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.

I Finally Did It

Well friends, I finally broke down and bought myself an electric razor. Parkinson's and razor blades do not mix very well. It was getting real dangerous shaving, I come close to cutting my neck deeply a few times, well enough is enough.

I go back to the neurologist on Jan. 19th, 2009. Something has to be done because my body has gotten use to the medicine and it isn't working as well as it should now. They cannot up the dosage because I am at the maximum limit now, so I suspect I will be put on something else.

Vacation time is over soon, I was off from Dec. 18th until Jan. 4th, its kind of nice to be going back to work, maybe I can walk off some of this weight now. The holidays were rough on my mid section this year.  

That's about all I have for an up date at this time, thanks for stopping by.

Salvation is from The Lord

  Where would I be without my precious Lord Jesus. Lost and alone in a hostile world.

Salvation is from The Lord

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:9,10 NIV

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Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3:3-7 KJV

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But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4-7 NASB

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It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began--to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus.

And now he has made all of this plain to us by the coming of Christ Jesus, our Savior, who broke the power of death and showed us the way to everlasting life through the Good News.

2 Timothy 1:9,10 NLT

Family Picture

Here is the picture I promised, with the newest addition: Matt and Kristina's baby, Shea.

Mary-Ann

Gladness and Joy!

The ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah 51:11 NIV

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Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound:
they shall walk, O LORD,
in the light of thy countenance.

In thy name shall they rejoice all the day:
and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.

Psalm 89:15,16 KJV

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I will rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in my God;

For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,
So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness
and praise to spring up before all the nations.

Isaiah 61:10,11 NASB

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Blow the trumpets in times of gladness, too, sounding them at your annual festivals and at the beginning of each month to rejoice over your burnt offerings and peace offerings. The trumpets will remind the LORD your God of his covenant with you. I am the LORD your God."

Numbers 10:10 NLT

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Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.

Sing to the LORD with the harp,
With the harp and the sound of a psalm,

With trumpets and the sound of a horn;
Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King.

Psalm 98:4-6 NKJV

OK Ladies, this is must have!

  One of my Christmas gifts this year was a Ped Egg. It was given to me by my wonderful daughter. She put together a beautiful gift basket of different lotions, brushes, powder, soaps, and this great gadget. I waited a day or two before I had time to use it. But I finally used it and I just have to tell you all that it is fantastic.

   I have always had bad feet because I love running around bare foot and we all know that isn't very good for our little tootsies. My heels were almost always dry and cracked, and most times I was embarrased to wear sandles or backless shoes. Well not anymore. This wonderful little invention has cured all of that. I'm telling  you ladies, its fantastic.  A friend of mine has one and I watched her use it on herself and to be honest it kinda grossed my out at first, you know, dead skin and all, lol. But it really works.

  So next time your at the store and you pass by this item, and you have problem feet, pick this up. It is one of the best buys for your $10.  This not a commercial and I'm not being paid for this, LOL it's just me wanting to share a good thing with friends.

Broiled pan-dressed fish

****New**** Home Management Binder

I have a brand New Home Management Binder all the way from America woo hoo. The original binder I had did not work very well at all and was driving me crazy :lol - I love my new binder which was very kindly sent to me along with some page protectors and other bits and pieces. 

My Binder - here it is - This is the front cover

 The side of my binder:

Tabbed Sections of my binder:

Next is the zipper pouch: In here I keep a pen (a gift from a friend in America), a book of stamps, post-it notes, airmail stickers, tabs, a highlighter and other bits and pieces:

Next is the inside cover , after that I keep "The Portrait of Excellence" (taken from Proverbs 31)

Next, I have "A Woman's Rules to live by - Rules for the wife at home" - which I need......

1. Overlook husband's faults, and instead focus on his better side.
2. Never nag, or try to manipulate your husband into doing things your way.
3. Trust God, and trust your husband. Pray for him daily.
4. God first, husband second, children third, house fourth, other ministries fifth.
5. Submit to yoru husband's authority, and allow errors in his judgement.
6. Allow your husband to provide for the family, and appreciate the money he brings in, and the provisions he provides for his family, no matter how little or how much.
7. Spend your husband's hard earned money wisely, and be frugal. Never sneak expenses behind his back.
8. Do not wound his masculine pride. Instead, compliment him on his manly accomplishments, and show your appreciation of him every day.
9. A modest, feminine appearance is important.  As is feminine manner, nature, softness, gentleness, and a spirit of sweet submission and dependency on the husband.
10. You have a God-given career that can bless you abundantly. That career is in the home.
11. Cook delicious healthy meals and keep the home clean.
12. Your duty is to be a "homemaker", hence, your job is to make your house a home.
13. Above all, the wife at home is to exude an attitude of happiness and joy. Rejoice in the Lord for the wonderful family He has provided for you, and never take your family for granted.

Bible Order For The Home:

1. God is the head of Christ - 1 Corinthians: 11:3
2. Christ is over man - 1 Corinthians: 11:3
3. Man is over woman - 1 Corinthians: 11:3
4. Chidren are under parents - Ephesians: 6: 1 - 3

Bible Rules For The Husband:

1. They are to love their wives - Ephesians: 5-25. As Christ loved the church - Ephesians: 5-25. As they love their body - Ephesians: 5:28 More than any other relative - Ephesians: 5:31. As themselves - Ephesians: 5:33
2. They are to be the leaders in the way - Ephesians: 6:4
3. They are to labor for wages - 1 Timothy: 5:8
4. Thyey are to be learned about their wives - 1 Peter: 3:7

Bible Order For The Wife:

1. They are to submit unto their husbands as unto the Lord - Ephesians: 5:22
2. As the church is under Christ, so are they to beunder their husbands - Ephesians: 5:23
3. They need to rverence thier husbands - Ephesians: 5:33
4. They are to be a "servant" to their household
5. They are the star in the home
6. Are to be symbols of holiness - 1 Timothy: 5:1

Next, is the Prairie Muffins Manifesto:

Next, is the "People Contact Info" -  I have a lis of important contacts including friends,  professional contacts and overseas friends.  I then have another phone list to include all numbers for banks, health/pet care, travel/car insurance and so on - so we dont have to keep hunting around for telephone numbers anymore.  This will make life so much easier :)

Schedules: is next.

Daily Routine - as above:

Morning Routine: This starts after my time with The Lord (Old Testament)

• Make bed
• Take meds and vitamins
• check calendar
• Thaw something for dinner if I need too
• Exercise
• Shower
• Fix hair and fix bathroom whilst there
• Make coffee with breakfast
• Check any emails

Early Afternoon Routine:

• Eat Lunch (which I don't always do)
• Meal Prep
• Make any phone calls I need too
• Check emails
• Get bread/rolls out of freezer to thaw
• Check calendar/planner for next day appointments - if any
• Write in journal

Late Afternoon Routine:

• Tidy up rooms, pick up & put away things, mags, papers etc
• Clear dining table
• Set dinner table
• Start dinner (except Saturdays when done in the morning)
• Light candles (if dark enough of course)
• Put on some relaxing music

Before Bed Routine:

• Kitchen clean it up, shine sink, lay out clean dischcloths as needed
• review checklist to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Think about tomorrow
• Write a "to do list" for next day in journal
• Gather any items I don't want to forget for next day & put by back door
• Prepare & pack DH's lunch box for next morning (if necessary)
• Set table for breakfast for the morning
• Decide on clothes for next day
• Cool down time & get ready for bed
• Read for fun or listne to music, watch dvd/tv with DH
• Relax in a hot bubble bath
• Brush teeth, clean & moisturise face, brush hair
• Take meds
• Reflection on the day
• Spend time in God's Word (New Testament) & pray
• Go to bed at a reasonable time! Preferably at the same time each day (unless going out)
• Fall asleep with a smile on my face & in my heart :)

Next, I have daily & monthly planner sheets from www.donnayoung.org

In the cleaning section, I have:

• Daily, monthly, quarterly & Annual Cleaning duties
• Emergency Quick Clean
• Various Home-made cleaners

Budget section is next:

I keep monthly budget sheets in this section so I can keep records of all incomings/outgoings and so on for each month............

Grocery Shopping Section is next:

In this section, I have a general Grocery list which I have adapted. I also have a weekly shopping list divided into four categories - again, both lists printed from Donna Young.

Menu Section is next:

As you can see I have monthly menu plans here - this is a little tight to fight daily meals in but there is just enough room - especially if I write small enough :lol

Recipe Section:

I have various recipies here but also I have decided to add all the recipies I will need for "that" particular month - then I don't have to go hunting through recipe books for the recipies needed.   At the end of the month, these will go back into my recipe files (project in progress) and then the recipies for the next month will go in here.

Prayer Section:

The Power of Prayer

Monday:    DH & Damaris

Tuesday:    Family

Wednesday:        Church

Thursday:  Friends/Internet Ministries

Friday:      Government etc

Saturday:  Personal Concerns

Sunday:     Going over and reading through sermon notes / extra bible study

Guidelines:

• v Read a brief inspiration message or prayer
• v Open my Bible and read a chapter or more (if time is short then read a Bible verse)
• v Turn to Prayer Planner:
• o Write down my praise, confession, my thanks, and my requests
• o Give the Lord my hurts, pain from the past, disappointments and all the questions I can think of writing. Write down convictions of what I hear from the Lord saying to me.
• v I am able to verbalize things I've held in my heart but never spoken about. The art of writing somehow seems to bring up my thoughts, feelings, and desires and to expose them to the light of God's love.
• v Writing out my confessions helps me get honest with the Lord. Somehow a confession feels more real when it's down there in black and white. But this means that God's forgiveness feels more real, too.
• v I can see concrete evidence of my spiritual life - and my spiritual growth - when I read back over past prayers.
• v My faith grows as I see God's answers more clearly - God's yeses and no's and "waits".
• v Writing down the answers I think I hear helps me discern which ones really are of God.
• v My obedience is strengthened. Once again, written promises are harder to ignore than mental ones. Once I have written down my sense of what God wants me to do, I am more likely to follow through.
• v Often when praying, the Lord will bring someone to mind who needs my love or care (that's what the note cards are for). When He brings someone to mind, try to stop right there and drop that person a line, assuring him or her of God's love and my prayers

Modesty:

In this section I have various articles relating to modesty:

My Bible Section:

In the above section, I have A bible reading plan and how to mark your bible, both of which you can find over at Keeping The Home

I have started reading and studying the Old Testament in the mornings and then the New Testament in the evenings before I go to sleep. I also plan on putting some of my bible/study notes in this section too.

Next is the Birthday Section:

This section is self-explanatory but much needed. I am not the best person at remembering birthdays especially when it comes to family & friends - so I decided to do something about this.  I have a Birthday chart in this section with headings, Month, Name, Date (of Birthday), Card/Gift (Y/N), so I can make sure that I can put a tick in these boxes.  I don' always send gifts but will certainly be making sure I send cards. 

Going away from my binder for a second. I now have a "Gift Shelf" in my office which I have started - so any gifts I see that I think a family member or friend would like then I will have something there (theoretically speaking), this needs building up :)

Crafts / Gardening Section:

Again, this section is self-explanatory and will hold notes on crafts, card making and gardening tips etc that I will need.

Hope Chest:

I am planning on putting together a Hope Chest for Damaris my daughter which will be great for her later on. I can add journals, photos plus all kinds of gifts for her later on - this will be a legacy of my love put together especially for her.  If you would like information regarding Hope Chests - then there is a good link here.

The final section for now: "Other"

In this section, I have articles on Home-Making plus I will be adding articles from favourite sites, such as Laine's Letters, Keeping The Home plus other favourite sites to do with Home-Making.

I also have an address/Telephone section at the back too. Again, this will keep everything together so that I don't have to go hunting around for my address/telephone book each time - as it will be right here in my binder :)

At the back of my binder is a journal, which I will use as my Daily Journal:

and ...... this is the back of my binder:

Well I hope you have enjoyed the peek into my binder. I still have another couple of sections that I would like to add, but I am so pleased that I have this near enough how I want it. 

I have been so blessed to receive my new binder plus the inserts, journal and other bits and pieces - my new Home Management Binder will be made good use of. 

It's home will be in a prominent place in our kitchen :)