Kim at Hiraeth is hosting the May Recipe Round-up. The guidelines are here. Join in the fun and remember there’s a May 16th deadline so go on over to Kim’s site and check it out! Here’s a clue to the category…
You’ve Got A Friend ~ Carole King
Spoken: Friends, you know, they’re there in the good times and in the bad times.
When you’re down and troubled
And you need some loving care
And nothing, no, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
Chorus:
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running to see you again
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there, yes I will
You’ve got a friend
If the sky, sky above you
If it grows dark and full of clouds
And that old North Wind begins to blow
Just keep your head, keep it together
And call my name out loud
Soon you’ll hear me knocking at your door
Chorus:
Now ain’t it good to know
That you’ve got a friend
When people can be so cold
They will hurt you, and they’ll desert you
They’ll take your soul if you let them
Oh, if you let them, but don’t you let them
Chorus:
You can call me when you want me
You can call me when you need me
Just call me
‘Cause you’ve got a friend
You’ve got a friend.
Words and Music by Carole King
1971 colgems-EMI Music Inc., ASCAP.
I love to listen to many songs written by Carole King. I have some of her original stuff and I also enjoy some re-do’s. One in particular is Tapestry Revisited ~ A Tribute to Carole King.I was thinking about her song after Allistair Begg mentioned it this last week on a series he was doing on Barnabas and what an encourager Barnabas was. A true friend you can count on. Well here are some photos of people I’d call on when I needed a friend… Who would you call? Who do you encourage? Who encourages you? Who would call you?
Michel Quoist ~ The Telephone
The Telephone
I have just hung up; why did he telephone? I don’t know…O! I get it…I talked a lot and listened little.
Forgive me, Lord, it was a monologue and not a dialogue. I explained my idea and did not get his; Since I didn’t listen, I learned nothing, Since I didn’t listen, I didn’t help, since I didn’t listen, we didn’t communicate.
Forgive me, Lord, for we were connected, and now we are cut off.”
This piece really convicted me because I have not been a good listener. There is a restless tendency in me that causes me to be distracted and not to listen attentively, especially in a crowded space, gathering, etc. I want to be a better listener. Someone who is at least as concerned about someone else’s thoughts as my own. I want to communicate, to hear the person speaking to me. I want to give them eye contact and heart contact. Help me Lord not to hang up without listening, helping, communicating. Forgive me for allowing distractions to keep me from caring. Forgive me Lord for not loving my neighbor as myself.
I Peter 1:22 (NIV) “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”
The Harper Collins Book of Prayers, comp. by Robert Van de Weyer (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993)
Remarks by John Newton ~ Out Of The Depths ~ Hymn
The following excerpt is taken from, John Newton Out Of The Depths, an Autobiography
I have read of many wicked popes, but the worst pope I ever met with is Pope Self.
The heir of a great estate, while a child, thinks more of a few shillings in his pocket than of his inheritance. So a Christian is often more elated by some frame of heart than by his title to glory.
I feel like a man who has no money in his pocket, but is allowed to draw for all he wants upon one infinitely rich; I am, thererfore, at once both a beggar and a rich man.
Sometimes I compare the troubles which we have to undergo in the course of the year to a great bundle of [sticks], far too large for us to lift. But God does not require us to carry the whole at once; He mercifully unties the bundle, and gives us first one stick, which we are to carry today, and then another which we are to carry tomorow, and so on. This we might easily manage, if we would only take the burden appointed for us each day; but we choose to increase our troubles by carrying yesterday’s stick over again today, and adding tomorow’s burden to our load, before we are required to bear it.
“Out of the Depths”
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
‘Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary rest.
Dear Name! the Rock on which I build;
My Shield and Hiding-place;
My never-failing Treasury fill’d
With boundless stores of grace.
By Thee my prayers acceptance gain,
Although with sin defiled;
Satan accuses me in vain,
And I am own’d a child.
Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King;
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.
Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.
Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath;
And may the music of Thy Name
Refresh my soul in death!
~John Newton
Family Weekend ~ April 21-22
This past weekend April 21st and 22nd was filled with extended family fun. Here are the pictures that tell the weekend story. I’m posting my Saturday post early, Friday night, because “Dear” and I leave early tomorrow for another family day.
Our oldest son Josh and his dad at the Pacific Ocean just south of Pt. Mugu
Father and Son
Once a mother always a mother….hoping my boy doesn’t get swept out to sea!
This seal was relaxing, oblivious to people and barking dogs. He (she) was kind enough to look up at me.
We came home from the beach via the fresh vegetable farm stand and got the fix-ins for Pico de Gallo and fresh strawberries from the local fields. So fresh, so good. “Dear” had some of his famous home-brew on hand which went perfectly with fresh dip that Josh prepared for us. Tomatoes, Jicama, Onion, a Jalapeno, Cilantro, Avocado and juice from a Lime. With chips it made a wonderful lunch. We went to Saturday evening service at E.V. Free where Pastor Steve gave Josh and “Dear” a supposed good excuse to get a tattoo! More to that story later…
Sunday, first stop, Anaheim Hills for Lox and Bagels. Such a rare wonderful moment for the Cousins on “Dears” side to get together. “Dear” has one brother Terry who is married to Christina and they have 3 lovely daughters. So sad that Dan, Katie, and Laura weren’t here to share the Kodak moment.
Jenna the oldest who lives in New York, Annie who lives in So. California, and Kacie who just turned 16 and lives with her mom and dad in So. California. Beautiful nieces, all three!
We met Jenna’s boyfriend Justin for the first time. He lives in New York, also.
The Oldies but Goodies, “Dear”, Ellen, Christina and Terry
Next we zoomed to Whittier to get together with Ellen’s side of the family. Some of the cousins, Josh, Debbee, Ryan, Melissa, Michelle and Jackson.
Doing what we do best….cooking and eating! Baba and Deda at the head of the table. Meat, salad, rice pilaf, gourmet mac and cheese, Beautiful Strawberry Trifle and Chocolate Pecan Bars…yummy!
Dessert and Chai ( Plain old hot tea in Russian, not the sweet Chinese version popular today)
Nana (my sister Kathy) and Jackson
On our trip home from a long day of family gatherings I shot this from the car on the 101 Fwy in Thousand Oaks, 15 minutes from my own bed…
Saturday April 28th after I post this on my blog “Dear” and I are off on another family adventure. My two nephews are participating in the State History Day Finals in Long Beach, California today. Their performance is focusing on Honour Crimes in Pakistan. Winners move on to Nationals. Their home-school group has been to Nationals representing California twice already. I’m happy to be close by this time so I can actually see their performance. Nationals take place in Washington D.C.
“Like a Cedar in Lebanon” ~ Blenheim Palace
This is on the grounds of Blenheim Palace in England. It is home to 11th Duke of Marlborough, and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, the exquisite Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent Lake.
On the grounds of this beautiful palace are the most magnificent Cedars of Lebanon. Our daughter Katie is standing at one so you can get a better perspective on just how huge these trees are. In the verses below the righteous are compared to this amazing tree. Because of Christ’s righteousness in us we flourish and we are planted in the house of the Lord! How amazing is that!!!
Psalm 92: 1-8, 12-15: (ESV)
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep! The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: that though the wicked sprout like grass and evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; but you, O Lord are on high forever.
…The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”
Transitions ~ Hike ~ Amgen
When “Dear” took a job in Southern California we were very surprised by many of the company perks. His company really is a little city in the Conejo Valley. They employ upwards of 10,000 people here. These people come from all over the world. The company hires an outside group (Transitions in Newbury Park) to plan and manage activities that help new employees transition to the new area and develop friendships. This really is a cool concept. They plan activities for the spouses of employees, for couples, for employees and kids. I’ve been to lunches, coffee breaks, happy hours, wine tastings, and hikes. I’ve missed spa day, movie night, potlucks, whale watching, cooking with Trader Joe’s, a Hollywood Bowl concert, and book clubs. I’ve met people from South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Canada, England, Sweden, and all over the U.S.A. New employees are part of this transitions group for a full 2 years from their hire date. I commend Amgen for going the extra mile for their employees and families by offering this benefit. I don’t know how many companies out there would bother.
Yesterday there was a 4 mile hike with bagels and juice provided at the start of the hike.
The trail we hiked was a 4 mile loop. There were steep and gradual uphills, steep and gradual down hills, and some level areas. “Stick to the middle of the trail so you’re not surprised by a rattlesnake.” (comforting thought)
We had a wide range of age groups that managed the hike nicely. “Check your body for ticks after the hike!” “Make sure you’re drinking your water!”
This is a view looking back at what we had already hiked. “My heart is pounding like a hammer.”
The happy hikers that just made it through the steepest grade and were looking forward to the downhills ahead. I’m on your left as you look at this picture. “I promise you this is the last uphill then it’s downhill all the way back.” One more comment as I knew we were truly on the downward trail. “I get dessert tonight!” Thank you Amgen and Transitions for another fun outing in the Conejo Valley!
Blintzes
This is Nadia, she’s not making blintzes here. This was a photo from the 80’s in Wildomar for our Easter gathering.
Nadia’s Blintzes
6 eggs
4 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 Tbsp. oil
Scald the milk. Beat the eggs. Slowly add the milk to the eggs while continuing beating. Add salt, sugar and oil, beat until blended. Slowly beat in the flour until combined.
I use two 10″ heavy Teflon pans to cook the blintzes. You might want to just start with one till you get this process down. Heat the pan. Coat the pan lightly with oil. (I use a piece of cheesecloth to coat the pan with oil and if needed I’ll coat again into the cooking process). Use a 1/3 cup measure to dip into the mixing bowl (you don’t have to fill to the top just use a uniform measure of the liquid for each blintz) Pour into frying pan and swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
Cook until the blintz turns a nice golden brown. With a spatula loosen the edges and flip the blintz and brown on the other side. Remove from pan and let cool on a dish cloth.
Repeat the process. Sometimes the only hindrance to these flipping and cooking well is the temperature of the pan. You’ll have to experiment to get it at the magic temp. Start at medium. After the blintzes are cooled you can stack them. They can be frozen at this time if you would like. This recipe will make approximately 24 blintzes.
Cheese filling for the blintzes:
1- cartons of ricotta cheese (8 oz. size)
(You can also use cottage cheese, hoop cheese or farmers cheese)
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1-2 tbsp. sugar.
you will also need a small carton of half and half and a stick of butter (1/2 cup)
Beat all the ingredients till smooth except half and half and stick of butter. Spread about 1 Tablespoon of cheese onto one side of blintz. Roll up and place in a 9×13 baking dish. They can be layered. Melt one cube of butter and pour over the blintzes. Bake in 350 degree oven until heated through. Heat up to 8 oz. of Half and Half until is is warm but not boiling. Pour half and half over blintzes to cover and continue baking until half and half boils. Remove from oven and serve with sour cream and preserves or syrup.
For a savory filling:
Saute 1 large onion in oil and season with salt and pepper. Add 1 lb. hamburger (15%) and brown. Add salt and pepper to taste. Dice enough broccoli to make 2 cups. Steam until broccoli just turns bright green. Combine meat, broccoli and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and heat through. Scoop about 2-3 T of mixture onto blintz and fold in the sides to form a square. Place in a baking dish. Melt butter and poor over the filled blintzes. Bake in a 350 to 375 degree oven until heated through. Serve and if you want to make additional sauce you can serve extra sauce with the savory blintzes. Oh I almost forgot, you can serve these with sour cream if you’d like, also. Enjoy Deena!
HT: Bagdanov Family Cookbook
God’s Power In You ~ The Holy Spirit
My weekly Bible Study using the book Seeking Him (Experiencing The Joy Of Personal Revival) by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Tim Grissom is down to the final 2 lessons. This week’s lesson is on the Holy Spirit. I wanted to share some of the material here.
Whether you realize it or not, the Holy Spirit is actively involved in every dimension of your Christian life, from before the point of your conversion until you get to heaven. We were never intended to live our lives apart from Him. In fact we cannot live the Christian life apart from Him!”
“Christian maturity cannot be attained by trying harder or doing more. God has not dangled the prospect of an abundant life before us then set us loose in a maze to try to find our way through. The Holy Spirit acts as our guide and our companion – the One sent from heaven to lead us home. He enables us to obey God, empowers us to become like Jesus, and fills us with supernatural power for work and for witness. We should, therefore, learn how to listen to Him, how to follow Him, how to rely on His power, and how to walk in His fullness.
I especially love the phrase…”the One sent from heaven to lead us home.” What a comforting thought that is for me. I like to have someone that I trust to lead me. I need help to get home. Praise God Almighty he has me covered from the start to the finish. That gives me lots of hope.
Here are a couple quotes from C.H. Spurgeon on the subject of the Holy Spirit:
“Blessed Spirit of the Lord, forgive us that we have done such despite to you, by our forgetfulness of you, by our proud self-sufficiency, by resisting your influences, and quenching your fire!”
“We must have the Holy Spirit’s power and presence, otherwise our religion will become a mockery before God, and a misery to ourselves.”
May we learn to rely on the One sent from heaven to help us here on Earth.
John 14: 15-17 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
Here are some great passages on the Holy Spirit. Check them out and be encouraged!
Ezekial 36:27, John 14:26; 16:13, Acts 1:8, Romans 5:5, Romans 8:26-27, Romans 15:13, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 11, Galatians 5:22-23
Testimony Tuesday ~ Beth
The following testimony is from my friend Beth. We met after her son Jamie and my son Dan became close friends in elementary school in Washington. Both Beth and her husband Dave are relational people who care about others and are always willing and ready to help those in need. We have been ministered to by them in so many ways. We truly treasure their friendship. Beth and Dave have three sons who are all our dear friends, too. Here’s Beth’s testimony in her own words.
In 1951, God chose to give me physical birth, into a non practicing Catholic family. From my earliest years I believed in God and knew He loved me. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who took her Catholic religion VERY seriously. With her I spent a lot of time at church, which I didn’t like, but what was comforting was her love for God. My parents divorced when I was 9. I ended up going to quite a few different schools, one of them being Bellevue Christian. Mr. Fredricks was my 8th grade teacher. He was an ex-drinker and smoker who loved to tell how God reached down and saved him. I was so drawn to his passion, but didn’t understand the message. My sophomore year I went to a Seventh Day Adventist boarding school. They believe Saturday is the Sabbath, so from sundown Friday till sundown Saturday, we could either study the Bible or go to church services. Up to that point, I had heard the story of Jesus many times in many ways by many different people. I wasn’t seeking, and thought I already knew how much Jesus loved me. But one night in 1967, He chose to give me spiritual birth. He pierced my heart, opened my spiritual eyes and completely overwhelmed me with His love.
” The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7
Looking back I have seen how even before I was saved God placed people in my life to nurture, protect & direct me to Him. He has shown time and time again how faithful, how merciful, and how lovingly patient He is. His truth is what I continually seek.
“In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:7,8
“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” Psalm 119: 10-16
These are Dave and Beth’s three sons in Jamie, Aaron, and Matt.
