Family Inspiration - 2 Sept 2012

If we want to see honesty, truthfulness, and unselfishness in our offspring, then these characteristics should be the conscious objectives of our early instructional process.
(Dare to Discipline, p.20)

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth; and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Psalm 71:17

Pink Parsley: Chicken Enchiladas

Pink Parsley: Chicken Enchiladas: aka the best enchiladas ever! Thank you so much to Laura, at Tide and Thyme , for introducing me to this recipe. Seriously - they were so ...

Family Inspiration - 10 April 2012

If the salvation of our children is really that vital to us, then our spiritual training should begin before they can even comprehend what it is all about.

Jesus said "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children."
Matthew 19:14

Family Inspiration - 27 MAR 2012

There are many things that we get from our children, including love and meaning and purpose and an opportunity to give.  They help us to maintain our sense of humor.

These are the children God has given me.  God has been good to me.
GENESIS 33:5

Happy 2012!!

Well, it's been a while since I've posted to my blog.  The first part of this new year has been rough, to say the least.  But, I'm looking forward to celebrating Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and a new beginning to this new year!! 

Family Inspiration - 19 DEC

The Lord doesn't always remove the sources of stress in our lives ... but He's always there and cares for us.  We can feel His arms around us on the darkest nights.

He takes care of his people like a shepherd.  He gathers them like lambs in his arms and carries them close to him. 
Isaiah 40:11

Molasses Cookies

These cookies were surprisingly yummy.  I'm not a big molasses fan, and I made these for my Dad ....(Sssshhh don't tell him, I mailed them to him for Christmas) but I had to try them before I sent them.  And I couldn't believe how good they were.  So even if you aren't a big fan of molasses you may want to give them a try.  They remind me of a spicy sugar cookie.
(This recipe is adapted from a recipe from Joyofbaking.com, I'm using their picture because I forgot to take one before I packed them up)

2 cups AP flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1/3 cup unsulphured molasses

1 large egg

1 tbsp vanilla

garnish: 1 cup white sugar

With an electric mixer beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.  Add the oil, molasses, egg and vanilla, beat until incorporated.  In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients.  Add flour mixture to butter/sugar mixture and beat until well incorporated.  Cover and chill the batter about 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350*, Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place 1 cup of sugar in a bowl.

When dough has chilled, roll into 2-3" balls.  I used an ice cream scoop to make my balls.  Roll the balls of dough into the sugar, coating them thoroughly.  Place 4 per sheet.  Flatten cookies slightly with bottom of glass dipped in sugar.  Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies have crinkles yet are barely dry. They will look a little underdone.  Remove from oven and cool.  Makes 14 large cookies.