PHILADELPHIA MINI CHEESECAKES

 
PHILADELPHIA MINI CHEESECAKES

1 C.   graham cracker crumbs

3/4 C plus 2 T sugar, divided

3 T    margarine, melted

3 pkgs Philadelphia cream cheese (8 oz each), softened

1 t     vanilla

3       eggs

1 C   whipping cream

2 C   blueberries

1 T   lemon zest

18     paper cup cake liners

Heat oven to 325 degrees F.  Mix graham cracker crumbs, 2 T. sugar and butter.  press onto bottoms of 18 paper-lined muffin pan cups.  Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended  Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing in low speed after each just until blended.  Pour over crusts.

 Bake 25 - 30 minutes, or until centers are almost set.  Cool completely.  Refrigerate 2 hours.  Beat whipping cream with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; spread onto cheesecakes.  Top with blueberries and  the lemon zest.

You are welcome to leave a comment.


You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

December 2, 1977

 

   Today is December 2nd.  When I see this date, I am taken back to Mont Belvieu, Texas.  It was evening, after 6pm.  We were pressuring up the ethylene dehydrators on Well # 4 with ethylene after we had purged the system with nitrogen.  There was Frank Finster (the boss), Keith, and our new Assistant Supervisor, Jim Gotcher onsite that evening.  (My apologies if I misspelled Jim's last name.)   I had just made rounds and Frank sent me in the office to watch the board as the guys were changing towers, pressuring up the ethylene.  Suddenly there was a large blast, the reflection of the fire could be seen on the wall of the building, then all was dark except the fire on Well 4. 

   I remember running out the door of the building and calling for Frank.  When I found him, he sent me back in the building to call 911.  Keith was not with them.  I called 911 and asked for an ambulance as directed.  I went back outside and there was Keith, lying on the ground with nothing on but his belt, arms and legs contracted.  His clothes were burned off of him.  He was talking.  I heard Frank tell someone that we had lost a man, which was crazy, because we were all accounted for.  Keith had burns over 90% of his body. 

   He died the next morning.  Keith was 23 and had two children and a wife.  His little girl was 5 years old, I believe, and his little boy was maybe 2.  Keith's birthday was December the 5th.  He didn't live to see his 24th birthday.


RIP, Keith.

From the Baytown Sun:

 Keith Francis, a 23-year-old father of two, died of injuries  received in an explosion and fire at the Exxon Pipeline Terminal here Dec. 2. The Dayton man was reportedly the first person to be killed in an industrial accident in recent memory in the Mont Belvieu area . A company spokesman said Francis and two olher men were standing near an elhylene dryer when the device exploded. The blast threw the other two men clear while Francis was enveloped in the fireball. He was rushed lo San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, where doctors labored for nearly an hour in a vain effort to save his life. He was then taken by helicoptei lo John Sealy Hospital in Galveslon, where he died the next morning. The company spokesman said a preliminary investigation showed the explosion was ca ed by "equipment failure." He said a line in the dryer burst under pressure and added the reason for the ruplure would not be known until the piece of pipe undergoes metallurgical tests. Those lesls have not been completed

ANGEL BISCUITS

ANGEL BISCUITS

 

1 package regular or quick-acting active dry yeast

2 T warm water (105 - 115 degrees)

1/2  C shortening

1/2  C butter, cold and cubed

5 C all-purpose flour

1/4 C sugar

3 t baking powder

2 t salt

1 t baking soda 

2 C buttermilk

Dissolve yeast in warm water in small bowl.  In separate 4 quart bowl, cut shortening and butter into flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda with pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs.  Stir in buttermilk and yeast mixture until dough leaves side of bowl (dough will be soft and sticky).

Turn dough onto generously floured surface.  Gently roll in flour to coat; shape into ball.  Knead lightly 25 - 30 times, sprinkling with flour if dough is too sticky.  Roll or pat 1/2 inch thick.  Cut with 2 1/2 inch round cutter.  Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.  Cover and let rise in warm place until double.  (1 - 1 1/2 hours)  I like to brush with margarine at this step.

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Bake until golden brown.  12 - 14 minutes.  Immediately remove from cookie sheet.  2 1/2 dozen biscuits. 

enjoy.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com  and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

LETTER TO MY OLDER SISTER

LETTER TO MY OLDER SISTER

   Thank you for your gift.  As I was distraught about my current financial situation, my God told me not to worry, that He had this.  I couldn't concentrate on anything but that the bills are overdue, no food in the house, no gasoline in my tank, my Mother was out of Diet Coke and there is $3.40 in the bank.  He repeatedly told me, "Don't worry.  Keep your focus on Me".  I was directed to Matthew 6: 25-34. 

   Of course, in my flesh, I cried, "But Lord..."  Blood pressure was up, anxiety was out of control.  He repeated and said, "focus on Me."  He gave me Luke 12: 6, telling me how important I am to Him.

   Then He told me that I have accepted His mission of caring for my parents.  He said, "When I give you an assignment and you accept, I will provide a way for you to complete your mission.   After all, My Name is Jehovah Jireh, The Lord will provide.  Keep your focus on Me.  All things will be added to you."

   I tell you, though, that is one tough battle.  When the waves are tossing the boat and water is coming in over the sides, you just know you are going to drowned.  

   But, I went to bed in His loving arms.  Jesus is in this boat with me, so I will not capsize, in fact, I will walk on water!  May He ever be praised!  Amen!

What are your thoughts?

You can also find Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com

MAMA'S SOUR CREAM CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

My Mama's Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (10 3/4 oz) can chicken broth, undiluted (or water from boiled chicken)
2 cubes chicken bouillon (only if used with water from boiled chicken)
salt (to taste)
3/4 cup water
1 (8 oz) carton commercial sour cream
1 cup roasted Hatch green chile (peeled and ground up in Cuisinart) or 2 cans jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
12 corn tortillas
Vegetable oil
3/4 cup chopped cooked chicken
2 cups (8 oz) shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese mix, divided

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add chicken broth (or water from boiled chicken) and water; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in sour cream and green chile or chopped peppers. Add salt to taste. Lightly grease a 12x8x2 inch baking dish; set aside dish.
Fry tortillas, one at a time, in 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet 5 seconds on each side or just until tortillas are softened; add additional oil, if necessary. Drain on paper towels.
Take baking dish and layer ingredients as such: Tortillas, chicken, cheese, sauce. Do this until baking dish is almost full and then cover the top with sauce and cheese. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

You are also invited to visit Oma at www.http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com  and www.http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com.  

COME TO ME ALL YE WHO ARE HEAVY BURDENED

COME TO ME ALL YE WHO ARE HEAVY BURDENED

   I was talking with a lady yesterday who was trying to deal with a traumatic experience with her son.  He was an only son and he had died a couple of years ago.  She did not share all of the details surrounding his death with me, but I had understood that he had taken his own life.  The lady goes to church and claims to be a Christian.  I had understood that she has been caring for her son's child since his death.

   As I talked with the lady, I asked her if she had been reading http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com,  as I had given her one of my business cards with the address on it.  She said she had not.  She was talking, though, about going on a spiritual retreat.  That should be of some help, I agreed.

   Then, she admitted that she had contacted a medium to try to resolve her issues surrounding her son.  Really?  Why would any Christian turn to a second rate source of comfort?  Why would she not read the Bible and bask in the love of Jesus?  Really?  A medium?  My heart was heavy for her.

   At this point in history, in this country, we are privy to a number of sources to learn about and enjoy the vast love of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  I will stand straight up, toe to toe with you, and look you in the eye, unflinching, and declare that my God is real.  All of the Apostles, while living, would have done the same.  If you are "called by His Name", He is the One to turn to when you have unresolved issues, issues that weigh you down.  He says, "Come to me all ye who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest."  That is so true.  

  

You are invited to leave a comment with your thoughts.  No comment is published without review.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com  and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

PIZZA HUT--RACIST?

PIZZA HUT---RACIST?

   So, I described what happened with Ticketmaster recently, but let me tell you what happened yesterday:

   I was in town doing some errands when I decided to go by Pizza Hut and order a pizza.  Pizza is not part of my usual diet.  I very rarely eat pizza.  But, yesterday, I figured I would order one while I was knocking out a few things I needed to do, then I would swing by and pick up the pizza on my way back home.

   I pulled up to the drive in window and asked if I could place an order.  "Sure, what is your phone number?"

   "No, I will pay for it now and be back to pick it up."

   "Well, I need your phone number in case there is something wrong with the pizza."

   "Are you intending to send me on my way with a defective pizza?"

   "No, it is the computer."

   "All I want to do is order a pizza.  Can I order a pizza?"

   "Not without a phone number."

   So I thanked the idiot and drove away.

  

   If we are racist when we expect people to identify that they are who they say they are in order to vote; we discriminate against people when we don't serve them due to OUR religious beliefs, then, what is a business called that won't do business with someone without a phone number?  No, I mean instead of stupid!  Would you say Pizza Hut is racist?  Does Pizza Hut discriminate on the basis of gender?  Do they discriminate on the basis of age?  (I am an old woman.)  I need to ask my liberal friends how to label this company.

You are invited to leave a comment with your thoughts.



TICKETMASTER-SEXIST

TICKETMASTER-SEXIST

 

   I purchased tickets to I-heart music festival through Ticketmaster recently.  I tried for a long time to get the one on Sept. 21st in the evening and could not get through before they were sold out.  I discovered they sold out in less than a minute.  There just seems like there is something fishy about that already, don't you think?  I ended up with tickets for the 10am show.  Which, at my age, is probably better, anyway.  I don't like being out after dark.

   When I discovered that the show was in the parking lot, AND Miley Cyrus will perform, I called for a refund.  I don't like WalMart, why in the world would I pay somebody so I could go stand in a parking lot to see naked women?  That is absurd!  And I have had enough of naked Miley.   (Picture is from "No Hope for the Human Race on facebook.  This is what I see in my mind when I hear Miley Cyrus)


 
I talked with Alicia and was denied the refund.

   An unnamed source told me that they had received a refund for that same show.  It was not a full refund, but they did get the refund.  So, I called back a few days later and asked for a refund. 

   This time, I talked with Ivan or something.  He told me that the policy had not changed since I had initially phoned and that I was stupid as $!#@% for thinking that just because I had called back that I would get the refund.  O.K....he did not curse, but he was verbally belittling.  He said that there was a no refund policy and he could not change it. 

   I let him know that someone else had received a refund and I told him how much the refund was and I understood that I would not receive the full refund since it was more than 72 hours since I had purchased the tickets.  He did not care how long it had been but there would be no refund on those tickets at all per company policy.

   So, since I knew how much the other refund was for, you would think that SOMEONE would take a minute and look it up, or consult their supervisor, or step back and listen, or something!  Not this guy.  I believe he is part of the "war on women" and I have had enough of Ticketmaster.

   Ticketmaster seems to have a monopoly on tickets to events, but I will not buy from them any more.  I don't need to support a sexist company.  That is my policy.

 

You are welcome to leave a comment with your thoughts.

 

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com. 

INSURANCE REFUND CHECK

INSURANCE REFUND CHECK

  I was sitting outside of my house the other day, visiting with one of my children, when I checked the mail box.  I don't receive mail at the mail box at my house, I pay the USPS for a secure mail box.  Inside the mail box at my house was a check from an insurance company.
 

    I contacted said insurance company and asked if there was some mistake, as I no longer worked for the company where I had their insurance.  Sandra told me that it was no mistake, she knew I no longer had that insurance and confirmed that the check was good.  She said it was a refund check.  That was on August 1st.  So, I took it to my bank.

   I explained my concerns to my banker and they told me that if the insurance company decided they had made a mistake, that they would just deduct that amount back out of my account after I deposited it. Well, who ever heard of such nonsense!  Who has the right to access your personal checking account and mess with it when THEY were at fault?!?

   So, I took the check to the bank on which it was drawn.  The teller told me there would be a $6.00 charge for cashing it and would I like to open a checking account with them?  No, I just wanted to cash the check, since I was told it was a refund check to me and that it was good.  The $6.00 charge was fine.
   There seemed to be a problem with her computer screen, so she called a guy over to look at it.  He apologized to me and said that the insurance company had their account set up to where no one could just cash one of their checks.  They had to be deposited in the recipient's personal accounts.
   With our government spying on us at the rate they are, why would I give an insurance company access to my personal checking account?  Why would they have it set up to where they have access to every one's checking account?  So many questions, not enough answers.
  I proceeded to tear up the check right there.  The guy could not believe I would tear up "a perfectly good check".  I let him know that it was not "perfectly good" if I could not get cash for it!  I mean, how stupid!
   I am currently in the process of sending the pieces of the check back to the insurance company.  Do I need to say what they can do with it?  I don't need an insurance company messing with MY personal checking account!  If they want to send me a refund, they can send a money order or cashier's check.

What are your thoughts?  No comments are published without review.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com.

COMPLAIN, WORRY, WHINE

COMPLAIN, WORRY, WHINE

 

 

   Complaining is like worrying.  It accomplishes nothing unless you are willing to take action to resolve the issue.  The only reason to worry is to identify an issue which is out of your control.  Once the problem is identified, then you take it to The One who has the capacity to fix it.  Let me say for the record, that Jesus said it best in Matthew 6: 25- 27

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  (NIV)


   There is a difference between complaining and "talking about it".  This is a subject that so many of us don't understand.  Sometimes, I want to talk about a problem I have identified.  I don't want anyone to fix it, I want to talk about it to see what all the solutions are.  I want to ponder over it and perhaps pray about it and to determine if it is worth the bother to fix.
   Now to complaining.  If you have a headache and mention it to me, I might say it is a complaint.  In the medical field, we call it a complaint when you tell us there is a problem.  A complaint in these terms is not whining, it is a complaint.  So, if you complain to me, I will ask you what action you have taken to cope with the issue.  If you tell me that you took no action, please DO NOT COMPLAIN TO ME!!!!! 
    In that regard, I also do not want to hear what you have to whine about.  Whining is mostly complaining about what someone else has done, is doing, or what you think they should be doing.  I have no patience with whining.

What are your thoughts?  No comment is published without my expressed approval.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com.


WEIGHT LOSS

WEIGHT LOSS

   I am not a vain person.  I am perfectly content with who I am, so I don't worry about how others perceive me.  Weight is not something I have struggled with.  In fact, I have gained a few pounds in the last 20 years and I look great!

   But then, a couple of weeks ago, The Baby came through and dropped a subtle hint that I might look a little better if I lost some weight.  I let him know right quick that I love who I am and that I look fine.

   Then, I saw the photos of me at my middle son's wedding.  Ooops!  I looked like the Pillsbury Doughboy's Grandma.  Oh, I had a big smile on my face BUT......

   Then I got into Herbalife.  It is incredible how the pounds are melting away!  I was not even really committed to losing until I weighed in that first week.  Now it is like my birthday every week. I get up every Thursday and run to the bath scales.  What a treat.  My goal is to lose at least 40 pounds by Christmas.  I think that is a very realistic goal.

    I was faced with heartache and dilemma, though.  After I started Herbalife, I discovered a great big hole in my favorite khaki  pants.  Do I replace them or wait until I lose my targeted weight?  Oh, what to do.  I really liked those pants.  Then I got a great idea!  I went to the closet and brought my Wranglers out.  There!  Who wouldn't prefer bluejeans over khakis any day?  Back to the big smile on my face!

   This is beginning to be a great adventure.

What about you?  Have you considered returning to the smaller version of you?  I would love to discuss the perfect path for you to take to achieve your weight loss goal.   Leave me a message here, or go to www.herballife.me. and see for yourself.  No comments are published without my permission, so your information is secure and confidential.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com.   See you there!

DIVERSIFY YOUR INCOME

DIVERSIFY YOUR INCOME

   In the late 1970's-early 1980's, the great State of Texas found herself in a quandary.  We had invested heavily in the oil industry and the bottom fell out.  Oil prices were going up and jobs in the oil fields were drying up.  There were many who were laid off.  

   Texas is back on top today in the field of jobs because she diversified.  She is no longer solely dependent on oil as her only source of income.

   The county in Texas where I live has an increase in the monthly unemployment rate from 8.4 percent in April, 2013 to 9.2 percent in May.  Statewide, the unemployment rate is unchanged at 6.9 percent.  My concern is for my family, friends, and neighbors, who live in my county.

   What do you do with this information?  In reality, this advise is for ANYONE who depends on INCOME to live:  DIVERSIFY YOUR INCOME.  

   How do you diversify your income?  That is just another way of saying that you want several streams of income.  Not everyone can go out and buy another house to receive rental income.  Not everyone trusts the stock market after the 2008 crash.  So what, then, do you do?

   I decided to get involved in sales.  What could you do with an extra $175.00/month?  $1000.00?  $2000.00 and more?  Would you invest it?  Save it?  Pay down some debt?  Support your family?  Support your church?  Buy precious metals?  One hundred seventy five dollars a month for a year is $2100/annually.  Would two thousand dollars help your current situation?

   The bottom line is this:  I recommend you start now.  If you have a headache, I would recommend a Tylenol.  If you depend on money to live, I recommend that you diversify NOW.  The longer you wait, the more you lose.

What are your thoughts?  If you want to contact me, leave a comment.  They do not get published without my approval, so your information is secure and confidential.  Thank you.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogpsot.com, http://omashealth.blogspot.com, and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com. 

 

THE WEDDING EVENT OF 2013

THE WEDDING EVENT OF 2013

   Tony and Michelle were wed July 4, 2013.  You may not have seen it on television, or read about it on the WWW, but I was there and witnessed it.  The biggest celebrity wedding of 2013....maybe not to you, but to me.  You see, no one in the national spotlight is more important than my family.  You can have Kim, Brittany, and Alex.  I'll take David, Tony, and Todd over any you can name.....even Michael Jordan!

   So, this was a big event.  I added a daughter to my family, not a daughter-in-law.  To understand how that happened, we can go back to the Book of Genesis, Chapter 2, when God made woman.

    Let us pick up the story of creation in verse 20:b:  But for Adam no suitable helper was found. (21) So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, He took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh.  (22) Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man.

   (23) The man said, "This is now bone of my bones

                                    and flesh of my flesh;

                                    she shall be called 'woman,

                                    for she was taken out of man."

(24) For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and THEY WILL BECOME ONE FLESH.  (NIV)

   Jesus, Himself confirmed that married couples are one in the eyes of The Lord in Matthew 19:  (4) "Haven't you read," He replied, "that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, (6) and said, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, AND THE TWO WILL BECOME ONE FLESH'?  (6) So they are NO LONGER TWO, BUT ONE.  (NIV) Therefore Tony and Michelle are no longer Tony and Michelle, separately, but they are Tony and Michelle, one....married.  Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."  (NIV)

   God created the male and the female uniquely to "come together as one flesh".  No law or political party can improve on what my Lord has done.

   Then, we see in Ecclesiastes 4, that (9) two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: (10) if one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  (11) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  But how can one keep warm alone?  (12) Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)
   The marriage covenant is between the two (husband and wife), but a cord of three strands is stronger than a strand of two.  God is the third strand.  But make no mistake, when Michelle became "one" with my son, she became "blood of my blood", so that makes the cord with four strands...it includes me.  Also, what I have always told my son applies to her:  I may not always approve of your actions, but you will always be mine.  I will always love you....unconditional love....with all your warts (imperfections, poor choices, etc.).

   This was not my wedding, but I vow that I will do all in my power to love and cherish this little girl who captured my son's heart.  She is my family now.  I will pray for their marriage all the days of my life.  I also vow that I will do all in my power to protect her and their marriage.  Woe to the one, whether flesh and blood or powers and principalities,  who attempts to come between them.  Amen!

What are your thoughts?

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com.



RESULTS OF DIVORCE/SINGLE PARENT HOMES

RESULTS OF  DIVORCE/SINGLE PARENT HOMES

   We are all familiar with some of the obvious affects of divorce:  the shame, distrust, heartache of the divorced spouse and the children.  One spouse is selfish and has decided to break the vows he made.  The other spouse is devastated.  The children blame themselves.  Even worse is when the parents don't marry at all.  One person uses the other for his pleasure and then shirks any responsibility for his actions.

   As time goes on,  everybody's spirit flounders.  Marriage is the first sanctioned covenant by God.  The family is to be where we are nurtured to seek a meaningful relationship with God.  Satan's job is to destroy the family, thus destroying God's plan for His children to have joy and prosperity.
   We all are aware of the struggles of the children of divorce, single parent homes.  God COMMANDED that we "honor our father and mother that it may go well with us..."  That is often a lifetime struggle.  Satan wins.
   Prosperity disintegrates.  When families stay together, there is property and savings that are accumulated during a lifetime together, life insurance, that the children can build upon.  Divorce dissolves wealth.  Satan wins.
   It has come to my attention recently that there is another aspect of divorce that is rarely mentioned:  Divorced spouses don't care for each other in their senior years like married spouses do.  The divorced spouse becomes the responsibility of the children, often when the children have their own children to care for.  That results in even more loss of prosperity.  It may also make it that much harder to "honor your father and mother", as resentment sets in.
   All the good things that God had for us is gone when marriage is not important. 
   It is a choice for each of us...God or Satan.  Who will you serve?  Make your decision carefully, for another entire generation depends on it.

What are your thoughts?

You are also welcome to visit with Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com. 
 

ALL THINGS WORK TO THE GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE LORD

ALL THINGS WORK TO THE GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE LORD

   My baby brother phoned me yesterday to let me know he would be coming by my house this morning to help me load the lawn mower into my truck.  This is common for us.  It is his mower and he has graciously allowed me to borrow it on occasion.  So, he was here early today and we loaded the mower and I drove it to his house.  We don't live in the same town.  He lives in the same town as my Dad.
   Since I was driving around this morning, I decided to deliver some invitations to my Dad and Niece before I went back home.  I left my brother's house and started for my niece's house.  On the way, I caught a glimpse of my Dad's truck, so I detoured to his house.  He is not usually out of the house this early.
   I pulled up behind his truck and retrieved the invitation for him and gave it to him.
  He told me that there was a bank robbery where he banks.  He had just come from there and was not allowed to access his account.  He said he usually goes by and gets a hundred dollars when his cash in his pocket gets low.
   I asked him what he was doing up so early and discovered that he had an hour drive today for a check up at his doctor's office.  I asked him if he needed anything and he repeated that the bank was inaccessible.  It happens that I had a little cash with me and was able to help with the expenses.
   I left and journeyed on to my niece's house to deliver her invitation.
   Now, what does all of this mean?  What is the purpose of this post?


   "All things work to the good of those who love The Lord."  I don't believe it was an accident that my brother came by THIS morning for his mower.  I also don't believe it was an accident that my Dad was driving in that particular spot at that particular time of the day so I would see that he was awake.  I believe that God was directing this orchestra this morning and I reveled in it. I enjoy His attention to detail, and sometimes He opens my eyes and lets me see it. 
  

   What are your thoughts?


 

  

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

   I am a mother and a grandmother.  I love each of my sons the most, but differently, as each is different from the other.  I give my love to them and have since before they were born.  They do not need to earn my love, it is given freely and abundantly.  I long for a close relationship with each of them separately and collectively.  Relationships, though, take time and effort.  You pretty much get out of them what you put into them.

   I am mortal.  Knowing how I love my children and how I long for a relationship with them, how much more My Father in Heaven loves them!  He created them.  He has loved them since the beginning of time!  He must long for them to "come by and have a cup of coffee" with Him.  Even taking an hour a week to walk into His House must thrill Him.  Opening up His Word must put a smile on His face.  And actually talking with Him?.....just pick up the phone!  (prayer)

   My God has no grandchildren.  We are either His child or we are not.  His relationship with us is not through our parents, but personally, intimately ours.  I love my grandchild, but I did not give birth to her.  She has the most intimate relationship with her parents who raise her.  She is with them, learning who they are, obeying them, spending the most time with them.  I am the grandmother, who she spends time with occasionally.

   How little we do for God.  We cannot earn His love, any more than we can earn the love of our parents, spouses, or children.  He gives His love freely and undeserved.  We can have warts and He looks past them to our souls.  He knows what is in our hearts.  He knows our potential.  To Him, we are each so beautiful.

   How wonderful is my God, my Father!  I am blessed with a body that is conducive to having a relationship with Him....I can walk, read, think, etc.  These are blessings from Him and I will use them to rest in His love. 

What are your thoughts?

You are invited to visit with Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

TOUCHING LIVES

TOUCHING LIVES

   My Sugar woke up late this morning after having a restless night last night.  I sprang out of bed and ran to the kitchen to get his lunch together for him to take with him to work.  We don't want him to starve, now do we?  Of course not.  It is my pleasure to fuss over him.  Even the little things like getting his lunch packed for the day is still fussing over him.  So, he still left the house late heading for work.  It stormed here last night, so I encouraged him to take his time and be careful.  Of course, I tell him that most mornings, anyway.

   As it happened, I turned on the television to check out the radar.  The signal for my favorite local station was weak, so I had to settle for another station.  I hate to settle for anything.  I am heir to The Throne...I am royalty.  I should never have to settle, but that is a story for another time.  The news was on and the reporter was talking about a wrong way crash this morning on my Sugar's work route.  My ears perked up.  A truck was involved and the driver had died.

   Never mind the radar.  There is a photo of the truck.  It was a crew cab truck.  I did not notice that, but I did notice it was not a single cab.  I know my Sugar is saved.  I am confident of this fact.  Oh, that I could be that sure about some other members of my family.

   The one who lost their life this morning was a girl/woman/female.  My Sugar was alive.  It was a crew cab truck.  But the fact is, that for a moment, this girl touched MY life.   I don't know that I know her.  I don't know her name.  Her name has not been released.  But this morning, she touched my life.  The traffic was backed up for hours.  I am sure my Sugar was late for work this morning, along with many others.  This lady touched many lives this morning and I am sure she didn't know many of us. 

   During the course of any day, how many lives do we touch?  We are in contact with people at the bank, the store, in the neighborhood, our family members, and those whose lives they touch.  If we add to someone's stress, how are they going to treat the next guy?  If we make them laugh, how are they going to treat the next guy?  None of us live in a bubble.  We impact lives of people we know and those we don't know every day.  It is up to us to positively impact these people.  What an enormous task!  

What are your thoughts?

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com and http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com. 

THE GIRLS OF SUMMER

THE GIRLS OF SUMMER

   I attended the opening day at my grandbaby's ball team on Saturday.  It is coach-pitch, no T-ball here.  It was a double-header.  Excitement mounted.  When it was her turn at bat, she pranced to home plate like a girl.  The uniform was a baseball uniform but there was no mistaking that the player was a girl.  It was so cute with her ponytail flopping from under her ball cap.  The opposing team was from the MLB.  They trounced this little girl team like they were from the pros.

   O.K., first game was over.  There was just over an hour until the second game.  Her team must not be "morning people".  These little girls decided to take charge.  At my age, I cannot tell the stats, numbers, names of the players, etc. but I can say that these girls came out of the gate like hungry bears after winter.  And My Grandbaby was awarded the "game ball" from game 2.  This was one proud Oma.  I am so proud of my Son, also, for investing the time into the child to allow her to participate in outside activities.  I know the amount of effort that takes.

   And a good time was had by all.

You are welcomed to leave a comment and share your experience about you with your grandbaby.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

THE MOST PRECIOUS COMMODITY

THE MOST PRECIOUS COMMODITY

   These last few days has found me contemplating the most precious commodity one can possess.  There is gold, silver, platinum, other precious metals, there is the atomic bomb, a mansion, land, oil, etc.  Actually, land is one of the few things, along with precious metals, that is not being manufactured.  What would you say is the most precious commodity?

   I have come to the realization that there is one commodity that you can say you will make it, buy it, make the most of it, invest it and spend it.  You can say all of this but you are given a certain portion of this and you can never get more of it.

   I am referring to time.  As I grow older, I am realizing more often just how precious this commodity really is.  My parents will both be 84 years old this year.  It is my pleasure to spend my time talking with them and doing for them.  I am investing my time in my relationship with them while there is still time that I can spend with them.

   When I was younger, I invested my time in raising my children.  I have the best sons any mother can have.  I have always been their biggest fan.  Each is unique.  I love each one of them the most.  Even at their lowest, each one was my favorite, knowing their potential.  I don't spend as much time with them today, because of obligations of life, but I do invest time praying for each of them by name daily...sometimes more than once daily.  So, along with time, I also spend a lot of my love on them.

   Relationships require a lot of time.  What is your most important relationship?  Your relationship with your spouse, your parents, your children, your siblings?  The most important relationship that you can invest your time in is the one with your Creator.  Jesus sacrificed His time for me.  He sacrificed His riches for me.  He sacrificed His life for me.  Is there a more important relationship ever?

   Sacrificing time is when you go above and beyond what is expected of you. I believe that is an assignment from God, to sacrifice for His children.   It is nice to receive recognition for this sacrifice.  The recognition is not always forthcoming in this life, but I believe it is a treasure that is being stored in Heaven.  I hope to be able to give this treasure to my God when I see Him, along with the crowns I may earn here. 

   Time.  As mine grows shorter, it gets more precious.  Lord, help me to invest it wisely.

What are your thoughts?

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

   

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

My Daughter-in-Law made the best chicken and dumplings I have tasted.  She shared her recipe with me:

3-5 lb. chicken

2 1/4 C. original Bisquick mix

2/3    C. heavy whipping cream for dumplings

about 1/2 C. heavy whipping cream for soup

1 lb. frozen carrots and peas  (optional)

Boil chicken in large soup pot until done.  You may add bullion to taste if you only cook chicken breast instead of a whole chicken.  Cool and de-bone.  Add meat back to pot.  Mix Bisquick mix and 2/3 C. heavy whipping cream.  Add vegetables to water.  Bring to boil.  Drop dumplings by teaspoonfuls into boiling water.  reduce heat; cook uncovered 10 minutes.  Add additional whipping cream to make it creamy.  Cover;  cook 10 minutes longer.  Enjoy.

Let me know what you think of this one.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

CHOCOLATE-CHERRY CAKE

CHOCOLATE-CHERRY CAKE

   Are you looking for a special treat for your Valentine?  Here is a recipe for a small cake that will win any heart:

1 2/3 C. all-purpose flour

1        C. sugar

1/4     C. cocoa

1         t. baking soda

1/2      t.  salt

1/3    C. chopped almonds

3/4    C. water

1/4    C. maraschino cherry syrup

1/3    C. vegetable oil

Heat oven to 350 degrees.   Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, almonds, and salt with fork in an ungreased square pan (8X8X2)--I would bake this in one of those square aluminum throw-away pans.  Mix in remaining ingredients.  *if your Sweetheart has issues with nuts, simply omit adding the almonds.

Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  35 to 40 minutes.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, or frost with creamy cherry frosting below:

3 C. powdered sugar

1/3 C. margarine or butter, softened

1 1/2 t. vanilla

2 T. maraschino cherries,  drained and chopped

about 2 T. milk

may add 2 drops red fool coloring

Beat powdered sugar and margarine.  Add vanilla, 1 T milk, and cherries.  Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency.  May add other tablespoon of milk if needed.

For Valentine's Day, top with Cella's Chocolate Covered Cherries or shaved chocolate bar or with Valentine M&M's.

You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

  

ICE CREAM CONE CUP CAKES

ICE CREAM CONE CUP CAKES

   One of the babies asked me if I would help her bake some cookies for her class for her Christmas party last year.  She has three other siblings in school.  I told her I would.  As the day approached for us to bake the cookies, her siblings decided they also wanted to bake for their classes.  There were about 20 children in each class....multiply by four.  The oldest of the siblings is nine years old. AAARRRGGGG!!!!!!

   We made cookies until the cows decided not to ever come home again and we were still short.  The Mom got in the mix.  I asked her if ice cream cone cup cakes would be acceptable for the youngest sibling.  She had never baked them, so I helped her:

one box cake mix - any flavor
flat bottom ice cream cones
frosting

Mix cake as per directions on box.  Stand ice cream cones in rectangle cake pan 11 X 9 X 3.  Fill cones about 2/3 full with cake mix.  Bake at suggested temperature for as long as directed for cup cakes.  Cool.  Then frost with desired frosting.

   I told the Mom that the school kids would probable just lick the frosting off the cup cakes and then forget about them.  When she came in after the party, she said that the kids in that class even ate the cones!  They were really impressed with her creativity.

   All went well.

   UPDATE:  I have found a baking rack for the ice cream cone cakes.  It goes into the oven and the cones stay in it to cool.  It is even handy to frost the cones in.  Technology is good!

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.



COCONUT CREAM PIE RECIPE

COCONUT CREAM PIE RECIPE

9 inch baked pie shell

2/3 C sugar

1/4 C cornstarch

1/2 t salt

3   C milk

4   egg yolks, slightly beaten
2  T margarine or butter, softened

2   t vanilla

3/4 C + 1/4 C flaked coconut

1  C sweetened whipped cream

Bake pie shell.  Mix sugar, cornstarch and salt in saucepan.  Gradually stir in milk.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils.  Boil and stir 1 minute.  Stir at least half of the hot mixture gradually into egg yolks.  Stir into hot mixture in saucepan.  Boil and stir one minute more;  remove from heat.  stir in margarine, vanilla and 3/4 C of the coconut.  Pour into pie shell;  press plastic wrap onto filling.  Refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 48 hours.

Remove plastic wrap; top pie with whipped cream and remaining coconut.  Refrigerate any remaining pie immediately.   8 servings; 485 calories per servings.

Chocolate cream Pie:

Increase sugar to 1 1/2 cups and cornstarch to 1/3 C; omit margarine and coconut.  Stir in 2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate, cut up, after stirring in milk.  Top pie with whipped cream.

This recipe is from my Betty Crocker's Cookbook.  The coconut cream pie is my youngest son's favorite dessert.  He does not like the task of stirring the filling over the heat until it thickens, as it takes several minutes.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.