Time Square Church, A Good Sermon by Carter Conlon and a Recipe by Adorable Clara (edited my addition)

 

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Things have been busy lately, just doing life and feeling rather behind (really behind) on things but I thought this sermon was definitely worth sharing.   I have a special place in my heart for Time Square Church in New York, this is where David Wilkerson was pastor.  You can find many of the late David Wilkerson's sermons online too.

I remember years ago when our little girls were small I called for prayer, I had suddenly lost my step-daddy of a heart attack and then we  moved to the country as scheduled,  unknowing that sad tragic event of losing my step dad was going to happen, everything was so new to me, my friends were long distance and you can imagine. My two little girls lost their best friend.  My baby at the time was not going to know Al, my step dad. It was bad, very bad.  

 

 My little baby, a toddler would run up to silver haired men at the grocery store and put her little arms around their legs thinking they were Al.  No one could relate to my huge loss because they hadn't lost anyone at their youngish adult age.  I would walk in a room full of people and feel so alone, trying to visit new churches was almost cruel for me because people just didn't know us or what I had recently been through, and if they did know they didn't seem to understand.  

 

As I called for prayer, a lady answered the phone and she talked just like David Wilkerson and shared with me her similar experiences as I was going through and her private adventures with God....Her name was Ruth, she was David Wilkerson's sister and was so kind to me that day back in '91. 

 

I'll always remember her sharing her adventures as she and her dog would go on prayer walks in also in the country as she would talk to the Lord and back then she would go on adventures with God even going to the Christian bookstore asking for God's guidance.  

 

I still think of Ruth and I too have adventures with God here in the country as He leads, guides and loves me as a wonderful Father listening to His little girl. 

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Here's a neat recipe from beloved Clara, my Italian wannabe friend, I smile, she is just so typical of the more sweet and down-to-earth Italians. 

 

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EDIT:  4.18.22   I added a couple of splashes of Mezzetta pasta gravy, a little spinach, a little asparagus and served our soup over gluten free spaghetti.   Enjoy! 

EDIT: 4.19.22   I'm going to try it over  buttered toast next!  That sounds pretty good actually, it might be better than over pasta. Stay tuned.

 

Photo by Robert Stock

I hope all is well with all, oh my goodness, I'm gardening, sewing, cooking, all the while enjoying finding new recipes etc. but also feeling a bit discouraged and overwhelmed with keeping up with other work here.

  On the bright side, I think this photo is so cute of two of our little grandsons...they have discovered MiMi's push button light.  They look like two little farmers!

 

I hope you enjoy the Carter Conlon sermon, he is a more tried and true established pastor.  

 

Today I think of Jesus and what He did for me on the cross, what a Savior and what a Friend we have in Jesus. 

  If this blog is an encouragement and is beneficial to you please leave a brief comment, I appreciate that so very much.

Peas and Pasta. A Good Healthy Dish all the Way from the Depression.

 Hello Everyone, I thought you may like this recipe.  We eat this pretty often, I can remember a great aunt saying when she was expecting way back in the early early 50s she would crave Peas and Pasta in the morning for breakfast!   Our daughter, Zuzu would also crave this when pregnant and makes this quite often for normal suppers too now.  Her husband and their little three year old are fans of this recipe as well.

Vintage photos by Robert Stock

During the Great Depression people ate simply.  My most wonderful and precious Italian step-daddy would tell me how when he was a young man in New York in the Bronx, in their family, only on Sunday could they afford to use tomatoes in their pasta gravy.  Usually it was just fried onion in olive oil with pasta, but no tomatoes.  After dinner he and his many brothers would walk down the street in their white t-shirts purposely with tomato gravy smeared on the front to show they had tomatoes in their pasta gravy by golly and they were proud of that, yes, that is how things were during the Depression.  

Here is my traditional family recipe:

Peas N' Pasta

You can use canned or frozen green peas.   You drain the peas and save the liquid if canned.  You saute fresh garlic cloves, more than several maybe an entire pod in a liberal amount of olive oil.   Do not saute them until brown that makes them bitter.  My Italian grandma will warn from Heaven if you do that!  lol  I saute mine just until fragrant.  Then you add your peas and saute those a bit.  You may add more garlic powder.  You add some salt and pepper as well, if you have reserved pea juice from can, you can now throw that in the pan.    In the meantime you boil your pasta, spaghetti is best or elbows and shells if you have those on hand already (you can salt that water if desired), when done, drain pasta save the pasta water.   Combine the garlic, pea and olive oil mixture with the pasta.   Then you can add some of that good pasta water, it will help thicken your dish as well.  You serve this in a bowl, it will be soupy.   My husband loves to sprinkle Italian cheese on top of his, Parmesan usually.  I use a vegan cheese if needed or goat cheese but no cheese at all is fine too.   My Grandma would usually use Romano sprinkled on top.  That's it!   Peas N' Pasta!  

(Our daughter, Zuzu sometimes uses lentils with the peas)

My grandma would usually serve this with fresh sliced french bread. No, she never served garlic bread.  And no mozzarella cheese, no-siree-bobbie.  Only the aged hard cheeses.  

My grandma and grandpa were true old world Italians, the sweetest most down to earth people ever.  They were not interested in showing their worth in their cars it was shown from their generous hearts.

My grandma was from Naples, Italy.  My grandpa was from Bisaquino, Sicily, the same village that Frank Capra was from, his family is mentioned in one of Frank Capra's biographies.

I usually use Ancient Harvest, Tinkyada pasta or Banza, something like that, because I do not do well with any kind of wheat.

When I was a little girl I would hear of Uncle Marccuttia prounced (mar-Koo'-tia) He was the man who sold pasta from the macaroni company in downtown, he would go down to the waterfront and sell pasta to people like my Italian grandparents.  And then there was Cousin Phillip, he would sell the Italian cheese, the good kind.  They would buy Romano from him and Ricotta pronounced (Rig-O'ta) with a long o and short i.  Emphasis on 'ota' the long o sound.  

 

The lady below reminds me of some of the good old fashioned Italian relatives.  *big smile*   She is a darling and she has a different version but it sounds good too!

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I'm praying for all things that need praying for and I do not write that lightly.

For the past several years we've faced some heartbreaking things.  I'm stunned.  I've been stunned.  If you've read my blog in detail you understand.  

 

I thought these recipes would do us all some good.

 

 

Our Victor's Wreath will be in the Prayer Closet.   What would I do without Jesus? 

 

Here is an excerpt from the ending of a poem from my Streams in the Desert devotional this morning. ...

O paradox of Heaven.  The load

we think will crush was sent to lift us

Up to God!  Then, soul of mine,

Climb up!  Nothing can e'er be crushed

Save what is underneath the weight.

How may we climb!  By what ascent

Will we crest the critical cares

Of life!  Within His word is found

The key which opens His secret stairs;

Alone with Christ, secluded there,

We mount our loads, and rest in Him.   

~Mary Butterfield

 

 

 

Tonight for supper we will have vegan meatballs in marinara sauce, eggplant in marinara sauce and pasta.  I have two little frozen yeast rolls (the kind from the frozen section) rising as a little surprise for Jem, he loves those. 

I hope you enjoy the little old fashioned recipe above, it would be good to have those ingredients on hand I think.  

Take care All, til next time... I've been doing simple altering to some clothing, not doing fun-sewing as planned but it's rewarding to have well fitted wardrobe that is designed and made by me! 

 

 I'll close with this favorite of mine...I think it's beautiful...

 

  

Show N' Tell: Informative Podcast, Today in my Little World

Hi everybody, Here's just some things I would like to share.   Thanks so much for asking about my precious dog, Coffee.  It's so nice to be cared about the way you folks do.

 

Here's my Show n' Tell so to speak:

 

Podcast Episode #67.  March 2.  Dr. Peter Breggin   

Dr. Peter Breggin was one of the only doctors to speak out against lobotomy and now speaks out about other issues of our day. 

Do you like education?  I like to learn from who I see as trusted people.  Dr. Peter Breggin seems to be a good one for that.  That's also another reason I enjoy Dr. Ron Paul at times, I don't always agree with everyone all the time but we all know how that goes.

Photo, Robert Stock 

This little girl with her little expression could be me in my home.  I listen, I learn and I PRAY, I do things I like to do etc. sometimes i am decluttering, sometimes I'm cooking, sometimes I'm designing or sewing.  My fur angels here at the sanctuary take up a good amount of time, trust me.   I'm not withered or downcast.   I do like to stay informed however.  I do not like to frighten but I like to warn just like this little girl might do.  

 

 

Here's a quote from Dr. Breggin,  and I so understand exactly what he is talking about:

 

I get a look from a sweet, gentle person, male or female, nurse or doctor that turns to hatred.  And fierce, fierce anger that is quickly covered up and the conversation stops.   ~ Dr. Peter Breggin

This quote above is towards the end of the interview.

 

Here's the podcast:   HERE

Many scripture references there as well.

 

In My Kitchen:   

Oh it smells so good here!   I'm baking some vegan meat-a-ballas!  Yum!   I'm using the Gardein brand that I actually buy at Walmart in the frozen section.  They are delicious.   Aldis actually has a very good vegan meatball as well!   But they are hard to come by unfortunately over at Aldis probably  because they are good and reasonable! 

 

Photo, Robert Stock

So I'm doing vegan meatballs that will be sauteed in Mezzetta brand Marianara pasta gravy.  Americanis might call it sauce, real Italians call it gravy.  *big smile* 

 

 

In My Studio:

In the studio today I will be finishing up a blouse from some beautiful cotton fabric from Hobby Lobby.   I made an obi belt to define the waist and need to put a topstitch on that.  Then  I'm going to hopefully start cutting out a blue and white stripe top and skirt with obi belt.  Maybe I can get some pics of my projects.

 

Today Jem fasts and prays and is outside quite a bit.  I told him I needed to just relax today and do some art, it will be good for me today to do that.  I've already gone on a wonderful walk, oh so relaxing.

And you?

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Well, that's my blog, I'm trying not to spend loads of time but yet get some things off to share too, I enjoy it and hope you do too.  

Let me know how you all are doing!  I enjoy hearing from you all.  

 

So true!  That's pretty much how I try to run my blog here...It's who I am.  I try to be like a good Church, not worrying about numbers.  Speaking the truth in love and sensitivity as I sense the Holy Spirit leading.

If any of you have had prayer requests for yourselves or loved ones, humans or pets, if I saw it, I was there to pray and let you know I prayed, you can be assured of that.

 

Blessings!

A Personal Update from Ukranian Missionaries and More

Here is an update from Ukranian Missionaries, sent from my brother in law today, my brother in law who just lost his wife.  He was once a missionary and knows this pastor personally who sent it to him:

 

"Here is a report from Tim and Ellie who worked in Moldova so have on the ground contacts.  Guys, I'm going to keep posting updates on here where possible, as it so important that we all hear.

From a friend... 

Message sent by one of the pastors of Kharkiv

 

I want to inspire prayer books with the words of familiar soldiers and ordinary people from all over the war.  

 Warriors of Ukraine testify

'We feel your prayer support.  Sometimes something really inexplicable happens as if someone's invisible hand really takes bullets and shells away from us, and they fly past us.  We emerge victorious from very difficult situations, as if someone is accompanying us.  We become invisible to the enemy, we ourselves see even in complete darkness, and we know what to do it.  

It inspires us and gives us strength.

 

We believe that the Lord Jesus Himself is for Ukraine.  We ask you not to stop, support us and continue to pray.  

We really need you

 Come Lord Jesus, Come!!'"   

(three praying hands and two profusely weeping face emojis)

 

I thought some of you would value this most touching and heart wrenching, even encouraging update from our brothers and sisters in Christ over there as we lift them up in our constant prayers.

Edit: 3.29.22   We lift up all innocent people in both the Ukraine and Russia.  We're seeing this is a very, very complicated conflict that involves a lot, much concern on a lot of things....  Talk about a matter of prayer!

 

 

Thank  you SO MUCH for those who relayed their prayers towards our fur angel, Coffee Belle.

Yesterday.  

It's a miracle she was up and playing with the other doggies.  We are so praising the Lord!

.  I must brag on one of the sweet technicians at the new animal hospital we found, when I went in to tell Coffee bye-bye and that I would see her the next day...The precious lady, a very sweet and precious technician was laying down by her on the exam table with her head on Coffee to comfort her.  Wow, is that not wonderfully precious?  

Coffee Belle's History:   Our secondborn daughter, Joycie brought her home one day when she was showing a home back in the day.   Someone had dumped this precious girl and we nursed her back to health from mange etc.   I think at this point all of our pets are rescue animals except for two kitties born from a rescue mama cat.  They are all a blessing to our family. 

 

  

A recent evening sky here.

 

 

 

Closing with our beloved Keith Green, this was done in '82.  I was carrying our first little baby when we saw Keith Green in concert.  Keith Green died in a private plane crash just months later when I was five months along...I remember it like it was yesterday.

 

Enjoy, be blessed on this Sunday afternoon:

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God bless and be with you.  Peace be with you in Jesus name.

...Just Real Quick

...Just real quick.

 

That's what my daughters and I say when we call each other for a quick question or just to relay something quickly.

 

So this is going to be a quick blog.  ...Just real quick. 

 

But first we have coffee, ... or tea.  My mom and her mom, my Italian grandma would never have you in their home without offering a cup of coffee or glass of iced tea or something.  Even if it was real quick or a even a business call, they were just wired to make the other person feel comfortable.

 

I have coffee...I have iced hibiscus-peach tea, I have hot teas available, I love them all.   In the afternoon sometimes I have myself a cup of hot tea lately, it's so nice I think.

 

It's been stressful!   I knew it very well could be because I wrote about stress and that's usually how it goes.  

 

Our dog, Coffee went through a rough patch.  Our old vet's office is just not the same since he sold it and our pet almost died because of it.   Jem and I rushed our sweet Coffee as she was about to go into septic shock after a very bad chaotic vet's visit (you don't even want to know)  on to a new vet and it was so the Lord.  We found a vet, a new animal hospital right in our area and it was a beautiful thing.  I felt like Mary and Joseph frantically trying to find an inn!  The youngish vet there was very thorough and they even kept her overnight to watch our dear Coffee.   So great to see the farmers and the huge trailers leaving their horses for different issues, a precious little man who has worked for the same vets even in another town for years...shoeing the horses etc.   Coffee is home now, we're watching her closely and the Lord has been with us, it was a  bit frightening.   Let me just say, please research medicines and even research symptoms because if it wasn't for that, the first vet's office would not have even done an xray at all.  I was having to tell them what to do, I had to ask them if there was some sort of blockage because of recent symptoms that I had already told them.  They were trying to say that Coffee not using her back legs was arthritis which she does have but obviously if I'm telling them she's listless something is wrong!  Her bladder was huge, 3 times the normal size and she was not able to relieve herself!  

 

 

A Movie Suggestion:

We recently watched a very sweet movie, it's called Bright Road (1953)  At first Jem wasn't sure if he would like it, it does start differently, he thought it odd but after just a few minutes he said...This really is a sweet movie!  The movie focuses on C.T.  a darling little boy that many thought to be awkward but not...This little boy was a thinker, and oh there are some precious parts in the movie.    This movie was recently on the (regular antenna t.v.) Movies! channel.  It looks like it comes on the 26th at 12:25am if you would like to tape it.  Here's a link to Movies! channel schedule.

 

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In closing here is a beautiful song by Fernando Ortega.  We love Fernando Ortega's music.  This is so peaceful and so beautiful.   Jesus, King of Angels

Enjoy, be at peace:

 

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Take care friends, be at peace, as we look to the loving Prince of Peace.   

 

Psalms 91.  Read it slowly, let it sink in.  Closing with a thought-filled, pensive but gentle smile to you all. 

 

'It's On Us...' Let This Sink In

The following was most recently re-posted by our thirdborn daughter from what looks like a very right-on blog.   Our thirdborn daughter just delivered she and her husband's precious secondborn.  Our third most precious little grand-baby boy!

My heart was so touched by this truth, It is from this precious blog:   www.honestlyashleya.com

 

Here goes...Let this sink in...

 

 

It's On Us...

 

'I know your lipstick color is fab…

But has your child watched salacious filfth this week?

We’ve coddled distraction and adopted lackadaisical habits of shielding.

We’ve nodded at sorcery and winked at the sexual agenda.

Can I tell us….

it’s not on them to protect themselves from what the enemy is trying to encapsulate them with.

It’s not on them to stand when every other parent is giving in.

It’s not on them to weep in intercession in the wee hours of the night for their future…

It’s on us….

And at the risk of losing friends…

I must say we’re quite frankly too preoccupied with the latest trend to notice the latest demon coming after our children…

You’re making decisions right now, Mom….

Decisions that will have your grandchildren saying one of two things….

“Grandmother was a valiant warrior for the kingdom and our family peace is owed to that..”

Or

“Grandmother never could stand. She was too blinded by culture and attention to protect the anointing our family could have had…”

And that’s on you.

Tonight.

It’s on you this moment and it’s on you all of 2022.

We get to make this decision every single day until the days run out.

Are we watching over the ways of our household?….

Or…

are we watching over the ways of TikTok?

Are we sending forth the Holy Angels over our babies?….

Or

….are we sending forth another Snapchat?

Who viewed your story won’t matter 10 years from now if you’re fighting the gates of hell for your child.

Who liked your sultry selfie won’t even be remembered if you’re carrying the guilt of intercessory years wasted…

This is not a game…

Not a tournament…

Not a competition…

This is an occupation.

An honor.

So a reminder that…

Hell is consistently charging towards the goal of occupying their future…

And Momma, your prayer life just may be what’s standing in the way…'

 

www.honestlyashleya.com 

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Two of our little grandsons, big brother with his newborn baby brother, oh my heart.

May I be that grandmother who stood against the culture keeping a sweet, safe and peaceful home in the Lord, fighting in prayers and guarding over her family.

~Amelia

Christmas With The Chosen: The Messengers

This is beautiful especially on Christmas Eve as we are trying to keep our focus on the Lord in a pure and sweet simplicity.  

This is just one of the beautiful songs from 'Christmas With The Chosen:   The Messengers" 

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It's been quite a week, two veterinarian visits for two different dogs, a sleepless night with a little dog in pain, an infected eye in another causing great concern.  However the privilege of watching our precious grandson as we await his little brother!   A new baby boy born!  A precious, sweet little baby boy born just yesterday!  We rejoice!

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If you like the above song, and it ministers to your heart as it did ours, I think you will enjoy the entire program entitled 'Christmas With The Chosen:  The Messengers'.

 

It's being shown on tbn, in our part of the country. It will show again at 1 pm tomorrow, Christmas day, keep on the lookout for it, it may show several times, it will be worth it to look for.  You won't be disappointed.  

 

 

Here are a few excerpts in closing this Holy Eve from the book, My Favorite Christmas Story by  Roy Rogers:

I can't put it in fancy language, but I can say that He brought light and peace and something new and clean and fine into my life, and that's all the theology I need....

 

 Christmas is seeing time.  If you  can't see Him then, you may never see  Him.

 

 The really wise always come.... 

 

 

Have a sweet Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in all of it's beautiful simplicity.

God bless and be with you.  I feel the need to write that the Lord is there with you, He knows what it is like to be brokenhearted and to feel alone, He's felt every pain we have felt. Be encouraged and feel His love for you.

~Amelia