RICK'S RECIPES: SOUTHERN PECAN PRALINE SHEET CAKE

 

SOUTHERN PECAN PRALINE SHEET CAKE

 

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
Cake

• 1 box Betty Crocker butter pecan cake mix
• 16 oz. can Betty Crocker Coconut Pecan Frosting
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 Cup canola or coconut oil
• 1 Cup half-and-half for increased flavor instead of water
• 1/2 Cup chopped pecans

Butter Pecan Glaze

• 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 Tbs butter
• 1/2 Cup chopped pecans

Directions:
Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Grease or spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine all the cake ingredients except for the chopped pecans. Mix well.
Add chopped pecans and stir to combine.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Butter Pecan Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Add condensed milk and stir.
Heat thoroughly, then add chopped pecans.
Stir again to combine and remove from heat.
Spoon sauce over individual slices of cake or spread over the entire cake (much easier).

Notes:
The Coconut Pecan Frosting is included in the cake batter. It is NOT an icing for the top of the cake nor included in the sauce.

The cake took 50 minutes to bake, although the original instructions said 30-40 minutes for a 9×13″ pan and 50 minutes for a bundt pan.

Source: Food.com

Friday Funnies: A SERIOUS NOTE ABOUT - Barbershop Harmony

The harmony and presentation of barbershop music is highly stylized and incorporates appropriate visual and musical techniques for an emotional, entertaining experience at Greeley barber shop. 

The lead singer sings the melody while the harmony parts harmonize above and below. The lead’s baritone completes the chord. The baritone sings only occasional notes and embellishments, making it easier for the other members of the chorus to perform the song. Consequently, the style of singing is very similar to the styles of gospel and pop music. 

 This harmony is a style of unaccompanied singing, utilizing three voices. The tenor sings above the lead while the bass sings the lower harmonizing notes. The baritone adds the in-between notes. The chords used in barbershop harmony are dominant sevenths, creating a full sound. Some singers use more than one voice, while others use only one. Those who listen to barbershop music will appreciate the ringing sounds that are characteristic of this music. 

 A barbershop song begins with an intro, whose melody differs from the rest of the song. The intro is often performed in a soft, unobtrusive manner, with fewer extended fermatas. This helps to achieve a unified sound without the “chorus” effect.

 Unlike a cappella singing, barbershop singing is also characterized by a distinctive, ringing sound. In addition to the richness and fullness of the sound, barbershop songs are characterized by a high level of vocal skill. These singers are able to harmonize without noticeable effort. In barbershop singing, pitch is adjusted to achieve perfectly tuned chords while staying true to the established tonal center. 

This technique produces ringing chords. The ringing sound is achieved through the synchronization of wave forms, resulting in a powerful and unique sound. Barbershop music has a unique ring that distinguishes it from other styles. Its distinctive tone and rich, full sound make it a favorite of many barbers. Its unique, recognizable style makes it a great way to showcase your talent. So, whether you’re looking for a new style of music or simply a way to perform it, consider all the elements of barbershop. There’s something for everyone! 

 Most barbershop songs have an intro. This is where each member of the chorus sings their parts and begins the song. Most barbershop songs start with a melody that is different from the rest of the song. They usually do not have as many chords as the rest of the song. Its rhythm is a combination of loudness and softness. The barbershop style of music is an American art form. In addition to being a popular genre, it is also a form of entertainment. 

 The ringing chord is the most distinctive characteristic of barbershop. This is a distinctive tone that is produced when certain overtones reinforce each other. It is usually achieved when the harmony is sung in perfect just tuning without excessive vibrato. The ringing chord is a major aspect of barbershop music. Its melodic value can be determined by the phrasing and articulation of the chorus. 

 ENJOY......

A Limited Edition

A young man asked his grandfather:

"Grandpa, how did you live in the past without technology: 
Without computers Without Internet connection No drama and drama No T.Vs Without air conditioners Without cars No cell phone? " 

 Grandpa answered: "As your generation lives today: 
There are no prayers There is no compassion
There is no respect No education There is no personality 
There is no shame at all There is no modesty " There is no honesty 

 We, the people born between the years 1940-1980, were the blessed ones... Our lives are a living proof. 

 While playing and riding a bike, we have never worn a helmet. 
 Before school then we played until dusk; never watched television. 
 We played with real friends, not virtual friends 

 If we were thirsty, we would drink tap water, not mineral water 
 We never weaved because we shared the same cup of juice with four friends. 

 We never gained weight by eating plates of pasta every day.
 Nothing happened to our feet despite roaming barefoot. 

 We have never used food supplements to stay healthy. We used to make our own toys and play with them. our parents were not rich. 

They gave love .. Not the stuff. We never had a cell phone, DVD, game console, Xbox, video game, PC, internet, chat, but we had true friends. 
 We visited our friends without being invited and shared and enjoyed the food with them. 

 Parents lived nearby to take advantage of family time. 

 We may have had black and white photos, but you can find colorful memories in these photos. 

 We are a unique and the most understanding generation, because we are the last generation that listened to their parents...

 And we are also the first ones who were forced to listen to their children. 

 We are a limited edition! 

 Take advantage of us. Learn from us. 

 We are a treasure destined to disappear.

Laus Deo.

 

ATOP THE WASHINGTON  MONUMENT, ARE DISPLAYED TWO WORDS

 

One detail that is seldom mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.  With all the uproar about removing the Ten Commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time.

 

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words:  Laus Deo.   

 

No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.  Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. 

 

These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

 

Laus Deo!  Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

 

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say Praise be to God!

 

Though construction of this giant obelisk began in1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public.  It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo, "Praise be to God!"

 

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles L'Enfant ..... a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north, The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.

 

A cross you ask?  Why a cross? What about separation of church and state?  Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was NOT, is NOT, in the Constitution. 

 

So, read on. 

 

How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice. 

 

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society.  Praise be to God!  Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy 'One Nation, Under God.'

 

I am awed by George Washington's prayer for America .... Have you ever read it?  Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on...

  "Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.  

    And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love MERCY, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. 

    Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen."

                                                                           Laus Deo!

 

It is hoped you will send this to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend.  They will not find it offensive because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school.  

 

With that, be not ashamed or afraid, but have pity for those who will never see this because someone failed to send it on.

                                                                   

 Thank you Rocky Randall

 

 

Did you know, the song "It Is Well With My Soul" was written by a successful Christian lawyer Heratio Spafford. His only son died at age 4 in 1871. In 1872, the great Chicago fire wiped out his vast estate, made from a successful legal career. 

 

In 1873 he sent his wife and four daughters over to Europe on a summer trip on the ill fated SS Ville du Havre. Since he had a lot of work to do, he planned to follow them later. The ship sank and he lost his four daughters with the wife being the only survivor. She sent him a famous telegram which simply read, "SAVED ALONE......" 

 

On his return home, his Law firm was burned down and the insurance company refused to pay him. They said, iIt's an act of God." 

 

He had no money to pay for his house and no work, he also lost his house. Then while sitting and thinking what's happening to him, being a spiritual person, he wrote a song - "Whatever, my Lord, You have taught me to say - It is well, it is well with my soul." 

 

My dear friend, a good attitude will determine your altitude. When you look at your life, career, job or family life, what do you say? Do you praise God? Do you blame the devil? A good attitude towards God makes Him move on your behalf. 

 

Just sit down and say, "Today, God, it is well with my soul, I am thankful I had a peaceful sleep, I am thankful I am alive with possibilities, I am thankful I have a roof over me, I am thankful I have a job, I am thankful that I have family and friends. Above all, I am thankful that I have the Lord Jesus Christ on my side." 

 

Be blessed and don't be envious or shocked when others are prospering because you don't know what they have been through to get there (test, trials and tribulation) so thank God for what you have. "Little is much when God is in it. It is well with my soul!" 

 

Touch someone's life with this message.

 If God is for us, who can be against us? 

 

God bless to all and have a wonderful day!!

Leaving Your Comfort Zone: 13 Quotes for When You Need a Little Push

As human beings, most of us crave stability, the habits of the everyday. There’s a good evolutionary reason for this: For millions of years, unpredictability and uncertainty were tantamount to danger. There are plenty of benefits to having a routine — it lowers our stress levels and is a building block of good health. The “comfort zone” exists for a reason: to keep us comfortable. Still, there is such a thing as getting too comfortable. While we may feel safer in a routine, a fear of the unknown can also cause us to live life on autopilot. Too much stability has been scientifically linked to a lack of growth or learning in our lives. As the old adage goes: “Old ways won’t open new doors.” Staying in your comfort zone can restrict you, cutting you off from new experiences or from taking a leap toward what you really want. Maybe you’re aware it’s time to step out of your comfort zone, but you don’t know quite where to start — old habits die hard, after all. 

These 13 quotes can help give you that gentle nudge out the proverbial door — and into exciting new territory. 

 Go and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. — Neil Gaiman 

 Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund. — Anthony Bourdain 

 Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up. — Brené Brown 

 If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. — Dale Carnegie

 [People] make their best work when they’re riding that wave and a little bit uncomfortable. Sell your own myth, but never buy it. — St. Vincent, musician 

 When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. — Lao Tzu Great

 People do things before they’re ready. — Amy Poehler 

 Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have. — Louis E. Boone, author 

 Sometimes the place you are used to is not the place you belong. — William Wheeler, screenwriter 

 And the thing about blooming is, nothing about the process is easy. It requires every part of you to stretch upward, with your roots firmly planted in the ground; and in the sun, and in the rain, and wind, you stand anyway, even against the pull of the soil. And through it all, one day you will see all along you were transforming. — Morgan Harper Nichols, musician 

 Comfort can be dangerous. Comfort provides a floor but also a ceiling. — Trevor Noah A bird is safe in its nest — but that is not what its wings are made for. — Amit Ray, spiritual leader 

 We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. — Maya Angelou

The Book of the Bible that Sparked the Reformation

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and the person at ground zero of that reformation is none other than Martin Luther. Do you know which book of the bible that brought Luther into a collision course with the Catholic Church? That would be the letter to the Galatians and Luther was so passionate about this short epistle that he actually said that he felt married to it. So what is the big idea and big deal about the book of Galatians? The wonderful people at the Bible Project have produced a short video that answers that question.

 

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Galatia out of passion and frustration. To understand this it is important to understand the context by which Paul wrote it. 

At the time the letter was written, Christianity had grown from a Jewish messianic movement within Jerusalem to a movement that was reaching the broader Roman Empire. Inevitably there were as many non-Jews as Jewish people within the Jesus movement. 

This growth did not sit well with many Jews and sparked a significant debate on how gentiles (non-Jews) were to be incorporated into the Christian movement. There were many Jews who believed that gentiles needed to adhere to Jewish distinctives such as a kosher diet, circumcision, and observing the Sabbath. Some Jews actually went into churches and repudiated Paul’s message of justification by faith alone by demanding that gentile males be circumcised in order to be considered as part of God’s covenant people. 

 Paul is angry and saddened by this and does two things in the first two chapters of his letter. He defends his message and authority. His message of the gospel of the crucified Christ was not one he pulled out of thin air but rather from being commissioned by Christ Himself! Paul even recounts a moment when he even confronted Simon Peter for avoiding gentiles during a meal as a betrayal of the gospel. Paul adds more fire to his argument by stating clearly that people are not justified by the works of the Torah but rather by faith in Jesus the Messiah. 

To be justified is to be declared righteous and the reason it has to be “declared” is because we are to trust in what Jesus did for us, not for what we have done for ourselves. When people place their faith in the person and work of Jesus what is true of Him becomes what is true of them! This beautiful exchange that occurs through Christ’s death and resurrection results in a new multi-ethnic family. 

Chapters 3 and 4 of Galatians answer the questions of who is involved in God’s family and what it means to live as a covenant family? By the use of his background in Judaism, Paul reminds the church at Galatia that the patriarch Abraham was justified by faith and that God’s ultimate purpose was to have a large multi-ethnic family who would relate to Him on the basis of faith (Gen 12:3; 22:14). 

 If this is true then what is the purpose of the Law? Here again Paul reminds the Galatians that the law was always intended to be temporary and that the law had a negative and positive role. The negative aspect of the law was to provide a magnifying glass on the human sinfulness while the positive aspect of the law was to act as a tutor to prepare His people for the coming Messiah. 

This makes sense but one question remains. How will gentiles learn God’s will without the laws? Paul spells out the answer to that question in chapters 5 and 6 by reminding the Galatian church that God produces change in people through the Spirit of Jesus. Though the laws are good and wise, in our sinfulness we have no power to obey them. Therefore we need His spiritual work within us to produce a life that is marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

 This is great news but this fruit needs cultivation and we are to continually prune our lives by forsaking sinful thoughts and behaviors and trusting His promises for us. As Paul put it, ““if we live by the spirit, we have to keep in step with the spirit (Gal 5:25)

”In the end, Paul warns the Galatian Christians that the people trying to get others to do the works of the law in order to be justified were engaging in an adventure of missing the point. The real point is that the Gospel of the crucified Christ creates a new multi-ethnic family that is transformed by the Spirit. 

 By Megan Briggs - October 23, 2018