Saturday, July 12, 2008

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 12

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man.
3 A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
4 A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.
8 A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised.
9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10 A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.
12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.
14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.
15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.
18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.
21 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.
28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Have a Wonderful Weekend! :-)


A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 11

1 The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.
9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
15 He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.
16 A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
18 The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.
20 The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
26 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.
27 He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
29 He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
31 If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Texas Caviar


Texas Caviar
2 cups

1 can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained
1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
tortilla chips

Combine black-eyed peas, tomatoes, peppers and onion. Add dressing, lime juice, salt and pepper. Pour over black-eyed pea mixture and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir in avocado just before serving. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
Beyond Our Asking

More than our hearts can imagine
Or minds comprehend,
God's bountiful gifts
Are ours without end -
We ask for a cupful
When the vast sea is ours,
We pick a small rosebud
From a garden of flowers,
We reach for a sunbeam
But the sun still abides,
We draw one short breath
But there's air on all sides -
Whatever we ask for
Falls short of God's giving
For His greatness exceeds
Every facet of living,
And always God's ready
And eager and willing
To pour out His mercy
Completely fulfilling
All of man's needs
For peace, joy and rest
For God gives His children
Whatever is best
Just give Him a chance
To open His treasures
And He'll fill your life
With unfathomable pleasures,
Pleasures that never
Grow worn out and faded
And leave us depleted,
Disillusioned and jaded -
For God has a "storehouse"
Just filled to the brim
With all that man needs
If we only ask Him.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Summer Flowers, 1903" by Alfred Augustus Glendening

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Matthew 7:7-8

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 10

Proverbs of Solomon
1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
14 Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
24 What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Summer Sub Sandwich


Summer Sub Sandwich
4 servings

1 loaf unsliced French bread
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
Dijon mustard
8 slices fully cooked ham
3 slices provolone cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 purple onion, thinly sliced
2 banana peppers, thinly sliced

Cut the loaf of bread in half horizontally. Spread bottom half with cream cheese and Dijon mustard; layer with ham and provolone. Replace top. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove top; add lettuce, tomatoes, onion and peppers. Replace top. Cut into serving-size pieces. Fun!


It's National Sugar Cookie Day!


Sugar Cookies
3 1/2 dozen

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
additional sugar

Cream butter, shortening and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture. Shape into 1in. balls. Roll in sugar. Place on baking sheet and flatten with a glass. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheet for 3 minutes. Transfer to racks to cool completely. Pour a glass of cold milk and enjoy!

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 9

Invitations of Wisdom and of Folly
1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city.
4 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.
5 "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.
7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.
8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."
13 The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge.
14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way.
16 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.
17 "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!"
18 But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Making a Bola - Part 1

A bola is a fun fashion accessory you can make! It is a fluffy, feminine scarf - not a western tie that men wear, which is what I first thought! You can use a bola to dress up a sweater, dress, or jacket. And they are very warm. No knitting skills are involved - all you need to know how to do is weave. The picture below shows the first bola I made last fall. You can't tell here, but it has a little mistake in it. But don't worry - you won't make the same mistake because you will listen to instructions, unlike I did. ;-) After this bola, I went on to make many others sans mistakes :-) and gave them as gifts. But, I was thinking that I would like to have my own to wear this winter. One that I don't have to worry about constantly adjusting to hide my mistake. :-)

If you would like to make one, too, this is all you will need -

four skeins of fun fur
yarn in a matching color
5 straws
a paper clip
scissors
and tape

The straws need to be the "over sized" ones like for shakes and malts. You can find these at Whataburger, McDonalds, Starbucks, etc.

The fun fur can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnnes or other sewing/crafting stores. Wal-Mart even has a small selection. Fun fur can range quite a bit in price. I've seen some brands as high as $6 or $7 dollars a skein! And, that would be a pricey little bola! The brand I'm using today is Moda-Dea from Hobby Lobby - originally priced at $1.99. After the third clearance mark down, it was only $0.42 a skein.

To make your bola, first cut 5 equal lengths of yarn (not fun fur) about 5 feet long. It doesn't have to be exact. Next, cut a 1 inch slice into one side of each straw. Thread one piece of yard through the paper clip. Drop the paper clip into the non-cut end of one straw. Tap the straw on the table to force the paper clip to drop to the other end of the straw. (You are threading the yarn through the straw using a paper clip "needle".) Once the yarn is through the straw, remove the paper clip and pull about 1 inch of yarn down through the part you cut out. Tape the yarn securely to the outside of the straw as shown here.

Do the same thing for the other four pieces of yarn and straws.

Line up the straws evenly and

tape them together securely near the bottom, leaving some space in between. (Part of my problem with my first bola is that I taped my straws too tight - give them a little breathing room. :-)

You have completed making the straw "loom" that you will weave the fun fur on. (The straws will be removed at the end of the project.) Next, tie your fun fur on to one straw, knotting it a few times.

Now you are ready to weave! Holding the base of the straws in your left hand, place your skein of fun fur on your right (or reverse if left handed). You want to weave the fun fur over and under the straws from one side and then back to the other. See how the tops of the straws are spread open a little wider to make it easier? That is where the fun fur goes in and out. You will also need to make sure your straws are adjusted right so that the fur doesn't snag on the open cuts, or it'll drive you crazy. :-) After a minute or two you'll get your natural style and rhythm down and the weaving will go very quickly.

Continue weaving until most of the lower part of the straws are covered.

You can now remove the tape that is holding the straws together at the bottom. It is not needed anymore since the fun fur is anchoring the loom. Keep weaving until the straws are filled. Then, push the lower part of the fun fur off the straws and onto just the yarn, but leave enough on the straws to keep it secure. As you continue to weave, continue to push more fun fur down the straws, but never push all of it off - always have some on the straws. And, do not, I repeat do not, pull up on the straws. Only push the fur down gently. (I was told this, too, but I didn't listen! I was almost finished with my first bola when I pulled up on the straws and one of the yarn pieces broke! Disaster ensued and my bola was never the same. Learn from my mistake!)


When you finish the first skein, simply tie the start of the next one on to the end of the one you are finishing up and keep weaving.

Stay tuned for "Making a Bola - Part 2". It will included instructions on how to take the straws off the yarn and complete your bola!

Jalapeno Chicken Enchiladas

Jalapeño Chicken Enchiladas
5 servings

1 can (15 ounces) red enchilada sauce
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
10 flour tortillas

Spread 1/2 of the enchilada sauce in a 13 in. x 9 in. x 2 in. baking dish; set aside. Combine soup, sour cream, jalapeños, onion salt and pepper. Stir in chicken and 1 cup cheese. Spread about 1/4 to 1/2 cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in prepared dish. Top with remaining sauce; sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until edges are bubbly. Ole'!

Oh, were these good! The original recipe called for tomato sauce (blah!) instead of the enchilada sauce and boy am I glad I made the change. They tasted like a yummy cross between green chili chicken enchiladas and my usual cheddar cheese enchiladas with red sauce. My husband said he liked the new combination a lot!


Roasted Corn Salsa
2 cups

2 ears sweet corn
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped sweet red pepper
1 teaspoon minced seeded jalapeno pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
tortilla chips

Grill corn. Cool. Remove corn from cobs and place in a bowl. Add tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, peppers, salt and pepper. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

I purposefully bought a few more ears of corn than I thought we needed for our July 4th cookout, so we would have left overs for this recipe. ;-)

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 8

Wisdom's Call
1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:
4 "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding.
6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.
15 By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just;
16 by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
22 "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;
23 I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.
24 When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water;
25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,
26 before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
30 Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
32 "Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.
36 But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death."

Monday, July 7, 2008

Moving a Mountain - One Small Stone at a Time :-)


Yeah! I tackled "my pile" in the garage! The one I've been putting off for far too long. What a difference a few hours can make when you set your mind to it. :-) My husband has great plans for organizing our garage, but he has been hindered by a 6 foot by 4 foot pile of "my stuff" that I needed to make some decisions about - should I store, should I give away, or should I throw away? When I started, I made sure to round up my "sorting buddies" -

~ trash bags, note cards, hole punch,
sharpie, and twist ties ~

After a few hours and some concentrated effort
I present the results -
2 bags and 1 box for the attic, 1 bag of trash,
and 11 bags that will be leaving my home!
(I giggled when I thought about having an "I'm Outta Here!" shelf like Laura, the Organizing Junkie, suggests. For this pile I would need an "I'm Outta Here!" room.)

The "outa here" bags -
4 bags to Goodwill (men's clothes, children's clothes, toys, and household items)
4 bags to my sister (boy's clothes, girl's winter clothes, girl's summer clothes, and toys)
1 bag of borrowed girl's clothes I'm returning to a friend
1 bag of boy's clothes I am passing on to another friend
1 bag of books to return to the church library

Whew!

I am participating in The Simple Woman's Daybook.
Please visit The Simple Woman for more Daybooks.

~ for today ~
Monday July 7th, 2008

Outside my window...
is a sunny summer day.

I am thinking...
about how blessed I am to live in America.

I am thankful for...
my husband being home this week since his business trip was postponed.

From the kitchen...
homemade pizza for supper.

I am creating...
a "bola" scarf to wear this winter. Instructions coming soon to Heritage Schoolhouse. :-)

I am going...
to the grocery store this afternoon.

I am wearing...
a white t-shirt, a denim skirt, and hot pink flip flops (those wal-mart ones that are now on for $1 a pair - between the two of us, I think my daughter and I have every color!)

I am reading...
favorite blogs.

I am hoping...
to tackle "my pile" that is waiting patiently for me in the garage to sort - "to store" / "to give away" / "to throw away".

I am hearing...
the washing machine.

Around the house...
my husband is working in his office, the children are playing, and Daisy is sleeping.

One of my favorite things...
is homemade cinnamon rolls. :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week...
the children have chess club at the library tomorrow afternoon and other than that I'll just be piddling around the house...and tackling that pile in the garage. :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
a frame on my kitchen windowsill.


A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 7

Warning Against the Adulteress
1 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman;
5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.
6 At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice.
7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment.
8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house
9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.
10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
11 (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)
13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:
14 "I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love!
19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon."
21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.
22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose
23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.
24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.
26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Independence Day in Pictures


fresh corn on the cob
plates stacked and ready for the feast
old fashioned coca-cola on ice

a surprise gift from my husband!

a thoughtful bouquet from our guests :-)


glow bracelets for the kiddos

and a patriotic puppy just waiting for that bar-b-q to hit the floor!

"My country, 'tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring."
Supper Menus
July 7th-12th

Monday
homemade pizza, lettuce and tomato salad
Tuesday
jalapeno chicken enchiladas, black beans, roasted corn salsa, tortilla chips
Wednesday
summer sub sandwich, potato chips, pickles
Thursday
tacos, spanish rice, Texas caviar, tortilla chips
Friday
invited to dinner at friend's house, taking oatmeal cookies
Saturday
invited to dinner at friend's house, taking summer dessert pizza

If you would like to see more menu plans, you can visit Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at
www.orgjunkie.com.

Skillet Chicken Spaghetti

Garlic Chicken Spaghetti
4 servings

1 package (8 ounces) angel hair pasta
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place tomatoes in a small bowl; add boiling water. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain and chop tomatoes; set aside. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour and garlic salt. Add chicken and shake to coat. In a large skillet, saute chicken in oil until done. Add the broth, parsley, basil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir in the tomatoes and heat through. Drain pasta. Add chicken mixture and cheese; toss to coat. Enjoy!

We all really enjoyed this! I think I will call it "summer-time" chicken spaghetti and save my regular, oven baked, chicken spaghetti for the fall and winter. :-) Thank you to Laura, at www.orgjunkie.com for recommending this delicious spaghetti.

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 6

Warnings Against Folly
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another,
2 if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth,
3 then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
12 A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13 who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart he always stirs up dissension.
15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.
16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Warning Against Adultery
20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,
24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.
25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes,
26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?
28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?
29 So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.
31 Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.
33 Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away;
34 for jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
35 He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 5

Warning Against Adultery
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight,
2 that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.
3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil;
4 but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.
6 She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.
7 Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.
8 Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house,
9 lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel,
10 lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich another man's house.
11 At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.
12 You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!
13 I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors.
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly."
15 Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.
16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?
17 Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.
18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 A loving doe, a graceful deer — may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.
20 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?
21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.
22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.
23 He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.