An answered Prayer?

Our pastor (a dear friend) had stopped by for a visit to talk and listen and encourage us concerning a prolonged valley we have been walking through. We had just prayed about the huge mountain before us asking the Lord once again for some indication that we were in His will even though the way is hard. Our pastor had left and my husband walked out to the mailbox before leaving for an appointment. He rarely sings but at this moment he had a song in his heart. Deciding to open the windows to cool the car before his departure he turned the keys to start the engine so he could lower the electric windows. The radio is usually tuned to news radio but this day the dial was set to a Christian station. As soon as the ignition was started the very words that he was humming to himself streamed from the radio...

Saviour, He can move the mountains,

My God is Mighty to save,

He is Mighty to save.

Coincidence? I don't think so. We choose to believe it was a gentle reminder of God's love and power to encourage us.

Mighty to Save
by Hillsong

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

My Saviour, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave

Praise You In This Storm

I love this song...

"Praise You In This Storm"
by: Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Good...

The Bad...
a groundhog

The Ugly!
fungi growing from all of the wet weather

Zucchini Cake

Almost twenty-eight years ago I was in my cousins wedding. Along with the invitation I sent blank recipe cards in hopes of gathering a collection of tried and true recipes for the bride as she began her new life. This recipe came from the grooms Aunt Mary. It came with no instructions - just ingredients. I simply add them all together and mix! It is a dense, rich cake and very moist!

Zucchini Cake 

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup oil

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

Add:

2 cups grated zucchini

1 cup nuts

8 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained

2 tsp. vanilla.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour 10 minutes

 

 

Zucchini, Chocolate and... Peanut Butter *Yum*

Sure, chocolate and peanut butter... that's a match made in heaven.
But zucchini?
Just try one of these and you'll agree ~ they're GOOD!

Choco-Zucchini Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

Ingredients

· Nonstick cooking spray (optional)

· 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 8 oz.)

· 3 eggs

· 2 cups granulated sugar

· 3/4 cup cooking oil

· 2 tsp. vanilla

· 2 cups all-purpose flour

· 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

· 1 tsp. baking soda

· 1 tsp. salt

· 1/2 tsp. baking powder

· 3/4 cup milk chocolate pieces (optional) I don't think this is optional!

· 1 recipe Peanut Butter Frosting

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line twenty-four 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with double or single layer of paper bake cups or lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl stir together zucchini, eggs, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and, if desired, chocolate pieces; stir until combined. Spoon batter into prepared pans, filling cups about half full. Bake about 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near centers comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire racks for 5 minutes. Remove from cups. Cool completely on racks. Frost with Peanut Butter Frosting.

Makes: 24 cupcakes

Peanut Butter Frosting: In a medium mixing bowl beat 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar, beating until combined. If necessary, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons additional milk until frosting reaches desired consistency. Makes about 1-1/2cups.

Better Homes and Gardens Recipe

~*~
Another Zucchini favorite at our house... Fried Zucchini
A casual Summertime favorite

To Follow~ An old recipe for a delicious zucchini cake!

The Saddest Little Face

Abbey says his name should be Shadow because he follows me wherever I go. He could be lying so cozy, sound asleep, but the moment I leave the room, he's right behind. Sad, because I'm seldom in one place for very long. If I run into the house or round the corner out of sight I hear a little yipe the builds into a complaining bark for my return. This picture was taken when I told him he had to stay on the porch while I was busy in the yard.
Could he look any sadder?

Dogs

By Charles Ghigna

Dogs jump fences

Dogs give chase

Dogs lick neighbors

In the face BUT…

Dogs are gentle

Dogs delight

Dogs are loving

Dog are bright

*

Dogs chew flowers

Dogs dig holes

Dogs knock over

Doggy bowls BUT…

Dogs do dog shows

Dogs do tricks

Dogs catch Frisbees

Dogs fetch sticks

*

Dogs like bushes

Dogs like trees

Dogs like sharing

All their flees BUT…

Dogs can sit up

Dogs can stand

Dogs can even

Shake your hand

*

Dogs are noisy

Dogs forget

Dogs are friendly

When their wet BUT…

Dogs are loyal

Dogs defend

Dogs are often

Your best Friend!