Answers in Faith ~~ Implementing Your Love Language

Amidst the season of gift giving, is receiving gifts your love language?  Do you happen to know your love language?  It took me awhile to discover mine, and believe it or not, it was through adverse circumstances that I fully recognized it!

Here's a great website link for more information on this vital subject: 

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/communication-and-conflict/learn-to-speak-your-spouses-love-language/understanding-the-five-love-languages

The following quote from the Focus on the Family article best describes my love language, i.e., Words of affirmation:

"One way to express love emotionally is to use words that build up.  Solomon, author of ancient Hebrew Wisdom Literature, wrote, 'The tongue has the power of life and death' (Proverbs 18:21, NIV).  Many couples have never learned the tremendous power of verbally affirming one another.

"Verbal compliments, or words of appreciation, are powerful communicators of love.  They are best expressed in simple, straightforward statements of affirmation, such as:

'You look sharp in that suit.'
'Do you every look incredible in that dress!  Wow!'
'I really like how you're always on time to pick me up at work.'
'You can always make me laugh.' "

As I previously mentioned, when someone hurled a cutting word my way, it bothered me greatly and diminished my creativity.  Conversely, as an example, when I would bake something special for my family, my husband would say, "Wow, that looks like it belongs in Sunset magazine!"  The compliments made me flourish and have remained as jewels in my heart.  

Now you might comment, "Well, no one likes to be ridiculed or verbally attacked." Agreed, but when God has created us with our specific love language, assaults thereon deplete our reservoirs of creativity and the ability to function in our given language.

The five love languages are not solely for couples.  Since they are resident within each one of us, they are to be exercised and lavished upon our children, grandchildren, co-workers, neighbors, or whomever.  

If you're unsure of your language, there are online quizzes that you can take to discover yours!

I decided to exercise my love language toward my youngest grand kiddos this year when specifically selecting the above words of affirmation for them.  I typed their first and middle names and using the first letter of each name, I blessed them with words that will still be inside their spirits as well as their picture frames for many years to come.

For those of you who have read my book titled Stirrings of The Spirit, you are very familiar with why these grandchildren are such special treasures since God miraculously spared their mother's life twenty-five years ago.

I hope you don't mind the extra-large picture in this post as I wanted to convey the full context of my message.

Plan to bless someone by discovering and implementing your love language. You're sure to make this world a better place if you do!

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Sweet & Savory - Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Just thinking about the scrumptious combination of cheddar cheese and creamed broccoli makes my mouth water!  This soup is a lunch or brunch favorite.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. thyme
• a few drops of hot sauce (I used Cajun Sunshine)
• 3/4 tsp. salt, optional
• 1 medium onion, pureed
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1/8 tsp. garlic pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 4 Tbsp. flour
• 4 Tbsp. butter
• 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Croutons, bread, or crackers

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Place chicken broth, onion, broccoli, garlic pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and hot sauce inside a large sauce pan or stock pot.
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
• Cover and simmer for 12 minutes or until broccoli is softened.
• Remove the bay leaves.
• Pour mixture into food processor and pulse until smooth.
• Pour into large bowl.
• Melt butter in sauce pan in which you cooked the broccoli.  
• Add flour and salt until a paste forms.
• Add milk and cook, stirring continuously, until mixture thickens.
• Add cheddar cheese and stir until dissolved and mixture is smooth.
• Pour in broccoli mixture and heat until well blended.
• Use additional chicken broth or hot water to thin, if necessary.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve with bread, crackers, or croutons.
• Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese before serving bowls or cups of soup.
• Serve with freshly fried, crumbled, drained, bacon chunks.

Enjoy!

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Sweet & Savory ~~ Kids Love to Bake!

Do you have kiddos or grandkiddos who like to bake?  If so, this is a real easy recipe for them to try. Grab those aprons, and bake on!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• Dash of salt, optional
• 1 cup chunk style or plain peanut butter
• 1 pkg. any brand of yellow cake mix (I used Pillsbury)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Place water, eggs, vanilla, salt, peanut butter, and 1/2 pkg. of cake mix inside a large bowl.
• Mix with mixer or spoon until well blended.
• Fold in remaining half of cake mix until thoroughly blended.
• Roll dough into shapes the size of walnuts and place on ungreased baking sheet.
• Dip fork in flour and flatten the dough by making a criss-cross pattern on the top of each cookie.
• Bake in 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
• The cookies will set up a little bit after you remove them from the oven, so don't overbake them.
• Cool cookies on a cooling rack.
• Yields approximately 3-4 dozen cookies.

FUN SUGGESTIONS:

• If the kiddos or grandkiddos would enjoy making peanut butter and jelly cookies, do not make criss-cross pattern in the dough.  Dip a teaspoon in flour and make a depression in the ball of dough. Fill with approximately 1/2 tsp. of your favorite jam or jelly.
• Serve with milk, juice, or hot chocolate.
• If you have a relative or neighbor who can no longer bake, share a few with them!

Happy Baking & Enjoy!

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Sweet & Savory ~~ Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

Here's another full guest table entree pleaser for your holiday meal planning which will serve a dozen people, if need be.

INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS FOR STEP 1:

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 2 Tbsp. diced garlic
• Olive oil
• Garlic Pepper
• Parmesan cheese

• ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• Saute garlic in olive oil until tender. 
• Lightly brown chicken breasts on both sides, sprinkling with Garlic Pepper during process.  
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on both sides.
•  Let chicken rest and cool for 10 minutes.
• Cut into bite size pieces.

INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS FOR STEP 2:

• 2 cans Cream of Celery Soup
• Milk or water
• 1 Tbsp. diced garlic
• 1 small jar diced Pimentos
• 2 Tbsp. hot sauce (I used Cajun Sunsine)
• 2  small cans sliced water chestnuts
• Garlic Herb bread crumbs or flavor of your choice
• 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups dried Penne pasta noodles, cooked according to package directions, and thoroughly drained

• ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the soup with 2 soup cans of milk or water, whatever you choose to use.
• Add the garlic, hot sauce, pimentos, and water chestnuts.
• Stir until combined.

ASSEMBLY & COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

• Place one-half of cooked chicken into bottom of greased 9 x 13 baking pan.  (I prefer to use a glass pan for this recipe).
• Add one half of cooked Penne pasta noodles
• Pour one half of soup mixture over top.
• Sprinkle one cup of Cheddar cheese on top.
• Sprinkle bread crumbs over mixture.
• Repeat above steps.
• Place sheet of aluminum foil lightly over entree, but do not fold foil down onto the sides of the baking pan. This will prevent noodles from drying out during the initial baking stage.
• Bake for 35-35 minutes in 350 degree oven.
• Remove foil for the last 10-15 minutes.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve with bread, rolls, or crackers.
• A garden salad is a nice accompaniment.
• Consider pairing this recipe with a little cup of soup.  My Broccoli Cheddar Soup would be a great suggestion. Stay tuned as I plan on floating out this recipe later in the month.

Bravo to all of my fellow cooks and chefs out there in Holiday Land.  Cook on! Your friends, family, and comrades will love you all the more.  

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Sweet & Savory - Chipotle Chile Pepper Pinto Bean Soup

'Tis the season for delicious soups and stews. This one is sure to warm you from head to toe!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups pinto beans (I soak 2 cups of dry pinto beans overnight with 1 tsp. baking soda and water.  Drain in colander before placing inside crock pot, stock pot, or sauce pan.)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. garlic, diced
• 1 cup boiled, diced bratwurst or smoked sausage (place sausage in medium saucepan and simmer gently for about 15 minutes which helps to remove some of the excess calories.)
• 2 tsp. Chipotle Chile Pepper
• 1 tsp. ground kosher salt, optional
• 1 - 15 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 - 15 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Add water to achieve desired consistency

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS:

• This recipe can be prepared in a stock pot or saucepan on top of the stove or in a crock pot.
• If using a crock pot, cook on high level for approximately 6 hours to assure that beans are thoroughly cooked.
• Serve with bread or rolls.
• Diced potatoes can also be added to the recipe, if desired.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Bake a pan of diced green chile cornbread and serve with this delicious soup.
• Cooked rice is also a tasty accompaniment. 

Soup's on, so enjoy!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Always The More"

As I reflect upon the countless blessings

            That You have showered down on me,

I am thankful for each and every one of them,

            Even for those blessings I cannot see.           

For unconditional love that flows from Your heart,

            For the breath of life You breathe into me,

For the gift of salvation and words of eternal life,

            For the gift of grace and mercy in a time of need.

For the gift of forgiveness that is freely given,

            For the unspeakable joy that floods my soul,

For the peace that calms the raging storm,

            For the gift of healing that makes me whole.

For Your light that shines in the darkest of nights,

            For the gift of faith and hope when all else fails.

For the song of deliverance when I am afraid,

            For the freedom I have to worship You above all                             else.

For Your gift of redemption, my soul is redeemed.

            For your Presence in my life that You are here.

For Your promise that You have overcome the world,

            And Your words to us to be of good cheer.

For the gift of my family, loved ones and friends,

            There are not enough words to adequately express,

For the many ways You have shown me Your love,

            And that through them my life is truly blessed.

           

For You alone are the One I worship and praise,

            You are the One I am living for.

For You, oh Lord, are a God Who is never-the-less,

            For You are a God Who is always-the-more.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Heaven's Delight"

                                            

Sounds and sights of Christmas are everywhere,

          While an array of joyous songs fill the air.

There are decorated cookies and delicious candy canes,

          As Christmas lights twinkle in frosted window panes.

Artfully wrapped presents under the Christmas tree,

          Await Christmas morning for children filled with glee.

The aroma of Christmas dinner fills the air with the fixings to enjoy,

          Our grateful hearts overflow with many reasons to rejoice.

Family, friends and loved ones all gather around,

          Sharing smiles and laughter as love abounds.

Christmas carols and holy Nativity scenes,

          Cause us to remember a Baby born, a Humble King.

Angels gave Glory to God, announcing the Savior’s birth,

          And shepherds heard their joyful praises filling the earth.

Wise men searched for the King following Bethlehem’s Star,

          Bearing gifts, bowing down in worship with all their hearts.

We may not know the exact day that our Savior was born,

          But that does not diminish the truth that He is our Lord.

God's love for all of us was placed on display,

          The Glory of God revealed to us on the first Christmas Day.

Heaven's Gift of Love came to dwell in our midst,

          We open wide our hearts and receive His precious gift.

He fills our hearts with His presence, glory and light,

          Emmanuel, God with us, Heaven’s delight.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.    

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Sweet & Savory ~~ Spearmint Tea

There's nothing quite like a cup of hot tea on a snowy winter day!  It warms your body, soul, mind and spirit.

I grew the spearmint plant during the summer and fall months in one of my wooden backyard planters, trimming it before the first frost.

Secondly, I tied the bundle of leaves with a piece of string and suspended it from an old shower curtain until the leaves were completely dried.

I was in for a real surprise when I prepared my first cup of tea by placing a few of the dried leaves inside a tea strainer and poured hot water over the top. This yielded a far more intense flavor than making tea from the dried leaves inside a tea bag which I had purchased several months prior thereto. 

This whole exercise has given me some great planting ideas for the spring of 2017.  What variety of tea should I try next?

Stay warm, and enjoy!

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Sweet & Savory - Triple Layer Chocolate Lovers Delight

Calling all chocolate lovers!  This triple layer delight is sure to delight. It's a tad labor intensive to prepare, but well worth the time and effort.

CAKE INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp. salt, optional
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 tsp. vanilla
  

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Place cocoa powder in a 2 cup glass measuring cup.
• Heat water to boiling and blend thoroughly with cocoa powder.  Set aside.
• Mix butter until creamy.
• Add granulated sugar and beat with mixer until thoroughly blended.
• Fold in eggs.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder.
• Add the flour mixture and cocoa powder/water mixture alternately to the butter mixture.
• Mix at low speed on mixer until blended.
• Add vanilla.
• Pour batter into three 9 inch round cake pans that have been lined with wax paper which sides and bottoms have been sprayed with Baker's Joy or some other brand of non-stick baking spray with flour.
• Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Cool in cake pans on cooling racks for 10 minutes.
• Remove cakes from pans.
• Cool completely on cooling racks.

FILLING FOR BOTH LAYERS:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar, approximately
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Whip heavy cream and vanilla until foamy as you gradually add the powdered sugar.
• Whip until soft peaks form.
• Chill while you prepare the frosting.

FROSTING;

• 2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar, approximately
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup half & half

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Place butter, chocolate chips, and half & half in double broiler.  
• Melt ingredients in double boiler using medium heat and stirring until well blended.
• Remove from heat.
• Add confectioner's sugar.
• Place top of double broiler in a large bowl of ice water.
• Mix at low speed with hand mixer until frosting starts to hold shape and loses its glossy texture.
• You may need to add a titch more half & half to achieve the frosting spreading consistency you desire.

FINISHING THE CAKE:

• Select your cake serving plate or platter.
• Gently brush crumbs from each layer of the cooled cake.
• Place first layer of cake onto platter.
• Spread 1/2 of whipping cream mixture on top of first layer.
• Place second layer of cake on top of whipped cream mixture.
• Spread second layer with remaining whipped cream mixture.
• Using a sturdy thin spatula, start on the sides of the cake, and spread frosting evenly all the way around the cake.
• Spread remaining frosting on top of cake.
• Chill prior to serving.
• Refrigerate left over cake if you have any left over!

This is the perfect dessert for the holidays which will be a nice compliment to any entree.

If you are a chocoholic, I would love to hear your opinion regarding this cake recipe.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "His Paintbrush"

                                The serene evening sky
                                     flashed its pinks and blues,
                                 What a treat for my eyes
                                     as I fixated on the hues.

                                 The rose colored blend
                                      appeared to the left
                                  While the bluish-purple one
                                      veered to the right.
                                  I wondered if the neighbors
                                      had witnessed this glorious sight.

                                  The clouds appeared so 
                                       low on the horizon,
                                   I had to look carefully.
                                   It seemed as if they touched 
                                        the ground,
                                   But I knew that couldn't be.

                                   A perfect picture was framed
                                       with the clouds as a background,
                                   Dotted lush green landscapes
                                       and tall trees did abound.

                                   God must have used His paintbrush
                                       to decorate the big sky.
                                   I'm just thankful I saw it
                                       as I was leisurely driving by.


Photo credits ~~ Sharon Breshears Photography, Gooding, Idaho.  For a real treat, take a gander at Sharon's photo gallery on her Facebook page.  Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.breshears.1/photos_all

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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