Spiced Tea

Mulled Grape Juice

Spiced Warm Cider

New England Boiled Dinner...I could eat this everyday!

Windows and Curtains

I spent some time today putting up curtains.

There are a lot of windows in this new house.

I hung a quilt made by my aunt over a picture window in the living room.

It looks beautiful, plus keeps the house warm.

My aunt passed away almost a year ago.  She was an avid quilt maker.

She had started this quilt, but didn't get to finish it.  Her good friend finished the quilt for her.  Everyone wanted my aunt's last quilt, but her friend decided to give it to me!  It's just lovely.  It makes our new home look so homey.

I still have more windows to work on.  There are some lace curtains over the living room door and around the kitchen.  I want to put some pretty shades under the curtains since we live close to the road.

How do your windows look?

~Candy~

Hope In The Midst Of Sorrow - A Warriors Battle With Cancer

Glorifying Him In The Midst Of Our Storm

 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. ~Galatians 6:2

Most of us have been impacted by cancer in one way or another.  I'm sure many of us have known someone personally or maybe a unique friend we've met online who seeks prayer or a listening ear.

My own story is like many, my paternal grandfather, a great aunt and even my mom's half-sister who lost her battle at the age of 24.  Only one year older than I was and still leaves quite an impact on me today.

As I sit here writing, I contimplate on so many stories heard, that have been lost.  Yet many have won and fought hard the battle before them.  My inspiration in todays post is dedicated to those who've impacted my life,  some I've never met before,  and others whom I watched personally struggle through.

The battle these warriors face on a daily basis...the fight within, the illness, the chemo, other treatments, finding time with their families, friends, and other loved ones.  Being sure NOT to get sick and separating themselves from those who are.  For a time, limiting life as they once knew it and conforming to the new direction they somehow find themselves in.  Some, fighting  HARD for their lives and others who pray hard for those close to them as they battle this illness together.

I cannot even imagine I know what it's like to go through such a battle.  Yet, watching these warriors, I still see a sense of the joy found in the "little steps".  The trust they have in their Heavenly Father...and while maybe questioning "why" these situations happen, never once have they denied their Lord and Savior.  Rather, keep an even closer walk with Him in admirable admiration.  Seeking to find peace amidst the storm.

The Warriors I've been impacted by have  life still being written perfectly by God as they find the energy smile through each day, to find the Hope and Joy even through their fears, their sorrows and the unknown.

Their family and friends find shelter with their Heavenly Father as each warrior battles this disease before their eyes.  The battle is far from over, but there is still Victory in the midst. A newfound Hope is found and strength to push each other through is somehow driven out of Gods great promises who gives them strength even when they can't seem to find it within.

I am humbled by the great warriors all over the world who take on the challenge, find hope and joy where they are EVEN through the greatest challenges of their lives.  These children, these adults, who fight the good fight and their families who seek to find Victory and Peace and even a break from the days blood counts.  They are ALL warriors  and in the Midst of bad news, remember that as God is our Greatest Physician, we may find great peace in Him through the storm. Even through the scarriest of times, they STILL know the love that God has for them and STILL find the joy in each day as He picks them up and carries them safely to land.

I do not fear defeat for my dear friends.  For I KNOW our Lord and Savior is good.  I am humbled and take joy in their triumphs and continue to pray for those who still struggle each day. 

I urge each of you to grasp hold of life and take hold of your family members and take the time to appreciate each one of them in good times and in bad.  For they are gifts.  Gifts given by God to not only bless you, but to bless the world with Gods beautiful creation of man.

I found peace in this scripture today as I struggle with my own health and found it appropriate to post today.  I have much to be thankful for and yet, I will never cease to pray for my dear friends who struggle with far worse conditions than I have. 

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.  We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.  For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.  While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.  God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.  ~ 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

Lord, I come to you today for my dearest friends and family members suffering with great battles in their lives.  I pray that you would take hold of them and that they would take shelter in your arms.  Lord, you know the plans you have for them. Each and EVERY DAY is special. You are OUR MAJESTY.  Lord we come to you with open hands just as we are with your grace and mercy as the song says.  Heal their hearts, their minds and their spirits Lord.  Give them strength for the road ahead and fill their spirits.  RENEW them Lord.  Reveal Your Holy Spirit and grant them comfort through Your Son Jesus Christ.  I pray for miracles, I pray for courage and I pray that Your presence would be with those who are very sick.  That if you should take them, You would hold them and give peace to those who are left behind.  May the world be impacted by those who've been lost and may those who live today share their legacy through Your Salvation in Jesus Mighty name I pray.....AMEN

Chipotle Chicken Soup

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Seasoning Cast Iron

Pepper Steak...Crockpot

Pepper Steak

2 pounds round steak, cut in strips
3 bell peppers, sliced lengthwise
2 sliced onions
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 can beef broth
1/2 cup evaporated milk

Trim all fat from steak and cut into strips. Place 1 teaspoon oil in a nonstick skillet and add steak strips. Brown lightly and put in bottom of crock pot. Combine beef broth, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cornstarch and Worcestershire sauce and add to crock pot. Place sliced peppers and onions on top of steak. If you prefer well done vegetables, place in bottom of crock pot. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for about 4 hours. Good served with cooked rice or mashed potatoes.