** It's IN CHRIST !!!

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for (Ephesians 1:11 MSG).

'A personal relationship with God begins with an event Jesus called a new birth (John 3:3). WHEN we are born spiritually into God's family we become His children and members of His spiritual kingdom.

To begin this personal relationship, take these steps:

Admit your need. We come into this world physically alive but spiritually dead - missing out on the quality of life for which God made us. The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), "there is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10), and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). THEREFORE, we need a Savior.

REALISE what God has done for you. GOD loved us enough to send His own Son into this world to rescue us from the devastating effects of our sin (John 1:1-14, 3:16). JESUS died in our place, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. WITH one sacrifice (because He is God's Son), He paid for the least - and the worst - of our sins.

PERSONALLY believe and receive God's gift. NO one is saved by trying to be good. WE are saved by trusting in Christ. THE Bible says, "By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

THE actual words we say to God to receive this gift may vary. WHAT is important is that we believe Him enough to be able to say something similar to the following:

God, I know I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, and that He rose from dead to prove it. Now I accept Your offer of full forgiveness and eternal life. I accept Jesus as Your gift for my salvation.

IF this is the honest (sincere/earnest) expression of your heart, you have entered into a personal relationship with God !

We encourage you to start attending a good Bible-teaching church and to let a pastor know of your decision' - RBC Ministries.


** Also, you may read 'A Christian's Growth' !! IT is encouragingly documented in the NOVEMBER 2011 postings of this Blog. Cheers.k.

* CHRISTMAS/Easter COOKING: 'Indulgent QUICK and EASY Raspberry FRIANDS' recipe !

Makes: 12

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups icing sugar
1 cup almond meal
1/2 cup plain flour
185g butter, melted
6 egg whites
1 cup fresh raspberries, blueberries or mixed berries

Method:

1. PREHEAT oven to moderate. COMBINE icing sugar, almond meal and flour in a mixing bowl. BLEND in butter, stirring gently, until just combined.

2. LIGHTLY beat egg whites in a clean bowl until frothy and fold through almond mixture. FOLD in raspberries.

3. DIVIDE mixture evenly between a greased 6 or 12-hole friand tin.

4. BAKE for 20-25 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer. ALLOW to cool in tin for 5 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely.

NOTE: If you do not have a friand tin, use muffin tins or mini loaf tins.


Delicious "bite-size" cakes !

* CHRISTMAS/ Easter COOKING: ' Top TURKISH Delight CONFECTIONERY ' (recipe) !

Number of sweets: 48

Cooking Utensils: 2 greased, 6" (inch) or 15cm. square cake tins

Ingredients:

1-1/2 oz. (ounces) or 3 tablespoons gelatine
1/2 pint (250-300ml.) hot (pre-boiled) water
1lb. (2 cups) sugar
1/2 teaspoon citric acid
1/2 teaspoon vanilla or rose water
1/2 teaspoon almond essence
pink colouring

Coating:

1 oz. (25g.) cornflour
1 oz. (25g.) icing sugar

Method:

1. WEIGH and measure ingredients.

2. PLACE sugar, water and gelatine in saucepan and stir until dissolved. ADD citric acid.

3. BRING to the boil and boil gently for 20 minutes. NOTE: Do not stir while boiling.

4. REMOVE from heat and cool 10 minutes.

5. DIVIDE the mixture in half, colour one half pale pink and flavour with vanilla.

6. FLAVOUR the other half with almond.

7. POUR each into a prepared tin.

8. ALLOW to stand 24 hours.

9. CUT into squares and roll (turn from side to side) in coating mixture.


Splendid !

* CHRISTMAS/Easter/'Thanksgiving' COOKING: 'Merry MARZIPAN Potatoes CONFECTIONERY ' (recipe) !

Number of Sweets: 16

Ingredients:

1 quantity marzipan
2 tablespoons cocoa
slivered almonds

Method:

1. USING approximately 1 rounded teaspoon of mixture, form marzipan into ovals.
2. ROLL in cocoa.
3. FORM "eyes" with slivers of almonds.

MARZIPAN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

Method:

1. SHAPE small pieces of marzipan to resemble apples, pears, bananas, strawberries, carrots or any other fruit or vegetable.

2. Paint exterior with food colours and decorate as desired.

INEXPENSIVE MARZIPAN

Ingredients:

1 lb. (400-450g.) or (5-1/3 cups) cake crumbs
40z. (2/3 cup) almond meal
4oz. (2/3 cup) caster sugar
3oz. apricot jam (75-90g.) or (3 rounded tblsp.) pureed/flesh of fruit reduced to pulp - press through sieve

Method:

1. WEIGH and measure ingredients.

2. DRY cake crumbs slightly in a slow (275deg.F.-350deg.F.) oven.

2. KNEAD all ingredients together.

4. IF extra moisture is required, use orange juice.


ENJOY !

~ * LABELS for POSTS ! ~

HAVE tried to delete some of the labels on most entries that have already been posted BUT those entries with labels seem to have a mind of their own and won't allow me to change them.

PERHAPS by "word of mouth" (referring) OR by forwarding transcriptions (transferring) of the contents of THIS Blog may help in encouraging it. It's REALLY up to you ! .k.

* CHRISTMAS Cooking: 'LOVELY Orange CUPCAKES' recipe !

1-1/2 cups self-raising flour, sifted
125grams butter, chopped, at room temperature
1/2 cup caster sugar
Finely grated zest (citrus rind) and juice 1 orange
2 eggs

Whipped cream, extra finely grated orange zest, icing sugar, to SERVE


1. Preheat oven to moderate temperature. Line a muffin pan with paper patty cases.

2. Place all ingredients into a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on low 2 minutes until mixture is smooth.

3. Spoon mixture evenly into patty cases until two-thirds full. BAKE 12-15 minutes until cooked when tested with a skewer.

4. Cool in pan 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Top with whipped cream and strands of orange zest. SERVE dusted with icing sugar.

Enjoy !

* STORE in an airtight container OR freeze (without cream) for wonderful lunchbox fillers !

~ POSTED many .. ~

I posted as many entries as I was able onto this blog before I departed for respite. POSTSCRIPT: I rewrite some posts to make them fundamentally better according to the way I review them at that particular time. It may be for your interest to check the posts - just as I do !
Enjoyed my break away. It was a timely change. RETURNED a day earlier than was ORIGINALLY planned as my husband and I attended a wedding which was nice.k.

* ESPECIAL Pineapple 'SLICE' recipe !!

BASE: *8oz. (*ounces - imperial measure) plain sweet biscuits
5oz. butter.

CRUSH biscuits, combine with melted butter; blend well.
LINE a 'slice' tin (extending foil over the edges). PRESS blended
biscuit-mixture into the tin and then place in the refrigerator.

FILLING: 8oz. packet cream cheese.
1 can condensed milk.
15oz. can (large tin) crushed pineapple (keep pineapple juice for thickening process).
1/3 cup lemon juice.
1 dessertspoon gelatine.
* Passionfruit (see end of recipe).

METHOD: CREAM cream cheese (best at room temperature) and condensed milk together until light and smooth.
DRAIN pineapple, sprinkle gelatine into the gelatine's required amount of pineapple juice (liquid) and stir over heat until dissolved. Cool.
ADD remainder of pineapple juice and lemon juice to the cheese-mixture. BEAT well.
STIR in the drained crushed pineapple. POUR onto crumb-crust and place into refrigerator until set.
* DECORATE with passionfruit (use small tin of passionfruit from the supermarket when fresh Passionfruit is not available).

"Bon Apetit."

~ EVERY Breath I Take ! ~ ..

Thank You for my life, LORD. Every breath I breathe is a gift from You - my beating heart, my pulsing blood, eyes that see, and fingers that can touch the ones' I love. *In Jesus precious Name (*because, if it wasn't for Him, I would have nothing; no hope.k.). Amen.
- 365 EVERYDAY PRAYERS (*and, Kim).

* The LORD Is My PORTION !!

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him (LAMENTATIONS 13:25).

The Book of Lamentations is actually a postscript (P.S.) to Jeremiah - as though the author wished to add detail on the mourning of Jerusalem. But inside this little book lies a beautiful portion of pure hope and of God's great faithfulness to His people (3:22-25). His love, mercy and compassion are fresh and new and just as sure as the morning sunrise and the earth-refreshing dew.

Each of us can recall personal incidents when God's mercy was apparent - the time when a loved one was hovering between life and death - or when parents prayed earnestly and diligently for a child who had drifted far from the Father. God understands that love within our hearts and shows His compassion. How many times has He shown mercy to someone who deliberately and willfully offended Him ?

In God's Word we see His faithfulness everywhere. *From Genesis to Revelation. He never alters what He says He will do. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Jeremiah gives a personal testimony in chapter 3 of Lamentations where, after reciting the afflictions he has suffered, he states, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him" (verse 24).

If we have made the Lord our portion, we have assurance of His compassion, faithfulness and mercy. Such assurance is more than enough to see us through the problems of life !

S. BLIGHT

~ REACHING Out ! ~ ..

I thank my God every time I remember you . . . I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel (PHILIPPIANS 1:3-5).

It was mail day, the highlight of a missionary's week. Excited, I flipped through the letters we had received. Noting one from a good friend, I tore it open first. Her letter was bound to cheer me up this lonely Thanksgiving week. My thoughts had turned to our families and to our children who were still in boarding school awaiting the Christmas vacation.

But this time, instead of the usual chuckles and smiles, her words brought tears. I cried, but nevertheless I was left with a warm feeling.

She understands me ! God gave her to me to be a partner in my ministry. She is the one who unfailingly offers encouragement when I am tired, lonely or depressed.

To whom can you be a partner ? DO you know someone with whom you could share the burden of reaching those overseas who NEED to hear about Christ's free OFFER of salvation ?

F. CORBY

* ESPECIAL 'ROCKY ROAD' Ice Cream recipe !!!

* MAKES 1.5 Litres.
In a large mixing bowl spoon in 1.5 litres of softened vanilla ice cream, 1 cup of mini (or chopped) marshmallows, 118 grams of milk (Aero) or peppermint chocolate, chopped, 1/2 cup of roasted almonds, chopped. FREEZE. SERVE in waffle cones or a bowl. SPRINKLE with extra chocolate, chopped.

* PAINT Job ! ..

A children's wading pool in an East Coast inner-city neighborhood had been closed for 2 years. City workers finally painted the pool, filled it with water, and opened it to the delight of excited children.

A short time later, though, neighborhood parents were furious. Eighteen children had cuts on their feet! It seems the pool hadn't been cleaned out before it was painted. The workmen had merely spray-painted over glass debris on the pool bottom.

The harm done by these city workers is like the damage done by the Pharisees of Jesus' day. They made cover-up into an art. They dressed for success. They knew how to make good impressions. And the more they learned about the heart of Christ, the more they hated Him and His followers.

We are like Pharisees when we look out only for our own interests and become preoccupied with how others perceive us. We can become full of ourselves, full of empty promises, full of selfish motives that are as sharp as broken glass.

The Christlikeness that God wants to form in us is so different. Jesus said "He who humbles himself will be exalted" (Mt. 23:12). Our own efforts to make ourselves look good are nothing more than a bad "paint job."

MRD II

~ ATTENTION: I will be in RESPITE from .. ~

I will be in respite FROM November 21 (this coming Monday - Australian/eastern standard time) UNTIL November 28 (the following Monday). Unfortunately, as there is no provision for internet use at the place where I'll be staying, I won't be able to send any posts until after I return home here !

Apologies,
Kim.

** + A Christian's GROWTH !!

* + ALWAYS pray to the LORD (keeps us close to God) !
* + ALWAYS praise Him (the enemy hates it when we "thank" God and he will flee while we do it).
* + ALWAYS read the Bible (it's the LIVING Word and always "keeps us on track" - for our personal good).

* "Easy, QUICK and delicious" ROAST Vegetable BAKE ! ..

5 eggs ( * preferably 'Free Range' or 'Barn Laid')
2 cups chopped baked vegetables *
2 tbsp. plain flour
1/2 cup grated tasty cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
season to taste
* suggest using leftover baked vegetables.
Whisk eggs well. ADD vegetables, flour, cheese, parsley and seasoning. POUR into a greased pie or casserole dish and bake in a moderate oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until set.
EAT hot or cold. Serves 4.

~ DO We REALLY See ?? ~ ..

Nearing hysteria, I stood frozen in the aisle. With my energetic two-year-old and newborn, I was walking through the large department store when my two-year-old slipped away without a word and vanished.

At first I was irritated and had my disapproval speech planned for when she came running back, but she was nowhere to be seen. Irritation quickly became panic as I stood there, not knowing what to do. This store had many doors leading into the large shopping mall and parking lot. "What if . . .?" brought me to tears as I strained to see a bright red coat with my blonde pigtailed daughter in it. But I saw nothing except adults who were all going about their business. Can they not see what is going on? How can they be so close and so unaware of my great despair? I wanted to scream. Instead, I began searching in other areas.

RELIEF almost overwhelmed me as I spotted her in the jeans section, quietly pulling off sizing labels. Our reunion and familiar speech over, I clutched her hand. We walked back through the store, past clerks who had been close enough to reach out but who were blind to my need.

I could not blame these women. Indeed, I wondered how many of the people who stood near me that day might have been experiencing great trauma and despair. Am I too busy counting our pennies and wishing a "Good day" to be aware of the great needs of those near me?

If we could only see the world through the Lord's eyes! May He help us to see the distressed and downcast around us and, seeing, offer the loving compassion of the Lord Jesus.

"When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless (MATTHEW 9:36)."

D.S. HAMMER

~ "ALWAYS running out of time" ?? ~

TIME always runs out !

Pause and think of that.

* A WAY of ESCAPE !

"When I said, "This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt" (JOB 38:11).
And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 CORINTHIANS 10:13)."

Have you had the thrill of lying awake at night in a cottage by the seashore listening to the waves crashing on the rocks nearby? The night may be dark, with no stars showing, and all you can see is the froth of the whitecaps as they break and recede. When you think of the tremendous power involved, the thunder of the waves can be awesome and a little frightening.

There can come hours of dark despair when the breakers of depression, sorrow and pain seem to wash over us and we fear that we shall be carried out to sea. We may feel the cold of the ocean on our feet, and we do not know which way to turn.

But God, the God who made and controls the universe, who says to the waves, "This far you may come, and no farther," will not let the evil one overwhelm us. We do not need to turn either way. All we need to do is just look up to Him. He "will provide a way out."

R. WATROUS

* BEING Blessed In His Image !!

"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,"
. . . in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (GENESIS 1:26-27)."

We are blessed, are we not, to be created in God's image? Sometimes, though, when we look into a mirror, we might wonder! My nine-year old daughter spends more time than I care to relate in front of the mirror, curling iron and brush in hand. This bathroom clog-up usually takes place on Sunday morning when we are all scrambling to get ready for Sunday school and church. What will it be like when she is a teenager!

This crazy world in which we live overemphazises the outward beauty of face and figure. We are trying to teach our children to give God His rightful glory as the Creator of all things. In Psalm 139:13 and 14 we are told, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well." Our precious little girl who gazes into that mirror is one of those fearfully and wonderfully made works of God!

Imagine, before he or she is born, each tiny infant has been shaped and molded by the mighty hand of God." ...
* have misplaced THIS Devotion so am not able to finish it. This Devotion was specifically named In His Image. I remember that title and have looked everywhere here for it. I will continue with that theme as I have found another Devotion also called In His Image. Perhaps you will notice some similarities. Apologies.k.

In His Image

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps (1 PETER 2:21)."

While living in Nagoya, Japan, I met a lady who taught shuji (Japanese calligraphy). She wanted to improve her English and I wanted to learn how to write Japanese characters with a brush, so we made the happy exchange. Every week she came to my house and taught me shuji, and after the lesson she practiced conversational English with me.

The first step in each lesson was to watch her draw the Japanese character with a special brush. Since she was making the example for me to follow, she used bright vermilion ink. The next step was to mix the sumi with a small amount of water in the well to form jet black ink for my writing practice.

When her beautiful example was prepared, my teacher placed it in front of me. I tried to copy her work, but in spite of my efforts I could not match her artistic brush strokes. Her Japanese character was beautiful. Mine looked like the work of a six-year-old with a shaky hand!

One day the teacher took her red example and carefully laid it underneath my practice paper. With confidence, I traced the clearly visible strokes with my brush. After doing this on several practice sheets, the teacher removed her example and I was "on my own." The result was amazing. By tracing over her Japanese character, I had learned the correct pattern.

Through this experience, the meaning of Christ, our example, was indelibly inscribed on my heart. As I study God's Word, I see Jesus as my example. I trace my life over His life so that I can follow in His steps! E.J. PEASE

* God's PLANS !!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)".

One benefit of living in the Southern Philippines has been the marvels we discover in the Sulu Sea. While swimming in the salty water, we often enjoy the delights of looking into an awesome, beautifully ordered and designed aquarium.

Hundreds of exotic fish move about - some darting here and there, others gliding silently - each obeying God in its own unique way. There are myriads of creatures in this submarine world - all designed to match or starkly contrast with their environment. In it all we see the rightness of God's order.

How much more our Creator cares for us. How much more He wants good things for human creatures made in His image. Knowing ourselves to be God's special creation, do we nevertheless sometimes have questions and doubts?

We wonder why God does not intervene when we suffer. How can a loving God allow hurt and disappointment? Why do Christians sometimes sink to depths of despair? We have all probably had thoughts like these from time to time. I believe we can express our doubts to God. When we do, He will teach us a very positive truth - God is for me and not against me!

We all suffer in one way or another. In spite of how we feel, God is still at work in our world. And, through the operation of His Holy Spirit, He is at work in each of us. Setting out to discover what God is doing and cooperating with Him will bring to our lives the order and rightness we discovered in the Sulu Sea.

S. WISLEY

** The KEY !!

"FOR God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes IN Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (JOHN 3:16).
+ cross references: Rom. 5:8 [Is. 9:6]
THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION.

+ JESUS carries our burden !!

"A man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering . . . , Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:3-4)".

'We were home on furlough and nicely settled in a big roomy house in downtown Toronto. My husband was on a missionary tour in British Columbia.

The children and I loved being with my dad, and it gave them a sense of belonging after the long separation from family.

Then suddenly he was gone! Stricken with a heart attack, he died late one night, all alone. No more loving, laughing Grandpa. No more dear, understanding Dad.

Letters, phone calls and visits helped me greatly. Yet the real comfort lay in reading in God's Word such passages as, "A man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering."

To be familiar with a subject is to know it thoroughly. Jesus saw, He knew and He identified Himself with a suffering world. He watched the widow of Nain as she followed the casket of her only son. He heard the sobbing of Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus. He watched it all. He became acquainted with grief - their grief, our grief.

But it does not stop there. "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows." How precious to tear-stained eyes are those words! If we are carrying a heavy bag up the stairs and someone says, "Here, let me carry that," and he takes it from us, who is carrying it? Is it not the one who took it from us?

The passage does not say that He took it away, thrust it from us or stamped it out. He does that with our sins. Sorrow is very different. He lifts our sorrows to His shoulders and walks right along beside us. He just comes to us and says, "Let Me carry that!" '

M. KELLY

* 1 Thessalonians 4:13 " ... lest you sorrow as others who have no hope".

** ESPECIALLY "good eating" RECIPES' !!

LOOK-up OTHER recipes' on this Blog. THERE are many. WHAT about the delicious 'FIG and RASPBERRY Pavlova' from Briget who says she "made it by herself" ?
*DO some recipe sleuthing ! You'll be thrilled with the recipes' you find !!
Cheers.k.

* BODY of God's CHOOSING ..

God puts a Soul in a body of His choosing; for GOOD reason. It then remains up to us to make choice/s for our personal destiny in whichever way that may take.

Pause and think of that.

~ HONEY ~ ..

How would you make Honey out of nothing (super food for thought) ??

* FAN-forced Oven temperatures versus STANDARD-conventional Oven temperatures !!

** NOTE: Fan-forced Oven temperatures are always to be set at twenty (20) degrees less than the temperatures indicated for recipes' that are to be cooked in a standard-conventional Oven as the fan-forced Oven temperature will be too hot to proper bake the recipe !!

* 'The CHRISTMAS Salad' RECIPE !

1 small rock melon
1/2 honeydew melon
1kg water melon
1 medium red onion
3/4 cup seeded raisins
250g tiny tomatoes
1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced

* Dressing:
Juice of 2 lemons
2 passionfruit
1/4 cup oil of your choice
Ground black pepper to taste

Peel melons, remove seeds and cut into bite sized pieces. Add thinly sliced onion rings, raisins, tiny tomatoes and avocado. Sprinkle with dressing.

* To make dressing, combine lemon juice, passionfruit pulp, oil of your choice and pepper. Shake well.

~ REMEMBRANCE Day ~ ..

REMEMBRANCE DAY freshly reminded me again of my Dad. He was a returned Soldier from the Second World War. He would never miss marching in the Melbourne; Australia, ANZAC DAY march every year and I would see what it meant to him. A mixture of freedom that was won at a costly price. There was a sadness of lives lost including people he had known well; a kinship of spirits, yet, he held a joy which was indicative of being so thankful for the life that he and many others' had been given.

He had a saying that was permanently taped above the kitchen door and it said:
"PEACE OF MIND ABOVE ALL THINGS".
Knowing what goes into the mind goes into the heart .. that saying does make sense.

My Dad was from the 2/23 Battalion known as 'Albury's own'. He told me he travelled to Egypt, New Guinea and numerous other places. I have kept a special souvenir of his. It is a collection of little Elephants. They sit on top of our piano and are a token memory for me as it was for him. Every time I see them they remind me of his journey in a fight for freedom. Freedom for his fellow-man.

Incidentally - my birth date is April 25 (ANZAC DAY).

Wanted to share that story with you.
All the best,
Kim.

* WORRYING ..

Dear Diary,

'Philippians 4:6 cautions us not to be "anxious about anything . . . ," in other words not to worry. But how many times in our daily lives do we find ourselves worrying about a host of things including finances, our children or the future? There is an old Chinese proverb: "Why worry about how to cross the river if you have not even arrived at the shore yet?"

Anxiety is said to be undefined fear. When we find ourselves worrying or being anxious, it is very important to clarify what we are afraid of. Tell the Lord about it, leave it with Him and then act upon His truth. Do not live according to the feelings that accompany worry or anxiety.

How good it is to know that we can pray (talk to God) and not worry (exercising faith), realizing that we are praying to a God - our God - who is all-sufficient!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7)'.

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27).

N. MARTINEZ

- Am learning that crucial perspective in life and admit it's not always easy to put into practice. I often thank the Lord for renewing His patience of me. Philippians is my favourite book of the Bible. It's about joy that can be experienced in circumstances that are challenging.k.

* EASY delicious PAVLOVA Dessert ..

2 large egg-whites
1-1/2 cups caster sugar
1 teaspoon cornflour
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
4 tablespoons boiling water

. IN a bowl, combine all ingredients and beat for twenty (20) minutes on high speed. SPREAD onto a tray lined with baking paper and shape into a round with knife/spatula. COOK in a pre-heated Oven at 160deg.C. for fifteen (15) minutes, THEN 100deg.C. for one hour. Cool.

TOP with whipped cream and fruit of your choice.

* Handy for Celebrations'.k.

The THINGS that KEEP me ALIVE ..

- Joy.

- My active (living) faith in the One triune God (God Himself; Jesus the/His son; the/His Holy Spirit). Have learned through good biblical teaching that they are indicatively represented by each; although One, in our physical face (the eyes are God who always sees, the mouth is Jesus who speaks God's Word, the Holy Spirit is our nose which breathes Life). They Work together !

That is One example of how WE are created in God's image by Him placing an individual fingerprint of His Love in our lives that works together (it tells me that He's very interested in all the details of our life) !

Truly amazing,
Kim.

* "In a hurry" DELICIOUS Fruit 'Slice' ..

Dear Diary,

THIS recipe is easy and delicious !

- 1 can CONDENSED Milk.
- 1 cup Self-raising Flour.
- 375grams Sultanas (OR other dried fruit).

- COMBINE all ingredients together in a bowl.

- BAKE in a moderate Oven until golden brown !

* The recipe is suitable for casual good eating such as from a Lunch-box and Picnic.k.

~ STRENGTHENING faith ~ ..

Hi Dear Diary,

Saw the following printed prayer today:

STRENGTHEN my faith, Lord, by helping me to realize that faith isn't about "not knowing"; it's about "knowing you in faith". YOU are the answer to every question and the solution to every problem. I will trust in You. In Jesus Name. Amen. - 365 EVERYDAY PRAYERS.

True.k.

~ Blissful .. ~

Hi,

Raining today and cooler than yesterday.
Magpies are warbling ...
I relish listening to those joyful sounds of life and ponder on them until other birds have their turn of being thankful for the day. Pondering again with nothing distracting my thoughts.
Believe it OR not .. blissful.

I must admit the weather is a portion grey compared to a yellow-warm day as it was yesterday but it's a typically green (Spring) Season. I don't mind that at all !

Glad to be alive.k.

PRECIOUS One ..

Hi,

'Deborah, wife, mother and judge was able to sort out right from wrong not only for herself but for others. She held court under a palm tree, which reminds me of our front yard in Irian Jaya - a quiet corner where people could come to talk and ask questions. WHEN the gospel first came to the Moni people, they had much "sorting out" to do. There were so many things in their lives they wondered about. What is right and what is wrong ? What does God think about this or that ?

* Having been given the Lord's instruction to go up to battle, Barak replied to Deborah, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go" (verse 8 - Judges). The presence of her godly life was what he needed in the thick of battle.

I think of the Moni Deborahs in Irian Jaya who have left parents and possessions and have gone with their husbands into isolated valleys, with tiny babies on their backs and toddlers by their side. They have ministered in malaria-infested lowlands where there is no medicine, sometimes coming back without those little ones or even losing their own lives so that frontiers might be pushed back for God.

ONLY eternity will tell of the battles that have been won, enemies conquered and exploits accomplished for God because of an optimistic woman of faith who said, "Go ! Conquer ! God is on your side !"

DEBORAH had that beautiful womanly ability to inspire those whose lives she touched. As women, we need not apologize for God's call or His anointing in our lives.'

("Go ! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you ? - JUDGES 4:14.")

G. CUTTS

Wonderful.k.

DEAREST Diary ..

WENT to the Podiatrist today. Had a good talk. She said that she's excited about going on holiday via train through the Rocky Mountains this coming January. Loves New York and Boston. Says the countryside is pretty and that they are thrilling places. She's magnetised by them and also can hardly wait to return.

WAS lacking in some energy today and came across a recipe that I've kept for a few years - thought I'd share it with you:

ENERGY-boost Apple CRUSTY Crumble
4 large apples, peeled and cored
1 tablespoon soft brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
Crumble:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup bran cereal
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup soft brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil OR melted butter

. SLICE apples, toss with sugar and mixed spice and place in ovenproof dish. COMBINE all ingredients for crust in a mixing bowl and sprinkle evenly over apples. PRESS down lightly and bake in a pre-heated moderate oven for about 30 minutes. SERVE hot with yoghurt, cream (thickened light ?) or ice-cream.

Just finished eating toasted colby cheese, tomato and asparagus wholemeal sandwiches. A treat.
Will retire to bed after this entry. Am satisfied with what has been achieved.k.

Dear DIARY ..

Dear Diary,
I love words. Good words. It's been a while since I've been typing and I never thought I'd be using this/a typist-keyboard again. How I love words !!
Have recently been on a P. & O. Cruise to Noumea, Port Vila, Lifou, Mystery Island and Isle of Pines. The cruise-ship is called the Pacific Pearl. An experience with live shows of a night, meeting different people, eating inviting food at the Waterfront Restaurant and of soaking in the sweet warm-weather days.
It's the first time we've been on such a cruise. My husband was so grateful not having to cook and I don't blame him. Everybody needs a break from usual routine. He enjoyed Snorkelling at Lifou where he discovered brightly-coloured fish and the feeling of standing on white soft sand.
I was Seasick in the beginning of that cruise. Taking Ginger tablets helped and so did eating a green Apple when I felt I'd enjoy it. We were advised by the Cruise staff that green Apples help with motion sickness.
Bought a girl-sized mauve-coloured grass skirt including buying a doll wearing a matching mauve-coloured grass skirt to give to our granddaughter as a souvenir gift from Port Vila.
Life is much the same otherwise.
Cheers.k.