Skywatch Friday-South Carolina

This fabulous sunset was taken over Folly Beach, South Carolina!

Click here for more  sky views!

Emmanuel Has Come

Since we have already shared Christmas with our family  over Thanksgiving at Folly Beach, S.C.  which was  delightful , therefore, I  am making slow progress to  decorate here around the house. I need a bit of inspiration.... So, I am taking a walk down memory lane...

In 2011 I must have been in quite a rosy mood...  I suppose that  was because my husband had retired,  but ,also, because I had just  recovered  from a rather serious  operation and was  found to be  cancer free.

2011  must have been a great Christmas because I did see that it was  the first year our  kids came home on the train  for Christmas.. so I can understand the enthusiasm

I do love  candle lit rooms  ...  the Christmas glow is magical!

  Home Sweet Home
    Grace at Home

Happy Homemaker Monday

Click here to return to our hostess, Sandra!

The weather outside is::::

Today is sunny,and cool...   wind advisory tonight!


On the breakfast plate this morning::::

I  enjoyed my usual fruited yogurt and coffee followed up a bit later with a  toasty, buttered mini bagel...  Yum...  A mini is just the right size!!!

As I look outside my window:::

The leaves are off the trees and  the yard is fully covered... poor hubs...  he awaits   the right kind of day to  venture out....  one soon    those  leaves will be history!!

I remember last year he was raking and putting up the window wreaths on the same day...  perhaps that will  happen  this week!!

Right now I am::::

I am listening to  one of my favorite Christmas  compilations...  Josh Groban...  what a voice....  be still my heart!!!

As I look around the house::::

I returned from our holiday  trip  posted in last post...  with a  head cold.. not feeling terrific..  but yesterday I did myself a favor and bagged up all the  fall decor  and it was taken to the basement storage room...  As far as  the Christmas decorating... my spirit is willing but my  body is weak..  Hopefully this week!!! 

On today's to do list::::

Bible Study homework  and  lots of online business..  we did our cyber shopping,  did  some ordering of  a medical  nature.. spoke to the  doctor's nurse  pertaining to my meds...  Took several phone calls to get through....We  somehow made away with  a nice queen sheet from the host  house last week..  We  actually  used our own bedding  and while stripping the beds and packing them up  an owner sheet form the closet somehow made it into our  pile... We got it back into  a mailer  today...  that took  a few calls and  a couple of trips to post office to  get the proper mailing package..life gets a bit  complicated  especially when you 
are not feeling 100%.  I have discovered I've lost the new pocket calendar I bought last month...  It seems several things have gone missing lately....  That will be high on the priority to find this week!!!

Currently reading::::

Bible~Hebrews and Isaiah  for various Bible studies I am doing
Still reading a  book by Raeanne Thayne.. The Cottages on Silver Beach. 

On the TV ::::

I have been enjoying  some of the Hallmark Christrmas  movies..  and then I am  decidedly  really  loving  the Netflix   series  Kurt Seyit ve Shura...


 Looking forward to this week:

We have a couple lengthy choir practices this week to prepare for the Christmas  cantata... I always enjoy these  because I absolutely adore the music this year!!! Praying my cold subsides soon!!!

On the menu this week::::

Monday -beef stew
Tuesday - corn bread and beans
Wednesday - soup and grilled cheese  sandwich
Thursday -??
Friday -fish fry

What I am creating at the moment::::

hopes  to get  some decorating  accomplished...  waiting for the spirit to move me  what direction to take...  

New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::

 

1. Apricot Sauce:
   1/2 cup chicken stock (broth)
   1/2 cup apricot preserves
   Salt and pepper to taste
   
   Tomato Mixture:
   1/2 lb roma tomatoes, cut into 1” pieces
   6 basil leaves, cut into 1/2” pieces
   1 tsp garlic pepper
   Salt to taste
   
   Garlic Herb Seasoning:
   3 tsp garlic pepper
   1 tsp Italian seasoning
   
   1 bunch asparagus (remove bottom inch of stems)
   1/2 lb broccoli florets
   1Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
   4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   Chopped parsley to garnish
   

   PROCEDURES

   expand

   1. COMBINE Garlic Herb Seasoning ingredients in a small mixing bowl and set aside.
   2. BLEND chicken stock and apricot preserves in a sauce pan. Add salt & pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
   3. COMBINE tomatoes, basil, garlic pepper and salt in a separate mixing bowl and set aside.
   4. BLANCH asparagus and broccoli for 1 minute in a pot of salted boiling water. Transfer immediately to ice bath to stop cooking.
   5. COAT sauté pan with 1Tbsp olive oil. While keeping ingredients separated in pan, heat cooled asparagus, broccoli and tomato mixture and until hot. Do not overcook.
   6. GRILL chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
   7. PLACE grilled chicken on a platter next to hot broccoli and asparagus. Sprinkle Garlic Herb Seasoning on broccoli. Pour tomato mixture on top of vegetables.
   8. TOP chicken breasts with apricot sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
2. 
   

Favorite photo from the camera::::

HEHEHE! Our Folly beach Christmas tree!!!  A Snoopy Christmas!!!

Prayers:::

The President and his family, and the administration

Pray that all the scandals and investigations will finally be resolved and justice meted out on both sides of the aisle.

Pray that the opposing party members with their hate filled motives and their "end justifies the means" tactics will become so conscience ridden they will turn to the light and make a personal stand for what their believe in their heart and not be led by their wicked party leadership

For the God's will to work its way through our Congress to promote a healing and a functioning environment

Pray that the scales that delude  the electorate will fall off   and that they will find peace, truth, and salvation

Pray against ignorance, self indulgence, and gratification of our youth and young adults who do not think on their own, do not know the history of our nation and many cannot even name a book, but are so easily led into a mob rule mentality by wicked people. Also, the  many  who are  turning to cults  like witchcraft  in   order to  wreak havoc over our nation.

Pray against division and the hatred that is spewed forth by the media, academia, including I understand now every law school in the country..

Please God take back our institutions of higher learning

Pray for the sick that they might be healed

Pray for the many Americans in their loss and devastation from the storms...and fires. Help them to be thankful for what they do have..their lives... for those who lost loved ones, we pray for the Lord to comfort and supply all their needs

We pray for compassion and mercy to reign among God's people to serve, help, and provide for those who need so much,, showing the love of Christ to the world

Pray for the lost who are bewildered and lost... they are hopeless in need of a loving savior!

And I pray that the hordes of illegal aliens  marching across Mexico to  create a  melee   at our borders during our election process  will be turned back...  May  they not be allowed to  cross into our nation,  for their purposes are not righteous  and   we pray a hedge of protection around our borders.

 Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

Pink Saturday Thanksgiving/Christmas on Folly Beach

Happy Pink Saturday

Beverly's page

I should be   pretty far along in decorating the house but not this year.. not yet!!!

My husband and I just returned from our  holiday celebration with our daughter and her family ..  we  decided this year  as   the year we  do  our Christmas  together during Thanksgiving break

we would  make a vacation out of it and  get a beautiful rental on Folly Beach right outside of Charleston, SC.
Like so many  families  living  miles apart..  concessions are made  with two families together on alternating years    to celebrate..   This was our  year to  do both  holidays at Thanksgiving and  it was  quite a feat to pull it all off at the beach house!!!  The kids flew in from Massachusetts while we drove the 8 hours    piled high with  pantry items,  wrapped gifts,  Christmas tree and  table decor, and  Thanksgiving  decor to boot!!!  Besides our  suitcases and other  vacation  goods!!!But  even though it was hectic, it was so  wonderful to just be together!!!

Amanda found this rental through Airbnb..  it was  so  great for our families!

Roomy  and  serviceable as well as  eclectically  lovely   and  just a super fun place..

Every attention  to detail for a home away from home for the holidays!!!

Our first stop, of course, was the beach!!!

That first day  was  one of the coolest  weather wise  so we didn't  stay too long .. just a windy stroll.

Our Thanksgiving table consisted of paper plates,  but  candle light, too!!

You might see the beautiful craft our  oldest, Birdie, made for the table, too!!

By midweek we were   singing carols and  decorating our tree...  if you can find it

 Small as it was,  it still    did it's job...  gave off its Christmas  spirit  and  mood!!!

We had a wonderful time discovering  who Tasha Tudor was  and reading her  wonderful books  that  graced her  amazing  illustrations!!!!

to name a couple...

We celebrated with our traditional Christmas brunch

We created some  Tasha Tudor  Sparrow Mail  envelops and  note paper...  for  the girls to use to write    encouraging notes to each other...

Now my job is to find  appropriate  treasure boxes for each of the girls to  use as mail boxes  for their letters...   Birdie really got into these..  in time she will    model  a loving  note  writer  to her sister and  I'm sure she will catch on very quickly!!!

And then I finally was able to capture my favorite gift of the beach...  A  lovely sunset on our last day!

Add 

Add 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Click here to return to our hostess, Sandra!

The weather outside is::::

Another gray and rainy day ...  it seems to become grayer and grayer outside!!!

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

We had  scrambled eggs,  a  small bit of country ham, and a hot buttered small toasted bagel...I am just now getting around to my coffee...  tastes so good...  rather  cool in the house this morning!!!!I do have my trusty tower heater  beside me..

As I look outside my window:::

Gray skies and  leaves all over the ground!!!

Right now I am::::

Hubs has  his talk radio going...  Im trying not to listen as I am working on this post....my lovely coffee helps...

As I look around the house::::

A lot of organization is going on as we are preparing  to  spend special time with our family...  to celebrate both Thanksgiving and Christmas at the same time...  I have  multiple lists everywhere...  but, I am so looking forward to it!!!

On today's to do list::::

Laundry,  marketing,  shopping for Thankgiviing food box and deliver it to church, laundry,  doctor for flu shots  to  name a few things

Currently reading::::

Bible~Titus and Isaiah  for various Bible studies 
I am doing

The Cottages on Silver Beach  by Raeanne Thayne.. 

On the TV ::::

Poldark,  on network tv,  

Manifest

home decor and food  programs

On the menu this week::::

Monday -oven fried chicken

Tuesday - taco salad

Wednesday - hot dogs and slaw

Thursday -take  out

Friday -dinner out

What I am creating at the moment::::

plans for a lovely Thanksgiving and Christmas

New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::

A friend at church used to make this  for pot lucks ..so tasty  and  feeds an army!!
Scallopped Pineapple Casserole

READY IN:  45mins	SERVES:  12-16

INGREDIENTSNutrition

• 1⁄2cup butter or 1⁄2 cupmargarine, softened
• 2cups sugar
• 8eggs
• 2(20 ounce) cans crushed pineapple, drained
• 3teaspoons lemon juice
• 10slices day-old white bread, cubed

DIRECTIONS

1. Cream the butter and sugar.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating the mix well after each egg is added.
3. Stir in the pineapple and lemon juice.
4. Fold in the bread cubes.
5. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 cake pan or baking dish.
6. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees until set.

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Favorite photo from the camera::::
• 
• What  am asking Santa for this year!!!
• 
  
• Prayers:::

Pray thanksgiving for the outcome of the election for God's perfect Will , will be manifest  for  our good  as stated in His word..

The protection for our President and his family, and the administration  and anyone  whose  views and  free speech differs from extremists.. because of the multiple reports of    violent attacks  and  screaming heads in the last  months

Praying against  illegal tricks to sway the election tallies even now a week later.

Pray that all the scandals and investigations will finally be resolved and justice meted out on both sides of the aisle.

Pray against all threats being made against   leaders, schools, and individuals just because  they do not think the same as the perpetrators do...

Praying for civility to return to our nation

For the God's will to work its way through our Congress to promote a healing and a functioning environment

We pray thanksgiving  that God has led many out of the dark and into the light  as evidenced by the Walk Away movement that shows  hundreds, if not thousands,  walking away from radical ideology

Pray against ignorance, self indulgence, and gratification of our youth and young adults who do not think on their own, do not know the history of our nation and many cannot even name a book, but are so easily led into a mob rule mentality by wicked people. Also, the  many  who are  turning to cults  like witchcraft  in   order to  wreak havoc over our nation.

Pray against division and the hatred that is spewed forth by the media, academia, including I understand now every law school in the country..

Please God take back our institutions of higher learning

Pray for the sick that they might be healed

Because we are a nation of law and order, pray that the caravan will be turned back without violence,  that any innocent  families  will not be involved in any ploy to be used unjustly as in shields..

We pray for compassion and mercy to reign among God's people to serve, help, and provide for those who need so much,, showing the love of Christ to the world

Pray for the lost who are bewildered and   living in darkness... they are hopeless in need of a loving savior!

 Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

Happy Homemaker Monday

Happy Homemaker Monday

Click here to return to our hostess, Sandra!

The weather outside is::::

Gray and rather cool... rain is in our forecast... a stormy  cold rain!!!!!

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

This morning I awakened to my  delicious  fruited yogurt that hubs makes me every morning,  and  I  also had a bowl of  oat cereal..  I am just now getting around to my coffee...  tastes so good...  rather  cool in the house this morning!!!!I do have my trusty tower heater  beside me..

I  do have a  testy cold  since   last Friday... sneezy and    snorty...  not fun!!!

As I look outside my window:::

The blustery winds and  rainy periods we have had , have taken the glory oof  Autumn quite away... all is  russet and brown now .. 

Right now I am::::

As  always I love to listen to Pandora and now  it is Jim Brickman on piano playing Crown Him with Many Crowns...even though  I'm too stuffy to sing, my heart is singing melodiously!

As I look around the house::::

things  look  great

  the dining table is clear because of my coffee clatch last week  as we prayed for the nation and  the elections...so I can finish up my  project for the girls.. Tasha Tudor note paper and envelops to send to  one another...  tiny love notes to sisters

On today's to do list::::

I have begun to get things ready for our family  celebration of Thanksgiving...because we also do Christmas during our visit  it is  a lot to  do....this week I must get my project for the girls  completed.  

During our holiday with the girls I will be  telling them all about  the famous children's illustrator, Tasha Tudor her life and her  wonderful story....

I have  purchased as many vintage books I could find. about 8 books for their   Christmas presents..

we will begin talking about her using this  . I  was so  delightfully  pleased to read that she lived a part of her childhood in the very same NE village my girls live in, in Massachusetts!

Laundry,   church committee meeting this afternoon,  marketing,   creating some lists for    the upcoming holiday  hang up clothes from laundry 

Currently reading::::

Bible~Hebrews and Isaiah  for various Bible studies I am doing

I have started a  book by Raeanne Thayne.. I read her last summer and really liked it,  This one is The Cottages on Silver Beach.  

I really want to    dig in this week to my  study of Isaiah.. Ive been doing just enough study to get by  over the last couple of weeks.  I  am purchasing  one o f  these  and so  they actually  email pages of the planner to get started  figuring out how you want to  make the most of it  so I  printed those off ( see on the website where it  says  free PDFs) and am getting started today on Isaiah... I  am  so excited about it!!!!

It even comes in my favorite color!!!

On the TV ::::

Poldark,  on network tv,  

Manifest

home decor and food  programs

 Looking forward to this week:

This is a quiet week and that is great because I have lots on my mind to accomplish for the holidays... can't  tell much about anything as of yet...  last week my trip to Charlottesville  went very well.  I did have a couple of  lesions on my leg removed, but  the dermatologist felt they were  nothing of concern.. and the  plastic surgeon at UVA  was pleased  with my latest skin graft on my nose and  said I didn't need any laser treatments to  fine tune it... so I  am one happy camper...

Tuesday of course go vote  no matter how hard it is raining...  nothing must deter us from voting in this election... most important one in my lifetime !!!!!

On Thursday I host the SOS prayer meeting as it is second Thursday... We will be  praising God for the victory.  I read a wonderful article on a blog I follow  written by the editor of the Intercessors fro America  newsletter and  it was  profoundly wonderful!

Wanda Alger

17 hrs

HOW DO WE PRAY AND POSTURE OUR HEARTS CONCERNING THIS ELECTION?

This is the essence of what I've been hearing from the Lord and others who have been pressing in...

Our prayers must become DECLARATIONS of the Lord's Victory in these mid-terms and not PETITIONS coming from a heart of doubt. God is moving with a STRONG HAND in this nation to restore HIS truth and HIS justice. Do not back down and do not give in to fear, hype or media-bias. Know that GOD'S ARM IS LONG ENOUGH. He has already vetted every candidate and will CONTINUE to build on the momentum of the past 2 years UNTIL HIS WORK IS COMPLETE.

Our prayers have been heard and it is now time to STAND IN AGREEMENT with what heaven has ALREADY DECREED.

"You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, high your right hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted." (Ps 89:13-16 ESV)

Pass it on!!

On the menu this week::::

Monday -bbq brisket...  I have  some left over  yayaya

Tuesday - corn bread and beans (never got to  have it last week)

Wednesday - meatloaf and mashed potatoes

Thursday -Spaghetti

Friday - fish and chips

What I am creating at the moment::::

plans for a lovely Thanksgiving

New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::

Last week I  said  Id be eating a surprise.. and I didn't even know  what it was  when I wrote about it because all I knew was  it would be in Charlottesville and  something I'd never had before..

We  found this marvelous Asia style  restaurant..Chimm

My daughter  being Asian loves all Asian food and  she had been trying to get me to eat  Thai for some time, Esp. try some Pad Thai....but I was  a bit timid... I have my  set faves when it comes to Chinese and  I'm  rather stuck on them.. NO MORE!!! I saw Pad Thai on the menu so  hubs and I split one  along with some appetizers...Oh, my goodness... I could have eaten the whole thing

!!!

That  buzz of lime  lifted the flavors and it was so delish!!!! 

• Chicken Pad Thai
•  Isn't it about time we stopped relying on take out to get Chicken Pad Thai and making it at home instead? This veggie and chicken version will leave you wanting to make it at home time and time again! 
• Course: Main Course Cuisine: Asian Keyword: easy pad thai Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 5 servings Calories: 572k cal 
• Author: Jaclyn 
• Ingredients 10 oz Thai rice noodles  ours had egg noodles which I loved 
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts , 
• sliced into small strips 
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
•  1/4 cup packed dark-brown sugar 
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 
• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar 
• 1 Tbsp lime juice 
• 1 Tbsp fish sauce 
• 1 red bell pepper , sliced into thin strips and 
• strips halved 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots 
• 2 cloves garlic 4 green onions , whites minced, 
• greens sliced into 1-inch pieces 
• 2 cups bean sprouts 
• 3 large eggs
•  1/2 cup unsalted peanuts , roughly chopped 
• 1/3 cup parsley , 
• chopped Red pepper flakes and sesame seeds (optional)
• Note I hate cilantro so I changed it to parsley 
• Instructions 
• 1. Prepare rice noodles according to directions listed on package. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice and fish sauce, set aside.
•  2. While noodles are cooking, heat oil in a wok or large and deep non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot add chicken and saute until cooked through, about 4 - 6 minutes. 
• 3. Transfer to a plate, leaving oil in pan. Add bell pepper and carrots and saute 1 - 2 minutes then add garlic, green onions and bean sprouts saute 1 minute longer. 
• 4. Push veggies to edges of pan and crack eggs into center. Cook and scramble until eggs have cooked through. Add in chicken, noodles and sauce and toss everything together and cook 1 - 2 minutes. 
• 5. Serve warm topped with parsley, peanuts and optional red pepper flakes and sesame seeds. 
• 6. Recipe source: Cooking Classy
• 
  
• Favorite photo from the camera::::
• I know I am one goofy grandma but I love to do crafts with the girls ,  and Birdie, from a  very young age, has always  set, listened and followed through like a big girl...  I know she will be  a wonderful role model for her 3 year old sis  when we start our Sparrow Mail cards and envelops to write love letters to family members..  never too early to  start  showing love and kindness  to one another!!!

Birdie did my hair..   didn't it look nice!   HEHEHEHE

We both had to have hair bows!!!

Prayers:::

Pray thanksgiving for the outcome of the election for God's perfect Will , will be manifest  for  our good  as stated in His word..

Pray against any violence that may ensue this week, in Jesus name!

The protection for our President and his family, and the administration

Protection for the Kavanaugh family and all  Conservatives as  there is more and more animosity toward  the right than ever before.  Praying against any curse or hex spoken against him.  "No weapon that is formed against one shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against one in judgment You shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD."

Pray that all the scandals and investigations will finally be resolved and justice meted out on both sides of the aisle.

Pray against all threats being made against   leaders, schools, and individuals just because  they do not think the same as the perpetrators do...

Praying for civility to return to our nation

For the God's will to work its way through our Congress to promote a healing and a functioning environment

Pray that the scales that delude  the electorate will fall off   and that they will find peace, truth, and salvation

We pray thanksgiving  that God has led many out of the dark and into the light  as evidenced by the Walk Away movement that shows  hundreds, if not thousands,  walking away from radical ideology

Pray against ignorance, self indulgence, and gratification of our youth and young adults who do not think on their own, do not know the history of our nation and many cannot even name a book, but are so easily led into a mob rule mentality by wicked people. Also, the  many  who are  turning to cults  like witchcraft  in   order to  wreak havoc over our nation.

Pray against division and the hatred that is spewed forth by the media, academia, including I understand now every law school in the country..

Please God take back our institutions of higher learning

Pray for the sick that they might be healed

Because we are a nation of law and order, pray that the caravan will be turned back without violence,  that any innocent  families  will not be involved in any ploy to be used unjustly as in shields..

We pray for compassion and mercy to reign among God's people to serve, help, and provide for those who need so much,, showing the love of Christ to the world

Pray for the lost who are bewildered and   living in darkness... they are hopeless in need of a loving savior!

 Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::