Basking In The Son

Something to think/pray about....

2008-11-08T15:33:00.001-05:00

I read this and thought I should post it...

Grateful for (Almost) Any Government
November 4, 2008 | By: John Piper
Category: Commentary

How does the Bible instruct us to pray for “all who are in high positions”? It says,

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Timothy 2:1-4).

A few observations:

1. Giving thanks “for kings” is hard when they are evil.

And, as Calvin said on this passage, “All the magistrates of that time were sworn enemies of Christ.” This shows us that anarchy is a horrible alternative to almost any ruler.

We should give thanks for rulers because “non-rule” would unleash on us utterly unbridled evil with no recourse whatever.

Again Calvin: “Unless they restrained the boldness of wicked men, the whole world would be full of robberies and murders.” The better we understand the seething evil of the human heart that is ready to break out where there is no restraint, the more thankful we will be for government.

2. The effect we pray for is “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly, and dignified in every way.”

Dignified means “serious and reverent,” not stuffy. I suspect what Paul means is not that we can’t live godly and serious lives during times of anarchy. We can. I suspect he means that peaceful and quiet lives, which are the opposite of anarchy, are often wasted in ungodly and frivolous actions.

So he is praying for a government that would give peace and quiet (not anarchy), and that Christians would not fritter away their peaceful lives with the world, but would be radically godly and serious about the lost condition of the world and how to change it.

3. Using our peace for radical godliness and serious action will lead to more effective evangelism and world missions.

This last observation is confirmed by the hoped-for outcome Paul mentions. Paul says that the reason God delights in such peaceful, Godward, serious action is that he “desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

More people will be saved if our government restrains the horrors of anarchy, and if Christians use this peace not to waste their lives on endless entertainment, but seriously give their lives to making God known.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo

2008-04-09T13:51:00.000-04:00

Reminds me of the Lord. Beautiful voice -Awesome pictures....

Spring? Ha!!!!

2008-03-28T07:35:00.005-04:00

Well the calendar says spring but looking out the window as snow hits the ground does not say spring to me.... I look around waiting for everything to wake from it's long winter sleep. It won't be long before we will have our piggies in the sand........

Rom 13:11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

The little things....

2008-02-26T11:53:00.003-05:00

Emma has been saying some really cute things lately. I wrote them down so I wouldn't forget!!!

me: emma why don't you wear these boots today?

emma: because the last time i wore them they gave me a canker sore......

emma: mommy can you make me nachos? i just love those gorilla chips (tortilla).....

emma: oceans are dangerous, they have crocs in them

me: i don't think crocs live in the ocean

emma: yes they do samantha told me

me: she doesn't know everything you know.

emma: mommy she goes to school and you don't she knows more than you!!!!.....

Happy Anniversary!!!!

2008-02-21T10:11:00.002-05:00

9 years and counting!!!!!

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

(I bet you wish we were in Hawaii today)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEANIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

Emma is 5 today. Hard to believe, boy did 1825 days fly by!!!! May the Lord lead and direct her steps to glorify Himself......

The girls taking pictures

2008-01-21T21:26:00.000-05:00

Give a kid a camera, this is what you get!!!!

Wishing we were in Florida.....

2008-01-21T21:20:00.001-05:00

cold and blustery here. just 2 weeks ago enjoying 18 days in the florida sun.....

You are amazing God!!!!Again!!!!

2008-01-08T22:08:00.002-05:00

Check this out. This is our nephew....

6 min 44 sec - Dec 18, 2007Description: A little boy with a mystifying eye condition finally found an answer on the other side of the globe with the help of Dr. Harry Chugani at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. ~Detroit Medical Center

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2404586994749948974&pr=goog-sl

Amazing God!!!!

2007-09-24T20:36:00.000-04:00

Look!!!! I lost my first tooth!!!!!

2007-09-16T18:30:00.000-04:00

She's getting so big

What a great vacation!!!

2007-07-09T13:58:00.001-04:00

I think it has taken all of us all of last week to recover from such a great vacation!!!!Thank you Steve and Susan.

We are going on vacation~~

2007-06-21T10:25:00.001-04:00

Sand, sun, fun and family!!!! We can't wait!!!!

The cabinets have arrived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

2007-06-04T13:39:00.000-04:00

Woo Hoo. After 6 weeks of washing dishes in the bathroom sink and dust and dirt everywhere. We now see the light at the end of the tunnel. The cabinets have arrived and we will be done by the end of the week...... Like we are before we are saved, dusty dirty and nasty then the Lord comes and renovates us..... Thank you Lord (ps. these are the cabinets)

Nuttin like a kitchen remodel!!!!

2007-05-15T16:04:00.000-04:00

Here are some recent pictures

Stuffed French Toast.....

2007-05-03T16:32:00.000-04:00

HMMM if only someone would make this for me on Mother's day. (oh yeah my lobster lunch too....)

Creamy, Fruity Stuffed French Toast Hearts

3 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
A couple drops pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup raspberry or strawberry preserves
1 cup pure maple syrup
8 slices white bread
2 tablespoons butter

1. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla and set near the stove. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and preserves; set aside.
2. warm the syrup in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave on high for 1 minute.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over 4 bread slices. Top with the remaining 4 bread slices to make 4 sandwiches. Cut each sandwich using a 4-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter.
4. melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Dip the hearts in the egg mixture and cook in the skillet, turning once with a spatula, until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Serve the hearts with the warm syrup.

Dear God!!!

2007-04-23T08:17:00.000-04:00

This is Emma's prayer from this morning.

Dear God,

I love you. You are the best. I love this place. You are a great guy. Thank you... Love me

Marshmallows

2007-04-11T08:10:00.000-04:00

Yesterday me and Emma and the Kilbanes went to Ingaldsby farm (just opened for the season) we got our cider donuts and coffee etc. and of course Emma had to go to the bathroom.

We had to go outside all the way around the building and you could smell fire in the air. Emma said Mumma it smells like marshmallow's out here that must be a marshmallow bush.

Good Friday!!!!

2007-04-06T11:05:00.000-04:00

Into Thy Hands I Commit My SpiritGood Friday
By John Piper April 20, 1984

Luke 23:44-46
Paul said in Philippians 3:10 that the passion of his life was to know the power of Christ's resurrection and to share his sufferings and become like him in his death. I think we should follow Paul in this. We should long to draw from Jesus the power to live and die like he did. Surely that is one of the reasons the gospels show us so much of Jesus' death. God's will for us is that we learn from Jesus how to die.

Jesus' Suffering and Your Suffering
It is a strange and terrible perversion of the gospel to say that since Jesus suffered for me, therefore I don't have to suffer—I can be comfortable and prosperous. The stumbling block of the cross is removed if we say he became homeless that I might have the finest of houses. He was rejected by men that I might be admired among men. He lived in poverty that I might live in luxury. He endured suffering that I might enjoy ease. Jesus taught just the opposite: "If any man would come after me, let him take up his cross daily and follow me." If we suffer with him, we shall be glorified with him (Romans 8:17). Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21).

Learning from Jesus How to Die

Therefore, when we see Jesus die, we see two things: the price paid to bring us to glory; and the example given for how we are to get there. So let's learn from Jesus how to die, by focusing on Luke 23:44–46.

1. Remember That God Reigns
When you come to die, remember that God reigns. "It was about the sixth hour and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed and the curtain of the Temple was torn in two." Who saw to it that the sun's light failed? Who ripped the temple's curtain from top to bottom? Over and around the death of Jesus Christ is the ruling hand of God. He has not fumbled the ball. There are no loose ends. Luke made it crystal clear in Acts 4:27f., "Truly in this city there were gathered together against thy holy servant Jesus both Herod and Pontius Pilate and the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel to do whatever thy hand and thy plan had predestined to take place." It is true that Jesus said to the mob who arrested him in Gethsemane, "This is your hour and the power of darkness." But what a sovereign statement that is. The power of darkness will not be given an hour by the almighty God. Pray, who reigns when Satan must await his hour and when his limits are appointed by Another? God reigns—in life and in death. "See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me, I kill and I make alive, I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand" (Deuteronomy 32:39). "It was the will of the Lord to bruise him. He has put him to grief. We esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted" (Isaiah 53:10, 4). When you come to die, remember God reigns and nothing has slipped between his fingers.

2. Remember That God Pities
When you come to die, remember God pities. We have not risen in our thinking to the magnificence of God if we think that because he rules in life and death he cannot pity. What was the meaning of the darkness at noon and the rending of the temple curtain? Was it not God's clothing his world in the color of grief and rending the garments next to his heart? "It was the will of the Lord to bruise him"—but not without pity, not without grief. "As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him. He knows our frame, that we are dust." The nails and spear and rod and crown of thorns did not feel like pity. Neither do intravenous needles, respirators, tubes down your throat, and hand restraints. All the more reason to remember that God reigns and that as a father his child, so he pities you in your dying.

3. Remember That Your Spirit Lives On
When you come to die, remember that you have a spirit that will live on. "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." Jesus knew and we should know that death for God's people is not the end nor even a sleep for our conscious personalities. Paul put it like this in 2 Corinthians 5: "We are of good courage and would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." Philippians 1:23, "My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better." We will die like Jesus if we remember that like him we have a spirit which at the moment of death does not die but lives on with God.

4. Remember That God's Hands Are Open to You
But that implies a fourth thing to remember when we come to die. We should remember that God's arms are open and his hands extended to his dying children. "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." Not: into the grave. Not: into the void. Not: into the dark unknown. But: into the hands of God.
One of the great temptations at the hour of death is to believe that our death is a horrible blow from God and that therefore we are under his wrath and cannot commit our spirit to his care. Let us learn here from Jesus. His death was a horrible blow from God. He became a curse for us. But Jesus did not abandon faith in God's love for him.
1 Corinthians 11:29–32, "Anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we should not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are chastened so that we may not be condemned along with the world."
This is a startling statement. Sometimes the Lord takes the life of a believer because of sin. But Paul says that we should view it as a chastisement to save the believer from something worse. Therefore, even if we come to our death believing that we are being chastised by the Lord—even then we can and should commit our spirit to him. For his purpose for us is love.

5. Don't Murmur, Complain, or Rage Against God
Therefore, finally, when you come to die do not murmur or complain or rage against God. He reigns, he pities, his loving hands are open to your spirit. And in those hands is Paradise immediately after you die.

God Bless You !

2007-03-11T10:13:00.000-04:00

We have been sick all week and when I say ALL week that is what I mean. Samantha and Danny had strep throat and Emma and I have had the worst cold in all the history of colds.

Emma was sneezing constantly and couldn't stop she had the cutest look on her face when she came up to me and said Mumma I can't stop bless-you-ing no matter how I try....I love that little girl....

Samantha!!!

2007-03-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

We took Samantha to have her 6 year well visit back in October. They did an eye test and said that we should go see a eye doctor because her left eye was much weaker than her right (20/50 ).

We made an appointment and went in Novemember. They confirmed what our doctor told us and that she has Amblyopia and she will need glasses. Samantha heard this and burst into tears. She recommened that we come back in 2 weeks to do another eye exam because she had been dilated and she wanted to make sure she got it right. So we went back she then recommended that we also patch the good eye 4-6 hours a day so the weak eye can get stronger. Well Samantha again burst into tears but this time the pitch was even louder than the first time. When we walked back out of the room all the kids waiting to be since had the look of fear on their little faces. The Lord was ever faithful to us, (once again!!!!!) if this was not caught she could have been legally blind in this eye within the next couple of years.

The doctor recommend that we use these bandaid like sticky patches. Well these made her itchy and almost impossible for her to wear she cried and itched it and within an hour the stickiness wore off. I searched online and found these patches they come in the cutest animals and princess/superhero motifs. Well she LOVES to wear her patch and gets excited to wear it. And she looks so cute in it.

The Lord has been gracious to us in this whole experience. Giving us patience with her and structure to fit 4-6 hours into the schedule. He also changed her heart from grief to excitement. He has been so good to us words can not describe.

So we go back to the doctor on the 14th and if you could pray that she will not have to patch anymore (although she will need glasses for the rest of her life). We will keep you updated.......

Happy Birthday Bean!!!!

2007-02-27T14:45:00.000-05:00

On February 7th our precious little one turned 4. Boy does time fly. Lord we thank you for the blessing of children. Gifts that we don't deserve...
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-02-07T12:30:00.000-05:00

Going Fishing....See you in March

Glorified...

2007-02-01T16:36:00.000-05:00

Glorified (original 1985)
By John Piper December 14, 2003

As far as any eye could see
There was no green. But every tree
Was cinder black, and all the ground
Was grey with ash. The only sound
Was arid wind, like spirits' ghosts,
Gasping for some living hosts
In which to dwell, as in the days
Of evil men, before the blaze
Of unimaginable fire
Had made the earth a flaming pyre
For God's omnipotent display
Of holy rage. The dreadful Day
Of God had come. The moon had turned
To blood. The sun no longer burned
Above, but, blazing with desire,
Had flowed into a lake of fire.
The seas and oceans were no more,
And in their place a desert floor
Fell deep to meet the brazen skies,
And silence conquered distant cries.

The Lord stood still above the air.
His mighty arms were moist and bare.
They hung, as weary, by his side
Until the human blood had dried
Upon the sword in his right hand.
He stared across the blackened land
That he had made, and where he died.
His lips were tight, and deep inside,
The mystery of sovereign will
Gave leave, and it began to spill
In tears upon his bloody sword
For one last time.

And then the Lord
Wiped every tear away and turned
To see his bride. Her heart had yearned
Four thousand years for this: His face
Shone like the sun, and every trace
Of wrath was gone. And in her bliss
She heard the Master say, "Watch this:
Come forth all goodness from the ground,
Come forth and let the earth redound
With joy." And as he spoke, the throne
Of God came down to earth and shone
Like golden crystal full of light,
And banished once for all the night.
And from the throne a stream began
To flow and laugh, and as it ran,
It made a river and a lake,
And everywhere it flowed a wake
Of grass broke on the banks and spread
Like resurrection from the dead.

And in the twinkling of an eye
The saints descended from the sky.

And as I knelt beside the brook
To drink eternal life, I took
A glance across the golden grass,
And saw my dog, old Blackie, fast
As she could come. She leaped the stream—
Almost—and what a happy gleam
Was in her eye.

I knelt to drink,
And knew that I was on the brink
Of endless joy. And everywhere
I turned I saw a wonder there.
A big man running on the lawn:
That's old John Younge with both legs on.
The blind can see a bird on wing,
The dumb can lift his voice and sing.
The diabetic eats at will,
The coronary runs uphill.
The lame can walk, the deaf can hear,
The cancer-ridden bone is clear.
Arthritic joints are lithe and free,
And every pain has ceased to be.

And every sorrow deep within,
And every trace of lingering sin
Is gone. And all that's left is joy,
And endless ages to employ
The mind and heart to understand
And love the sovereign Lord who planned
That it should take eternity
To lavish all his grace on me.

O God of wonder, God of might,
Grant us some elevated sight,
Of endless days. And let us see
The joy of what is yet to be.
And may your future make us free,
And guard us by the hope that we,
Within the light of candle four,
Are glorified forevermore.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please pray for Daniel!!!!

2007-01-22T12:23:00.000-05:00

Meet our nephew Danny. As most of you know Danny's brother and his wife adopted him back in August. He has been in their care since he was 3 days old. Danny has suffered severe epilepsy for about 8 months now without any relief. They have tried all sorts of medicine etc... Everyone has been baffled. He is behind developmentally due to the siezures he is 26 months old and has not been able to do what a boy his age does because he is missing out on half of his life due the hundreds of siezures a day.

This is what Steve told my husband Danny on the phone today and Danny asked him to email it so I took it upon myself to post it so prayer could be made on his behalf. We know the Lord can take this away but if this is his lot pray that he can endure this and never remember it.... Thanks

Hi All,

Danny and Cyndie O here is a brief summary of the prep work for the procedure Danny had done this week end.

1. He was completely wrapped in a large bed sheet, like a burrito. Every thing except his head was wrapped.

2. He was then strapped down to the bed with 28 strips of tape. Each starting on one side of the bed, crossing his body and attaching to the opposite side. He was now completely unable to move his body.

3. He had 36 electrodes attached to his head. One on each Temple and four on his upper back. The area for each electrode had to be rubbed with a solution for good contact and a special adhesive gel applied to attach the electrode. Then a piece of tape put over each electrode. This was repeated 42 times. During all of two adults held his head to keep it from moving while a third adult applied the electrodes.

4. When this was done his head was completely wrapped in gauze to cover the electrodes. The gauze also wrapped under his chin to keep it secured onto his head. The gauze was then tapped down to make it secure. Finally, a rubber mesh netting was pulled over all of this and tapped down tho prevent him from pulling any thing off. All the electrodes were passed through this netting in back is his head like a giant pony tail. All the wires were tapped every ten inches to keep them together. He would have about 4 ft to move for 48 hours. Steps 1-4 took about 45 minutes

5. When this was completed, the nurse freed up his left arm and five vials of blood were taken while he was still strapped down. This took about 10 minutes.

6. All together he was strapped down for about an hour. He cried for help the whole time saying "All Done".

7. For the next 48 hours he was confined to a 4 ft space. He had to sleep with all this on his head and needed to be watched all night to make sure he did not strangle himself while he slept.

He did such a great job! He played, ate, slept with little frustration. We could not have wished for him to have done any better. We will now be waiting for the doctor's to review the EEG and Video. Please keep him in your prayers. He is such a gentle and joyful child.

Sausage Soup!!!!!

2007-01-16T08:55:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been to Bertucci's? Well they have this great sausage soup. Of course it is loaded with fat (that is probably why it tastes so good) anyway i recreated it in my kitchen and I think it tasted better.

1lb good italian sausage you can buy it bulk or you could use turkey sausage
1 medium onion
3-4 garlic cloves chopped
1/2 can tomato paste
beef stock- I use my own but you could use 3-4 cans i recommend low sodium
1 can of water
1 package of frozen spinach
1 small zucchini chopped
fresh basil leaves i use lots use to your preference
brown rice
salt and pepper
red pepper flakes

1. saute the onion and the sausage meat til the meat is browned, if you don't buy bulk make sure to take it out of the casing. be sure that you break the meat up well

2. add the zucchini,garlic and then add the paste then the stock,water and spinach. Simmer on low for a couple of hours

3. This is the part when you step in and make it your own. I always make the rice on the side then add it at the end as well as the basil.

This is so yummy on a cold new england day. Ask ??? if you have any...

I got tagged.....

2007-01-14T17:39:00.000-05:00

Beth tagged me…

For those of you who don’t know….
In the context of web logs / ‘blogs / blogging and other kinds of personal web sites it’s some kind of list of questions that you saw somewhere else and you decided to answer the questions. Then someone else sees them and does them and so on and so on. I generally consider these to be actual questions and not some multiple choice quizzes that determine some result at the end (what color you are most like, what cartoon character are you, what 80s movie are you).
- Thedailymeme.com

Sometimes these show up in the form of “tag”.
Here’s how this tag goes:

1) Grab the book closest to you
2) Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence
3) Post the text of the following 3 sentences
4) Name the author and book title
5) Tag three people to do the same

Now, to love thy neighbor so heartily, that thouw art ready to bestow they money, thy goods, thine eyes, and all that thou hast for his salvation, and moreover to suffer patiently all adversities and afflicitions, these no doubt, are effects and fruits of the Spirit, and these saith he, ye received and enjoyed before these false teachers came among you.

Martin Luther/ Commentary on Galatians

I posted one sentence cuz that is one mighty long and powerful sentence.

I tag Danny O, Sacha and hmmmmm not so sure..... Lisa Noble?

Took a small hiatus......

2007-01-10T14:53:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have gone for so long but it took me this long to post as I didn't want to push Eileen down. I realize that even though my post of her may be pushed down she will always always be special to us. Life has been hard adjusting without her but once again the Lord has been faithful to us.

I have realized these past few months that even though people disappoint you and death creeps into our lives without warning and old friendship disintegrate and new friendships appear. The Lord is ever faithful never changing, never disappointing, never ending and of course never dying.

1Deu 31:614 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Rest in peace my friend

2006-11-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

Today our dear friend Eileen passed away, she has been like a mother to me and Danny and a Nana to our girls. The Lord crossed our paths in 2000 and she has been a part of our family ever since. Lord I pray that today she stands before you and yousay to her "Welcome home Eileen, I have been waiting for you".
You will never be forgotten.....WE LOVE YOU!!!!

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

He's home, he's home!!!!!

2006-10-19T19:50:00.000-04:00

Lord,

Thank you for bringing my honey home safely. We all missed him terribly...... This trip was all for your Glory. Continue to show yourself to us and direct our paths clearly.....

It's the weather....

2006-10-07T08:49:00.000-04:00

Tuscan Tomato Soup

1/4 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 carrots, peeled and finely diced
4 stalks celery, finely diced
3 medium onions, minced
3 quarts canned tomatoes with juice or 14 large, ripe fresh tomatoes, peeled and seeded
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
6 leaves fresh basil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Croutons, for serving, recipe follows

Heat the oil and butter in a Dutch oven. Cook the carrots, celery, and onions for about 20 minutes, or until very tender. Add the tomatoes and continue cooking over moderate heat for 25 to 30 minutes longer. Stir in the parsley and basil, season with salt and pepper, cook a minute or so longer, and serve hot with croutons.

French Mushroom Soup

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1/2 cup minced onion

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

12 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade

2 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus finely chopped parsley leaves, for garnish

1/2 bay leaf

Pinch dried thyme

3 pounds button mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 large egg yolks

1 cup heavy cream

In a Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions, and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the flour, and cook over low heat, without browning, for 4 minutes. Whisk in the stock until smooth and combined. Add the parsley, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, stirring to coat with butter. Add the salt and lemon juice, and cook 5 minutes.

Add the cooked mushrooms to the stock mixture, and simmer 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cream until combined. While whisking constantly, slowly add 1 cup of hot soup into the cream mixture. Add to the soup, and heat until warmed through. Be sure not to let the soup get too hot or the egg yolks will curdle. Season with salt.

Ahhh Fall, Soup time!!!!!!

2006-09-30T22:32:00.000-04:00

Pasta Fagioli (Pasta and Beans)

8 T good olive oil
2T fresh basil
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic
salt and pepper
2 small cans of tomato paste and 2 small cans of water
1/2 lb ditalini pasta
2 cans of white beans undrained
16 cups of water or chicken stock

Heat pan and add oil then add the onion and garlic to pan and sauté for 5 minutes. Then add the basil, salt, pepper, tomato paste and water. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the beans undrained. Cook 10 minutes. Boil the water for the pasta and cook pasta for 8 minutes. DO NOT DRAIN THE PASTA. Add the tomato mixture to the pasta with the water take off the heat and cover for 10 minutes. Serve with crusty bread and some grated cheese!

Reflecting on Summer

2006-09-22T13:39:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from our summer travels. The Lord's blessings are like the waves on the shore, they never cease!

Ahhhhhh the beach!!!

2006-09-16T18:01:00.000-04:00

Couldn't get there today (Dad just home from the hospital)
Hitting it tomorrow! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our girls are getting so big!!!

2006-09-14T13:30:00.000-04:00

They are growing like weeds. Here are pics from their first days at school.

Off to school!!!!

2006-08-24T19:35:00.000-04:00

What am I gonna do when my big girl is gone all day long and my little girl is gone 5 hours a week?

Coffee you say, maybe the gym, shopping possibly, cleaning the house? Nope crying..... Pray the Lord protects them at school and give them the opportunity to declare His name!!!

The beauty of the Lord!!!!

2006-08-04T11:49:00.000-04:00

Isn't he lovely?

Texas Sweet Texas

2006-07-26T15:12:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures of our trip. Please pray for us as we consider a relocation to San Antonio and that we may know clearly what the Lord has for us.

Oh yeah what do you get when you cross an Emma-bean and a 4 month old, 3 pound yorkie named Story? A BROKEN LEG!!!!!! Sorry Story Emma didn't meant it :(

The stars at night are big and bright!!!!!

2006-06-27T18:43:00.000-04:00

Deep in the heart of Texas!!!! We are outta here!!!!!

Have you ever seen a cuter ball player?

2006-06-21T21:39:00.000-04:00

Our MVP!!!!!

The Flood of 2006!!!

2006-06-09T09:08:00.001-04:00

Thought you may be interested in looking at some pictures from the flood. Remember the Lord is sovereign over ALL things......

Prayer for the Bean!!!

2006-06-06T21:47:00.000-04:00

Samantha (5) and Emma(3) were in children's church on Sunday and Peg asked the kids if they needed prayer for anything. Samantha chirped up and said could you pray for my sister that she knows Jesus better. Peg of course let me know how Godly my daughter is ;)

Later when I had the chance to ask her why she prayed that she replied that she needs to get serious about the Lord. I asked her why and she claims if she knew Jesus better she wouldn't be so silly. Boy does anyone smell self righteousness.

Isn't it just like the Lord again trying to tell me something...Again

2006-04-24T16:15:00.000-04:00

Well yesterday was a very humbling day for me. Paul preached on 1 Corinthians 16: 1-4

As I sat there yesterday listening to Paul preach (which btw was awesome, thanks Paul) the Lord put some things on my heart. I do not experience or live my life in a kingdom of generosity. Paul ask what really makes you excited and as I drifted off into thinking about winning Mass millions or megabucks. I started thinking if I only won I could buy us a church and help our families and then honestly want to know what I thought about? SHOPPING..... All the cute littles sandals I could buy and not only for me but my kids.... Oh yeah and my friends too. Like I always say you can never have too many sandals, capris or flip flops....

Does my heart beat like that when I think about eternity with Jesus? When I think about all the wrongs I have done that he suffered for? To clean my slate? To take away my F's and give me all His A's?

I constantly wonder about finances where will they come from, how will we pay this or that? Yesterday was a great day for me the Lord really showed me where my heart is and what He wants for my heart. What we have in this world does not define who we are. The one who dies with the best toys does not win..... The one who dies with Christ is truly the one who wins....

Thank you Lord for loving me enough to show me my sin and correcting me with love....

Jer 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord

Is God trying to show me something....

2006-03-24T12:25:00.000-05:00

So Danny comes home for lunch and I must say the lunch I prepared was great, yummy.... Homemade cornbeef hash with eggs. Anyway we can chat about that another day. So Danny asks me why I haven't been blogging and know what my response to him was? I have nothing to say. Boy is that funny or what, all of you that know me know that I always have something to say. So I was thinking of all the things I have to be grateful and thankful to the Lord for.

1. Life in eternity with Him
2. A completely and absoultely wonderful husband, who is kind, patient and all the things I am not and might I mention a babe. (Ace got nuttin on him)
3. Two adorable children who I love with all my heart
4. Wonderful friends and family a girl couldn't ask for more
5. A passion for cooking that the Lord gave to me to show his glory

So I guess I do have something to say..... Thanks for the reminder sweetie...

The Tree

2006-02-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

Most of you know how bad this house when we bought it.. Bad, Disgusting, Nasty, Smelly. I would beg Danny please do not make me live there he would just tell me to trust him. Well with alot of hard work even more paint and sleepless nights we made this house our home. Just in enough time to move in 1 week after Samantha's birth.

Stepping back to when we were looking at this house, the only thing about this house that I LOVED, I repeat the ONLY THING I LOVED about this house was our Japenese maple tree. It was planted either when this house was built in 1860 or shortly afterwards. Well let me tell you God sure has a way of taking away our idols.

A few weeks ago we got a storm not a bad one only a couple of inches but it was wet and heavy. That is all I will say about my beautiful tree....... Thank you Lord for reminding me of how you are sturdier than that tree, more beautiful than my tree and how you will never fall down on me....

Tagged!!!!

2006-01-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

Tagged...
I've been "tagged" by Sacha to answer the following questions

Four Jobs I Have Had in My Life:
Joel A. Kraut M.D.- Office Manager
Steven D. Spitz, D.D.S.- Office Manager
David D. Wyman, D.M.D- Office Manager
Mommy and Wife

Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over Again:
Something about Mary
The Three Amigos
The Princess Bride
Bourne Identity (and Supremacy)

Four Places I Have Lived:
Bradford, MA
Honolulu, HI
Everett, MA
Malden, MA

Four TV Shows I Love to Watch:
Survivor
Apprentice
ER
Grey's Anatomy

Four Places I Have Been on Vacation:
Florida
St. Thomas
The Bahama's
Aruba

Four Websites I Visit Daily (or at least weekly):
Hotmail
Blogspot
FoodTV
Ebay

Four of My Favorite Foods:
Lobsta
Shrimp cocktail
Any Mexican
Any Thai

Four Singers I Can't Live Without:
Fernando Ortega
Billy Joel
Frank Sinatra
Elton John

Four Places I'd Rather Be:
Hawaii
Florida
California
Anywhere warm

Four Bloggers I am tagging:
Becky
Beth
Peggy
Danny-he won't do it :(

I didn't realize he was green!!!

2005-12-09T12:09:00.000-05:00

Today is a snow day. So Karin came over to make beaded candy canes with the kids. Sacha and Karin were singing Christmas songs with the girls. Well Emma started singing her favorite Christmas song... FROGGY THE SNOWMAN!!!!!!

Emma's new profession!!!

2005-12-07T19:55:00.000-05:00

Today my darling daughter Emma, you know the one who will pretty much ONLY wear her yellow rain boots.. decided to cut her hair!!! She chopped the top threw it in the trash and then came to confess it to me. So we dropped Samantha off at school and took her to have it fixed. She now looks so different with bangs (can't wait for them to grow out) So let's see now she is banned from markers, pens and child scissors!!!! When is that beanie gonna learn?

Jewelry

2005-11-14T14:07:00.000-05:00

Let me know if you need anything, Christmas is coming you know~~

Going to the ball

2005-11-14T14:04:00.000-05:00

Emma just informed me that she needs to get ready for the ball. Out of curiousity I asked her "when is the ball"? She replied "tonight and I am bringing Jesus with me"!!!!

I miss Silas!!!!

2005-11-12T22:39:00.000-05:00

Emma keeps asking if she can see Silas and Macie!!!! For those of you who don't know when she says his name she says it with a southern twang. Strange for a New Englander..... I told her we wouldn't see them for a while but showed her this picture.

Daddy really likes sweets!!!

2005-11-12T22:31:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of us decorating daddy's birthday cake and the finished product. I tried to stop the girls from using all the candy but they insisted that Daddy really likes sweets so we have to use lots of candy!!!

Singing in the car!!!

2005-10-04T21:49:00.000-04:00

We have been listening to a christian cd in the car below are the renditions that the girls sing.

Emma- Mommy I want to hear princess and the peas (Prince of peace)
Samantha- Prince of Peas

Samantha- Cast your versions on Jesus (cast your burden)

I love my little babes!!!!

samantha & emma (samantha signed their names)

Well, Its Offical

2005-09-29T14:21:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I know that I have been missing lately, it's not that I don't have anything to post I do. Lots and lots of things. My kids are so silly my husband is the best and I have some how adopted and extra 3 also known as the Catalites. Sometimes I feel as if my life is a cartoon ( I mean that in a good way) . Anyway, I guess I have been preoccupied with the thought of me turning 40.

I know that 40 isn't old but it just seems as if I was 20 yesterday getting ready for hurricane Gloria to hit and being so upset my mom wouldn't let me go out. I made my brother drive to go pick up my best friend KC. There was no way that I, me, Cyndie DelOrfano was going to be stranded in the house on my 20th birthday with my family!!! Can you imagine? What a tradgedy!! Well I seem to have matured since then, (I would give anything to spend my birthday with my mom) I have done alot during these past 20 years. I met lots of friends whom I am still close to Brenda, Suzanne, KC, Margarita. Then I met a great guy, then met someone even better through Danny (THE LORD) lost my mom, moved to Hawaii, got married, moved back to Massachusetts had Samantha, bought a house, had a miscarriage, had Emma, found a great church and lots of wonderful new friends, lost a man I admired, loved and worked for, for 15 years and then turned 40!!!! On one hand it seems like alot on the other doesn't seem like much.

In the snap of a finger twenty years gone. I know during the next 20 years I will lose people I love and I will meet lots of new friends but the thing that keeps me going is that I get to spend the next 20 years with the man of my dreams, my best friend, my love Danny. Together we will teach our girls about our Lord and direct them in the path of Him who created me September 27, 1965!!!!!!
Oh yeah I can't forget all the laughs we will have on the way!!!!!!!! Thanks for a great birthday Honey!!!

Jesus is the Rock!!!

2005-09-01T23:20:00.000-04:00

So Emma was singing a song tonight as I was putting the girls to bed!

Jesus is the rock of my salvation His banner over me is love. So she kept saying salvation, so i asked her "Beanie do you know what salavation means?" To which she replied "It means ummmm I'm tired" she shut her eyes and fell asleep. That was easy tomorrow I think I will ask her what justification means. We may have a new bedtime routine!!!

Am I really growing???

2005-09-01T23:15:00.000-04:00

Samantha turned 5 last sunday and again I was telling her to stop growing!!! Here is our conversation!!!
Me: Samantha you have to stop growing
Samantha: I can't mumma I tried
Me: I want you to stay like this forever
Samantha: You are still growing
Me: I am?
Samantha: yup
Me: Am I getting taller?
Samantha: Wider!!!!

Anyone want a 5 year old??

Mumma is it true???

2005-08-23T23:13:00.000-04:00

So I was telling Samantha today that Danny and I are going to go on a marriage retreat and we would be staying at a hotel and Karin would be babysitting her and Emma. So she asked me "what are you going for?". I told her that we were going to have fun and maybe come home with a baby brother for her. Well she just looked at me and walked away. About 1/2 hour later she comes back to me and says mommy were you just joking???? I told her I was and she said "cuz I didn't think you could get babies at hotels.. :)

I need to rinse out the air conditioner

2005-08-16T23:42:00.000-04:00

I'm baaaaack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Samantha is growing so fast. She is going to be 5 in 2 weeks and is starting to out grow baths. Since she is swimming under water now she has decided to take showers. This morning she was showering and i asked her "are you done sweetie" to which she replied "almost i just have to rinse out the air conditioner" I love that girl!!!!!

I need pricey!!!

2005-07-12T08:49:00.000-04:00

Emma is 90% potty trained by now and would have been done a long time ago had it not been my laziness. Well everytime she heads to the potty she shuts the door and tells us that she needs pricey (privacy)!!!!
Hmmmm I wonder how I can cash in on some privacy!!!!!

Blown Away!!!

2005-06-21T08:17:00.000-04:00

Here I am sitting here this morning, drinking my Java and the thought just came into my mind like a tornado. I was thinking wow did Christ really die for me? It is so hard to believe, well in one sense I know for sure he did and cleansed my black heart and soul in His blood to be pure in His image. On the other hand it blows my mind to think that He did that, so selfless, so loving, so holy, so kind, so forgiving, so sweet I could go on and on and and fill up this whole blog.
Danny preached this Sunday and when he was speaking he was teaching from Acts 17:1-34 when Paul was in Athens and there was an idol for an "unkown god" then he touched on

Psalm 115:3-18

But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.
Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man's hands.
They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see;
They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell;
They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat.
Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them.
O Israel, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.
You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.
The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.
He will bless those who fear the LORD, The small together with the great.
May the LORD give you increase, You and your children.
May you be blessed of the LORD, Maker of heaven and earth.
The heavens are the heavens of the LORD, But the earth He has given to the sons of men.
The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor do any who go down into silence;
But as for us, we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD!

It is just amazing when you think about how precious our God is. Thank you Lord for hanging on a cross for me.

Momma's blog is basking in the son s-o-n

2005-06-17T13:27:00.000-04:00

Well, we were having dinner last night and Danny and I were talking about our blogs etc.... Danny told me that I was the biggest blogger of them all. Then Samantha piped in and said momma's blog is basking in the son S-O-N. Isn't it amazing how they don't miss a beat?

Paul Nailish

2005-06-17T13:23:00.000-04:00

Samantha and Emma just love to have their nails and piggie toes painted. They sit there patiently waiting for them to dry properly. When Daddy gets home from work Samntha runs to him and exclaims excitedly "Daddy look at my paul nailish"

I got it at Ingaldsby!!!

2005-06-15T13:02:00.000-04:00

Last night we were sitting at the table having dinner. Emma starting singing amazing grace it her cute little voice. Danny asked her "where did you get that cute little voice?" (we thought she may say "Jesus". Well to our suprise she said "Ingaldsby!!!" (a farm that we go to all the time).
Too cute!!!!!

She's off to kindergarten and I'm having a nervous breakdown!!!!!

2005-06-10T02:50:00.000-04:00

Well I thought this day would take a long time to get here, boy was I wrong. Samantha finished her last day at preschool and this fall is heading off to kindergarten. We went to an ice cream social at her new school last night and all i kept thinking is Lord please please please protect her little soul. She is so sweet and keeps telling me that she was a little nervous that preschool is over. But on the other hand she is so excited to head off to her new big girl school. Before you know it Emma will be heading off to kindergarten too.
Isn't it funny how the Lord gives you these things to deal with knowing full well that you will be on your knees looking to Him.... Thank you Lord for my family.

I'm in blogworld!!!!

2005-06-06T17:30:00.000-04:00

Well I did it!!!! My husband has been blogging for months and I decided to blog too!! Like they say when in Rome.....
This will be my forum to talk about Him, my husband, my cute kids and my life....See you soon