tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25799370099828828942024-03-18T20:16:07.299-05:00Pursuing HeartCherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.comBlogger1067125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-75023600409859361882024-02-27T11:08:00.005-06:002024-02-28T08:23:38.944-06:00Just Start<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua2kEqqNuwpkk6D3swxdruI2PcYMBWH9k5CYfVcYPuf2NmOV-yzZ4kg3nhiVodLD1Xc-ZolQD4waUKE_zfdD5qSfcpw9QUQRWOxnjeWV8Gu_z578asGOdOjblQB85I8Xd9EGdrTqq3BKWG7rj4lF3EdX5x28wKfkBV6lnjg0PDLVncn50kZaGOSGZ3rc/s3024/IMG_2283edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua2kEqqNuwpkk6D3swxdruI2PcYMBWH9k5CYfVcYPuf2NmOV-yzZ4kg3nhiVodLD1Xc-ZolQD4waUKE_zfdD5qSfcpw9QUQRWOxnjeWV8Gu_z578asGOdOjblQB85I8Xd9EGdrTqq3BKWG7rj4lF3EdX5x28wKfkBV6lnjg0PDLVncn50kZaGOSGZ3rc/w640-h640/IMG_2283edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: xx-large;">Just Start</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> Why</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> do we often wait until</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> we have all the time we want</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> until we venture to start</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> something on our minds?</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> Maybe we just need to start.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> Maybe we need to start with</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> baby steps, 15-minute steps.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> And at the end of a week, or even</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> a month, we’ll be pleasantly</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> surprised to find that we are well</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> on our way, making progress.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> Just take the first step, and then</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> the next. And the next and the next.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> Being faithful in the present</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> moment, with a 15-minute step.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> Not focusing on the finishing line,</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> but taking steps; slow, but steady</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> steps towards your goal.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> Desiring to focus not so much</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> on the goal, or even on the task itself,</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> but on being faithful with each</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> step along the way, being faithful</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> in the present, in the moment.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"> Trust in the Lord and do good;</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"> Dwell in the land</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"> and cultivate faithfulness.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> (Psalm 37:3 NASB)</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">What do we care about the most?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">In our walk with Jesus?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">With our husband?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">In our families?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">In our homes?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">As we serve others?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">With our passions and gifts?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Why is it so easy to let other things crowd out the most important?</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why don't we give attention to the things that matter the most?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Let's take little steps, baby steps, even 15-minute steps towards the things that matter the most to us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><i>(I came across the words above, "Just Start", in my notes recently, written maybe 5-10 years ago? It seems to be the perfect time to share these thoughts as I am continually being reminded to take little steps, which then all together, add up to big steps. Maybe it will be an encouragement to you, as well? Click <a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2024/02/cultivating-daily-and-intentionally.html">here</a> to read another post I wrote recently, which is applicable to these words, as well.)</i></span></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-34028185307888906672024-02-26T07:56:00.001-06:002024-02-26T07:57:57.714-06:00Cultivating ... Daily, and Intentionally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojHnUWsnHEz5xti_tgftzAslK-AtOHFfEgF4lUC2G9PM9Wa2mCHGfXVe5dVzyyCeCcUCOU2ZAWIfPBH7G7p_cNEl3lthkws5yET2xVjCbFE0vADnLzrkTSw2M48h3asSULwYtPVgFW-Ed6Qh_PUS-ozDwB-KFXglD1KYSxtBVIM2aiK8XAkp8WrHu02o/s2160/IMG_9364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojHnUWsnHEz5xti_tgftzAslK-AtOHFfEgF4lUC2G9PM9Wa2mCHGfXVe5dVzyyCeCcUCOU2ZAWIfPBH7G7p_cNEl3lthkws5yET2xVjCbFE0vADnLzrkTSw2M48h3asSULwYtPVgFW-Ed6Qh_PUS-ozDwB-KFXglD1KYSxtBVIM2aiK8XAkp8WrHu02o/w640-h640/IMG_9364.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As the cold days of winter begin to fade away and as the first faint signs of spring begin to draw us in, we find ourselves longing for new life. We even may be starting to dream and prepare for our veggie and flower gardens. We begin to prepare our spaces, and also the soil for new spring life. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">In the same way, after the restful, maybe quieter days of winter, I am also reminded this time of year to prepare my heart for a new season of growth. Preparing to grow my heart for what matters the most. Maybe because a bit of the winter cold has settled in? And I find myself longing for some breaths of fresh air in my soul.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">So I am welcoming these seasonal reminders to pay attention </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">to more than just preparing the soil of our gardens for spring, but to also pay attention to and to nourish what matters the most to me. Is it the same for you? Have the cold winter days (though they do have a charm of their own) and the days of less sunlight left you longing for new life?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">This is the setting for what grabbed my attention a few weeks ago, as I pulled another verse card from my growing collection of favorite verses. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Trust in the Lord and do good;</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Dwell in the land</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">and cultivate faithfulness.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(Psalm 37:3 NASB)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It was the whole verse, but especially the word <i style="background-color: #fce5cd;">cultivate</i> that drew my attention. This is what we do in early spring to prepare for the growth that spring/summer brings in our gardens. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgvsN5K0I8B3II7NoAl5sCkIpZc4D6hi-BNymbs68ssNoTRrVAWaZeIo5dMsc2-MpQoBRn3eTikHLZjq5rjIPLRf1zEdYgaB335R3ALMyYE3rg7hyphenhyphenRM_-7u3fAC4eYj9MzuH4p9l3GlFWgva9hX9s3zJhgwS4Gpg-U7cz2YJnkem9AFjvdV2tXz14Bw4/s5184/IMG_6589.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgvsN5K0I8B3II7NoAl5sCkIpZc4D6hi-BNymbs68ssNoTRrVAWaZeIo5dMsc2-MpQoBRn3eTikHLZjq5rjIPLRf1zEdYgaB335R3ALMyYE3rg7hyphenhyphenRM_-7u3fAC4eYj9MzuH4p9l3GlFWgva9hX9s3zJhgwS4Gpg-U7cz2YJnkem9AFjvdV2tXz14Bw4/w640-h426/IMG_6589.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And I wonder the same for my heart ... how can I cultivate my heart for this new season? </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">But first, what does <i>cultivate</i> even mean? </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"></span></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">"Cultivate" - </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">(</span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">from Webster's Dictionary online)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">"to direct special attention to, to devote time and thought to, </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">to care for with a view to valuable returns, to till, to fertilize, </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">to improve by care or study." </span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"> </span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And another helpful list of meanings:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"Cultivate" - </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">(</span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">from Lara Casey's book <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cultivate-Grace-Filled-Guide-Growing-Intentional/dp/0718021665/ref=sr_1_1?crid=133SMWIPVDEFC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HsYN8J_Og_1NQFdPx16OnkL_3Vj5-NYBhDZOO30_N4xm8aSLqu8YXsreMHa910ioZe1F7xjKEueLXUHm4cepq2A_1kPnJ8mCa4-jNByGRMTNmMwuFSyhbZvnjqCdoyGL4ew80IZaX6eRtLnMMl14zg.zyutqKl8R3sadLyoHdKhJ8VGg7poIjmmDQmLI62LXrQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=cultivate+book+lara+casey&qid=1708954296&sprefix=cultivate+by+lara%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1">Cultivate</a></u>)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"serve, nurture, nourish, prepare, encourage,</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">improve, refine, pay attention, foster growth,</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">loosen and break up hard ground,</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">and care for what you've been given."</span></p></blockquote><p> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Isn't this what we desire for our lives? To nurture and to till up the soil of our hearts for growth? it's a continual thing, all through the varying seasons, to care for our hearts. To be in tune to listen intently to the One who loves us more than we can even imagine. It's easy to become dry and in need of nourishment.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><b>Above all else, guard your heart,</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><b>for everything you do flows from it.</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">(Proverbs 4:23 NIV)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><i>Above all else</i>, for the condition and the health of our hearts affects <i>everything</i>. And this is why we need the reminders to continually <span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-style: italic;">cultivate</span><span style="background-color: white;"><i> </i>our hearts. To <i>faithfully </i>cultivate. To </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">cultivate faithfulness</span><span style="background-color: white;">. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCvTlqlNMvB5JsE_GmSPVnnaR9oRwR6llt91uiGUJ_4jaVnc0-kTLGjsNKSgNHZiJyl2InQBPj0xDs_u_UVWNz7qhuCC9YK6t1kMbeVoAjiqSGh55jsahbyqVGxrKUkmZC6vNuX3jA88xih3cjYr9AKALWk3j4eo5BAsEGTMwvtBH7spKDyFx0LD7Zy8/s3427/IMG_7564cropedit.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3427" data-original-width="3427" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCvTlqlNMvB5JsE_GmSPVnnaR9oRwR6llt91uiGUJ_4jaVnc0-kTLGjsNKSgNHZiJyl2InQBPj0xDs_u_UVWNz7qhuCC9YK6t1kMbeVoAjiqSGh55jsahbyqVGxrKUkmZC6vNuX3jA88xih3cjYr9AKALWk3j4eo5BAsEGTMwvtBH7spKDyFx0LD7Zy8/w331-h331/IMG_7564cropedit.jpg" width="331" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just how do we cultivate faithfulness? Maybe it will look different practically for you, and for me. But for all of us, it begins in the heart, doesn't it? It's a desire, a longing, to spend time with Jesus. In His Word; not just the rote reading of His Words, but reading with a longing to hear from Him. To hear His heart, to hear what is Truth. And to share our heart with Him in response. A heart that also then seeks to live out His Truth in every area of our lives.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's a relationship, not a mere religion or a task to check off our list. A relationship that needs nurturing, time, and yes, even effort. Pausing in this busy, broken world, for what is most important. And for what we long for.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just as each plant, flower, herb are unique, each of us are created uniquely, What does the soil of your heart need now, right now in the season of life that you are in? The soil of your heart, of your life, may need different specifics of nourishment than mine. But we all need continual tilling, and ongoing nourishment to continue producing and blooming.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Right now, I am discovering that I am needing even more frequent pauses, and needing even added nutrients to refresh the condition of the soil of my heart. We have had a lot going on recently ... offering support and encouragement to a brother in need in his Parkinsons condition, preparing our home for a needed (and wonderful) remodeling project which includes going through closets and rooms that need to be simplified and organized, and at the same time, keeping up with all that is part of the many callings and passions that God has given us, including each one in our precious family. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Cultivate faithfulness</span><span style="background-color: white;"> ...</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">So I am needing to take extra time to tend to my heart these days and weeks. Extra needs call for extra care of the soil. Daily attention and cultivating. Focused time reading His Words, listening and learning at the start of my day, pausing in the midst of my day, and quieting my heart again with journal and pen in His Presence at the end of the day. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Tilling up the soil of our hearts, receiving nourishment from His Word, His Love. And over time, we will see sprouts, and we will see growth. Season after season. Cultivating faithfulness. Our lives will keep on blossoming and reflecting the beauty that we were created for. By His grace and mercy alone.</span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKhn5f1PHhuVZfXBkuEnGIVPCRfi7HzRIZYalBXhvljXrX7uEhkVxhnb-Lu8smK2Yd6FslrCJv9FYdkvkWq5-KWoWNSgRlW46wZao06GzEbtmP32U8BFer1YXDQ9es47hAtgRSqMxB2kQXFAF4vzQS37o3SzI5IuQHzyM1migwNhyKSxkWXfkhADWjSA/s1080/Colossians%201%2010b%20Pexel.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKhn5f1PHhuVZfXBkuEnGIVPCRfi7HzRIZYalBXhvljXrX7uEhkVxhnb-Lu8smK2Yd6FslrCJv9FYdkvkWq5-KWoWNSgRlW46wZao06GzEbtmP32U8BFer1YXDQ9es47hAtgRSqMxB2kQXFAF4vzQS37o3SzI5IuQHzyM1migwNhyKSxkWXfkhADWjSA/w640-h640/Colossians%201%2010b%20Pexel.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><i>Lord, may I be a cultivator, faithfully making it a priority to care for my heart, for all that You place on my heart. Taking time for the things of most importance, dwelling deeply in Your Word and in Your love. Slowly, one step, one moment at a time. You are the One who brings the growth, and I offer my heart as a sacrifice, desiring to till up the soil, and to cultivate faithfulness. For You.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-83213025595246302832024-01-30T14:05:00.039-06:002024-03-18T20:16:07.184-05:00My Current Sourdough Rhythm<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPWFnLsCGCpZgvA6UL0tlGWQcP-Niosdut7k_GkMuY-Zl24uucA0oshRLO9-ijR373lubWR2w8Oxlj344oBBYIEEplQIlBVOQTwxZxQ31d91H-gA8xhJEMXEeYleAmrrmFrXw_bkLxMVs0Gjno551k9-4_5SJcpyP3kzdqyT1dSisrfojJqt0LVI4Ccg/s2160/IMG_9131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPWFnLsCGCpZgvA6UL0tlGWQcP-Niosdut7k_GkMuY-Zl24uucA0oshRLO9-ijR373lubWR2w8Oxlj344oBBYIEEplQIlBVOQTwxZxQ31d91H-gA8xhJEMXEeYleAmrrmFrXw_bkLxMVs0Gjno551k9-4_5SJcpyP3kzdqyT1dSisrfojJqt0LVI4Ccg/w640-h640/IMG_9131.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Learning to bake with sourdough has been a very fun and creative journey for me! You can click <a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2023/12/beginning-with-sourdough-baking.html">here</a> to read my "Beginning with Sourdough Baking" that I posted last month. This fun journey has also been a bit challenging, as there is <i>so much</i> info out there ... very helpful info for which I am very grateful, and also it has required me to figure a lot of things out from the similar but also varying info that is online. I follow a number of sourdough baking accounts on Instagram, as well as reading a number of websites. From all this info, I am now attempting to record what I am currently using for my own process. This post is to summarize my current "sourdough rhythm" that fits into my life and schedule. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I also have a few friends who are desiring to learn. So this post is a summary of my "sourdough rhythm" ... written for myself, and also to share with interested friends. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">To start out on the sourdough journey, my advice is to do as we do with every other journey ... we make the necessary preparations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><u>Preparing for Sourdough Baking</u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>Read all you can about it! It's quite fascinating, and there is a lot to learn</u>.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span>A few of my favorite sites online: </span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/guides/sourdough">King Arthur Baking</a><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.theclevercarrot.com/sourdough-baking/">The Clever Carrot</a> (including her book, click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1624144292/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">here</a>)<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amybakesbread.com/">Amy Bakes Bread</a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/everything.sourdough/">@everything.sourdough</a> (on instagram)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u><b>Gather the tools you will need to begin.</b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span>Digital kitchen scale.</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span>Two wide-mouth quart jars to use interchangeably for your starter.</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span>Another wide-mouth quart jar (or pint jars) to use for your discard.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span>(OPTIONAL: a special sourdough jar, click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C112CXJM/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?pd_rd_i=B0C112CXJM&pd_rd_w=RSzsW&content-id=amzn1.sym.d81b167d-1f9e-48b6-87d8-8aa5e473ea8c&pf_rd_p=d81b167d-1f9e-48b6-87d8-8aa5e473ea8c&pf_rd_r=VHK8VXXSG03AN6V73S2K&pd_rd_wg=G7qN3&pd_rd_r=62b1ed97-9d1d-4bb6-b63f-b31c5b57610e&s=hi&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1">here</a> for an example.)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span>A good-sized mixing bowl to mix up the sourdough bread recipes</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span>Plastic wrap to cover bowls of rising dough (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B156NPR2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details">shower caps</a> work great)</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span>A Dutch Oven</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08G4ZPZBZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1">Bannetons</a> (not absolutely necessary, but a must-have on my list)</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Parchment paper</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Unbleached all-purpose flour</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Bread flour</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Spring water, or bottled water</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><u>Secure a sourdough starter from a friend, or purchase one online.</u></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span>If you are ambitious, you can make your own, finding instructions on the websites listed above. It can take a few weeks, or even longer. Or the easier way, get one from a friend or purchase a starter from one of the websites listed above.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large;"><u>Feeding the Starter</u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Your starter is a live culture with wild natural yeast and good bacteria, and needs to be fed regularly with flour and water to be kept alive. There are a variety of methods to use to feed your starter, and the following is my current method.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I use a feeding ratio of 1:1:1, meaning equal parts starter, flour, and water.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">When storing on my kitchen counter, I feed the starter twice each day, morning and evening. When storing in my refrigerator between baking days, I feed the starter once each week. I also have a starter in my freezer, for safe-keeping in case something goes wrong with my main starter.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvdPr1IAUfmAMzXHKdyd4bQRiU7TT9-MZd1KmJBXwGRPfrw0n2PVrTfoeHb8W5k-nKs-0JM_H7E-pptYMAWFRhQEutZCypKTEDzV5sFf-K2fCJ-dxgb_ITAwSWxi8vSDUKSJ9xZhi0CWxANjuZ5bzGF4OqdMkhkMOimpHIqQij6bOUYciV8lwOWTolwA/s2160/IMG_9505edit2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvdPr1IAUfmAMzXHKdyd4bQRiU7TT9-MZd1KmJBXwGRPfrw0n2PVrTfoeHb8W5k-nKs-0JM_H7E-pptYMAWFRhQEutZCypKTEDzV5sFf-K2fCJ-dxgb_ITAwSWxi8vSDUKSJ9xZhi0CWxANjuZ5bzGF4OqdMkhkMOimpHIqQij6bOUYciV8lwOWTolwA/w320-h320/IMG_9505edit2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At the time of feeding, I gather the things I will use, and then place a clean jar on my digital scale, and press the TARE button to bring the weight to "0". Pour or spoon about 118 grams of starter from your current jar of starter, into the clean jar. Press the TARE button to bring the weight to "0" again, and add 118 grams of unbleached all-purpose flour. Press the TARE button again to bring the weight to "0" and add 118 grams of spring or bottled water. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I stir this all together in the jar, thoroughly incorporating all the flour into the water and the starter.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">There are other ratios that you can use, but 1:1:1 is the most common one, and the one I have chosen to use. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">After I have fed my starter in this way in a clean jar, I put the remaining starter in another clean jar and it becomes what is called "discard". Put this jar (with a lid) into the refrigerator to use for specific recipes that call for "discard", such as pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and many more. Use discard within one week. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Next, I wash the original starter jar, and have it ready for the next feeding. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">If storing the starter on your countertop, put a lid on loosely, or use some type of breathable cover. If storing in the refrigerator, put the jar lid on more securely. If I bake several times a week, I keep my starter on the countertop, and I feed it twice each day - once in the morning, and once in the evening. If I am baking bread one day each week, which is my current rhythm, I keep my starter in the refrigerator between baking times.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Room temperature is also an important factor for good health and growth of your starter. The ideal temperature is 70 degrees for a healthy starter. If your temperature is lower than that, especially in the cold days of winter, you will want to find the warmest spot possible in your home.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">NOTE: the amount of each ingredient can be different than 118 grams. I use that number because I learned from sources who used 113 grams, and I just chose to do a bit more. You can use a lesser amount than I use, and I may switch to that in the future.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><u>Steps to Prepare for Baking Bread</u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">I will now share my current rhythm for baking bread once each week. Again, if I were to bake bread several days each week, I would keep my starter jar on the kitchen counter all the time. When storing my starter on the kitchen counter, I feed it twice each day, about every 12 hours ... once in the first part of the morning, and once in the evening. An example of time would be 8 am, and 8 pm, or it can be different times. Whatever works for you.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">But since I currently am choosing to bake bread one day each week, I store my starter in the refrigerator in-between bread-baking days.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">Here is an example of my current rhythm of feeding and baking. It covers a span of three days, as I first prepare the refrigerated starter for baking. As I currently am choosing Wednesdays as my bread-baking day, I start my process on Monday evenings. The plan below covers a span of three days, and of course, you can pick which three days of the week work best for you.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><b><u>DAY 1 (Monday) PM</u></b>: I take my starter out of the refrigerator, and feed it (as described earlier), using a clean jar. I then place the discard in another clean jar to put back into the refrigerator. Keep the new starter jar on the countertop overnight. It should have a lid loosely set on top of it, not tight. Mark the level of the starter on the jar. It should be kept in a warmer spot in your kitchen, especially paying attention to this during the colder days of winter.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><b><u>DAY 2 (Tuesday) AM</u></b>: I check my starter in the early part of the morning, and usually notice that it has at least doubled in volume, It also will have bubbles visible on the sides and the top of the starter. These are signs of a healthy starter. It may also have reached the doubling mark during the night, and then will have "fallen" a bit, just very slightly below the higher double level. Next I go through the same process as I did the night before, feeding it (as described earlier) with the 1:1:1 ratio (for me, *118 grams each of starter, unbleached all-purpose flour, and spring or purified water.) Mark the level of starter on the jar, and leave this new starter jar on the kitchen counter again (or put in warmest place in my kitchen), covered loosely. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><b>*<u>IMPORTANT NOTE for DAY 2 (Tuesday) AM</u></b>: Since this is the last feeding before I mix my bread dough, I want to be sure that I will have enough starter late afternoon or evening to mix the dough AND to keep on feeding my starter in a new jar. Because of that, I will often need to use larger amounts for my 1:1:1 ratio of feeding. As I am writing this, I have just fed my starter on a Tuesday morning, and since I want to have enough starter tonight for mixing up dough for two loaves of bread plus enough to feed the starter again, I used the same ratio of 1:1:1, but increased the amounts to 130 grams of each of the three ingredients (starter:flour:water). I know from experience that my regular quart-sized starter jar will hold that amount when doubled (or often more than doubled). If I were to use even larger amounts as needed for certain recipes, I would choose a larger jar for this Tuesday AM feeding. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><b><u>DAY 2 (Tuesday) PM</u></b>: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VJUmIAo-bWzbf33bhbOA2HwMAnk3aggDe5CA8yd0LLXykxJr3mLHrcY_X8VrEUdyeGVKyy54qonZ_bb-OklhdlVUiTyi3XWeNElArEn8iFAuf0ar1KiwjkOE4D4pW4HiAgbQA5XsW5CN5up3tlso8xHahJUA5tuSXisKtx-7GN89nwXburLdO7YqLbM/s2160/IMG_9217.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VJUmIAo-bWzbf33bhbOA2HwMAnk3aggDe5CA8yd0LLXykxJr3mLHrcY_X8VrEUdyeGVKyy54qonZ_bb-OklhdlVUiTyi3XWeNElArEn8iFAuf0ar1KiwjkOE4D4pW4HiAgbQA5XsW5CN5up3tlso8xHahJUA5tuSXisKtx-7GN89nwXburLdO7YqLbM/s320/IMG_9217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My starter should have doubled for sure by late afternoon or early evening, </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">and small bubbles will be visible on the sides and the top of the starter. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">Now is the time to mix up the dough for the bread! I usually try to do this around 6 or 7 pm or so in the evening. Remember that this time there will be a <u>two-step process</u> with your starter. The first step will be to mix up the bread dough using part of the starter. The second step will be to feed part of the remaining starter to keep it going.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><b><u>The two steps for DAY 2 (Tuesday) PM</u></b>:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">1) Mix the bread dough according to the recipe you are following, using your digital scale and the bowl of your choice. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">I take the amount of starter that my bread recipe calls for out of my jar, and use my digital scale to measure it into my mixing bowl. My favorite bowl to use is a glass bowl (about 2 quart size) which is a good size for dough for one loaf of bread. I have two bowls this size to use when baking two loaves of bread. Or I could use a larger bowl and mix the dough for two loaves at the same time. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">Press the TARE button for each ingredient you are adding from the recipe. Mix as described in your recipe, cover with plastic wrap, and then follow your recipe for the next step. Most of the recipes ask for the dough to "rest" for a bit, usually for 30 minutes or an hour. Then continue on as your recipe says. Often there will be a "stretch-and-fold" portion in your recipe, which is a very helpful step for good bread. (See the sources above to explain this step, often with photos provided.)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">2) After the bread dough has been mixed and is resting, I go back to my starter jar to go through the process of feeding the starter to keep it alive and healthy for my next baking. I go through the same process of feeding as described earlier, using 1:1:1 ratio, with 118 grams of each of the starter, flour, and water. I keep this new jar of starter on the counter for two hours or so, and then put it in the refrigerator for the next week's baking process. If there is any starter left in your original jar, add it to your "discard" jar in the refrigerator.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><b><u>DAY 3 (Wednesday) AM</u></b>: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5NUzfArF7TfodFLbFo1J_TcRsC1psJ6NC-hiVL31DAZdRMbkiMQ2hCvZbakSqWIBaNLOIHcO1RzdJhLXOv3hsODG7R00NOBHyhopRS2n1jtIt47QBdeGy8IFbKVgyEGx3VVM3yTHWvsE7VNl-Yhzpat6k2owK3F2iXcJL4uYhVQraqO39EUIA6p7x0o/s3024/IMG_9123edit.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5NUzfArF7TfodFLbFo1J_TcRsC1psJ6NC-hiVL31DAZdRMbkiMQ2hCvZbakSqWIBaNLOIHcO1RzdJhLXOv3hsODG7R00NOBHyhopRS2n1jtIt47QBdeGy8IFbKVgyEGx3VVM3yTHWvsE7VNl-Yhzpat6k2owK3F2iXcJL4uYhVQraqO39EUIA6p7x0o/w400-h400/IMG_9123edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I check my bowl of dough (kept on the counter all night, or on the top of my refrigerator, the warmest spot in our home during the cold of winter), and see that it has doubled, and usually more than doubled! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The next step will be to shape your bread dough as described in your recipe, and either let it rise again a second time, or put it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just follow your recipe for rising method and baking instructions ... and you will soon get to enjoy the delicious aroma and finally, the taste of your <i>homemade sourdough bread!!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">An example from a recent baking day ... after shaping my bread dough for my recipe and placing it in a round banneton to rise again, I then scored it (left). Next photo is after I baked it in my Dutch oven!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b8UspH5Wl2ycXsczmb2yHIz_-UDZ2qYOIR2R6P8ymGMzNXghoZCNhTwMcgntXeiy-fW4HVA698dzQg2J2bV3cWsSE9daWJUoAlUpy2vFJp7m6IkDKZ5Z-1FTcKafcKI1hyphenhyphenAxJp_2RhJDT_RhxiXMeZApnYvKolgjIUlq8hNj67X-7PzMb2EGmob3nb8/s2400/sourdoughbread.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b8UspH5Wl2ycXsczmb2yHIz_-UDZ2qYOIR2R6P8ymGMzNXghoZCNhTwMcgntXeiy-fW4HVA698dzQg2J2bV3cWsSE9daWJUoAlUpy2vFJp7m6IkDKZ5Z-1FTcKafcKI1hyphenhyphenAxJp_2RhJDT_RhxiXMeZApnYvKolgjIUlq8hNj67X-7PzMb2EGmob3nb8/w640-h320/sourdoughbread.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><u>In Summary</u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Does this seem like a lot of work? It definitely is a process to learn. I have found that the work it takes to learn sourdough baking is worth it. I find it very rewarding to learn the process, and to find my own rhythms. It is an opportunity to be creative; no two sourdough bakers will be exactly the same. Take your time, and also, make time for pauses as you learn, as needed. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">When you learn the process, you will find that the hands-on time is not that much, and with experience, it will start to feel very relaxing, and will come automatically for you. You can make it fit into your own life, and your own schedules. As mentioned already, m</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">y current rhythm is to bake on Wednesdays. But whatever works for you ... maybe it will be the weekend. Besides choosing a bread-baking day </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">during</i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> the week, I often choose a </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">weekend</i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> day to make something with my sourdough discard that is kept in my refrigerator. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">My sourdough learning continues on, and my rhythms and ratios may change as time goes on! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">NOTE: I may update this post with more photos, and possibly edit it somewhat, but am wanting to publish this now for some friends who may find it helpful.</span></div><br /><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-83966138614400521742024-01-29T13:58:00.003-06:002024-02-04T20:24:49.127-06:00A New Year: Journals and Planners<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaA6eo3TkhWgqV_1U3K72axJuMYbiGZA_bNWZT_cdywI7V_G066IhbnmSdXHcesTEpZK3DB_02iI2jwauZ__ePeEwIs0lfDrQydz8I-jiHfFGs7TdzTQpvPead-UuMOLaPi3SO4vEbzl3xs0TcQoK_DnPNXyu6dxnuLzwI2bURJRMMnbs2K0b6ZUOBgc/s2160/IMG_9015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaA6eo3TkhWgqV_1U3K72axJuMYbiGZA_bNWZT_cdywI7V_G066IhbnmSdXHcesTEpZK3DB_02iI2jwauZ__ePeEwIs0lfDrQydz8I-jiHfFGs7TdzTQpvPead-UuMOLaPi3SO4vEbzl3xs0TcQoK_DnPNXyu6dxnuLzwI2bURJRMMnbs2K0b6ZUOBgc/w640-h640/IMG_9015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">January is the new week</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">between Christmas and the new year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(Emily P. Freeman)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Here we are at the end of January, one month into the new year already! Christmas was such a joyous time for us with all of our six grown kids home + most of those dear ones they have added to our family here with us, as well. We were 24 in all here in our home for Family Christmas on Dec. 27th! </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;">(Click <a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2023/12/celebrating-another-year-of-immanuel.html">here</a> to see a photo of all of us around our big dining table for Christmas Dinner ... scroll down to the bottom of the post to see the photo.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And since then, we have been cherishing the memories, at the same time that we have needed to enter into a New Year with all the responsibilities that life brings to us. I have also needed to totally embrace the quote above, giving myself room <i>this whole month long</i>, to pay attention to all the things that I love to do after Christmas and before the New Year! <i>January </i>has truly been my <i>week between Christmas and the New Year.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">At the beginning of a new year I love taking time to pause, to reflect on all the ways God has been with us in the previous year, and also to think through and pray through the thoughts and ideas on my heart and mind for the new year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And so, in the midst of other responsibilities this month, I have been making space all through the month for my "beginning of a new year" process ... reminding myself not to hurry and rush with these steps, but to give my heart and mind space to take all the time that I need.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws6HTLe_m77FL6GOGQNUjts7gU0s-OMtTZy3IThGxGB17Nj__DFRBzYBABMMdNMTxe-crgSOpXcUdtZiCd6Ds-Np99KsI4vIaPUWjIsd1wCnFzblEUNT1LTl9pHv_XW9oe1dPlln4XA3fKa4vFo4jv5_HjsOZPPU1_F86BTbz5QIxHYO1f7VY3eDgNYk/s2160/IMG_9010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws6HTLe_m77FL6GOGQNUjts7gU0s-OMtTZy3IThGxGB17Nj__DFRBzYBABMMdNMTxe-crgSOpXcUdtZiCd6Ds-Np99KsI4vIaPUWjIsd1wCnFzblEUNT1LTl9pHv_XW9oe1dPlln4XA3fKa4vFo4jv5_HjsOZPPU1_F86BTbz5QIxHYO1f7VY3eDgNYk/w640-h640/IMG_9010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Are you a journal and planner person? Setting up my journals and planners at the beginning of the year has always been a process that brings me joy. Having a well-kept home, a home and life that is run with creativity, care, and organization are things I love. They are a reflection of the love and character of God, feeding my own soul, as I serve and love those around me. So I love to reflect back, and to look ahead to another year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The place I start, and of most importance to me as I start out in a new year (and also each season and day of the year) are my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/courage-Devotional-Bible-Gray-Hardcover/dp/1462785034/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3LLNXW1Q0DRDM&keywords=in+courage+devotional+bible+for+women&qid=1706394103&sprefix=%28in%29courage+%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1">(in)Courage Devotional Bible</a>, and my "Devo Journal" </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(pictured above)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">. (I also use other tools; my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chronological-Life-Application-Study-Bible/dp/1414339275/ref=sr_1_4?crid=5VRNR4QWRQG7&keywords=chronological+study+bible+nlt&qid=1706557473&sprefix=chronological+study+bible%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-4">Chronological Study Bible</a> plus various books and study guides.) These are what hold my heart and my mind together ... pausing during my days, reading God's Words to me, listening, and allowing His Truth to settle deep into my heart. I use my devo journal to write down what I learn, to often write down some verses word-for-word, so that His Words, each word, can sink in deeply to my heart. I love to make verse cards, as well, with my favorite verses, as seen in photo above. I also write down my responses in my journal as i read and learn, sharing my heart and my thoughts; writing out my thanks to God, and writing out my need of Him, asking for His help. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Show me the right path, O Lord;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">point out the road for me to follow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Lead me by Your truth, and teach me,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">for You are the God who saves me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">All day long I put my hope in You.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(Psalm 25:4-5 NLT)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">From this connection and relationship, made possible by God's love, grace, and mercy ... I also set up my planners for the new year. I've used so many different planners through the years, some purchased, and now for quite a few years, I have created my own. It does take some time to do so, but is a joy to personalize them for myself and the interests and passions He has given me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hkEVSnQZhyphenhyphenpRjtiBFUJZWC30k72IYqfA6vX_T-mqA2xnVkdRA4FhFufbD4J5I6qlsPPXpnOasJ6WZZB0BuEa7vCsEPwRMNUOyx8SE-nE0h09Ro3orjyKAKnVIxWTT4R7k7UDZ_Oo92QDHBVmyzeEyMyXS2FsarYD8TAsb7ZBWYV5BUKbqk7OdPvJQ4s/s3024/IMG_9149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hkEVSnQZhyphenhyphenpRjtiBFUJZWC30k72IYqfA6vX_T-mqA2xnVkdRA4FhFufbD4J5I6qlsPPXpnOasJ6WZZB0BuEa7vCsEPwRMNUOyx8SE-nE0h09Ro3orjyKAKnVIxWTT4R7k7UDZ_Oo92QDHBVmyzeEyMyXS2FsarYD8TAsb7ZBWYV5BUKbqk7OdPvJQ4s/w640-h640/IMG_9149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX69vO8hSrIertGZF8_BoVKDyIGgkGeIG1bxUa_vvPaUHMRHhw_SL1hkdc7fiZi3cpZWQGOg0rbI4pefN0Mu-EWnrYcdKKRw2SMKyyWy97vtrTSooV0ZwlW5_DDBoPSiztODokSdu3uuTrStrSyGFSF6XH2tCUMDVSMZzDDQNk_-Mn0iHmPwb0fRuBcII/s3024/IMG_9148.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX69vO8hSrIertGZF8_BoVKDyIGgkGeIG1bxUa_vvPaUHMRHhw_SL1hkdc7fiZi3cpZWQGOg0rbI4pefN0Mu-EWnrYcdKKRw2SMKyyWy97vtrTSooV0ZwlW5_DDBoPSiztODokSdu3uuTrStrSyGFSF6XH2tCUMDVSMZzDDQNk_-Mn0iHmPwb0fRuBcII/s320/IMG_9148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I've used a blank notebook </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(purchased through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083R3LLY9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1">Amazon</a>)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> for several years in a row now. It's divided into six sections, each section with pastel colored pages. It is my Yearly Planner, set up for the entire year. I use the first section for monthly calendars, the next four sections for the four seasons of the year, and the last section for misc ideas. I have created different charts and pages to print out, and paste into the notebook.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gOX4z3ZwVRB0CaBNndg4TmT7Km1FQxnkw527xPVgNKg1aJKgxE-mfpFm03GvkQ3XZ-HkvB6xKDNuM9EeZ0B2O_YUEZqOJh1q8DD_x7fyolMOX9ZlRN0pQ1bJ5J8C05ZMXppUyVUXvPegyK5mZM_g8fohifdUcO_gCiJqY-qRurd_yTAmjD7OCZUChmY/s2160/IMG_9007.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gOX4z3ZwVRB0CaBNndg4TmT7Km1FQxnkw527xPVgNKg1aJKgxE-mfpFm03GvkQ3XZ-HkvB6xKDNuM9EeZ0B2O_YUEZqOJh1q8DD_x7fyolMOX9ZlRN0pQ1bJ5J8C05ZMXppUyVUXvPegyK5mZM_g8fohifdUcO_gCiJqY-qRurd_yTAmjD7OCZUChmY/s320/IMG_9007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Within each of the four seasonal sections, I create a pretty cover page, because beauty always lifts our hearts, and encourages us! The next pages under WINTER are set up to help me keep on track with the things of priority to me. These pages cover a variety of topics: ideas for my devotional time, life together with my dear hubby, our family, friends. Also keeping track of health/exercise, home care (including cleaning), "In the Kitchen", writing on my Pursuing Heart blog, digital scrapbooking, and more. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also, I have another notebook I use weekly and daily, implementing the ideas that are recorded in my Yearly Planner. These weekly and daily notebooks are set up seasonally, one notebook for each season of the year. This probably sounds rather tedious, but for me, it is life-giving. Writing things down helps me to think more clearly, helps me stay on focus, and encourages creativity for me. So it is a joy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9wAcL7pi2MGLXELd18-8Huv8RsNBBMmINNQ8ekE5Uv3niKpfaW-fnAu2QYXVeVnDFX_qFXtMb6fByCpmnWW4R12wz0I07z7W6syPou1TndkTpBqaEV65J-n4DwhxZf94dpQ0S8dCQa2UG6wEo-0lTYGJ5v7X9wOm42tvIBvLg4Kp5LZkUlImXx5lmks/s2160/IMG_9003%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9wAcL7pi2MGLXELd18-8Huv8RsNBBMmINNQ8ekE5Uv3niKpfaW-fnAu2QYXVeVnDFX_qFXtMb6fByCpmnWW4R12wz0I07z7W6syPou1TndkTpBqaEV65J-n4DwhxZf94dpQ0S8dCQa2UG6wEo-0lTYGJ5v7X9wOm42tvIBvLg4Kp5LZkUlImXx5lmks/w640-h640/IMG_9003%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have a two-page spread for each week within each season. On the first page, I've created a print-out with my main focuses/priorities, where I write specifics in through the week.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDcbidBzgTbfWQJJt6F8PRGCOCYfdgknTZoRX3es2q28Sfxahq3zA20xlXbFweuj77LOfui_LIjrdqljkF5Pc7awYEChVqKn5FKhNko_2C_x0MXLxQbMbkuke7V54o-9Gx2hkzs8NDn8YKiKxxBT7wCBjTFspD4z07rmO_DmnSgtlZWebJqCFkbUw5P0/s2160/IMG_9004%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDcbidBzgTbfWQJJt6F8PRGCOCYfdgknTZoRX3es2q28Sfxahq3zA20xlXbFweuj77LOfui_LIjrdqljkF5Pc7awYEChVqKn5FKhNko_2C_x0MXLxQbMbkuke7V54o-9Gx2hkzs8NDn8YKiKxxBT7wCBjTFspD4z07rmO_DmnSgtlZWebJqCFkbUw5P0/w640-h640/IMG_9004%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Across from the print-out of priorities, I have a weekly calendar page where I record events for the week.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hBE2wL5RgMdWlJpMOuzVVhgJ3mCXXkJVkuHMa_PV0H1aWaowHYy7HzdEuHxa6dbrD_gR2uEt-PmzCysx8ioHHot3JORkg59RK_m6dS8jaifjhg6ohq_VqOorvN_UyEUl8CoHH34uuuvN4YnFSoVixDaoulMIRYrpRxNjNPtTXbAx3aj1FyS0pAhtJog/s3024/IMG_9145edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hBE2wL5RgMdWlJpMOuzVVhgJ3mCXXkJVkuHMa_PV0H1aWaowHYy7HzdEuHxa6dbrD_gR2uEt-PmzCysx8ioHHot3JORkg59RK_m6dS8jaifjhg6ohq_VqOorvN_UyEUl8CoHH34uuuvN4YnFSoVixDaoulMIRYrpRxNjNPtTXbAx3aj1FyS0pAhtJog/w640-h640/IMG_9145edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next are the daily pages. At the start of the day, you would most likely see multiple post-it notes covering the daily page, reminders of things that need my attention that day. I most often choose to write down what I actually did on a given day, in late afternoon or evening, instead of listing things directly on the page at the start my day. This helps me, task-driven person that I am, to hold tasks more loosely, and depend on God to lead me through each day. And at the end of the day I can celebrate what He has helped me get done by writing the things down. </span><i>(Maybe this practice is partly due to my age, in my mid-70's, helping me remember more clearly what each day held!)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, this is just a brief glimpse into the journals and planners that I use. They are not an end in themselves, but they help keep me on the right path. Maybe one small part could be an encouragement to you, even if you are not one who needs to write things down. We are each uniquely made!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0Y5nSinUQx6z2WIwLk6dRKnFuYQJDNPvGCZJk-F8EQ8lDNWvDfx_XuaNpk0Gfg98CCI6nl5dgThCa5ncCrJ-YkhsexwIDWROjc2OFie_7x0d0hFNICRmw65BKdTT4te9fItdlpCot0Tx6su4mA8zeaB3zXG8EzXqkVwBXdklRn2wB2KaD-hjKRx-EVs/s3024/PicTapGo-2024-01-11-140318.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0Y5nSinUQx6z2WIwLk6dRKnFuYQJDNPvGCZJk-F8EQ8lDNWvDfx_XuaNpk0Gfg98CCI6nl5dgThCa5ncCrJ-YkhsexwIDWROjc2OFie_7x0d0hFNICRmw65BKdTT4te9fItdlpCot0Tx6su4mA8zeaB3zXG8EzXqkVwBXdklRn2wB2KaD-hjKRx-EVs/w640-h640/PicTapGo-2024-01-11-140318.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As we journey through our days this year, in the good and the hard times, we can continually find moments to pause, to slow our busy lives and notice the gifts from our loving Father. His greatest gift to us is His presence with us. From Christmastime continuing throughout the entire year: Immanuel: <i>God with us</i>. Our journals and planners can be a tool to help us focus on what is of most importance, instead of being a slave to busyness and confusion.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-3873171810574844522023-12-31T17:24:00.003-06:002023-12-31T17:25:29.684-06:00Celebrating Another Year of "Immanuel: God with Us"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUCz8zOfbQgkrpQ-y7oE37YFylI-3Yn-MG3Fw8VzrDAtzLXug7M3r2uzeCNH9eZLYAZJyT3uMPDojkByWq0u3lwJOWAHa-FnGZIMbdXr_WWoSqJKi4Vgnlj7uhW_1Iuc7WrMtAPuH5cA3zo1nyvS1QUjMc7-zPhVem3HcXieZz_pK3BUTTG9ZtBzfT9I/s2160/IMG_8815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUCz8zOfbQgkrpQ-y7oE37YFylI-3Yn-MG3Fw8VzrDAtzLXug7M3r2uzeCNH9eZLYAZJyT3uMPDojkByWq0u3lwJOWAHa-FnGZIMbdXr_WWoSqJKi4Vgnlj7uhW_1Iuc7WrMtAPuH5cA3zo1nyvS1QUjMc7-zPhVem3HcXieZz_pK3BUTTG9ZtBzfT9I/w640-h640/IMG_8815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Oh, how I love Christmas! My intentions were to write here several times this month, and also during the month of November. Sharing glimpses of joy in the midst of preparations for our big Family Christmas with 24 loved ones around our tables, and filling every room of our home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The writing of posts didn't happen, but JOY was overflowing from my heart each and every day of December. We had just had six intense weeks of caring for a family member </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(from mid-October through the end of November)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">, finding a new place where he would be cared for in his needs. It was difficult, and intensely emotional, but we experienced in deeper ways than even before what it means to have <i>Immanuel: God with us</i>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Can we even comprehend the gift that we have? God <i>with</i> us. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"This doesn't just mean</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">God somewhere in the vicinity.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Or God down the street.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Or God within shouting distance.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">God is <i>with</i> us."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pursuing-Christ-Jennifer-Kennedy-Dean/dp/1563090856/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21YX054ZR2ARM&keywords=pursuing+the+christ&qid=1703944884&sprefix=pursuing+the+christ+%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1">Quote from Jennifer Kennedy Dean</a>)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Our greatest gift is Jesus. What joy the Father must have had to give us His Son! Anticipated and planned for since the beginning of time. The One who would make it possible for us to know Him intimately! The One who would rescue us and bring us back to Him. The One who would send His Spirit to live in us, closer than any other: Immanuel: God <i>with</i> us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And here we are at the end of another calendar year, celebrating with those we love (all gifts from Him), and taking time to pause and remember all the ways that He has been <i>with</i> us through another year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Giving us strength and joy even in hard times as we call on Him for help and He provides exactly just what we need. Giving us warm touches of His love: a hug, a smile, a timely word of encouragement, a promise from His Word. And all through the year, giving us the simplest of gifts, evidences of His love: a warm cup of coffee flavored with just the perfect blend of creamer, time with family and friends that brings us warmth and love, treasured times of adventure and also of quiet moments as we soak up His love and beauty in the deepest parts of our souls. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">I am overflowing with joy, because of Immanuel: God <i>with</i> us. And after all the fun of preparations all through December for our family 'Home for Christmas', </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It was all that we hoped for and longed for, and then some more. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">All six of our precious grown children were home; home <i>with</i> us, along with all the dearly loved ones that we are blessed with because of them.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Missing one son-in-law, a pilot who had to fly that day. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And nine of our ten grandkids were here, missing our oldest who is in Japan with her husband, and baby girl, our first great-grandbaby! </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Along with two brothers of ours, we were 24 gathered around our festive Christmas Dinner tables! Each one, so loved. And each one, a gift from God.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVTwqEJ7rp7kOo56aI4c-G4NCWAOOrRiKnXQkJY0khSS9d4O_o0BGZq3dnu8SHqMxJvK73pjGmGW6udVtMMhkWMtu8rmOhUriS57y8zXFVA_CVNkMpBb67TpZ2rVSIDNb7aZ71Mb7jCSc11iVdHA57ygyx9e9sT1ruJlsPjrsThZEKY4obBSFAH6Gul0/s3937/IMG_2819cropedit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1928" data-original-width="3937" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVTwqEJ7rp7kOo56aI4c-G4NCWAOOrRiKnXQkJY0khSS9d4O_o0BGZq3dnu8SHqMxJvK73pjGmGW6udVtMMhkWMtu8rmOhUriS57y8zXFVA_CVNkMpBb67TpZ2rVSIDNb7aZ71Mb7jCSc11iVdHA57ygyx9e9sT1ruJlsPjrsThZEKY4obBSFAH6Gul0/w640-h314/IMG_2819cropedit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Wishing you a wonderful New Year 2024, filled everyday with glimpses of God's love and presence. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-47590654212921094442023-12-30T19:43:00.012-06:002024-01-18T19:42:30.502-06:00Beginning with Sourdough Baking<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8QcZN81YHbXSiJ9fmgDouVn-EjvRxrgm7ozeBzP-oKPgyYBR6_1COvyRazIXSj8WDhoonXJr1tXVvn_oZ_A74REu-w1fHYOCvEAc-f1wi8b_PX6-VtH_2Pm_rbf853mS2-o-vS8RC53UpPfS3mruF_cpGr057t7C1M1vE_WuL6MD-QEw27b_Mxfci3E/s2160/IMG_8522.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8QcZN81YHbXSiJ9fmgDouVn-EjvRxrgm7ozeBzP-oKPgyYBR6_1COvyRazIXSj8WDhoonXJr1tXVvn_oZ_A74REu-w1fHYOCvEAc-f1wi8b_PX6-VtH_2Pm_rbf853mS2-o-vS8RC53UpPfS3mruF_cpGr057t7C1M1vE_WuL6MD-QEw27b_Mxfci3E/w640-h640/IMG_8522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Sourdough baking has been around for a very long time, but it began for me in early fall of this year. And it all began for me when I received a starter from one of our dear daughters (in TX), who had received her own starter from our son's sweet gal (in NY)! This precious starter traveled home from TX with me, as I "fed" it enroute while stopping at motels, and also at another daughter's home for night. I really love beginning my sourdough journey with a starter that came from family! (<i>Thank you, Cristy, and Fer!!)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">So my sourdough journey began on an actual trip of ours! And as we enter the New Year 2024, sourdough baking is becoming one of my new hobbies! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">This post is primarily for my own records ... documenting the first things that I made with my sourdough starter in the fall of 2023. I needed to set it aside for the most part during the months of November (while we were busy helping out a family member), and also December (when I was busy with preparations for our Family Christmas with 24 family here in our home)! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">After spending a good amount of time reading about the process, and learning to care for my starter, here are the things that I made in 2023 ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8YrY0PinjHU4UWx6KjoWGhOsUHwkHyaXDKZufa06oh7M2oqPVIPIr7GxmnOiwn3kjM4tj7f1z54gxyxGvCRRFHRl13op0Nv0k09fMQVhruBp8GF4fqdRp7Yr-3envxi942i9fFCfrmFVyTl5N0c3_CdlgFEE5U6SQ3bec10moJWSTsIoL8NC9U-iED8/s2160/IMG_8013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8YrY0PinjHU4UWx6KjoWGhOsUHwkHyaXDKZufa06oh7M2oqPVIPIr7GxmnOiwn3kjM4tj7f1z54gxyxGvCRRFHRl13op0Nv0k09fMQVhruBp8GF4fqdRp7Yr-3envxi942i9fFCfrmFVyTl5N0c3_CdlgFEE5U6SQ3bec10moJWSTsIoL8NC9U-iED8/w640-h640/IMG_8013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/naturally-leavened-sourdough-bread-recipe">Naturally Leavened Sourdough Bread</a> - made on Aug. 25 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9w61PPwTmxysRFGoKOecK4jCGk6AgczQHPRUqohPjYRlzuJEO-wct61WxA8Pffj0f8kNorRp8LdkG_v2SoGQ7UQidC6yyBrr1GJGbn0C3VPABE1DvMsFv4zc_iHGpIFS_PMJ_sh1dBotcAfauDTEVov8u5bJdtCgBF03yEn1dPSCLlf9J_yc_6O2oa0/s2160/IMG_8044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9w61PPwTmxysRFGoKOecK4jCGk6AgczQHPRUqohPjYRlzuJEO-wct61WxA8Pffj0f8kNorRp8LdkG_v2SoGQ7UQidC6yyBrr1GJGbn0C3VPABE1DvMsFv4zc_iHGpIFS_PMJ_sh1dBotcAfauDTEVov8u5bJdtCgBF03yEn1dPSCLlf9J_yc_6O2oa0/w640-h640/IMG_8044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.theclevercarrot.com/2023/05/homemade-sourdough-blueberry-muffins-overnight/">Sourdough Blueberry Muffins</a> - made on Aug. 28 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB22vdBypIihqH5E7hDXiIqDs7t8wWH6Qz5iDHXSm4Xl7nW2u3EDmWv5wAjhSPeVe0fUhaxZKchklF2LJd79Ym3wDzdXqfQVTVL5ej5HC0HDYqY_573FX6obbU8_b5UOmHen10tni_pmps-ARAHildQI_HI6w2WFAyCRCVRJVY-VCuZJs2UHxHAbKQuHo/s2160/IMG_8045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB22vdBypIihqH5E7hDXiIqDs7t8wWH6Qz5iDHXSm4Xl7nW2u3EDmWv5wAjhSPeVe0fUhaxZKchklF2LJd79Ym3wDzdXqfQVTVL5ej5HC0HDYqY_573FX6obbU8_b5UOmHen10tni_pmps-ARAHildQI_HI6w2WFAyCRCVRJVY-VCuZJs2UHxHAbKQuHo/w640-h640/IMG_8045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/buttery-sourdough-biscuits-recipe">Buttery Sourdough Biscuits</a> - made on Aug. 28 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAMx2XfnIxfSBlKx7qCZbvrOD73lTvU4uT2rYKLKj9Oo_9KQyP6BaEaaHMARPuXvSxmPoSAVNzp-i07W87QE5fF5hhl0o7B2L17DRw9QVHoUwqR355JNULW_gFBA06BJ8JArv-jwXWjilft2sG7scj2C06Zavk7eeodYcq0cSxcfyDdY0-hCipcLtRAs/s2160/IMG_8079.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAMx2XfnIxfSBlKx7qCZbvrOD73lTvU4uT2rYKLKj9Oo_9KQyP6BaEaaHMARPuXvSxmPoSAVNzp-i07W87QE5fF5hhl0o7B2L17DRw9QVHoUwqR355JNULW_gFBA06BJ8JArv-jwXWjilft2sG7scj2C06Zavk7eeodYcq0cSxcfyDdY0-hCipcLtRAs/w640-h640/IMG_8079.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/sourdough-scones">Blueberry Scones</a> - made on Sept. 2 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtKnwHam1ogZhpbYS7dx_ukm7wRWBhTLnv_F1QmlnVcBNhdoKK_XbG7502pyv-GOtj1Mk589a9O__YG4xLrGFVdIcwLNmK6zx0le9m4CF61uXDKuehh7YUBrfhSZTHgkdST8iM0T7y8SYhfOh4QHhy0vPKK5bAfn8Kxbu5CRqVJOw8HI9lVy-ga2b4bo/s2160/IMG_8144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtKnwHam1ogZhpbYS7dx_ukm7wRWBhTLnv_F1QmlnVcBNhdoKK_XbG7502pyv-GOtj1Mk589a9O__YG4xLrGFVdIcwLNmK6zx0le9m4CF61uXDKuehh7YUBrfhSZTHgkdST8iM0T7y8SYhfOh4QHhy0vPKK5bAfn8Kxbu5CRqVJOw8HI9lVy-ga2b4bo/w640-h640/IMG_8144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://littlespoonfarm.com/sourdough-banana-bread-recipe/">Sourdough Banana Bread</a> - made on Sept. 13 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx3KC4B4_iKIFtMblIs28DqfB7T3k1JXugSipIF1J7vkIxMh9qXixZVA0LfKoOUOWf1yDmR912ggzFg34he1dEKdsy8MuCxmWM-J5YQsEvpoMSIL3fvm6LFFerEyQU7VO3mkmLxaGXPScxiTENhae5Ui7n0MSzBwmkRbmEU_z2DJXXKYKD58lQTUsGFg/s2160/IMG_8338.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx3KC4B4_iKIFtMblIs28DqfB7T3k1JXugSipIF1J7vkIxMh9qXixZVA0LfKoOUOWf1yDmR912ggzFg34he1dEKdsy8MuCxmWM-J5YQsEvpoMSIL3fvm6LFFerEyQU7VO3mkmLxaGXPScxiTENhae5Ui7n0MSzBwmkRbmEU_z2DJXXKYKD58lQTUsGFg/w640-h640/IMG_8338.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Part of my birthday gift the end of Sept ... <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Sourdough-Made-Simple-Handcrafted/dp/1624144292/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E4CRCM2VUIYX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XKP8z_sfGNCmPqm5KgjZPCmS4-zrVfJnSHMgkHnWCfkQjV87RbLsUQhwcGvCAo5HOzIHrHyBYh4ZOmFqwJMSek8ad8IET3mc5agXfqSlWjKmKO8vYpQIq2xCUrnthJWGu5JATHs134Uu3xENaePLYDdZ5HFa4NXqqwjvfqoldpup4V7Pp9TSO2KTvxc2wmUD6Il4CO7oD0AjS4mBZS3tyaKSLAmHDf2cztIw7pWqHIE.AaCwetQ5Ly8wpUjcl6FgDE0SGqYJf2AzxOoGYhuIaS4&dib_tag=se&keywords=artisan+sourdough+made+simple&qid=1705603548&sprefix=artisan+s%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1">Artisan Sourdough Made Simple</a></u>, a very helpful source, also with photos to learn the process.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu-RhX4JcWJ9Hm9BLk7BJ55hBzLrjZBylyBwOxHBTbpq1Jq9FIjb2U3x3oKNDqECLn9Qstr0SY27YasVsT93SP7j9fnTqwi_Xn14pZ9-REaH1M3bs5twqkb607Ow9gBpVFO9ZT8D1EaezsD-9YzPsGQmnv6u9pnZVrjmqsXvcBzcme1kdDLjTURE6Kqk/s2160/IMG_8279.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu-RhX4JcWJ9Hm9BLk7BJ55hBzLrjZBylyBwOxHBTbpq1Jq9FIjb2U3x3oKNDqECLn9Qstr0SY27YasVsT93SP7j9fnTqwi_Xn14pZ9-REaH1M3bs5twqkb607Ow9gBpVFO9ZT8D1EaezsD-9YzPsGQmnv6u9pnZVrjmqsXvcBzcme1kdDLjTURE6Kqk/w640-h640/IMG_8279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQlHTfbpsH_8et6DVfKkDfQz_o_yklyEX7xQTu08bX0QzVbNs3gat4wg5s2bP_3wDskQB-xCGwk83Xq4KxVD1dt5m_qvvTQ3kky07TKsjyNjnSlNWBmS2DOk50qtgdLZDpdR9Z_t9modyfW07n828yhfeGrL7_7m9W4Jo0RYLbs3Mq4SDxP61p6fiMxU/s3024/IMG_8299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQlHTfbpsH_8et6DVfKkDfQz_o_yklyEX7xQTu08bX0QzVbNs3gat4wg5s2bP_3wDskQB-xCGwk83Xq4KxVD1dt5m_qvvTQ3kky07TKsjyNjnSlNWBmS2DOk50qtgdLZDpdR9Z_t9modyfW07n828yhfeGrL7_7m9W4Jo0RYLbs3Mq4SDxP61p6fiMxU/w640-h640/IMG_8299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Sourdough-Made-Simple-Handcrafted/dp/1624144292/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E4CRCM2VUIYX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XKP8z_sfGNCmPqm5KgjZPCmS4-zrVfJnSHMgkHnWCfkQjV87RbLsUQhwcGvCAo5HOzIHrHyBYh4ZOmFqwJMSek8ad8IET3mc5agXfqSlWjKmKO8vYpQIq2xCUrnthJWGu5JATHs134Uu3xENaePLYDdZ5HFa4NXqqwjvfqoldpup4V7Pp9TSO2KTvxc2wmUD6Il4CO7oD0AjS4mBZS3tyaKSLAmHDf2cztIw7pWqHIE.AaCwetQ5Ly8wpUjcl6FgDE0SGqYJf2AzxOoGYhuIaS4&dib_tag=se&keywords=artisan+sourdough+made+simple&qid=1705603548&sprefix=artisan+s%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1">Everyday Sourdough</a> - made on Oct. 1 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCitr7z0kB3XzA0wod6H1KtG4hGDEns4R3WL41AYtqmu_4ue3uEzHojQRMxgm1vsySmv7-lFM5g6GjnVik89Ol_WkOdEaNJy5k-fUYYDf8d3PF-iLjYx1GdKrOh3-t2gy19C1QIsAxEJmqeuSmqEb19tpvTg6cHC7GdVZZdT3ExE3PKfTfwgIghrp92bE/s2160/IMG_8313.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCitr7z0kB3XzA0wod6H1KtG4hGDEns4R3WL41AYtqmu_4ue3uEzHojQRMxgm1vsySmv7-lFM5g6GjnVik89Ol_WkOdEaNJy5k-fUYYDf8d3PF-iLjYx1GdKrOh3-t2gy19C1QIsAxEJmqeuSmqEb19tpvTg6cHC7GdVZZdT3ExE3PKfTfwgIghrp92bE/w640-h640/IMG_8313.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRsg1Mk8up7TUGaPZhzjMOpB6RJbbgrKNAjPG7iTGUW_2U_L8NJFBeZTsIgcbEMgVPWTvybWoB1UrfJmup8etvajv-AE7k9ADpyX_VYSp3-V0K1jErKQgceusoPgc3Gs1WmI-Sd-nYK1D5N1OqyTNj4v6XbVGfy5HVeJWthp7bA-x4CSunEb_1dq2vtc/s2160/IMG_8314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRsg1Mk8up7TUGaPZhzjMOpB6RJbbgrKNAjPG7iTGUW_2U_L8NJFBeZTsIgcbEMgVPWTvybWoB1UrfJmup8etvajv-AE7k9ADpyX_VYSp3-V0K1jErKQgceusoPgc3Gs1WmI-Sd-nYK1D5N1OqyTNj4v6XbVGfy5HVeJWthp7bA-x4CSunEb_1dq2vtc/w640-h640/IMG_8314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Sourdough-Made-Simple-Handcrafted/dp/1624144292/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E4CRCM2VUIYX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XKP8z_sfGNCmPqm5KgjZPCmS4-zrVfJnSHMgkHnWCfkQjV87RbLsUQhwcGvCAo5HOzIHrHyBYh4ZOmFqwJMSek8ad8IET3mc5agXfqSlWjKmKO8vYpQIq2xCUrnthJWGu5JATHs134Uu3xENaePLYDdZ5HFa4NXqqwjvfqoldpup4V7Pp9TSO2KTvxc2wmUD6Il4CO7oD0AjS4mBZS3tyaKSLAmHDf2cztIw7pWqHIE.AaCwetQ5Ly8wpUjcl6FgDE0SGqYJf2AzxOoGYhuIaS4&dib_tag=se&keywords=artisan+sourdough+made+simple&qid=1705603548&sprefix=artisan+s%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1">Everyday Sourdough</a> - made on Oct. 2-3 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">I then needed to take a break for a month or more, but kept on feeding my starter every week, while storing it in the refrigerator.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnFsqeFO-UvtWksRvwOPEi-JMLaaAr9wJTmil2HbKOhMA67A1O4V-k1HnnZyveV_FLUCTA_zCGawOSry_n754F-s-Vbb4AKh-YYMLdZ5gR4zFfsKR2wwlAQ7qbShHU_lCrcD810RdB0ALxn8Q2EEXFICa2H7zipalajFLD6puBaVv3e9YD0aDSGTNkNM/s2160/IMG_8806.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnFsqeFO-UvtWksRvwOPEi-JMLaaAr9wJTmil2HbKOhMA67A1O4V-k1HnnZyveV_FLUCTA_zCGawOSry_n754F-s-Vbb4AKh-YYMLdZ5gR4zFfsKR2wwlAQ7qbShHU_lCrcD810RdB0ALxn8Q2EEXFICa2H7zipalajFLD6puBaVv3e9YD0aDSGTNkNM/w640-h640/IMG_8806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/everything.sourdough/">Soft & Fluffy Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls</a> - made Dec. 19</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I served these dinner rolls for our Family Christmas Dinner!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And now, the very end of December, I am looking forward to entering into sourdough baking more fully in the new year. There is so much to learn about this method of baking with natural yeasts to create breads that are healthy and delicious.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I look forward to sharing more about my sourdough journey in the New Year!</span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-54743500005173222632023-10-29T06:39:00.017-05:002023-11-22T08:29:34.871-06:00Our Everyday Invitation<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUwwnPQVCxLPLjbIV8_Q44M2-KsUj81dbH5lTAzeN91OsV-yQd4qyW6HEcDszCAiNwxU-sYsIGG9129jzuP8V1_IFHNFYT_DjMuZ0xwvY8gVM44L9cWducWrPbPnD9TNy4SIbEu8TW3FhIJMolGlrlUe7nSvRmCq3t1hv91rhqit1uhvR4LG3jtdntBA/s3024/IMG_5137.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUwwnPQVCxLPLjbIV8_Q44M2-KsUj81dbH5lTAzeN91OsV-yQd4qyW6HEcDszCAiNwxU-sYsIGG9129jzuP8V1_IFHNFYT_DjMuZ0xwvY8gVM44L9cWducWrPbPnD9TNy4SIbEu8TW3FhIJMolGlrlUe7nSvRmCq3t1hv91rhqit1uhvR4LG3jtdntBA/w640-h640/IMG_5137.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Do you long for closeness, as I do, everyday deep connections? Our hearts are made for connection. For relationship. With those nearest to us, and those we love who live far from us. And how can we even find what we long for in the midst of our busy days, in this beautiful but broken, hurting world and culture that we live in? Where do we turn to find what we long for, what we so desperately search for?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And maybe our first step, and our first longing, is for deep, intimate connection with the God who made us, who created us so that He could shower His love on us. He desires to pour His love into each one of us. His love for you. For me. The deepest kind of love, the most treasured connection that we could ever wish for. An everyday heart-to-heart relationship. And then, filled up with this closeness of being deeply loved, we find that the overflow of this love spills out to nurture and grow the other deep relationships and connections that we long for with those around us.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">How do we nurture this kind of connection and relationship with the God who loves us so deeply? May I suggest a simple tool that helps me day-by-day? It may not be the tool that you need, for we are all made differently, but maybe it will encourage you in some way. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">For me, it begins with a heart that is longing for and desiring deep connection, and also, it begins with pen and paper. Why pen, and why paper? For me, it means that I must pause from the never-ending things that draw my attention (even good and wonderful things), and focus. I need to still my heart to write. To take the time to put my heart and longings into words, and onto paper. To express what is in my thoughts, and on my heart. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">Maybe it could be compared to pulling up a comfy chair to spend focused one-on-one time with someone we love. Of course, this dialogue with God happens anytime, anywhere, even in the middle of the night when awakened or unable to sleep ... but an intentional pausing maybe is like accepting a special invitation for deep, one-on-one connection. I accept the invitation, and come to the table (or to a soft chair or loveseat) with pen and paper, pausing my sometimes (often) busy pace, to draw close, to listen and learn from Him.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I then pick up His Word, with a heart ready to listen and learn. And as I read His words with my heart, I will hear His heart. And then I will write down, word for word, the verses that speak truth to my heart. Not writing all that I read, of course, but writing the specific verses that reach deeply into my heart. Words of love, and words of truth that I so desperately need. Words and truths that I long for. That touch me in the deepest places. Opening up His Word, writing what I read on paper, storing it in my heart. And then responding to Him, pausing, and writing my thoughts to Him.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">This meeting of hearts, by His grace and mercy, and made possible by the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, is what we are made for. Our greatest treasure ... to be loved by Him.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Behold, I'm standing at the door, knocking.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">If your heart is open to hear My voice</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">and you open the door within,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I will come in to you, and feast with you,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">and you will feast with Me.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(Rev. 3:20 </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The Passion Translation)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And we will find that this love, His love, then overflows from our hearts to those around us. Bringing deeper connections and relationships than we ever imagined. And by His grace, we will live a life of pulling up close to those we love and those He brings our way. We will pause our busy lives, and listen intently. And we will speak words of life and encouragement with each other, finding the deep connections and relationships that we all long for. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-58444869644449959642023-09-23T15:51:00.003-05:002023-09-25T18:53:45.736-05:00Recipe from the Past: 7-Layer Casserole<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCs9BhtTqK-gfCfX-5EfAk-iLDiXjRglbUzMHaoadnQ7jOFYUy47EeRtmaWLZ5RLiL9IOX2umTVSsWQuWAUybGj1cNEnU8xWVRU1pF3FoJiZSpzb2J0UsymEF_0ghW79FOf3NDuMPzc9k7yeGSl1UeQ6LI0nHTpmq5dhs6riCRGcVaSpgKYvuYIJspNtY/s2160/IMG_8120edit2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCs9BhtTqK-gfCfX-5EfAk-iLDiXjRglbUzMHaoadnQ7jOFYUy47EeRtmaWLZ5RLiL9IOX2umTVSsWQuWAUybGj1cNEnU8xWVRU1pF3FoJiZSpzb2J0UsymEF_0ghW79FOf3NDuMPzc9k7yeGSl1UeQ6LI0nHTpmq5dhs6riCRGcVaSpgKYvuYIJspNtY/w640-h640/IMG_8120edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's the beginning of beautiful </span><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">AUTUMN! A</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">nd here's a delicious comfort dish to share with you all! </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">My recipe collection keeps growing and growing! We celebrated our 52nd wedding anniversary last month, which means I've been preparing meals for five decades already! Besides the cooking done while still at home with my parents and brothers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And somehow, I have forgotten to share this recipe from the years when our six children were still in our home. Forgotten until recently when one of our sons contacted me for the recipe! I actually have not made it for quite a few years, because, well, as I've mentioned, I have a lot of recipes collected by now. But this one should not be forgotten. </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(<i>Thanks, Seth, for the reminder!</i>)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I have no idea how many times I made this recipe when our six were still home, just that I know it was many, many times. And what fun it was for me to pull out the recipe and make it again a few weeks ago. And we loved it, just the two of us! Enough for a few meals for us that week, and also one I put in the freezer for a later time!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #eeeeee;">7-Layer Casserole</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">1 1/2 cups rice, uncooked</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">1 can corn, including liquid</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">1 1/2 tsp salt</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">1/8 tsp pepper</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">3 small cans tomato sauce, divided</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">3/4 cup water</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">1/2 cup onion chopped OR 1 tsp dry onion</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">1 1/2 lb ground beef</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">3/4 tsp salt</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">1/8 tsp pepper</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">1/3 cup water</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">4 strips bacon, cut in half</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>Directions:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Layer ingredients in a 3-quart (or 9x13) lightly greased pan:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">rice, corn & liquid, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1 1/2 small cans tomato sauce, 3/4 cup water, onion, ground beef, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1 1/2 cans tomato sauce, and 1/3 cup water.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Cover meat evenly with bacon. Cover casserole.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour (or a bit longer).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Uncover, bake 20 minutes or until bacon is crisp. (I often turn the broiler on for some minutes at the end to crisp up the bacon good.)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u9ZZmpgw9cLBXMmTLQp9ueQz2Bi259ZHb9s0wahr6BZlClkC93XOLfPsEu_taAmpd_AGyf0Kml9os4rEaOO90kWCKqGxkRyRS3ooKJwX0gYVAdMOQyoCXVn5D3jvLqPnSGDcDgAzxNsjVeyDnoPweEft62wbKsTQC47CDLs-JyUBWsZBe9wmR4iP8nE/s2160/IMG_8126edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u9ZZmpgw9cLBXMmTLQp9ueQz2Bi259ZHb9s0wahr6BZlClkC93XOLfPsEu_taAmpd_AGyf0Kml9os4rEaOO90kWCKqGxkRyRS3ooKJwX0gYVAdMOQyoCXVn5D3jvLqPnSGDcDgAzxNsjVeyDnoPweEft62wbKsTQC47CDLs-JyUBWsZBe9wmR4iP8nE/w640-h640/IMG_8126edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-33098099817251724112023-09-12T09:17:00.002-05:002023-09-12T09:17:28.203-05:00Every Season: New, and the Same<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4cUQG4dZLVdWXDudzc14fQ5DgHCGCiEWW4C82usVVP1FXGHLnw-BJRwJ4HHGEq91a6Xjzj4TOn8Jtk5cI7MrO6PFrbFxjo7eo4hougD2w478Z_OOS2vWrOjuKrEhIJ0uC6u79AhjqvzmaRuT9a4vyqmMaQN6sgZTp-cSWWa0CBLL9snFT_VC_d_B4hE/s3024/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4cUQG4dZLVdWXDudzc14fQ5DgHCGCiEWW4C82usVVP1FXGHLnw-BJRwJ4HHGEq91a6Xjzj4TOn8Jtk5cI7MrO6PFrbFxjo7eo4hougD2w478Z_OOS2vWrOjuKrEhIJ0uC6u79AhjqvzmaRuT9a4vyqmMaQN6sgZTp-cSWWa0CBLL9snFT_VC_d_B4hE/w640-h640/IMG_2378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"></span></div><blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Every season ... new and fresh,</span></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">but yet, remaining the same.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">For with Him, we keep on asking,</span></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">keep on seeking, and keep on knocking.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;">(From Matthew 7:7 NLT)</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">And we keep on receiving.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">For He never stops giving the best of gifts.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Pausing, listening, and watching</span></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">for His gifts of love.</span> </span></p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><br /><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-10208091629108752632023-08-27T15:59:00.005-05:002023-08-27T16:13:47.509-05:00In the Kitchen: Favorite Zucchini Recipes<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcxaJOwiA0BRy5sd7krRCoK4aDI_EpNRgWMK4G0x9PuIPXytxDfL_u8EGF5z8Yesw7TeelWWkDlzda3WDifIjzxJmkVXFT-XwnseNC7ZVRAwDRU2Z2PzUhy1YMSUFnl8UPbQOqv9_KoYw6OB-NkDmcL1YAj_uR-LBpkl-S2NXfGpOt_fBZHqqhkdFO5g/s3024/IMG_5141edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcxaJOwiA0BRy5sd7krRCoK4aDI_EpNRgWMK4G0x9PuIPXytxDfL_u8EGF5z8Yesw7TeelWWkDlzda3WDifIjzxJmkVXFT-XwnseNC7ZVRAwDRU2Z2PzUhy1YMSUFnl8UPbQOqv9_KoYw6OB-NkDmcL1YAj_uR-LBpkl-S2NXfGpOt_fBZHqqhkdFO5g/w640-h640/IMG_5141edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Here we are in the last few days of August, and I need to finish this post that I collected photos for about a month ago! The days fly by so fast, and summer is nearing an end. Our veggie garden produced a lot of zucchini during the month of July especially. And I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite zucchini recipes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Zucchini Muffins</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> ... pictured above. I make these most every summer; a moist delicious muffin. Click </span><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/06/in-kitchen-flavors-of-summer.html" style="font-size: large;">here</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> to read this post from last summer, which contains the link to find this recipe online. Or, you can find this recipe under my </span><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/p/family-recipes.html" style="font-size: large;">"Our Family Recipes"</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> page tab here on my Pursuing Heart blog.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9hcBKuL9gfqB0jUsnR_3iEmnc9UkXloXd00rT0v24kgwkfIBM9SLZ7Stpw-bn0-xwVhXZEbeyyqrhjIs-befWYDbhBketY727dhVNOv3N6K-s4VmhBg_juHj_jYpClqKdcjzw2R_C3s-WtL26wTiwqiv4alLgaDF7WsgD9rrja7qVMYgK7I1nCdfobo/s3024/IMG_7840.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9hcBKuL9gfqB0jUsnR_3iEmnc9UkXloXd00rT0v24kgwkfIBM9SLZ7Stpw-bn0-xwVhXZEbeyyqrhjIs-befWYDbhBketY727dhVNOv3N6K-s4VmhBg_juHj_jYpClqKdcjzw2R_C3s-WtL26wTiwqiv4alLgaDF7WsgD9rrja7qVMYgK7I1nCdfobo/w640-h640/IMG_7840.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A brand new recipe that I tried in July is pictured above ... </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Chicken Zucchini Casserole</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. We both loved it, and will be making it again in the future. Click </span><a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-zucchini-casserole/" style="font-size: large;">here</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> for the recipe.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhXnMCRuUGciy0JLnoiIWpGbl1i3MnB5qwKaSRDdxUKhdux_tV-WKMY1mpneEjCDpECHPWJkj9bx4EvXULfikCMCBEdKpaVnVgW4284g5je2hKEjGXFPKNaf69tatSYshYr_9LyuWdHIvos1gfZidyniO4giW6dIXHiUtjA5JC-FX2XV3pygZor_zxf8/s3024/IMG_7670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhXnMCRuUGciy0JLnoiIWpGbl1i3MnB5qwKaSRDdxUKhdux_tV-WKMY1mpneEjCDpECHPWJkj9bx4EvXULfikCMCBEdKpaVnVgW4284g5je2hKEjGXFPKNaf69tatSYshYr_9LyuWdHIvos1gfZidyniO4giW6dIXHiUtjA5JC-FX2XV3pygZor_zxf8/w640-h640/IMG_7670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pictured above is another new zucchini recipe that I made this summer for the first time ... </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Zucchini Patties</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. So very good! Click </span><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/13941/zucchini-patties/" style="font-size: large;">here</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> for the recipe.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0aAJ1nU7tgulZcvXzV8QprNlyR8dd4EuwRmlkkdP3Q58fDW3_EeYUBAnzlLeksrC-Sgdjqb-D6R3p6SAf8ZYb20oTVtvexh5MN1fLQ32uQwlQ6PgRLmGKxliHhMDBMedGg0poUqyvFZohMF2yGA1CVRS5zQFVIalIbemcFwo6d7TQeENUACawkQrv5o/s640/BBQ%20Ranch%20Grilled%20Chicken%20and%20Veggie%20Bowl.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0aAJ1nU7tgulZcvXzV8QprNlyR8dd4EuwRmlkkdP3Q58fDW3_EeYUBAnzlLeksrC-Sgdjqb-D6R3p6SAf8ZYb20oTVtvexh5MN1fLQ32uQwlQ6PgRLmGKxliHhMDBMedGg0poUqyvFZohMF2yGA1CVRS5zQFVIalIbemcFwo6d7TQeENUACawkQrv5o/w640-h640/BBQ%20Ranch%20Grilled%20Chicken%20and%20Veggie%20Bowl.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>BBQ Chicken Bowl</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> (pictured above), is one of my favorite rice bowl recipes. The recipe calls for one zucchini, sliced, which is another main dish to use zucchini in. We really love this recipe. Click </span><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2019/06/bbq-ranch-grilled-chicken-veggie-bowls.html" style="font-size: large;">here</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> for a previous post of mine featuring this recipe, including a few step-by-step photos to make it.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzJO7dNnCkLp_RTjTZyBF3cm0NZI29Z17ugwcGfg5VR89yWGY8LCFuFhbbKJ_NL9PJTjzZPSDArYgG6bD4FmJHB_ERUPyaOAdyMDNiLDTJeDLaUfBzbvPq3fMyhvYtkO7wH2SGGX8YLFZO0PaT3ug9L138vE6c_dQ8jeTXGgSSMIJQyZuDTPVy4JrOMs/s2160/IMG_4784.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzJO7dNnCkLp_RTjTZyBF3cm0NZI29Z17ugwcGfg5VR89yWGY8LCFuFhbbKJ_NL9PJTjzZPSDArYgG6bD4FmJHB_ERUPyaOAdyMDNiLDTJeDLaUfBzbvPq3fMyhvYtkO7wH2SGGX8YLFZO0PaT3ug9L138vE6c_dQ8jeTXGgSSMIJQyZuDTPVy4JrOMs/w640-h640/IMG_4784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> is another delicious recipe using zucchini. Click</span><a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/grilled-hawaiian-chicken-teriyaki-bowls/" style="font-size: large;"> here</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> for the recipe.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gbN_BFLy2p3-9gdDjjzZJ_gQ-kKoYeB3HtCHwbXjGZSBSJvKF08FWVa5q5PUHOHqQqIiTOEn7n4Tp6vLhQjOsbVhzyerIrBuOr7CoYCwzULNaj1xvh4WaMm70x-tWAa3vIJWYlrNZ_4qDde55Ujt-cnvkeB0WduGKBp5nlPZP3d0ky8Dwz9xoHX_uY0/s3024/IMG_7633edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gbN_BFLy2p3-9gdDjjzZJ_gQ-kKoYeB3HtCHwbXjGZSBSJvKF08FWVa5q5PUHOHqQqIiTOEn7n4Tp6vLhQjOsbVhzyerIrBuOr7CoYCwzULNaj1xvh4WaMm70x-tWAa3vIJWYlrNZ_4qDde55Ujt-cnvkeB0WduGKBp5nlPZP3d0ky8Dwz9xoHX_uY0/w640-h640/IMG_7633edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And next, two of my favorite bar cookie recipes using zucchini! The first one, to the left in photo above, is </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Zucchini Brownies</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. You'll find the recipe in this previous post ... click </span><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2022/07/three-summer-bar-cookie-recipes.html" style="font-size: large;">here</a><span style="font-size: medium;">. I make this recipe each summer.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And a new one this summer is pictured to the right above, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> ... so very delicious! You can find the recipe by clicking </span><a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/carrot-and-zucchini-bars-with-lemon-cream-cheese-frosting/" style="font-size: large;">here</a><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWBbWoUlBQRXO6JDMei4dhZoV1RuMpo42TVodNveHmr9qcaOkqSpXwStnYVdRIaqxPaycumr6jJfjfxVActW3YhIv3njNCoxOM3Fo4OpvqKcgRZUG6UmfC3iQlsns05r9u60clSkQNNwdLi-X2zzPm_35rQ3HhOLiZidUEPKMB2FXXftYglAbby7X_f8/s3025/IMG_5130edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3025" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWBbWoUlBQRXO6JDMei4dhZoV1RuMpo42TVodNveHmr9qcaOkqSpXwStnYVdRIaqxPaycumr6jJfjfxVActW3YhIv3njNCoxOM3Fo4OpvqKcgRZUG6UmfC3iQlsns05r9u60clSkQNNwdLi-X2zzPm_35rQ3HhOLiZidUEPKMB2FXXftYglAbby7X_f8/w640-h640/IMG_5130edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Banana-Zucchini Bread</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> is another favorite ... click </span><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/06/in-kitchen-flavors-of-summer.html" style="font-size: large;">here</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> for a previous post with this recipe linked to it. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM4l1BV6Iw8tzZW9uiWtzMNW4P5mqmjSOQbVbSi5bqLmMnstqdo83EkvRCBTMXKReX5R52Sk7Uc7053Sz6W5THDQmwZN2X_NasUkx-S0j_YuvX_OSJUZnmFIcQ5hjdqw6fB1Q8FeXfxY9PrSUxMaXeS02UJ7nT5qE2A0nZt22OMnSn_RN1Ywj6YjaTnY/s3024/IMG_7764.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM4l1BV6Iw8tzZW9uiWtzMNW4P5mqmjSOQbVbSi5bqLmMnstqdo83EkvRCBTMXKReX5R52Sk7Uc7053Sz6W5THDQmwZN2X_NasUkx-S0j_YuvX_OSJUZnmFIcQ5hjdqw6fB1Q8FeXfxY9PrSUxMaXeS02UJ7nT5qE2A0nZt22OMnSn_RN1Ywj6YjaTnY/w640-h640/IMG_7764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">You can see our two zucchini plants in the trellis area in the center of our garden. During the peak of the zucchini season during July, I was picking about one zucchini per day for awhile! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOjkfXemTbrpG6Wyj0TWfouTuEkI3gUfPELdMJJ-O47SPSuwVstXwmxSN1_AjlvTHUVI6bWu1Bi5868JihtZWT2U1ERq3gzRsgkegRQaRfAeVnsmE5NdZFl4rBvbLvlbpi8QbqPbeHkm6ANKSwc8Nn_XV2QZvFP66k4Th95efcsNLchTnxPtf9monviE/s3024/IMG_7706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOjkfXemTbrpG6Wyj0TWfouTuEkI3gUfPELdMJJ-O47SPSuwVstXwmxSN1_AjlvTHUVI6bWu1Bi5868JihtZWT2U1ERq3gzRsgkegRQaRfAeVnsmE5NdZFl4rBvbLvlbpi8QbqPbeHkm6ANKSwc8Nn_XV2QZvFP66k4Th95efcsNLchTnxPtf9monviE/w640-h640/IMG_7706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Photo above shows one day's picking ... two zucchini, along with five cucumbers. So much beauty during the summer season! And thanks for reading through my post featuring some of my favorite zucchini recipes.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-2394413048646189772023-07-29T17:32:00.001-05:002023-07-29T17:37:25.467-05:00A Simple Life: Experiencing "Soul Sabbath"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUbED5DFSivfUz910z8DA7QYwouWqStDYEz2NDFjcnL2pZr3yA0EMU66U-J416_88cPOUPXN1QPqlIz14trhMxNY2JVTAs0IvkyMa1KmsEA0Naog63zNO43G12hRKX6rR6Lx-4Pfyz2CZ8-aEPTbf8qU9KC1WBvSAwxnXSMWZyKtZKdK8OFiwOYUKCDc/s2400/Life%20with%20margin%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUbED5DFSivfUz910z8DA7QYwouWqStDYEz2NDFjcnL2pZr3yA0EMU66U-J416_88cPOUPXN1QPqlIz14trhMxNY2JVTAs0IvkyMa1KmsEA0Naog63zNO43G12hRKX6rR6Lx-4Pfyz2CZ8-aEPTbf8qU9KC1WBvSAwxnXSMWZyKtZKdK8OFiwOYUKCDc/w640-h640/Life%20with%20margin%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">In these busy times, and yes, even during our retirement years, I am continually seeking to learn what it means to live a <i>simple life</i>. It seems that no matter what season of life we are in, this is what we long for ... a simple life. Life definitely looks different during our retirement years, but for many of us no matter our season of life, we have 'responsibility' built right into the core of who we are. <i>Do you relate to this, as well?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">So, I am continually watching for added wisdom on this topic. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">These insightful words grabbed my heart this past week ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>A simple life is a life with margins.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Finding margins in my day means </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I will </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>carve out time for myself or slow the pace</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>when I become aware that</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>I carry an unnecessary stress load.</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Life-Savoring-Simple-Season/dp/0736963219/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26AK8GCQONWGC&keywords=a+lovely+life+melissa+michaels&qid=1690660488&sprefix=a+lovely+life%2Caps%2C471&sr=8-1">A Lovely Life</a></u> by Melissa Michaels)</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Of course, there are days and weeks when we cannot control the stress load that we are in the midst of. Life is filled with these times. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Sometimes, though, we may actually be either bringing the stress on ourselves as we take on more than we are meant to handle, or, we have not learned the importance of caring for our own hearts. I am guilty of both of these two choices. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">It takes an effort in the midst of our full lives to pause, and to be still, doesn't it? For me, it requires an intentional decision and focus to take time to care for my heart. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>Above all else, guard your heart</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>for everything you do flows from it.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;">(Proverbs 4:23 NIV)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"God instituted a life of Sabbath for His people ... a life of rest, completeness, fulfillment. He wants to teach you that Sabbath is not just a day of the week but a state of the soul. He wants you to know the secret of living in a 'soul Sabbath.' That means much more than an absence of activity. It means a settled, deep stillness, a quiet relaxation in body and soul." </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">(From </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Year-Praying-Promises-God/dp/1414341059/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Z61SSOT6TJTH&keywords=the+one+year+praying+the+promises+of+god&qid=1690660574&sprefix=praying+the+promises+of+god%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1"><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">Praying the Promises of God</u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">)</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIIz9bmrXGTk_m5x7PaNFlhsaJIyBOgvTTXcn6jNQzwrdn6VR-W7fWK_Y5xHVX_aSRT4LB1A__CbigJeCt6NCCCbCsh2TXdK8LeG5FTSJhcVSVo4GSiF1oNtnwYGKjTiUzgHdPKU1JOmpzK1ipW7nDEb3ZpvNZ51S8NFio5r-glqRyJbIAswUIHGO-xk/s3024/IMG_7805.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIIz9bmrXGTk_m5x7PaNFlhsaJIyBOgvTTXcn6jNQzwrdn6VR-W7fWK_Y5xHVX_aSRT4LB1A__CbigJeCt6NCCCbCsh2TXdK8LeG5FTSJhcVSVo4GSiF1oNtnwYGKjTiUzgHdPKU1JOmpzK1ipW7nDEb3ZpvNZ51S8NFio5r-glqRyJbIAswUIHGO-xk/w400-h400/IMG_7805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Pausing for me today means taking a good break from my unending responsibilities and 'tasks' for some quiet devo time in the early afternoon, giving myself the treat of writing this blog post, and soaking in the beauty of our yard and garden. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"We simply need to place our lives in the flow of His provision and live where His power is operating. The Kingdom of God is a land where the soul has continual Sabbath rest." </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">(From </span><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Year-Praying-Promises-God/dp/1414341059/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Z61SSOT6TJTH&keywords=the+one+year+praying+the+promises+of+god&qid=1690660574&sprefix=praying+the+promises+of+god%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1">Praying the Promises of God</a></u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i>Lord, continually teach me more of Your 'soul rest'. May I build margins into my days, and place my complete dependence on You. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Your strength will come </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">from settling down</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>in complete dependence on Me.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;">(Isaiah 30:15 MSG)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-53414814039670820702023-06-30T08:28:00.001-05:002023-06-30T08:32:36.443-05:00A Collection: A Summer Heart Check, More Digital Scrapbooking, and Summertime Reading<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8spfk97GuzVyZRNTTOcXQrnjOwHdn-9IHy3QsTGuv7Zj7ibRI1AQ9K2u_GD4-zdGxR2SIy72APlohwJTFI6qwHeW9jvLLKYbdRPEsPJQCFxGvoGZMNw2TFZ-Z_aAsz_6tchsyXIr8nbxXciHG0RCP6BJ68r0XlFSIy78I_M0D__VM7P2t3Iw6y8nRZo/s3456/Isaiah%2058%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8spfk97GuzVyZRNTTOcXQrnjOwHdn-9IHy3QsTGuv7Zj7ibRI1AQ9K2u_GD4-zdGxR2SIy72APlohwJTFI6qwHeW9jvLLKYbdRPEsPJQCFxGvoGZMNw2TFZ-Z_aAsz_6tchsyXIr8nbxXciHG0RCP6BJ68r0XlFSIy78I_M0D__VM7P2t3Iw6y8nRZo/w640-h640/Isaiah%2058%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Do you need to pull aside periodically (often?) as I do, to take care of your heart? Whatever the season is, there are just some days when I just need to push the pause button. Maybe even for the whole day. In our retirement life, pausing for a whole day can actually happen. In other seasons of life, it needed to be for a shorter time. I also remember well when our kids were little, my husband would routinely give me an "evening off". Time to pay extra close attention to my heart. Those times were life-saving for me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And these times of pausing continue to be life-saving for me. I recently had such a day. It was at the start of a new week, and I had lots (unending) things to do. But I knew ... I needed to choose the better. Time to pause, just sit and spend extended time with Jesus, time to let Him care for my heart. My heart is completely connected with everything I do. And I desperately need to have my heart watered and cared for. Even day-by-day, and even moment-by-moment. And sometimes I need to pause for extended life-giving watering of His love and grace. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I am so thankful for His love and grace. Always available as we soak up His Words of Truth, as we choose silence and quiet above the noise, and as we open our hearts completely to Him. Maybe your heart is calling for the same at the end of this month of June. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><i>More Digital Scrapbooking ...</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaMrY_N0g8h2tz7exVCJ-3neFVbj_3b8SLEn9Jc1jKbN860y0SnKoCZay-vBmk_y4F9czF-GIX041Q3CZwMXeTrcMPhO_MjSUM0sysidiZaMnGct9J1ofF_t1Lhf_HlC6lYI62h_sR9Mw7xL0OJoFhjN2358izAYjfPzS8T292wnPYtipJO4w3P8-IoI/s3600/4FamilyHome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaMrY_N0g8h2tz7exVCJ-3neFVbj_3b8SLEn9Jc1jKbN860y0SnKoCZay-vBmk_y4F9czF-GIX041Q3CZwMXeTrcMPhO_MjSUM0sysidiZaMnGct9J1ofF_t1Lhf_HlC6lYI62h_sR9Mw7xL0OJoFhjN2358izAYjfPzS8T292wnPYtipJO4w3P8-IoI/w640-h640/4FamilyHome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">What would we do without photos? I'm so very thankful for photos to help us hold memories close! It was a joy to have our granddaughter Abigail and Addison here from Japan for a visit the first part of April. And ... to be able to meet and hold our very first great-grandbaby in our arms! Lily was three months old at the time they were in our home. Here are two of the five digital scrapbook pages I put together recently of their brief visit with us, including some four generation photos! The time went by too quickly; I am thankful for these photos that helped us to capture that treasured time together.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJorYokcED2F9hX94_optRcRQf5hzd-1gAKVzD_zyRkYiFuuUzyDOJ_HFAPFX_5tOCXoN10gA17-gbLF4kSWuFRCdtrMYuyhvxYbA5G26IK3sbd09UBlDvtxR-MKYnD0W7GxurRXoJzfHTDM13R1eoFEA8-UjGYlQ6-ujt_6D9K72k6CoTiJLvGas4UdE/s3600/5FamilyHome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJorYokcED2F9hX94_optRcRQf5hzd-1gAKVzD_zyRkYiFuuUzyDOJ_HFAPFX_5tOCXoN10gA17-gbLF4kSWuFRCdtrMYuyhvxYbA5G26IK3sbd09UBlDvtxR-MKYnD0W7GxurRXoJzfHTDM13R1eoFEA8-UjGYlQ6-ujt_6D9K72k6CoTiJLvGas4UdE/w640-h640/5FamilyHome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><i>Summertime Reading</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgo3_BRT17hLZjOCB0dowdAz9ntuJETFELgnlUOA-O31uMPRA6aQwL9fID7YaKWYG3_mISYkm-c0cqNgcTFpLEfBBrwE6H-mJnxUR4VCaknmFhyG237zXR4B769TKhcy3iybjSu8m8X9D9og1Pc9NhZr6RrkZwL1pw0QTZ27ABm-Q2M-4aZ9HrRpX8eo/s3024/IMG_7444edit2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgo3_BRT17hLZjOCB0dowdAz9ntuJETFELgnlUOA-O31uMPRA6aQwL9fID7YaKWYG3_mISYkm-c0cqNgcTFpLEfBBrwE6H-mJnxUR4VCaknmFhyG237zXR4B769TKhcy3iybjSu8m8X9D9og1Pc9NhZr6RrkZwL1pw0QTZ27ABm-Q2M-4aZ9HrRpX8eo/w640-h640/IMG_7444edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever the season, it's a treat to read good books. I love to be continually reading an inspirational book, one that I can learn and grow from. And, also, I love to have a fiction book to relax with. My choice is most often a historical fiction book, where besides reading an engaging story/plot, I also can be learning of another time period from the past.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the two fiction books I've been reading this month is <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Judahs-Wife-Novel-Maccabees-Silent/dp/0764219332/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=judah%27s+wife&qid=1688130254&sr=8-1">Judah's Wife</a></u>, this one set in Biblical times. It was a great choice! I've been reading through the Bible chronologically, and recently completed the Old Testament. I did some extra reading about the "400 Silent Years" between the Old and New Testaments before continuing on with the chronological reading of the New Testament. I also was quite pleased to find a fiction book </span><span style="font-size: medium;">to read, as well, giving great insight into that time period that we usually hear so little about. From the book's back cover: "To be silent would be to deny their God. To defy would bring the wrath of the king. The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage ... and sacrifice."</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;">(NOTE: the beautiful setting for the photo above was at the home of one of our daughters, near McCook, NE. We recently spent 10 days there caring for their home and animals while they were on vacation. The perfect place to relax with a good book! (<i>Thanks, Carrie, for the fun of being at your & Tyler's beautiful place!)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-3885179691336354532023-05-16T12:17:00.001-05:002023-05-16T12:18:49.402-05:00Digital Scrapbooking: Highlights from September 2022<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I needed to take a break from digital scrapbooking all of this last fall and most of this past winter, and now have been very, very slowly going back to cover some of that time period. As you can see </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(below)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">, we were gone from home the whole month of September 2022! Here are two of the ten pages I was able to digital scrapbook a few months ago, from our Trip to Oregon in September 2022. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24iQeOUNXV1T5iObeFX6EtOGlfv5_y3oGhQcnB9FxD6g9BijvRd3Wwg96OAh8_lgNFnB_kDFhftl7KVTuZd0AiV4OdGDutwQYQdN_JdMryxC5W9-YoWz5o8i8xtaRNZRMzqjLc3EZWZ583wwDA3pexKzlQSaVtIxF3FF586gEmPByG7gJz0OAXGxI/s3600/x1EnroutetoOR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24iQeOUNXV1T5iObeFX6EtOGlfv5_y3oGhQcnB9FxD6g9BijvRd3Wwg96OAh8_lgNFnB_kDFhftl7KVTuZd0AiV4OdGDutwQYQdN_JdMryxC5W9-YoWz5o8i8xtaRNZRMzqjLc3EZWZ583wwDA3pexKzlQSaVtIxF3FF586gEmPByG7gJz0OAXGxI/w640-h640/x1EnroutetoOR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">It was the first time for us as four Siebert siblings to all be together since our father's passing in January of 2018. What a joy it was to be all together again ... one brother & his wife coming from New York, and Gary & me from Nebraska, to join another brother & his wife in Gresham, OR, and another brother in Portland.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS1iVH_ihGeQHHhayyf60Cbj1xoZdAq-0i5iKGwqzoVe3K0zDQfhSkdc3UCwzZZPiKTIqWhL8Ha_lvhipg6YV5JzHCQQ-9ikMbn1kNZsPn4E2Syyq1bEIIxLQcTNjblY6azjyiy7oBXNsi-ZchKaTYbmP_qqmJ_wnCsr_OLoTcDdIPq5UfxXBl7To/s3600/x7standingbybridge%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS1iVH_ihGeQHHhayyf60Cbj1xoZdAq-0i5iKGwqzoVe3K0zDQfhSkdc3UCwzZZPiKTIqWhL8Ha_lvhipg6YV5JzHCQQ-9ikMbn1kNZsPn4E2Syyq1bEIIxLQcTNjblY6azjyiy7oBXNsi-ZchKaTYbmP_qqmJ_wnCsr_OLoTcDdIPq5UfxXBl7To/w640-h640/x7standingbybridge%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The highlight of our time together, was just to be<i> together </i>again!! The scrapbook page above captures some of the beauty and joy of our time together, as we spent a day along the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The majority of our time was spent working together to prepare for our youngest brother to make a big move. And now he is back here in Nebraska, at an Assisted Living place just two blocks from our home for six months, and more recently, at a residential-style home that offers quality, individualized care just a 30-minute drive from us! It is so good to have him close by, especially as his Parkinsons disease has worsened in recent years.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">____________________</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;">Note for those who ask how I create these pages: </span><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;">About eleven years ago I switched from paper scrapbooking to digital scrapbooking, and took some online lessons from </span><a href="https://digitalscrapper.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;">Digital Scrapper</a><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;"> </span><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;">to learn how to digital scrapbook using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photoshop-Elements-2022-Disc-dp-B09CRTD79F/dp/B09CRTD79F/ref=dp_ob_title_sw" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;">Photoshop Elements</a>. </span><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;">You can also click </span><a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/digital-project-life/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;"> for some grea</span><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;">t tutorials on the Digital Project Life website - this is probably a quicker way to learn than the site</span><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;"> that I used eleven years ago. I recommend using these tutorials. </span><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;">Most of the page templates and digital products that I use are purchased from </span><a href="https://www.digitalprojectlife.com/?_ga=2.224441370.1871518368.1580521337-1981889267.1580521337" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;">Digital Project Life</a><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;">. </span><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;">Also, besides being able to share my completed pages online, I also print them out at home in 8x8 inch size to fit in the albums that I purchase from </span><a href="https://www.michaels.com/8x8-cloth-scrapbook-album-recollections/M10110621.html" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;">Michael's</a><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.4px;">.</span></div><br /><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-26976662673584543692023-04-11T08:42:00.006-05:002023-04-11T10:34:24.267-05:00What We Need Most in Hard Times<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXTz8bNuwBdo4WNcOeoRydHUvrX50HgfV0MjNkUPsEQ1GxJkpSHRTNoZqpTDO7EXu4hWX7jnijWRHqcO2CkTzrbyVJHt85RDY492ycgx_Cjf28DpeAh8JdbdhRl2dMUpcFUrBUbTP8SrWKO4cJuyO-UhAPk-xL2-WPrNCH0J_vyQ3NzW-SxSGC0n9/s2400/Psalm%2062%201to2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXTz8bNuwBdo4WNcOeoRydHUvrX50HgfV0MjNkUPsEQ1GxJkpSHRTNoZqpTDO7EXu4hWX7jnijWRHqcO2CkTzrbyVJHt85RDY492ycgx_Cjf28DpeAh8JdbdhRl2dMUpcFUrBUbTP8SrWKO4cJuyO-UhAPk-xL2-WPrNCH0J_vyQ3NzW-SxSGC0n9/w640-h640/Psalm%2062%201to2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We have gone through some challenging times recently. Mild if we were to compare ourselves to so many around the world. But for us, the past few months have been extra challenging.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">It is heart-breaking and challenging to care for and extend support and love to my brother who is suffering from Parkinsons. An absolutely devastating disease to have to go through. In the last thirty days, he has gone from living in an Assisted Living place just a few blocks from us, to a 5-day hospital stay where he had a much needed surgery, to 2 1/2 weeks of rehab at another facility, to being moved to his new home: an amazing new assisted living place in a home-style setting just a 30-minute drive from us. A loving atmosphere where eight residents receive individualized love and care in a beautiful, large ranch-style home. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">How do we navigate through so many unknowns on a daily basis? How do we have the strength and energy to go on, day after day, when things are so difficult, and when we are so needy? This has been my story for the past weeks/months. And the verse above has been one of many that have spoken truth to me. Truth that I have needed over and over again.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><b>I wait quietly before God,</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><b>for my victory comes from Him.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><b>He alone is my rock</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><b>and my salvation, my fortress</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><b>where I will never be shaken.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">(Psalm 62:1-2 NLT)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">There really is only one place to go when we are in need. And that place is to <i><span style="color: #f4cccc;"><b>wait quietly before <u>God</u></b></span></i>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">In our hard times, and in our good times ... we are to wait quietly. Not just in a vacuum or in emptiness, but we are to wait quietly </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;"><b>before <u>God</u>.</b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And who is this <i>God ?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">This is the Hebrew word "elohiym", used 2,600 times in the Old Testament, referring to the <i>one true God</i>. This name of God conveys that "God is Creator, the King, the Judge, the Lord, and the Savior. His character is compassionate, gracious, and faithful to His covenant." </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1617155241?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_thcv_3&storeType=ebooks&qid=1681220070&sr=8-1">(<u>Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible</u>)</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">So when we are in difficult times, we have the greatest privilege we could ever wish for ... we can draw close, and <i>wait quietly</i> <i>on God. </i>He is our Rock, our Salvation, our Fortress. A safe place, where we will never be shaken. These are not just words; they are Truth. A never-ending promise, from our faithful God.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">This has been true these past few weeks/months, and I have needed to turn my eyes, my heart, and my focus again and again to this safe place, to our faithful, compassionate, loving God. A place where we are cared for, and loved completely. I am so grateful. Day by day. Moment by moment.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Beautiful words of truth for our everyday ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>"God, the one and only - I'll wait as long as He says.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>Everything I need comes from Him, so why not?</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>He's solid rock under my feet,</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>breathing room for my soul,</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>an impregnable castle: I'm set for life."</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic;">(Psalm 62:1-2 MSG)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #424242; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic";">To read more of my 'Heart Connect' posts:</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2022/07/heart-connect-what-we-so-desperately.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">What We So Desperately Need</span></a></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-secrets-of-prayer.html">The Secrets of Prayer</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-77270087101530354592023-02-28T16:46:00.000-06:002023-02-28T16:46:48.897-06:00In the Kitchen: Menu Planning, Spice Organization, and a New Recipe<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXO_qWvg-sjk0QkIrEm6Kek2f5_F46fvGs4vsP4bdE2BMp5X1V5EO3cYvqXxSQKpcOV-gJvrJWT4b-dwJrY00Nj8KgPHm0vXeTDV-Nale5P-A28kufV8j7ar8HgN2a1Ng8UooKaLEx6sEowrx37_J5svQs3SvPzBJGqhM-x6q6EUBlqwD_gdlX4kJ/s3024/IMG_6556edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXO_qWvg-sjk0QkIrEm6Kek2f5_F46fvGs4vsP4bdE2BMp5X1V5EO3cYvqXxSQKpcOV-gJvrJWT4b-dwJrY00Nj8KgPHm0vXeTDV-Nale5P-A28kufV8j7ar8HgN2a1Ng8UooKaLEx6sEowrx37_J5svQs3SvPzBJGqhM-x6q6EUBlqwD_gdlX4kJ/w640-h640/IMG_6556edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Having some type of a menu plan especially helps me to be more consistent with cooking for just the two of us. Of course, it definitely helps when cooking for a crowd, but I need it just as much for a meal for two. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The photo above shows the menu planner that I am using this year; sitting on my kitchen counter, ready and handy to refer to. The photo above was taken on Feb. 13, with the recipe written in for that day - a delicious new recipe I tried. We loved the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Tortellini Soup we had that evening. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">On the post-it notes you see the other two recipes that I had selected to use that week for main dishes. I made Teriyaki Salmon the next day (Valentine's Day!), a favorite of my hubby's. We love that recipe!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I like to be flexible with my menu plans, usually waiting to fill in the daily squares as I go through the week. But having the recipes picked out ahead of time helps so much, also gives me the time needed to shop for the groceries. And I like the flexibility of using the post-it notes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And on the additional days of the week when I am not preparing one of the recipes that I have picked out to use, you will most likely find us heating up a homemade freezer meal. I usually have a ready supply of those on hand in our extra upright freezer. This happens naturally as I continue to prepare my recipes as they are originally written, even though there are just two of us at home now. Instead of down-sizing them for just two of us, sometimes I will even double the original recipe so that I will have a number of freezer meals - for us, and also to share.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEQGZB4_G9qIETaUZw8XTFxF0RYQJ7A5TXoFeIeu-TmbGl7lnhfRmv5fyQWPt9nV_NlqtOXK3FdYVFoaL6fikVVJP8FmHhVlBDChtPNtUnR-l4O9bx3MP-rNp2VY8ttBzD0bo5yVKCGS--Jvx36jogHwaBhFKmiUr9tEicrVXoYvT83eHlgEecAkN/s3024/IMG_6621edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEQGZB4_G9qIETaUZw8XTFxF0RYQJ7A5TXoFeIeu-TmbGl7lnhfRmv5fyQWPt9nV_NlqtOXK3FdYVFoaL6fikVVJP8FmHhVlBDChtPNtUnR-l4O9bx3MP-rNp2VY8ttBzD0bo5yVKCGS--Jvx36jogHwaBhFKmiUr9tEicrVXoYvT83eHlgEecAkN/w640-h640/IMG_6621edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnzmoqTStjLAa7xU3m1X5tSiwDXFXrlvRMQ6lRg10LVzTlxxedbNwCqjcSoEVK6rLknGohQocZ12SBI5jbqjpsYhysf2DDQBN69T9Iqx2OjKePtbEIQIVhg0eUFndmRBacxrB14i0av9rt_CzkrAcFlDKDHbnAy-Ytis9HyfDthlMrAF9kHHxUAz1/s2932/IMG_6622edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2932" data-original-width="2932" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnzmoqTStjLAa7xU3m1X5tSiwDXFXrlvRMQ6lRg10LVzTlxxedbNwCqjcSoEVK6rLknGohQocZ12SBI5jbqjpsYhysf2DDQBN69T9Iqx2OjKePtbEIQIVhg0eUFndmRBacxrB14i0av9rt_CzkrAcFlDKDHbnAy-Ytis9HyfDthlMrAF9kHHxUAz1/w640-h640/IMG_6622edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Last month we gave our kitchen a little new year gift! Our spice collection was becoming a bit of a mess. So many spices, and it was becoming a challenge to quickly find the ones that a recipe called for! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">So it was the right time to purchase some new spice racks, and also some new spice jars! I used my label maker to make the labels that you see on the jars. The round labels on top came with the purchased jars. Why did I wait so long to do this?! Click to see the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088FBMWFF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1">spice racks</a> (I purchased two of these), and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VHBX3ZC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1">spice jars</a> that I purchased from Amazon. And click for the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013DG2FNW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1">label maker</a> that I purchased a few years ago, and that I use often!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfFh7K1BrIUT0kjYaLiZH45AO5o5_i1xc56cgAlgNWCt1EK6NtBPiQO5RfMgsv9zNRuV-cS4fGTphomNDA---Kg8F1JdLGuYBH8AIjp8xNBtQ-fjExYZQkVwAzVImmLI3vXIQM_dLC7xK7bcUxoBDNaQ-xO7FE1S91Xlx52Dex4clJ4Zr_dOHYEeD/s3024/IMG_6634edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfFh7K1BrIUT0kjYaLiZH45AO5o5_i1xc56cgAlgNWCt1EK6NtBPiQO5RfMgsv9zNRuV-cS4fGTphomNDA---Kg8F1JdLGuYBH8AIjp8xNBtQ-fjExYZQkVwAzVImmLI3vXIQM_dLC7xK7bcUxoBDNaQ-xO7FE1S91Xlx52Dex4clJ4Zr_dOHYEeD/w640-h640/IMG_6634edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And back to that new recipe that I tried out mid-February ... here's a photo of it! </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">I put several meals of it in the freezer, and yesterday we pulled out one of those freezer meals to use. It was just as delicious after being frozen, thawed, and heated up in the microwave as when I made it fresh earlier this month. Click here for the recipe: <a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/creamy-tomato-and-spinach-tortellini-soup/">Creamy Tomato and Spinach Tortellini Soup</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">(A few changes I made to the recipe: I doubled the recipe, and also substituted 1 can of crushed tomatoes for 1 of the cans of diced tomatoes ... also used chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. I chose to freeze it with the tortellini already added to it - instead of how the recipe describes doing it. The recipe also suggests adding cooked sausage to it, which also would be delicious!)</span></div></div></div> <p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-9300740342013337102023-02-16T12:06:00.008-06:002023-02-17T16:24:22.951-06:00The Secrets of Prayer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXodnz8xrN075-8Hmt5R0LRJFfmwtR627Hw0YfaEWjNlYS_-azoubhBHl9yaIW9Ent7DI1LkeWBHq7Ca9AVMIxNO-7M-zNDunr4sCN639D6MyqkHgFtoZmnP0zMGJqZ3sc9wkythISAjF19tmxZeESveioAHLUChB2HxBqbthJhrAExwE67qKi5Re/s3024/Psalm%2017%206to7a%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXodnz8xrN075-8Hmt5R0LRJFfmwtR627Hw0YfaEWjNlYS_-azoubhBHl9yaIW9Ent7DI1LkeWBHq7Ca9AVMIxNO-7M-zNDunr4sCN639D6MyqkHgFtoZmnP0zMGJqZ3sc9wkythISAjF19tmxZeESveioAHLUChB2HxBqbthJhrAExwE67qKi5Re/w640-h640/Psalm%2017%206to7a%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">For several months now, I've had a growing desire to focus my mind and heart in deeper ways on ... <i>prayer</i>. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Over the years, I have collected many verses on prayer, choosing to call them my HEART CONNECT verses. For that is what I think prayer is ... connecting our hearts to His, in response to His heart of love for us. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And there is so so much to learn and grow in. I have especially been longing for ways to connect more deeply to His heart in praying for others ... for our growing family, and then also for others, and for our hurting world. Do you grow weary sometimes, as I do? I find it hard to keep my heart and mind focused. Each of us operates in our own unique ways, even as we pray. And I am learning of some new ideas that are helping me.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Since I have a collection of verses on prayer already, I am choosing to go a bit deeper with these verses. One way to do that is to do a WORD STUDY with each verse. I came across a source that is very helpful with this process. This source explains about <a href="https://www.thejamesmethod.com/pages/verse-mapping-for-beginners">Bible Verse Mapping</a>, or WORD STUDY as I refer to it. I've learned from this helpful source, ordered their <a href="https://www.thejamesmethod.com/collections/digital-products/products/digital-verse-map-journal-pdf">Digital Verse Mapping Journal</a>, am using the main ideas, and also adapting these ideas for my own use.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I was focusing on a verse from my collection, Psalm 17:6-7a </span>(pictured above)<span style="font-size: medium;">, two of the words I chose to look into deeper were "unfailing love". For a</span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">s we talk with Him, pour out our hearts to Him, we are communicating with Someone whose love is unfailing, never-changing. Looking deeper into these words, I discovered the Hebrew word from which "unfailing love" derives from </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">... </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">hesed</i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxojfG9p_RB09blgSqM-WljaIVMDlZ5d40219bSrUVCkCk-s_mojlsqOZV5lFXIWl08FgVsDEDAyE1efyJ53Dhr4YJSIrbyA80hC_xvzRysi23v4bc8ZUj0ByjmCdKf4T9gXFLc5nMj1K0gIFPGt8KIqgtxTjIM6RI6FiX5VuW32hJPJIBOVWfDebM/s3199/appleblossomedit.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3199" data-original-width="3199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxojfG9p_RB09blgSqM-WljaIVMDlZ5d40219bSrUVCkCk-s_mojlsqOZV5lFXIWl08FgVsDEDAyE1efyJ53Dhr4YJSIrbyA80hC_xvzRysi23v4bc8ZUj0ByjmCdKf4T9gXFLc5nMj1K0gIFPGt8KIqgtxTjIM6RI6FiX5VuW32hJPJIBOVWfDebM/s320/appleblossomedit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Can we even imagine all that this word encompasses? "<i>Hesed</i> is not merely an emotion or feeling but involves action on behalf of someone who is in need. <i>Hesed</i> describes a sense of love and loyalty that inspires merciful and compassionate behavior toward another person." </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/meaning-of-hesed.html">online source</a>)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><i>Hesed</i> is 'wrapping up in itself all the positive attributes of God: love, covenant faithfulness, mercy, grace, kindness, loyalty - in short, acts of devotion and loving-kindness that go beyond the requirements of duty'. </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">Hesed</i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">is translated in a number of different ways: steadfast love, mercy, kindness, and goodness.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="https://firmisrael.org/learn/the-meaning-of-hesed-hebrew-for-love/">online source</a>)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">As we pray, </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">as we pour out our hearts to Him,</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">this is the God who hears us.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">This describes our God, this is who He is, what His character is ... He is bound to us with <i>unfailing love, mercy, compassion, kindness, goodness, loyal, and not in word only but acting on our behalf. Always. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"Used nearly 250 times in Scripture, in such a powerful manner that some theologians have suggested it may be the most important word in Scripture, <i>hesed </i>is the forever covenantal, always unconditionally, unwaveringly loyal, kind love of inseparable bonding, of divine family, of eternal attachment. That's what <i>hesed</i>-love is: <i>Hesed </i>is attachment love." </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: xx-small;">(Ann Voskamp, in <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/WayMaker-Finding-Youve-Always-Dreamed/dp/0310352193/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V6MLEJO1I5E4&keywords=waymaker+ann+voskamp&qid=1675180549&sprefix=waymaker%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1">Waymaker</a></u>)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the God who hears our prayers, our cries for help, and listens to and holds the deepest longings of our hearts. I, personally, can hardly even grasp the realities of this; our greatest gift, to be loved so deeply by our Creator, our God. And I am drawn in, pulled close, desiring to be in continual communication with this God. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5v3V96gaHVlEvyEAkNN5GeiE6vfa4BNkhrzynMoMaWMBhTPHkcSnppCeIE4U_-jive4o7gluD5c2Ih2XQoTPmw9tjFucdBPQroOt90_5ig4xyLl4gxQuJ-Ib_LB6EfHceaKp1rmK9jeYf-_sIX8QrL7udiUiemraPGcbt0MwIrPPkNKgBFvUUj80/s3600/Psalm%2017%206to7a%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5v3V96gaHVlEvyEAkNN5GeiE6vfa4BNkhrzynMoMaWMBhTPHkcSnppCeIE4U_-jive4o7gluD5c2Ih2XQoTPmw9tjFucdBPQroOt90_5ig4xyLl4gxQuJ-Ib_LB6EfHceaKp1rmK9jeYf-_sIX8QrL7udiUiemraPGcbt0MwIrPPkNKgBFvUUj80/w640-h640/Psalm%2017%206to7a%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;">To read more of my 'Heart Connect' posts:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2022/07/heart-connect-what-we-so-desperately.html">What We So Desperately Need</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-28426057557132303762023-01-31T12:10:00.005-06:002023-01-31T12:12:45.286-06:00A Collection: January Books and Cozy Winter Decor<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mNwxkJng-JXGU8pPe7pWZXBzOS7MqSJuFE6Ljo_sNAXkBOXWKYOvxmYYWbaVaQHYiYAWm5jODiEiQWz4gg2s8pKE4FV4Mdox3slwaPs_TEU-1Pp1MiW2dEa4bIWI8bTR2jYqONJqmMYmjT21bqF4aBhYCD9gXt-6_-GI8UZnOxxV0avtOh2xhnJa/s2087/IMG_6445cropedit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2087" data-original-width="2038" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mNwxkJng-JXGU8pPe7pWZXBzOS7MqSJuFE6Ljo_sNAXkBOXWKYOvxmYYWbaVaQHYiYAWm5jODiEiQWz4gg2s8pKE4FV4Mdox3slwaPs_TEU-1Pp1MiW2dEa4bIWI8bTR2jYqONJqmMYmjT21bqF4aBhYCD9gXt-6_-GI8UZnOxxV0avtOh2xhnJa/w624-h640/IMG_6445cropedit.jpg" width="624" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Closing out this first month of the year with a few book recommendations! The winter months are the perfect time to curl up with a book, especially during the evening hours. My dear husband loves to read, as well, and we both even prefer a good book over watching tv. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I had the joy of reading three books this month ... one nonfiction book, and two fiction books. And I loved them all! A nonfiction for learning and growing, and fiction books to relax with in the evenings. I also have just started reading my second nonfiction book for this year: <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Hygge-Creating-People-Gather/dp/0802427979/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34BSCL87VWOQX&keywords=holy+hygge+jamie+erickson&qid=1675188212&sprefix=holy+hygge%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1">Holy Hygge</a></u>, and am loving it, as well. I recommend each of these books.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">My three books completed in January:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Story-Keeper-Carolina-Heirlooms-Novel/dp/1496443993/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RVQWT82UO4SF&keywords=the+story+keeper&qid=1675187177&sprefix=the+story+keeper%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1">The Story Keeper</a></u> - by Lisa Wingate</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">One of my favorite authors for fiction, I like how Lisa Wingate draws us into the hearts and lives of the main characters. This book </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;">(a birthday gift from a daughter - thanks, Sara!)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">, is set in the Appalachians, and is the second book in her "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F7SWNWP?binding=paperback&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tpbk&qid=1675186952&sr=8-1">Carolina Chronicles</a>" series. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Rules-courage-comfort-control/dp/0802429521/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33O4A1BW49B5D&keywords=heaven+rules&qid=1675187209&sprefix=heaven+rules%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1">Heaven Rules</a></u> - by Nancy DeMoss Wilgemuth</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">My husband read this first, and highly recommended that I read it, as well. It is such a timely read, especially in the confusion and heartache of the times we live in. The author uses Daniel as a backdrop as well as multiple personal stories, to remind us that we know Who is ultimately in charge, and Who we need to keep our hearts and trust focused on.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Adrift-Novel-Laura-Frantz/dp/0800734971/ref=sr_1_1?crid=316XA5QM3PTO2&keywords=a+heart+adrift&qid=1675187552&sprefix=a+heart+adrift%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1">A Heart Adrift</a></u> - by Laura Frantz</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I love to have a historical fiction book to pick up and read, and Laura Frantz never disappoints. My favorites need to be accurate to history so I can learn, and also carry a redemptive quality. This book definitely meets those qualities, and is set in 1775 as the threat of war with France loomed large over colonial Virginia. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMEa0bhZBdxqebTEoh7Cgm2V6EdsZwkPJtXpfKisJGsTT0wqRRJDE1hAeU-DaEbsVrH6csnzgXASZfHYzUXqDLNY_-bvL-jY3hyXFM8gfm7OZAwwrhNzrmgijdVrF1QRhzx_kDh81hEG5FwSWE6VLJ0zvRxusDtTbPHdxCAHCNNNlEYdnsy26wuNU/s3024/IMG_6450edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMEa0bhZBdxqebTEoh7Cgm2V6EdsZwkPJtXpfKisJGsTT0wqRRJDE1hAeU-DaEbsVrH6csnzgXASZfHYzUXqDLNY_-bvL-jY3hyXFM8gfm7OZAwwrhNzrmgijdVrF1QRhzx_kDh81hEG5FwSWE6VLJ0zvRxusDtTbPHdxCAHCNNNlEYdnsy26wuNU/w640-h640/IMG_6450edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I'm also going through <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Life-Savoring-Simple-Season/dp/0736963219/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OPBYI06T08CC&keywords=a+lovely+life&qid=1675187601&sprefix=a+lovely+life%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1">A Lovely Life</a></u> season by season, and finished the "Winter" section during January. Melissa Michaels gives such good insight and ideas for "Home-Making", and "Soul-Tending" each season of the year. This beautiful coffee table style book, a gift from my dear hubby, is a delight and inspiration. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Finishing up this post by sharing a few photos of some of my winter decor around our home. I've been trying to focus more on the beauty of the season itself, and then will add extra decor for the various winter holidays, as well. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22NzcHXiYBoYlgjUmH32Xf-wsKLcryNSBuXrC1CPDysQwMBDRHB8YBYUyi12c66_Xy65ncc6O9maQ9n4QEa11OnywGvT2-0iBkc-OU4YPLNKcsDXBMuk9lyTmO5OecjqAvOOWbpGdhf9x5De4pyJZbN0ZXc_n9m3b6fuzRXQ1vbeLiVnpxzWVIkh2/s3024/IMG_6401edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22NzcHXiYBoYlgjUmH32Xf-wsKLcryNSBuXrC1CPDysQwMBDRHB8YBYUyi12c66_Xy65ncc6O9maQ9n4QEa11OnywGvT2-0iBkc-OU4YPLNKcsDXBMuk9lyTmO5OecjqAvOOWbpGdhf9x5De4pyJZbN0ZXc_n9m3b6fuzRXQ1vbeLiVnpxzWVIkh2/w640-h640/IMG_6401edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">A little silver tray with a touch of beauty on our kitchen counter, and with some wise encouragement as we start out our days.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dwv_Hz5zOYmRzawArTmZcn25gIlMC0S8kr_QUG5-pUo8hHOgr60T91qC-WRaicr_fFo8q_q-KSK67HS83M-52zGl4Y5Fka-8hbt3Nv68Ue-eXYuixdkZJmlJpyXVz9nGcjq3-w_JehoifNinA2-OK9FPHyYAWxhzjwCLgV8qnDqgovJ1cKdgNeTr/s2160/IMG_6387.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dwv_Hz5zOYmRzawArTmZcn25gIlMC0S8kr_QUG5-pUo8hHOgr60T91qC-WRaicr_fFo8q_q-KSK67HS83M-52zGl4Y5Fka-8hbt3Nv68Ue-eXYuixdkZJmlJpyXVz9nGcjq3-w_JehoifNinA2-OK9FPHyYAWxhzjwCLgV8qnDqgovJ1cKdgNeTr/w640-h640/IMG_6387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The centerpiece on our dining room table was perfect for Christmas, and also for these next two winter months. I just changed it out a bit by adding the gray and white "table throw" that I purchased this month. Adding another layer adds a depth of warmth and cozyness, which I love these winter months.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRjHgqv-4YgqIwPLpqZ92Vpu_HrJkWyeQpfFEeP7ka-DSP7KjdrT3bOpe7VTfXW1uIBJt3AffcznMOUjNBkJwiMWFB61QZmXLEV9IBW3EqD51tpgryOMTIhkd04tDoXx4gFrTizAPNQDImqXR4JGry4RUppD7Vod9YOzhVczSFAAz1MsrJ2mTB96H/s3024/IMG_6395edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRjHgqv-4YgqIwPLpqZ92Vpu_HrJkWyeQpfFEeP7ka-DSP7KjdrT3bOpe7VTfXW1uIBJt3AffcznMOUjNBkJwiMWFB61QZmXLEV9IBW3EqD51tpgryOMTIhkd04tDoXx4gFrTizAPNQDImqXR4JGry4RUppD7Vod9YOzhVczSFAAz1MsrJ2mTB96H/w640-h640/IMG_6395edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The display above, on our dining room buffet, had a few other items on it during the Christmas season, which I changed out with a touch of green and spring to come. Small little touches that bring a sense of peace and beauty for each changing season.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And finally, a few quotes I love from the <i>Winter</i> section of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Life-Savoring-Simple-Season/dp/0736963219/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OPBYI06T08CC&keywords=a+lovely+life&qid=1675187601&sprefix=a+lovely+life%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1">A Lovely Life</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"Some of us stumble into our dream homes by creating something beautiful and attainable with what we have right in front of us."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"Short winter days might be exactly the gift we need. With less daylight for the hustle and bustle of activity, we can savor the downtime of longer winter evenings, of quiet activity and reflection."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-48675607488939432552023-01-20T10:20:00.006-06:002023-09-25T13:02:25.582-05:00The Start of a New Year - Journals and Planners<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx3g5_eD9YJiifDOWn3VQo86s4pQEdyX51DaAs_ZU8ajeOz0fItZ54vsDIgHqX6BpQPdo4C6q3R7u3AL6y2a3BoNo8M-AAJ8dKK-mKN6ibZexKI7HFXOYaynlnkEm9Yw2tP3Qs_yLHeCoHcFWuxQA_VExb887BZsN6X3ENhc_qzNqvvyw8be5N7sa/s3024/IMG_6232edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx3g5_eD9YJiifDOWn3VQo86s4pQEdyX51DaAs_ZU8ajeOz0fItZ54vsDIgHqX6BpQPdo4C6q3R7u3AL6y2a3BoNo8M-AAJ8dKK-mKN6ibZexKI7HFXOYaynlnkEm9Yw2tP3Qs_yLHeCoHcFWuxQA_VExb887BZsN6X3ENhc_qzNqvvyw8be5N7sa/w640-h640/IMG_6232edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Can you believe we are already in the second half of January? It has been a full first half of the month. And I do love this time of year ... a pause after the holidays, a time to catch our breath, to look back and look ahead. A time to savor memories, and a hopeful, prayerful time looking ahead to the new year.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd-Yna-N1ZRQ68TTssKGF3-rtZThkwnfpVChK5381O-XMAW06-g3OuU3fwBWseusAtXg71_shnsRCz2xEeDV8Soob8_wEH09vNNK4hZrpOkzxBJ1zmH532TCBamYHp5AdidbVHb7SRa0zT6scIjvDpQGAhWXGwlixOGgkbcoiKrMVzH9nKpLQTvtj/s3024/IMG_6248edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd-Yna-N1ZRQ68TTssKGF3-rtZThkwnfpVChK5381O-XMAW06-g3OuU3fwBWseusAtXg71_shnsRCz2xEeDV8Soob8_wEH09vNNK4hZrpOkzxBJ1zmH532TCBamYHp5AdidbVHb7SRa0zT6scIjvDpQGAhWXGwlixOGgkbcoiKrMVzH9nKpLQTvtj/w640-h640/IMG_6248edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">These two weeks have also been a time to re-organize, and to set up planners, journals, and care for various home-keeping things as we step into a new year. Most of my set-up for this new year is in place. And I am thankful. And I am also very aware that, even with all the ideas, all the setting-up and organizing, that the most important, most integral and essential part of a New Year, is <i>Immanuel: God with Us</i>. His Love, His Promises, and His Presence ... each day, each and every moment. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Much of my writing here on my blog first begins in my journal </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(as was true with this post)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">, pictured in the first photo. This is where I connect deeply, through written words - writing out His Words, listening to His heart, and responding from my own heart. And then, the other two notebooks </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(pictured above)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> are helpful to me in the actual living out of my weeks, days, and moments.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvvu9KeFibujpSY97utqwsll8uHtu64PWUCqN0ZrklDWtEGSzhqBJTkiILjxP-UukMTtMDc-gcF1it0I6eFNBoW43rNGR7f3sdgiayXeFB7keYPAoTq7FAVFJyYPlzXte9-EhmAMOpdOugxy8Dwvm1sYWGEbJ9LtLiCLdbBWhY_FDB8MhXUWL7tqS/s3024/IMG_6233edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvvu9KeFibujpSY97utqwsll8uHtu64PWUCqN0ZrklDWtEGSzhqBJTkiILjxP-UukMTtMDc-gcF1it0I6eFNBoW43rNGR7f3sdgiayXeFB7keYPAoTq7FAVFJyYPlzXte9-EhmAMOpdOugxy8Dwvm1sYWGEbJ9LtLiCLdbBWhY_FDB8MhXUWL7tqS/w640-h640/IMG_6233edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">This is the second year in a row now that I have used this notebook (pictured above), for my main yearly planner. I found this on Amazon (click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083R3LLY9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1">here</a>), and I really do love it. </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(I notice it is currently not available - hoping it comes back in stock!</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">). I use the six sections for some of my main focuses each year, breaking them down month-by-month. Categories for keeping up with our big family, various aspects of home-keeping, and also the many projects I have in this season of life. The beautiful calendar pages in the first section of this notebook are printed out come from <a href="https://www.onsuttonplace.com/free-printable-calendar-with-planner-pages/">this</a> online source.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrvfXlQzmxpwqrVMP_Qe5-IjJfn2kpsHSfUWgtnZbxYUE6ve9Dyv2gdiVxx03IUi_z43a-JtRw8bBWYjXcdECIxR4Fh7po0O0ic1ZAe67bV70BOdMa6Bad_olyMlFKoevRORMBy4o7xq-WiS1Wub6s-Er5JUE_GaMIKzrwWEwWD0AVKF537t-Ij25/s3024/IMG_6234edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrvfXlQzmxpwqrVMP_Qe5-IjJfn2kpsHSfUWgtnZbxYUE6ve9Dyv2gdiVxx03IUi_z43a-JtRw8bBWYjXcdECIxR4Fh7po0O0ic1ZAe67bV70BOdMa6Bad_olyMlFKoevRORMBy4o7xq-WiS1Wub6s-Er5JUE_GaMIKzrwWEwWD0AVKF537t-Ij25/w640-h640/IMG_6234edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCGIIq-uDTzn64xw322RINF2a1yrrnolLW_EkfxbP0BDMZ_EY9lsf0MeA4sZaiwphuXnbSnZRlggGl6GVYrzb1Nx-jT1zCwLdWsEwwDzy4WjWBgsOOEJXeH43rcRkeDxhNcMv2jHk_nqQGrpheWIRaYSouwkEnyMwrND3hxuPz_HvPQaTtBrzzTxc/s3024/IMG_6241edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCGIIq-uDTzn64xw322RINF2a1yrrnolLW_EkfxbP0BDMZ_EY9lsf0MeA4sZaiwphuXnbSnZRlggGl6GVYrzb1Nx-jT1zCwLdWsEwwDzy4WjWBgsOOEJXeH43rcRkeDxhNcMv2jHk_nqQGrpheWIRaYSouwkEnyMwrND3hxuPz_HvPQaTtBrzzTxc/w640-h640/IMG_6241edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">These two photos show the notebook </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">where I </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">break down my main focuses into weekly, and then daily pages. I go through one of these notebooks each three-month season. This is where my main focuses </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(from my main yearly planner)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> flesh out into the weekly, and the daily. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Planners are helpful for living out each year, each month, and each day. For keeping the main things in the forefront, and also for keeping on track with all the small, but necessary things of life. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">Of course, using these various notebooks would all seem quite tedious to those who don't love planners, but for me, this is a joy. It is very helpful to me to put things down on paper, rather than carrying ideas and plans around in my mind. And, also, I love all the pretty notebooks! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">But as important as planners are to me, most important is living each day connected deeply with the One who loves us more than any other. Who knows us more completely than we even know ourselves. Who created us to uniquely reflect His Love to those around us. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksxpBUidbB06OCimS8lUJQPelH9oca0Svz2FgLOoctrNKdSu9HHaTDMRA4JypDtlx3dxJB9Dwt1kn40iW2-cmk_bTGTz1F1X_37RiHwjFaO0y6j0jDGlCERaCl8mBMbQMBIgZa0Evl2d83oFBCJsP1A6ykYz5ast3E78Z5fxrjEeldJ875IZmu2Lw/s3024/IMG_6232edit.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksxpBUidbB06OCimS8lUJQPelH9oca0Svz2FgLOoctrNKdSu9HHaTDMRA4JypDtlx3dxJB9Dwt1kn40iW2-cmk_bTGTz1F1X_37RiHwjFaO0y6j0jDGlCERaCl8mBMbQMBIgZa0Evl2d83oFBCJsP1A6ykYz5ast3E78Z5fxrjEeldJ875IZmu2Lw/s320/IMG_6232edit.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i>Thanks for reading my first post of 2023! Sharing about my planners at the start of this year because it gives me joy ... and also with the hopes that in some way my words can be an encouragement to you. Maybe even in some simple, small way. </i></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: medium;"><b>Wishing you a Happy New Year! </b></span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"> </span></div></div></div></div></div>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-59933297820527678182022-12-26T15:39:00.002-06:002022-12-26T15:39:23.672-06:00Closing Out Another Year<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1JWpNHlygEjEOuLgamISlfWwl3C6yxZYXD_GgVF7FF1qK6yGt3PCoqK7PbhKyaPAFF2bKCOWh_l7LLZW-hy-QW9OaJ-Xr1HGnAbH0PvzmfNjS5h5WOoxFsxUcMDxHWiLr209rdWPAGaaGjlite2gQrTITAQcKuKphTq4lI55-MLKQci-QbcZzViF/s3024/IMG_5911edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1JWpNHlygEjEOuLgamISlfWwl3C6yxZYXD_GgVF7FF1qK6yGt3PCoqK7PbhKyaPAFF2bKCOWh_l7LLZW-hy-QW9OaJ-Xr1HGnAbH0PvzmfNjS5h5WOoxFsxUcMDxHWiLr209rdWPAGaaGjlite2gQrTITAQcKuKphTq4lI55-MLKQci-QbcZzViF/w640-h640/IMG_5911edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Entering in here, with a quiet little post to finish out the year 2022. It has been quite an unusual year for us. So full of happenings (from radiation treatment for my precious husband, with everything turning out very well! ... to spending quality time with my siblings, including working together moving our youngest brother to an assisted living facility just two blocks from our home). All of these happenings left very little time for me to write and post here. Something I really do love to do, but just needed to be set aside for a season. Actually, a rather long season.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">But I am not complaining ... it has been a lovely year, in its own way. Filled up with evidences of God's loving care, and His faithful presence in all the facets of life. We are thankful.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Here are a few little glimpses into our lives from these past few weeks ... just a random little collection of things that have given us joy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e4vIPWAz8zN_4ZBviSupMj1K-tDeNv971FfBF8IRIfk7NP0oePCpd1i1lavul8r8H73bY9Swc9F7_v3yHCRmNNXAydgwhVqfstdK_Y1CfS0cImNbeDwnb-7KQj5Ay5ugOPOc8hu6rhMBOJQTafqXfsHSzjy6ENzgWyA4ZKxVqxm4S6sznqoZuBfz/s2160/IMG_6026edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e4vIPWAz8zN_4ZBviSupMj1K-tDeNv971FfBF8IRIfk7NP0oePCpd1i1lavul8r8H73bY9Swc9F7_v3yHCRmNNXAydgwhVqfstdK_Y1CfS0cImNbeDwnb-7KQj5Ay5ugOPOc8hu6rhMBOJQTafqXfsHSzjy6ENzgWyA4ZKxVqxm4S6sznqoZuBfz/w640-h640/IMG_6026edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">A few weeks after the very special treat of having 21 family home for Thanksgiving, quite unexpectedly, both my hubby and I came down with one of the many cold/flu bugs that have been making the rounds. As a result, we had a very quiet Christmas together this year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Our new pre-lit flocked Christmas tree that we had purchased the end of November, together with the warmth from our electric fireplace stove ... provided a very cozy setting for us to rest up during our days of not feeling well. We had some super cold days right before Christmas and over Christmas weekend, so it was the perfect time to just stay indoors.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvjf79MRG4lPjcjRAIJA-Od4KN42MyEXvInbuuVfwMbL3m0KaK0Z7zC-AhifoC-7aGbVRHLmXb_mIKTGhi0dmGKzy64rZuNYxweOrcE2g8nIOfANd4TWLxVw4PyyIE6T31cjnVpW8lJ_RNJRooKa-YJDx9CKyM-zQy_EVjY_RcCasl6apwi0rVZoa/s4032/IMG_6123edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvjf79MRG4lPjcjRAIJA-Od4KN42MyEXvInbuuVfwMbL3m0KaK0Z7zC-AhifoC-7aGbVRHLmXb_mIKTGhi0dmGKzy64rZuNYxweOrcE2g8nIOfANd4TWLxVw4PyyIE6T31cjnVpW8lJ_RNJRooKa-YJDx9CKyM-zQy_EVjY_RcCasl6apwi0rVZoa/w640-h480/IMG_6123edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Oh, we really do love our Skylight Photo Frame, a Christmas gift from our family a year ago for Christmas! It's quite magical, with photos that they email to our Skylight email address automatically appearing on our screen within a minute or less after they send them! Such a joy. We are so grateful for our growing family ... six grown children together with all the loved ones they bring with them! And very soon, we will gain another family member ... our first great-grandbaby! We are so very excited for this next season ... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFqECpgIN4lqz90xnLTfFAS_lRZxSUb2lm6upZswGFKbZwW1ZdqeRLFAbY_MMUm4rZQIA_V5CIrVgN4eGn71ZtmuMNYM_IcrvNmAOw7bfzVGkQKeGywZdKyE4cfSb551y4jR-3zOZm7Rl5b-zPG3CLQUGB3SBo_tie_yXOt4cJ9TJEmgf4Y_AhPdA/s2160/IMG_5943.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFqECpgIN4lqz90xnLTfFAS_lRZxSUb2lm6upZswGFKbZwW1ZdqeRLFAbY_MMUm4rZQIA_V5CIrVgN4eGn71ZtmuMNYM_IcrvNmAOw7bfzVGkQKeGywZdKyE4cfSb551y4jR-3zOZm7Rl5b-zPG3CLQUGB3SBo_tie_yXOt4cJ9TJEmgf4Y_AhPdA/w640-h640/IMG_5943.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Though I absolutely love all the holiday baking and prep, it looked quite different for me this year with not feeling well in the few weeks leading up to Christmas. Also, as our family came home for Thanksgiving instead of Christmas. But there were a few things that just had to happen anyway. One of those things was the baking of cinnamon rolls, a recipe that I put together years ago. And I make these every.single.Christmas. So yummy. Click <a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2010/12/cinnamon-rolls.html">here</a> to see the recipe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And the holiday cookie that I could not skip, is Date Pinwheels ... click <a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2011/12/date-pinwheels.html">here</a> for the recipe. My dear mother made these, and I love to continue on with the tradition. Here's a photo from a previous Christmas (date pinwheels in the upper right).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_frBIMFRONV8jIdhBu8rU5JOP61RJLJfxLUOMFVUzE7Kb3A7COgd2UinZ47zEMn5xNuCcmzCU57a_s3KNIjyGJl60cjEtTVQ53NVo6v2IRQSK-EMp_0JLn0P1lwJl8eY5TgcceGVT7eedjyex4SA-Jp6pUFFw4nMoZvMQGdXDc5_RuDSz0wDgboz/s2160/IMG_0262edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_frBIMFRONV8jIdhBu8rU5JOP61RJLJfxLUOMFVUzE7Kb3A7COgd2UinZ47zEMn5xNuCcmzCU57a_s3KNIjyGJl60cjEtTVQ53NVo6v2IRQSK-EMp_0JLn0P1lwJl8eY5TgcceGVT7eedjyex4SA-Jp6pUFFw4nMoZvMQGdXDc5_RuDSz0wDgboz/w640-h640/IMG_0262edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I'm spending these days reflecting, and thanking God. And also, am already overflowing with ideas and thoughts for the New Year. I hope to be posting here more regularly in the weeks/months ahead. And will just quietly trust, and wait on God for opportunities for writing and sharing here.</span></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-31593984626952597032022-11-19T21:17:00.010-06:002022-11-20T06:46:10.089-06:00Thanks-giving Prep for the Heart and the Table<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Oh, it has been so long since I have posted here ... not since the beginning of September! And what a whirlwind it has been since then. A four-week trip to Oregon to be with my dear siblings </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(first time in almost five years)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">, and also a concentrated time of packing up and helping my youngest brother</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> (suffering from Parkinsons)</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> to move to an assisted living place, just two blocks from our home! </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">And after the four weeks in Oregon, we have been involved for seven weeks now, helping our dear brother settle in ... in a new state, and into a new life with assisted living care. It has been quite intense, and also, it has been filled to overflowing with God's daily strength and care as He has opened up doors for this big move. We are thankful.</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIHkf6jepFk0V2GqqZyzXihkeRfT0v02U5PU03b4cKTJJq7UOwEYlgzwC2bG1fGTL6jkCY28ExZuJs2snh31mkecT2dZ4eb6ecT8AQf42dwsFic9JQn78Ig72fDMLk1kT5Smi1afKwZT-B4cgdSDvPyZ0dExqNiPXjPAv81SRUsFCmQCB9gM7w1kQ/s3024/IMG_5737edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIHkf6jepFk0V2GqqZyzXihkeRfT0v02U5PU03b4cKTJJq7UOwEYlgzwC2bG1fGTL6jkCY28ExZuJs2snh31mkecT2dZ4eb6ecT8AQf42dwsFic9JQn78Ig72fDMLk1kT5Smi1afKwZT-B4cgdSDvPyZ0dExqNiPXjPAv81SRUsFCmQCB9gM7w1kQ/w640-h640/IMG_5737edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And now, this week ... another gift from God has been for me to start reading through <u>Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always</u>. Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Emmanuel-Invitation-Prepare-Christmas-Always/dp/0736984968/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A1A8O83K14ED&keywords=emmanuel+an+invitation+to+prepare+him+room&qid=1668781544&sprefix=emman%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1">here</a> to see this brand new book by Ruth Chou Simons. Yes, it is not the advent season quite yet, but I am so very thankful to start reading this book a few weeks before Dec. 1st.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">In the midst of a very full and busy season, it is exactly what I am needing. Slowing down the 25 daily readings so I can savor each one more deeply. Here's a quote from the reading for Week One: Day Two ...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: large;">Worship begins when we bow our hearts before Jesus</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: large;">and trust Him for all that we can't fix on our own ...</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: large;">which, as it turns out, is <i>everything.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">This is so true for us all as gals - wives, moms, gramas, singles - all of us who are caregivers, life-givers, as we are in need daily of God's loving care and strength. And maybe especially so, as we approach the holiday season. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">I know that I have been in such great need of His care these past few months. And in the world and times that we live, we find ourselves so often helpless, and in need. Feeling completely inadequate to keep up. We are often tempted to try to do things on our own, to rely on our own strength. To trust our own wisdom for impossible situations. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">Where in reality, these situations are all opportunities to realize our need, and to draw close to the only One who can meet us right where we are, and give the strength and wisdom needed each day. Challenges and busy times can become opportunities to grow in deeper trust and peace<i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i>So true each day of this whole year, and also as we enter the holiday season.</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsfJ8BSUg7Y8rfdfL756w2D5G-O6HnHLxoSSi7YjY7NIMbOejrB-0_DK1gCizRF4zC6XHZV7x33exkQJU0D1NGOOd5-6Z6JKrYzkJnMmp_05i4VoXGg-LeXe85sooGENwoyccivIlFIPmdsH_g83Cbhd6GnhJOmWsJvGhfIWkdFD1lrvze1tz8MA9/s2160/IMG_5772edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsfJ8BSUg7Y8rfdfL756w2D5G-O6HnHLxoSSi7YjY7NIMbOejrB-0_DK1gCizRF4zC6XHZV7x33exkQJU0D1NGOOd5-6Z6JKrYzkJnMmp_05i4VoXGg-LeXe85sooGENwoyccivIlFIPmdsH_g83Cbhd6GnhJOmWsJvGhfIWkdFD1lrvze1tz8MA9/w640-h640/IMG_5772edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">With plans for 21 precious family around our table for Thanksgiving this year, I wondered how I would possibly have time to prepare. And it has been so amazing for me to see and experience God's care in the midst of this very full fall season for us. Our sweet daughters are helping by bringing multiple food items for our feast, and I have also been greatly enjoying preparing food, as well. Always choosing to do as much prep ahead of time as possible, I have prepared the pie crusts for pumpkin pies (ready, in the freezer, for baking this next week).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuK_XPHyS3cfeDk-jiMYt_RLnd-WJDz6SAvttf6fidZHomyR3sbHIeG2ZvWnK8S_IibzsUHrFrD3Ib1_ULEw-QYb_WonEc1iiBYYhpcj0HMmjhNBxYnEQwNktptvcQFvCH5-pOUm5zjUYRNGH3t4ZRf-owctXeVig5uI5hCTU4KxJM3dopk2ZJW27/s2160/IMG_5775edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuK_XPHyS3cfeDk-jiMYt_RLnd-WJDz6SAvttf6fidZHomyR3sbHIeG2ZvWnK8S_IibzsUHrFrD3Ib1_ULEw-QYb_WonEc1iiBYYhpcj0HMmjhNBxYnEQwNktptvcQFvCH5-pOUm5zjUYRNGH3t4ZRf-owctXeVig5uI5hCTU4KxJM3dopk2ZJW27/w640-h640/IMG_5775edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And also this Pecan Pie is ready, waiting to be pulled out of the freezer next week. Click <a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/pecan-pie/">here</a> for this new-to-me recipe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNJLeaLJ38J5JdyIk2Y1CLi6QLGkre5BOUiJ-o-jgrwY6Lti-nBMbJ840qLOmgD9bmocklM_fDnE1WH-H8oa6usoT8nZyp022EK19VFFWQFNQ-BrJzelAPQ4TBUzABvkDNVkp7hrdQsFPumemb9TTfdLFJLAmW_fC4jd57Q8DDJK-158aS0OsfiHq/s2160/IMG_5779edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNJLeaLJ38J5JdyIk2Y1CLi6QLGkre5BOUiJ-o-jgrwY6Lti-nBMbJ840qLOmgD9bmocklM_fDnE1WH-H8oa6usoT8nZyp022EK19VFFWQFNQ-BrJzelAPQ4TBUzABvkDNVkp7hrdQsFPumemb9TTfdLFJLAmW_fC4jd57Q8DDJK-158aS0OsfiHq/w640-h640/IMG_5779edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Also I tried out another new recipe, for a sweet potato side dish ... click <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sweet-potato-cranberry-bake/">here</a> to view the recipe. I tried it out earlier this week on the two of us, and will be preparing it next week for our big group. It is delicious, and beautiful! I also have prepared the mashed potatoes already with an amazing make-ahead recipe ... click <a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2019/01/make-ahead-mashed-potatoes.html">here</a> for the recipe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Preparations for the <i>heart</i> and for the <i>table</i> ... both are critically important. And both are needed and are essential for a memorable time with family and friends, and most of all, for us as we grow in trust and love with<i> Emmanuel: God With Us</i>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-41543261716016465802022-09-02T06:52:00.010-05:002022-09-02T11:03:24.911-05:00A Collection: Seasons, Welcoming Autumn, Banana Zucchini Bread, Zucchini Muffins, Autumn Inspiration<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqHH0twfvy135pJ9V9BXWd6Lt_-9N3P_I9R_1T4UAuc6-g3_SbRR71UyNvjuhdEL1oY1yEdG0jIa5fOCScnkJyUjoZEjbuOCFV-MuOJhfR1TImg6zL_03pPiRQwSx3ylCtjKVFYQrCjbgSFefWWVC1DnOjSJHta3Q5KEcnVcQ2vpPNccUALxIjdPp/s1080/WelcomeAutumn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqHH0twfvy135pJ9V9BXWd6Lt_-9N3P_I9R_1T4UAuc6-g3_SbRR71UyNvjuhdEL1oY1yEdG0jIa5fOCScnkJyUjoZEjbuOCFV-MuOJhfR1TImg6zL_03pPiRQwSx3ylCtjKVFYQrCjbgSFefWWVC1DnOjSJHta3Q5KEcnVcQ2vpPNccUALxIjdPp/w640-h640/WelcomeAutumn.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I'm so grateful for the seasons. Our summer was beautiful and restful ... times with family and friends, enjoying our veggie, herb, and flower gardens. And our summer also was filled with difficulty, with many phone calls with my siblings from afar as we helped our youngest brother with his increasing health concerns with the debilitating affects of Parkinson's. The last portion of summer actually went by in a blur, as the concerns and the accompanying phone calls increased. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">In the midst of a beautiful and a broken world, our loving Father continues to comfort with His Words, His Presence, and also, His gifts of the changing seasons. And this coming season is one of my favorites ...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">For the first time ever, I started slowly pulling out my fall home decor the last part of August already. Partly because I love it so much, but also because we'll be traveling for part of this coming season to be with my siblings as we are present with our younger brother. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8GhNwUtNq8tu2sUW3BjcD_tHkZiiX4DkApZr7598c3eqt99SrXxPCvTCa0zUeONA_W8S087lPcmA9GdxiO26KJdyBE5AlVInP1XFXam-a00_vRC7lE8JrP6E1ztKDHPcgcHpn89JTzT-Qfa2KZRQneKftvSLYVB1-D40sMfqrBPAPL4nUeZLOs3V/s3024/IMG_5133edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8GhNwUtNq8tu2sUW3BjcD_tHkZiiX4DkApZr7598c3eqt99SrXxPCvTCa0zUeONA_W8S087lPcmA9GdxiO26KJdyBE5AlVInP1XFXam-a00_vRC7lE8JrP6E1ztKDHPcgcHpn89JTzT-Qfa2KZRQneKftvSLYVB1-D40sMfqrBPAPL4nUeZLOs3V/w640-h640/IMG_5133edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Summer was a time of planting and growth, and Autumn is a time to remember, to draw close to each other, to be grateful. I love the reminders for both the growth and the thanks in these words from Colossians 2:7 (NLT) ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Let your roots grow down into Him,</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">and let your lives be built on Him.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Then your faith will grow strong </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">in the truth you were taught,</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">and you will overflow with thankfulness.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFUOV5Ttt8rmDfMCbfk4luKUaddax7LJ-LONJi4zprkkepHfYUsAieMeSwpxE1ftxY3tG0YmYPVmnFKl1tg0TXgteyZGK74z_rtXOtg8O24qOAXD3w4QjhKxLMZ5DoHiD1V0zOUIx_Q_FeH5quJTIePgakPgBpVmp1rS3Qn1sHAiIboBY6p5cKca8/s3024/IMG_5138edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFUOV5Ttt8rmDfMCbfk4luKUaddax7LJ-LONJi4zprkkepHfYUsAieMeSwpxE1ftxY3tG0YmYPVmnFKl1tg0TXgteyZGK74z_rtXOtg8O24qOAXD3w4QjhKxLMZ5DoHiD1V0zOUIx_Q_FeH5quJTIePgakPgBpVmp1rS3Qn1sHAiIboBY6p5cKca8/w640-h640/IMG_5138edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">A part of my seasonal decorating, pillows have become a fun way of filling our home with touches of the seasons. It's an easy way to add the colors of fall (or the other seasons), with a cozy, warm touch. And changing them out, adding a bit of change through the year is always fun and refreshing ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjrrp2f0_NEJdkfPY6NdFgZfa-_udnAg9HqWEIwiCxL66kpvKgYPiRgiSl3fwfuQ9lPMtE7ovWmfVfczTjj7AUfSxsE5YVsQpOZd6FWVeIEdkGv7Hrd8rUpeU8Rr0aNAJYc-Cd4JT2IjwENnMcunGmABx7P_9otmrrCZLvniXcwpFqXkJt_-lSk_E/s3025/IMG_5130edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3025" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjrrp2f0_NEJdkfPY6NdFgZfa-_udnAg9HqWEIwiCxL66kpvKgYPiRgiSl3fwfuQ9lPMtE7ovWmfVfczTjj7AUfSxsE5YVsQpOZd6FWVeIEdkGv7Hrd8rUpeU8Rr0aNAJYc-Cd4JT2IjwENnMcunGmABx7P_9otmrrCZLvniXcwpFqXkJt_-lSk_E/w640-h640/IMG_5130edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Of course, the aromas of fall, are a big part of the season. It started the end of August for me when I baked delicious Banana Zucchini Bread (above), using up zucchini from our veggie garden. Click <a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/06/in-kitchen-flavors-of-summer.html">here</a> for a previous post that gives a link to this recipe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhJRJnyI7qsV8X4LQfk6ZXGl0igF7HjksrsDghaB99kUl3Go9AhaTbmdhJh3pI3Mg0BvNUBKeIsJwh0OTYdl9yh7UjkGmVJJ5NuuLoqJWd6CHB5RBDRsgoaqbWCTMFh0NCog7F9sfAodd2oATPNnmhj3kXXzXNXppSETClzUuG-3pnYjVgcdOXgI6/s3024/IMG_5141edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhJRJnyI7qsV8X4LQfk6ZXGl0igF7HjksrsDghaB99kUl3Go9AhaTbmdhJh3pI3Mg0BvNUBKeIsJwh0OTYdl9yh7UjkGmVJJ5NuuLoqJWd6CHB5RBDRsgoaqbWCTMFh0NCog7F9sfAodd2oATPNnmhj3kXXzXNXppSETClzUuG-3pnYjVgcdOXgI6/w640-h640/IMG_5141edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Muffins is another favorite way to use zucchini. Click <a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/06/in-kitchen-flavors-of-summer.html">here</a> for the Zucchini Muffin recipe, shown above. Zucchini, chopped raisins, and chopped walnuts make this a delicious recipe. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I also recently made another amazing recipe, also using zucchini ... click the following link to read a previous post: <a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2019/06/bbq-ranch-grilled-chicken-veggie-bowls.html">BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken and Veggie Bowls</a>. This is probably my favorite rice bowl recipe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk-LeQ1TGNbRXA742_G4GUbAjj33p2P5S-lqdFAm4D_OUKxrUpM5UuYIeCRNNXTqD0ywRo5vZEDP9SVDvecNzs0cf269KefX0lI4c2-zhm_40KDfV_evVxeWtsECCS7JZCrQ5Xu7H_kNwRxFyDmtYhgIbw0Y_V9ZEaZw-NPZ9d5VTEbBEsprHl_S1/s2160/IMG_5112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk-LeQ1TGNbRXA742_G4GUbAjj33p2P5S-lqdFAm4D_OUKxrUpM5UuYIeCRNNXTqD0ywRo5vZEDP9SVDvecNzs0cf269KefX0lI4c2-zhm_40KDfV_evVxeWtsECCS7JZCrQ5Xu7H_kNwRxFyDmtYhgIbw0Y_V9ZEaZw-NPZ9d5VTEbBEsprHl_S1/w640-h640/IMG_5112.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Yes, I love the seasons. Each has its own beauty, and are gifts from God for us to savor and enjoy in the midst of our beautiful, and challenging days. I've been loving the insight and ideas for each season in Melissa Michael's new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Life-Savoring-Simple-Season/dp/0736963219/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PJ2HM6NHV8JS&keywords=a+lovely+life&qid=1662116964&sprefix=a+lovely+life%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1">A Lovely Life: Savoring Simple Joys in Every Season</a>. Part of my Mother's Day gift from my dear husband, this book is packed full of big and small ways to enjoy and celebrate each season. And also, it's filled with such good quotes ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>Autumn is the season to reconnect your heart and soul</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>to the familiar pleasures of home and hospitality.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">(Melissa Michaels, in <u>A Lovely Life</u>)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu045jfWV7J0ToGNZG3p1BKDCm6ZSrCnb-BLKV6orD6vU77cuSxxJ__jodzkm6Q7_K0n4NBpy8tN5UKLRyW2TMZH0rdC7SHvs1NhvK_TrWZ2BZZJd5vVx9wk6LKwesPEXKECR65ihuSzTeURAx2FLPTm8ECserIgI2Wi7fui92p8u8Rh2hkjCy8vQm/s3024/IMG_5136edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu045jfWV7J0ToGNZG3p1BKDCm6ZSrCnb-BLKV6orD6vU77cuSxxJ__jodzkm6Q7_K0n4NBpy8tN5UKLRyW2TMZH0rdC7SHvs1NhvK_TrWZ2BZZJd5vVx9wk6LKwesPEXKECR65ihuSzTeURAx2FLPTm8ECserIgI2Wi7fui92p8u8Rh2hkjCy8vQm/w640-h640/IMG_5136edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-56373092982314142742022-07-29T13:13:00.007-05:002022-07-29T14:15:44.399-05:00Three Summer Bar Cookie Recipes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLa19pUKm31DPizHv2m7KvAYw_OeHsqQPYPWG37EtmdSfDkssV5YbOZB9teeDh5TByV_x0m3maXN8-ZAot3mpKSVE-swJ_FrGGONHcT2KncKwKo-ht8BQjbGtURHANM0I0zgdB3KkcOlVmlXsdXE_BM2yDTk70CwRjS4vIDzHV5vK20y9NSFJiL_n/s2160/IMG_4858edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLa19pUKm31DPizHv2m7KvAYw_OeHsqQPYPWG37EtmdSfDkssV5YbOZB9teeDh5TByV_x0m3maXN8-ZAot3mpKSVE-swJ_FrGGONHcT2KncKwKo-ht8BQjbGtURHANM0I0zgdB3KkcOlVmlXsdXE_BM2yDTk70CwRjS4vIDzHV5vK20y9NSFJiL_n/w640-h640/IMG_4858edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Summer is not a time for a lot of baking for me, but there are some things that I do love to bake even when the temps are hot. I recently made three different bar cookie recipes for a family gathering, and thought I'd share them here!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjVQjzuwYeYXETiHvRXkbabEUz80B_yUYkpvZUeaSr4MBjFZx_4D6EHZfPpDuUBPFc5MWqRcQ4zG10NWQGJWSPyKbmIUwRWtn7_TcdKWiinP7aE9rfL6gbEakQm7dzMgiCqqOAionXjByRfVyhNcHKnsyYCiAwqIlOtrBj9W2MfkQHKF9hHfFWYku/s2160/IMG_0954edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjVQjzuwYeYXETiHvRXkbabEUz80B_yUYkpvZUeaSr4MBjFZx_4D6EHZfPpDuUBPFc5MWqRcQ4zG10NWQGJWSPyKbmIUwRWtn7_TcdKWiinP7aE9rfL6gbEakQm7dzMgiCqqOAionXjByRfVyhNcHKnsyYCiAwqIlOtrBj9W2MfkQHKF9hHfFWYku/w640-h640/IMG_0954edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><u>Blueberry Bars</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">These bar cookies have been a favorite of mine to make during the summer for quite some time. It has kind of become a habit. I must make these sometime during each summer, and this summer was no exception! The blueberries are such a fun ingredient to a summer bar cookie.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Click </span><a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2014/08/blueberry-bars.html"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> for the recipe that I first shared back in the summer of 2014.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd_vS-U46DvxbJEMc67fPW3nKZIWXzGqIDjsShvP9UDnfqOoBwbcyEX7UrPgbgVvX8mLf6RGEmtbYDsUsNEsUv_FaRDf6Bpl0L22VbDNDm5up_lB7_NbjjyYZpCDrIndajHu0NrfzM2HCkpft7ZGVOwPketB78jEtGp5eod3JY4fn4Aj7Z5QQq21v/s3024/IMG_4485edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd_vS-U46DvxbJEMc67fPW3nKZIWXzGqIDjsShvP9UDnfqOoBwbcyEX7UrPgbgVvX8mLf6RGEmtbYDsUsNEsUv_FaRDf6Bpl0L22VbDNDm5up_lB7_NbjjyYZpCDrIndajHu0NrfzM2HCkpft7ZGVOwPketB78jEtGp5eod3JY4fn4Aj7Z5QQq21v/w640-h640/IMG_4485edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><u>S'mores Bars</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">A few years ago I added another favorite summer bar cookie recipe to my collection, and have made it each year since then. You have to taste it to believe how delicious it is ... a taste of s'mores cooked over the campfire!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Click </span><a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/smore-cookie-bars/"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> to find this amazing cookie bar recipe.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZExlVA5BVNZlatQhYsM1-5mWl_aPmArDmx-SaeTMZzDzckOvCMucBAI3YffHhjwemWu4M0_7ln4JGHjWydkM2QSo7-tWjZqJ3qI-I2p5_rWSe9N5sdEv0GQCujH_eXWeMDG4gSA_UFYNrD1JVNybgkmuimNjUpqL3Zy8ixkbcNWI_3GhLudfIN5v/s2160/IMG_4724edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZExlVA5BVNZlatQhYsM1-5mWl_aPmArDmx-SaeTMZzDzckOvCMucBAI3YffHhjwemWu4M0_7ln4JGHjWydkM2QSo7-tWjZqJ3qI-I2p5_rWSe9N5sdEv0GQCujH_eXWeMDG4gSA_UFYNrD1JVNybgkmuimNjUpqL3Zy8ixkbcNWI_3GhLudfIN5v/w640-h640/IMG_4724edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><u>Zucchini Brownies</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And this summer I have added another favorite! Even more fun as we have zucchini growing in our garden this summer. We love these brownies, topped off with a wonderful cream cheese frosting.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Click </span><a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/zucchini-brownies-with-cream-cheese-frosting/"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> for the Zucchini Bar recipe.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And click </span><a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/cream-cheese-frosting/"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> for the Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWEc10wSEgEogJ07dXh4w5XaXn4iwCD-jPc-vUfzc-EJJXEmDh59wCy4ia3Plc9adIp6ZvU6wqJvM35zMZRN9sSaWnFBM6LCNlWUjEz9I-rFxN2WISHRxp6g0L-v0X3LbcWeixpIMjMESRjg3LZL1YgopSSjYYGLyVp8zM-i3coXNSXrC2NSRRQyW/s2160/IMG_4863edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWEc10wSEgEogJ07dXh4w5XaXn4iwCD-jPc-vUfzc-EJJXEmDh59wCy4ia3Plc9adIp6ZvU6wqJvM35zMZRN9sSaWnFBM6LCNlWUjEz9I-rFxN2WISHRxp6g0L-v0X3LbcWeixpIMjMESRjg3LZL1YgopSSjYYGLyVp8zM-i3coXNSXrC2NSRRQyW/w640-h640/IMG_4863edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">At our recent family get-together, two of our sweet granddaughters asked me for a few of these recipes. They both love to bake! So, this blog post is written and dedicated to <i><span style="color: #666666;">Ali (15), and Eva (10)</span></i> ... and this is also my way of sharing the recipes with them! It's such a treat for me to share recipes with my granddaughters!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-38940714911865348262022-07-14T09:28:00.002-05:002023-02-16T12:51:01.929-06:00Heart Connect: What We So Desperately Need<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_jCwVm_q_IDaIFOqxnP32CiYHhGjIdr8S2MKRbfWG0vGrdq1Vw5tinC9BcShcLuIK2LmGTFdAm5qsAsnPJ1WB4LULP9B6cYhvPtBa2_yVXyQgizn29b77W3UA_CQcNsA72DFBv4PyuDXBFJyBxoYEjObiZVw3QHsEc-S_FE8ZgjxWGefC_KZP80h/s3024/Heart%20Connect1%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_jCwVm_q_IDaIFOqxnP32CiYHhGjIdr8S2MKRbfWG0vGrdq1Vw5tinC9BcShcLuIK2LmGTFdAm5qsAsnPJ1WB4LULP9B6cYhvPtBa2_yVXyQgizn29b77W3UA_CQcNsA72DFBv4PyuDXBFJyBxoYEjObiZVw3QHsEc-S_FE8ZgjxWGefC_KZP80h/w640-h640/Heart%20Connect1%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Probably a few decades ago, I started a new verse collection for a category of favorite verses on the topic of prayer. And I chose to call this new collection of verses, my "Heart Connect" verses.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"Heart Connect" captures what I believe is at the heart of prayer. It's not something that we <i>do</i>, or that we can <i>check off</i> of our list. For, we can even go through the motions of prayer, without really praying. That is the case for me, anyway.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">I believe that though God hears all our prayers, and it doesn't matter the words we use, the key to grow deeper in prayer, is to realize the deeper purpose. To realize the deeper purpose of prayer ... and that is, that our hearts would become so closely connected to God's heart. So closely connected that <i>praying</i> becomes like breathing. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">To connect with the heart of God ... what He gave His life for, and what we are all created for. What a hungry and hurting world so desperately needs. What we as His followers, long for and desire. Each day.</span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The things you give to God in prayer - your worries, concerns, and needs - are the ties that bind your heart to His. Our struggles are His entry points. </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(<u>Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children</u>)</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We can welcome struggles, even trials ... for they are windows that open our souls to our Maker. In our need, we become desperate for Him. And He always is there, ready to shower us with love, mercy, and grace. Just what we long for.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">As a mom of six, a grama of ten, and soon-to-be great-grama of one - </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">plus all those each of these bring into our family, too - </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">my husband and I have over two dozen family members to love, and care for. And each year there is more and more to draw us close, connecting with God's heart for them, and on their behalf. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>Remember the Lord,</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>who is great and awesome,</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>and fight for your families,</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>your sons and your daughters,</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>your wives and your homes.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">(Nehemiah 4:14 NIV) </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">All our concerns, all the things on our hearts, are all opportunities for us to draw close to Him, opportunities for <i>Heart Connect.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-41233635019629373862022-06-15T20:56:00.009-05:002022-06-15T21:20:36.038-05:00A Collection: Good Books for Summer Reading, and Summer Gardens<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97hU6frHmxxwhY9JEB2KGTfUn1c-uIgDzk6LAUU1b9cYjJ9C_ngAZiyfJgbmDftNz2JyImyx26r5oSVCmDA0XccnWqbe5lHp0KCxxbfMjuB0_hdh0754uvLoynOFBFoIdh3N3vjPYw5LqWyfojFgqeIgBWyYpWBqlr5mjT773YUyFThdQmp3AI5Hu/s2160/IMG_4164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97hU6frHmxxwhY9JEB2KGTfUn1c-uIgDzk6LAUU1b9cYjJ9C_ngAZiyfJgbmDftNz2JyImyx26r5oSVCmDA0XccnWqbe5lHp0KCxxbfMjuB0_hdh0754uvLoynOFBFoIdh3N3vjPYw5LqWyfojFgqeIgBWyYpWBqlr5mjT773YUyFThdQmp3AI5Hu/w640-h640/IMG_4164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">A fun little post mid-way through the month of June, highlighting two of the many things that I am loving this month.</div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">My husband and I both love to read - one of our favorite things to do in the evenings. During the summer, and anytime of year. The photo above shows my current collection of books that I am reading now.</div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">I love to have an inspirational book on hand all the time, and right now I'm reading Ann Voskamp's most recent book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/WayMaker-Finding-Youve-Always-Dreamed/dp/0310352193/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZNY0J1CAAYQV&keywords=waymaker+ann+voskamp&qid=1655157316&sprefix=waymaker%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1">Waymaker</a>. She paints a beautiful picture of God's love and purposes in every area of our lives, drawing on her own personal life stories. I love her practical, very insightful thoughts, encouraging us to draw close, and trust Him in the good times, and also the hard, and painful. </div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">I also like to have a fiction book on hand, and currently am reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Box-Carolina-Heirlooms-Novel/dp/1414386885/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WGW4M46OLSVY&keywords=the+prayer+box&qid=1655158007&sprefix=the+prayer+box%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1">The Prayer Box</a>, by Lisa Wingate, a new author to me. A relaxing, easy reading about the hope and healing that is brought to a struggling young mother living along the North Carolina coast.</div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">My reading list also includes two more books that I'll be reading slowly through the year ... </div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Life-Savoring-Simple-Season/dp/0736963219/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FGXU5HC9K7KA&keywords=a+lovely+life+melissa+michaels&qid=1655158136&sprefix=a+lovely+life%2Caps%2C481&sr=8-1">A Lovely Life: Savoring Simple Joys in Every Season</a> by Melissa Michaels, a beautiful coffee table style book, divided into four sections for the four seasons of the year. It's filled with ideas to "embrace the rhythms and rituals of each season with simple HOME*MAKING and SOUL*TENDING practices to help you cultivate more peace, contentment, and joy throughout the year". </span>(quote from the back cover of the book) <span>This book, a gift from my husband for Mother's Day, will bring joy throughout the year!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">And lastly, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lazy-Genius-Kitchen-Enjoy-Before/dp/0525653945/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UNH91MCHTZV7&keywords=the+lazy+genius+kitchen&qid=1655158791&sprefix=the+lazy+genius+kitchen%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1">The Lazy Genius Kitchen</a>, by Kendra Adachi, a book I learned of through one of the podcasts I listen to. I am enjoying her fresh ideas of organizing, and tailoring our kitchens and our cooking routines to work the best for us. Yes, I've been cooking for quite a few years, but I continue to be inspired by new ideas, even in our retirement.</div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">My husband and I also both love our summer gardens! Here are two photos to capture our veggie garden, and also our herb garden at this time, mid-way through June. </div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQblzKmqp858tN0mmosuPxF3OXgBcHyCt3t88tVEHFy5tQUbIU2zHfeooumuUPSyQfEaou-Kk81TSHXLo-u2-ZCnhBHhYkpZ1VY3CYjl2MS6RtBz0G1jCf_-CIumqiz48RfR2d_O0w269ngk9qU8XtAhzLaq4piJZkuBLjk6cwLOdEOLpcxG5UK1U_/s4032/IMG_4342.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQblzKmqp858tN0mmosuPxF3OXgBcHyCt3t88tVEHFy5tQUbIU2zHfeooumuUPSyQfEaou-Kk81TSHXLo-u2-ZCnhBHhYkpZ1VY3CYjl2MS6RtBz0G1jCf_-CIumqiz48RfR2d_O0w269ngk9qU8XtAhzLaq4piJZkuBLjk6cwLOdEOLpcxG5UK1U_/w480-h640/IMG_4342.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Our 10x30 foot veggie garden has room for 4 tomato plants (including one cherry tomato plant, and one roma tomato plant), and a row each of peppers, carrots, onions, and potatoes. Also, we have cucumbers, zucchini, butternut squash, and also some white pumpkins. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdDwG-4-AayFEEzVBGOxrrgT7sF-LU-93Th5WpaSOTCoxKms1eJ2C9H8nRybZF6RpnVLqSDcHVTzF0wpV7lr3m8AtZf7oN0szJG5v7eRydpZSQFP_A8j4bn3qftSsMoKT3ULzKYzsFEKIE0bWyt0mi6n5EMLSk3VSlA2rCofkHHX3F56iIIcqlxs3/s4032/IMG_4316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdDwG-4-AayFEEzVBGOxrrgT7sF-LU-93Th5WpaSOTCoxKms1eJ2C9H8nRybZF6RpnVLqSDcHVTzF0wpV7lr3m8AtZf7oN0szJG5v7eRydpZSQFP_A8j4bn3qftSsMoKT3ULzKYzsFEKIE0bWyt0mi6n5EMLSk3VSlA2rCofkHHX3F56iIIcqlxs3/w480-h640/IMG_4316.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">My herb garden is so handy, right outside the patio doors by our kitchen. This year I have sage, spearmint, basil, oregano, chives, thyme, and parsley growing. Such a joy to go out and clip leaves from these herbs to use while cooking!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">In the mix of sports games for grandkids, time with family and friends, and in the midst of the daily responsibilities of life, we are often enjoying these two loves of ours ... some good books, and the joys of our gardens. All gifts from God during this season of life! </span></div><div style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579937009982882894.post-78395154415735232872022-05-29T20:45:00.001-05:002022-05-29T20:52:27.056-05:00May Memories<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxGhisbi7TTUUcqw2FkZgh-AMaphmKUf68d3yPC-9-EO0AH5gJ3Uj9CwixE-Wh-vppZPzSYYObGgSGJHast-565tvGRVvxIl7H_QSNmMntKJ-Hy2VBjaBykRJxuFHEReI70KpIsNtfyBSIm9JUQxa7xWwvMibwt6KeTnYiUnhaqQ6pb3v4XarqIGD/s2160/IMG_4052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxGhisbi7TTUUcqw2FkZgh-AMaphmKUf68d3yPC-9-EO0AH5gJ3Uj9CwixE-Wh-vppZPzSYYObGgSGJHast-565tvGRVvxIl7H_QSNmMntKJ-Hy2VBjaBykRJxuFHEReI70KpIsNtfyBSIm9JUQxa7xWwvMibwt6KeTnYiUnhaqQ6pb3v4XarqIGD/w640-h640/IMG_4052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">The month of May will soon be over, and here I am, with my first (and only) post of the month! It has been a full month for us, as it has been for so many. We have loved the spring weather, and this lovely season of planting of our veggie garden, herb garden, and multiple spots for flowers on our patio and in our yard. What a beautiful time of year!</div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">We've also had some special days ... Mother's Day (beautiful roses above were a gift from my honey!), and the celebration of six family birthdays! Either celebrated in person or celebrated from afar with phone calls, and gifts/cards through the mail. Also sprinkle in some sports events for grandkids, a baby shower for a friend, gatherings with our CityGroup friends, and a fun viewing of the Downton Abbey movie with friends ... and, well, yes, the month has been full, and wonderful.</div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">And as is the case with most everyone, there have also been some difficult, heartbreaking things where we have needed to lean in extra close to our faithful, loving God - for His strength and wisdom. The resulting peace and perspective from Him are also highlights of our month of May.</div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaSaAegbMrKvhy1ffmWqA7qlGqHmHOnVTZ1BuFQKszvdhDWHroMpF3z4GAzh0a5bFpoj5NSNWQaZ720ODnpvTivW4oV3VjFxdJ2fIcRVLfDGdM37xkrzEM9pV5L1K0Qc9a1pkOQpM2nhTrwV7l7_rq_bqYEXpCOfGqlmgm0aAo4-0ozJSy2Pc3QUe/s2400/WhenStrivingsCease.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaSaAegbMrKvhy1ffmWqA7qlGqHmHOnVTZ1BuFQKszvdhDWHroMpF3z4GAzh0a5bFpoj5NSNWQaZ720ODnpvTivW4oV3VjFxdJ2fIcRVLfDGdM37xkrzEM9pV5L1K0Qc9a1pkOQpM2nhTrwV7l7_rq_bqYEXpCOfGqlmgm0aAo4-0ozJSy2Pc3QUe/w640-h320/WhenStrivingsCease.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">A special treat for me these past few months has been to slowly make my way through reading <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Strivings-Cease-Self-Improvement-Life-Transforming/dp/1400224993/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ML488XQZ6WZJ&keywords=when+strivings+cease+ruth+chou+simons&qid=1653874942&sprefix=when+strivings+cease%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1">When Strivings Cease</a></u>, by Ruth Chou Simons, and to also go though the accompanying <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Strivings-Cease-Study-Guide-Streaming/dp/0310130042/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12BJD2XYNVN3V&keywords=when+strivings+cease+study+guide+ruth+chou+simons&qid=1653874986&sprefix=when+strivings+cease+study+guide%2Caps%2C482&sr=8-1">Study Guide</a>. I highly recommend this book, and also the study guide. And if you go through it with a friend (as I have been doing) the insight gained is doubled!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">How would I describe the main message of the book in a few sentences? A bit difficult to do, but I will try ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;">A brief quote from the book sums up my main take-away very well: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">"Right living overflows from right believing."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">It is essential for us to get our "believing" right. If we are not anchored in the truths of God's Word, in what the Gospel really is for not only our future hope, but for our everyday, our every moment living, then we will find ourselves continually striving for what we already have. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">This book reinforced so well what I am focusing on this year for my Word of the Year for 2022 ... <a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-collection-inspirational-reading-word.html">"Truth-Filled"</a>. It is essential for me, and for each of us, to continually fill our minds and hearts with <i>truth</i>, God's truth. And instead of <i>striving</i> for approval, acceptance, and purpose, our focus can be on <i>abiding</i> in what He already has accomplished and provided for us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">The author encourages us "to take our eyes off of everything you think you need to be amazing, and be amazed, instead, at God's grace."</div></span><p></p>Cherry Warrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09514526416067526357noreply@blogger.com1