Missouri is known for having wild weather. We have really really cold winters. We have really really hot summers. We have hail and thunder and lightning. Sometimes we have thundersnow. We have dust and mud and dust and mud. I mean, if you don't like the weather in Missouri, just wait a few hours and it will change.
Well I can tell you that right now, on January 31st, I don't want this Missouri weather to change. Yesterday it was 65 degrees. Yes, I said 65 degrees. This morning it was already 54 degrees by 6:00 a.m. and it is supposed to be near 65 degrees again today. The forecast for the next 7 days calls for highs mostly in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Folks, that ain't BAD for Missouri in January in February!
So today I am thanking the Lord for the awesome weather. And enjoying every second of it! What's the weather in your neck of the woods?
Down On The Farm with Robbin Griffith
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Asking For Your Prayers
My friends, I ask today that you would pray for healing for two men. The first is the father of a very good friend of mine who suffered a mini stroke at church Sunday morning. He is in the hospital, and they are still running tests. He is a Godly man, and we are trusting the Lord for complete healing.
The second is for a man my husband went to school with who has been diagnosed with cancer. The cancer is in his plasma and bone marrow. It is not cureable, but they are hopeful that it is treatable. He has a tumor in one arm, and the doctors have said he may lose that arm. He starts radiation and chemotherapy tomorrow. I would ask that in addition to praying for his healing, that first and foremost you would pray for his salvation. I am concerned that he does not know Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
I thank you for your prayers today, and ask that God would bless each and every one of you.
The second is for a man my husband went to school with who has been diagnosed with cancer. The cancer is in his plasma and bone marrow. It is not cureable, but they are hopeful that it is treatable. He has a tumor in one arm, and the doctors have said he may lose that arm. He starts radiation and chemotherapy tomorrow. I would ask that in addition to praying for his healing, that first and foremost you would pray for his salvation. I am concerned that he does not know Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
I thank you for your prayers today, and ask that God would bless each and every one of you.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Keep Calm
You might have noticed over on the left side of my blog it says "Keep Calm and Cast On" referring to my new knitting habit, I mean hobby. Last week in a post I used a picture that said "Keep Calm There Will Be a Snow Day Soon." If you look over the internet, there are loads and loads of "Keep Calm" sayings out there. But do you ever feel like keeping calm is difficult?
Most days, I don't feel like my life is very calm. I get up every morning in a mad rush to get ready, drive 30 minutes to work, work all day, drive 30 minutes home. Then fix supper, do laundry, clean house, clean up after supper, try to spend time with my husband and kids and hear all about their day. Lots of nights we have a ballgame, or church. I'm always trying to remember birthdays of my friends and family and send out cards. I also send out cards regularly to a couple of widowed great aunts of mine. I do the grocery shopping and clothes shopping. I schedule hair cuts, doctors appointments, dentist appointments, etc. I pay all the bills. Take care of all the stuff for our income taxes.
I mean really? Does any of that sound calm to you?
It is so easy for us to get caught up in our daily lives. Caught up in all the stuff that has to get done. And sometimes I find myself so busy doing what I have to, that I forget sometimes to give God the time He deserves in my life. The busier I get the less time I have to pray. The more hectic things are, the less time I have to just sit and listen for His voice. When really, what I need to remind myself is that the crazier my life is, the more I need Him. The more I need His peace, His calmness.
True peace doesn't come from yoga or meditation. It doesn't come from a bubble bath. It doesn't come in a good night's sleep, or in "comfort food." True peace comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Comforter. And in the midst of the chaos that life brings, we need His peace.
So today, I am praying for God to send me His peace, and to remind me to seek His face daily. Because I need Him daily. I need His peace. Peace allows me to stand in the midst of the storm with a smile on my face and calmness in my heart, because I know that HE is in control. And I know that He is with me. Thank you Lord.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Burberry London
I have something I am LOVING and wanted to share it with you. My sister got me this for Christmas, and it is out of this world. My new perfume . . . BURBERRY LONDON!!!!!
I wish we all had smell screens, so that when you read this post you could smell the scent of this perfume. I absolutely LOVE IT!! I think I already said I love it, but I do.
It smells very classy and elegant. But not stuffy.
And just a hint when it comes to buying more expensive perfumes . . . TJ MAXX and MARSHALLS! I never buy perfume in department stores. Too expensive!
And on top of how great it smells, I love the look of it! Let me know what perfumes you like!
I wish we all had smell screens, so that when you read this post you could smell the scent of this perfume. I absolutely LOVE IT!! I think I already said I love it, but I do.
It smells very classy and elegant. But not stuffy.
And just a hint when it comes to buying more expensive perfumes . . . TJ MAXX and MARSHALLS! I never buy perfume in department stores. Too expensive!
And on top of how great it smells, I love the look of it! Let me know what perfumes you like!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Snow Day!!!
Snow day today here in Central Missouri. At least a snow day for school kids. But no snow day for us workers. We just leave the house early, drive slowly and carefully, and pray we make it to work safely.
It's pretty darn cold here too. Sixteen degrees this morning, with wind chills around 5 degrees. Yesterday it was 57 degrees. Supposed to be back in the 40s on Saturday.
Yes, I live in Missouri. Land of CRAZY WEATHER!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A Great Low Carb Recipe
I don't know that I have shared with you, but my preferred method of weight loss is "low carb." Actually "preferred" probably isn't accurate. "Required" is the better word. I love bread. I love pasta. I love sweets. And nobody who likes all those things "prefers" low carb. However, and I know there are lots of folks who would disagree, low carb works for me. And one of the things I am focusing on for this new year is to lose some weight and to be in better shape.
For anyone who has done low carb dieting before, you know that it can be monotonous. Because, honestly, there are lots and lots of foods out there that you just can't consume on a regular basis.
So, I've been searching for some good low carb recipes and I found a great one. Now the original recipe isn't low carb at all. The original recipe can be found HERE and can I just say that if I weren't trying to follow a low carb diet, I would be ALL OVER THIS RECIPE EXACTLY AS IT IS WRITTEN. I mean it just LOOKS delicious.
However, when you are trying to eat low carb, you can't exactly have a baguette. So, I decided to try the recipe baked in muffin tins instead of baking the egg mixture in a baguette.
I must admit that I tweaked the recipe by necessity. I have no pancetta in my refrigerator. And I have no gruyere cheese in my refrigerator. I live in Central Missouri. So, I substituted country ham for the pancetta and I substituted shredded cheddar cheese for the gruyere and you know what? It tasted delicious anyway! I do think the gruyere cheese would give it a totally different flavor, and next time I go to the grocery store I will pick some up and make the egg muffins again.
Don't they look delicious? I'm sorry, but the picture doesn't do them justice. Hey, it was late, it was after dark and I just couldn't get a good shot of them.
Give the recipe a try. I know you will love them. And for you bread eaters out there, enjoy that baguette!
For anyone who has done low carb dieting before, you know that it can be monotonous. Because, honestly, there are lots and lots of foods out there that you just can't consume on a regular basis.
So, I've been searching for some good low carb recipes and I found a great one. Now the original recipe isn't low carb at all. The original recipe can be found HERE and can I just say that if I weren't trying to follow a low carb diet, I would be ALL OVER THIS RECIPE EXACTLY AS IT IS WRITTEN. I mean it just LOOKS delicious.
However, when you are trying to eat low carb, you can't exactly have a baguette. So, I decided to try the recipe baked in muffin tins instead of baking the egg mixture in a baguette.
I must admit that I tweaked the recipe by necessity. I have no pancetta in my refrigerator. And I have no gruyere cheese in my refrigerator. I live in Central Missouri. So, I substituted country ham for the pancetta and I substituted shredded cheddar cheese for the gruyere and you know what? It tasted delicious anyway! I do think the gruyere cheese would give it a totally different flavor, and next time I go to the grocery store I will pick some up and make the egg muffins again.
5 eggs
1/3 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cooked country ham
4 ounces shredded cheddar
2 green onions
salt and pepper to taste
Mix well and pour into greased muffin tins.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Don't they look delicious? I'm sorry, but the picture doesn't do them justice. Hey, it was late, it was after dark and I just couldn't get a good shot of them.
Give the recipe a try. I know you will love them. And for you bread eaters out there, enjoy that baguette!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Cast On!!!!
The phrase "cast on" meant nothing to me until last week. To me, "casting" is something you do with a rod and reel when you are fishing. And while that's true, "cast on" has now taken on a new meaning to me. I am learning to knit.
Yes, it's true. In my vast spare time (yah, right), I have taken on a hobby ~~ knitting ~~ and I must say I love it! A wonderful friend helped me get started on Saturday, and on Sunday I finished my first scarf. Here it is! Ta Da!!!!!
For those of you non-knitters out there, "cast on" is what you do when you start your first row of stitches. I can tell you that knitting is not difficult at all, and the scarf actually went very quickly. I am now working on knitting a cotton dishcloth, and hope to start a scarf for my mom soon. The dishcloth is going much slower than my scarf, as there are lots of tiny stitches but, again, it is not difficult and I will love wiping off my kitchen counter with MY VERY OWN DISHCLOTH!
I like doing things that give me a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of "I made that." I know that's one reason why I enjoy canning so much. I love looking at all the jars and knowing that I accomplished something. Jars of apple butter and peach jam just seem to look prettier and taste better when I know I made them.
I will keep you posted (no pun intended) on my knitting endeavor. I think it is very relaxing, and a much better way to spend my time than in front of the television. And if any of you out there are knitters, I would love it if you would share your knitting projects and helpful hints with me! I'm just getting started, so I'm sticking to scarves and dishclothes for now. But eventually, I would love to make some cute fingerless mittens, caps, and a pair of nice warm socks!
So if you've ever thought about knitting, I would encourage you to pick up some knitting needles, get some yarn, and CAST ON!!!! It is a great hobby!!!!
Yes, it's true. In my vast spare time (yah, right), I have taken on a hobby ~~ knitting ~~ and I must say I love it! A wonderful friend helped me get started on Saturday, and on Sunday I finished my first scarf. Here it is! Ta Da!!!!!
For those of you non-knitters out there, "cast on" is what you do when you start your first row of stitches. I can tell you that knitting is not difficult at all, and the scarf actually went very quickly. I am now working on knitting a cotton dishcloth, and hope to start a scarf for my mom soon. The dishcloth is going much slower than my scarf, as there are lots of tiny stitches but, again, it is not difficult and I will love wiping off my kitchen counter with MY VERY OWN DISHCLOTH!
I like doing things that give me a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of "I made that." I know that's one reason why I enjoy canning so much. I love looking at all the jars and knowing that I accomplished something. Jars of apple butter and peach jam just seem to look prettier and taste better when I know I made them.
I will keep you posted (no pun intended) on my knitting endeavor. I think it is very relaxing, and a much better way to spend my time than in front of the television. And if any of you out there are knitters, I would love it if you would share your knitting projects and helpful hints with me! I'm just getting started, so I'm sticking to scarves and dishclothes for now. But eventually, I would love to make some cute fingerless mittens, caps, and a pair of nice warm socks!
So if you've ever thought about knitting, I would encourage you to pick up some knitting needles, get some yarn, and CAST ON!!!! It is a great hobby!!!!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
What's On My Mind ~~ An Abundant Life
I try not to make New Year's Resolutions. I've made them before, and they usually didn't last very long. Guess I wasn't very "resolved" huh?
So this year I'm thinking about some changes I would like to make in my life. I have a new resolve to live every single day to the fullest. To not just plod through every day life, but to relish it. To tell all those I love just how MUCH I love them. To spend MORE time doing what I want to do, and LESS time doing what I DON’T want to do. To try to look for, and enjoy, the simple things in life. To be nice and smile at everyone I meet. To find something beautiful in each day. To look for random acts of kindness I can do, something simple that can make someone’s day, even if it’s just smiling at them. Or paying for the order for the car behind me in the drive thru. To spend less time vegging out in front of the TV, and more time reading the Bible. To make meal times more special at our house. To put a little extra effort into setting the table so it is pretty. Trying harder to make my house a warm, inviting home, a place my family WANTS to be.
I want to be more thankful to God for what I have, and give less thought to what I'd like to have. To seek God's will not only in the big decisions of my life, but in the every day things. My heart's desire is for people to see Him in me.
So there you have it. The things I am striving for. Not just in 2012, but for the rest of my life. And while it looks like a simple list ~~ it isn't. I will be praying for God to strengthen me and encourage me as I endeavor to live life better with His help.
In John 10:10 Jesus says "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
I personally do not believe that an "abundant life" means money and possessions. I know people who have lots of "stuff" and their lives are far from abundant.
I believe that an abundant life means a life lived with peace and joy that only He can provide. A life that brings glory and honor to God is an abundant life. No matter what life throws at us, if our lives are built around Him, then we cannot be shaken. We can have peace and joy in the midst of horrible events. But only if we seek Him first.
"Lord, help me today and every day to seek You first. To seek Your will, and to be obedient to Your will. Forgive me for all the times that I fail miserably. Strengthen me and encourage me to be Your hands and feet. Help me to not grow weary in doing good. I love you Lord, and I want Your abundant life, full of peace. In Jesus name I ask, and I thank you. Amen"
So this year I'm thinking about some changes I would like to make in my life. I have a new resolve to live every single day to the fullest. To not just plod through every day life, but to relish it. To tell all those I love just how MUCH I love them. To spend MORE time doing what I want to do, and LESS time doing what I DON’T want to do. To try to look for, and enjoy, the simple things in life. To be nice and smile at everyone I meet. To find something beautiful in each day. To look for random acts of kindness I can do, something simple that can make someone’s day, even if it’s just smiling at them. Or paying for the order for the car behind me in the drive thru. To spend less time vegging out in front of the TV, and more time reading the Bible. To make meal times more special at our house. To put a little extra effort into setting the table so it is pretty. Trying harder to make my house a warm, inviting home, a place my family WANTS to be.
I want to be more thankful to God for what I have, and give less thought to what I'd like to have. To seek God's will not only in the big decisions of my life, but in the every day things. My heart's desire is for people to see Him in me.
So there you have it. The things I am striving for. Not just in 2012, but for the rest of my life. And while it looks like a simple list ~~ it isn't. I will be praying for God to strengthen me and encourage me as I endeavor to live life better with His help.
In John 10:10 Jesus says "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
I personally do not believe that an "abundant life" means money and possessions. I know people who have lots of "stuff" and their lives are far from abundant.
I believe that an abundant life means a life lived with peace and joy that only He can provide. A life that brings glory and honor to God is an abundant life. No matter what life throws at us, if our lives are built around Him, then we cannot be shaken. We can have peace and joy in the midst of horrible events. But only if we seek Him first.
"Lord, help me today and every day to seek You first. To seek Your will, and to be obedient to Your will. Forgive me for all the times that I fail miserably. Strengthen me and encourage me to be Your hands and feet. Help me to not grow weary in doing good. I love you Lord, and I want Your abundant life, full of peace. In Jesus name I ask, and I thank you. Amen"
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Lang Calendars = Great Customer Service!!!!
I don't know about you, but I really like Lang. If you aren't familiar with Lang, they sell calendars, planners, address books, and lots of other neat items. Their items are really beautiful, and of great quality. I like the look of their wall calendars, and their pocket planners really hold up well in my purse. Yes, I'm one of THOSE people who still carry a paper calendar.
While Lang calendars aren't outrageously expensive, I'm all for saving money when I can, so I wait to order my items when they are on sale. And Lang, like most companies, runs lots of year end sales and specials.
Late last week I got an e-mail from Lang advertising up to 60% off some of their items. Well, what's a girl to do? I mean, 60% off??? I'm all over 60% off!!!!
So, I got on their website and placed an order. I ordered THIS wall calendar:
And I ordered this pocket address book:
I can't wait to get these items. I am blessed to really enjoy simple things. And there isn't anything more simple than a really cute wall calendar, and a really cute address book. These are things I use, or look at every single day. The wall calendar was on sale for $6.40, and the pocket address book was on sale for $4.95. Ladies, you can't go to Wal-Mart and find a cuter wall calendar or pocket address book for anywhere near what I spent on this order. And trust me when I say the quality is much, much better. So for $11.35 (plus $7 shipping), I am getting a really beautiful calendar and a new address book (mine is seriously falling apart).
This morning as I was getting ready for work, I remembered that it is now 2012 (DUH!) and I hadn't ordered a new pocket size planner for my purse. I should have ordered one when I placed my order yesterday with Lang, but I completely forgot. So I took a chance, got on the Lang website, and did a "live chat" (isn't technology wonderful?) with a customer service representative. I explained to the very nice lady that I had placed an order yesterday, but had forgotten to include a pocket planner and asked if it was too late for them to add that planner to my order so I didn't have to pay separate shipping for one item. I am very pleased to say that the very nice lady told me that if I would place an order and then let her know the order number, she would remove the shipping fee from the order and I would only have to pay for the item. So, I promptly ordered this gorgeous pocket planner for $3.20 and I didn't have to pay extra for the shipping:
Can I just say that I am even more impressed with Lang. They didn't HAVE to give me free shipping. It was my own fault that I didn't order the pocket planner with the other items. But, I am happy to report that GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE is still alive and well at Lang! So, if you need a new wall calendar, address book, or planner I encourage you to visit Lang and check out what they have. The e-mail I received last week said the sale ends January 4, 2012. That's TOMORROW! So head on over to Lang and check out their great specials. And if you need it, I'm sure they'll extend their GREAT customer service to you as well!
This is NOT a paid advertisement for Lang. Lang has no idea who I am (other than the nice lady I "chatted" with this morning). I'm just sharing my great experience with Lang, with you. I like to support nice companies, and Lang is a NICE COMPANY! Let me know what you find at Lang that you love!
While Lang calendars aren't outrageously expensive, I'm all for saving money when I can, so I wait to order my items when they are on sale. And Lang, like most companies, runs lots of year end sales and specials.
Late last week I got an e-mail from Lang advertising up to 60% off some of their items. Well, what's a girl to do? I mean, 60% off??? I'm all over 60% off!!!!
So, I got on their website and placed an order. I ordered THIS wall calendar:
I can't wait to get these items. I am blessed to really enjoy simple things. And there isn't anything more simple than a really cute wall calendar, and a really cute address book. These are things I use, or look at every single day. The wall calendar was on sale for $6.40, and the pocket address book was on sale for $4.95. Ladies, you can't go to Wal-Mart and find a cuter wall calendar or pocket address book for anywhere near what I spent on this order. And trust me when I say the quality is much, much better. So for $11.35 (plus $7 shipping), I am getting a really beautiful calendar and a new address book (mine is seriously falling apart).
This morning as I was getting ready for work, I remembered that it is now 2012 (DUH!) and I hadn't ordered a new pocket size planner for my purse. I should have ordered one when I placed my order yesterday with Lang, but I completely forgot. So I took a chance, got on the Lang website, and did a "live chat" (isn't technology wonderful?) with a customer service representative. I explained to the very nice lady that I had placed an order yesterday, but had forgotten to include a pocket planner and asked if it was too late for them to add that planner to my order so I didn't have to pay separate shipping for one item. I am very pleased to say that the very nice lady told me that if I would place an order and then let her know the order number, she would remove the shipping fee from the order and I would only have to pay for the item. So, I promptly ordered this gorgeous pocket planner for $3.20 and I didn't have to pay extra for the shipping:
Can I just say that I am even more impressed with Lang. They didn't HAVE to give me free shipping. It was my own fault that I didn't order the pocket planner with the other items. But, I am happy to report that GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE is still alive and well at Lang! So, if you need a new wall calendar, address book, or planner I encourage you to visit Lang and check out what they have. The e-mail I received last week said the sale ends January 4, 2012. That's TOMORROW! So head on over to Lang and check out their great specials. And if you need it, I'm sure they'll extend their GREAT customer service to you as well!
This is NOT a paid advertisement for Lang. Lang has no idea who I am (other than the nice lady I "chatted" with this morning). I'm just sharing my great experience with Lang, with you. I like to support nice companies, and Lang is a NICE COMPANY! Let me know what you find at Lang that you love!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Wishing all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2011 was a fantastic year. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me and my family in 2012!
Praying for an awesome year for EVERYONE!!!!!
Praying for an awesome year for EVERYONE!!!!!
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