Easter morning....

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." 1 Peter 1:3

Happy Easter everyone!!!

Spring!.....

Spring is finally here!

Okay, where we live it's been here for a bit, but Easter always reminds me that it truly is spring. New buds and blooms arrive, birds become an ever present part of the garden, and sitting on the front porch becomes an everyday thing to do. I think I'll go do that right now :)

Thanks Cindy for hosting!

Homemade Bread.....

There is something so comforting about homemade bread. The smell. The flavor. Historically bread is a symbol of plenty. While we are living in a recession, most of us have plenty to eat and drink, as well as a place to sleep. We are more than blessed.

This is a 10 grain loaf, perfect for breakfast and partnering with fresh fruit, tea or coffee. One piece will fill you up. I used a mix from Bob's Red Mill. All you need for this one is a little water and a little oil. I've used their mixes before and can tell you they are yummy! I don't let this one rise as much as others just because I like it a bit heavier as a breakfast bread. In any case you can find them most likely at your local grocery store. Here is a link for more information about Bob's Red Mill 10 Grain Bread Mix. Enjoy!

If you want to make it entirely yourself here is another wonderful recipe courtesy of Mother Earth News. Or for a delicious, country white bread recipe visit www.farmgirlfare.com. Go to Recipe Index and find, Farmhouse White: An Easy Basic White Sandwich Bread Recipe. Blogger Susan walks you through the process and provides pictures. This bread is soooo good (hence all the extra o’s).

Warm Welcome....

It's Monday. And while it's easy to think about the hurry and worry that will accompany today I have found it is better to focus on other things. Whether it means taking a coffee break and reading some encouraging words, changing your screensaver to a lovely picture that reminds you of a far off place, or sitting on the porch tonight to chat with loved ones instead of turning on the TV, plan something nice for today. Big or small, it has the potential to ward off the Mondays. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Here are some quotes for your Monday....

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6

“I can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. It's all how you look at it.” -J. Kenfield Morley

“Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day.” -Author Unknown

“I came that you may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance, until it overflows.” - John 10:10 (Amplified Bible)

“These then are my last words to you. Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” - William James

“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” -Marcus Aurelius

“Be content with what you have, for God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." - Hebrews 13:5,6

“Life is not a matter of having good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.” - Robert Louis Stevenson

“Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” -John Wooden

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning ...” - Lamentations 3:22-23

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson