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Friday, November 27, 2015
Reading : Waiting Here For You
Excited to be starting this Advent journey. My hope is that we see more in this busy holiday season besides the rush or wait for Christmas. It's so much more! There is such a beautiful lesson to be learned in Advent and waiting on the Lord that can strengthen us and give us Hope even as we wait for His return. And lately with what is happening all around us, that's exactly what the enemy of our souls wants to steal.. Our hope. But He is our Hope and I believe that this devotional journey by Louie Giglio will help us cling to that.
Monday, November 23, 2015
All bundled up
... and ready to give! Best Christmas present idea ever. Especially if it centers, slows down and offers some perspective on the season that we've been missing... "Waiting Here For You" an Advent devotional by Louie Giglio that we can journey through together.
Believing to really see Jesus and be present in this beautiful season of hope and expectancy.
Nice touch.. a little piece of chocolate and felt ribbon.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
November State of Mind
Having fun practicing hand-lettering and doodling. The perfectionist in me is slowly dying as I force myself to enjoy this illustrated journaling journey I have started on. So used to using my tablet and mac that this is very difficult for me to enjoy.. but I am trying! Teaching myself to enjoy the discipline of this. Are you like me, do you struggle in perfection?
Friday, October 16, 2015
God is Within Her
Vellum hand lettering inserts that are bringing a lot of colour to my bible! Love this verse. Now if only I had a manicure!
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Because They Feared and Obeyed God Above All
Thousands of years before the women’s liberation movement, or anyone ever heard of Gloria Steinem, the ancient biblical stories in Scripture never stereotyped or portrayed women as weak. Yes, we know that the average woman is weaker physically than men, but they are not weaker spiritually, mentally, or emotionally. Think of Deborah, Jael, Esther, or Ruth. Think of Mary (any one of the Marys will do), Martha, Priscilla, or Philip’s four daughters.
This past year, the highest rated commercial shown during the Super Bowl wasn’t one by Go-Daddy or Budweiser. It was a commercial that asked the question, “What would it look like to do something ‘like a girl’?” Several young people were filmed doing the first thing that came to mind when asked to “run like a girl, throw like a girl, fight like a girl.” It wasn’t too surprising when they jogged daintily in place, or flailed their bent wrists in a lame fight, or awkwardly flung their arm to throw an imaginary ball. All of them deliberately looked silly, weak, distracted.
Look at the heroic women in Scripture—their examples of integrity, bravery, and wit. Read the gripping story in Exodus of Moses’ mother, Jochebed; his sister, Miriam; and the Jewish midwives Shiphrah and Puah (their names forever recorded for us to honor).
Exodus 1:17 tells us that because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They were women who would stand to defy the commands of Pharaoh of Egypt and save a son, who would rescue a nation, which would bring us our Messiah, who would save the world. Because they feared God, they were strong mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
It is worth noting that Pharaoh’s decree was, “If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live” (Exodus 1:16 NLT). In his eyes, letting every daughter live would never be a threat to his kingdom. He had no concept of female bravery or empathy. Little did he know that to fight like a girl, stand like a girl, think like a girl, would be the beginning of the undoing of the might of his Egypt.
To fight the good fight and run the race set before us—whether we are in the kitchen, in the classroom, in the boardroom, in the courtroom, or in the mission field—means we are not insignificant, nor an afterthought in the mind of God. My dear sisters, mothers, and daughters: Pharaoh may have misjudged women, but let’s not misjudge ourselves.
Let every daughter live, and run, and fight, and love, and live like the girl God made you to be! Don’t think the Bible is about men, for men, while women stand by in cute outfits and cheer. It is about women as well, and the part we have to play in this great unfolding drama.
These words from the great apostle Paul were written to Timothy, a young man who first learned the Scriptures—not at his father’s knee, but on the lap of his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).
Remember, Israel’s first deliverer was not a man in flowing robes and a long beard. It was a slave woman, a mother named Jochebed, in average clothing, shedding tears, and showing miraculous courage.
Today, the world, the church, and the family need the influence of women who will fear and obey God above all.
"When did doing something 'like a girl' become an insult?" - By Cathe Laurie
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Stress much?
God's word is the best way to defeat anxiety, worry and stress.
Pick up your sword, read these aloud and speak TRUTH to the fear:Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE.
Romans 15:13 May the GOD OF HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in HOPE.
Proverbs 3:5-6 TRUST in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and HE WILL make straight your paths.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who LOVE GOD all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Phil 4:13 I CAN do all things THROUGH HIM who strengthens me.
Col 3:15 And let the PEACE of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And BE THANKFUL.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Scripture Meditation
Friday, March 20, 2015
Do it .. Now is the Time
I don’t know what it is you are waiting for but I have a feeling that for some of you TODAY is the day to simply step out and do it. This was super encouraging for me and I hope it does the same for you.
"We often miss our moment because we are waiting for the perfect moment.
The moment the planets will align.The moment every “I” is dotted and every “T” is crossed.
The moment we have 3 more confirmations to back up the 10 we already have.
The moment everyone approves.
The moment all the money comes through.
The moment everyone is on board.
The moment when we are qualified enough.
The moment when we are experienced enough.
The moment we are connected enough.
The moment we have prayed enough.
The moment we have fasted enough.
We are not sure when that moment is but it is always in some future time.
It is always not quite now.
Not yet.
The moment when we, who are not yet enough and don’t have enough, will somehow be enough, do enough, and have enough.
Let me be clear – we will never be enough.
We will never be...
Smart enough
Talented enough
Resourced enough
Perfect enough
Connected enough
Knowledgeable enough
We are not meant to be.
That is why we serve the God that is MORE THAN ENOUGH – El Shaddai
Let's not be like Pharoah when Moses asked him; "I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile"(Exodus 8:9).Instead of answering “RIGHT NOW, THIS MINUTE, TODAY" he answered, "TOMORROW"(Exodus 8:10).
Why would that man want to spend one more night with those frogs?
What are you putting off until the tomorrow that never comes because you simply will not step out today?
Do itMake that call
Try out for that team
Apologize
Volunteer
Give
Enroll in that course
Say yes to that friendship
Cut off those negative voices
Confront that person
Deal with that addiction
Be honest
Now is the time!"
-Christine Caine
Monday, March 16, 2015
Pear "Tea" for Scarlett's Cough
Got introduced to this Chinese herbalist recently. I went in with wide-eyed wonder, past the bins and containers of what looked like mulch, bark, mushrooms, sea creatures, oddities and teas. Felt like I was back in Hong Kong. Amazing experience. I learned so much and was blown away at all the knowledge and techniques he used. We went specifically because Scarlett had a cough that keeps coming back but I sat and had a consultation too. There's so much I will be posting about his time with me, my adrenals and all that. It was amazing. No wonder it's been around so long.
But back to her cough. Horrible, makes you cringe every time you hear it. It hurts. Here are the things he told us to do and what to avoid. And can I say, it worked. Completely. So grateful for this healthy, natural consultant I have now. I think he's gonna be one of my best friends.
He recommended that I buy organic pears and make a tea for her to drink till the cough goes away. No medicine, no side-effects.. just fruit! Did I say I heart this guy? He's speaking my heart language. Healing through food! swoon.
He also suggested that we also eliminate the following: Watermelon and Bananas. What? Seriously, we had been consuming watermelon daily for the last week, as it was on sale and the incessant begging from Scarlett broke me and I strayed away from my "eat seasonally and locally" motto which we really try to uphold. Go figure. Ok. Avoid that when you have a cough. Who knew? The Chinese herbalist, that's who.
So, we cut that out and started making this "TEA" which I will now forever keep in my wellness artisanal.
Place pears in a non-reactive saucepan and cover with water, about an inch. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer for 40 minutes.Strain and drink while warm.
Keep any left over in fridge and you can drink this warmed up or at room temp.
It's that simple! Not quite a tea, but a steeping and reduction.
I would totally encourage anyone to get a relationship going with a Chinese Herbalist. The wisdom is amazing. It's usually a blend of "tea" that is prescribed, made of herbs, barks, twigs and whatever else. Very curious blend. The cost is the cost of the tea, there is no
consultation fee.
Disclaimer: This is what worked for us. I am not a doctor and don't claim anything beyond our own experience.
But back to her cough. Horrible, makes you cringe every time you hear it. It hurts. Here are the things he told us to do and what to avoid. And can I say, it worked. Completely. So grateful for this healthy, natural consultant I have now. I think he's gonna be one of my best friends.
He recommended that I buy organic pears and make a tea for her to drink till the cough goes away. No medicine, no side-effects.. just fruit! Did I say I heart this guy? He's speaking my heart language. Healing through food! swoon.
He also suggested that we also eliminate the following: Watermelon and Bananas. What? Seriously, we had been consuming watermelon daily for the last week, as it was on sale and the incessant begging from Scarlett broke me and I strayed away from my "eat seasonally and locally" motto which we really try to uphold. Go figure. Ok. Avoid that when you have a cough. Who knew? The Chinese herbalist, that's who.
So, we cut that out and started making this "TEA" which I will now forever keep in my wellness artisanal.
PEAR TEA
(for healing coughs and respiration issues)
4-6 Organic Pears, quartered and cored Fresh water to coverPlace pears in a non-reactive saucepan and cover with water, about an inch. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer for 40 minutes.Strain and drink while warm.
Keep any left over in fridge and you can drink this warmed up or at room temp.
It's that simple! Not quite a tea, but a steeping and reduction.
I would totally encourage anyone to get a relationship going with a Chinese Herbalist. The wisdom is amazing. It's usually a blend of "tea" that is prescribed, made of herbs, barks, twigs and whatever else. Very curious blend. The cost is the cost of the tea, there is no
consultation fee.
Disclaimer: This is what worked for us. I am not a doctor and don't claim anything beyond our own experience.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Confession
I might been known to sneak and clip tree branches for forcing in winter and lilac blooms in spring. And this is why.
So easy to do. Just remember to smash the cut end of the branches with a hammer. I believe this allows them to really suck up the water and come to life.
#sorrynotsorry #toobeautiful #springinthedeadofwinter #ScarlettGiulia
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Flourish
It may be gray in Seattle today but our hearts are warm with the love of Christ!
Today's encouragement comes from Psalms 92
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree planted in the house of the Lord.
Committing to being part of a church body.. there are reasons beyond "just the thing we do as a good christian family on Sundays". The scriptures is full of encouragement to get in and grow WITH a church body. We are not to be islands unto ourselves. God never intended for us to follow Jesus alone. We need each other. We need accountability, testimony and encouragement. That comes from a church body. I'm not speaking about religion here, but the body of believers in Jesus. I love the blessing that is promised in Psalm 92.. we will FLOURISH! Love that visual word. Don't you want to flourish? I know I do! It goes on to say we "will bear fruit in old age and stay fresh and green". How great is that? This is a promise I am holding on to. It is good to dwell in the house of the Lord!!
Today's encouragement comes from Psalms 92
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree planted in the house of the Lord.
Committing to being part of a church body.. there are reasons beyond "just the thing we do as a good christian family on Sundays". The scriptures is full of encouragement to get in and grow WITH a church body. We are not to be islands unto ourselves. God never intended for us to follow Jesus alone. We need each other. We need accountability, testimony and encouragement. That comes from a church body. I'm not speaking about religion here, but the body of believers in Jesus. I love the blessing that is promised in Psalm 92.. we will FLOURISH! Love that visual word. Don't you want to flourish? I know I do! It goes on to say we "will bear fruit in old age and stay fresh and green". How great is that? This is a promise I am holding on to. It is good to dwell in the house of the Lord!!
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;planted in the house of the Lord,they will flourish in the courts of our God.They will still bear fruit in old age,they will stay fresh and green,proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” Psalm 92
Monday, January 26, 2015
Jesus is More than Enough!
God is so faithful to me.. ALL THE TIME! When I think I'm at the bottom of my well, He refills it from the most unsuspecting direction!
I prayed 2 very specific things this morning (that required faith, shutting down the doubt in my mind and believing for His provision) and both were answered before the day barely got started! I still am amazed. I am not saying this to boast in my praying, but to boast in our God, who answers prayers and wants so desperately to connect with you and intercede into the life He created for one purpose.. to know Him. Are you fulfilling your purpose today? There's nothing better.
I challenge you that whatever you are facing today, whatever your discontentment is in.. Finances, Physical, Emotional, Relationship, Spiritual.. Would you turn to Jesus and place Him in that space? Because more than wanting to answer our prayers and grant our needs.. He wants to bring us to a place of contentment. Not in ourselves, but in Him. That no matter what, Jesus is more than enough!
Last week I read in Philippians 4 :10-13 where Paul says he has found the secret of contentment in any circumstance, whether plenty or hunger, abundance or need.. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Sometimes God takes us to a place where we lack.. in finance, in relationship, in our health, brokenness, (you fill in the blank)… He brings us to these places where we can learn that He is all we need. Our God is a jealous God, he demands all of us. I thank God for the trials in my life that have gotten me to this most precious place of rest in Him.
It's Monday! Where are you? Start your week and start talking with a God who loves and desires your all, and see what He can do in that place!
I prayed 2 very specific things this morning (that required faith, shutting down the doubt in my mind and believing for His provision) and both were answered before the day barely got started! I still am amazed. I am not saying this to boast in my praying, but to boast in our God, who answers prayers and wants so desperately to connect with you and intercede into the life He created for one purpose.. to know Him. Are you fulfilling your purpose today? There's nothing better.
I challenge you that whatever you are facing today, whatever your discontentment is in.. Finances, Physical, Emotional, Relationship, Spiritual.. Would you turn to Jesus and place Him in that space? Because more than wanting to answer our prayers and grant our needs.. He wants to bring us to a place of contentment. Not in ourselves, but in Him. That no matter what, Jesus is more than enough!
Last week I read in Philippians 4 :10-13 where Paul says he has found the secret of contentment in any circumstance, whether plenty or hunger, abundance or need.. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Sometimes God takes us to a place where we lack.. in finance, in relationship, in our health, brokenness, (you fill in the blank)… He brings us to these places where we can learn that He is all we need. Our God is a jealous God, he demands all of us. I thank God for the trials in my life that have gotten me to this most precious place of rest in Him.
It's Monday! Where are you? Start your week and start talking with a God who loves and desires your all, and see what He can do in that place!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Freedom Fighters
This is pretty awesome. When you don't know where to start beyond praying... this is something we all can do!
27,000,000 are trapped in slavery. We've raised our voices, broken our hearts.. now it's time to take action. Turn our awareness into ACTION.
1. Create your own team of FREEDOM FIGHTERS
2. RECRUIT 27 of your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, acquaintances... to join you.
2. Invite them to GIVE $7, then create a team of their own.
4. Let's watch the ripple effects of what happens when we TAKE ACTION TOGETHER.
visit ENDITMOVEMENT.COM for more information and to join the movement to END IT!
Want to join my team, message me with an EMAIL here and let's get it going! We're in it to END IT! #Enditmovement
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Are you looking at the patterns or groundswell in your life?
Once you perceive the pattern, you can ask God for help with the next step! Thank God, that we do not journey this walk alone.. He has sent us a helper, the Holy Spirit! (John 14:16)
But here's a caution: Don't keep putting it off and "circling round the base of the mountain". Don't keep ignoring that helper's gentle voice and nudge. I believe one of the most harmful things we can do, as a Christian, is to ignore the Holy Spirit. Choosing our choices and decisions, our will, our way over His. In doing this we build up an immunity to Him, and His voice becomes more difficult to hear. I've been there, thought that it was my luxury to listen or not, pick and choose where or how much I wanted God to be in my life. Giving only partial throne of my heart. And not too long, I didn't hear His voice and the enemy was right there attacking my thinking.. and that voice became louder. The lies always there.. in my thoughts.. "Does God even exist, is this even real? after all, God is in all of us.." Years of that eventually became a life without Him, a life for myself. And one very dark night where I looked into the mirror and I didn't believe that God was who the scriptures say He is and Jesus was just an amazing teacher on earth. The scary thing here and what I want to warn about is that I don't believe that it's "one day you wake up and make the choice to walk away from God".. it begins with the small, gradual choices that we make and open doors for the enemy to creep in. And then one day you look back at how far away you really have gone. What are we without Him? It's not just that sin makes us bad.. sin makes us dead. And while religion can help make you better.. it can't bring you to life. Only Jesus can bring you from death to life!
I challenge you in this moment to submit to His will, allow the hard work which will catapult you forward and enable you to stand firm against the attacks of the enemy. It's not a question of IF the storms will come, but WHEN! (Perceive the pattern!) Will you be tossed about and battered, surprised at the storm? Or are you firmly planted in Him, listening to His voice and obeying where He leads and keeping a watchful eye, ready for the next storm, knowing that He's right there with you? Choosing to submit to the hard work that the storms bring and when He's ready, He calms the waves or brings you to shore. Which will it be? It's your choice... tossed and battered about with every storm that comes or tucked into His unfailing love for us, willing to go where He masterfully leads.
Be encouraged, that no matter what you may think, plan or envision for your life.. what God has for you is BETTER!! It's hard to see in the midst of the storm, so keep His word, which tells us the truth of who He is and His heart for us, in your day. Put on that helmet of Salvation! Guard your thinking!! His plan for us is to prosper, for a future and a HOPE! (Jer 29:11) He brings us through these storms that we just hate to weather, and we see on the other side the beautiful fruit it brings to our lives. And how fabulous does weathered wood look anyway?! Trust in your Savior!
God bless your day!
Friday, January 9, 2015
Working in our Waiting
But they who wait (or hope) for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings (or sprout wings) like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31
Was led to this familiar verse last night and couldn't stop thinking about it. It has two themes that my brain has been circling around for a long time.. waiting and eagles.
This post is a bit lengthy.. just a friendly warning.
Last night was a sleepless one, spent with a little girl and a fever. Woke with this verse in my head and just feeling the frailty of sickness.. somehow our health shows me most, how much we are truly not in control of this life (even no matter how many veggies we eat or fermented fish liver oil we take! and yes, we do. everyday.) And more importantly, that we all do live life with an expiration date.
Anyway, back to the eagle and this verse. So, this morning.. a new day, survived the fever and throwing up and while doing morning dishes looking out, a huge bald-headed eagle flies by. You all may be used to that around here, but I don't think this Jersey girl will ever get used to it. They are so magnificent, majestic or some awesome word like that.. and to behold this close amazes me. Same as Mt. Rainier. I won't get used to the awesomeness of it. Ever. The eagle flying by.. I think was God's hand guiding me to his word. So I did a little more study around it Isaiah 40:31 and I am loving what is found.
Last year, I did a study on Psalm 103 and it led me into learning about eagles.. which led me into a deeper understanding of that scripture. Amazed when that happens and LOVE it! So with that study in mind, reading this scripture is even more poignant. (I shared that study at our women's retreat last year and here on fb)
In the scripture above from Isaiah, I love how the translation can be what I added in parenthesis. "Wait for" could also be translated as "Hope in" and "mount up with wings" could be translated as "sprout wings". This goes back to the Psalm 103 study.. Learning about how an older eagle (around age 50) either dies or chooses to go through a difficult transformation where they sprout new feathers and completely regenerate their wings and eyes. It's beautiful how God's creation illustrates His heart for us, effect even our today.. helping our journey with Christ.
So, I want to share more..
This Christmas, I felt alive to Christmas for the 1st time. Not just the merriment and the season, that's nice and all, but to what God intended in it beyond Jesus' birth. Advent season or season of waiting. What He shows us about Himself during advent, during times of waiting. His heart. Learning from John, Mary, the shepherds.. it was beautiful and alive to me this year. His word opening up and illuminating my heart. I've always enjoyed (loved) Christmas but this was the 1st time I felt alive in Christmas. The first advent was Christ's birth and there is much to be learned from those who were in that place of waiting for the Messiah. And now we are in the 2nd advent waiting for Christ to return as He promised, and there is so much to be learned in this time of waiting. I think a prayer I say most is "Come, Lord Jesus, come." Watching Fox news at all brings that prayer on!
But one of the things I loved learning from most this season .. were the shepherds who were "watching their flocks by night". At our women's Christmas tea early in December, I read from Louie Giglio's advent devotional titled "Waiting Here For You". He went into the lives of the shepherds and it was the 1st time I ever thought anything about them! Who these people were, what their job was, why they were there? What we can learn from that most humble part of the Christmas story? I mean anyone is capable of being a shepherd in the Christmas play, right? All you needed was a towel around your head and a stick. It's an extra's part. Not exactly one of the most coveted parts of the story.. (unless you were a guy in drama that really didn't want to participate much or learn any lines). But l see how these people can illustrate a huge lesson in our journey. These shepherds were hired help, which was probably one of the lowest rungs of the town of Bethlehem.. they actually had to live outside the city gates and were unable to even participate in the thing they were working at.. Raising these sheep for sacrifice at the temple, to cover the sins of the people. The shepherds were also considered unclean by law. Their job was to watch the sheep through the night, chasing off predators on what we call the graveyard shift. I think I heard that is was just six miles from where these shepherds were that night to where Jesus took our place on the cross for the sins of the world. How awesome is that? Jesus came to take the place of these sheep.
What I love and can learn from this humble group.. is to be faithful in my "watching" or keeping guard. Be faithful to where God has called and placed me. The tension in our lives is most often that "we are not really where we think or know we should be". If we were "in the place where we should be".. I could serve God. Or more faithfully or better. "Once I get there".. then I can do something worthwhile. I am encouraged by the humble shepherds who received probably one of the most important messages of all time.. God breaking into our dark world, entering our story.. providing a way through Jesus. No better message than that. God is intervening for us. In their mundane, not ever glamourous position.. God chose to speak to them. How amazing?! God chooses to use the things which the world considers low or broken or not of much worth or even the places we consider to be stuck in. Love that. We need to be faithful where God has us, no matter, as if it were "the most perfect place" for us to be. Because it is just that. It's where God has us now. And that is where He will work.. in your waiting. In our obedience of this place. Sanctifying us. It's so easy to get caught up in the grass is greener or one day mentality.. it robs us of what God wants to do in and use us for now. How exciting to think that God will use us and our story in a part of His big story that has been unfolding since time began. I don't know about you but I get blown away by that and I want to jump up and use every day of my life to fulfill His purpose. Because, I know, I do have an expiration date.
So back to the eagles.. and more importantly waiting on the Lord. In our lives, I think the key is to know what is Spirit of God led and what we are doing that is led by our own brokenness. Because if the Bible is true, and I believe it is.. then whatever task that He gives us, or places in front of us.. he will strengthen us in. Just as Isaiah says, "run and not be weary, walk and not faint". I am encouraged in this to not be so concerned about where I think I might run myself down, or not have enough for the task.. if God is leading you, then His promise is true. You will have more than enough, which in our own understanding might seem impossible, He will be more than enough. I am encouraged and I encourage you in this walk to start doing more! Start following what He has put on your heart and trust that His word is true. Don't worry about schedule, boundaries or even worrying about the what-if's when you are being led by the Spirit of God to move. Step out in faith. I see God work this in my life. My well is full when I should be running on empty. He is faithful and His love endures forever
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Scripture Meditation
The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul;
The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.
-Psalm 19:7 (amp)
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Happy Birthday & Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Scarlett decorating the giant cookie for class.
We love this chocolate chip cake, reminiscent of the big cookie "cakes" we would get from Mrs. Fields at the mall in the eighties growing up. There are a lot of recipes online and they all fall a little short. This one is tried and true and works every time. It comes out exactly like a really good chocolate chip cookie. Not cake. Cookie. A lot of recipes online fail here. It can be easily sliced like a pizza. Kids love it. Adults love it. What's not to love. Every year at school kids bring cupcakes, always cupcakes. This is what we bring. And they all love it, something different. And it's really delicious.
I like to ice the cake, piping around the edge and then whatever design you want on the inside. and Sprinkles!
Now you could use a round pizza pan for baking it.. but I prefer to use a flat cookie sheet. 1st off, it's a cookie and it spreads a bit. And it really won't maintain the round shape. In the end the cookie is all misshapen and I trim the edges anyway. You get a perfectly round giant cookie and bonus, you get to extra edges to eat!
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups dark chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Prepare the pan. Either use a (light-coloured) round pizza pan or a flat cookie sheet. Line a 14" pizza pan with parchment paper, trimmed and grease with butter or coconut oil (or use Coconut Oil spray). If using a flat cookie sheet see note* below.
In a large bowl or kitchen stand mixer, cream the butter and then add sugars, beat til creamed. Add the eggs, one at a time, beat well after each.
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix together with a whisk.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mix together then mix in the vanilla extract.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread across the bottom of the prepared pan and bake until the edges are golden and the cookie is set but the center is slightly soft, 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer with parchment paper to a wire rack to cool completely.
Trim, if desired. *Note for flat cookie sheet:
Take a piece of parchment paper and draw a circle with a sharpie, the size you want it to be when finished. Using a large round platter or lid works well. This will be your guide for placing and spreading the dough. Flip the parchment paper over and lay on a flat cookie sheet (un-rimmed) or you could use a round pizza pan.
After cookie is cooled, if you used a flat pan.. you will need to trim it to make a perfectly round cookie. Using the same platter, plate or lid that you used to make your circle on parchment, use as a guide and cut to size. The edges will be covered with icing, so don't worry about the cut edge too much.
Icing Recipe for Cookie Cake
½ cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon milk
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, and vanilla.
Add the sugar, one cup at a time, beat well after each addition.
Add in the milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy.
Cover with plastic wrap until ready to use.
and the 7 year class cake! Frozen-inspired |
with the 7 year old! And you can see our homemade "pizza" box to carry the cookie cake. Usually we keep a clean pizza box just for this, but somehow forgot this year! |
My beautiful blessing! God is faithful, merciful and gracious to me! |
Happy Buche Noelle Birthday to You
We love this cake and she wanted it for her birthday. Shaped like a log, with meringue mushrooms.. it's delish. Add some fairies and voila.. Birthday Cake for my sweetie.
#buchenoelle #ScarlettGiulia
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