Weekend Rest: "He leads me beside still waters."

Life.  The journey. Rugged, painful, joyful, mundane. The journey.  We all need the Shepherd.  Nail scarred printed worn hands that wipe tears, repair hopes, gently guiding. Searching for lost, fallen, helpless sheep, desperately needing a kind redeemer.  We needy ones, longing for still calm pristine waters.  Somewhere to rest from the dirty, grimy loads of reality.  Loads of laundry, bills, worries, frustrations, schedules, stress to keep up, and stay ahead.

 The Shepherd asks, "Will you give me your load? Can I give you rest?"  

His quietness leads, His voice soothes, His touch heals.  He gives peace, direction and relief by His still waters.  Restorer of souls.  Companion true, never leaving nor forsaking.  In Him my truest trust.  Faithful unfailing father.  Souls lover.  Eternal friend.  Valley navigator. Mountain creator.  Defender of weak. True rest.  Refuge.  The Shepherd. 

Weekend Challenge:   This weekend find still waters with the Shepherd. 

"The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."

Thursday Cafe

Almond-Orange Biscotti

1 1/2 c. unbleached flour

(can use 1/2 whole grain pastry flour)

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 eggs

2 tbsp canola oil

1/2 c. sugar 

2 tbsp orange juice

2 tsp. grated orange peel

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

3/4 c. sliced almonds lightly toasted

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl using an electric mixer beat eggs, oil, sugar, for 2 minutes on medium speed.  The batter should look pale yellow and thick.  Beat in the orange juice, orange peel, and extracts.  With the mixer on low speed add the flour mixture.  Stir in the almonds.

Divide the dough in half.  With floured hands, form the dough into two 1 1/2 x 14 inch logs on the baking sheet.  Pat the logs to smooth the tops. Bake for 20 minutes.  Take it out of the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.  

Reduce oven temperature to 325. Transfer the logs to a cutting board. Slice diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices.  Place slices, cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Turn each slice and bake for 10 more minutes. Remove to a rack to cool.  

Brew a cup of coffee, put your feet up and enjoy! : )

Wednesday Inspiration

"Be strong and of good courage, fear not nor be

afraid of them;
for the Lord your
God, he it is that
goes with you;
He will not fail
you nor forsake you." 
Deut. 31:6 KJV

Thankful Tuesday in photos

His eye is on the sparrow & I know...HIM.

Miracle Monday: Breakfast with an Angel

This story comes from one of my favorite authors, Nona Freeman.  This story is recorded in her book Beloved Wide Spot p.24-26, available at Nona Book Sales. I am retelling it and hope it will bless you as much as it blessed me. It is also one of my favorite stories of how God provides for his children.

Bug and Nona had moved to Rosepine, Louisiana during the early 1940's.  The Great Depression hit America hard, and life was a struggle for the majority of the population.  Bug and Nona Freeman were involved as pastors of the Rosepine church facing their own difficulties.  One day Bug told Nona that they weren't going to have enough money to pay their rent of $17.  Nona assured her husband that she "woke up two or three times in the night to pray about it, but no assurance came about the answer." 

That morning, Nona proceeded to make breakfast, making more biscuits than usual, as her husband sat reading his Bible at the table.  Suddenly they heard a knock at the door.  It was a "cleaner-than-usual hungry man".  She asked her husband what they should do.  Bug told her to let him in to have breakfast with them. Having made extra biscuits, they seemed to be prepared for him. Nona opened the door and invited the man in. The kind stranger ate, making polite conversation and then said he had to be on his way.

After the stranger left, Nona stood at the sink washing dishes and heard her husband excitedly calling her. "Do you know anything about this $10 bill in my Bible?" Nona shook her head with an excited, "No!". 

Bug explained that when he laid his Bible aside, during breakfast, that there was absolutely no money in it.  Nona picked up the Bible and a $5 bill floated to the floor. "There's more of it!", she exclaimed.  Bug then grabbed the Bible and leafing through it found 2 more $1 bills.  The exact money they needed to pay their rent.  At that moment they knew it was no coincidence.  They had breakfast with an angel. God had sent his angel to provide the rent money that they needed.

God can do anything.  If needed He can send an angel. Believe him and trust him.

He can provide whatever you need.