A Special Answer to Prayer

Nicole's Mom shared with us a very special answer to prayer. Nicole is coming home and will NOT be going to Iraq. This is so good because it is just not what we felt was best for her and for her son.....however, I really do respect and honor her for being willing to defend her country. We are all so thankful to God!

Travel Time

Well, this is the stressful time. I have just today left to get everything ready for my trip to Illinois! I hope to leave in the morning around 6 a.m. and drive as far as Hope, Arkansas. Then on Wed., I will still have 810 miles to go in order to arrive in Rockford at my parents' home that night. Opie is definitely wired as we try to pack the van, finish up laundry and get the cats' ready to stay here. They will be cared for by the girls who live next door. Please pray for me as I travel and then enjoy fun days with my family in Illinois and Iowa!

Pastor Appreciation

Today I am feeling so special and so appreciated!! This morning in our service, my church family celebrated Pastor Appreciation Month by giving me a lovely card and gift of money. The comments on the card are so special and I will cherish them forever! And, the money comes at a great time, giving me a little extra spending money as I travel north to visit my family. I love and appreciate my church family so very much and thank them for this recognition of Pastor Appreciation Month as well as all the other ways that they show their love for me!

Thinking about pumpkins......

This is what is on my mind as I am preparing for my trip to Illinois....it is a 2008 scene. Before long, I should be able to post a 2009 scene.

Lasara Ladies' Fall Fellowship

Even though a norther blow in with wet and windy weather, we had a great ladies´ fall fellowship. I counted about 30 women from four small churches. I was so pleased that three ladies from my church came to a women's fellowship for the first time and two of our ladies brought visitors. We had good praise singing and testimonies plus the message. We also prayed for several women....sometimes easier to do when husbands and kids are not around. And, then the food and fellowship was superb. The Nueva Vida ladies always outdo themselves with delicious food and lots of it. I was so happy .... I couldn't even get to sleep when I got home!!!!!! (The next one will be on Dec. 11th--the Ladies' Christmas Fellowship!)

Pumpkin Pie Squares

This is a recipe I got from my sister, Jan Mosher, and it is super wonderful!!!!

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Crust:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine

Filling:
2 cans (15 oz. size) solid pack pumpkin
2 cans (12 oz. each) evaporated (Carnation)milk
4 eggs
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp salt

Topping:
Mix together
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

Combine crust ingredients till crumbly. Press into a greased 9X13 cake pan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, beat the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl (by hand, not with a mixer) until smooth. Pour over crust. You do not need to cool the crust. Bake for 45 minutes. Sprinkle the topping over the top and bake for an additional 15 min. or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool. Store in refrigerator. Serve with whipped cream. Yield 16 to 20 squares.

**My note: I used 3 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Also, I had to bake it longer....so I baked it for 50 min. before putting on the topping and 25 min. after the topping was on.***

Enjoy this! It is so, so good! Great for the fall/Thanksgiving and Christmas season!

Praise in the Sanctuary

Last Sunday, Oct. 4th, we went into the new sanctuary at the close of the morning service. Sis Diana and Sis Delia had posted a sign saying "Welcome, Holy Spirit." We are ready to fill the new building with our praise, worship and prayer. Of course, it is not finished so the insulation is all that is on the walls, the floors are not finished and there is no electricity. But we sang a praise song and then we prayed. It was a special time.....the very beginning many services of singing, worship, prayer, giving, and receiving the Word.

Nicole Leaves for Iraq

Tomorrow Nicole--a former SS child, now a young mother--leaves for her final training at Fort Bliss. Then right after Thanksgiving, she will be headed to Iraq for 8 months of service there. I cannot imagine what it is like for her to leave Max, her 4 year old, behind....and of course,the rest of her family. I am praying for her protection during this difficult time and praying that she will feel Jesus near to her at all times. Nicole, as your pastor, please know that I will be praying for you....and Nueva Vida will be praying for you. Go with God's blessings and protection. We love you!!!!!

Errands and shopping

When I say I am going on errands, this is what I mean, in case you ever wondered!

I am going to buy gas for the van.
Take care of banking needs.
Stop and check my P.O. box, buy stamps, mail letters and/or bills.
Get office supplies from Office Depot.
Buy large quantity stuff, usually for church functions, at Sam's.
Have minor things like oil changes and bulb replacements for the van.
Pick up stuff for fundraisers at Hobby Lobby or one of the Dollar-variety stores.
Deliver stuff to someone in Reynosa.
Buy household items and pet stuff at Wal Mart.
Leave or pick up clothes at the cleaners.
Buy dog treats and supplies at PetsMart.
Pay the city water bill.
Buy groceries at HEBs.
Grab a "I don't really like it but just cuz its easy" cheap hamburger.
ETC.....anything else I HAVE to do.

HOWEVER, when I say that I am going shopping (which is pretty rare), I mean this.

I will browse around in Wal Mart for anything new and interesting.
Check out the pet outfits at PetsMart.
Wander the scrapbook and decor areas of Hobby Lobby.
See if there is anything I like at DSW
Maybe look around in a dress shop.
Look and laugh and choose greeting cards to send.
Browse the Christian bookstore shelves.
Sit in a restaurant like (MiMi's Cafe, Cracker Barrel, Luby's or Chaya's), order my meal and eat slowly.

I repeat, it is pretty rare to find me shopping.

****Now when I am on my trip to Illinois and Iowa, YES! I will do some shopping!--and hardly any errands.