It's A Wrap! Chili-Lime with Cream Jalapeno Sauce

One of my favorite things to do at night is to prepare my Honey's lunch for the next day. Trying to keep the mystery in our marriage, I like to change it up and surprise him. Last night I concocted a wrap that included chicken breast that had been coated in olive oil and then generously sprinkled our newest rub, "Chili-Lime." It is a very versital rub that works well on any meat. I have even used it on a box lunch that had turkey sandwich meat. It definitely added life to that lunch! In the photo to the right is the ingredients I used for his Chili-Lime and Jalapeon Sauce wrap. Please note that bright and shiny tomatoe is our first crop of the season! Granted it is only one, but we were thrilled to see it spring forth from the plant. I wonder if my grandparents got this excited about a tomato plant. Guess if at that point if you had seen one tomato plant, well, you know...

This chicken was coated with olive oil and then sprinkled generously with our Chili Lime Rub. Grill until done.
Let me just tell you here and now that the are great as a main course served with a salad and any other side you choose...except chocolate and that just wouldn't be right, now would it?

What I love about this recipe is that it is really one that you can throw healthy to the wind if you have a mind to or you can trim it down, like I did. The tortillas are made with Olive Oil and you can find them in the deli section of your grocery - or least that is where they tend to keep them at my HEB.

Here is the tortilla (made with Olive Oil) covered in the Creamy Jalapeo Sauce. I layered it with baby spinach, thinly sliced fresh mushrooms, sliced HOMEGROWN tomato, then added chicken. Topped stack of delicibles with a divided slice of monterey jack cheese.
Adding the mushrooms was an extra surprise, but hey, that's what keeps the mystery in the marriage, right? Have received kudos from my man that it was a mightly manly sandwich but was also mighty tasty.

The recipe for tonight is for the Creamy Jalapeno Dip/Sauce. Like I said, this is one special recipe. Not only can it spice up a wrap, or be used as a dipping sauce, a salad dressing and it is fantastic on grilled fish like talaphia. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine sure is!

You will note that in the recipe there is a note as to how you can make it more healthier version. The recipe serves 8-10 people. What I recommend is our manual food processor to chop the jalapenos, cilantro, and chiles. I used our blender because I doubled the recipe.Here you go, ready or not!

1 1/3 cup mayonaise (we use low-fat)

1/3 cup buttermilk (2%)

1/3 cup chopped jalaopeno peppers

1/3 cup canned green chiles (chopped)

1/3 cup cilantro

1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch dressing mix (Buttermilk flavor)

1 tsp. garlic powder (this is not enough for us - you may want to tweak it to your taste)

1 tsp. lime juice
Chop jalapeno peppers first, the process cilantro. Add chiles and process. The add the remaining ingredients. If you are using it as a dip, we like the Tia Rosa Chips from HEB. They really are awesome. However, if you want a healthier choice, you can cut whole wheat tortillas into wedges, place on cookie sheet, brush with oil. Lightly salt and bake at 400 degrees until crisp. Enjoy!
Now the lunch is ready to pack. I've included the healthier version of chips, a PC prep bowl of sauce so he can dip his chips and wrap (also added a bag of chips to share with his co-workers), a diet coke, mini-oreos, grapes and oh yes, the wrap. The green note with the heart on it??? That tradition started long ago in a land far, far away. Not knowing what kind of day they were having, thought it would help to know that they were pretty spectualar in my book! So, each day I packed our children's lunches for school. I would always include a love note for them to find as they munch on their lunches. Keeping the tradition alive, I use a brightly colored 4 x 6 card. What did the note say? Well, wouldn't you like to know! And, I might add...our kids have grown into some pretty spectular adults! Couldn't be more proud of them!

Being Delivered From It and Throught It

Looking at these photos brings back memories that have long since been stored in the treasure chest of my heart. The first photo is one of we fondly called, “The First Wives’ Club.” As I reflected on this picture, it is a vivid reminder of how fragile and precious life is in this world. At the time of this picture, this trio had had lunch in Old Towne Spring. Carol (center) was in town and was responsible for forming our club. It seems only fitting that she was in the middle of this photograph. She introduced me to Ellen (on left). Like me, Ellen’s husband is in the ministry and they, too, had led tours to Israel. It was the love of God’s land, Israel, that we all shared. Over time, it became evident, this union was not by chance. It was a divine strand of the tapestry God was working in all three of our lives. Carol works for the company that plans our tours. She is a “hands’ on” lady that tailors the trip to be a perfect fit for the hosts and the guests. This photo was taken on the front porch of a tea room. We had grabbed a complete stranger to snap this photo for us. All three of us had this photo framed in a purple frame (Ellen’s favorite color). We all three kept in touch. Because Ellen and I lived closer, we met more frequently and grew very close. Sadly, this would be the last photo of Ellen we would take.
Ellen and her husband had returned from a trip from Israel when Ellen noted a lump in her breast. She went to her doctor immediately but was told that it was nothing and sent her home. Ellen and her husband lived out of town, so a drive into town was truly a trip! As weeks progressed, the lump continued to grow and the pain became unbearable. Traveling back to the doctor with her arm resting on a pillow, I remember Ellen saying the pain was very severe. During her appointment with her doctor that day Ellen learned that the lump indeed was something. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. The disease was aggressive and so was the treatment. In the end, the disease being relentless moved into her brain. Still we kept in close contact, talking over the phone and emailing. And when she was placed in a facility near here, I went to see her frequently.

Ellen lived out the intervention of God being delivered from the disease. The disease did not win! God delivered Ellen from this disease. Leaving her funeral, I knew that Ellen had been victorious. And that this life was a launch pad for her. That she came to touch lives and complete an assignment only she could perform. While I lost a friend and a traveling companion on this earth, Ellen was delivered from this disease and what a reunion it will be when we once again join forces in Heaven.

Fast forward…I am standing at the front door of the church were I was employed and I see a member of our church in the parking lot hugging a lady. The lady could have been Ellen’s twin sister. For a moment I thought it was Ellen. My heart beating a million beats a minute I wanted to run, grab her up and tell her how much we all had missed her. To my shock and surprise, it was not Ellen, but a wonderful, godly lady named Linda. (This photo was taken at a mutual church member’s land blessing we attended.) Left to right: Richard, Steve, Linda and Jay).

Linda taught me to take another chance on relationships. Having decided I would NEVER journey again with some one dying (after all, Ellen was my third close friend who had died from cancer), I felt God simply would not ask me to “do” the friend thing again. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Linda walked into my life with a song! How she loved gospel music. Being a personal friend of The Isaacs, music was a large part of her life and gave her great joy. I still can see her face light up as her toes tapped, hands clapping as she took in the lyrics and tune. Linda was a special lady that forever stamped “delivered from” in my heart. Linda fought a 17 year battle with breast cancer. With every respite, we thought we had the cancer beat. Then one day, the battle near the end and Linda was delivered from it. Before leaving her graveside side, we broke out with one of her favorite songs, “I’ll Fly Away.” What a send off!

Lastly, is one very special lady. She holds a permanent place in my heart I have known this lady for almost 13 years. I would like to introduce this sweet angel lady named, Jay. Jay is on the far right in the above photo.

If you could take an empty bowl, add sweetness of spirit, prayers that could take down a giant, talent with the piano, love that knows no bounds and sprinkle it with a smile that would melt a heart, and add a generous helping for unwavering faith and friendship, you would have Jay.

Jay encounter with cancer was being delivered through her circumstances. She was diagnosed in 1991 with a lump, followed by surgery and chemo. In the years that I have known Jay (with no exception) any time anyone diagnosed with cancer [especially breast cancer], Jay would walk through the process with the person. I watched her counsel, comfort and cry with those as she accompanied them on their journey through cancer. Because she had experienced the treatment (including a mastectomy), Jay surpassed the role of a “go to” person. Jay’s love of God, her unwavering faith in prayer and love of God’s people made her a formidable warrior against cancer. Jay shared this with me today. She said not long after her surgery, she was in church. It was dark as she sat in prayer asking God a very important question: “Please tell, God, am I healed?” Jay says that her entire body began to burn all over. She knew that God had responded and had healed her.

Hopefully, now, you understand why the “Whip Cancer” campaign has been in the forefront of my blog and in my heart. Rest assured there will come a day when cancer will be drop-kicked into the abyss by Jesus. But, in the meantime, know that if you or someone you know is or has had cancer that it is not delivered by an angry God. Our God does not cause cancer! Trust the truth that our God will continue to move in His sovereignty and faithfulness. Whether we are delivered to it – through it – or from it God is all over it!

“I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.”

Psalm 89:1-2

Let me say to each of you that I do not regret one second of the journey with these ladies. Yes, it was painful, yes, I thought I would never get over their leaving us, but that is where faith in God kicks in and carries you to it, through and from it! If you are hurting, hold onto the one who loves you with a forever love! And, for those who are delivered to it and through it, celebrate them! Zephaniah 3:17 tells about that love of God. Read it and soak it in...it is true! God loves you and them that much!

Being Delivered Through It - Joyce's Story

As promised earlier this month in my blog, I mentioned that I would be sharing stories of friends and family members who have had an ecounter with cancer. I believe what Beth Moore has often taught, "God delivers us in three ways in our circumstances. The first way is that He can deliver us to it." My blog of being diagnosed with inoperable bone cancer is an example of that deliverance.

"The second way God delivers us in our circumstance" Beth says, "is that God delivers us through our circumstance." Over the next week or so, I will be sharing with you stories of people who have impacted my life as they have been delivered through their circumstances. I continue to believe that unless we put a face to a disease, it really isn't a real thing. Cancer is real. Here is a story of a dear and precious lady whom I love and admire. Steve and I have been friends of this family for over almost 17 years. It is Joyce's daughter, Sandra Capelle who has written her mom's story of being delivered through her circumstances. The picture is of Joyce and two of her daughters, Janie (on Joyce's left) and Sandra (on Joyce's right)Here is Joyce's story.

My mother, Joyce Rabensburg, is an amazing woman. At 84 she played her last tennis tournament in Europe. Macular degeneration robbed her of her central vision and she had to step off the court. She is an avid gardener and loves to take walks with her rescued greyhound, Bessie.

In March of 2011, she moved back to Austin after living for 3 years with my sister in Waco. She is living in a wonderful and small assisted living facility now near me and has found a new life there. Two weeks after arriving, she told me she had found a lump in her right breast. As I had already gotten an appointment with her primary care physician, we were able to have him check this out quickly. He also expressed concern and we were on the path of more doctors, scans, and biopsies. When they called with confirmation that it was cancer all I could think of was “how do you tell your 91 year old mom she has cancer?” It just didn't see fair! She should be in the time of her life to just relax and enjoy each day. If I could have taken this on for her, I would have. Mom just said, “OK, what do we do now?” We were directed to an incredible surgeon whom we just fell in love with. This woman was clear in her words to Mom and gave us such confidence.

Two weeks after finding the lump, Mom had a mastectomy of her right breast. For her, the mastectomy was the better choice as she would not have to face radiation or chemotherapy. Four days after the surgery, she decided she had had enough “laying around” and she was up and dressed and checking on the rest of the residents. While she was uncomfortable, she was never in any real pain. At one week, she got the staples out. At two weeks, she got the drain out and pronounced that she was fine now and asked what else could we do for the day. We went to get her hair done and then to the shop for a bra with prosthesis as Mom didn't want to look unbalanced. This was a so “my mom’ as the lady explained that most women don't come in for a bra for 5-6 weeks. When we left (with 2 bras) she looked at me and said, ”I don't think much slows her down, does it?”

Mother is doing incredibly well. While some blood work appeared to indicate more cancer, all subsequent scans have shown her to be completely cancer free. She is back walking half a mile a day and taking care of her plants and many birds.

Both Mother’s parents and her sister died around 60 years of age from cancer. She always thought she'd be dead by 60, so after her 60^th birthday she tells the story that she had to decide what she would do now that she wasn't dead or dying! For me, her life is an inspiration and I pray that when I am 91 I am half the woman my mother is.

Because I said so!...Recipe -The Best Ever Pork Chops (you choose!)

Do you ever experience the frustrating event when a decision has been made...you consider it settled...but your child doesn't. The ever present "Why?" question hits like incoming artillery. One might think that the more persistent the question intensity would result in a favorable outcome for the child. The frustration level moves higher and higher on both sides. In absolute finality you finally said, "I said, no!" The child ask again, "But, why?" To that, you respond, "Because I said so!"

It is the hope until that moment that there might be a change in the decision. Like...okay, yes! While that may temporarily work great in the child's opinion, it really isn't the right solution. Long-term, it would be detrimental for both parent and child. So, with that history and understanding, I sit and wait on God. Mind you, I am NOT understanding this season but I am thanking Him and being obedient as I wait. Why? Because He said so.

Do not get me wrong - my life is not unbearable. There is no dark or sad or even fearful event looming over us. We are really basically in good shape. My sweet husband is happy and fulfilled in what he is doing. My Pampered Chef business is good. God is blessing our socks off. So, why be grumpy? Because this season I am in is one of pain...physical pain...and we don't know why!

One night last week my sweet, sweet (awesome doesn't even cover it) husband hugged me and said, "What is the pain like?" I looked at him through tears streaming down my cheeks and said, "Unbearable." It was then we decided to cancel our plans for a weekend-filled time with our family. While it was the right decision, it didn't feel right. It felt wrong to me and it felt wrong to a granddaughter who was waiting on us to help celebrate her birthday. It felt wrong to two little girls who were counting on their grandparents sharing a "painting event" at their school. You know what, it still feels wrong.

Since that decision, have undergone a nuclear bone scan, x-rays of back and right leg. So far no word from the doctor as to the results of the tests. Waiting...hmmmm....

When things seem out of control and I have laid EVERYTHING down at the feet of Jesus, I leave it there. Then, I get up and go to the kitchen! That is my habitat...my sanctuary...the place where serving others happens.

With my sweet honey in mind, grabbed a receipe and opted to serve him a surprise dinner. He was surprised and happy! It was good to be somewhat "normal" sitting at the table with him and enjoying him try yet another new recipe. I told you he is wonderful! Served up last night for dinner was Apple & Sage Pork Chops, fresh green beans, baked sweet potato (with cinnamon sugar sprinkles) and for dessert - Jiffy Cookies - made by honey (wait until you see the picture below!) Amazing!!!

Here is the recipe for the Apple & Sage Pork Chops. However, after this recipe, I am going to post another option for Pork Chops. While the first recipe was tasty, I really prefer the second recipe. Why? Because I said so!

Here goes: Recipe # 1

1 1/2 tsp. rubbed sage
1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. thyme leaves (chopped)

1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1/2 tsp. paprika

1 tbsp. flour

1 tsp. salt

4 boneless pork chops, 1" thick (about 1/4 lbs.)

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

2 red apples, thinly sliced

1/2 cup apple juice

1 tbsp. brown sugar

Step One - MIX flour, all of the spcies and salt in a small bowl. I found a prep bowl from Pampered Chef worked nicely. Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with 1 tablespoon of the seasoned flour.

Step Two -- COOK pork chops i hot oil in large skillet (I used my 12" skillet) on medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Remove from skillet. Add onion; cook and stir 3 minutes or until tender. Add apples; cook and stir 2 minutes.
Step Three - STIR in juice, sugar and remaining seasoned flour until well mixed. Return pork chops to skillet. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes or until desired doneness.

Recipe #2

Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

For brine:

1 (one gallon size) re-sealable plastic bag

½ cup lightly packed brown sugar

1/3 cup kosher salt

1 or 2 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

4 thick cut pork chops, trimmed (about 5 ounces each)

1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

For glaze:

4 shallots, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup white wine

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

14 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

½ teaspoon arrowroot or 1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon white wine or water

salt to taste

2 tablespoons Calvados

thin slices of apple

2 tablespoons maple syrup, optional

Dissolve sugar and salt in 1 cup hot water. Pour into a large re-sealable plastic bag with the garlic and pepper, adding an additional 3 cups cold water. Place re-sealable bag into shallow pan. Add pork chops to the brine. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Brine chops in solution for one hour. Remove pork chops from brine, pat dry. If you choose not to cook the chops immediately after brining, remove them from the brine; pat them dry with paper towels. Refrigerate them on a wire rack, uncovered to allow to dry for up to four hours.

Meanwhile, begin preparing glaze: Caramelize shallots VERY SLOWLY in olive oil with a pinch of salt, about 15 minutes. Add apple juice, 1 cup wine, half of the rosemary, thyme, oregano, hot pepper sauce, and vinegar. Over high heat, reduce to ½. Make slurry by mixing arrowroot or cornstarch and the tablespoon of wine or water. Add to reduced sauce mixture, bring to a boil, to thicken slightly, then remove from heat. Correct seasonings. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place in the oven to preheat, a shallow pan large enough to hold the chops in a single layer. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Saute’ chops in skillet about two minutes per side, until crust forms. Brush presentation or top side with maple syrup if desired. Transfer chops to heated pan in preheated oven, roast to internal temperature of 125-127 degrees.

While this recipe seems more involved, it really is the better recipe and you will love the flavor! I serve this with garlic potatoes and a spring green salad with pine nuts.

And now the dessert! The pink card beside the cookie is a 4 x 6 index card. It will give you some idea of the size of the man-size cookies my sweet angel man made last night! They may be huge but they are really good! Look for recipe of Jiffy Cookie's in this month's posts. Enjoy!

Touching the Screen - Jiffy Cookies (Recipe)

I would not say that Steve and I are what you would call “low tech.” I think we are probably close to “medium tech.” However, according to our grandchildren we are definitely “low tech.” This is confirmed to them each time they desire to use our cell phones to play games or view pictures. You see Saba (Steve) and Nani (that would be me) are the only ones in their family who do not own an IPhone. We are Blackberry/Verizon Wireless people. The “Low Tech” comes into play every time they want to look at our pictures or play a game (Really, Nani, is Brickbreaker the only game you have? Still???) on our cell phones. I can’t help but laugh as I watch the frustration of the each of our grandchild as he/she touches the screen of a picture stored on our cell phone, and moves his/her finger across the screen to advance the picture. The picture remains on the screen and does not advance. Frustration at an all time high, the grandchild promptly returned the cell phone and said, “Nani, (or Saba) your phone isn’t working.” Not sure that we can get Angry Bird on the Blackberry, but that seems to add to the many reasons our grandchildren think we need to turn in our outdated cell phones and get new ones. There is something about touching that screen that appeals to them.

I believe that we humans never lose the desire to touch, to feel, to press against something to bring it to our reality. Please sit back, grab a favorite beverage of choice (mine is Spring Time Tea poured over crushed ice) and step back in time with me. Comfy? Great! Let’s go!

The space was dimly lit. The only light in the darkened room was the stars and moon shining through the overhead skylight/steeple and the sanctuary lamp hanging near the altar. I made my way to a seat close to the front of the church. The church was otherwise empty. In the quiet of the night I knelt and prayed. It wasn’t a prayer that was spoken lightly. It was a forever prayer (I thought) that would “seal the deal” I planned to make with God.

Our children were home safely asleep in their beds, but my heart was troubled. I knew that if I did not “seal the deal” with God, I would never be at peace. We had experienced several “gut wrenching” events as parents. You know, the kind that you never want to experience in the lifetime of your children…a daughter severely burned at the age of 3; multiple trips to the emergency room with a son who loved to live life on the edge, and stitches in more places than I thought possible for 2 young boys!

Tears slipping down my cheeks, I laid it all before the God of all things. I knew I had His ear (as all His children do) and I poured out my hopes, fears and dreams for my children. I have often heard if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. I don’t think God laughed at what I was laying before Him. I think God was sitting on the edge of His throne listening to a mother who was giving up her children to His divine care and control. That was the deal I was making with God. I thanked Him for the three precious lives He had entrusted into my care. I thanked him for their individual personalities, their gifts of talent and their sense of humor sprinkled generously into their lives. I was a blessed mother and I knew it.

So in the silence of the night as I knelt in surrender with a prayer intermingled with tears and joy, I gave over to the Lord of Hosts the care and control of my three children. They were no longer mine, but God’s entrustment to me for however long God deemed. As I left the church that night, I paused for a brief moment, turned and looked back at the cross. I wanted to make it clear that the deal I cut that night was sealed with a promise of hope and faith in a God who loves my children more than I could possibly know or understand. And that same God who I had given ownership of my children would be with them in times when I could not. They belonged to Him and I had them on loan.

Through the years this deal would be tested but I held firm to the promise that my children belonged to God. Day after day, sometimes minute to minute, I would remind myself that each of my children belonged to God. It was not until Desert Storm that my faith in God’s care of my children would be put to the ultimate test.

Desert Storm, while a very public war(viewed on televisions throughout the world) to a watching nation, but a very one personal for me. In September prior to start of the ground war, my husband was deployed as a commander of an emergency operations center in another city in our state. Our oldest son, Chris, was a member of the 101st Airborne Unit that was deployed to Saudi in what seemed minutes from my husband’s departure. His deployment was January 9, 1991 and following his departure were his two older cousins. The three oldest grandsons of our family (a son representing 3 grown children) were stationed in three different areas of Saudi.

Day or night, no matter the time, I was able to find a station that carried the latest news of the war. I kept our television (especially the one in our bedroom) on almost 24-7. It was my prayer that I would be able to see our son and our nephews and know that they were alive. While I had no idea where he was, I knew in my spirit that he was in harm’s way. One morning I was watching the television as it followed a group of young soldiers. My heart went into overdrive at the possibility of seeing our son alive. I just wanted to touch the screen that captured his face and by some miracle, Chris would know that I was praying fervently for him. I wanted desperately to tell him that I loved him and wanted him to come home! He face did not cross the screen. Disappointment was fast to seize the opportunity, but by the grace of God it was stopped in its tracks. An idea touched my heart and pulled me closer to the television as I viewed those young warriors’ faces. I found myself touching face after face, touching the screen and saying a prayer for safety each soldier. I prayed for peace for his/her family and that God would give them all strength during this time of battle (both home and abroad). God reminded me that unlike my child, there were children of other mothers who were not being covered by prayer by a parent. It convicted me to pray for their safety and their salvation with as much fervor as for my own child. Thankfully all three sons (our son and his older counsins) returned home safely.

Since that time in the nave of the church, which seems a lifetime ago, I have dutifully upon the birth of each grandchild given her/him over to God. It is in His care and control I leave the most precious treasures God has placed in my life. What is God asking you to relinquish to His care? What are you holding onto that you need to give over to God? Whether it is a family member, a hurt, disappointment, a fear or a life dream, God can more than handle whatever we entrust to His care. It is the unchangeable Word of God that keeps me anchored when storms of life try to assail me. 2 Timothy 1:12 gives this promise: “…because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” NIV

In honor of a time when life was much simpler, I’m including an old family recipe that remains a family favorite…a right of passage, if you will. This recipe is the one that the children were able to join in and help make it. When, the children reached the maturity of making this recipe on his/her own, it was a definite point of arrival for him/her. To this day, this recipe remains a family favorite of all three of our grown children and has already begun the journey down the line of grandchildren. Please note the cover of the cookbook where I found this recipe. Steve and I think it was when our oldest son, Chris, was in the first grade. As you can see he printed very well!
What makes this recipe so special? Two things: first it was easy and quick to make (hence the name, “Jiffy Cookies” because they can be made in just a jiffy). Second, is this recipe tastes good! By substituting Splenda (measuring the same as sugar) and sugar-free peanut butter, this can be a real tasty and sugar-free treat! The original recipe called for crunchy peanut butter. A variation is to use the creamy peanut butter and throw in some chopped pecans. Or, sometimes you can just leave the nuts out. After all, sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don’t! Either way…Enjoy!!!!

1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup cocoa
2 cups sugar
2 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
Dash of salt
Melt butter and cocoa in saucepan. Add sugar and milk. Bring to a full rolling boil, let boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and add oatmeal, peanut butter, and vanilla. Drop by spoonfuls on waxed paper. Makes 3-4 dozen.

Broken but not Beaten

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. This picture could fully describe the emotions I felt when diagnosed with inoperable bone cancer. Steve was in his middler year of seminary. After numerous tests, x-rays and doctors of all descriptions, the diagnosis was given. I remember looking outside the window of my doctor's office at the sidewalk and street below. It seemed almost comical that nothing appeared to be disrupted by the diagnosis of my doctors. Traffic continued to move. People seemed unaffected because they were walking on the sidewalk talking, laughing...how could it be? It was though I was in a "freeze frame" and could not find the restart button or better still - the STOP button!!! This could not be happening! The doctor returned to the treatment room and handed me a stack of papers to take with me to the hospital. Still in shock, I explained that to him his diagnosis was incorrect and besides, my daughter had a visitor's weekend at a college in Lubbock. We were packed and ready to leave as soon as I returned home from the doctor's appointment. The doctor told me that the only trip I would be taking was to the hospital to be admitted - immediately!!
Phone calls were made, arrangements completed and I was admitted to the hospital that afternoon. Instead of being on the road trip my daughter and I had long anticipated, I was being poked and prodded and x-rayed. Without the testing done, I waited in my room for my family to arrive. Hearing my son sob in the hallway outside my room was past heartbreaking. When he made his way into the room, I held him in my arms and assured him that all would be well. The staff , faculty and students of the seminary were stellar! They supported us with their presence and their prayers. Still, in my heart-of-hearts, I knew that the diagnosis was wrong. I kept telling my hematologist/oncologist, Dr. Ekins, that I knew my body. It was not cancer! After many tests and many prayers, the diagnosis was changed from inoperable bone cancer to "Protein 'S' Deficiency. It would be years before we knew the impact of the diagnosis, but God was faithful to answer my prayers. This deficiency is a genetic disorder which meant there was a possibility that our children carried it, too. Thank God, testing proved that again, God had answered my prayer. All three children were free and clear of the disorder! The deficiency was not passed on to our children. And since it is not possible for the disease to skip a generation, our future generations were safe. Praise God!
Over the years, living with this disorder could have made me angry and bitter. This is a disease that is treatable but (without a miracle from God) is not curable. However, God has given me an opportunity to use each time an "event" has threatened to take me. Truly, now, when I am headed to the hospital or the doctors' offices, I can't help but wonder, "God, what are you up to today?" Without an exception, each time I have been hospitalized or had to make numerous trips for tests, there is always an opportunity for me to witness to either a hospital or lab staff, an attending doctor/nurse or another patient. You may not have an incurable disease, but is there something that you are living with that sometimes feels like it will overtake you? As children of God, we have within each of us the power to overcome any obstacle!

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."

2 Corinthians 4:7-10

May is the month that Pampered Chef has designated to "Whip Cancer." There are "pink" products available only during this month and proceeds from these products go to the American Cancer Society. While being diagnosed with an incurable disease is not a choice...how you live it out is! For the remainder of the month of May, I will be sharing with you stories of people who are heroes of the the highest caliber!

Each of these heroes have been diagnosed with cancer. Their stories are how they chose to live their lives as "Overcomers!" It will be my honor and privilege to share these heroic stories of these people who have impacted my faith and how each of them have chosen to live each day.
Are you an overcomer? Do you know an overcomer? Be blessed and join me as we honor them this month!
For the remainder of the month of May, will be a story of an overcomer and will also feature a recipe from the Pampered Chef's "Whip Cancer Cookbook." Today's recipe is a personal favorite because it features the 12" family-size skillet. Love that you can go from stove top to oven! Enjoy

Chocolate-Strawberry Skillet Cake
1 pkg (18.25 oz) devil's food cake mix (plus ingredients)
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2 squares (1 ounce each) semi-sweet chocolate for baking
1 ½ cups thawed strawberry whipped topping

1 cup sliced strawberries

Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare cake mix according to package directions in a bowl; beat until smooth. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, tilting skillet to coat bottom. Gently pour batter over bottom of skillet, spreading evenly.

Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Carefully remove to cooling rack. Loosen edges of cake and carefully invert cake onto heat-proof serving plate. Cool Completely.

Chop chocolate using Food Chopper. Place chopped chocolate and butter in Small Micro Cooker. Microwave on high for 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.

Top with the whipped topping using Large Spreader or Easy Accent Decorator, garnish with strawberries, drizzle chocolate over cake. Let stand until chocolate is set. Store leftover cake in refrigerator.

Goodbye Routine! Hello, Change! - Recipe - Pineapple Congealed Salad

Yesterday was our last official "class" day with BSF...sigh...this has been a fantastic year of study. As I mentioned in a recent post, our class gathered to celebrate our time together with a fellowship luncheon. Everyone brought a different kind of salad to share. After the lunch, we gathered in the den of one of our classmate's beautiful home. One by one each member shared a passage from Isaiah that was special to her and the reason the scripture was special.

It is a given that these ladies are precious women of God, but each disclosure brought us closer and closer to one another. God had done mighty things in the hearts of our group during this study of the book of Isaiah. We are no longer strangers...we were all overcomers of some kind and in some way. It has been a blessing to be in the company of these ladies.

In the past my normal routine after a 9-month time of intensive study, I would look at May with great anticipation. The summer months were a break from in-depth study and homework. Already, I would have begun the search and discovery of newly released Christian books.
However, for the past year, God has been dealing with the idea of "planning and routine." Here lately, it seems that my life's routine has been comprised of one change after the other. God is not allowing me to get "comfortable" in any area of my life. With each change that has occurred, the routine now is to make my life more open and my time more available to Divine Interruptions.

One Divine Interruption came by way of one of our close friends. In the past few months, our friend had been caregiving her mother who was dying of cancer. Everything else in our friend's life had been put on hold. Shortly after her mom died, our friend mentioned that she had really missed being in a Bible study this year. It didn't take long for me to realize that this was a Divine Interruption of my summer routine. After several trips to a Christian bookstore, we settled on a study. Our friend and I thought of several people we felt that might want to join us in this study. After talking with them, they all agreed. It was as though God had hand-picked these ladies and they were just waiting to be asked to join in the study.

For the first time in a long time, I will be facilitating a ladies' Bible study in our home. And you know what? I am excited about this change in routine! It has been many years since our home has been the meeting place for a ladies' Bible study. Our group decided to participate in Beth Moore's study of "Esther." I can't wait to get started in this study! Would cherish your prayers as our little band of ladies journey through this study this summer.

I am learning to say "Goodbye, Routine!" and "Hello, Change!" Embracing change is a good thing! Has your schedule become an idol to you? Do you find that you are resentful of interruptions in your day...in your schedule...in your life? What is God saying to you? What is God asking you to do? Are you listening?

When I was unable to post the recipe I promised previously, I felt I had let you, my readers, down. Then, last night when I was unable to post at all, I really felt like "Queen Loser!" I do not mind surrendering to God, but I hate surrendering to pain. Would appreciate prayers for discernment for my doctor to find the cause of the pain in my back rib area.

Enough about that!!!!!

The following recipe is one at least 50 years old! It is one of those recipes that every Southern lady made as part of a salad luncheon menu or for a special dessert. I requested this congealed salad in lieu of birthday cake! Really!!! My mom put marachino cherries in the mold to add a special touch.

"Pineapple Congealed Salad"

Ingredients:
1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple

2/3 cup sugar

2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin

1 c grated mild cheddar cheese

8 oz. Cool Whip (I have also used Heavy Whipping Cream on special occasions)

juice of 1 lemon

Options: you may add chopped pecans and Marachino Cherries in the base of the mold

Mix the crushed pineapple, suga and unflavored gelatin

in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Set aside to cool.

It is important to wait until this mixture is completely

cooled before adding the next ingredients.
When mixture is completely cooled, add Cheddar cheese, Cool Whip and lemon juice.

Place in a prepared mold and cool in refrigerator (overnight)

When congealed salad is set, you can invert mold and serve your salad on lettuce leaves. I served these individual servings on The Pampered Chef Simple Addition rectangle platter using romaine lettuce leaves as a base. You can also pour this congealed salad into an 8 x 8-inch container and cut into serving size squares before placing on your serving platter. Be creative in your garishments! This is a tasty recipe and I promise you will be asked to share the recipe. Please do share! Also, I think you can make this sugar-free by substituting Splenda for the sugar and using sugar-free Cool Whip.

Ten Reasons for Waiting on God

This past Fall was a life-list kind of event in Bible study for me. Would like to say that I love God's timing all the time. However, I tend to agree most times with a comment from a learned Bible study and Precepts Leader. She said, "God is always on time...but He sure misses some great opportunities to show up early!"
One of my life-list desires was to study the book of Isaiah. This past Fall it became a reality when I joined a local BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) group. It has been one of the best studies I'd participated in and know that my participation was God's perfect timing in my life. While this study has blessed me in more ways than I can express here, it also challenged me, convicted me and showed me more about the character of God than I knew possible. One thing for me was made clear over and over again was that God loves us more than we could possibly know. I learned that when God's people wait on God - they see God! He is everything that He says He is and does everything that He says He is going to do. It is the character of God that He can not lie.
Waiting is important to God. Did you know that the word "Wait" is in the NIV translation of the Bible over 90 times. My heart pounded as our study approached the 40th chapter of Isaiah. Finally, we were there and the verse that has been one of personal favorites came to life like never before. In the Amplified Bible, Isaiah 40:31-33 says, "But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."
How many of us are stressed, weary and faint? How many of us wonder, "How long, Lord?" How many of us wonder when God is going to move on something that we have been waiting to happen for what seems a "forever" length of time? Here are 10 Top Reasons for Waiting on God.

10. You don't get ahead of God's timing! His ways are perfect!!

9. When you wait on God, your character improves!

8. When you wait on God, your faith grows!

7. When you wait on God, your confidence soars!

6. When you wait on God, you get to see God's provision!

5. When you wait on God, you benefit from prayer - seeking God's will.

4. When you wait on God, you see God answers to prayer.

3. When you wait on God. He gives wings to those plans that match His will.

2. When you wait on God, He sustains you while you wait on Him.

1. When you wait on God, you bless God's heart!

Tired of waiting? Be expectant! Be confident! God's timing is perfect! And, be assured that God does have great plans for you! Read Jeremiah 29:11. Write the two passages mentioned here on index cards and put them in your car, your wallet, tape them to your bathroom mirror. Be blessed as you wait on God!

Since the blog tonight is on waiting...you are going to have to wait on pictures of the recipe I mentioned in last night's blog...Pineapple Congealed Salad. Will have photos of the finished recipe tomorrow as they are being served at our last BSF fellowship and will post recipe and photos tomorrow night. In the meantime, enjoy this recipe. This is a recipe came with me from time in Louisiana. This recipe found its way to vestry dinners, Christmas staff luncheons...special occasions. It is an easy recipe that will ensure rave reviews from your partakers! Here you go!!!

Chicken Crescent Squares

Makes 8 squares

Ingredients include:

3 oz. Cream Cheese

3 Tablespoons butter

2 Cups Cooked Chicken (cubed) (or 2 cans Swanson Chicken Breasts - drained)

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1/8 Teaspoon Pepper

2 Tablespoons Milk

1 Tablespoon chopped chives or green onion

1 Tablespoon Chopped Pimento

2-8 oz. Crescent Rolls

1/4 Cup Italian Bread Crumbs

Blend cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add next 6 ingredients and mix well. Separate dough into 4 rectangles. Press perforations to make rectangles. Put 1/2 cup mixture on each rectangle. Pull up ends and brush with butter and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with Spring Green Salad, Cinnamon Spice Blend Sliced Carrots and rolls. For dessert I served Chocolate Amaretto Pie. Yes, you will be seeing that recipe in one of my blogs. It is one of our family's favorite desserts.

Day Going As Planned vs Teasing the Hair on a Cat's Back

There are those days in your life that you think you might be living lines from a classic novel..."It was the best of times...it was the worse of times..." You might think, "Oh my!" Please don't be sad, really. There is always good, if we wait...wait...wait...oh, yes, we wait...and then we see it. Wonder why we might have missed it altogether? Does the name, "Hennie Penny" come to mind? Just asking...
One of my sometimes favorite authors (except when his writing steps on my toes) is Oswald Chambers. You might remember one of his writings, "Utmost for His Highest." The man truly has the gift of stating the obvious...but at the time, it is not so obvious to you...that is, until you read it, let the Holy Spirit move you from the "Hennie Penny" stage to a listening child of God.
Oswald Chambers wrote, "God knows you don't know what you are doing to do, the only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing...it is this attitude that keeps you in perpetual wonder - you do not know what God is going to do next."
I love my husband. He is truly the most wonderful man I know. Just this morning I told him why I love him so much. If you haven't taken the time to express "why" you love your spouse, it is a wonderful gift you give him/her. And, it a great reminder to you when your day is interrupted by his/her plans.
My plans for today were not all that critical, truly. It was just that I had "really" wanted to get some things done. My calendar was out in plain view. My "to-do" list on the counter BESIDE the calendar AND importantly the places I need to go today were circled in purple! How much more determined can one get? Told you I was a planner!
However, bathing our 15 lb. Schnauzer was not on my schedule. May I tell you that combing and cutting this precious creature of God is akin to attempting to tease the hair on a cat's back. My legs have scratches to prove it. Each time she jumped down from my lap and ran into the bedroom, my cherisher brought her "dutifully" back and deposited her into my lap (which was already soaked from detangler and lavender shampoo. A girl needs to smell good even if she is a dog! To say the day when downhill from there would not be true. It just didn't go as planned.
Making room for God in your day is a good thing. There is the phone calls you don't expect to receive but need to receive. There are the unexpected encounters that you didn't expect - but God had planned a divine appointment. Who knew I would meet a rodeo clown having a pedicure? Does God have a sense of humor or what? This godly young man (I don't think) expected to meet a prayer warrior at a nail salon - think that about made us even.
Yesterday in a sermon the pastor said that he knew where satan fell when he fell from Heaven. He was quite sure that satan fell directly into this pastor's daytimer. A lot of people laughed at that comment. Thinking that they had may have had the same experience with their scheduling. Tomorrow I am going to set tentative plans for my day. But, I am going to try and work at leaving the day open for God's divine interruptions. Tonight I am going to thank God for interrupting my day today and ask for listening ears and seeing eyes tomorrow for His movement and His invitation to join Him. Scarlett O'Hara may have had it right after all..."Tomorrow is another day."
Am apologizing up front that I do not have a photo of the recipe for today. With my cherisher out of town and my single neighbor next door (he confessed to me last night that he had to join a gym. Guess I have gone overboard on the homemade bread), is the reason I didn't make this tonight. Both these wonderful men are my members of my test kitchen staff. Trust me, though this is a tasty recipe and one that is easy to do. It originated from a fine Texas lady who was most willing to share her original recipe with me. Thanks, Peg!
Here is the recipe for Seafood Pasta:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion (use PC's food chopper - amazing!!)
1/4 cup each of red and green pepper (chopped)
2 large cloves of garlic (using PC's garlic press)
2 large ripe tomatoes (peeled and chopped - use PC's serrated peeler)
1/2 teaspoon each of salt and ground pepper
1 lb. shrimp, scallops or crab
16 oz. angel hair pasta
Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (use PC's new microplane grater)
In a large skillet heat oil then add onion, garlic and red & green peppers. Saute' until glossy. Add tomatoes, seasoning and seafood and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. While seafood is cooking, in a separate pot cook pasta according to package directions. Once pasta is done, drain and transfer to a large serving platter. Spoon or ladle the seafood sauce on top of the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese. To save a few steps, you can also use our brand spanking new Manual Food Processor to chop the onions and peppers. If you have not seen or own this new product, well, bless your heart! It is the perfect addition and helpmate to your kitchen - whether at home or at a campsite. It needs no electricity. Now is that amazing or what?