together). SPRINKLE with finely chopped Onions or Shallots and Parsley!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

* His CIRCLE ..

"Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him" (Psalm 32: 10).
"WHAT a happy privilege it is to trust One who is completely trustworthy, One who knows exactly what is best for us personally, One whose love surrounds us in all cicumstances.

The source of much that comes our way in life may be evil. We cannot say that God causes the unkind acts of others or even natural disasters and sickness. BUT nothing reaches the person who really trusts the Lord without coming through the surrounding shield of His unfailing love ( * or, being lovingly sifted first through His hands - mine interpretation.k. ). BY the time it reaches the trusting soul, it is God's perfect will for that life. THIS gives the Christian a calm acceptance and a peace about which the unbeliever knows nothing.

MANY years ago at the Missionary Training Institute (now Nyack College), Professor Harold M. Freligh would often draw a circle on the blackboard, then place a dot in the middle and quote this short poem:

In the center of the circle
Of the will of God I stand.
THERE can be no second causes,
All must come from His dear hand.

IT has been interesting to find that many of his students remember this more than any other one thing about his teaching.

HOW encouraging to know that "all things," NOT just some things," work together for good to those who love God (*MORE THAN CONQUERERS: "AND we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" - Romans 8:28 NIV Study Bible/The New International Version Study Bible). HOW comforting to know that God's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him!" HELEN JULIAN

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

* 'SLOW-cooker' FRESH CORN on the Cob !

REMOVE silks BUT leave green outer husks on the ears and cut off ends so Corn will fit in 'SLOW-cooker' in standing position. WASH thoroughly. 6-8 ears fit BEST. COVER and cook on High for 45 minutes, turn to LOW for 1-1/2 - 2 hours. REMOVE husk and SERVE !

* 'SLOW-cooker' FROZEN CORN !

PLACE frozen Corn in the 'SLOW-cooker'. IT will take 3 ears or, for a CROWD, up to 8. POUR over enough boiling Water to cover the Corn AND add 1 teaspoon of raw sugar/Stevia powder? (your choice).
COVER and cook on HIGH 1-1/2 - 2 hours. LOW 3-4 hours.

* CESSNA 150 ..

"IN an article for Campus Life magazine, Susan Smart describes her third-and nearly last-solo flight. SHE had been practicing a maneuver at 5,000 when she lost control and her Cessna 150 began spinning wildly toward earth. AFTER several seconds of panic, she recalled her instructor's words: "IF you ever go into a spin in a Cessna 150, just let go of the controls. IT'S built to fly on it's own."

SUSAN shouted to herself several times, "Let go!" FINALLY, she yanked her hands from the controls and covered her face. AFTER some wild yawing and pitching, the plane returned to level flight. She had fallen more than half a mile, but she survived because she had the faith to let go.

HER experience vividly illustrates what it means to trust God in a time of crisis. I know that's hard to do when it feels as if everything in our lives is spinning wildly out of control. OUR feelings cry out for us to panic, to doubt His promises, to ignore or disobey His instructions, and to try to solve things without Him. But those responses are futile.

IN Psalm 31, David cried out to the Lord in his TIME of trouble. *He knew that his only hope was to put his situation in God's hands and rely on Him. ("In You, O LORD, I put my trust....Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble" - Psalm 31: 1,9).

IS your life in a spin? LET GO of the controls!" DCE

THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE A PROBLEM IS TO HAND IT OVER TO GOD ("As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways" - Isaiah 55: 9).


* Psalm 25: 10a., .. ".

* See associated post dated 27/11/2010.

** A GOOD word .. !!

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad" - Proverbs Chapter 12, verse 25.

*If you see People without a smile today, give them one of yours !

* EVERY purpose !

"TO everything there is a Season,
A time for every purpose under Heaven .. " Ecclesiastes 3.

** ENDURING promises .. !! **

God permits personal trials so that we can see Him working in our life !! k.

"God's Word tells us that His mercies and compassions are "new every morning" (Lamentations Chapter 3:22-23) Just as each new day presents us with a different challenge, the Lord reveals the beauty of His character, the fulfillment of His promises, and the tender provision of His grace.

We don't know what today may bring. BUT we do know this: God will amaze us with His unfailing, ever-new compassions. The depths of the valleys just make His mountainpeaks that much more breathtaking". DCE

'WHERE GOD GUIDES, GOD PROVIDES'.

Monday, September 13, 2010

ALONE ?

"IF your'e ever lonely, your'e not alone...

So many people all around us and we still feel lonely. NOT all the time, BUT sometimes. We reach out to find someone who understands or who cares or who'll just listen, and we find no-one there.

All sorts of things contribute to it: old age, unemployment, immigration or divorce. ULTIMATELY however, we all face the reality that no-one else really understands us. No-one can know our thoughts, no-one knows the deep joys or the dark secrets. Not ever ourselves, fully.

THIS is the reality. ULTIMATELY we are all alone, it's only in the quiet or hard times that we really feel it.

But that's only half the story. The Bible says:

You (God) created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139, verse 13. - 'GOOD NEWS BIBLE'.

WHEN I am ready to give up, he (God) knows what I should do... WHEN I look beside me, I see that there is no one to help me, no one to protect me. No one cares for me, Lord I cry to you for help; you Lord, are my protector, you are all I want in this life. Psalm 142, verses 3 to 5. - 'GOOD NEWS BIBLE'.

"Do not be worried and upset," Jesus told them. "Believe in God and believe also in me." John Ch. 14, verse 1. - 'GOOD NEWS BIBLE'."

(A.L.)

* See associated post dated 27/11/2010.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

*** Zymil ? .. it's 'LACTASE' included Milk !! ***

IF you find that Milk doesn't agree with you (your body) THEN consuming Milk with the added Enzyme called LACTASE allows the Milk to easily digest (ORDINARY processed cow's Milk does NOT contain THAT Enzyme)! THIS Milk is more GENTLE on the digestive system and therefore less likely to leave you feeling uncomfortable (e.g. bloated et cetera).

IN the PAST (especially in recent times), I have been unable to consume Milk without the added digestive protection of LACTASE making it Lactose FREE and Gluten FREE. *It's the only form of Milk that I can drink at the local Coffee Shop (*I spoke to the owner about my dilemma with processed Milks and she has kindly offered to make a Latte with the Zymil (brand name) Milk WHEN I hand it to her or the staff to make a drink. *I THOUGHT I'd never be able to drink a Latte again ! It's delicious.)

ZYMIL (brand name) can be BOUGHT at major Supermarkets (Australia) in UHT or from the chilled section/Refrigerator. *THIS Milk is available in full cream or LOW Fat. *Your CHOICE!!

I consume the LOW FAT UHT Milk (INGREDIENTS: Low Fat Milk (1.3% Milk Fat), ENZYME (Lactase). "GIVE it a go" with LACTASE!

* NON-FAT 'Baked' SWEET Potatoes ('SLOW COOKER') !

PLACE washed, unpeeled Sweet Potatoes in the 'SLOW COOKER'. ADD about 1/4 Cup of Water. COVER and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, then turn to LOW for 4-6 hours or until the Potatoes are tender.

*** Stevia !! ***

REMEMBER: Substituting SUGAR with STEVIA in your Recipes AND drinks ?!

Stevia is 100% natural and tastes just like Sugar! It can be bought in powder-form from the 'sugar aisle' in most major Supermarkets and at Health Food Retail outlets/"shops" (Australia).

*** WHAT'S Normal ?? (new horizons) !!! ***

Tired more than normal, oh, helpless body of mine! THINKING of COLOURS stir me through this sub-atlantic freezure. WHEN will I surface to time meet again? Surveying the prospects should be bleek. But. New horizons make silent signal to visit! (k.w.)

* 'FRUIT' Compote ('SLOW COOKER'/"Crock-pot") !

1 Cup dried Prunes
1 Cup dried Apricots (preferably Sun-dried)
1 can Pineapple chunks, undrained (optional)
2 Cups Water

PUT all ingredients in 'SLOW COOKER'. COVER and cook on LOW overnight (7-8 hours). (HIGH 3-4 hours.) *SERVE warm! Good with a little of sour cream (depending on the occasion) or Yoghurt which is 'gut friendly'. ADD a dash of Cinnamon or Nutmeg!


N.B. Our Digestive system needs 1 tablespoon of Yoghurt (even if it's as a frozen "treat") each day. *THIS will assist with our gut "being friendly" (no joke)!

* 'Oatmeal'/"PORRIDGE" ('SLOW COOKER'/"Crock-pot") !

* (Cook through the Night . . wake up to AN instant Breakfast) !!

Oatmeal
Water
Salt (preferably Sea-salt)

FOLLOW package directions for quantity of Water and salt per cup of Cereal: 1 Cup Cereal to 3 Cups of Water and a teaspoon of salt makes a good consistency and will make 3 servings. COVER and cook on LOW 8-9 hours. *Do NOT use quick cooking varieties.

* A PRICELESS Heritage (Historic) ..

"Our generation will commend your works to one another; they will tell of your mighty acts" (PSALM 145:4).
"AT the close of missionary furlough in 1969, word came that we would not be allowed to return to Guinea, West Africa. The government had decided to curtail foreign missionary activity and was not granting visas. At the request of the remaining Guinea missionaries, we were stationed across the border in Sierra Leone for Fula language study.

DURING our Sierra Leone sojourn, I learned that my great-great-grandfather, Anson Carter, had been one of the first American missionaries to Sierra Leone. He died of malaria a few months after his arrival in the country. HIS wife, still in America, died soon afterward, leaving a 12-year-old daughter, Adelia. I discovered that Adelia's grave was in the same cemetery in Athens, Pennsylvania, as her daughter, Rachel (my grandmother), and her grandson (my father).

I KNOW nothing more about Adelia, but can speculate from the fact that her daughter was one of the charter members of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Waverly, New York, that Adelia had held no grudge against God for the loss of both her parents. It seemed rather that she had continued in the faith of her parents and had instilled in her children that same love for God and a deep concern for the lost of this world.

NEWS came that we would be allowed to return to Guinea, but before we left, we were able to visit Anson Carter's grave in Komenade.

What a wonderful heritage I have been given. It both challenges and encourages me to be faithful in passing on this priceless inheritance to my children." NORMA D. GARDNER

~ AMPUTATE your Leg ??? ~ ..

"WHO would ever dream of amputating his own leg? Nobody - unless that person had lost his mind or was faced with the grim choice of losing either his leg OR his life.

THAT was Bill Jeracki's terrible predicament, according to The Denver Post, when he was out fishing all alone in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. He was trapped when a boulder fell on his leg, and he was unable to free himself.

Knowing that as night came on he might die of exposure, Bill did what he knew he had to do. Relying on his skill as an assistant to a doctor at a Denver hospital, he took a nylon rope out of his tackle box, tied it tightly above his knee, and cut off his leg with his knife. He then dragged himself to his car and drove 10 miles to the nearest town. He not only survived the trauma, but with an artificial limb he is out fishing again.

What a decision-your leg or your life! BUT what if the stakes were even higher? Suppose you had to give up some habit, ambition, or relationship, and giving up heaven. THE Lord made the issue of following Him THAT decisive. He said, "What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, AND loses his own soul?" - Matthew 16:26. It's a question you and I must answer". VCG.

"If I gained the world but not the Savior,
Were my life worth living for a day?
Could my yearning heart find rest and comfort
In the things that soon must pass away?" - Olander.

--------------------------------------
"HE IS NO FOOL WHO GIVES WHAT HE CANNOT KEEP TO GAIN WHAT HE CANNOT LOSE" - Elliot.
--------------------------------------

Friday, September 10, 2010

* "YOUR Self-Worth" !! *

"SIX Teenagers - Indian Christian girls - gathered around my dining room table at an after-school Bible study. They were in various stages of growth in self-worth. I longed that they might grasp the truth that God loves and accepts each of them totally and without reservation.

WHEN we fail in our behavior, we sometimes feel that God no longer accepts us. He does not always like our actions, but His acceptance of us is complete (*provided we have sincerely asked Him "to come into" our heart).

The adversary is so quick to whisper, "Your'e no good! You can't do anything right! How can you call yourself a Christian?"

SOMEONE has said that all spiritual battles are won or lost at the door of the mind. IF we allow sinful thoughts to control us, we will fail.


We need to be aware that the adversary/enemy is out to destroy us, and he often attacks us through our thought life. DWELLING on thoughts of rejection, jealousy, bitter feelings, guilt or worry often leads to Depression.

BUT we can shut the door of our mind and refuse to think about things that will lead us into sinful/bad thoughts (conscience) or actions. IF we go by our feelings, by remarks people make or the way we were treated as we grew up, we may have problems accepting ourselves. OUR feelings about ourselves need to be based on the facts in God's Word, NOT on the opinions of others.

WHEN we are tempted to think about things that will lead to wrong actions or depression, we must, by an act of our will, refuse to allow the adversary to control our thought life.

( * even verbally mentioning to God - at the particular time that you may need to, according to your circumstance, so that the temptation will lessen, and if necessary/if being 'hard-line' attacked, sincerely say to God that you also "renounce any power that the adversary has over your life and claim the Victory of Christ; the Power of the Resurrection" - mine interpretation.k. )

Remember: you belong to God, and He loves you." LINDA WOOD

** "NEVER give up" !!! **

BEGIN by taking one day at a time and if you blow it one day forget about it ! Restart TOMORROW. The PAST is the past - it's history. I believe if your mind is thinking positively about yourself you will act more positive (good affirmative). WHAT messages are you telling yourself? WORDS can make or break our success. WITHOUT knowing it we send ourselves thousands of messages everyday, some good, some bad. A word I took out of my vocabulary is "CAN'T". To me there is no such word because when you say I can't it really means that you won't or that you don't want to. I prefer cutting the "T" off the end and making it "CAN". WE can achieve anything we set our minds to using positive words (good power-affirmations). A good way to help yourself be positive (good affirmation/s) is to think how many times a day you send positive (good affirmative) messages to yourself. IF you see a positive (good affirmation) in everything, even though at times you have to look really hard, I guarantee you will react differently to situations. ARE the messages you are saying (including your thoughts) over and over each day helping you achieve good and delightful/great things or are they holding you back? * See if these few tips help:

. STOP saying negative things to yourself like "I wish" and "If only".
( * IF in doubt about anything life challenges you with - ask yourself "WHERE is the evidence to support the thought!" - mine interpretation.k. )
INSTEAD say words like "I can", "I must", "I will".
. IT takes time to change habits and there may be times that you fall down but so what, "pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again".
. If you NEVER give up you will always get to where you want to go.
. No one is perfect, so stop expecting so much from yourself.


. If wanting/deciding to lose weight - DO it for yourself and no one else!
. ACCEPT your shape, e.g. if you have large thighs you may find that when you get to your ideal weight you might still have large thighs. Yes, they will get smaller as you lose weight, but if you are pear-shaped then you will still be pear-shaped but a smaller pear shape. HAVE realistic expectations!
. STOP being Superwoman/Superman.
. Be a friend to yourself - give yourself a pat on the back every time you do something good for yourself and love yourself for who you are (e.g. no matter what shape or size you are).
. Eat the quantities of food that your body needs (mostly generally), not just what you want.
. Be happy and enjoy the journey - think positively (good affirmations) and live life to the most full every day!!
. FOCUS on what you want to achieve and let nothing, and I repeat NOTHING (negative thinking), stand in your way, because, if you NEVER give up, then you will never fail. (A.)

* Drink 2-3 litres of Water a day (no more Water than that as it would drastically lower your blood-pressure DUE to the washing-out of the salts that are NECESSARY for balancing/maintaining NORMAL bodily functions - research has proven that in drinking too much/excess Water it can be fatal). Drinking the right amount of Water is essential for hydration and IT helps to increase the body's metabolic rate which assists with losing weight (saturated fat).k.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

COMMUNICATION !

"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:45).

"THE mind is the organ of intelligence, purpose, understanding, opinion, choice and reason. IT is able to receive and understand news, facts and information.

IN today's world there are books, newspapers, TV, radio and schools of learning - all vying for our attention. THERE are people and programs and publications ready to fill our minds with their ideas and thoughts. AS Christians we have been given new minds to understand the Scriptures. We must, therefore, always guard against becoming dull, sluggish or lulled into insensitivity about truths and issues that are vital to our new life in Christ. WE must always be alert!

LIFE is short. IT drifts by like a mist. WE do not know what will take place tomorrow. WE need to walk carefully, giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. BECAUSE our adversary, Satan, is always on the alert and ready to put us out of commission, we must always be clothed with the protective armor of God.

WE do not know when Jesus will return. He has told us to be alert so that we are ready to meet Him. CONSTANT communion/communication with our Lord WILL keep us close to Him. Intercession makes us aware of others. Petition supplies our needs. LET US be alert and clear-minded so that we will know how to pray, and OUR prayers will be both powerful and effective.

OUR new life in Christ came to us at great cost. SHALL we not guard it with alert and watchful minds?" (SVEA HENRY)

* 'SLOW-cooker' "SLIGHTLY-baked" POTATOES ..

* Perfect for the Barbecue, and take the 'SLOW-cooker' ("CROCK-POT") filled with cooked Potatoes right to the barbecue!

FILL the 'SLOW-cooker' with scrubbed and buttered medium-sized Potatoes (can use Sunflower oil or Olive oil to "butter"; smearing the Potatoes in company, instead of the need to employ real Butter, if preferred). It will hold about Twelve (12). SPRINKLE with fine grain Sea-salt. COVER and cook on LOW 8-10 hours, or until Potatoes are tender. FOR family meals, just cook the required number of Potatoes - you get the same excellent result.

P.S. IT has been successfully established that Sunflower oil OR Olive oil may be used with satisfaction as an alternative to BUTTER (saturated fat) in numerous Recipes (Apple sauce can also be a wholesome alternative for some Desserts AND Cakes that require saturated fat)!

* "DON'T MISS a BEAT" ..

TO help manage your Cholesterol, your Doctor has possibly prescribed a type of medication called a Statin. THESE include Lipitor, Lipex, Zocor, Crestor, Simvar. Statins help block the body's production of cholesterol to help lower cholesterol levels. THIS process can unfortunately also block the production of CoEnzyme Q10 (Co Q10). CoEnzyme Q10 is an essential Antioxidant which can assist in the maintenance of a healthy heart and also aid in the production of energy. RESEARCH has shown that Statin medications can decrease the body's natural supply of CoEnzyme Q10. THIS can lead to side effects such as sore muscles and lack of energy. THESE side effects may be prevented by supplementing with CoENZYME Q10.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

GOODNIGHT !

Goodnight dear Diary !k.

* A 'SAFE place' !

"SOMETIMES in life's journey we pass through dark valleys of trouble. But in the midst of the darkness we have a refuge, a safe place, the eternal God our Saviour. His loving arms uphold us and shield us all day long. THIS verse ("The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" - Deuteronomy 33:27a.) was a source of strength and comfort to me while I was going through one of the most difficult experiences of my life.

AS my husband was driving our van homeward after an Easter service in a village church in India, a motor scooter with a side car came from the opposite direction. WHILE passing us, he suddenly swerved and collided with our front wheel. The impact pulled our vehicle over to the wrong side. We immediately helped the injured passenger to the hospital and reported the accident to the police.

BUT when the relatives of the scooter's driver saw the position of our car, they decided to bring suit against us. I was falsely accused of causing the accident by reckless driving.

FOLLOWING the initial hearing, I was shocked to discover that my lawyer did not believe I was not driving our vehicle. Soon after, however, he was convinced of the injustice of the case against me and defended me well.

God brought about my acquittal nearly a year later. But during those months, as I stood in the criminal stand and heard false testimony against me, I remembered what my Savior suffered for me. He understood what I was going through and gently drew me close to Him. His purpose was being accomplished as we witnessed of Him to lawyers and people in the court whom we would otherwise never have met. The eternal God was indeed our refuge." MURIEL ENTZ

** Chocolate Peanut Brittle 'Fingers' .. vignette .. ! **

Dear Diary,

AT the moment, I'm sampling a delicacy of Chocolate Peanut Brittle 'Fingers'. The 'Fingers' name should quite possibly give a hint as to what brand they "hail" from in Australia. EXCUSE the pun; but "wouldn't it be lovely" (I've heard that said before) to think that those Chocolate 'Fingers' might just "Hailfall". THAT won't happen unless I should get my Hubby to invent something (a machine, perhaps?) to assist. I can just imagine the surprise of that happening. IMAGINATION cease.

* HAVE had a good day. I keep as well as I can be and hope you are too!

OH NO!! My hubby has just arrived with a couple of Toffees to offer to share (he received a LARGE Tin of them for this year's 'Father's Day' ) .. It's NOT good for my health. We are blessed to be given/have the freedom to choose (consider the consequences first).

Enjoy a pleasant Evening,
Kim.

* 'Slow-cooker' RATATOUILLE !!

2 medium sized Egg-plants
6 small Zucchini
2 Capsicums
6 Tomatoes
2 Onions
2 Garlic-cloves
Sea-salt
FRESHLY ground black Pepper
1/2 cup Olive oil or Sunflower oil

CUT unpeeled Egg-plants into cubes, slice Zucchini, Capsicums and Tomatoes. CUT Onions into fine rings, crush Garlic. PLACE Onion in a 'SLOW-COOKER' ('CROCK-POT') FIRST, then add remaining ingredients. COVER and cook on LOW overnight 7-8 hours, HIGH 3-4 hours.
*VEGETABLES should be soft NOT "mushy". MIX lightly and add more Sea-salt and Pepper if necessary.

SERVE Ratatouille Hot or Cold as a first Course, as a filling for Omelets, as an acompaniment with GRILLS, Meat, Fish, or Eggs.

* GREAT for Barbecues!

"What . . . ?"

"WHAT DO YOU CALL" :

. . . a Man with a Seagull on his head?
Cliff!

. . . a Man with a Map on his head?
Miles!

. . . a Woman with a Radiator on her head?
Anita!

. . . a Man with some Cat scratches on his head?
Claude!

. . . a Woman with a Tortoise on her head?
Shelley!

. . . a Woman with a Breeze on her hair?
Gail!

** A TITANIC Joke ? (Comical) !! **

THROUGH the pitch-black Night, the Captain sees a Light dead ahead on a collision course with his Ship. He sends a signal: "Change your course 10 degrees East." The Light signals back: "Change yours 10 degree West." Angry, the Captain sends: "I'm a Navy Captain! Change your course, Sir!" "I'm a Seaman, Second Class," comes the reply. "Change your course, Sir." NOW the Captain is furious. "I'm a Battleship! I'm not changing course!" THERE is one last reply. "I'm a Lighthouse. YOUR call."

** God LOVES You .. !

IF God Loves you then He Loves me - it says in the Bible that He is NOT partial to favouritism .. BUT, He desires/requires a Personal relationship with you !!

* See associated post dated 27/11/2010 - Eternity.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

* PECAN "brownies" (AUSTRALIAN style) ..

MAKES about 20.
Prep and Cook Time 40 minutes.

250g. unsalted butter, chopped
200g. dark eating chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped coarsely
2/3 cup (70g.) cocoa powder
1/2 cup (75g.) plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 & 2/3 cups (370g.) raw sugar
1 & 1/4 cups (150g.) pecans, toasted, chopped coarsely
4 eggs, beaten lightly
1/2 cup (60g.) pecans, extra

1. PREHEAT the oven to 180deg.C (*160deg.C fan-forced). LINE the base and long sides of a 20cm. x 30cm. slice pan with baking paper, extending paper 5cm. over the sides.

2. PLACE the butter and chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl set over a medium saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth.

3. MEANWHILE, sift cocoa, flour and baking powder into a medium bowl and stir in the sugar and chopped pecans. Stir chocolate mixture and eggs into flour mixture until well combined (the mix will be a shiny thick BATTER). SPREAD mixture into the pan; top with EXTRA pecans.

4. BAKE for about 30 minutes. COOL in the pan before turning-out. CUT into SQUARES (or fingers?). DUST with SIFTED icing-sugar, IF desired.

ANY nuts can be used for this recipe.

*Suitable to freeze. Butter mixture suitable to microwave.