BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946) Perfect for Memorial Day, One of my Favorites.

Just want to drop a hint to a very appropriate movie for Memorial Day.   

 

Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

It's been said that this movie is the closest thing to what our soldiers went through when they arrived back home after WWII.

Excellent cast and let's remember that the actor, Harold Russell who plays Homer actually lost his hands in a military exercise.  

Best Years of Our Lives was the highest grossing film in the 40s since Gone with the Wind...

 

I never tire of this movie, the music score in itself is beautiful...And notice the sweet wedding in the movie at the end. (spoiler alert)  I see the materialism that has crept into things now and the keeping up with the Jones and it breaks my heart.  I'm flabbergasted at times at what people think is normal.

 

 

A Memory of Mine, My Mom taking a Stand Against Materialism:

I remember my mother back when I was in elementary school.  It was Valentines week and there was to be a Valentines party in our classroom.  

My mother was one of the ladies in charge and one of the other ladies from another state in the country who was quite free with her spending wanted to get very expensive favors for the girls that would have been around $2.50 each.  The expensive favors were lavish red velvet heart pillows with a stuffed elf on top with chocolates... we would say "over the top" in our now-a-days lingo.  This was  back in the middle 60s.  

My mother had to stand her ground and explain to this lady that the sweet, pretty little red plastic heart-shaped cases from the local dime store with a transparent snap cover, filled with conversation hearts would be more appropriate.  I was so proud of my mom!  It was a very delicate situation!   I'll never forget her standing there in our yellow and white 30s kitchen on our wall phone quietly, kindly, explaining to the lady on the phone.   I'll never forget my mom's kindness, firm but gentle, quiet-like stand. 

  

Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

So many life lessons in this movie...

 

 

My favorite WWII museum is in Fredericksburg, Texas.  It's the National Museum of the Pacific War.  We've been several times at least and I just absolutely love being there.  Can't get enough of that museum...Beautiful and honoring...educational and wonderfully done.

 

   

My mom and dad as many of you know. 

I miss my dad this time of year terribly, breaks my heart.  

 

Take care now...Until the next time...Let's lift our great country up in prayer.

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If you are a veteran, please know our family esteems and appreciates you greatly.

May we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

VERY GOOD SERMON FOR THE DAYS WE ARE IN. Highly Recommend!

This morning we listened to this sermon in the car, it's excellent!

If we don’t have a plan to escape the paganism in our culture, we will be swept into it. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson offers insight on how to strengthen our faith in a world that celebrates ungodliness and corruption.

   

Innocence by William Adolphe Bueguereau    There is such quiet strength and Peace in this painting.  Will we be like this?  Are we like this?  There is a quiet strength and power in a godly life...

 

Will we be a Joan of Arc in today's society?  

It's been a busy week...Two dogs with snake bites let's just say.  Our large hound actually had two of them at one time.  Eh hem.

I hope all is well and please know the Lord is Faithful.   

   

For those of us who are more intuitive and feeling, things can really get to us at times...Let's channel (cast our cares upon Him who cares for us) those deep feelings and realizations to the Lord, our Father.  I don't know what I would do without talking to the Lord.  We can talk to Him like a child to a good and kind Father. 

Psalms 91

 

Sharing This Most Poignant Movie: 'PENNY SERENADE' (1941) ...Thoughts

This is one of my all time favorite movies... If this movie doesn't touch one's heartstrings nothing will.   This movie never fails to bring tears to my eyes throughout for several reasons no matter how many times I see it.  One of the reasons is that it reminds me of the way my mother and father were many, many years ago when I was very tiny.  I was a very loved and very prayed for only child once upon a time. 

Another thing that grabs at my heart is how precious and sweet the culture was then.  We live in a time where there are so called 'Christian' movies made with all manner of curse words in them, God's name in vain even along with bedroom scenes, the proverbial poor frog in the pot of heating water.  We cannot believe what so called Christians will accept and allow in their homes!   

There is a scene in the movie, Penny Serenade that shows a school Christmas play, oh it's so beautiful, so sweet and innocent, the music and the angelic voices of the little children, so Christ centered.  Why don't people desire this any longer?  We do and we intend to keep our home in that very atmosphere, it's a much more peaceful way to live in a sweet spirit that honors the Father, where Jesus would be welcome and that God will bless.  I trained our daughters to also appreciate this sweet spirit, honoring Christ and I think they try to do that in their homes now.  We do not have to bow before this culture.  Why would we do that?

 

What is our plumbline?  Have we gone off course somehow?  Are we True North?   I hope and pray so.

 

  

Scene from Penny Serenade.  Irene Dunne, Cary Grant and wonderful Beulah Bondi..What is there not to love about this winning most wonderful combination?  Look at this wonderfully sweet little baby!

 

   My  Mom and Dad after their honeymoon. I would say around 1953-1954. I was always so proud of my parents when I was a wee little thing. 

My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed Penny Serenade, especially enjoying it colorized, I love their little home, the sweet little birthday gathering, oh just the way they dressed, so sweet and pretty... Just the way things were...I know.   I was there so to speak.

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.