Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! May yours be blessed this year with our Savior's presence in your home. The greatest gift we could ever receive, we have already been given....Him. Blessings to you!!!!

Born unto us this day a Saviour
Gifted from heaven to a manger
The hope of the world
A light for all mankind
All of the earth rejoice
It's Christmas time

So lift up your voice and sing out His praise
It's Christmas
Born is the King, rejoice in the day
It's Christmas
Make a joyful sound
It's Christmas
Let His praise resound
It's Christmas

Goodwill to all the earth
And peace divine
All of the earth rejoice
It's Christmas time
It's Christmas time

So lift up your voice and sing out His praise
It's Christmas
Born is the King, rejoice in the day
It's Christmas
Make a joyful sound
It's Christmas
Let His praise resound
It's Christmas

So lift up your voice and sing out His praise
It's Christmas
Born is the King, rejoice in the day
It's Christmas
Make a joyful sound
It's Christmas
Let His praise resound
It's Christmas

So lift up your voice and sing out His praise
It's Christmas
Born is the King, rejoice in the day
It's Christmas
Make a joyful sound
It's Christmas
Let His praise resound
It's Christmas

Pray For Those In Need: Update

   Thank you to all who have been praying for my friend, Clint Garsee who lives in Thailand. His vomiting has stopped (Thank you Jesus!), but still has paralysis and dizziness. Could I ask you to continue to pray, not just for him, but the rest of his family? They are really under attack right now. 
One of their young sons, Cayden, busted his lip today and there was blood everywhere. Their youngest, Chandler

, who is just a baby, is sick with congestion and fever. And then about 5 hours ago they got a call that one of their older boys Chase (20) was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital..... He was hit by a car. I'm not sure what condition he's in. Chase is like a brother to me and this is one of those times when I wish distance didn't matter. Please keep the Garsee family lifted. 

Thank you!

Pray for those in need

Dearest Reader, 

   Could I please ask you to take a moment to pray for a dear missionary friend of mine in Thailand? I know you have so much to think about already, but he is so sick. 
After an MRI and many other tests the doctor says she believes that my friend Clinton Garsee has Vertigo along with Bell's Palsy(one side of his face is paralyzed), but has no conclusion to why his arm and leg are also dull of feeling. He's very dizzy and can't walk without throwing up. Please also keep wife and kids lifted up. 

Thank you!!!

Megan

John Z. & A.W. Tozer

   
   My brother, John, is leaving for a trip to South Sudan today. He will be gone until December 18th.  The goal is to continue to see progress with the building of our new compound and the start of the village. (http://grnconnect.org/)
South Sudan is still a volatile place, but one of the main concerns is malaria, which is what he came home with last year. So, your prayers for him would be very much appreciated!

Thank you!

   On a whole other note, I found a quote I would like to share :)

"Many come up short and are satisfied with the works of God or theology, rather than pursuing the fullness of God Himself." - AW Tozer

Something to think about, huh? How often it is that we get more caught up in the works of God or what know ABOUT Him, rather than forming a relationship of actually knowing Him. It's a tragedy really. 

Rend Collective Experiment - You Are My Vision

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

   Per several requests from friends via Facebook the other day, here's a recipe for the best banana bread ever. No kidding. I'm literally not allowed to make any other kind in our house anymore. It's so good, I wish I came up with it.  

I actually don't know who created this recipe, but I can at least give credit to the giver of it, Tiffany, from Offbeat and Inspired (Check out the blog. It's awesome!!!). She made it for my family over a year ago, and it was gone in minutes if I remember correctly. I was then ordered asked to request the recipe from Tiffany. After a day of baking at her house one day, I finally got it from her and made it myself soon after, only for it to taste .... different....not the same....kind of not as good...you get the point, I'm sure. 

Something was missing. I was gypped and I knew it. By a friend no less.  What is this world coming to?  

Okay, it wasn't THAT bad. After a brief phone call I found out that I was gypped on accident. 

I forgive you, Tiffany! Whoever thought that brown sugar could make such a difference?!

It's been perfect from then on in.  And so, if you're still with me, here's the recipe! 

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:

Makes two 9inch loaves

1 Cup butter (2 sticks), room temp.

2 Cups white sugar

2 large eggs

2 Tbsp. Mayonnaise

5-6 Ripe bananas

3 Cups AP flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

1 cup chocolate chips

Brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 2 loaf pans by greasing very well and sprinkling a layer of brown sugar on the bottom.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing well in between. Add mayo and bananas and mix. Whisk dry ingredients together and add to banana mixture little by little, *folding it in as you go. Fold in chocolate chips.  Pour into prepared pans and sprinkle another layer of brown sugar on the top. Bake for about 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.

*Or if you have a mixing machine like a KitchenAid like I do, you really don't need to bother with the whole folding thing.

Enjoy! And please let me know what you think!

Happy Thanksgiving...Belated

   My poor blog. I'm sure it feels quite abandoned by now! Over THREE months without writing a single word :/  Even my brother finally gave up on trying to convince me to write. I often go through seasons like this with my blog. Some months I write like crazy and then I'll stop all together for awhile. Hopefully this will be a season of writing again. To make up for my absence though, I'm going to give you a little, and really easy recipe to enjoy.

 Happy Thanksgiving by the way!...a day after. (Oh well, I'm trying. )

Yesterday was loud, happy, fun, tiring, etc. How was yours?
In my opinion, Thanksgiving isn't much of a holiday without kids so that's why I decided to make a dessert just for them. You really can't go wrong with a simple cupcake. Of course with all the other desserts on the table, these were only for the kids.

 I think a couple jumped up onto the plate of an adult or two though....Okay, I had one too!

Before I even started, I already knew I didn't want the same old buttercream frosting I always use (no offense intended, Betty Crocker). And I also knew that there must be some way to boost a boxed cake mix.  After a bit of searching this is what I came up with:

1. White cake mix of choice
2.Follow the box's directions,  but add 1 or 2 more eggs ( in this case egg whites) and replace the water with milk. I seriously have never had a boxed cake mix turn out so well.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting via Bakerella (My brother used the word "Awesome" when he tasted this frosting)

1 1/2 cups butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

6 cups powdered sugar
4-8 Tablespoons milk

• Beat the butter in a mixer until smooth.
• Add vanilla and mix until combined.
• Add the powdered sugar in several additions, scraping down the sides after each addition.
• Add milk a tablespoon at a time and mix together until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Hope you enjoy!

One Desire - Kari Jobe

Generous Living

   I love being generous. There are some days when I wish I had all the money in the world so I could give to every good thing. But alas, I don't, and I have often struggled with that disappointment. I am not, by any means, disappointment in the path God has taken our family, just the feeling of being limited in my ability to bless others financially more than I do.

Just being honest here :)

 I was sitting on my bed the other day, pondering my current situation and desire, and bringing it before the Lord in prayer, when suddenly I felt His presence.
I have been asking Him lately what more I can do to bring Him glory in my daily life, and now I knew He wanted to speak to me. He was like a still, small voice deep inside me.
At first I felt conviction. He asked how He could trust me with the big things, when I still struggle with the little things?
I knew there were probably some better decisions I could have been making with the money He has already given to me, and right then and there I decided to reevaluate my spending decisions and see if I could be using HIS money more wisely. But there were more little things other than my finances. "What do you enjoy most and how can you use it to be a blessing to others?".... Oh Lord, I don't really know how to do much. The only hobby I have and love is baking and -.......BAKING!

 "Use this to be a blessing to others." ...Yes, Lord, I will.

I can't really explain to you how much that moment meant to me. I no longer feel discouraged about my finances, because I believe God will lead and guide me in that situation! And I know baking doesn't sound very spiritual, but it is so exciting for me to realize that God truly cares about me and He enjoys seeing the gifts He has put into me be used to glorify Him. That moment has continued to play in my mind these last few day as I continue to seek His will for my life. Right now, it seems like I'm to be learning how to live generously. To generously and freely give of myself, whether that be watching someone else's children or baking a loaf of banana bread (with chocolate chips! There is no other kind ;)

I am also feeling more aware of how many simple things can mean a lot to someone. Along with the baking, I think of other little ways I can show love to the people I know, such as an unexpected card in the mail, a text message or a phone call. These things are available to me daily and I do take advantage of them sometimes, but, how many other times have I shrunken away from them because, for example, I don't really like to talk on the phone? I am realizing that I have, at times, been walking in a form of selfishness. I now want do these things, not just because they are good to do, but because my heart is the Lord's and I love Him. The more I seek Him, the more of His heart he shows to me. That fact is so fascinating to me.

The more I seek Him, the more I find Him.

What a humbling thing. I am thankful.

Love for free

 

   This past week had to be one of the busiest weeks I have had in a very long time. It was also one of the most fun!  I was asked to help out at a five day kids camp which prepared  the kids for a program they put on Friday evening. The week didn't come without its challenges, but those challenges were so miniscule compared to the joy those kids brought to my heart. It still amazes me of how quickly you can give a part of your heart away, in a good way. My dad has always encouraged us to "give love for free". No strings attached, expecting nothing in return. I felt like I had that opportunity last week.

I find it very interesting that the kids who caused the most challenges ended up being my "favorite" kids. They're the ones I'll remember the most because I needed to spend most of my energy trying to steer them onto the path of obedience ;)  They just wanted someone's attention and didn't really know how to get it without causing some kind of ruckus. I found it to be the same situation with some of the kids I got to know in Thailand. I am continually amazed at how God ties in experiences I had there to help me here back home. Thankfulness is not a big enough word for what I feel!

   I don't know if my life really made any impact on the kids at camp at all, but if it did, I pray that their memory of me would be that of love, kindness and patience, and they would always attach those characteristics to Jesus. I pray He uses their memories of kids camp to remind them of Him and draw them closer and closer to Him as they grow older.
 In my young age, I am learning that giving love for free is worth it, even if it doesn't seem like it in the moment. If anything, it is teaching me to be more humble and unselfish....So maybe I received something after all... :)

FREEDOM’S STANDARD.

God bless our star-gemmed banner;
Shake its folds out to the breeze;
From church, from fort, from housetop,
Over the city, on the seas;

The die is cast, the storm at last
Has broken in its might;
Unfurl the starry banner,
And may God defend the right.

Then bless our banner, God of hosts!
Watch o’er each starry fold;
Tis Freedom’s standard, tried and proved
On many a field of old;

And Then, who long has blessed us,
Now bless us yet again,
And crown our cause with victory,
And keep our flag from stain.

Bayard Advocate (Bayard, Iowa),  1916

Down Syndrome

I love this picture :)

Peace

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. - Jesus (John 14:27)

---------------------

I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. - Jesus (John 16:33)

I just felt like someone may need to read those words today :) 

Reviled, we bless

We are never likely to be under the curse that comes when all men speak well of us. In this case it is all so unexpected that we must keep low before our God and not wonder 'Why?' Faith never wonders why.   Just now the word I am saying over and over to myself is 'Being reviled, we bless'. That whole passage in 1 Corinthians 4 is speaking deep into me, for we are on the scrap-heap now, utterly and entirely, perhaps for the first time in our life. And I do think it is much easier to enjoy in prospect than in reality. 'Let my good name go hang, if only Christ be glorified.' Yes, that's it.    Aren't you glad that we need never stop loving? We may be disappointed, but love can go on....

(Excerpt from 'Candles in the dark'.)

*I realize that I have been sharing quite a bit from Amy Carmichael lately, either on this blog or on Facebook. I hope the things that the Lord has been using, along with His Word, to encourage me in this current season of my life (and my family's), are also encouraging to you.  

My Garden To Date

I am much more encouraged about my garden this year than lasts. I believe I only harvested corn and cherry tomatoes last year. But, it was my first and it gave me something to do.

This year, however, looks like I'll be getting a better harvest. I'm trying to do everything as organically as possible, but I did end up having to pick up a couple of tomato plants from the store because of bad seed. And then I was blessed with a few more plants from a friend at church :) They are not super tall yet, but getting there!

Beef Steak

(Honestly, I'm not really sure why I am dedicating a whole post to plants. I guess it's the gardener thing to do. I wouldn't blame you if you stopped reading right here :) ) 

These are green bell peppers...or at least I hope they will be someday. Feels like they are taking forever to grow! I believe our soil may have a lack of magnesium, so last month I ended up watering them with an Epsom salt mixture. It seems to be helping! The leaves went from yellowish brown to bright green and they are growing taller.

Of course the sun makes them still look yellow.

Just picked these cucumbers this morning! They are the very first I have ever grown and they taste delicious. Yay!

I think the part of my garden that I am the most "excited" about are the pumpkins. I am really hoping to make homemade pumpkin pies this Fall! 

Blossoms

Baby pumpkin about the size of a baseball.
Kind of looks like a watermelon right now.

There are three pumpkin vines growing. There were four,  until...ahem...Jeremiah decided to pull one out. But we won't talk about that...ahem. 

Seriously, could YOU stay upset with this face???

Here's my sweet corn. I always enjoy watching the stalks grow. I think it's because their growth is so noticeable from day to day.

And last, but not least, is my fennel plant. It was given to me by the same friend who gave me the tomatoes. So happy to have some variety in the garden! 

Have a great day!

Megan

The wind of the Spirit

By Amy Carmichael

Excerpt from 'Candles in the darkness'. 

How I rejoice. Yes, now your boat will go out to sea in a new way. We have not to make the Wind or to beseech it to blow. We have nothing to do with the wonder of it. Our one work is to set our sails to catch the least whisper of it. 'Blow, blow O Breath' really only means, 'O Breath, my sails are set; according to the promise of my Lord, fill them now.'

   And what is it to Him if the boat be small or great? All the wind asks for is a sail set to catch that which is ready to fill the merest nothing of us all. The one condition for receiving is obedience; and the one condition for going on is the same. Yield to the impulse to pray, to sing, to speak, to be silent - to be or to do anything. Never stifle the Spirit. Never grieve Him by arguing or disregarding. Quench not the Spirit, vex not the Spirit. All the verbs are gentle. It is as if our God would have us understand that the blessed filling of the Blessed Spirit is a very tender thing, that He is very tender. A very slight dimness on the glass obscures the image. A very little rust on the blade mars its perfection. So with all sensitive things. So with Him and His power to effect through us what He will. If we disregard some quiet inward admonition, then suddenly or gradually (but surely) our sail starts flapping against the mast. We make no headway, and we seek for Him, but there is a sense of absence. And that is pain to the loving heart. 

    But if ever this should be, go back to where you were when you first set your sail. 'To them that obey Him.' Then, oh so quickly, so gladly, the Wind will blow again. He never keeps us waiting, unless indeed we have kept Him long waiting, and then sometimes, as in the Song of Songs (chapter 5, the third wandering), there is a pause between missing Him and welcoming Him again. But may such an experence never be yours. It need never, never be.  

Faith in His timing

   The other day, after mentioning that I believe God's call on my life is to someday be a wife and mother, someone stated/asked me, "Ohh, so you're on the hunt for a man, huh?!".  Haha! How do you answer that? I think I just chuckled and ended up saying something about believing that God's timing is best. And although I wish I had some more eloquent words to say at the time, I truly meant that statement.

After all these years, I'm still not very good at explaining to people my reasons for not casually entering into a relationship with a man (versus with a purpose) and currently being a stay at home daughter. I can imagine that I have probably been misunderstood on countless occasions. But, I think that could be possibly said about anyone who is following what they believe to be God's calling on their life at the time. That's why we do it for God and not man. I just pray that no matter what people got from their conversations with me, that my words came across humbly. 

I am not on the hunt for a man, EVEN THOUGH I desire an earthly husband very much. I look forward to the day when I can hold his hand and look into his eyes with love and faithfulness. I am no different that any other woman. I desire to one day hold a darling baby in my arms and have a home of my own with a kitchen big enough to bake in all day ;)  
Though these things are on my heart and mind every day, I can't necessarily let them rule my life. 

Yes, everything I do in and out of my home is more than likely preparation for my future home and family, and I will continue to live as such unless God speaks otherwise. Of which, He could, and I must stand prepared for that too. You see, Christ is the One that ultimately satisfies the deepest needs and desires of my heart. He is the One I lean upon for fulfillment, strength and security. He knows my heart even better than I do – because He created me.  He will never fail me.  He will never disappoint me.  And He will always be the most perfect Prince my feminine heart could ever desire.  But, He is not merely a stand-in until my husband-to-be comes along.   I know, beyond a shadow and a doubt, that my future husband will be a wonderful joy and fulfillment in my life. But, I also know my love story with him will never be able to compare to my love story with the King of all kings. Christ, simply put, is my true Prince, my ultimate Bridegroom, and my all in all. 

 I sincerely and humbly believe these years of singleness are a gift to be treasured. Leslie Ludy describes it well in one of her online devotionals: 

Singleness is an incredible opportunity to be fully consecrated in body and spirit to Jesus Christ alone – to be undistracted by any other romance and free to be consumed with Him alone. (see 1 Cor. 7:34)  This is not only an amazing opportunity for our single years, but it is the absolute best way we could ever prepare for marriage.  When Jesus Christ is our all in all, we will never place unhealthy pressure upon our spouse to meet the needs only He can fill.  And if our husband is ever taken from us, we will not lose our confidence, hope or security – because it’s in Jesus Christ. 

I am on a journey. I long to surrender my time as a twenty-two year old single woman to my Lord. I long for all my hopes, dreams and plans to belong to Him because He is worthy of them. I must be willing to give it all up. He gave everything up for me, how could I not be willing to do likewise for Him? It's not easy, but it is a joy and a privilege. I want you to realize though, that I am not expecting God to take away these desires. I just know that if the are not in His will for my life, and all these years of preparation are for something else only known to Him, that He has my heart and I believe He will give me the grace to give them up and step out to do what He has planned for me :) 

Blessings!

In Him,

Megan 

P.S. As an answer to those who have asked a certain question of me many times -  I promise, I really do meet, hang out with (in a group setting), and have friends that are guys! I just try my best to not look at every young man as a potential husband. The Lord will reveal him, once again, in His perfect timing :) 

Africa Bound

       Please keep my dad, Tom Zurowski, and our good friend, Tucker Mcalpin, in your prayers as they take off for South Sudan today! They are excited about their trip and pray that God receives much glory through it. They ask for prayer for their safety, as South Sudan is still a volatile country. Thank you! 

Did you know that the high priest in olden days was just an ordinary man except when he wore his priestly garments? I had thought of Aaron as walking about in some of them, at least, much as a clergyman wears his dog collar. But it wan't so. 

  Our Lord, the beauty of our Lord and His Righteousness - these are our priestly garments. Without that clothing we have no priestly rights, powers or virtues whatsoever. It is just another illustration of 'Without Me ye can do nothing', be nothing too. ~ Amy Carmichael  

 

The Zurowski Family Travelers

   I am happily breaking my blog fast today. Yeah, I went a little past the one month mark. Oops!  I guess I got a little fast happy ;)

   (March 16th - 22nd) - While I was "away",  I had the wonderful opportunity to really go away and travel to North Carolina to visit with some of my closest friends, the Hoar family!

I love these people!!!

I met the Hoars back when I lived in Thailand and have only grown in my love for them and their hearts for God and the Thai people. I am so thankful that they invited me to be a part of their furlough. They are the beeeest! (That's for you, Marg ;) 

   Let's see, oh, next I was sick with...something. I'm still not sure what it was. Strep maybe? It was horrible and that's pretty much all I can say about that. 

   Easter! How was yours? Ours was so nice! We even got a new family picture taken of us. Not professional of course, but will have to suffice for now:

Dad took a ton of other pictures, but I'll just share the most embarrassing funniest one with you for now :)

Yep. John's idea. Can you tell which one of us is the basketball player? ....Show-off :P 

Also, during this time, our good friend, Andrew, from New York spent a week with us. It is always so much fun to have him here :) 

   (April 16th - 27th) Next up was a trip up to New York and Dad leaving the same day for South Sudan. Both trips were wonderful in of themselves and it was great being with our loved ones (on both sides of the globe!). But then we were told the devastating news that a very good and long time friend of ours had passed away. So, Mom and the boys and I drove the 14 hours home and Mom and John were right back on the road the next morning to drive to our friends funeral which was several states away as well. Needless to say, my mother was rather tired by the time they came home. And yesterday my dad came home! It's always so wonderful to have him back safe and sound. It's also great to be back together as a family again, especially after such a whirlwind week. The Lord is good! 

   Now that I'm home, I'm anxious to get started on my garden! I just need to borrow a rototiller and then I'll be set. This years crop will (hopefully) consist of pumpkins, cucumbers, corn, bell peppers, beef steak tomatoes and carrots. Plus I plan on adding some flowers around the edges that are supposed to help keep the pests away. 

   Well, I must go now, but I will leave you with this beautiful Psalm first - 

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 

He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 

The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. - Psalm 121

Blessings to you!

Abolitionist - Part 3

"But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands." ~ Isaiah 32:8

Abolitionist – Part 3

Interrupted

I interrupt this month-long internet fast (yes, the one I forgot to write about) to take the time for rooting my brother on for his desire to unashamedly share about a burden that God has placed upon his heart. While I am not writing on here for the rest of this month, I would highly encourage you to please head over to John's blog Unashamed.

His two newest posts are VERY interesting reads and ones that I hope you will take the time to look at. They are kind of long, but please don't skim! Every word written is vital and leading up to his point. Below are easy links to his posts from yesterday and today. I know he would appreciate a comment or two :) 

Abolitionist – Part 1

Abolitionist – Part 2

Let Heaven Shout

I surrender all to You, my God
I will give You all I have
For You took my filthiness and made me clean

CHORUS:
I love You, Lord
Your praises I will sing
Let Heaven shout
For I have been redeemed

I lay down my life
My plans, my rights
For I’m captured by Your love
Though I lose this world, I will know You

BRIDGE:
////Nothing compares////

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 7.........on day 12 (Oops)

Okay,  I don't know what happened to me, but I am determined to get day 7 done even if it isn't on day 7 ;)

"God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation." - Charles H. Spurgeon 

Me: "Jeremiah, praise the Lord!" Ahhhh my heart melts...I wonder if God's heart does too? :) 

Cute Mr. Chapped Cheeks!

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 5 & 6- Monday and Tuesday....and a little bonus.

Day 6 (today)

What comes into our minds when we think about God, is the most important thing about us. - A.W. Tozer

A Foggy Morning

Day 5

"If Love through me, Love of God,
Make me like Thy clear air
Through which unhindered, colors pass
As though it were not there.
Powers of the love of Good,
Depths of the heart Divine,
O Love that faith not, break forth,
And flow this world of Thine. " 

- Amy Carmichael

White Chocolate Orange Cranberry Scones

With no refined sugar*

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

8 TBSP butter, frozen

1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped

1/3 cup white chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup sour cream

1 large egg

2 TBSP + 2 tsp. Honey** 

1/4 tsp. orange extract

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Method:

1.) Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater; use your fingers to work in butter (mixture should resemble course meal), then stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate.

2.) In a small bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients until smooth.

3.) Using a fork, stir wet ingredients into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball.

4.) Place on a lightly floured surface (or onto a strip of wax paper with wax paper folded over the dough), and pat into a 7 to 8 inch circle about 3/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles; place on a cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden, about 15 - 17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature. 

Enjoy!

*No refined sugar with exception of white chocolate chips. 

** If you wish to make these with regular sugar, replace honey with 1/3 cup sugar added in the dry ingredients. 

If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate or an orange sugar glaze after the scones have cooled.

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 4 - Sunday

Okay, okay... technically  today is day five, but I missed skipped yesterday because the lighting was so bad in our house that I wasn't getting any good pictures. So, I'll just have to make up for it! :) Anyway, here is today's quote and picture. Enjoy.

"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." ~ Corrie ten Boom

Sweet Little Malachi
(Once again, the lighting wasn't too great this morning, but he's too sweet to not share!)

I liked his sweater :)

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 3 - Friday

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis

My pretty kitty, Missy (This is how I see her)

(This is how my dad sees her ;) 

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 2 - Thursday

"As for me, I repent of ever having made a record or ever having sung a song unless it's provoked people to follow Jesus, to lay down their whole lives before him, to give him everything. It doesn't cost you much to follow Jesus - just everything!....If you want Jesus Christ to completely take over your life, you're willing to die for him, give him every possession, every friend, every loved one, every plan, every hope, every dream. You're willing to give it all up if necessary. I'm not saying that's what he wants you to do, but you are willing. If you're willing to come before his throne empty-handed, raise your hand. If you can't look at him in the eye and know you've been living a pleasing life before him, get your hand up and make it right. Jesus Christ is not your Savior unless he's the Lord of your life, and Lord means he owns and controls - lock, stock, and barrel - your destiny, your future, and your present. And he throws away your past as far as the east is from the west." - Keith Green speaking to an estimated 35,000 people (from the book 'No Compromise' by Melody Green and David Hazard)

To some, sick in bed with a head cold doesn't sound very pleasant. But for someone like me, who has been feeling the need for a time of rest in the Lord, it has been a blessing in disguise. Not only have I been able to catch on some sleep, but I have been able to enjoy a beautiful, sunny day with Jesus and accompanied by these three books:

The Bible, 'No Compromise' by Melody Green,  and 'Keys to The Deeper Life' by A.W. Tozer

Oh, and of course I can't forget my little quail friend :) 

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 1 - Wednesday

Starting today, I am committing to sharing at least one quote and one picture from each day this week. I thought it would be a fun thing to do and it would also help me with the writer's block I've been dealing with these last two weeks :) 

I would also be curious to know how the quotes impact you, so feel free to leave comments! :)

Quote: 

Take St. Paul as our example. He stood forth in the midst of his shipmates and said, "God, whose I am, and whom I serve,..." Can we imagine him frittering away his time in aimless trifles, matters which had not as their end the salvation of the people on board or his own preparation for the battle before him? Could our attitude of life on board ship be always described in that single sentence: "God, whose I am, and whom I serve"?

                                                                                                              -  Amy Carmichael

Wow. 

Picture -

Inspired by Bakerella

It's my mom's birthday today, and this is the cake I made her! Happy 43rd birthday, Mom!