RICK'S RECIPES: HOMEMADE PECAN SANDIES

 

HOMEMADE PECAN SANDIES

 

INGREDIENTS:

2 sticks butter, unsalted (1/2 lb., softened)
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar, granulated
1 cup confectioner’s sugar (sifted)
2 eggs (large)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups flour, all purpose (500 gr.)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecans (chopped)
1/2 cup sugar, granulated (for decoration)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, 1 cup white sugar and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the pecans.

Roll dough into 1 inch balls and roll each ball in remaining white sugar.

 Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto un~greased cookie sheets.

 Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden. 

Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

My lovely wife Sharron made these recently and they are delicious with a warm beverage. ( or possibly a cold glass of milk) 

TODAY I LAUNCH THIS NEW SATURDAY FEATURE: RICK'S RECIPES.  PLEASE COMMENT IF YOU LIKE SEEING SOME OF SHARRON'S FAVORITE RECIPES POST ON MY BLOG. YOUR COMMENTS MEAN SO MUCH TO ME AND OTHERS. 

FRIDAY FUNNIES: Fried Chicken / The Pastor and the Parrot

Fried Chicken

 

Our teacher asked us what our favorite animal was, and I said, “Fried chicken.” She said I wasn’t funny, but she couldn’t have been right, because everyone else in the class laughed.

 

My parents told me to always be truthful and honest, and I am. Fried chicken is my favorite animal. I told my dad what happened, and he said my teacher was probably a member of PETA.

 

He said they love animals very much. I do, too. Especially chicken, pork and beef. Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principal’s office.     I told him what happened, and he laughed, too.

Then he told me not to do it again. The next day in class my teacher asked me what my favorite live animal was. I told her it was chicken. She asked me why, just like she’d asked the other children. So I told her it was because you could make them into fried chicken. She sent me back to the principal’s office again.

 

 He laughed, and told me not to do it again. I don’t understand. My parents taught me to be honest, but my teacher doesn’t like it when I am.

 

Today, my teacher asked us to tell her what famous person we admire most. I told her, “Colonel Sanders.” Guess where I am now…

 

 

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The Parrot

 

There was a mild-mannered pastor who just retired and was still living at the same parish rectory where he had been pastor many years.

 

Friends notices he seemed a bit depressed and unsure what to do with himself. So, they suggested he get a pet, thinking he’d want a dog or cat. So, the retired Pastor went to a local pet store. Saw a for sale sign for exotic parrots. The Pastor had a particular weakness for buying things on sale, so he purchased a parrot.

 

Now, the parrot had previously been owned by someone else and had a bad attitude and worse vocabulary. Every other word was a curse word. The pastor tried very hard to change the bird’s attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music, anything he could think of. Nothing worked.

 

One day in a moment of desperation, he put the parrot in the freezer. For a few moments he heard the bird squawking and kicking and screaming, and then, suddenly, there was quiet.

 

The pastor got frightened that he might have actually hurt the bird and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out onto his extended arm and said: “I’m sorry that I might have offended you with my language and actions and sincerely ask for your forgiveness.  I will endeavor to correct my behavior.”

 

The pastor was astounded at the bird’s change in attitude and was about to ask what had changed him. Before he could ask, the parrot looked back toward the freezer and said, “May I ask what the chicken did?”. 

A SIMPLE PRIMER ON HOLINESS

 

The idea behind the concept of holiness is, "separation." To be holy is to be, “distinct!” To be holy is to be, “other … to be different in a special way.”

 

To be holy is to be, “set off to the side for God’s special purposes.” Obviously, holiness … in regard to our daily existence … is exactly what we are shooting for!

 

A life of holiness is God’s goal for each and every one of us. Is there any serious follower of Jesus who does not want to be separate from worldly enticements, distinct in our words and thoughts and different in regard to unconditional love for and patience with difficult people?

 

Who of us serious folk do not want to be totally set off to the side for God’s special purposes? The obvious answer to both of those questions is no and none!

 

I Peter 1:16 is very clear. God is speaking to His people through His written word to us. "Be holy, because I am holy."

 

Thoughts from Isaiah Chapter 6

 

In Isaiah’s glorious vision of the Lord seated on the throne, he witnesses the seraphim or burning ones crying out, attempting to describe the holiness of God.  What’s so compelling to me is that the seraphim aren’t talking to God, but to each other about God’s holy nature (thanks to Stuart Greaves for this insight).  And then, overwhelmed by hearing the seraphim, Isaiah is undone, ruined in fact, deeply convicted by the uncleanness of his own speech and the speech of those he lives among. 

 

What would happen if our lips and language were filled with attempts to articulate the holiness of God to one another?  What if “Holy, holy, holy” replaced the dismissive, divisive, and destructive narratives that permeate the mouths and messages of the world today?

“And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.          —Isaiah 6:3-5

This morning I’m sincerely praying that those same burning coals from the altar touch and cleanse my lips and the lips of those around me, so that we can release higher and holier words and revelations to the world around us.

“Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”                    —Isaiah 6:6-7

Plans, ideas, and consultations without God!

 

Reading the 30th chapter of Isaiah today did not sound so much like the ancient world as it reminded me of the world today:

30 “Woe to the obstinate children,”
    declares the Lord,
“to those who carry out plans that are not mine,
    forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit,
    heaping sin upon sin;
² who go down to Egypt
    without consulting me;
who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection,
    to Egypt’s shade for refuge.

 

Security is something all humans long for, so much so that we will seek it wherever we believe it can be found. Notice the indictments leveled against the people.

 

They carry out plans but not God’s.

 

They form alliance but not an alliance that is Spirit inspired.

They consult with people and exclude God from their deliberations.

Are these just problems experienced in Ancient times?

 Do we have these same problems today?

 Do I have this problem?

 

There is something in the human experience that causes us to take matters into our own hands and plan accordingly. Ingenuity and problem-solving are wonderful attributes, but as believers, no amount of creativity and brain-storming can take the place of seeking God’s wisdom. Initiative and a strong work ethic are great, but as people of faith, we believe that God is for us and He will help to direct and protect His people.

 

The prophet at the beginning of the thirtieth chapter of Isaiah says, “obstinate children.” Here is how the dictionary defines the word obstinate: “stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.” How often have I been guilty of operating in this manner?

 

Convinced my way is not only right, but it is also the only way. When dealing with absolute truth, you cannot change the absolute truth. When it comes to my plans, they should always be subject to change. I do not want to change because of a whim or undue pressure, but if a better idea or way appears, I need to be willing to adjust my plans. A wise person changes their mind, but a fool never does! In meeting with a group of people this week, I was reminded that no one of us is as smart as all of us.

 

Someone made a statement about a decision we were about to make that changed the perspective of the rest of us, bringing a fresh and needed insight. I am glad he spoke up and gave his idea. It was the right way for us to proceed. Never be afraid to speak up, and likewise never be alarmed with the prospect of seeking God’s will in every and any situation.

 

 

Networking is such a key concept. Again it is not networking and consulting others that is a problem; it is instead not consulting with God. To consult with God, you have to know Him and spend time in His presence. He made us for a relationship with Him and to be in relationship with others.

 

 

At one time, I worked in a place that relied upon consultants. In those days, it seemed to me that a consultant was someone who lived over 50 miles away, wore a suit, and had a briefcase. They would come in and listen and make a couple of comments, point out several things that needed changing, and then they would leave.

 

Often time, their insight was spot on, and they were helpful. We need someone from outside at times to help us see things differently. According to the passage, we need to consider that God wants us to consult with Him.

 

 

The takeaways for me from this passage are the following:

Don’t be obstinate, be open and ready to receive from God and others

 

 

Do not think that your strength comes from your plans and alliances. Our strength, as well as our help, comes from the Lord

 

 

 

by Dr. Blake 

Monday Quotes: Five little words

 

There are five little words I'd have you know,

 

They are "pardon me", "thank you" and "please."

 

Oh use them quite often wherever you go;

 

There are few words more useful than these.

 

These five little words are filled with a power

 

That fame of money cannot give.

 

So commit them to memory this very hour,

 

And use them as long as you live.

Sunday Thought: The Danger of Self Pity

 

Let’s face it, we have all fallen victim to feeling sorry for ourselves.

 

There is an interesting quote by John Gardiner “Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the non-pharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality.”

 

Amy Morin in her book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t do offers a checklist to help us determine if we are susceptible to self-pity:

 

·         You tend to think your problems are worse than anyone else’s.

·         If it weren’t for bad luck, you’re pretty sure you’d have none at all.

·         Problems seem to add up for you at a much faster rate than anyone else.

·         You’re more likely to tell people what went wrong during the day rather than what went well.

·         You often complain about things not being fair.

·         You struggle to find anything to be grateful for sometimes.

·         You sometimes wonder if the world is out to get you.

 

Remember, we all feel down at times, and we all go through tough times and experience heartbreaking circumstances. I think the danger is that some people seem to get stuck with viewing everything and everyone as being against them and seem overwhelmed by the prospects. 

There is no obstacle-free life; everyone has problems, and all experience disappointments in life. All people have difficulties. Regardless of whether you are a person of faith or not, we have to pay attention to how we feel.

 

For some, you need to seek out someone to talk with, a pastor, therapist, medical professional, or mental health professional, or a trusted friend. Please do not ignore your situation and get the help you need, it is important, and there should be no stigma attached, and God is for you!

 

What are some ways that we can find to get through down times and times of self-pity?

 

·         Focus on what you have, not on what you have lost. When you feel self-pity approaching, think of your blessings.

·         Help someone. Volunteer. Many organizations could use your help.

·         Do something kind for someone. I have been amazed when I was discouraged, that by helping someone else, my feelings began to change.

·         Physical activity. The year 2019 was quite difficult at our house. I discovered for myself the value of regular physical exercise. In addition to the physical health improvement, I experienced emotional release and encouragement. It really helped me to weather the storms that I was navigating.

 

Often I find I need to reframe the circumstance I find myself in by simply asking, ‘Is there another way I could see this situation?’ I have also discovered it helps me to think of what advice I would give to a friend if they were facing this same problem?

 

One thing that has also helped me in recent days when facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge, I pause and reflect on past tough circumstances and remind myself that I somehow made it through the ordeal. If I made it through that problem, I have confidence that I will make it through the mess I am facing now!

 

 

As a reminder, my intent is not to make you feel guilty for however you feel and what you are going through. I want you to know you are not hopeless. God cares for you, and He will bring you through. I also wanted to share a few things that have helped me when surrounded by what felt impossible.

 

 

God is able to bring you through and He will!

Source: 

The Danger of Self-Pity

by Dr. Blake