Summer...at last!

Well, it sure has been a long time coming, yet we do not complain as the Sovereign Lord oversees all, including the seasons.

Our garden was mostly in before the plenteous rains came...and I MEAN plenteous. It does appear as though some of the tomatoes, peppers and green beans have succumbed to the standing water. I suppose this bodes well for the mosquitoes, also.

The peas are a bit yellowish but otherwise look pretty good. I think absolutely EVERY sunflower seed we put in the garden germinated. Looks like a good year for fall bouquets. I have planted four different kinds of sunflowers, ranging in height from 20 inches to almost 12 feets. The feature colors from deep red, almost rust, to butter yellow. When they have completely matured and the heads are full I have the guys at the Blessed Life Ranch cut the stalks just above the ground, gather them into large 'bouquets' and tie them to metal fence posts right outside our large, double windows in the great room. It provides food, shelter and perches for the many birds of late summer and fall, especially for those spending the winter. I have also dried them upside down in the garage and then stuck them in snowbanks. Again, food, perches and protection.

The first crop of corn is up and looks pretty good, but REALLY it ought to be as high as an elephant's eye by the Fourth. That will never happen this year. The carrots have bravely pushed through the fertile Red River Valley soil, but, again, they ought to be much, much further along.

With about 11,000 sq. ft. of garden to care for, I am kept busy during the summer months. I love just about everything about the project and I can sure see why God started things out in a garden.

As God prospers this little spot of Eden I will be canning, pickling, and freezing.

I appreciated the sermon on Sunday about the scattering of seed and how it falls on various types of soil or non-soil. Almost everything in life can be equated to a garden for all things take weeding, thinning, watering and trimming. That's how it is relationships anyway.

Well, I'm off now to examine further damage in the garden and make plans to fix or ignore what can't be fixed, to plant again or give up on some things for this year.

And still....I am filled with joy and deep gratitude for the pleasure of living, loving, feasting, singing, dancing and laughing in this great country. We are blessed, we are blessed, we are blessed.

Thai Chicken Recipe

I got this recipe from someone very dear to me after having enjoyed her gracious hospitality and this splendid dish. Serve with a green salad and fresh fruit and you have yourself an amazing meal. I have served it repeatedly since our initial delight and it has become a favorite.

2-3 lbs. skinless chicken breasts
olive oil for sauteeing
4 c. unsweetened coconut milk
1-2 T. green curry paste (I use 3 because we love curry!)
1 t. lime zest or 2 Kaffir lime leaves (I use the lime zest.)
1/2 c. chicken broth
2 T. fish sauce
2 T. finely chopped fresh basil (or dried to taste)
2 T. chopped cilantro (or dried to taste)
1 poblan chile (optional)
1 stalk fresh lemon grass (or add another t. zest)
Discard tough outer leaves of lemon grass, mince tender white bulb. Season chicken with salt & pepper and saute; set aside. Deglaze skillet with coconut milk; reduce to about 3 c. (simmer about 15 min.). Add curry paste, simmer 5 min. Add chicken, lime zest, fish sauce and chicken broth; simmer briefly.Add basil, cilantro, chili and simmer 10 mn. Serve over jasmine rice (I use regular white rice.) and garnish with cilantro and chopped green onion.

Sunday Dinner at Grandma's

I love the idea of having dinner at Grandma's every Sunday and I try to make it a reality, but sometimes it just doesn't work out.

I don't have very many memories of meals at my Grandparent's home. I wish I did.

I want my grandchildren to know two things about me:

That Grandma loved God more than her own life and that she loved them more than her own life.

That would probably add up to a life well-lived!

Tips for Practical Christian Living

I had it in mind to go through the entire Newer Testament and write down all the imperatives regarding the Christian walk. I still plan to do that, but I found so many in Matthew alone that the following list is offered. Some have said that there really isn't any list of pratical tips one could use to have a successful Christian life, but I think if one (primarily, ME!) would exercise even one tenth of what we know to be pleasing to our dear Lord Jesus we would exhibit lives worthy of emulation. The Scriptures are full of imperatives and they are not suggestions.

Here's the list with reference and my paraphrase:
Matt. 4:10-Serve and worship God ONLY!
Matt. 4:17-Repent.
Matt. 5:16-Let your light shine...others will witness your good works and give glory to God.
Matt. 5:42-Give generously and do not refuse a borrower.
Matt. 5:44-Love your enemies; pray for your persecutors.
Matt. 5:48-Be perfect.
Matt. 6:3-Give secretly.
Matt. 6:6-Pray secretly.
Matt. 6:7-Long-winded prayers are not heard by God.
Matt. 6:17-Look as though you are NOT fasting when you fast.
Matt. 6:19-Earthly treasures are a waste.
Matt. 6:20-Heavenly treasures are worth obtaining.
Matt. 6:25-Don't worry about your physical life.
Matt. 6:33-Seek God's kingdom and righteousness.
Matt. 6:34-Don't worry about tomorrow.
Matt. 7:1-Do not judge.
Matt. 7:7-Ask, seek and knock...it works!
Matt. 7:12-Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Matt. 8:22-Follow Jesus.
Matt. 9:38-Pray earnestly for soul winners and missionaries.
Matt. 10:28-Do not fear those who can harm to your body; fear what can destroy soul & body.
Matt. 11:28-Come to Jesus and He will give you rest.
Matt. 11:29-Take the yoke Jesus gives you; it will give you rest.
Matt. 15:10-Hear, understand: stuff coming out of your mouth defiles, NOT what goes in.
Matt. 16:24-Deny self, take up your cross and follow Jesus.
Matt. 18:3-Become like children.
Matt. 19:14-Keep the commandments.
Matt. 22:21-Give to the government what is due; give to God what is His.
Matt. 22:37-Love God with absolutely EVERYTHING that is in you...then love your neighbor!
Matt. 25:13-Keep a watch.
Matt. 28:19-As you go about your business make disciples, baptize and teach.