Cheerful Christmas Music! Praline Yam Recipe, Some of Our Fur Angels, News Sources. a Hymn

Such a nice time of year for most, but a sobering and sad time for many.  We're puttering around getting things ready...Taking notices of the beautiful autumn light that filters through...

I can't tell you how many mornings or afternoons I see the most beautiful glow and am tempted to retrieve my phone but no.    I would have to leave the feel of things and it's not worth it to me...The electronic age can steal life from us if we let it.  

I'm making Thanksgiving dishes in the kitchen, our youngest, Grace is cleaning out the pantry for wandering pilgrims who end up in there hunting for something.

 Here's what we are listening to (so fun)  just cute Christmas music that reminds me of when I was a little girl:

Kmart Store Intercom Christmas Music

 

Kmart Christmas In Store Music

A Good Hour of Classic Christmas Songs

So whatcha cookin' for Thanksgiving?   I already baked my sweet potato casseroles.  

Don't you wanna know what kind I bake?   I have a special one that my Italian grandma always-always made!  Now you must know my Grandma was from Naples, Italy.  Her family landed in Boston and came down to New Orleans to the south.  I have New Orleans in my blood.

  Here is my traditional recipe, it's the old one from the can of sweet potatoes.  (I forgot the brand)  But never fear...Alas!  I saved the recipe and I make this dish every Thanksgiving!   (Black & White Photos by Robert Stock)

PRALINE YAMS

You will need to triple recipe for a 13 x 9 pan.  

29 oz. can cut yams

1/3 cup coconut

1/3 cups pecans chopped (I used walnuts)

1/3 cups brown sugar

3 T. Flour

3 T Butter or margarine

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Place drained yams in ungreased 1 1/2 quart casserole or baking dish.  (Save juice).  Combine remaining ingredients put on yams.  Add a little juice to keep from drying.  Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes until bubbly.

I made 2 pans, one traditional and one healthier; wheat free, very low sugar.  I doubled each and put them in foil pans for easy cleanup.  They are resting in my deep freeze, going night-night until the morning of Thanksgiving.  

MY HEALTHIER VERSION

I used unsweetened organic coconut.    I use almond or  brown rice flour.  Instead of brown sugar I use a tablespoon of maple extract and I used Whole Earth raw sugar and stevia baking blend.   with a little water. You could also use plain stevia.  I use 1/2 tsp. of the blend x 12.  (something like that).  I try to keep things under 3 grams of sugar per serving for myself .  Instead of using the juice I use water to moisten.

 So.  The pilgrims who want the sugary stuff will have theirs and those of us who want to limit sugar will have the other pan.  Voila.  Done.  Tried and true.  

I know it's not fresh yams, I know, I know but I don't care.  It's a busy time of year and when you have pilgrims and a couple of little indians showing up we homemakers gotta do what we gotta do.  K.I.S.S.  Keep it simple sweetie.  I always have tried to keep it simple on much of this so I don't drive myself crazy.  

Grace picked up a tofurky brand vegan stuffed turkey roll for a few of us.   Jem will handle the "other". (frown)   That is no longer in my job description. 

Did you know Fred Rogers was also a veggie guy?  He was a Christian, a Republican and a minister as well.  So I will add Mr. Rogers to my Tender Conscience  Hall of Fame. 

 

Here's some of my fur children pics for you.

Today:  Peanut the dauchsy

 

 He is such a little trip! His expressions are hilarious. Rescued from the road last Thanksgiving by my son in love.

Muffie, our sweet lil Schitzu, taken last week.  He's getting older and can't see very well.  The little guy gave us a scare the other week when we got home and he was nowhere to be found.  We found him on the back of our property laying in the grass just a-wagging his tail!  We've since built a little boarded yard area for him out the doggy door like we had for our little Guiseppe.  Way back when Huckabee was running for President my daughter, Joycie found the matted little guy in the middle of the street, his collar rusted shut. Doesn't he have such a sweet little face?

 

He follows me around the house here, he's a little heartbeat at my feet. ...So sweet.

 

 

One of our kitties...This little guy is a real cuddle bunny, his name is Howdy, he's very shy.  His mommy was a rescue kitty we rescued under a freeway overpass one dark night.

 

 He loves to come and sit on the arm  of my chair in the early morning when I'm praying and I pet his sweet little head..He loves it.  ...Howdy, my cuddle bunny.

 

 

Here, One Recent Morning...

 

 

I hope you all are doing well.  Many have cruel losses this year, I personally have a dear friend in middle age whose husband just died after falling from a ladder, being in a coma for weeks and months of rehab. 

And some of us are perhaps remembering losses from last year and years before that too.  I have many loved ones on my mind trust me.  Oh how I miss them...Only God knows how I miss them.  This time of year reminds me of when I would talk to my daddy on the phone...He telling me how his mother made bechamel sauce for turnips...Yes, Daddy, I'm getting a green thumb like you.  I have turnip greens growing in my garden, you would be so proud, Daddy. 

 

  The state of the country is in need of prayer, God is moved by our faith and we can use spiritual warfare, don't give up.   Please allow me to share two youtube sources that help us keep up with things from a Christian perspective, both post often, usually daily:

 

The Eric Metaxas Radio Show  

Ron Paul Liberty Report

 

 

 

Closing with a hymn...   Heralds of Christ   

I just heard this sung at an old, old, old historical church I once attended that is televised. I thought I had finally found a church that suited me, my parents were married there, my daughter Zuzu and son in love, Tommy were too. An old Wesleyan Cathedral whose walls shout Christ and His Holy Spirit....But it was taken over by liberal thinking, the Holy Ghost led pastor and most of the staff left almost like a coup.  (horrible)   It happened around four years ago.  It's a loss in my life.  But oh listening to this song....Oh did it hit some heartstrings...  

 

Have a wonderful evening, though many of us have things in our lives that have caused such pain, we can still march on with the Lord.  He's there for us all during these times.      We can be that quiet force in our families.  The painful times build wisdom and help us help others.

Be kind.   Be merciful.

God bless and be with you,    ~Amelia

Some Encouraging Thoughts and a Challenging Sermon for This Time That Every Christian Needs to Hear

I love homemaking, I love my husband and family, I love Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.

I'm not posting recipes or maybe what some may think is a pretty blog right now...But this is of utmost importance as I'm sure you'll agree.  If you've followed my blog for any length of time you will know it's just my thoughts and my heart written here as I share life, whether it be an art project, an old black and white movie or a sermon.

Here is a link to a video my husband just shared with our family, I just finished listening and I think you may want to give it a listen too.  This pastor is telling it like it is.  

Here is the link below:

Get Prepared for What Comes Next

 

(A shot from here in the forest above)

 Be wise, be prepared as we always should be.  

 

Be watchful, be in prayer....Be at Peace in the Lord.   There is a Peace that passes all understanding. 

We must keep our homes places of praise and peace as we keep our little governments so to speak a good place to live.  We homemakers can be that quiet force of grace, mercy and love in our homes.  I so thank God that my husband is also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to these things.  What a blessing that my husband shares sermons with our family, and our family sends sermons back and forth to each other.  My husband is not only a businessman but a minister in his own right, ordained when a pastor of ours recognized my husband's natural works, just living the Life.  He's shared on the streets of the city, drug rehabs, he's ministered in prisons sharing as well there, as our entire family visiting there in those places.

One of my fondest most precious memories was a Christmas party we were invited to in a prison.  Two of the inmates put my husband and I down as their family.  We brought our little girls and those prisoners  were like little children that day in the chapel.  They reminded me so much of what you see in the Boys Town movie with Mickey Rooney.  The prisoners were able to have their families with their children their too, what a privilege that was to be invited to that precious Christmas party.  I often wonder where they all are, and what the state of things is in their families at this time.  Just some thoughts...Just thankful memories and thankful for a husband who is a pastor in his own right.  So thankful our girls grew up seeing all of humanity and the beauty in it no matter what and where and what mistakes people had made, no matter what kind of money people had.  It's a beautiful thing.  Walking with God is a beautiful thing.   

We can walk with Him and talk with Him...We can all be ministers in our own right, whether it be at the store or wherever.  They will know us by our love.  There's nothing like flashing a big toothy grin at folks and just showing that love and peace to others in these trying times.

   

Photo by Robert Stock

 

Good night and may God be with you,   ~Amelia in the Forest

US Election, It's Not Done. Please Don't be Deceived.

Here's a good video on what is going on in the election.  Once again, allow me to warn, don't believe the liberal media.  A "projection" is not the done deal.  There is an agenda being pushed that is designed to mislead. 

Father Pavone gives a good practical lesson that is helpful to all.

The message by the gals, Diamond and Silk is very encouraging, they are a hoot, a bit salty at times but they are the salt of the earth. 

"Don't Believe the Hype, it's Not Over"  Please watch from beginning: HERE

 

I'll close, it's late.  I felt like the above information is time sensitive and of utmost importance to get out for education, truth and encouragement.  When I saw this video on the Homeliving blog I felt this video and others on this subject should be put out there as much as possible on as many blogs as possible, as soon as possible.  It's my way of fighting the fight for our country.

"These folks that hate Trump honestly believe they’ll be happy if Biden becomes president. They won’t be. They’ve been miserable for so long now that it’s become a habit. You’ll see. Once bitterness sets in nothing else satisfies a soul."   ~C. Prather

Signing off from the Forest Cathedral,

Remember, the same moon that shines over me shines over you.  Let's all unite in prayers. Onward Christian Soldiers.  God bless.  ~Amelia

  Photo by Robert Stock

 

Onward Christian Soldiers, We Must Fight the Fight. Vote.

I wasn't sure whether I should post a blog on the election once again or not.  This clip from one of my favorite movies, Mrs. Miniver came to mind yesterday, and I think it is very appropriate for this time.  We The People are in a fight.  It's a spiritual and physical one and I believe this clip portrays how many of us feel.  

It's a time to stick together and pray fervently and vote, there are so many important issues that are at stake here, Israel, the Right to Life, our freedom and liberties just so many things...  Here in America it's very simple.  Good versus evil.  Throughout history we have had famous Generals who led us to Victory in war, we valued and thanked God for their leadership warts and all.  We thank God for President Trump.  

There are evil people who think nothing of lying and are very, very deceptive. They will stop at nothing.  Anyone who thinks nothing of killing an unborn baby cannot be trusted or believed.  There are some heavy things going on in the background.  Please vote, get your friends and family to vote.  Vote for Life.  Vote for Liberty.  Vote for Israel. ...And for God's sake don't believe the liberal media.

 

 Mrs.Miniver Clip

 

Ephesians 6:12...

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 

Let's vote like our lives depend on it...It does.  Faith without works is dead.

 

 

 

HERE is a GREAT sermon in print from the Presidential Election Season 2016 by a pastor from a very large suburban church.  He nails it perfectly.  

 

 

I hope you all are doing well and living the Life.  I hope we are keeping our homes that Peaceful place, serving God the Father.  So goes the homes so goes the country.  I think so much starts right at our dinner tables.   Let's teach our children what is at stake here in age appropriate ways without getting our little children into fear or anxiety.   Let's teach our youth to be those Christian soldiers in word and deed.  It's no time for passivity.  All the while let's keep a sweet spirit in our homes, there is so much darkness out there...We certainly don't want to bring that darkness in.  Be careful not to get gradually swayed by the currents.   Let us keep that plumb line straight up.

 

With much love in Christ the Father and many, many prayers.      ~Amelia

Show N Tells, Pumpkin Muffins and Autumn Music to Enjoy

 

So many outfits can be made from accessories!  Here's some things that jazz up a solid colored outfit:

 

A Fall Outfit

My fall scarf I made.  I love the little forest fox creatures on it, it's a very lightweight lawn cotton fabric, perfect for fall, and since I made it myself, it's wide and long...It hangs just so with some body.

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The little forest foxes remind us of our little Dachsund, Peanut.  Or rather Peanut reminds us of a little Forest creature... Peanut was rescued from the country roads in the severe cold last Thanksgiving by my son in law, can you imagine my surprise when I opened the door and saw this little pilgrim in my daughter's arms!

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For me, solid black is a great backdrop that makes me feel confident and put together.  I know it's fall when I break the black turtlenecks out!

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My double breasted black coat is from Walmart online, it's the Faded Glory brand and I've had this coat since '14.   

 

 

My favorite fall necklace from one of my favorite books and movies,  'To Kill a Mockingbird'  My daughter gave this to me.

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A favorite pin, a sweet Nightingale sitting sweetly on my coat collar.  An Etsy find.  I think it was under $7.

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A pair of zippered vegan ankle boots.  From Walmart, a great value at around 20.00 last year online, they are the Time n Tru brand. Great little boots. The sole and heel are a rubber, they do well on a rainy day. 

 

 

 

 Around Here:

We can spruce things up with fresh paint and a good clean out using mostly what we have if we narrow down to a theme of sorts and use whatever makes us happy.

Sprucing up my Laundry Room

I've Been Working on my Laundry Room to make it pretty.   Jem painted the walls a very soothing light pale yellow reminiscent of the breakfast area and even my nursery of my old home when I was tiny child in our sweet 30s home.   We used white trim on the shelves.  I have some cute vintage Christmas plaques that my daughters gave me last year and I had fun putting them in the laundry room last year.  I'm carrying through with the Christmas theme as you will see.  I will have Christmas in my laundry room year round!  Why not? 

What's "Up'?

Grace gave me this adorable little plaque for Mother's Day a couple of years ago.

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Look at these beautiful canvases I picked up at Walmart!  They are hanging above my utility sink, they definitely have elements of Christmas in them.  Who wouldn't love these canvas prints?  At $7.88 a piece?  What a bargain!   There are even brush marks on them, very nice canvas prints.

The plaques Zuzu gave me last year, so vintage.

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Joycie gave me this neat metal Christmas doggy last year, she found at an antique store.

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Our daughter, Joycie gave me this one, it has a pale yellow background too. 

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This is a very old cardboard sign from the old passenger trains from years ago, this was something my dad had, I'm thinking it's from back when he was in military school or traveling to college back then.  This is one side...  I have this near our door from the laundry room to outside.

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 Ha, I kind of like the opposite side! 
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 Gregory Peck agrees.

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In The Forest

Yesterday Morning

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 Liesl and Gracie were very interested in the top of the fig tree... What is it?  This is Liesl looking up.  Do you see a creature up in the tree?

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Oh me oh my!  It's a Possum!

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 He was cute, he had long black eyelashes, what a sweet little forest creature!  I think he must have been enjoying our figs, and that's okay they are way at the top, we will share.  Every Italian family has a couple of fig trees. 

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Hope Everyone is Doing Well...

I hope everyone's okay this most wonderful fall season.  In our rural neighborhood it's quite a gathering of Trump signs everywhere!  We have an unusual area, you really don't know who is here exactly.  We have a Dr. of Geology nearby, we have a retired U.S. General even here.  Quite a few law enforcement folks are here including swat team.  A very ecletic mix.  The main highways are smattered with huge Trump signs in every direction.   Jem and I went to vote and it was wonderful, so many people voting early like never before.  America at it's finest. 

  

Lately...

Autumn evenings are relaxing...Jem and I watched a James Taylor concert the other night and had fun relaxing, it was like really being there at the concert!...Making runs to the kitchen for treats of pumpkin muffins or popcorn fits the bill nicely...Here's an off the cuff photo, this is what my photographer daughter calls "ghetto photography", reflections in windows, televisions...wherever. One of my runs to the kitchen...snapped a shot.  Kind of a fun effect. 

 

Recipe:

I made my pumpkin muffins with almond flour and pyure stevia mix sweetener, maple extract works instead of the syrup.    The fragrance was soooooo nice! 

  Vintage  Photos by Robert Stock

Here's the recipe I used that my daughter makes!   PUMPKIN MUFFINS RECIPE.   Thanks Joycie!

   I hope you are enjoying the fall, using time wisely.  Time is our currency as the old Chris Rice song goes. Even though we are empty nesters in a way except for our youngest adult daughter who is a very busy gal, I try to keep myself busy.  I divide my time up during the day a bit like classes in school.  I have exercise time, create time, cook time, gardening time, reading and resting time.  It works!  We have to make our own fun and not depend on others to make us happy.

 

How do I love God?... By doing beautifully the work I have been given to do, by doing simply that which God has entrusted to me, in whatever form it may take.  

~Mother Teresa

 

 

 Some Music to Share...

How about some mellow vintage artists as we sip our coffee....

 

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 How about something more upbeat?  Some cheerful Vince Guaraldi  music?

 

 

 

Until the next time....

 

Every day is a Gift we've been given.  Let's make the most of that time.

 

Hope everyone is doing well!  May we lift our country up in prayer.

 

God be with you Dear Ones,     ~Amelia in the Forest

 

Proverbs 24:11     Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.

 Seven Things God Hates.

One of those things are hands that shed innocent blood.

A Beautiful Prayer for Repentance and Restoration.

Lately I've Noticed, Photos, A Recipe and Quotes for Fellow Sojourners

 

Our oldest daughter with our state Attorney General. More posts on our oldest daughter at Pearl Harbor Anniversary   HERE and HERE.  *big smile*

 

I grew up in a city councilman's home and I've always been taught to speak the truth, to speak it with courage and dignity.  Several of our daughters are also on that road as well.  Our youngest is an artist so she is not quite as involved but those quiet waters do run deep and she will speak for truth when things are brought up in her workplace.  My husband and I stand together, he is vocal as well.  It's straight up and down, many issues should not be conservative or liberal, they are Juris Naturalist.  It's good versus evil and we will vote Prolife.  Many issues on our liberties are at stake at this time.

 

My Message:

 

Lately I've noticed a quietness in many.  I've found this odd since our nation is on fire so to speak...Especially when we have the tools to put the fire out.   We have God and we have  God's Word.  We have our prayer rooms.  We have typing fingers.   We are responsible. 

There seems to be a common fallacy among some not to say anything, (Edit 10.14.20: Or write anything) as if it causes trouble and some think it will not change minds.  I kindly, humbly but strongly disagree.  Do not buy that.  We can be kind and we can speak truth.  ...And we can inform and yes!  We can change minds.

I will speak out, I will especially speak out when our unborn are being murdered as I'm sure you all know.  It is we who can spread the word of what can be done to stop this holocaust.  If we truly believe that abortion is murder then you better believe this gal will speak out.

I for one have been educated by a blogger who spoke their conviction with kindness and heartfelt concern over a subject, sometimes God has been dealing with our heart already.  Why this hush hush?  If we truly believe the house is on fire then I would say we need to warn!  If we truly believe that unborn babies are being ripped limb from limb with no anesthesia I would say...Yes! We need to warn!  I recently ran into a young woman who didn't even know one of the candidates involved in the race was a female.  So yes, we need to speak up.   

We will pray, we will act upon that prayer.  Faith without works is dead and God did not give us a spirit of fear..

 

 

Here is an appropriate poem from the Holocaust many of you may be familiar with:  

First They Came

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
     Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
     Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
     Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

By Pastor Martin Niemöller 

 

 

And we were thrilled upon hearing this.  An EXCELLENT message by Pastor Ed Young MOST APPROPRIATE FOR THIS TIME.  We highly recommend! 

If screen is not showing on phones, click   HERE

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Just Interesting I Think!

   A photo of special sweet security dogs getting ready to board at the airport on the way to the National Republican Convention our oldest daughter traveled to four years ago.

  Here's a shot of one of the cute fellas with the passengers on the plane. Now how was that for safety?  I never tire of seeing this photo!  ...So great.

 

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Around Our Home with Our Pets and Such.   It may not be on the way to any national convention but I think it's ...A Pretty Special Place!

I've been a busy bee around the homestead here...Gardening in my fall vegetable garden and going through boxes setting up my laundry room.

My fur angels keep me busy and full of joy!

  

Liesl...Such a loving sweet doggy...A colossal sweetheart!

 

 She loves her ball! 

 

 

A Recent evening....

 

 

 

A sweet day looking out the window, all the doggies having a glorious time!  Dogs know to get their Vitamin D, enjoying the sun!   Animals have much to teach us humans. : )

My garden.  I have turnip greens, collards, blue hubbard squash (so fun)  they are huuuge!  Butternut squash, white patty squash,  chard, cabbage etc.  Jem installed an irrigation system and I water the tops every morning.

 

 

 

Last night I made a nice dish that Jem really enjoyed.

  Photo by Robert Stock

 

 I will call this:

My One Dish Wonder!

(Get your cuppa coffee gal,  here goes)

You sautee one large or two small onions, a few cloves of garlic and a package of Italian vegan sausage Tofurkey (found in produce) shredded until browned in oil. 

I use olive or avocado oil.  

 Remove the Tofurkey bits and place in bowl for later.

Then you add a half cup of brown rice flour to onion and garlic and  make a roux, lightly browned.  

Return browned Tofurkey.

I added a couple of boxes of vegetable broth or the equivalent of water and bouillon cubes and added 4 cups of sliced red potatoes.  After the potatoes were soft I squashed them up a bit, not completely and added a package of frozen spinach. (Any green will do).   A tsp. of basil and Italian seasoning along with salt and peppa. ; )

I served this over brown rice and it  was delicious!   A one dish wonder!   Delicious! 

This dish is served in a bowl much like a brown gravy potato soup!

 

 

It is an extraordinary and beautiful thing that God, in creation...works with the beauty of matter; the reality of things;  the discoveries of the senses, all five of them;   so that we , in turn, may hear the grass growing;  see a face springing to life in love and laughter....  The offerings of creation...our glimpses of truth. 

   ~Madeleine L'Engle

The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.

~Harper Lee

Listen...be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.

Proverbs 23:19

Search your heart several times a day, and if you find something that is disturbing your peace, remember to take the proper steps to restore the calm.

~Francis de Sales

Have a sweet evening, let's keep our homes that place of Peace in a world that is not peaceful.  We can insulate our homes in God's love.  They will know we are Christians by our love.  And I do believe our children will too...

Take care, press on.   Unborn lives matter.  Vote for Life, this election is so very critical on so many things, our very liberties and freedoms are at stake.

  ~Amelia in the Forest

What's at Stake for the Unborn in This Election? By Alveda King

  

What's at Stake for the Unborn?   By Alveda King

Franklin Graham posted the above article by Alveda King, it sizes things up pretty well and specifically.  I respect Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King.

 

"Abortion is a civil wrong; life is a civil right!  

  

“In the White House right now, we have the most pro-life president in our history. With four more years, President Trump may have the opportunity to nominate one or even two or more Supreme Court justices.”

 

 

  

 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.
—Jeremiah 1:5, NKJV 

I think this little baby should have the choice to live.  Both Biden and Harris think to kill a little unborn baby moments before the baby is born or even after birth is a fine thing to do.  What has become of people? Harris also smiles upon the riots and encourages them to continue.

I desire this blog to be an encouragement for godly homes and godly lives for those who desire to walk in integrity of the Lord, it is also a place where iron sharpens iron so to speak coupled with joy and honesty of heart.  You may laugh here, you may cry here, you may think here.  One thing I  cannot do is separate my convictions from my life here. 

 

“Life reaches beyond politics, beyond religion.”

Live the Life....  Signing off from the Forest Cathedral, there's so very much at stake now.  Vote like your like life and country depends on it.  

Your comments are a blessing and encouragement to me, I also think it's a nice form of fellowship and encouragement. 

Black and White Photos by Robert Stock.