~ * LIGHT through Trials !! ~

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him
(ROMANS 8:28).

"THERE is an African Proverb that says, "That which blinds the blind man also feeds him." Its literal meaning is that those who are blind are expected to beg to gain their daily food. FOR me, that proverb has a very precious spiritual application. Difficult things may come to us during our lifetime, and the world may see those things as being very destructive and cruel. IF however, those things are accepted as part of His sovereign will, then, because of the growth and depth we gain in the Lord Jesus, they WILL have an opposite effect!

The husband of a young Christian woman was shot as he fled from their mud house during border disputes in our area of West Africa. He had just completed one month's study in literacy training so that he would be able to read the New Testament in Red Bobo. JUST two days earlier, he had been baptized and had given public testimony that he was a new creature in Christ and was obeying His command to be baptized. WHAT a difficult thing for his family and those village church people to accept the death of this zealous new believer in Christ.

THREE months after his death, his wife attended one of our women's conferences. SHE told of God's sufficiency in her life and of the assurance she had that God loved her, would provide for her and never leave her comfortless!

What a testimony to all of us! Those "blinding" blows that may touch us will, in the hands of our loving Father, nurture and "feed" us and bring new life to those around us.

May God help us to always be fed and not just blinded by our trials and afflictions."
Barbara Sorenson

~ * CHANGES and Choices !! ~

"RECENTLY my life has been filled with changes and choices. I guess that can be said of all of our lives. Would it not be good if we could choose a period of our lives that was enjoyable and let time stand still? But we cannot. Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 14 tell us, "He has made everything beautiful in is time," and "Everything God does will endure forever."

If our childhood was a happy time, we did not want it to end. Everything was new, fresh and meaningful. We wanted our teen years to be over soon so we could be adults. In young adulthood, there were many changes and choices: college, marriage, the birth of children or the choice of a job. In middle age and even in our "golden years," there are still changes and choices.

My parents are in their golden years. Both of them have had severe physical problems. Because of this, I have had to make many choices and to endure a lot of changes But Christ was and is precious, and His Word has been very real. When it became necessary to consider retirement housing for my mother and father, it was a difficult adjustment for all of us. But each day, as I went to God's Word, He had something just for me. For example, "Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you" (Exodus 32:34).

Yes, life is filled with changes and choices, but the right choice is Jesus Christ. He will take you through all the changes." Janet C. Jones

But you remain the same, and your years never end (Hebrews 1:12b).

N.B. That story came at the right time to encourage also me.k.

* We are all works in progress

(or, the process - however we look at it) !!

LIFE IS A CONTINUAL JOURNEY.

~ * Hooray .. OR should it be Yay ? !!!! ~

FOR reason that I'm NOT aware of I was ADDED to Aardvark Antics: A "FOODIE" Blog as a FOLLOWER ! After MUCH concentration, I have finally succeeded in removing THAT "silly" - so called; because I was unaware of being put onto my own blog FOLLOWERS reference. It has taken alot of time to accomplish removing it. *I GREET that achievement with satisfaction. I am challenged most times when I'm on the Internet (it's NOT easy), but, now that I've solved the "FOLLOWER" jigsaw (by myself), I have necessary confidence for the moment to continue with THIS blog (there is so much I don't understand, but, it is indeed a "learning curve"). It's just amazing for me ! !

~ EXCRUCIATINGLY Simple SAVOURY Dip !! ~

- One cup Sour cream.
- One tablespoon Dijon mustard.

Bon Apetit !

~ * AUSSIE Icy Poles !! ~

A secret from Granny's time: it's cheaper and healthier to make your own icy poles !

You need:

400mls. pure orange juice
1/2 banana, 1 slice pineapple,
1 teaspoon passionfruit pulp.

What you do:

Slice banana and pineapple finely.
Add passionfruit and put into four (4) plastic cups.
Pour pure orange juice evenly into each cup,
then, put an icy pole stick in the centre.
Freeze for at least five (5) hours.

Bon Apetit

~ * Joy ! ~

I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
HABAKKUK 3:18

~ Easy PARMESAN Pastry Twists !! ~

. 3 sheets of puff pastry
. 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese

PREHEAT the oven to 180deg.C. and line a tray with baking paper.

DEFROST the pastry. CUT it in half (1/2), and then cut it into 1.5cm. strips. PICK up two (2) strips and pinch the tops together. THEN, twist them together and press the ends together.

LAY it on the lined tray and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. REPEAT for the remaining strips. BAKE in the oven until lightly golden and crispy.

Bon Apetit

~ *GIFTS of BEAUTY* !! ~

O Father, You have draped me in the garments of salvation and wrapped me snugly in the robe of righteousness. I am beautifully adorned by You - for You.

You have given me all I need to live a joyful life, and I rejoice in Your gifts of beauty.

In Jesus name. Amen.

~ Man .. ? ! ~

REMEMBER: Do NOT look to man - he is FALLIBLE (makes mistakes) !!!

For success - ONLY look to The One Triune God; God/Jesus/Holy Spirit AND rely on/In HIS Word. He is the ONLY infallible being (NEVER makes mistakes - regardless of how man views life). God's ways and understanding are proven higher than ours - God is SOVEREIGN (Creator of all things) !!

P.S. Man is a master of assuming - align with God's Word what man says and then you'll be able to test if what man says is right or wrong !

~ * The "easter bunny" ! * ~

All I need to know
I heard from the easter bunny!
LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART!
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
There's no such thing as too much good clean fun.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.
Everyone is availed to a bad hare day.
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket..ummm..?
To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell.
The best things in life are still..sweet..
May the joy of the season fill your heart,
AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
Happy Easter!!!

~ * BENEFICIAL .. really ! * ~

I really have little idea of technical aspects of Internet email and by reason of me properly frustrated. No-one else understands it here either - because they are "not into blogs". I'm finding it difficult to remain to continue with this keepsake (diary/blog) owing to the many and sudden changes on the computer internet. AT THE MOMENT, I feel like "throwing it ALL (the blogging) away" .. and change to do some creative else.

Have been SERIOUSLY contemplating having that change from blogging for quite awhile .. and doing just that !

Painting and/or Pastel sketching may well workout to be beneficial.

Cheers.k.

* Backlinks are allowed.

~ ** (Comical) ?? !! ~

IF you need "a laugh" - you may seek out older published posts on this blog which are labelled and titled including the word (Comical) !!

P.S. * There's also a serious 'award-winning' low-fat Tea Loaf (cake) recipe you may like to access dated 10/2/2010.

Bon Apetit

Keep looking/searching - you never know what treasures you may find at any particular time !

~ * An EASTER Prayer !! * ~

Lord God, I put my hope in You for the situations I am in, for the hurts that afflict me, and for each second of my future. My hope lies in You alone. I trust in You that You will raise me up, just as You did Jesus.

In Jesus name. Amen.

~ * Spiced CHERRIES Especial (serve with Roast) !! ~

Serves 8. Prep and Cook time 20 minutes.

700g (jar) morello cherries

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon BROWN sugar

1 cinnamon stick

1 bay leaf

6 whole black peppercorns

2 tablespoons brandy

1 Drain the morello cherry juice into a small saucepan. Add the vinegar, BROWN sugar, cinnamon stick, bay leaf and whole black peppercorns. Bring to the boil; simmer, uncovered, for about fifteen (15) minutes or until the liquid is syrupy and reduced by at least half.

2 Meanwhile, coarsely chop half the cherries and combine in a medium bowl with the whole cherries. Strain the liquid over the cherries; stir in the brandy.

3 Serve the cherries with roast turkey (or chicken ?).

Not suitable to freeze or microwave.

~ * Luscious LEMON Roast POTATOES ! ~

Serves 8. Prep and Cook time 45 minutes.

1.8kg potatoes (preferably potatoes for baking), peeled, quartered

1/2 cup (125ml) olive oil

1 lemon, cut into wedges

1 Preheat the oven to 180deg.C (160deg.C fan-forced).

2 Place potatoes in a saucepan of cold salted water; bring to the boil. Boil for five (5) minutes. Drain potatoes; stand for a few (3-5) minutes or until dry!

3 Meanwhile, pour the oil into a shallow baking dish; place in the oven for two (2) minutes or until hot. Add the potatoes and lemon wedges to the hot oil; shake until well-coated. Season with sea salt. Bake for about thirty (30) minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and tender.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave.

* Rosemary sprigs, green olives or cherry tomatoes may be added to potatoes for extra flavour.

~ * CHERRIES !! ~

A study by University of Michigan researchers revealed a cherry-enriched diet reduced inflammation markers by up to 50 per cent. Studies suggest the anti-oxidants in cherries may help reduce levels of nitric oxide, a compound associated with *osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (*auto-immune system). Sour cherries, the Morello variety, appear to have greater reported benefits for health.

Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a neurohormone that has long been linked to sleep. So, according to the latest findings, to reduce jet lag or to get to sleep on the plane, have a serve of cherries (1 serve equals 1/2 cup dried cherries or 1 cup fresh cherries), one hour before your desired sleep time!

~ * PEARL of Wisdom ? !! * ~

"Never forget that you are unique - like EVERYONE else !" - M.E.

~ CLENCHED Fist ! ~

"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist." - Indira Gandhi.

** The ORIGINAL - 'Aardvark Antics' : A "FOODIE" Blog ** 'TOBLERONE' Cheesecake ! **

* Serves: 10. Prep. Time: 15 minutes.

1 cup plain chocolate biscuit crumbs ('chocolate ripple' biscuits are very good for that).

1/4 cup ground almonds

1/3 cup (80g) butter, melted

500g block 'cream cheese', softened

1/2 cup raw caster sugar

200g 'Toblerone' Milk or Dark chocolate, melted

1/2 cup thickened cream

200g 'Toblerone' Milk or Dark chocolate, shaved

COMBINE biscuit crumbs, butter and almonds, press into the base of a lightly greased 20cm 'springform' pan.

CHILL.

BEAT cream cheese and raw caster sugar using an electric mixer until smooth. BEAT in the melted 'Toblerone' and cream until well combined.

POUR onto the prepared crumb base and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours until set, or overnight. SERVE topped wih the 'Toblerone' shavings.

Bon Apetit

~ JUST because it's there ... ! ~

Just because it's there, DOESN'T make you believe !

(Pause and think of that)

* LOOK after YOURSELF ? !!

"Don't JUST look after yourself - LOOK after yourselves (each other)."

(PAUSE and think of THAT !)

~ * HEIRLOOM Tomato SALAD !! ~

Serves: 8. Prep. Time: 10 minutes.

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon caster sugar (raw ?)

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil

1.5kg mixed HEIRLOOM tomatoes

1/4 cup basil leaves

1 COMBINE the vinegar, caster sugar, sea salt and oil in a screw-top jar and shake vigorously.

2 CUT the tomatoes into a mix of slices and chunks. ARRANGE on a serving platter; drizzle with dressing. SEASON with freshly ground black pepper and scatter with basil leaves.

* Not suitable to freeze or microwave.

Bon Apetit !

~ NOT Looking BACK !! ~

It's okay to review your past experiences BUT don't live them again. LEARN from them and then MOVE on (* you'll be much better, and that's important) !!

* REAL Sparkling RASPBERRY Lemonade !!! *

Serves 10. Prep and Cook Time 40 minutes.

(+ Cooling and Refrigeration time)

250g fresh or frozen raspberries

1 cup (220g raw caster sugar)

1 Litre (4 cups) Water

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1.5 Litres (6 cups) sparkling mineral Water, chilled

fresh raspberries for serving, extra

Ice, for serving

1 COMBINE the raspberries and raw sugar in a medium saucepan with the Water. Bring to the boil; simmer gently over a low heat for thirty (30) minutes or until reduced to 3-1/2 cups. Remove from the heat, add the juice; cool. Push through a sieve into a large jug; refrigerate until cold.

2 JUST before serving, add the mineral Water to taste; serve with extra raspberries and ice!

* Suitable to freeze at the end of Step 1.

Bon Apetit

~ Life's EVENTS ! ~

"I know there are many things I cannot control, no matter how hard I may try, and many of life's events break my heart. STILL I have hope, because, through it all I have You.

Thank you, Lord for hope.

In Jesus name. Amen."

~ JUST the Beginning ? ! ~

"WHY do so many choose to make death the end, when it should be just the beginning ?" - David Tait.

~ The BEGINNING of Happiness ~

"(Good) Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of happiness".

G. Santayana

(Pause and think of that !)

~ * "DON'T worry" ??? !! ~

NIP the fallacy that you don't have to worry about the fact that you'll die someday by turning it around in your being by thinking positive (in believing) and just sincerely ask Jesus to come into your "heart" - earnestly seeking this in that way - you'll be saved from a HELL of eternity.

You better believe it !

CRAZY People !

** No matter what your situation, do not listen (or look to) CRAZY people (filled with cracks) they say STUPID things !

*Have adjusted and removed some post publications because of the stupid things some people say (trying to gain advantage). I don't follow the 'crowd'. I think (consider with reason). Do you ??

I am not perfect, but, we are given choice in this world, we are NOT to judge, and for the good, we should be AWARE of the bad !

How DO YOU actively choose in this world for the good ?

** FOOD for THOUGHT (don't you think ? - or do you think ?)

~ Time DELAY re published post recipes !! ~

Still returned to you today as promised with a couple more recipes, but due to time delay, the date header for those published post recipes were printed in Australia as being a day later (beyond my control)! * The time currently here is 8.41pm.(7th. April).Kim.

~ * Apricot GELATO !! ~

Serves: 4.

2 oz dried apricots

1 tablespoon brandy

1/4 pint cream

strip of lemon peel (rind/zest)

2 egg yolks

3 tablespoons icing sugar

COVER apricots with boiling water and allow to stand for 1 hour. PLACE in a saucepan and cook gently until soft. Cool.

POUR off excess liquid and puree apricots.

STIR in brandy.

HEAT cream with lemon strip (long piece of peeled rind/zest) and icing sugar.

POUR over lightly beaten egg yolks and cook in a double-boiler until thickened. Cool, strain and blend with apricot puree.

FREEZE in refrigerator trays covered with aluminium foil until firm, stirring gelato lightly two (2) or three (3) times during freezing!

BON APETIT

~ * 'HONEY I Ate All the Wings' (recipe) !!! ~

2 pound (1kg) chicken wingettes (preferably 'free range')

2 CUPS (480ml) honey

3/4 cup (180ml) soy sauce

3/4 cup (180ml) chilli sauce

1/4 cup (60ml) of olive or sunflower oil

1 teaspoon (5ml) minced garlic

Dried parsley flakes, optional

~ RINSE chicken, pat dry (with paper towel?) and * sprinkle with a little of sea salt (* fine ground) and pepper!

~ PLACE wingettes in grill pan and grill for twenty (20) minutes (10 minutes on each side) or until light brown.

~ TRANSFER to sprayed SLOW COOKER!

~ IN bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, chilli sauce, oil and garlic and spoon over wingettes.

~ COVER and cook on LOW for four (4) to five (5) hours or on HIGH for two (2) hours to two (2) hours and thirty (30) minutes. GARNISH with dried parsley flakes if desired.

~ SERVES eight (8) to ten (10).

... yes, it's Bon Apetit time !!!

* WILL return later today with even MORE recipes !

HAVING abit of a break now - the title of this published post actually sums it all up !

~ * 'EGG FOO YUNG' (Javanese - International Cookery) !! ~

* Another favourite recipe !

Number of serves: 4.

Cooking time: 5 minutes.

Cooking utensil: heavy frying pan.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped thin ham

1 tablespoon chopped spring onion

1 tablespoon chopped nuts (preferably 'Californian' walnuts - no bitter aftertaste)

1 cup bean sprouts or chopped celery

1 teaspoon sea salt

5 eggs (beaten)

2 tablespoons oil

Method:

1. Collect ingredients and combine together (except oil for frying).

2. Heat oil in heavy pan.

3. Fry mixture in spoonfuls. Turn when brown.

4. Drain on paper.

5. Serve hot with boiled rice!

Once again ... Bon Apetit !!

~ * POTATO 'Latkes'/Cakes (Polish cuisine - International Cookery) !! ~

* THIS recipe is a favourite of ours and we double the quantity (so the Potato cakes go abit further) !

Number of Potato Cakes: 8.

Cooking time: 8-10 minutes each panful.

Cooking utensil: frying pan.

Ingredients:

1/2lb. potatoes

1/2 small onion

1 tablespoon flour

1-2 oz. olive oil or sunflower for frying

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

3 shakes of your choice of pepper

Method:

1. Weigh and measure all ingredients.

2. Peel and grate potatoes and onion. Drain off as much liquid as possible (quickly use a small-hole sieve if necessary to drain just the liquid)!

3. Add flour to potato and onion, then seasonings and beaten egg.

4. Heat small quantity of fat in pan. Drop mixture in, a level tablespoon at a time.

5. Fry slowly, turning when brown on first side.

6. When cooked, immediately drain 'cakes' on enough paper towel to absorb any extra oil.

7. Serve at once while still hot!

Bon Apetit

~ TIME after time ? !! ~

Quite OFTEN I say to myself after finally publishing an item on this blog that I'm satisfied with that - and THAT; IS definitely the finish of IT all! HOWEVER, someone who looks after me very well, brings me back to the blogger keyboard "time and again"! I think I've already done enough, BUT, for some reason; a reason I'm not actually aware of, enough is not in this person's vocabulary for most of the time with me. I have my breaks when it's necessary to recoup, but that's the only 'enough' I'm aware of with this blog! I return - "time and again"! I estimate or have learned by now that all I can do realistically is to "take each day as it comes" and I believe, that is good advice. Cheers.k.

~ * EASY 'tasty' REAL Orange Cake ! ~

125g butter, softened

125g raw caster sugar

1 cup self-raising flour, sifted

2 eggs

1 orange, grated rind and juice

. PREHEAT oven to 180deg.C. Grease and line a 21cm x 10cm loaf tin. PLACE softened butter, raw sugar, flour, eggs, juice and rind in a bowl and beat for three (3) minutes. POUR mixture into the loaf tin, smooth the top and bake for 45-55 minutes or until cooked when tested!

~ Dreams OR Choices? ~

"I've received alot of good advice in my life. Near the top of the list is this wise observation from a friend: "Life is not made up by the dreams that you dream but by the choices that you make."

He's right - your life today is the sum total of all the choices you've made up to THIS point! The apostle Paul gave similar advice in Philippians 1:10, when he said to "approve the things that are excellent" (1:10). In any given situation, we have a whole continuum of choices - ranging from really rotten choices, to the mediocrity of average choices, to choices that are good, and then to those that are excellent. GOD wants to move us across the continuum, past our natural impulses (according to man), all the way to EXCELLENT choices.

OFTEN it's challenging to make the most excellent choice, especially if there aren't many others joining us. Sometimes it may feel as if our desires and freedoms have been suppressed.

BUT if you follow Paul's advice, you'll notice some really postive outcomes - like being pure, blameless and fruitful (v.11).

* Make the choice to live a life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5: 22-23). Then revel in the result!" - JS.

The litte choices we must make

Will chart the course of life we take;

We either choose the path of light,

OR wander off in darkest night. - DD.

"APPROVE the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense." - Philippians 1:10.

Make an excellent choice and watch the ripple effect of blessing!

~ Tense ?!!! ~

There IS NO need to be tense about TOMORROW - if you have faith in TODAY !!!

* * SCRAPS Of TIME ?? ! * *

"EACH new day dawns with its own problems, vitality-sapping duties, upsetting emergencies and unexpected encounters. The question is, how to get through it victoriously and still be ABLE to stand ! The answer is FOUND in over 237 places in God's Word !

Peter says that it is the God of grace who will make us strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10). Our gracious Father says over and OVER, "I will strengthen you," (Isaiah 41:10). He further adds, "I will STRENGTHEN them in the Lord and in HIS name they WILL walk" (Zechariah 10:12) !! When the battle IS fierce and our enemy SEEMS to be getting the upper hand, HE reminds us, "My GRACE is SUFFICIENT for YOU, for my POWER is made PERFECT in WEAKNESS" (2 Corinthians 12:9), and "YOUR strength WILL equal YOUR days" (Deuteronomy 33:25).

IF we are still NOT convinced, we find that "The God of Israel GIVES power and strength to HIS people" (Psalm 68:35) ! He WILL be THE "STRONGHOLD" of OUR life (Psalm 27:1) !

IS it any wonder that the psalmist cried out, "Sing for joy to God OUR strength" (Psam 81:1) ! "TRUST ye in the Lord for ever: for IN the LORD Jehovah is EVERLASTING strength" (Isaiah 26:4, KJV). BECAUSE, we have THIS assurance, we are ABLE to go "from strength to strength" (Psalm 84:7) !

As WE face EACH day, we may put on His strength and JOIN David as he sings, "The Lord is my strength and my shield"(Psalm 28:7). * MOREOVER, we are READY to face with CONFIDENCE whatever THE day may bring, for WE have this ASSURANCE: "I can do EVERYTHING THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH" (Philippians 4:13)." - Marjorie E. Jones

"It is God who arms me WITH strength and MAKES my way PERFECT (2 Samuel 22:33)."

~ * Australian DIABETIC 'Zesty Lemon Fingers' Slice' (* suitable for diabetics) !! ~

This recipe (* suitable for diabetics) is described as a "delicious, quick-to-prepare slice for a mid-morning or afternoon snack" and saw it in a free-local newspaper.

..with Kind regards, Kim.

'Zesty Lemon Fingers' (Slice).

INGREDIENTS: 12 'Scotch Finger' biscuits (* bought crisp shortbread - they are an icon in Australia - always check ingredient components IF not using that Australian brand of bought biscuits)! 1 1/2 tablespoons custard powder. 1 1/2 tablespoons cornflour. 1/2 cup fructose (fruit sugar). 1/2 cup lemon juice. 1 1/2 cups skim milk. METHOD: Line a slice tray with baking paper. Arrange the biscuits on the base of the tray. In a medium saucepan, place the custard powder and fructose. Slowly stir in the lemon juice and skim milk. Mix well. Stir over low heat until the mixture boils and thickens. Spread the mixture over the biscuit base. Decorate with grated lemon rind. Cool.

Bon Apetit

~ A Cake...and, the result that turns out well ! ~

Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 4:19 AM

Subject: a Cake...

"Choosing to use the right words is like choosing the right ingredients to make a cake! (It is also said that to get the best results it must be built with Love.) DO you want the result to turn out well"? - K.

~ It's a Party and You're Invited... ~

Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011

Subject: It's a party...

It's a Party and You're Invited...

DAY: "Cherish the Past" (learn from it).

TIME: "Adorn the Present" (Love it).

PLACE: "Construct the Future".

~ "cutting the Mustard" .. ~

Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:46 AM Subject: "cutting the mustard"..

"God hopes for and does require me to personally reflect the ambience of the Master (Jesus my Lord and Saviour) in the Life He has given me! ref. James 1:19, 20, 21, 22: "Understand (this), my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear (a ready listener), slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. *'Offense' IS the bait OF SATAN (*James 4:7 "So, be subject to God. Resist the devil (STAND FIRM against him), and, he will flee from you". 20 For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God (hopes for and requires). 21 So, get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted (in your hearts) contains the power to save your souls! 22 But, be doers of the Word (obey the message), and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves (into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth)." ref. Matthew 10:16: "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be wary and wise as Serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) as Doves (cross ref. Genesis 3:1)." ref. Proverbs 3:7: "Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and Worship the Lord and turn (entirely) away from evil (cross ref. Proverbs 8:13)." ref. Proverbs 7:1, 2, 3: "My SON, keep my words; lay up within you my commandments (for use when needed) and treasure them. 2 Keep my commandments and Live, and keep my law and teaching as the apple (the pupil) of your eye! 3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart." - 'The Amplified Bible'. To reflect the ambience of the Master's Character I must practice to obey His words and to DO this I must firstly hold infinitely the absolute Truth of God's Holy Spirit in my heart." SELAH. - Kim.

~ Retrospect ! ~

Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 12:29 PM

Subject: In retrospect.

"I have experienced many hardships in life over the years. In retrospect, it's okay. Okay ?? - you may feel obliged to say. Yes, it's really and truly, better than good okay. Okay, because the Lord Jesus has hold of me! He had hold of me while I was being knitted in my mother's womb. He knew the circumstances of my life while I was being knitted in my mother's womb. Knitted?? - you may inquire. Yes, knitted. He is truly my Maker and what reason do I have to inquire as to the days He has formed for me? I know that His immutable excellent Good Strength and infallible pure character is doing His Glorious-best for me. Something that would not be possible to achieve by myself. He has shown Himself to be faithful to His Promises. The Lord will not deny Himself!

I must experience and share in the sufferings of Christ if I am to share in His inheritance that He has promised me. It is not easy. It is worth it! He has equipped me with His very Strength. His Strength has been given to me to be shown in my weaknesses. I am human but have given Him my heart. That makes all the difference. He gave His heart to me, first! His Love provides me with His Strength so I can cope with the sufferings - the sufferings that help me grow as a more full person in Him. The Best. The God-given Strengths that He has. There is nothing better than that to assist me with the strifes of this current world. Why?? - you say. Because, I say, what is better than to agree with the statutes and precepts of the Maker who makes up the invaluable patterns in the tapestry of Life.

Selah ('pause and think of that')". - K.

~ A Gift ? ! ~

Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 9:17 AM

Subject: What is a gift ?

Sometimes when a gift is given it's not what we would have liked even if it's been given from the heart. I have an illness called MS and for the years since receiving its diagnosis I have been in denial about its potential existence within my lifedreams. It is a reality and finally realise that time is too short to be concerned about my personal life-goals. This is where Jesus comes in. Knowing that He wants to extract the excellent-best for me and from me is an astounding revelation and part of that hurts because I feel I've had to sacrifice required elements that I've wanted to retain. What I regard as working importance in this world is not of working importance for the Lord as is but is to be refined for use according to His Holy Will, Word and ultimate Good and purpose for me. I just have to go to His Bible of Scripture to find that out!

What He requires is the best for me because I've learned that He is faithful to His promises. He is Kind, Good, Holy, pure Grace (His undeserved favour), The Creator of All things Good, Merciful, Just, Compassion, Saver in Jesus (the RIGHTEOUS Way to be Saved). I definitely thank Him for giving me more than I would ever be able to dream for myself. Instead of feeling like a Soldier who throws himself on a live grenade to take the brunt of an explosion I sort-of 'ground-hog day' go into 'auto-pilot' and reflect on comparing the TRUTH of Jesus suffering on His Self-ordained Cross for my sins. Amazing, Isn't it?? Because of His Death and Resurrection, all who accept His offer of Salvation receive Absolute forgiveness and eternal-LIFE (*John 3:16).

*Hebrews 10 in God's-breathed Bible speaks regarding the animal-offerings of the Old Testament and compares them to Jesus' death. Verse 4 states that "It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins". Those sacrifices point us to the need for Christ's death. "Thank you God for RENEWING Your Patience and Tolerance with me EVERYDAY". It is a really TRUE Gift with His Hope of expressing the Best that LIFE can give me - "lifting the bar in my Life for Jesus"! - K. _________________________________________________________________________________________

~ ** The ORIGINAL - ' Aardvark Antics' : A "FOODIE" Blog ** 'JELLY BEAN' Biscuits ? (* a FUN thing to do/make) !! ** ~

1-1/4 cups S.R. (self raising) flour

1/3 cup raw caster sugar

1/3 cup coconut

125g. Butter ( * is made from cream; doesn't include milk - different constituent)

1/4 cup milk (try low-fat - with lactase)

Vanilla

100g. 'Jelly Beans'

1. PUT flour, coconut, raw sugar and butter in processor, THEN, add milk and vanilla.

2. CHILL mixture for thirty (30) minutes. MAKE oval shapes with a Cookie Cutter or try using a dessertspoon? and press two (2) 'Jelly Beans' in each biscuit!

3. BAKE for 1-1/4 hours at 180deg.Celcius (350deg.F.).

* Have fun making those Biscuits !!

~ UNUSUAL recipe for a LOW-FAT "fruit lover" BIRTHDAY Cake !! ~

LOW-FAT Fruit Cake !

1 kg. Mixed Fruit

2 cups Self-raising Flour

600ml. Carton of LITE (low-fat) Chocolate OR LITE (low-fat) Coffee Milk

* POUR milk over fruit and LEAVE overnight until milk is absorbed. ADD flour. MIX and place in lined/greased 20 cm. square tin. BAKE in moderate (350deg.F.) oven for at least one (1) hour.

( * IT is best to LEAVE cake for a day or two (2) before cutting !! )

~ ** The ORIGINAL - 'Aardvark Antics' : A "FOODIE" Blog ** LEMON and GARLIC Chicken DRUMSTICKS !! ** ~

Serves: 4.

8 chicken drumsticks

3 garlic cloves, crushed

3 teaspoons dried MIXED herbs

1/3 cup (80ml.) olive oil

1 lemon, rind/'zest' finely grated, juiced

1. COMBINE the garlic, mixed herbs, oil, salt and cracked black pepper, lemon rind and juice in a LARGE non-metallic bowl.

2. CAREFULLY make a few (3 - 5) slashes in the skin of the drumsticks (this will allow the marinade to be absorbed into the chicken more better). ADD to garlic mixture and toss to coat evenly. COVER and refrigerate for one (1) hour.

3. HEAT a stovetop grill or barbecue/barbeque on high. DRAIN the chicken from the liquid and cook on pre-heated grill for 10-12 minutes, turning regularly until golden brown and cooked through. * SERVE immediately with a simple salad or lightly steamed - boiling for about 3-5 minutes (hot but remaining crunchy) vegetables!

N.B. This dish works well for feeding a CROWD. * TRY using wings, thighs or breast fillets.

Bon Apetit

~ INFLUENCE Tomorrow ! ~

"We can't undo yesterday, but we can act today to influence TOMORROW." - D.M.

DON'T LET YESTERDAY'S FAILURES BANKRUPT TOMORROW'S EFFORTS !

~ ** The ORIGINAL - 'Aardvark Antics' : A "FOODIE" Blog ** LAMB-chop witness ? ! ** ~

"Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." - John 3:18

"HAVE you ever heard of witnessing with a lamb chop ? W.H. Lax, a Methodist minister in London for 38 years, did just that.

An old man was gravely ill, and Pastor Lax called on him. The man had no time for ministers, and as soon as he saw Lax's clerical collar he turned away and refused to speak.

Lax suspected that the man's food supply had run low. So when he left the house, the minister stopped at a local butcher shop and had two lamb chops sent over. He called again in a few days and the old fellow was a bit friendlier. On his way home, Lax left another order with the butcher. By his third visit there was a noticeable change. The man was congenial and outgoing; he even allowed the minister to witness to him.

WHILE Lax was away on a preaching mission, the old man died. Apparently, he had put his trust in Christ, for just before he died he said, "Tell the minister that it's all right now. I'm going to God. But be sure to tell him it wasn't his talking that changed me. It was those lamb chops !"

MEETING someone's need can provide a great opportunity to share the gospel. It can melt the most hardened heart and open doors that have been locked for a lifetime.

Do you know someone who needs a "lamb chop" today ?" - HWR

* How can you show your love and concern by meeting the needs of people in your neighborhood or workplace ?

KINDNESS IS THE BEST