Testimony Tuesday ...

This is an updated post from Sat., March 24th. Tim Challies from challies.com has asked bloggers to post their testimonies today -- Testimony Tuesday. I recently joined a church and was asked to write my testimony. My thoughts come first with my testimony last. Join us and share your testimony. If you do not have a blog, please feel free to share yours in the comment section of this post.

Let's begin --
My Grandfather, my Dad's Dad, was a Pastor of a small Mennonite church, PA. There is information about him and his ministry under the Mother Bedford website. On my Mom's side of the family there were no Pastor's but a deep relationship with the Lord that was the result of the LCOB being built in a small community. So when I was young we attended the Mennonite church but my Father did not agree with the fact that you could lose your salvation, so we left that denomination and returned back to my Mom's church. This church preached all about love but would not preach Hell. My father had passed away at the young age of 42 in 1977. Mom and I continued to attend church but one Sunday the Pastor preached a terrific sermon on Hell. I could hardly set in my seat and keep my AMEN's to myself. We were setting in the back of the church and when the service was done the Pastor always left to stand in the back of the church to greet you before you went downstairs and out the door to home. We were setting there and the Deacon's of the church rose and followed him to the back and told him, "Don't ever preached a sermon like that here again! We preach love, not Hell and damnation." Well, Folks ... Hell is talked about more in the Word of God than love is! What is Hell but other than judgement? No judgement, no salvation message is there? I looked at my Mom and said, "Mom and I can not set in a church that will not teach the full message of the Word of God." And we left. I then attended a GBC in my area since 1989. But as it goes ... things started to change there ... Warrenism started creeping in ... the message did not change but it wasn't as potent. Jokes was the norm from the pulpit, Power Team came and that was like a circus, hymns slowly were exchanged for choruses, Power Point, you get the picture. The Power Team thing was the last straw for us ... the church had become a business. They did not want to offend unbelievers ... my husband and I left the church I loved and served and it was a difficult and emotional change. But God has brought us to where we feel He wants us to be. We have grown more there in the last 8 months than we had at the GBC in 3 years. We know we were called out of that church. God had us there for a season, to work for Him, and then He moved us on. God has blessed me with two sons who are full of character, integrity and have never brought shame to us. I do not know what tomorrow holds but they walk with their Lord. One is strong and bold in his faith and the other is quiet but when he speaks it is profound. God has so richly blessed me. I honestly do not know when He was not with me. I have always, even when young, known He was watching over me. I accepted Him as Lord and Saviour of my life when I was 12. I have been blessed with a Godly husband who came out of the Catholic faith to Salvation with the Lord and he walks strong in his faith and even more so since attending WOPC. He has grown in the Word and he has been faithful to his Bible Study and prayer time with an obedience that has blessed this family many times over. We talk more about what we are learning in this reformed church than we ever have. It has brought us closer and I thank God for that. My mother's faith is unswerving. She is a rock and prayer warrior. I am not the woman I am today without her. The Lord brought my brother thru some really tough times. But he serves His Lord by sharing his testimony in schools, colleges, etc. He was recently asked to speak at a large sports banquet back here at home, he told them there is no M without Jesus Christ. He is a part of me that has made me what I am today by His grace and I can share nothing else but Him. Guess what? ... they decided that would not work since there will be youth there of various faiths and they do not want to offend anyone, so it is best if they get someone else. What a shame. Those teens so need to hear M's message. But where a door is closed God will open another, Amen?! God has such a strong grip on me, my family, that it is a peace that passes all understanding. What would I ever do without Him? I thank Him, over and over again for my salvation, His gift of mercy and grace upon me and my family. And then there are those true friends He brings into your path. What a sweet smelling savour ... J, B, you who love me with all my faults, who honor me and humble me, you who are not afraid to tell me what you think ... I love you dearly and thank God for you. For those whom He has brought in my path that I have never sat down face to face with .. Kim of Hiraeth, Rosemary of Seasonings of the Heart, Rebecca of Rebecca Writes, and those I have yet to encounter ... you keep me sharp - as iron sharpens iron ... God you are so gracious to me. Thank you Jesus ... thank you.

As I have sat down and pondered the texts I would use for my testimony, the one that jumped at me the most was John 6:44., "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him: and I will raise him up at the last day." NKJV.

This one verse sums up for me my election to salvation. The literal Hebrew word for draw in John 6:44 is 'drag.' Strong's #1670 -- drag, draw, pull in.

Do you know of anything that has been "dragged" out of anything or anywhere that could have come if it wanted to? Free Will insinuates that I can make the choice. If I can make the choice, then I don't need to be dragged do I? If I can make the choice then where is Omnipotence? How can salvation be a gift if it can be chosen? Can I choose for you to give me a gift? Or, do you, the owner of the gift, choose if you want to give it and who you want to give it to, being that it is yours? I think the entirety of the bible is a paradox. That is what confuses people. In the worldly understanding of the process of my salvation, as well as any other persons, I chose to follow Jesus. I made the choice in the worlds eyes. However, in the heavenly aspect of it, the truth is that I was called out, clearly stated in John 6:44 as well as many other verses.

This is a paradox. Whosoever could be anyone to us, in this worlds understanding. Because we are not at the throne of God, we do not know who the elect are, so all, to us, are able, therefore the Great Commission of "go, tell the world." God does not NEED us to complete this work, but, what a privilege to have a mighty God want to involve us in His work!

According to Romans 3:1-19; Eph. 2:1-3; 2 Cor. 4:4 and 2 Tim. 1:9 tell us that no 'free will' exists in man's nature, for man is enslaved to sin (total depravity) and unable to believe apart from God's empowerment. Isa. 64:6 -- "But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags." My utter unworthiness to be in God's presence.

So then, my predestination came before my election which came before my gospel call which came before my inward call which came before my regeneration which came before my conversion through my faith and my repentence which came before my justification. (that's a mouth full!)

I was previously taught that my regeneration came after my salvation which I could not comprehend according to John 6:44 and the numerous other verses on election, predestination, called and chosen.

I have been studying thru Redemption, Accomplished and Applied by John Murray and I can not tell you enough how much you would gain in the reading/studying of this little book. I have not posted as much as I want to on this book because of its depth. I have come to realize that I need to study it thru thoroughly then read it again and then possibly post.

Thus far I am even more fully convinced in the study of this book as to how in my audacity could I have ever chosen Him? What arrogance! I am being humbled over and over as I study thru the obedience of my Lord and Savior who hung upon the cross for me. The obedience is profound. I think of the words .. Because of Calvary, but I add ... Because of the obedience of Calvary, His blood was shed for me. Oh, thank You Lord Jesus, thank You!

My Testimony . . . as written for church membership ...

"...And so we must say that this love of the Father was at no point more intensely in exercise than when the Son was actively drinking the cup of unrelieved damnation, than when he was enduring as substitute the full toll of the Father's wrath...What love for men that the Father should execute upon his own Son the full toll of holy wrath, so that we should never taste it!" John Murray, Collected Writings

He loves His chosen that much is mind boggling. Amazing Love but more so, Amazing Grace! He chose a wretch like me? How in my filthiness could I have ever chosen Him? Election keeps no one out of heaven who would otherwise have been there, but it keeps a whole multitude of sinners out of hell who otherwise would have been there. He changed my heart through His effectual calling and made me willing to come. He chose to teach me about Himself through study of His Word, calling me out of churches that would not preach Hell, churches that tried to teach me that I chose Him. I can not know myself without knowing Him. Because of my wicked pride that is naturally in me, He is continuing to show Himself to me, to mold me and break me into becoming a woman after His own heart. I cannot worship my Lord rightly without this principle of knowing Him. I am justified on the grounds of nothing that I did, nor anything that I possess but rather on what I have received, I have no merit of my own. I have been trudging through a deep bog, slogging along trying to understand what my previous church was teaching when everything the Holy Spirit was revealing was a different principle. I had no name for it only an understanding. Now I do – Reformed, Covenantal, … the 5 Solas! My understanding has so deepened since attending Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church under the teachings of Pastor B. and G.S. The constant encouragement to read stout books and study the Word is phenomenal. I never had this before but I always taught it. The worship is worship here, not a “make me feel good” sensory type of thing. God is forefront always! What a blessing this is. I ask you to read Colossians 1:9-23. Especially verses 19, 20: “For it pleased the Father … having made peace” He is pleased to have chosen us, to save us from His wholly wrath! I am dedicated to learning fully covenantal, reformed theology with a growing appreciation for the Westminster Confession of Faith. I pray you all realize what you have here at this church with the teachers you are given. As one coming in from outside running from the wolves of false teaching, I am at home here among you all, you have made us so welcome. Thank You ….

Can You Imagine ...

Peter Denies Jesus

Luke 22:54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

Reading through this week of events, my eyes roamed over the above passage and became fixated on verse 61. "And the Lord turned and looked at Peter." Someday He will look upon me. I pray it is not the look He gave Peter. As a Mom, we have a variety of looks. Especially THE LOOK! All I had to do was THE LOOK and my boys would stop in their tracks. They knew they pushed Mom too far. What was the look on the face of Jesus? A look of hurt and pain? A look of I told you this would happen Peter? A look of I thought you loved me Peter? A look of disgust? A look of disappointment I am thinking. Luke's gospel is the only gospel that records this exchange between Peter and His Lord. The verb used is suggesting an intent, fixed look. Christ asked for his obedience during the prayer time in Gethsemane. Christ even reverted back to Peter's old name, Simon, Simon, during the exchange about Peter's denial that would come, remember that Christ had given him the name Peter . . .

Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, [1] that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter [2] said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus [3] said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Take note of the word "but," does not this little word bring a sense of protection? Here Christ is being the Mediator between Satan and man. SATAN HAS ASKED FOR YOU ... this should have chills going up your spine ... (has he asked for me or you, to sift us as wheat?) The trials we go through are refining even though they are disturbing and painful. When Christ says "you" the pronoun is plural in the Greek texts. SATAN wants us all, to sift us as wheat. Where Christ states "I have prayed for you" in verse 32, this 'you' is singular. Peter, like you and I, failed miserably but our faith is never overthrown! Peter declares himself in verse 33. I would like you to think upon this today -- "Is it not easier to fight for Him than it is to suffer for Him?" We are called to suffer with Him are we not? His burden is easy and His yoke is lite.

Back to THE LOOK ... consider Beloved during this very special week what look you would receive from Jesus. Search your heart and examine your mind. Cleanse yourself of all unrighteousness before our Holy God. In Luke 22:62 After the LOOK, Peter went out and wept bitterly. Are you weeping? Do you need to fall on your face before the One and Only?

Someone reading this post does not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, they do not have the peace that passes all understanding nor the protection of the Shepherd. You are as a filthy rag before a Holy God.

Let's walk the Roman Road together shall we?

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

- Admit that you are a sinner.

Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..."

Sin has an ending. It results in death. We all face physical death, which is a result of sin.

But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity.

The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire

where lost people will be in torment forever.

It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain.

- Understand that you deserve death for your sin.

Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal

life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

- Ask God to forgive you and save you.

Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in

that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"

When Jesus died on the cross He paid sin's penalty.

He paid the price for sin.

The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us.

- Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on

the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change.

His love is what saves you -- not religion, or church membership.

Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"

- Call out to God in the name of Jesus!

Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."

- If you know that God is knocking on your heart's door,

ask Him to come into your heart.

Jesus said,

Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..."

- Is Jesus calling you to salvation in Him?

Anwer the call today, we never know what

may happen in the next minute of our life.

Believe in Him.

Ask Him to come in to your heart by faith.

Open the Bible to the Gospel of John and

read what God says about Jesus,

about you, and about being born again.

In the sweet and precious name of Jesus -- AMEN!

Palm Sunday ...

All Glory, Laud, and Honor
Trinity Hymnal #235

"Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!"
John 12:13

All the glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!
Thou art the King of Israel, thou David's royal Son,
Who in the Lord's name comest, the King and blessed One!

The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went,
our praise and prayer and anthems before Thee we present;
to Thee, before Thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise;
to Thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise.

Thou dids't accept their praises; accept the prayers we bring,
who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King!
All glory, laud and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!

If You Love Jesus Christ ... Then You'll Love Doctrine

Whew Hoo!!!!! ......

YaHoo!!!!!!!

We have sunshine and a beautiful day for a bike ride!!!

I got her all cleaned up .... and went off riding .... Wow did that feel great!!!

Here is a pic of my bike ... ain't she sweet???!!!




Any other women who ride their own let me hear from you!

We like to ride in a group with folks from area churches ... head out on a Sunday afternoon, stop and eat somewhere and then circle back home. What a way to witness too! I buy NT's geared to motorcycle riders with the Roman Road printed on the inside cover and we have tract's too. Many opportunities to share Christ on the road.

Well, keep the shiny side up! Enjoy your day ...

Inquiring minds want to know ....

I have been busy as of late and have not posted much. I am reluctant to post at times but I am stepping out here now.

Recently I have been asked to write my testimony. As I have sat down and pondered the texts I would use the one that jumped at me the most was John 6:44., "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him: and I will raise him up at the last day." NKJV.

This one verse sums up for me my election to salvation. The literal Hebrew word for draw in John 6:44 is 'drag.' Strong's #1670 -- drag, draw, pull in.

Do you know of anything that has been "dragged" out of anything or anywhere that could have come if it wanted to? Free Will insinuates that I can make the choice. If I can make the choice, then I don't need to be dragged do I? If I can make the choice then where is Omnipotence? How can salvation be a gift if it can be chosen? Can I choose for you to give me a gift? Or, do you, the owner of the gift, choose if you want to give it and who you want to give it to, being that it is yours? I think the entirety of the bible is a paradox. That is what confuses people. In the worldly understanding of the process of my salvation, as well as any other persons, I chose to follow Jesus. I made the choice in the worlds eyes. However, in the heavenly aspect of it, the truth is that I was called out, clearly stated in John 6:44 as well as many other verses.

This is a paradox. Whosoever could be anyone to us, in this worlds understanding. Because we are not at the throne of God, we do not know who the elect are, so all, to us, are able, therefore the Great Commission of "go, tell the world." God does not NEED us to complete this work, but, what a privilege to have a mighty God want to involve us in His work!

According to Romans 3:1-19; Eph. 2:1-3; 2 Cor. 4:4 and 2 Tim. 1:9 tell us that no 'free will' exists in man's nature, for man is enslaved to sin (total depravity) and unable to believe apart from God's empowerment. Isa. 64:6 -- "But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags." My utter unworthiness to be in God's presence.

So then, my predestination came before my election which came before my gospel call which came before my inward call which came before my regeneration which came before my conversion through my faith and my repentence which came before my justification. (that's a mouth full!)

I was previously taught that my regeneration came after my salvation which I could not comprehend according to John 6:44 and the numerous other verses on election, predestination, called and chosen.

I have been studying thru Redemption, Accomplished and Applied by John Murray and I can not tell you enough how much you would gain in the reading/studying of this little book. I have not posted as much as I want to on this book because of its depth. I have come to realize that I need to study it thru thoroughly then read it again and then possibly post.

Thus far I am even more fully convinced in the study of this book as to how in my audacity could I have ever chosen Him? What arrogance! I am being humbled over and over as I study thru the obedience of my Lord and Savior who hung upon the cross for me. The obedience is profound. I think of the words .. Because of Calvary, but I add ... Because of the obedience of Calvary, His blood was shed for me. Oh, thank You Lord Jesus, thank You!

I purchased a copy of the Geneva Bible reprint from Tolle Lege Press. My "inquiring minds" question is this ... yes, I know ... all of the above to ask this one question ....

Why is it that there are no notes on John 6:44 in this Bible? These notes were written by many of the great Reformers ... Knox, Calvin and others. They taught the doctrine of Election and Predestination. But they chose to not make a note of this verse. Why do you think that is? I must confess it bothers me when I see a study bible with commentary and they choose to not comment on this verse of scripture. "Can't Touch That!... nah, nah nah nah " why not, me asks???

Welcome Spring! ....

Poems of Spring from my Grandmother's Composition Book --

Robin's Come

From the elm-tree's topmost bough,
Hark! the Robin's early song!
Telling one and all that now
Merry spring-time hastes along;
Welcome tidings dost thou bring
Little harbinger of spring,
Robin's come!

Of the winter we are weary,
Weary of the frost and snow.
Longing for the sunshine cheery,
And the brooklet's gurgling flow;
Gladly then we hear thee sing
The reveille of spring,
Robin's come!

Ring it out o'er hill and plain,
Through the garden's lovely bowers,
Till the green leaves dance again,
Till the air is sweet with flowers!
Wake the cowslips by the rill,
Wake the yellow daffodil!
Robin's come!

William W. Caldwell

The Phoebe

When blustering March has gentler grown,
A mild day surely brings
A little bird of olive brown,
With dusky head and wings,
And soft white breast.
He's journeyed north
Without his well-loved mate;
Dejectedly upon a twig
Or fence-post, he'll await
Her coming; then contentedly
They'll seek some sheltered nook,
Beneath a bridge, perchance, and build
Above a murmuring brook.
"Phoé-be! Phoé-be!"
Hear him now,
From the pussy-willow bough!

unknown author

You were wondering ....

The Art of Cooking GroundHog

Woodhucks, groundhogs, whistle pigs, pasture pigs, whatever you call them, have dark meat with a mild flavor and adapt readily to any squirrel or rabbit recipe. The fat is unobjectionable, but generally removed anyway. The 'chuck has scent glands high on the inside of the forelegs and in the small of the back, which must be removed. Generally only the older animals are parboiled or soaked before cooking, although some cooks soak woodchucks as a matter of course in cold salted water for 6 to 12 hours. Older 'chucks (worn teeth and claws are a good indication of age) (sounds like some old folks I know!) benefit from parboiling in water to which 1/2 teaspoon or more of baking soda has been added. An adult will weigh 6 to 10 pounds.

Goes great with a cup of GroundHog Brew! Perked the good old fashioned way ... in a stovetop Perk Pot like your Grandma used to use!

WOODCHUCK (GROUNDHOG) STEW (with Portabella Mushrooms)

1 woodchuck
2 onions, sliced
1/2 cup celery, sliced
Flour
Vinegar and water
Salt and pepper
Cloves

add 2 Portabella Mushrooms sliced near end of cooking time

Clean woodchuck; remove glands; cut into serving pieces. Soak overnight in a solution of equal parts of water and vinegar with addition of one sliced onion and a little salt. Drain, wash, and wipe. Parboil 20 minutes, drain, and cover with fresh boiling water. Add one sliced onion, celery, a few cloves, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until tender; thicken gravy with flour.

WOODCHUCK (GROUNDHOG) MEAT PATTIES WITH TOMATO SAUCE

1 woodchuck
1 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup ground onion
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 eggs
3 tbsp. fat
1 cup catsup
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Clean woodchuck; remove meat from bones and grind. Add 1/2 cup crumbs, onion, salt, pepper, 1 beaten egg, and 1 tbsp. melted fat. Mix thoroughly. Shape into patties and dip into 1 beaten egg, then into 1/2 cup crumbs. Fry until brown in 2 tbsp hot fat. Add catsup and Worcestershire sauce and bake in a slow oven (325 degrees F.) for 1 hour. Makes 8-9 patties.

Cooking Bag GroundHog

1 sm Groundhog, whole
1 ea Can apricots and crushed pineapple
6 ea Apples, sliced
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Parboil meat until tender. Drain and fill with apples. Salt and
pepper, then coat with apricots or crushed pineapple. Bake at 300
degrees until well browned in a Reynolds Cooking Bag.

NOTE: Goes great with rice or cornbread
stuffing.

** For GroundHog Marsala use the above directions at top of page to prep the Hog then debone and cook like you would the chicken for Chicken Marsala.

Eat at your own discretion ... these are just suggestions from actual cookbooks and some recipes found online ....

Irish Recipes ....

Irish Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter or margarine, 1/2 cup caster sugar, 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp. instant coffee dissolved in 2 tbs. hot water, 2 eggs

Syrup: 2/3 cup strong coffee, 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tbs. Irish whiskey

Topping: 2/3 cup whipped cream, 1 heaped tbsp confectioner’s sugar, 1 tbsp Irish whiskey, chopped hazelnuts.

Instructions: Butter an 8 inch ring pan and coat well with flour. In a bowl cream together the butter and the sugar then add the eggs one at a time. Sift the flour and baking powder and fold in 2/3 of it then add the 2 tbs. strong coffee. Fold in the remainder of the flour. Place in the prepared cake pan and bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees. Test with a skewer and when done turn out onto a wire rack to cool. To make the syrup heat sugar in coffee until it has all dissolved then boil rapidly for one minute. Remove from the heat and beat in the whiskey. Return the cooled cake to well washed pan and pour the syrup over it. Leave it to soak for several hours. Beat up whipped cream with confectioner’s sugar and whiskey. Turn the cake out onto a serving plate and decorate with cream and chopped hazelnut.

Guinness Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup butter or margarine,1 cup brown sugar, 1 1/4 cups Guinness,1 1/2 cups raisins, 1 1/2 cups currants, 1 1/2 cups golden raisins, 3/4 cup mixed candied citrus peel, 5 cups flour, 1/2 tsp . baking soda,1tsp mixed spice, 1 tsp nutmeg,3 eggs.

Instructions:

Butter and line a 9 inch cake pan with wax paper. Place the butter sugar and the Guinness in a pan and bring slowly to the boil stirring all the time until the sugar and butter have melted. Mix in the dried fruit and peel and bring mixture back to the boil. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and leave until cold. Sift flour spices and baking soda into a large mixing bowl, stir in cooled fruit mixture and beaten eggs turn into cake pan and bake in center of preheated oven- 325 degrees for 2 hours. Test with a skewer. When done cool in pan before turning out.

The Best Irish Soda Bread!

6 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups buttermilk

Highly traditional and recommended option: Two tablespoons caraway seeds. Add them to the dry ingredients and sprinkle some on the top when ready for oven.

Preheat oven to 375

Add all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix very well Pour in all of the buttermilk into the bowl at once and stir. Stir only until the dough barely holds together. I mean barely!

Do this quickly too!

Divide the dough into two portions. Shape each quickly into a round. Quickly!
Cut a cross 2/3 down into the top of each loaf so that you can see the cut.
-The loaf should come apart about 1/2 inch. Paint the loaf over with buttermilk being sure to get the bottom of the cross cut wet with it. Give the surface of the loaf a bit of texture by cutting into it with a knife or fork if it is too round and smooth. Let loafs rest for about ten minutes . Put into the oven- The baking takes about 30-40 minutes.
The loaf is done when the buttermilk in the bottom of the cross is dry to the touch. Do not handle or cut hot soda bread! Let it cool down on a rack if possible. Wrap in newspaper to keep lightly warm.

Chocolate Potato Cake

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
2/3 cup caster (fine) sugar
2 oz. plain chocolate, melted or 4 level tablespoons cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup cooked mashed potato
1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons milk
2 eggs

Cream the butter and sugar with the mashed potato, then add the melted chocolate or the cocoa. Add the beaten eggs, alternately with the flour and the salt. Finally pour in the milk, mixing well, to make a soft dough. Well grease two 8 inch cake pans and divide batter equally between them. Bake at 350 degrees oven for 25-30 minutes. The top will be springy to the touch when done. Cool for a few minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Frost with whipped cream or desired frosting.

Shoot that Hog .....

I have in my possession a sweet little Winchester Model 43 22 Hornet. At this point in time I would throughly enjoy looking down the barrel and laying the sights upon that little hog known as "Punxsytawney Phil." At 10:23pm, Friday the 16th, we are in the middle of a Nor' Easter and have received about 8 inches of snow with much more coming.

On Thursday, my hubby and I uncovered our motorcycles, installed the batteries and went on a nice ride in 62 degree weather. It felt great to be back in the saddle so to speak.

Instead of "Corned Beef and Cabbage" for our Saturday St. Patty's day meal, I could mussel up some Ground Hog Stew with Portabella Mushrooms or Ground Hog Marsala with Penne Pasta. If anyone sees that little bugger tell him -- Pam's keeping an eye out for him . . . . . One Shot - One Kill - One Pot! In the word's of the "Nuge" - "Let's go hunting baby!"

What's going on near your hearth ....

So me lads 'n lassies ...

What's on the hearth
at your house
this Saint Patty's Day week?

and do be sharing the recipes lassies!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

What are you & yours

to be a doing to

celebrate the wearing
of the green?

pictures would be nice!

My Irish name is ....

My Irish Name Is...

Ella Malone

What's your Irish Name?

Philadelphia Flower Show ...

My friend and I took a bus trip down to the Philadelphia Flower Show this Saturday past. The theme was Irish and it was beautiful! I have never been to anything like this and I will for sure be going back ... Lord willing!

A reproduction of an old church ...

a view of blue ...

an elf home .... (this was very tiny, about as big as a shoe box)

There was so much to see and so many ideas!! It was a very enjoyable day! I recommend it even if you are not a greenthumb ....

more flower show pics ...

an elf abode ....

an irish cottage ...

the wood Sprite's lodge ...

the Sprite, himself ....

ahhh, ain't that cute ...

a Campbell elf ...

another view of the church ....

doesn't this just say ... "Come on in, I'll get the tea" ...

Whoopss! ... don't show this to Valarie .....

Sorry Jo! My arthritis was acting up! Well ... umm
the purple flowers are pretty ... ;-))

Bookworm Bookmarks MeMe ...

Kim at hiraeth is doing a Bookworm meme and has asked us to join in. Here is the link for her home/web-business -- Bookworm Bookmarks

Here are my answers ---

Hardback or trade paperback or mass market paperback?

I prefer hardbacks but do get a lot of paperbacks. Not all books are available in hardback.

Online purchase or brick and mortar?

I have to say I do a lot of both. I really love to browse through the bookstores. I do buy some online. I am very fortunate to have a church that sells Christian books at a very reduced rate to Church members. The online bookstores are Monergism Books, Banner of Truth, Grace Books International, Westminster Book Store, Tolle Lege Press and Solid Ground Books. I also order a lot of books from amazon.com.

Barnes & Noble or Borders?

We only have a Barnes and Noble and just got that before Christmas! There is Family Christian Book Store I sometimes use but not much lately.

Bookmark or dog-ear?

I have done it all to be honest. ;-( Rubberbands, paperclips, pencils, pens, dollar bill, sticky notes, sticky tabs, dog-ears, tickets, gum wrappers, ribbons, yarn, dog biscuits, church bulletins, post cards, index cards, newspaper clippings (usually obituaries), coupons, hair pins, I was real desperate once when I was cooking and used a piece of uncooked spaghetti. Geez – I’m an abuser aren’t I? I’m feeling a little depressed …my head is hanging ... I'll be back ... Ok a big breath ... let's move on ... nope one more thing ... Kim of Hiraeth - I am so sorry you found this out about me. I am weak ... I need a bookmark - we will talk.

Mark or not mark?

There are some I have not, but the majority I do.

Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random?

I was the librarian at my former church for 17 years and it was tidy, orderly and color-coded. But I group books by type, then author, here at home.

Keep, throw away, or sell?

I have given some books to the local retirement home, gave some to the GoodWill, gave some away, and yes, Yes! YES! I have thrown books away … Purpose Driven Life, Purpose Driven Church, Prayer of Jabez, Jehovah Witness books they left … That was good therapy! I felt good when I did it and I feel even better TELLING IT!!!! Oh this is so good …. I’m free … oh .. oh yeah, I was doing a meme ….back on task … big breath ...

Keep dustjacket or toss it?

I keep them in a file, the new ones I have not read yet are left on till the time of reading.

Read with dustjacket or remove it?

I have left them on if they are borrowed books. I have left on and used the flaps as bookmarks … ;-( … nope don’t go there ….

Short story or novel?

I like them both.

Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)?

I read both, do not own much of them.

Lord of the Rings or Narnia

Tolkien much more than Lewis.

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?

That depends on the book.

“It was a dark and stormy night” or “Once upon a time”?

“It was a dark and stormy night …. ”

Buy or Borrow?

I mostly buy books.

New or used?

Mostly new. One of my favorite smells is a new book. Yes, I have stood at the bookstore and smelled a book … a quirk of mine … these meme’s are telling are they not? My favorite smells are brand spanking new leather Bibles … I might need therapy after this …..

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendation or browse?

All of the above. I am so thankful for a church that promotes reading of good Christian books. Good friends are helpful, as are reviews on blogs.

Tidy ending or cliffhanger?

Give me both …

Morning reading, afternoon reading or night time reading?

I have been known to have ring around the bottom if you get my drift. ;-)) That was the only time I had to read (when the boys were younger) but time has opened up. I have even set the alarm to get up early, especially since going back to work. Sometimes I can not sleep so I read and sometime I get awake, read some, then go back to bed. There is always a book somewhere.

Standalone or series?

Both.

Favorite series?

???

Favorite book of which nobody else has heard?

Books -- The Old Man and The Boy; The Old Man’s Boy Grows Up by Robert Ruark and The Witchery of Archery by Maurice Thompson.

Favorite books read last year?

Wrongly Dividing the Word of Truth by John H. Gertner; Israel of God by O. Palmer Robertson; The Man of Sin by Kim Riddlebarger; A Case for Amillenialism by K. Riddlebarger; Hunting Whitetails by the Moon by Charles Alsheimer; Legendary Deer Camps by Robert Wenger; Historical Map of Pennsylvania: with a History of Indian Treaties and Land Titles edited by P.W. Sheafer & R.R. Wenning; The Still Hunter by Theodore Van Dyke; Lectures to my Students by Spurgeon; What Is Reformed Theology by RC Sproul; Fool’s Gold by John MacArthur; Deceived on Purpose by Warren Smith; A Time of Departing by Ray Yungen; various cookbooks, The Art of Smoking Foods and Marley and Me by John Grogan.

Favorite book of all time?

The Bible.

To be or not to be .... Amil or PreMil ...????

Quite an interesting bit of debate

going on in the Blogosphere these days!

John MacArthur really pulled a punch as his opening for the Pastor's conference ...

Interesting to hear the takes on this topic but I for one will get the CD.

Take some time and peruse over these:

Shepherd's Conference 1 at Challies.com

Kim Riddlebarger -- With All Due Respect To John MacArthur

Pulpit Magazine -- Why Calvinism Necessitates PreMillennialism

Jason Robertson -- The Mocked Shepherd
-- Was Jesus an Amil?

Irish Calvinist -- MacArthur Defines ...

Voice of the Sheep -- MacArthur's Diatribe --
-- Updates on Amil Controversy

As one who has learned much from MacArthur I don't understand his timing ... especially with who was setting in line to speak at this conference whom MacArthur invited ... and then to publically smack 'em a good one is most surprising. I must say the comment sections are enlightening to say the least. Riddlebarger is being a real gentleman here and I commend him. But I wonder what would have happened had R.C. Sproul been there or what will be coming down the road with R.C. Sproul in the form of comments about these accusations against Calvinist Amillers?

Need I say more? .....

March ....

March

The stormy March is come at last

With wind, and cloud, and changing skies;

I hear the rushing of the blast

That through the snowy valley flies.

Ah! Passing few are they who speak

Wild stormy month in praise of thee;

Yet though thy winds are loud and bleak

Thou art a welcome month to me.

For thou, to northern lands again

The glad and glorious sun dost bring

And thou hast joined the gentle train,

And wear’st the gentle name of Spring.

And in thy reign of blast and storm

Smiles many along, bright summer day

When the changed winds are soft and warm

And heaven puts on the blue of May.”

-- Bryant

Happy Birthday Thirsty Theologian! ...

DAVID !!!

So, tell us! What did ya get?

Any new books?

We are waiting!!
Inquiring minds want to know!!

We anticipated this blessed event along with your Countdown!