Happy New Year!

Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.

~Martin Luther

From "Little Gidding"

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.

~T.S. Eliot

Chesterton on the New Year

The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year.
It is that we should have a new soul
and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears,
and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions,
he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things,
he will certainly do nothing effective.

~G.K. Chesterton

The New Year Quote

"Throw out the New Year's Resolutions
and make daily ones-"

C.S. Lewis Quote

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."

~C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)

T.S. Eliot Quote on Poetry

Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things.

~ T. S. (Thomas Stearns) Eliot 1888-1965

Pray for Your Children

An encouragement to pray from Job:

"And it was so, when the days of their feasting were one about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus Job did continually." Job 1:5



A prayer from Paul:

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:9-14



A tool to use from Bob Hostetler:

I don't know anything about Bob Hostetler but I ran across his 31 Biblical Virtues and I do know it's a great resource to use as we pray for our children. He says to feel free to duplicate it--or improve upon it. I thought it would be good idea to give this to my kids to pray for me and also use these verses listed for memory work.

1 Salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).

2 Growth in grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18).

3 Love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).

4 Honesty and integrity " May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21, NLT).

5 Self-control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6)

6 A love for God's Word " May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10).

7 Justice " God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).

8 Mercy " May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).

9 Respect (for self, others, authority) " Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).

10 Strong, Biblical self-esteem " Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).

11 Faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3).

12 Courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6).

13 Purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).

14 Kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

15 Generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

16 Peace, peaceability "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).

17 Joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

18 Perseverance " Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).

19 Humility " God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).

20 Compassion " Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).

21 Responsibility " Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).

22 Contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).

23 Faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).

24 A servant heart " God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7, KJV).

25 Hope " May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

26 The willingness and ability to work hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).

27 A passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followeth hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8, KJV).

28 Self-discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).

29 Prayerfulness " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18).

30 Gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).

31 A heart for missions " Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).

Children's Books

I've got two very sweet books that are great to read to children about friendship and kindness. Kindness is a Lot of Things -by Edith Eckblad 1965, was given to my husband when he was an itty bitty boy, and the other one is A Friend is Someone Who Likes You - by Joan Walsh Anglund 1958.

From Kindness is a Lot of Things:

Kindness is leaving an apple on a low branch where a small friend can reach it.


And keeping with the apple theme from:

A Friend is Someone Who Likes You:

A tree can be a different kind of friend. It doesn't talk to you,
but you know it likes you, because it gives you apples....or pears
....or cherries.....or, sometimes, a place to swing.


Both of these books are illustrated so nicely. Precious books for your little ones.

A Friend is Someone Who Likes You

Kindness is a Lot of Things

Shakespeare

I hope everyone is enjoying Romeo and Juliet.
Here's a couple of lines from Act 2:

ROMEO
Then plainly know my heart's dear love is set
On the fair daughter of rich Capulet.
As mine on hers, so hers is set on mine,
And all combined, save what thou must combine
By holy mariage. When and where and how
We met, we wooed, and made exchange of vow
I'll tell thee as we pass, but this I pray,
That thou consent to marry us today.

FRIAR LAWRENCE
Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast.

h-a-P-P-y

I love sayings that are short and straight to the point.

"A happy wife makes a happy husband. A happy couple makes a happy home."

~unknown


A common question sung around here:

Is everybody happy?

h - a - P - P - y

h - a (kinda low and soft)

P - P (Sung loud and sqeaky high)

y! (with spunk)

Just ask - free demo's

The Skirty - by Rebekah Merkle

http://www.amoretti-designs.com/home.html

Looky

I really like this and I hope you do too-

http://www.lookybook.com/

A Book by Edgar Guest

“Now” - said a good book unto me -
“Open my pages and you shall see
Jewels of wisdom and treasures fine,
Gold and silver in every line,
And you may claim them if you but will
Open my pages and take your fill.

“Open my pages and run them o’er,
Take what you choose of my golden store.
Be you greedy, I shall not care -
All that you seize I shall gladly spare;
There is never a lock on my treasure doors,
Come - here are my jewels, make them yours!

“I am just a book on your mantel shelf,
But I can be part of your living self;
If only you’ll travel my pages through,
Then I will travel the world with you.
As two wines blended make better wine,
Blend your mind with these truths of mine.

“I’ll make you fitter to talk with men,
I’ll touch with silver the lines you pen,
I’ll lead you nearer the truth you seek,
I’ll strengthen you when your faith grows weak -
This place on your shelf is a prison cell,
Let me come into your mind to dwell!”

Book Club Update

We had a great discussion last night on The Courstship of Miles Standish by Longfellow. We had a couple of interesting copies on hand. One was beautifully illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy, original copyright was in 1903. The other one did not have a copyright date but was given as a gift in 1934. Everyone enjoyed the poem about Miles Standish, John Alden and Priscilla. We then discussed poems in general, which I believe sparked an interest in reading other poetry. Shakespeare was once again suggested, and everyone agreed to Romeo and Juliet. We'll discuss The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, January 17th, 2008.

Thanks to the wonderful cook who brought Tiramisu and hats off to the bright young lady who remembered what book we were reading one year ago. You both did great!

More on poems:


How to Read a Poem by Burton Raffel-A good intro. I have a copy for you to borrow.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poetry -Everything you need to know and more.

Deutsche Straße

My husband wanted to know why I haven't posted any of his photography - so here's one of the best he's taken. We were driving through the Black Forest and suddenly we're in the most incredible countryside. Believe it or not, he gets out and is practically laying down in the middle of the street. For all of you who know him - he doesn't stop driving for anything! When we see this picture we say, "Now wasn't that a great idea?"

Metalworking

The Metal Museum in Memphis is worth stopping by if you're already in the area and need something to do. The museum was interesting- but what made it worth while was the demonstration in the blacksmith's shop. The blacksmith showed us step by step how to make a decorative hook. He was very artistic. He also showed us how he is making feathers out of metal to put on an angel-so creative. I very much enjoyed seeing him make beautiful things out of a piece of steel. It was quite different from what I've seen in the past. Make sure the Smithy is open before you go. I do have to mention though, I did spend a few minutes in the gift shop-

http://www.metalmuseum.org/

J.C. Ryle Quote

"Sin may be easy for you to do with your hands,
or run smoothly off your tongue now, but depend on it,
the effects of your sin and you will meet again in time,
however little you may like it. Old wounds will often ache
and give pain long after they are healed, and only a scar remains;
so may you find it with your sins."

~J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

H. Lisle Quote

"Actions have consequences....first rule of life.
And the second rule is this-
you are the only one responsible for your own actions

If you don't accept responsibility for your own actions,
then you are forever chained to a position of defense.

You must learn to face the fact, always,
that you choose to do what you do, and that everything you do
affects not only you but others."

~H. Lisle

Thankfulness

Ephesians 1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Colossians 1:3, 12

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Colossians 2:7

...rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:15, 17

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Steinbeck on Positano

I couldn't have said it better.

"Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone. Its houses climb a hill so steep it would be a cliff except that stairs are cut in it. I believe that whereas most house foundations are vertical, in Positano they are horizontal. The small curving bay of unbelievably blue and green water lips gently on a beach of small pebbles. There is only one narrow street and it does not come down to the water. Everything else is stairs, some of them as steep as ladders. You do not walk to visit a friend, you either climb or slide."

~John Steinbeck 1953

Elisabeth Elliot Quote

Prayer and action. Faith and obedience.

II Kings 20, Isaiah 38

~ Elisabeth Elliot ( 1926- )

Trust and Obey

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blessed if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Or we’ll walk by His side in the way. What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.

~ John H. Sammis, 1867

"Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession." Exodus 19:5

"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You." Psalm 84:11-12

J. C. Ryle Quote

"A small leak will sink a great ship, and a small spark will kindle
a great fire and a little sin in like manner will ruin an immortal soul"

~ J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)

"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards."
Song of Solomon 2:15

The Quest is Over

Another aunt sent the recipe that she had for Chicken and Dumplings that is in Grandma's handwriting. I can't wait to try these and then of course-practice, practice, practice!

Grandma's Chicken and Dumplings

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 t salt
1 1/2 t baking powder
5 T water
1/2 cup milk
3 T bacon fat
1 egg beatin

Roll out and cut, let dry for 20-25 mins.
Knead it on floured wax paper before rolling out.

Note: Grandma didn't use milk in a lot of her recipes. She substituted water.
She also used the egg shells to measure the water.

Chicken and Dumplings

Growing up, my mother's family spent many Sunday afternoons
eating dinner after church at Grandma's. The delicious meal that I
remember was the same each time: chicken and dumplings,
purple hull peas, & cornbread. For dessert: chocolate cake
with white icing one week, white cake with chocolate icing the next.

Grandma's been gone for a long time but memories of those
meals will never leave. The thing about it is that no one
can find her recipe. I have tried recipe after recipe but they have never
turned out like hers. But recently my aunt sent me the one that she
uses - and it is so close to Grandma's I'd like to share it with you.
I'm sure it would be more like hers if I practiced every Sunday for
years and years, like she did.

Aunt Bernice's Chicken and Dumplings

Boil chicken and let cool. I debone it.

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons shortening
1 egg, beaten
5 tablespoons cold water

Mix into soft dough and divide into two parts.
Roll out very thin and let dry for 15 to 25 minutes.
Cut into 2 inch squares or strips and drop into boiling
broth with chicken. Cook for 15 minutes or until done.

Hope they turn out well.

Martin Luther

"Tomorrow I plan to work, work, from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer."

~Martin Luther (1483-1546) A German monk, theologian, and church reformer.

Wartburg Castle- Eisenach, Germany where Martin Luther translated the New Testament from Greek into German while in exile during 1521.

The view from the corridor that leads to Luther's room.

Martin Luther's room where he translated the Bible.

The chapel where Luther worshipped during his stay at Wartburg.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth: Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.
(This translation by Frederic Hedge, 1853)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther

October

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call,
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes' sake, if they were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--
For the grapes' sake along the wall.

~Robert Frost (1874-1963)

George MacDonald

"The universe would be to me no more than a pasteboard scene,
all surface and no deepness, on the stage, if I did not hope in God.
I will not say believe, for that is a big word, and it means so much
more than my low beginnings of confidence. But a little faith
may wake a great big hope, and I look for great things from him
whose perfection breathed me out that I might be a perfect thing one day.
The more we trust, the more reasonable we find it to trust."

~George MacDonald, a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister. (1824-1905)

A quote from C.S. Lewis on MacDonald:

"I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him as my master;
indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote him"

Laura Ingalls Wilder

ocky Ridge Farm in Mansfield, Missouri is a great place to take your kids, especially if they have read the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. There is a museum full of interesting items telling about the years of Almanzo and Laura's life, along with a section dedicated to their daughter Rose. A tour is also available to see the house that took Almanzo 15 years to build. Laura was only 4 foot 11 and it's interesting to see her kitchen that he custom built just for her. Right beside the farmhouse and museum is a nice bookstore to visit. While there, I picked up a copy of Bible references, in Laura's handwriting, that she kept in her Bible.

In facing a crisis read 46 Psalm

When discouraged read 23 & 24 Psalm

Lonely or fearful read 29 Psalm

Planning budget read St. Luke chapter 19

To live successfully with others read Romans chapter 12

Sick or in pain read 91 Psalm

When you travel carry with you 121 Psalm

When very weary read Matthew 11, 28 & 30 Romans 8, 31-39

When things are going from bad to worse 2 Timothy

When friends go back on you hold to 1 Corinthians 13

For inward peace the 14th chapter of St. John

To avoid misfortune Matthew 7, 24-27

For record of what trust in God can do Hebrews 11

If you are having to put up a fight-the end of Ephesians

When you have sinned read 1 John 3, 1-21

And make Psalm 57 your prayer

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home

George Herbert Quote

hou hast given me so much, give me one thing more- a grateful heart. ~George Herbert (1593-1633)

Sissi

We watched this movie for the first time with friends in Germany and we loved it. Since we are not fluent in German it was work to watch but we enjoyed it. We recently rented it from Netflix - complete with English subtitles. It was exciting to fully understand the whole story. The movie tells about the early years of Princess Sissi of Austria during the 19th century. During one scene in which her dad takes her hunting, he tells her-

" Always remember my child, if you're ever worried or upset, go through the woods with open eyes. And in every tree, in every shrub, in every creature and every flower, the Almighty God will reveal himself to you, and give you solace and strength."

This is a great family movie. We are looking forward to watching the sequels, but knowing what our friends told us and from reading the article on Wikipedia, Sissi's later years were not as " fun and happy."

Autumn Pumpkin Muffins

A sweet friend made these for my family a couple of years ago and they replaced my standard pumpkin muffin recipe. They even made it to the menu of a Surprise Breakfast for Mother's Day this year - so everyone knows they're my favorite!

Autumn Pumpkin Muffins
(makes 18 muffins)

3 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups canned pumpkin
1 cup oil
3 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 cup walnuts
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350. Grease or line 18 muffin tin openings. Combine dry ingredients; set aside. In separate bowl, blend together pumpkin, oil, sugar, and eggs. Add dry ingredients. Stir in walnuts and raisins. Pour batter into tin and bake 20-23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.

Orange Glaze

1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
6 teaspoons orange juice
Additional chopped walnuts

Combine all glaze ingredients except nuts and spoon over cooled muffins. Sprinkle with additional nuts before glaze hardens.

Note: The muffins are also great without the raisins and walnuts.

A New Favorite

ith a few minutes to spare I went into a book store and quickly glanced through the children's section. I found a book that I had never seen before. The bright colors of lime green and hot pink grabbed my attention. I was familiar with the author so I picked it up and scanned through it. It looked good, so I went and bought it. Later that evening I read it - and now it happens to be one of my favorite children's book. Why? Because it's one of those that we as adults can learn from.

The title of it is "The Quarreling Book" by Charlotte Zolotow. It starts out like this, "It was a rainy gray morning, and Mr. James forgot to kiss Mrs. James good-bye when he left for the office." Doesn't that grab your attention? It shows that if we respond wrongly to someone who offends us we might just spoil the day for everyone else. The illustrations by Arnold Lobel are also great. This book makes me think of the quote by Octavius Winslow which I posted earlier, "One unhappy temper, one unbending will, one unloving unsympathetic heart, may becloud and embitter the sunniest and sweetest home on earth. Everyone here enjoyed it and I think you will like it too.

If Thou But Suffer

f thou but suffer God to guide thee, and hope in him through all thy ways, he'll give thee strength, whate'er betide thee, and bear thee through the evil days: Who trusts in God's unchanging love builds on the Rock that naught can move.

What can these anxious cares avail thee, these neverceasing moans and sighs? What can it help, if thou bewail thee o'er each dark moment as it flies? Our cross and trails do but press the heavier for our bitterness.

Only be still, and wait his leisure in cheerful hope, with heart content to take whate'er thy Father's pleasure and alldiscerning love hath sent; nor doubt our inmost wants are known to him who chose us for his own.

All are alike before the Highest; 'tis easy to our God, we know, to raise thee up though low thou liest, to make the rich man poor and low; true wonders still by him are wrought who setteth up and brings to naught.

Sing, pray, and keep his ways unswerving, so do thine own part faithfully, and trust his word- though undeserving, thou yet shalt find it true for thee; God never yet forsook at need the soul that trusted him indeed.

~George Neumark, 1641

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

Courage

ay we always be strong and courageous

in our character and in our actions.

Dueteronomy 31:6

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

afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that

doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

From Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

Courageous- Brave; bold; daring; intrepid;

hardy to encounter difficulties and dangers;

adventurous; enterprising.

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes

it is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying,

"I will try again tomorrow." ~unknown

Sunset

Psalm 78:1-8

isten, O my people,

to my instruction;

Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable;

I will utter dark sayings of old,

Which we had heard and known,

and our fathers have told us.

We will not conceal them from their children,

but tell to the generation to come

the praises of the Lord, and His strength

and His wondrous works that He has done.

For He established a testimony in Jacob,

and appointed a law in Israel,

Which He commanded our fathers,

that they should teach them to their children,

That the generation to come might know,

even the children yet to be born,

That they may arise and tell them to their children,

that they should put their confidence in God

And not forget the works of God,

but keep His commandments,

And not be like their fathers,

a stubborn and rebellious generation,

A generation that did not prepare its heart,

and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

~Psalm 78:1-8

Witch Wood Excerpt

avid, as befitted one who had just buried his father, discoursed on death. He was in a mood which puzzled himself, for gentleness seemed to have come upon him and driven out his jealous wrath. He had seen the righteous die, the man who had begot him, the last near kin he possessed, and memories of childhood and something of the wistfulness of the child had flooded in on his soul. He had seen, too, the downfall of human pride, the descent of greatness to dust, and yet in that dust a more compelling greatness. Above all, his love for Katrine had mellowed and lit the world for him; it had revealed depths of joy and beauty which he had never known, but the beauty and joy were solemn things, and of a terrible fragility. He felt anew the dependence of all things upon God and the need of walking humbly in His sight. So he preached not like an Old Testament prophet confident in his cause and eager to gather the spoil, but as one who saw from a high mountain the littleness of life against the vast background of eternity. He spoke of the futility of mortal hopes, the fallibility of man, the certainty of death. In a passion of tenderness he pled for charity and holiness as the only candles to light the short dark day of life-candles which, lit by a heavenly hand, would some day wax ino the bright everlasting day of the New Jerusalem. "

Witch Wood by John Buchan (1927) takes place in Scotland during the seventeenth century. David Semphill is a young Presbyterian minister. He discovers that some of his parish members are participating in an evil lifestyle. He encounters more difficulties, and without the help of the Presbytery he sets out to expose the evil doings of the church.

We all enjoyed reading this book. We did mention that some had difficulty with the dialect. The discussion of a great book made for a wonderful evening complete with Scottish Oatmeal Cakes.

Traditional Scottish Recipes - Oatmeal Cakes

Oatmeal was a staple of the Scottish diet and has been described as "the backbone of many a sturdy Scotsman." It was used in many ways - porridge, oatcakes, brose (oatmeal and peasemeal) and scones. Here is a recipe for a sweet oatcake which is more like a biscuit than a conventional oatcake.

Ingredients: Teacup of medium oatmeal Teacup of plain flour Half teacup of milk Tablespoon of soft brown sugar 3 oz butter or margarine Level teaspoon salt Level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

Method: Sieve the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl, add the oatmeal and mix. Cut the butter or margarine into small portions and rub into the mixture with your fingers. Add the sugar and mix well. Pour in the milk and mix until you have a stiff but workable dough.
Shake some flour on a worktop, turn the dough onto it and shake a little flour on the top. Roll out thinly (about half an inch thick) and prick over with a fork. Cut into rounds with a scone cutter and place on an oiled baking tray. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 15/20 minutes at 350F/180C/Gas Mark 4. Use a palette knife to lift the biscuits onto a wire coming rack. Store in an airtight tin.

Victor Hugo Quote

orrow is fruit: God does not make it grow on limbs too weak to bear it.

~Victor Hugo~
(1802-1885)

Arachnids

ere's a couple of photos I took of two amazing spiders. Now I'm able to inspect them at a more comfortable distance.

Book Club Extra Credit

lower Gardens:

What have you had the most success growing?

Which ones are your favorite?

Are there some that definitely do not work? Bring your favorite

gardening book to our discussion on September 13th and we'll

share our flower growing secrets.

Octavius Winslow Quote

ne unhappy temper,

One unbending will,

One unloving unsympathetic heart,

May becloud and embitter the sunniest

And sweetest home on earth.

~Octavius Winslow~

(1808-1878)

Mushrooms

hese are some mushrooms I recently photographed. I'm not sure why we had so many this year but I enjoyed seeing the great variety and abundance that was provided.

Book Club Previous Reads

Year One 2005

Stepping Heavenward - Elizabeth Prentiss
Far From the Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
Emma - Jane Austen
Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan
Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe
The Princess and the Goblin - George Macdonald
Out of the Silent Planet - C.S. Lewis


Year Two 2006

Perelandra - C.S. Lewis
Dracula - Bram Stoker
Jeeves in the Morning - P. G. Wodehouse
Silas Marner - George Eliot
The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas


Year Three 2007

The Innocence of Father Brown - G.K. Chesterton
The Trapp Family Singers - Maria Augusta Trapp
Travels With Charley - John Steinbeck
Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier
Witch Wood - John Buchan

John Buchan Quotes

here may be Joy without Peace, and Peace without Joy, but the two combined make Happiness."

"To live for a time close to great minds is the best kind of education."

"The true definition of a snob is one who craves for what separates men rather than for what unites them."

Book Club Selection - Witch Wood

Our next book to read is "Witch Wood" by John Buchan.

You can read about him here.

Welcome!

elcome to So Spoke I. Favorite people, places and things; old recipes and new recipes; quotes from you, quotes from me; anything that has to do with literature, including info on our Book Club.

Here you'll find things that interest me, hoping they'll interest you.