I always think at the start of "Winter Confinement" that I will get
a chance to complete my "Unfinished" projects. Well friends, its
almost half way into March and I must admit this goal has fallen
far short. Where does the time go...just simply keeping up with
the daily's quickly fills the schedule. Complaining...not really.
I'm just realizing that what I "Hope" to accomplish and what
"needs" my attention are two seperate areas that can co-exist
happily. How??? I have come to the conclusion that "Incomplete"
projects are part of the life process.
Last weekend Grace Adventures had a group of 29 ladies come
for scrapbooking, quilting...to work on "incomplete" projects with
uninterrupted time. It was fun to watch everyone busy creating,
visiting, and sharing the projects they were working on. When I
peeked over someones shoulder and inquired about the pictures
being arranged, I was given a glimpse into this woman's life...her
family...her journey. I felt priviledged to be invited in. Most
projects were ongoing, but I did witness a project being completed
...Three Cheers for Lori, Bernice, Abbey, Pam...The Christmas tree
skirt is truly a work of "heart". When the tree skirt is used at the
end of 2008 I bet you will remember the time spent together.
When we create we feel energized, purpose, frustration. When we complete
a project we feel relief, joy, anticipation for the next thing. When others find
joy in what we have created it brings great satisfaction. When we are in the
midst of "incomplete" projects we feel pressure, burden, frustration...this
discouragement is not from God! We often feel less than adequate if we
cannot produce a quota of accomplishment...who's measuring?
I had a very "freeing" thought the other day which I think will help to bring me
out from under this 'oft times "self-imposed" burden... I am an "incomplete
project", my family is an "incomplete project", every person living and
breathing around me is an "incomplete project".
Get the point...our incompleteness is simply life, the process of becoming more
each day as a person than what I was yesterday...happier, more loving, more
confident, more content, more thankful! Realizing that ultimately God is the
"completor" of my life. Its my job to follow, trust and love Him and He will add
to my life all the elements that will make it full.
What peace, what freedom, God has for us.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest." -Matthew 11:28
"...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector (completor)
of our faith..." -Hebrews 12:1,2
What draws your heart each day...are you project (work) driven, relational driven,
personal needs driven? Our lives are basically comprised of these three areas.
Challenge - When you get up in the morning, before you get caught in the daily stream of life..look up and daily commit your hands and hearts to the Lord. He wants to make a "Masterpiece" of your life!
From one "incomplete" project to another...Blessings, Eva
I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
-Psalm 121:1,2
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
"Sweet" Valentine's Treats
This past Saturday, February 9th, nine young ladies (9-18yrs) came
to make treats, tags, gift boxes to surprise their family or friends with
a homemade (from the heart) gift for Valentine's. We had a great
time visiting, laughing and creating...each young lady did an amazing
job...to the delight of all the recipients I'm sure. I wanted to share
a couple of the recipes with you, in case the urge to create
a "Sweet" Valentines treat hits you. Remember the best gifts
in life are homemade and from the heart. Enjoy!!!
Heart Cookies
(Hendtinky - Bohemian Harvest Cookie)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter
2 flour
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Baking powder
Mix by hand and roll out 1/4 inch thick.
Cut into shapes and place on cookie sheets
with parchment paper. Bake at 325,
12-15 minutes, until lightly browned on edges.
This is a delicate cookie similar to shortbread.
Decorate - we dipped the edges in melted
chocolate, white on one side and dark on the other.
Another option: Drizzle with light glaze and
colored sugars or sprinkles.
Glaze - Powdered sugar 1-2 cups, half & half 1-2 Tbsp.
1/2 - 1 tsp. clear vanilla. Mix with fork until
smooth. Change portions according to quantity
needed...thin for glaze, thick for frosting cookies.
Chocolate Truffles Amazing!!!
3 Cups (18 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
(NOT evaporated milk)
1 Tbsp. Vanilla extract
1. In large saucepan, melt chips with sweetened condensed milk
over med. heart. Stir constantly until smooth. Remove from heat;
stir in vanilla. Pour into med-size container, cover and chill 2-3
hours or until firm enough to shape into balls.
2. Shape into small balls (approx. 1-inch); roll in toppings of choice.
Optional toppings - finely chopped toasted nuts (we used pecans),
flaked coconut, chocolate or colored sprinkles, colored sugars,
unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey).
3. Store covered in fridge until serving or wrapping for gifts.
Serve truffles in decorative paper cups. Fancy and delicious!
"Celebrating Love is a Lifelong Adventure!!!"
to make treats, tags, gift boxes to surprise their family or friends with
a homemade (from the heart) gift for Valentine's. We had a great
time visiting, laughing and creating...each young lady did an amazing
job...to the delight of all the recipients I'm sure. I wanted to share
a couple of the recipes with you, in case the urge to create
a "Sweet" Valentines treat hits you. Remember the best gifts
in life are homemade and from the heart. Enjoy!!!
Heart Cookies
(Hendtinky - Bohemian Harvest Cookie)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter
2 flour
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Baking powder
Mix by hand and roll out 1/4 inch thick.
Cut into shapes and place on cookie sheets
with parchment paper. Bake at 325,
12-15 minutes, until lightly browned on edges.
This is a delicate cookie similar to shortbread.
Decorate - we dipped the edges in melted
chocolate, white on one side and dark on the other.
Another option: Drizzle with light glaze and
colored sugars or sprinkles.
Glaze - Powdered sugar 1-2 cups, half & half 1-2 Tbsp.
1/2 - 1 tsp. clear vanilla. Mix with fork until
smooth. Change portions according to quantity
needed...thin for glaze, thick for frosting cookies.
Chocolate Truffles Amazing!!!
3 Cups (18 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
(NOT evaporated milk)
1 Tbsp. Vanilla extract
1. In large saucepan, melt chips with sweetened condensed milk
over med. heart. Stir constantly until smooth. Remove from heat;
stir in vanilla. Pour into med-size container, cover and chill 2-3
hours or until firm enough to shape into balls.
2. Shape into small balls (approx. 1-inch); roll in toppings of choice.
Optional toppings - finely chopped toasted nuts (we used pecans),
flaked coconut, chocolate or colored sprinkles, colored sugars,
unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey).
3. Store covered in fridge until serving or wrapping for gifts.
Serve truffles in decorative paper cups. Fancy and delicious!
"Celebrating Love is a Lifelong Adventure!!!"
Friday, February 8, 2008
Valentine's Day - Everyday!!!
I firmly believe that love is not meant to be expressed solely on
the prompting of a holiday, such as Valentine's Day. Love is a gift
from your heart that should be shared all throughout the year.
Now this could be my rebellious nature just not wanting to be "Told"
what to do...but I'd much rather think this is the voice of my
heart saying don't ever put off what can be done to say "I Love You"
each opportunity you have.
Last Valentines Day I needed to stop at the store for nothing of great importance,
as a rule I usually try to avoid shopping on holidays. I was struck by the number of men(young and old) wandering aimlessly through the holiday merchandise aisles...holding teddy bears and generic boxes of chocolates, flipping through cards, checking out price tags (to get the most for their $). I,immediately, had an image of deer frozen in the headlights and started chuckling to myself...I wanted to yell out "Its not about chocolate" or a quick fix offering to appease the Love Gods. Women want to hear "I love You"..."You are Special" not only verbally but also in the thought...the heart, you put into the gift. Expense or extravagance is not the issue.
Let me share with you a few ideas that I hope will inspire some creative ways to celebrate love at Valentine's or anytime.
*Delight together in the simple Joy of a walk together (hand in hand)- talk about dreams, reflect on good memories and how you look forward to all the future possibilities...side by side. If the weather is miserable outside, go to the local mall for a stroll.
*Begin and end each day with a hug and kiss..."I Love You!" is a phrase you can never wear out. Throughout the day take time to notice, listen, smile and connect with those you love...value and celebrate each persons unique qualities.
*When a love one is down...silence is ok (except for obvious encouragement)...be near and ready to give a hug or a hand of support. For a woman being enveloped in the arms of our husband/father, helps us feel protected and cared for.
*When was the last time you wrote a "mushy" love letter or note of appreciation... can't remember? If your memory fails you, it's been to long. Take a few moments to write down all the things you love and appreciate about your wife,husband,mother, father,son,daughter...I think you get the point. Cut pictures and words out of magazines that help express your feelings and that focus on what the recipient enjoys (gardening, cooking, traveling, sports, fishing...)
*Guys - Wrap up a special vase* and fill with special chocolates, Individual tea/cocoa/coffee (depending on preference), small notes of encouragement (to open over time), and homemade coupon(s) for picking up flowers from local florist, greenhouse, hand-picked by you wild flower bouquet (in summer of course)...be creative!
*Guys - "Gift of Time" - Clear the schedule, do the cooking, get the family to pitch in and do extra chores and give your wife time to relax; she could go for a walk, take a long bubble bath, sit in a cozy spot with a cup of tea and a good book or have time with a friend.
Remember: A wife "refreshed" is a "delight" to her family.
"Blessings on Love's Journey!!!" ...Eva
the prompting of a holiday, such as Valentine's Day. Love is a gift
from your heart that should be shared all throughout the year.
Now this could be my rebellious nature just not wanting to be "Told"
what to do...but I'd much rather think this is the voice of my
heart saying don't ever put off what can be done to say "I Love You"
each opportunity you have.
Last Valentines Day I needed to stop at the store for nothing of great importance,
as a rule I usually try to avoid shopping on holidays. I was struck by the number of men(young and old) wandering aimlessly through the holiday merchandise aisles...holding teddy bears and generic boxes of chocolates, flipping through cards, checking out price tags (to get the most for their $). I,immediately, had an image of deer frozen in the headlights and started chuckling to myself...I wanted to yell out "Its not about chocolate" or a quick fix offering to appease the Love Gods. Women want to hear "I love You"..."You are Special" not only verbally but also in the thought...the heart, you put into the gift. Expense or extravagance is not the issue.
Let me share with you a few ideas that I hope will inspire some creative ways to celebrate love at Valentine's or anytime.
*Delight together in the simple Joy of a walk together (hand in hand)- talk about dreams, reflect on good memories and how you look forward to all the future possibilities...side by side. If the weather is miserable outside, go to the local mall for a stroll.
*Begin and end each day with a hug and kiss..."I Love You!" is a phrase you can never wear out. Throughout the day take time to notice, listen, smile and connect with those you love...value and celebrate each persons unique qualities.
*When a love one is down...silence is ok (except for obvious encouragement)...be near and ready to give a hug or a hand of support. For a woman being enveloped in the arms of our husband/father, helps us feel protected and cared for.
*When was the last time you wrote a "mushy" love letter or note of appreciation... can't remember? If your memory fails you, it's been to long. Take a few moments to write down all the things you love and appreciate about your wife,husband,mother, father,son,daughter...I think you get the point. Cut pictures and words out of magazines that help express your feelings and that focus on what the recipient enjoys (gardening, cooking, traveling, sports, fishing...)
*Guys - Wrap up a special vase* and fill with special chocolates, Individual tea/cocoa/coffee (depending on preference), small notes of encouragement (to open over time), and homemade coupon(s) for picking up flowers from local florist, greenhouse, hand-picked by you wild flower bouquet (in summer of course)...be creative!
*Guys - "Gift of Time" - Clear the schedule, do the cooking, get the family to pitch in and do extra chores and give your wife time to relax; she could go for a walk, take a long bubble bath, sit in a cozy spot with a cup of tea and a good book or have time with a friend.
Remember: A wife "refreshed" is a "delight" to her family.
"Blessings on Love's Journey!!!" ...Eva
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ham & Bean Soup
A bowl of soup in the winter is truly a "Tummy Hug"
from the kitchen. Here is our family favorite...Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2-3 c. Navy or pinto beans (a combo is fun)
2 qts. water approx. (more or less as you prefer)
2 Tbsp. Chicken base (favorite Knorr)
1 med. onion (vidalia), chopped
3-4 med. potatos, diced
3-4 carrots, chopped
*Optional:1 1/2 c. diced sweetpotato
2 c. approx. ham, cubed
*alternative/kiehlbasa
Seasonings: pepper/garlic powder to taste
(taste and adjust seasonings while cooking)
In the Soup Pot;
*I use an oven proof pot which does not easily stick.
Saute onions/1 Tbsp. canola oil. Add water, beans,
chicken base, seasonings (adjust later). While cooking
over med heat, add carrots, potatos, meat.
Stove top - med heat 2hrs or Oven - 350 degrees 2hrs.
Thicken if desired; cooking longer also thickens soup.
Cooking time varies according to how dense the soup is.
Remember - veggies cut small cook faster.
Eva's Heart:
I use a large soup pot (double the recipe)
so I can Share the Lov'in with another family.
Soup is also a hearty breakfast or snack. Enjoy!
from the kitchen. Here is our family favorite...Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2-3 c. Navy or pinto beans (a combo is fun)
2 qts. water approx. (more or less as you prefer)
2 Tbsp. Chicken base (favorite Knorr)
1 med. onion (vidalia), chopped
3-4 med. potatos, diced
3-4 carrots, chopped
*Optional:1 1/2 c. diced sweetpotato
2 c. approx. ham, cubed
*alternative/kiehlbasa
Seasonings: pepper/garlic powder to taste
(taste and adjust seasonings while cooking)
In the Soup Pot;
*I use an oven proof pot which does not easily stick.
Saute onions/1 Tbsp. canola oil. Add water, beans,
chicken base, seasonings (adjust later). While cooking
over med heat, add carrots, potatos, meat.
Stove top - med heat 2hrs or Oven - 350 degrees 2hrs.
Thicken if desired; cooking longer also thickens soup.
Cooking time varies according to how dense the soup is.
Remember - veggies cut small cook faster.
Eva's Heart:
I use a large soup pot (double the recipe)
so I can Share the Lov'in with another family.
Soup is also a hearty breakfast or snack. Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Friendship - Poem
One of my favorite poets who writes about home,
family, friends is Edgar A Guest...
Here is part of a poem he wrote entitled,
The Making of Friends
If nobody smiled and nobody cheered
and nobody helped us along,
If each, every minute, looked after himself
and good things all went to the strong,
If nobody cared just a little for you,
and nobody thought about me,
And we stood all alone in the battle of life,
what a dreary old world it would be!
Life is sweet just because of the friends we have made
and the things which in common we share;
We want to live on not because of ourselves,
but because of the people who care;
It's giving and doing for somebody else
on that all life's splendor depends,
And the joy of the world,
when you've summed it all up,
Is found in the hearts of our friends!
"Last night my husband and I shared a
delightful evening with friends...Grace Adventure
board members and their spouses and our fellow
workers with this incredible ministry. The meal
was delicious, but even more so I was struck with
an overwhelming sense of how very blessed I am.
The friends surrounding us are truly family.
Their support and smiles have encouraged us;
their dedication, love for the Lord and desire
to touch hearts and make a difference
is not only a worthy example to be followed but
also evidence of God's love and grace in our lives."
Thanking God for my Friends!
(Tell a friend today you are thankful for them)
family, friends is Edgar A Guest...
Here is part of a poem he wrote entitled,
The Making of Friends
If nobody smiled and nobody cheered
and nobody helped us along,
If each, every minute, looked after himself
and good things all went to the strong,
If nobody cared just a little for you,
and nobody thought about me,
And we stood all alone in the battle of life,
what a dreary old world it would be!
Life is sweet just because of the friends we have made
and the things which in common we share;
We want to live on not because of ourselves,
but because of the people who care;
It's giving and doing for somebody else
on that all life's splendor depends,
And the joy of the world,
when you've summed it all up,
Is found in the hearts of our friends!
"Last night my husband and I shared a
delightful evening with friends...Grace Adventure
board members and their spouses and our fellow
workers with this incredible ministry. The meal
was delicious, but even more so I was struck with
an overwhelming sense of how very blessed I am.
The friends surrounding us are truly family.
Their support and smiles have encouraged us;
their dedication, love for the Lord and desire
to touch hearts and make a difference
is not only a worthy example to be followed but
also evidence of God's love and grace in our lives."
Thanking God for my Friends!
(Tell a friend today you are thankful for them)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Take Time
Every New Year I think to myself...
"How should I use the time God gives me this year? Where
should I invest my time, energy, talents?" Although,
through the years, I've learned to practice this process
of evaluating seasonally to keep life in a better balance.
As a woman, wife, mother, friend, volunteer...I know you
can relate to all the hats we wear...each season has new
things to pray about, reconsider, add or delete. The time
I need for refreshment, growth,and to simply enjoy life's
journey doesn't just happen...if I don't plan ahead, the
schedule fills up quickly and there is no time left breathing.
I don't believe that when God promised us an abundant life*
he was referring to an overloaded, frantic, do everything
so you don't miss out on anything pace which inevitably
leaves us stressed, irritated, angry, discontent, joyless
and wanting in not only our relationships but also our inmost
being. That kind of pace is not worth the price we pay.
Here is a simple list of things to take time for this year...
TAKE TIME...To Breathe...To Laugh...To Pursue my Dreams and
encourage others to pursue theirs...To Greet each new day
with Open Arms and Open Heart...To Enjoy a moment with a Friend..
To Slowdown (see life up close not as a blurr)...To be Thankful...
To Reflect on the Beauty around me (a smile, a hug,
a fresh snowfall,an unexpected kindness shown to me)...
To make the world a Better Place for having been here...
To Invest in the Lives of others...
To be Generous with my smile...To Think more Kindly of others.
All the things I take time for reflect my heart towards God and
my heart towards others. My deepest desire when I get to the end
of this year is to have grown in these two areas.
Remember - If you are willing to take time to refresh yourself
and refresh others your days will be well spent.
Wishing you Joy in your Journey! Eva
*Bible Reference - John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
"How should I use the time God gives me this year? Where
should I invest my time, energy, talents?" Although,
through the years, I've learned to practice this process
of evaluating seasonally to keep life in a better balance.
As a woman, wife, mother, friend, volunteer...I know you
can relate to all the hats we wear...each season has new
things to pray about, reconsider, add or delete. The time
I need for refreshment, growth,and to simply enjoy life's
journey doesn't just happen...if I don't plan ahead, the
schedule fills up quickly and there is no time left breathing.
I don't believe that when God promised us an abundant life*
he was referring to an overloaded, frantic, do everything
so you don't miss out on anything pace which inevitably
leaves us stressed, irritated, angry, discontent, joyless
and wanting in not only our relationships but also our inmost
being. That kind of pace is not worth the price we pay.
Here is a simple list of things to take time for this year...
TAKE TIME...To Breathe...To Laugh...To Pursue my Dreams and
encourage others to pursue theirs...To Greet each new day
with Open Arms and Open Heart...To Enjoy a moment with a Friend..
To Slowdown (see life up close not as a blurr)...To be Thankful...
To Reflect on the Beauty around me (a smile, a hug,
a fresh snowfall,an unexpected kindness shown to me)...
To make the world a Better Place for having been here...
To Invest in the Lives of others...
To be Generous with my smile...To Think more Kindly of others.
All the things I take time for reflect my heart towards God and
my heart towards others. My deepest desire when I get to the end
of this year is to have grown in these two areas.
Remember - If you are willing to take time to refresh yourself
and refresh others your days will be well spent.
Wishing you Joy in your Journey! Eva
*Bible Reference - John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Friendship Journey
"Welcome to a New Year!!!"
"I love new beginnings, like a fresh canvas waiting to be painted on.
I'm excited about what this new year has in store."
For quite some time I have wanted to create a space where I can share inspirational thoughts, ponderings and creative ideas with my friends...so for all of those who have encouraged me to share the joy I find in living & giving...my home & heart are officially open for visitors. Welcome!
This year I want to invite you to take a Friendship Journey with me...
I'm hoping to get reacquainted with old friends who I've lost
touch with and meet new friends along the way.
There is a saying that states...
"A stranger is a Friend you haven't met yet!" ...everyone you
meet is a potential friend (a hidden treasure to be discovered).
A heart filled with love, working with hands willing to serve,
will make everything we touch more beautiful...
not only in our homes but also in our community (and beyond).
This year ask yourself...What can I give?
Is there someone with a burden I can help lift?
What seeds of Joy can I sow?
How can I invest my heart, knowing my life does make a difference!
Think of me as your friend just down the road,
around the corner, nestled in the woods...
ready with a warm "Welcome" and always glad you came!
Wishing you Joy in your Journey today and every day, Eva
LET'S TALK...
"Share your heart" - ideas for beautiful living & giving, how do you create a "welcoming" home for those you love.
Suggest a topic for a future visit; question/answer, how tos, ideas needed for...
"I love new beginnings, like a fresh canvas waiting to be painted on.
I'm excited about what this new year has in store."
For quite some time I have wanted to create a space where I can share inspirational thoughts, ponderings and creative ideas with my friends...so for all of those who have encouraged me to share the joy I find in living & giving...my home & heart are officially open for visitors. Welcome!
This year I want to invite you to take a Friendship Journey with me...
I'm hoping to get reacquainted with old friends who I've lost
touch with and meet new friends along the way.
There is a saying that states...
"A stranger is a Friend you haven't met yet!" ...everyone you
meet is a potential friend (a hidden treasure to be discovered).
A heart filled with love, working with hands willing to serve,
will make everything we touch more beautiful...
not only in our homes but also in our community (and beyond).
This year ask yourself...What can I give?
Is there someone with a burden I can help lift?
What seeds of Joy can I sow?
How can I invest my heart, knowing my life does make a difference!
Think of me as your friend just down the road,
around the corner, nestled in the woods...
ready with a warm "Welcome" and always glad you came!
Wishing you Joy in your Journey today and every day, Eva
LET'S TALK...
"Share your heart" - ideas for beautiful living & giving, how do you create a "welcoming" home for those you love.
Suggest a topic for a future visit; question/answer, how tos, ideas needed for...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
