Joyful Life of Faith

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A Long Journey – Purpose and Promise

Hello All,

 Since 2015 my husband, Bill battled Lewy Body Dementia. It is the most aggressive form of dementia. On May 5, 2020 he went home to be with our Lord. When I look back, I don’t know how either of us survived such a hard time. Bill was so brave and handled the disease with such grace even as he got worse. My role as caregiver was uncharted waters for me. I tried to do all I knew to help make his life better. In the end I was forced to surrender to God and His plan for Bill’s and my life. It was not what we both wanted and even now 1 year later, it breaks my heart. You see, I had to put him in a Memory Care facility because I could no longer care for him even with paid caregivers. God was so good that He protected us in so many ways, one being we never fell while I was helping him get from place to place. When I say this, it doesn’t seem such a big deal, but I can’t tell you how many times I was shaking so badly as he held on so tightly as we maneuvered together from place to place.

I didn’t know it, but the worst was yet to come. Covid-19 hit, and they closed the Memory Care Facility and I could only see him through his window. He died alone. How do you live with that?

I was forced to hold on to my Anchor, Jesus Christ. It is true that life can come hard and all you have is Jesus. Surrendering disappointment of what I thought my life would be like at this stage has been one of my biggest struggles. Daily I must remind myself that I don’t know God’s purposes, but I do know His promises. I cling to His promises with my very life.

 My life has been turned upside down, but Jesus is like an anchor in a fishing boat.  He stops the tossing and turning and keeps the boat steady. He is my anchor and it holds. I don’t know how this new life will work out, do any of us know how our lives will be? I do know that God loves me, and He knows how it will work out.

 I know God will give me the grace and mercy needed to walk this new journey without my precious husband Bill. I know with certainty that I am right where God wants me to be, or else I would be somewhere else. I pray that that you too will know God’s Love and know for certain that His anchor will keep you in safe waters.

Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, Loves You.

Much Love and Joy Always, Cissy

Hebrews 6:18-19a

These two things cannot change:  God cannot lie when He makes a promise, and He cannot lie when He takes an oath. These things encourage us who come to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong.  

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The Joy of Hospitality

Chocolate Kahlua Mousse

Are you finding 2015 is flying by already?  We had such a good time hosting lots of dinner parties at our new house during the Holidays.  Nothing like having a party to get you up and going and taking care of things around the house right?   

Here is a list of  5 things that this season of entertaining taught me. 

#5.  If you forget to plug-in the lights on your Christmas Village – probably no one but you noticed.  I was so sad when I realized I had not plugged in the lights so that the ice skater on the frozen pond could go round and round in her figure eight path and that the lights on the trees, that flashed double time and could hipe you up, were not flashing.  I learned it is more important to greet our guest with a warm welcome, let my light shine.

#4.  You can fold your napkins without ironing them.  Time was running late so I took a chance and folded the napkins without ironing and you know what they looked fine and no one noticed or at least no one said a thing.  I learned  to allow a little time to rest before our guest arrive so I am not so exhausted; better I am refreshed than the napkins are all starched and ironed. 

#3. It is alright to mix up your table decorations – use what you have.  I had a Christmas center piece and the plates were floral because we needed the sizes that came with that set of dishes.  It was truly a confusing tablescape.  I just told everyone it was a winter center piece with spring longings all round it.  We all agreed we are already tired of winter even though it had just started.  I learned to use what I have and don’t stress over not matching – who knows you may inspire someone at the party to do the same. Give them confidence to host a party without spending money on tablescapes.

#2. Your best thought out plans may be changed.  We were hosting a dinner party on a Sunday night but when one of our dear friend’s mother passed away and the funeral was on Sunday, we changed our plans.  Most of the guest wanted to attend the funeral.  The only other time the group could meet was the Friday before.  And of course I had to work that day and no way could I cook for the party.  Everyone else was busy as well, so one couple picked up take out, I set the table on Thursday night and the party happened.  It ended up being a great evening.  But more importantly our friend was touched and blessed that we made the 10 hour round trip to be with her and her family.  I learned to look for the unexpected when your plans don’t work out like you thought they would.  The 10 hour car trip gave me lots of time to spend with a special girlfriend.  We talked and talked and my husband had a relaxing time in the back seat reading and sleeping.

#1 Hospitality is a gift of love.  If you have the gift of hospitality use it to bless others without expecting an invite in return.  It robs you of the joy of hosting when you expect something in return. I learned I must always check my motive for entertaining. 

Don’t be robbed of the Joy of Hospitality.  Give the Gift out of Love for Others.

2014 taught me to lighten up, go with the flow and just do the best I can.  The real lesson is that God is in control, not me, and if I walk the path He has for me there is Joy in all things. 

Happy 2015– I hope you have  many opportunities to bless others by Giving the Gift of Hospitality 

Here’s praying all God’s Blessing for a Year of Good Health, Peace, Mercy and Joy!!!

Romans 12:12-13  NLT version

Rejoice in our confident hope.  Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.  When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.  Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Joy Always, Cissy

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Popcorn Scramble

I don’t even know where to start to tell you about this recipe.  It is one that my friend, Marcy Howard, has made for all of us for many years.  It is also one we teach and share in Apples of Gold.

If you ever make it, it will become one of your favorite recipes, especially in the fall.  You could become know for it, your signature recipe.  It makes a foil turkey roasting pan full so there is lots to share.  We just moved to a new house, new neighborhood  and new friends to meet so I made a batch to share with them..  You know by now I am all about making dishes for your family and having some to share. Spreading  JOY!!!

We love it when our students from Apples of Gold let us know when they make one of the recipes from the classes.  This is one they make over and over.  On lots of occasions it has been made for out-of-town guest to have in their hotel rooms when they come in town for events like weddings.  Marcy makes it for her hairdresser, for the women at the nail salon, her neighbors and recently she went to a family reunion, so of course she made Popcorn Scramble for all of them.  I know you can buy something similar but this recipe is so much better because there aren’t any ingredients in it that  you can’t pronounce –  always a good thing.   There is no  need for additives for preserving it because it is gobbled up so fast.  

As we think about Thanksgiving and all we are thankful for, I hope you will make a batch of Popcorn Scramble and give it to someone who brings Joy to your life or to someone who needs some Joy in their life.  May God Bless you and grant you PEACE, MERCY and JOY this Thanksgiving as you give thanks to Him the giver of all good things.  

Joy Always, Cissy   

  I would love to hear from you about how your family loved this recipe and where you shared it.  Also what are you thankful for this year?  Please leave a comment.  

Ingredients for Popcorn Scramble
Chemical Reaction when adding baking soda and vanilla
Bagged and ready to give to friend

Popcorn Scramble

Buttery, toffee popcorn snack with optional nuts
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course: Snack
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bags microwave popcorn – make sure to remove all un-popped kernels Orville Redenbacher Natural Light – Simply Salted 6.2 oz bags
  • 2 cups Cheerios
  • 2 cups Rice Chex
  • 1 cup Pecan pieces, optional
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light or dark corn syrup – "Karo Syrup"
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Method
 

  1. Combine first four ingredients in a large foil turkey roasting pan; toss gently and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in large saucepan (non-stick if you have one); stir in brown sugar and corn syrup
  3. Bring to a boil over low heat stirring constantly
  4. Once boiling cook without stirring for 5 minutes
  5. Remove from heat
  6. Stir in vanilla and baking soda (A chemical reaction will happen as you are stirring in the vanilla and baking soda).
  7. Pour over popcorn mixture; stir until mostly coated
  8. Bake at 250 degrees for one hour stirring every 15 minutes
  9. Cool and bread apart and store in airtight containers like clear bags

Notes

Measurements for Rice Chex and Cheerios Cereal doesn’t have to be exact. Start with 2 cups each and then add more of each to fill the pan.
Tidbit Tip:  After popcorn has cooled in turkey pan place your arms around the pan and bend turkey pan in all directions to help break up the popcorn scramble for bagging.