How We Look to Others

I was at a potluck dinner and amidst the fried chicken, hot dishes, cold salads, and desserts was a small dish of something grayish, sort of gravy-like, and completely unidentifiable.  At the end of the evening as I was helping clean up, there amongst the empty platters was that lone little bowl completely untouched. 

It was probably was just as nutritiousl as anything else on the table, but no one wanted to test it out when there were so many other choices.  For all I know, I may have missed out on the best dish there because of its appearance.

As I reflected on this, I wondered.....in the “potluck of life” as I meet the people God brings my way, does my faith and profession in Jesus look appealing to others?  Do I proclaim a life in Christ that looks like fried chicken to a starving soul….or have I allowed bitterness, anxieties, circumstances to steal my joy, so that to those I am called to share the Bread of Life with, look at me and see something grayish and unappealing-like the dish I just mentioned?

I want the joy of Christ to reflect through me.  I want to rise above my circumstances, rest in Jesus for help and comfort, and share the glorious salvation message that Jesus saved me from an eternity in Hell for a new life here on earth for a time, and forever with him in Glory.

Here is a recipe that looks as good as it tastes-it is an easy Springtime Mandarin Orange Cake.  It starts with a box mix of yellow cake, but with a few additions, and a Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, and instant pudding frosting-you have a light pretty cake that won’t make it home from any potluck.

MANDARIN ORANGE CAKE

(A fresh light Spring cake)

1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 (11-oz.) can mandarin oranges with juice

4 eggs
1/4 c. vegetable oil

Combine cake mix, oranges, eggs and oil. Beat 2 minutes at highest speed of mixer.  Reduce speed to low and beat one minute. Pour into 3 greased and floured round 8" cake pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove to cake rack and cool completely.

Frosting

1 (12-oz.) ctn. Cool Whip, thawed
1 (5-oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding

1 (20-oz.) c. crushed pineapple, drained reserving juice

Combine Cool Whip, pineapple, and pudding. Let stand for 5 minutes, then add enough pineapple juice to make frosting spreadable. Frost between layers, then top and sides of cake. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. Store in refrigerator.

Note: I love to serve this light, delicious cake in the Springtime. Garnish it with piped swirls of whipped cream, well drained mandarin oranges and fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.

                                         Confectionately  Yours,

Sue

Carrying Burdens, Laundry Baskets, & Homemade Laundry Soap

This might sound excessive, but I have 8 laundry baskets!!  Over time, I have realized the advantage of this.  On laundry day, I can separate out each load. 

When my kids were little, I had them do this.  They learn to help mommy, & it is a task even the toddler can accomplish when you tell them where each piece goes. Praise them for their progress, & you will see over time that you have trained them up to do their own laundry.

As each load is placed in the washer, the empty basket goes in front of the dryer & awaits its next job.  Those baskets have helped me organize closets holding the contents as I determine what goes where.  They help me as I decide what goes to the missions closet when it becomes evident that I have more than I really need.

They have held potluck dishes for transportation in my car preventing spills & keeping everything decently & in order.

One of the great things about my laundry baskets is that they match, fitting one inside the other, taking up minimal space when emptied.

Spiritually speaking, I find sometimes as prayer requests are shared, I’m a lot like those baskets.  I gather burdens, feeling overwhelmed for myself & others.  As I go in prayer to the One that washes whiter than snow, my load is lightened, & the stain of my personal sin is no more.  I stand clean before my Lord.

Here is a recipe for Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap.  It is easy to make & economical, too.  I love a bargain!!!

 The Recipe

Now that you have assembled all the needed ingredients here is the recipe:

Homemade Laundry Soap

1/3 bar Fels Naptha or other type of soap, as listed above

½ cup washing soda

½ cup borax powder 

~You will also need a small bucket, about 2 gallon size~

Grate the soap and put it in a sauce pan.  Add 6 cups water and heat it until the soap melts.  Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved.  Remove from heat.  Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket.   Now add your soap mixture and stir.  Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir.  Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel.  You use ½ cup per load.

**A few things to note about the soap** 

~The finished soap will not be a solid gel.  It will be more of a watery gel that has been accurately described as an "egg noodle soup" look.

~The soap is a low-suds soap.  So if you don’t see suds, that is ok.  Suds are not what does the cleaning, it is the ingredients in the soap.

I'm Sue Murphy.....& I am.... 

Confectionately  Yours

The Mayonnaise Jar

The Mayonnaise Jar

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.  He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls.

 He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. 

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

 He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. 

 

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.' 

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

 

The golf balls are the important things - God, family, health, friends, and favorite passions- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

 

The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- The small stuff­‑'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important.

 So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.

 'Take care of the golf balls first --  The things that really matter. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend. 

 

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

Here is a homemade mayonnaise recipe.  You might just need it if you mayo jar comes up empty someday. 

Homemade Mayo

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
• 3/4 cup vegetable or olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Combine the egg, garlic, lemon juice and mustard in the container of a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then blend on low speed while pouring oil into the blender in a fine stream as the mixture emulsifies and thickens.

                                         Confectionately  Yours,

Sue

I Hate Surprises!!

Have I mentioned that I hate surprises??  I guess it is a control issue.  I always want to look at the very least reasonably decent when someone comes to see me.

Now I have 4 levels of clothing in my closet.  My very best that I am not ashamed to be seen in, my daily casual clothes, also OK for wearing out and about , my comfortable around the house clothes that I prefer NOT to be seen in, and my "cleaning -the -house" clothes. To coin a phrase- I wouldn’t want to be caught dead in these!!!

My friend Leah had tried to surprise me in the past, but told my husband of the plan…and he of course, spilled the beans to me.  So, actress that I am, I was able to pretend that Leah from OH showing up on my IN doorstep was a huge surprise.

Of course, the house was clean, I had a meal prepared, and was wearing a decent outfit.  It was a fun surprise!

I made the mistake of introducing my good friend Leah in OH to my good friend Pam from IN.  I’m kidding about this…it wasn’t a mistake, and the 2 really enjoyed meeting each other.  But when my husband was out of town on business, they conspired together to surprise me with a visit on my birthday.

Of course, the house was disheveled, I had on no make-up, and a frozen pizza was on the menu that night.

I am ashamed to admit it, but I was pretty irritated at their little impromptu party where I was caught looking like something the dog dragged up.  It took a few minutes, but I got over my pride.

It is true that had I known they were pulling these shenanigans, I would have been better prepared, but the end result was good. We talked, laughed, & ate chocolate.  I knew they loved me just as I was.

 You know folks, Jesus is coming back unannounced.  The bible tells us to live our lives in such a way that we are not caught off guard at His return.  If you have accepted Him as Savior, He will take you as you are.  But honestly, wouldn’t YOU rather be prepared for His coming and unashamed at how he finds you.  I sure would.

 I want to talk, and laugh, and perhaps even eat chocolate at the marriage supper of the Lamb.  

This recipe is one that I consider "heavenly."  Enjoy.....

CHOCOLATE DELIGHT

1 stick butter or margarine, melted
1/2 c. confectioners sugar
1 c. pecans
1 c. all purpose flour
3 pkgs. instant chocolate pudding (four-1/2 c. servings/box)
4-1/2 c. milk
24 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed 
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

Place nuts into food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add in flour and melted
butter. Pulse to combine. Press crust into 9 x 13 sheet pan. 

Bake in a preheated 350°
degree oven for 12-18 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely. 

In mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners sugar and beat.  Scrape down sides and beat until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping. 

Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Mix the pudding and the milk until well combined.
While still fluid, pour the pudding over the cream layer. 

Cover with plastic wrap and
refrigerate for several hours. Before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping
and garnish with chocolate shavings.

Note: This recipe has been around for years and it is one my daughter wants for her
birthday instead of cake. Once I served it to a friend who had never had it before and I
declare...he swooned!! Substitute lemon for the chocolate if you wish. It's sooo good!!

Confectionately  Yours,

Sue

The Commissioned Artwork

I’m not generally envious of others, but I found myself feeling so the morning my Pastor related a story about my friend Christiana.  You see, she thought up a positively brilliant way to encourage my Preacher & his family.  He shared it with us that Sunday morning.

One of the greatest joys in Preacher’s life are his grandchildren.  His grandson Bo has Down’s Syndrome & is an extra special blessing to them.

 

When I first met Bo, he was 6 months old with many health problems.  His condition was a shock to the family initially, but every accomplishment these past 18 years has been celebrated as blessing from the Lord.

Bo loves to sing & draw.  One day a letter arrived at his home with a check inside.  My friend Christiana had commissioned Bo for some artwork.  Her letter to him requested a drawing of his choice, stating that she wanted it before He became famous & she wouldn’t be able to afford his work.  

Christiana has a quirky sense of humor I just love!!

Bo was so excited about this & spent days working on the piece.  His mom, Tina, told me that even now, Bo will refer to his commissioned work stating, “I can’t believe someone would pay me for my art.”

Christiana saw Bo’s giftedness & valued it.  She affirmed him, & in turn, blessed his parents & grandparents, too. She has inspired me to look for creative ways to encourage. 

We are told in Scripture to bless others,  ESPECIALLY, in the household of faith.  I have asked Christiana to share one of her favorite recipes with me, & you can find this 
here.

This is the promised recipe from my friend Christiana, in her own words.   :-)  She is an avid gardener, and is one of the few women I know that hunts & fishes with enthusiasm.   I love how we can find common ground as believers in Christ, but how we are as different as night & day, enjoying & celebrating those differences in each other. Christiana........ Okay, this is one of my 'camping' fish recipes. I swallowed a fish bone last year, so I only use skinned/filleted fish now. Vegetable oil (expect to spend $3-$5 for a small bottle at a typical bait-shop store) 1-3 fresh fish fillets, cut into 1 inch strips Flour (1-2 cups or about 4 handsful) 1 lemon (best to pack a sack of lemons to take) 1 egg, beaten Salt/Pepper Paper plates Paper towels Frying pan Tongs Stove (or electric hot plate) Line up four paper plates in a row. Place fish on 1st plate, flour on 2nd plate, beaten eggs on 3rd plate, and more flour on 4th plate. Cut lemon into good sized wedges and squeeze juice over both sides of fish. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Dredge fish in flour on 2nd plate, roll fish in beaten egg on 3rd plate, and carefully place fish on flour in 4th plate. Sprinkle flour over both sides of fish, carefully so you don't rub off all the good stuff. Repeat steps until all the fish is coated. I usually just leave the fish on the 4th plate until it's all ready to fry. Wipe hands on paper towel (trust me, you can't skip this step). Heat frying pan and about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil until it's hot. Add prepared fish and fry, turning once, until browned on each side (usually a few minutes per side). When done, put fish on a paper towel-lined plate or two. Enjoy! Confectionately  Yours, Sue

The Light at the End....

I had just walked in the glass door of my workplace & was heading down the hall.  I had dreaded coming in that day.  I just didn’t feel like being there!!  Halfway down this long hall, I encountered an elderly lady hunched over a walker with wheels on it.  She greeted me with a smile, huffing & puffing as she walked toward the door.

I jokingly said, “It’s a long hallway, isn’t it?”  And she replied cheerfully, “It is, but I see the light at the end.  I’m almost there.” 

Her smile & positive attitude affected me that day.  Here I was, walking upright with no shortness of breath dreading the day ahead & this dear lady looked on her circumstances with a smile.  There was light at the end of her tunnel.

I was instantly reminded how Jesus is our Light.  There will be no need for sun, moon, or stars in heaven because the glory of our Savior & Lord will be so bright that there will be no more night, no more stress, no more sickness, no more death. 

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

When we think positively, it shows in our attitudes, even when things are difficult!!

Today, I’m sharing a positively delicious recipe for Strawberry Salad.  It is a good recipe for any season because it uses frozen strawberries, canned crushed pineapple, & fresh bananas.  Sugar free gelatin can be substituted for those watching their sugar intake.  I often serve this at the end of the meal for a light dessert. 

STRAWBERRY SALAD
1 (6-oz.) pkg. strawberry gelatin
1 (20-oz.) can crushed pineapple
1 c. boiling water 
2 c. sour cream
3 med. bananas, chopped
2 (10-oz.) pkgs. frozen sliced strawberries, in syrup

In a medium bowl, combine gelatin and boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.

Add undrained pineapple, strawberries, and chopped bananas stirring to combine.

Divide in half. Pour half of the gelatin mixture into a 9 x 13 dish. Leave the rest of the gelatin at room temp. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. 

Spread sour cream over the set gelatin and spoon the rest of the gelatin over the sour cream. Cover and return to refrigerator until set, about 90 minutes. Yield: 12-15 servings.

Note: Sugar free gelatin (6 serving size) and plain frozen strawberries with the
addition of sugar free sweetener may be substituted to lower sugar for those who need to watch their intake for health reasons. I like to make this in individual footed dishes and garnish with whipped cream, mint leaves and fresh strawberries. 

Do not use fresh pineapple as the gelatin will not set.  Fresh strawberries may be used, but add some sugar to the sliced strawberries prior to pull out the juices.  Sugar the berries & let sit for an hour in the fridge.

Confectionately  Yours,

Sue