A Feathered Nest: Grocery List

A Feathered Nest: Grocery List: "Here's a fun grocery list I use that I wanted to share with all of you."

Insomnia

I should be cleaning or sleeping. My mind is racing. I need to do something besides sit at the computer writing. Ok I just decided to write. I was browsing. My kids went to bed crying because I want them to try something new. My son hates new things and big crowds. My daughter loves new things and people. So either way, I don't win. I told them I would pray for an answer. They would have to wait. That made both of them sad. Lainey even said, "Why does God take so long to talk to you?" I answer with, "God has the perfect timing." Evidently that isn't good enough because she groaned at me. We say bed time prayers and Dayson starts crying. I hate that. I know the reason. However, my daughter's question rings through my head and won't let me sleep. I sometimes get like my golden curly haired bomb shell daughter and I become 5 in my mind. I think, "HURRY UP. I NEED THIS NOW! ANSWER SOMETIME TODAY! LORD, ARE YOU LISTENING?" How rude of me. When I do get an answer from my Father, it is always just right. Never a moment too late or too early. I am thankful for that. I pray that I learn to wait upon my God more. I don't want to be five always.

My Son the Trainer.

I was working out on the balance ball. My son comes in with 4 peices of paper stapled together. On these pages were little stick people working out. I say, "tell me about your bood Bubba!" He said, "It is for you Mommy. It is all the excercises you need to make your belly flat." I got the hint and gave him a kiss. I must not have been working hard enough for my six year old. He was sweet enough to make an entire workout plan for me to do with him. I love it!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Redone.

Chocolate chip cookies redone.
Heat oven to 350 degrees
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (if stone ground, make sure it is fine ground)
1 cup all purpose flour.
1 1/4 tsp of baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1. Mix in a bowl and set aside2 sticks (1 cup) real unsalted butter, softened or 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter softened plus 1/2 cup of cooked smashed great northern beans, well drained.
3/4 browned sugar packed
1/2 cup of sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 egg beaten or 2 TB ground flaxseed with 6 TB water (this equals just under 1/2 cup. If using flax seed to replace egg, mix flaxseed meal with water and let set for 2-3minutes)
2. Cream butter and sugar.
3. Add vanilla and egg (or egg substitute of flax) Mix well
4. Add flour mixture, mix well. Then addOne package (16oz) semi sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
Mix together.
Drop cookies onto cookie sheet by rounded Tablespoon or a cookie dough scoop. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12-14 minutes. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

This recipe is made a bit healthier with less sugar, less fat and whole wheat flour. If using the beans in your cookies, make sure you rinse and drain them well. I like to cook my beans from the dried bean without any flavor or seasonings. Canned beans need to be rinsed and drained a few times before smashing and putting in your recipe. If you use margerine instead of butter, the cookie will have different texture and be a bit more crisp.

Recipe by Natasha Duncan, Cameron MO

Hospitality in a dirty house?

I was doing my Fruits of the Spirit bible study because I needed some encouragement and an attitude adjustment. I am fretting about getting my home ready for tomorrow. I am pleading, "Lord I don't feel good. I can't talk. Give me the energy to get up and finish housework. After all this is my calling at the moment."So I start to turn to the scripture outlined in my guide but come across Romans 12:12-13 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. another version ¹²Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying. ¹³Take care of God's needy people and welcome strangers into your home. (CEV)
So I sit and stare at this scripture like it is something foreign and I need to take it all in. I start to turn the page but flip back. I recognize this pattern. God has something to tell me. I pray again, "Father, what is this. I know that hospitality is important, I know that I need to keep reading scripture and to be joyful in all my situations. What am I missing. I am listening. Tell me so that I may tell others"
Have you ever had this experience? The kids are running, screaming, and playing loudly in the background. Toys get dropped and possessions get knocked over so that it sounds like bombs exploding and the walls are rattling. Awe, you know the scenario. This was my house at my Bible moment. However, suddenly quietness set in. A peace and stillness came over me. No my husband didn't whisk the kids off for a fun adventure and give Mommy peace and quiet. God spoke to me and all else was still in my mind. It is rare that I experience this but it was Him none the less. I felt him say,"Your house is presentable. Hospitality is not about a spotless home. Just offer them what I offer you. Give them unconditional love, understanding, and the knowledge I have for them. Show them a way to Me." I began to tear and praise God. Thank you Lord!
So you can have hospitality in a dirty house....ok a semi dirty house. I don't think my standard will allow my house to be filthy, but less than perfect is ok. I will offer them what God teaches me and what my Father offers me. Unconditional love and salvation.