Why Baking Keeps You Happy And Cupcakes Are The Perfect Treat And How To Make Chocolate and Coconut, Pecan Frosting...

 

Tiny And Yet Complete...

Now, you all know me well enough by now to know that this post;

"Will not just be about cupcakes"

A lesson learned is a powerful thing...

How do we learn?

By living our days in such a way that we are teachable and not stiff necked!

If you know everything, then just stop reading now;

As I do not want to waste your time (smile)

I have been graced to be in a learning curve my whole life;

I am not ashamed to ask for clarification in any given moment.

I do think one very valuable lesson is that we cannot read each others minds!

What grace and room abounds when we realize this and respond correctly.

That is why being a good student of the word and life is so valuable.

You have all heard this phrase;

How do we eat an elephant?

Well, one bite at a time...

This is how we can become wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove!

Learning comes in teeny tiny bite's

May I ask you this question?

What have you learned recently?

I find as I enjoy other sister's in the Lord, and glean from their wonderful tips and advice,

Then I am able to pick up and assimilate some really great things...

When a sister in Christ shares something that they do or they show me a technique,

that they use in their lives and in their homemaking, it always inspires me.

I have found that even changing one little thing can make something seem new

And also appealing to our senses and atmosphere!

I have enjoyed baking most my life;

But there are times that just making one big sheet cake is just too much.

So I have enjoyed making a smaller version of the cake into of course;

Cupcakes...

We all enjoy something sweet as a treat at times,

So I have been making these cupcakes!

You can make a healthy version from scratch, or a boxed cake mix.

The frosting can be the sweet touch, but the sprinkles make them pretty.

I have often seen children just want a certain doughnut in a display case,

Just because of the sprinkles.

I did make some german chocolate ones a few weeks back, 

Of course the frosting is what makes them so yummy!

I used coconut and pecans in it and it was delicious.

Chocolate And Coconut-Pecan Frosting

I egg, slightly beaten

2/3. Cup evaporated milk

2/3 Cup sugar

1 1/3 Cups shredded coconut 

1/4 Cup butter

1/2 Cup chopped pecans

1 Tablespoon cocoa powder

In medium saucepan slightly beat egg.

Stir in evaporated milk, sugar and butter and cocoa powder.

Cook and stir over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until thick and bubbly.

Remove from heat- stir in 1 1/3 cup coconut flakes and 1/2 cup chopped pecans.

Cover and allow to cool, then frost your cupcakes!

(My Sweet Daughter in law shared this recipe with me)

I added the chocolate powder to make it look and taste like a rich chocolate flavor.

Gods, Grace Overflows is the name of her blog!

I hope all of you ladies are enjoying and moving into a new season;

Learning and growing in all things pertaining to Home...

How To Embrace Everyday Love In Your Marriage...

Everyday Love

After being  married for many years, it can bring about such a soft and comfortable love.

Some may even call this a boring love;

Not, I

Love in the beginning is young and is exciting, everything seems new.

But really you don't even know one another!

When we are courting or dating we are putting our best foot forward.

We are always seen at our very best...
We have not been tried or pushed out of our comfort zones.
Having conflict and issues in our differences allows us to grow.
One thing my husband and I have said is this;
We can agree to disagree...
We are not cookie cutter people,
We allow each other to have a difference of opinion!
We allow each other to have the space and a portion to speak
(What is in our hearts, without interrupting them)
A good marriage is not a dictatorship...
But rather a team that has to have a good leader!
In our God given roles, it has been given to him to make the last or final decision.
But I am so blessed that he inquires of me as to my thoughts,
An opinion on every major decision in our lives!

Also a good disagreement can even be healthy to clear up little
Irritations that can just start mounting up in our daily lives!
We must always be ready to resolve conflict and work together!
We always try to pull for the best outcome!
I believe God has used a marriage to teach us so many things.

Years of walking side by side, we have experienced many landscapes.
Valleys, and plains and mountains.

We are not wise to run away from the little tougher seasons or just a day or two.

In our walk with Christ it is in the very valleys we run from that we can

Become better acquainted and intimate with Him.

If You have not walked any valleys as yet;
May I tell you this dear ones,

 The valleys will come...

It is in the valleys that we are placed in the shade of the Mountain

The weight of His Glory can be seen in the shadows.

Being in a marriage for a long time is what makes a marriage vow grow
 and presses out the wimpy within us.

What started out as a wrinkle free wedding license surly can become
Wrinkled...
These wrinkles begin to show up on
 our wrinkled brows and our bed sheets,

Our wrinkled tummies from bearing the babies, we held within a once firm tummy.

Slowly you will blend and compliment one another

One day you will become familiar with what his sighs might really mean!
But only if you take the time to really listen...

You will learn that when they are silent
It does not mean that, they are angry or mad at you!
Maybe they have just had a hard day.

Marriage will change you!

But, I give you this bit of advice
 if you will love and forgive and roll into each others side

(Every night and hold each other tight)

You will live to grow comfortable and warm and not critical...

Love has many hues of color;

But it is in the dark of night or in a valley you must trust instinct.

~ keep your eyes on the Son~
Not each others faults;
For you both have many...

Real life has real challenges...

But if you resolve to love your spouse!

God will help you to become comfortable with old fashion love everyday!

May we learn to embrace Everyday Love;

Not what a romance novel might portray it to be!

God has written the greatest romance of all!

He gave it all, He held nothing back,

Why should you?

~Loving is the prize dear ones; even if it is not returned~

Love is truth in action and in words and deeds daily...

Do not become hard hearted dear ladies;

Keep your heart tender

Think the best of him always

Finding his faults will make yours grow!

Do you want to be found irresistible?

Keep loving even if it becomes hard as we are all being molded into His image.

The Gift Of A Good Memory...

 

Why memories are so powerful

We have one of the greatest gifts!

Our memories are a portion of us that has been tucked away into

In the recesses of our minds.

Firstly, I want to address so many of you out there that have had to 

live with a terrible memory, my heart cries out for you.

I do know the sorrow of those memories also.

But, What I want to share is the real love and the power in a good memory!

I was a little girl sitting on my mother's lap while she is visiting with her

Girlfriend and neighbor. Even as a child, I know this was a special time.

I remember the smell of the coffee aroma and the sound of it as it percolates in the kitchen;

Momma pours two cups of coffee into two of these lovely

Rose coffee cups, they are placed upon the little saucer that match.

Each cup is doused with cream and sugar...

~I can still hear the tinkling of the spoon as it mixes the cream and sugar~

My mother is so busy chatting away that she only has one sip of her coffee;

She kisses the top of my head and tells me this

Sweetie, why don't you drink the rest of mommy's coffee...

I do this very thing that she has spoken to me;

And I remember that moment and memory forever!

It was tender and sweet as the sugar made my little mouth happy.

I am sure I was not even five!

What's love got to do with it?

Everything...

I do hope when I have finished my days here on earth,

That my dear ones will hold a memory of love, that I showed to them!

God gives us strength and grace to create sweet memories.

May we learn to ask for more of them in our prayers.

Being a mother of influence does not have to consist of huge or big things!

This one gesture has been tucked in my heart for years...

God Bless each of you amazing women of God,

Stand your post, guard your loved ones.

Never turn back...

Run to win the prize.

Be sure to leave a memory to someone that will always bring a smile to their face and

Warm their hearts and keep them tender for what really matters in this life!

Find as many little opportunities to create a good memory...

Trust me it has a huge impact for little or big people;

When we see in this world that so many have lost their memories;

So much is truly lost for all of us!

I have heard that when the elderly have shown signs of dementia,
Many can not remember  many things. But can recall facts and memories
from their childhood. I think this is so amazing,
Many can remember scripture and songs.

Think of a memory that brings a gentle tug of happiness to your hearts today

How To Safeguard Ourselves and Our Loved Ones In This Day And Age...

The Beach Is Calling And I Must Go...

 I got a good laugh out of this cute little thing saying. 

When I think of the ocean and crystal clear waters, and amazing white sands;

The word paradise pops into my head.

I love the salt water and the sand and the wind that blows off the amazing blue waters.

I find great joy in hunting for seashells and small pieces of driftwood.

I would love to find some sea glass this time!

But I do always feel a sadness over the half naked ladies that parade as if

it is the most natural thing in the world.

Can you be in the midst of this and not really even see it?

I do hope so...

It really does not matter where I go anymore;

I have to guard my eyes and my heart!

I would have to become a hermit and do nothing and go nowhere;

To avoid the over exposure of people being half dressed.

All in the name of what?

Fashion

Getting Tan

Parading oneself for all to see; young and old

Can we still go to the beach as Christians and not have to be assaulted?

We do hope to go to the beach and look for shells and enjoy;

God has given us such beauty!

I refuse to be robbed of all the wonderful things out there in my life!

I don't care if we have to move our chairs 10 times to not have to sit

Next to half naked people.

 We may even just go in the late evening time!

"As a Godly woman it is my responsibility to help safeguard my Husbands eyes also"

I am very thankful that I still want to protect even myself;

I believe we can grieve our Father by inappropriate dress and behavior!

Some woman think they are being stylish by what they wear;

Yet, it is never fashionable to show what only belongs to your husband!

We have heard and seen too many stories, to not take heed

To Cover Ourselves

To Cover Our Children

No locker room dressing in the open

No sleepovers

 No Male babysitters

No No No

Trust no one;

Keep your Eyes and ears open!

But remember, if you use a few innovated ideas you can still enjoy some beach time!

What are your thoughts in this overly exposed and s** crazed society?

I appreciate each of you lovelies that stop in for a visit!

You're always welcome to comment and encourage those that visit...

Blessings,

Living From Glory To Glory

Why It Is Never Too Late To Start Homeschooling Your Children...

 

It is never too late to start homeschooling your children...

It does not matter what their age is or grade level.

Homeschooling was the very best thing for our family!

We will always be so thankful for training our children with a curriculum that

was consistent with our value system.

We were able to give them a one on one approach!

Also to provide a tutor when needed for tougher subjects.

Also, we were able to enroll them in art classes!

They also had the chance to be involved with many field trips!

They were able to make friends that have lasted into adulthood.

We were blessed to see their growth and maturity levels blossom!

~Learning to learn is the greatest gift we were able to give our children~

When you have your children home, you are able to be quick in responding

To a need that they might have,

 And you will be better able to provide it quickly so they can move to the next level!

So many children just can fall between the cracks in the system.

Also, when a child has to be gone from their homes and family for such long hours,

They can become unattached and very withdrawn!

We have seen that children that our home schooled, have a stronger

Bond with their siblings and parents!

They also seem better rested and less stressed!

They also can interact with every age level;

Less peer pressure...

Less bullying...

Less homework...

(Because you do it during the day)

We have never regretted homeschooling our children!

We watched how God developed their ability to think and create and

Problem solved real life situations.

 They learned real life skills!

Also, we had more time each day to work and develop Godly character...

This was accomplished through prayer and Bible study!

We were able to see their hearts grow in compassion and wisdom!

Our children have a deep love for reading 

and have learned :

The great art of being able to teach themselves 

almost anything and everything they have wanted to do or explore.

Building, cooking, creating, running a business, being a Mother and Father!

Learning should never stop...

We have a whole generation that has never learned to think for themselves!

A mind is really a terrible thing to waste...

~ ~ ~

Just like coming home, homeschooling your children

has to be a calling and a conviction!

Ask the Lord if He just might be calling you to take your children Home!

I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me!

Pray for our children and grandchildren.

Train up a child in the way he should go!

And when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Bearing Fruit In Every Season And Learning To Preserve Them...

 

Bearing Fruit In All Season's

And we're not talking dried fruit either...

This is a lovely old bowl filled with fresh strawberries

 These were hand picked by myself and my Husband and sister and brother in law

 It was such a beautiful day!

A strawberry field smells just wonderful!

 This is the picture of them after they were washed and hulled

 And put into this beautiful large antique bowl.

 Shortly before becoming delicious desserts,

 We're talking Strawberry Shortcake strawberry preserves,

 Strawberries with vanilla bean ice cream, strawberry delight.

 Isn't that bowel absolutely lovely? It does belong to one of my sisters.

 It is very beautiful in her kitchen, of course, it  is only used a few times of the year

 When we pick and gather a large quantity of strawberries it looks so pretty filled to the top.

 And it made for such a pretty photograph, I think I overdid it,

 I think I took about 50 snapshots of that one bowl of fruit.

 I will say that not only were these strawberries, beautiful

 But they were some of the sweetest and tastiest strawberries I've ever had in my life. 

They were not even very large, but the flavor did more than make up for the smaller size. 

I think it is the same way in our lives,

 It is the small things that we do can really bring a sweeter aroma to the Lord

 When they're done in love.
When was the last time we did something special for someone in secret?

Maybe you might know someone who could really benefit from
Giving them some of your extra purchased bounty this fall.
We all know that zucchini is plentiful this time of year!
Be sure to wash and shred some and put it in  the freezer for bread!
You will be glad you did when those zucchini double and triple in price this winter!
Being frugal is something you do as you think ahead for something you will
eventually need and use at a later time.

Get busy and put a few things in your freezer if you do not know how to can!
Everyone can buy freezer bags and clean and prepare something!
"Peaches, Strawberries, Shredded or slices zucchini for soups"
My DIL even gets fresh corn and cuts off the kernels to put in in casseroles
and soups in the winter months!

If you even put back small amounts will be enjoyed and appreciated.
A fresh peach cobbler is a delight when it is snowing outside.
Buy more jars or cans of the items of the things that are on sale!
Peanut butter gets really cheap as school is starting,
 buy a few and put them in your pantry.
Dried Pinto beans will be picked soon in the fields, these last all year.
Buy some of these things in bulk.
Learning to use the income God has given you wisely is what makes you a wise woman!

~ ~ ~

 I do hope you keep an eye out for all the fresh fruits and veggies,

 That you can still find for a very good price this time of year;

When you can purchase a few fresh items for a good price and

Freeze them, this helps with cost in your food budget!

"Be Wise And Put Back"

 For harvest season is upon us...

How Early Mornings Can Set The Course For Your Days...

How I Love Mornings...

There is just something about the newness and the clean fresh slate that is ahead...

A new day to lean in against all the oppositions that will come your way;

It also could be smooth sailing!

But one thing that we can not argue with is this;

We have the chance to make it a great day with this one very simple thing!

Your reaction and response to what is given to you with what we

"Think is others"

But really is from the hand of God...

He allows even the hard things;

Even if these are direct results of your previous bad choices!

Today is a new day!

Try today to stop doing something that even makes you frustrated;

Examples:

Do not correct your husband over every single thing he suggests or does.

Do not be judgmental over everything that you see and hear.

(This will make you critical)

Smile and give someone a break;

Be kind and set the law of love in motion!!

Setting yourself up for disappointment is not a good thing;

Be flexible and not perturbed over every silly thing!

Be who God is calling you to be!

A Godly woman...

When I get down, I try to encourage others

As the scripture says if you will refresh another

He will refresh you!

Take notice of others and what they are doing!

Stop drawing all the attention to yourself;

By what you say and what you wear and how you act!

The days come and go...

But you my friend have an amazing adventure straight ahead...

Live this day like there may be NO tomorrow!

Enjoy whatever you set your hand to do!

Make this and every morning a new day...

Go and take a step in the direction that is pleasing to the Lord!

Have Mercy

Have Joy

Have Faith

Have Love

Have Wisdom

Have Quick Forgiveness Extended To Others

Enjoy the portion of working and loving and creating;

Leave behind a legacy from this day!

Take a deep breath and enjoy this day called life!

Do you delight in your mornings?

What do you do to inspire yourself to seize the DAY?

I pray for each and every one of you who visit this space;

For His Glory ...

As A Woman Looks Well To The Keeping Of Her Home And Lovely Bee Balm...

 

As A woman Of The House...

I find myself buzzing around looking well to the ways of my household.

Being like a bee flying around each room looking and doing each thing that is required.

Sometimes I just need to do just a small little pick-up to allow the room

To look tidy and organized.

I grab the broom and sweep the kitchen floor as having a clean floor;

Is usually a top priority!

As keeping the kitchen sink free from dishes never really ends

"Except in the evening just before bed"

Being able to stay home and truly keep my home is a privilege now a days!

I am so grateful for this...

What shall I prepare for dinner?

What area of my home needs some extra attention?

Do my bathrooms need a deep cleaning?

I will need to organize that Tupperware cupboard out very soon!

Why would a lady that stays home all day long never run out of things to do?

Because, we stay at home and actually use and live in each area of our homes!

I get outside while it is yet a bit cooler in the warm weather and pull weeds

And even clean up our outside area that we sit in the shade to visit or read a book.

Having a home is a gift from the Lord...

Even if you live in a tiny apartment or a rustic home;

We can make each room lovely and special and filled with love!

We are the Queen of our homes and we must fulfill each duty as it is

so important to keep things from getting out of order!

Being a housewife has been frowned upon;

Yet, this has never deterred me from my calling...

What does a woman who has never known the skill that is required to run

A HOME efficiently and properly have to say that what we do is boring or

Not really worth anything to society?

Well, I know one day the balance sheet will be read...

And I do hope that mine will not be found wanting.

I find that at every turn my calling is undermined;

But if you have done it long enough, you will surely see the benefits!

I have also seen a woman who takes great delight in being a Queen of their home!

Maybe we all just need to look at the ways of nature and see that God has a good plan!

Being at home is a powerful testimony that we trust God for our provisions.

Would you rather each room of your home be filled with stuff

or

With children and loved ones and your Husband resting and at peace?
A home that is governed and has a heart that can sense and feel the needs within!
Now, this is where we learn to become the body of Christ!

The ways of this world are not producing the peaceable and

productive people that God is wanting;

When we are all so unhappy of our living situations and always wanting more

And bigger and newer...

We are telling the world that we can do a better job...

Doing it our way

Just keep your heart at home and continue to ask for guidance!

What is the one thing you take the greatest pleasure in,

Doing your daily chores?

I think we bring great pleasure to the Father when we learn to do a job well,

Without grumbling and complaining...

I have always said that if you do not do what is required or asked of you

With the right heart, there will be no blessing in it!!