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Share the Love – Create Your Own Valentines from Jo Rae Johnson on Vimeo.
Southerners know what’s for dinner on New Years Day. Legend has it the eating of this meal guarantees the new year will bring luck and money. While I’m not sure about all that, I do know this dish is tasty and good for you.
My choice of entree is ham (pork-for luck). Side items include collard greens (your greenbacks) and black-eyed peas (as in keep the change). Collards are a “super food” and a good source of vitamin A, C, calcium and fiber. Black-eyed peas (actually a bean) serve up multiple health benefits as well. Just 1/2 cup of dry peas cooked provide 5.6 grams of fiber and 239 mg of potassium. Fiber and potassium help lower your risk of heart disease and help keep your blood pressure levels at healthy numbers. Potassium also supports the health of your muscles and bones.
I admit I haven’t enjoyed these wonderful foods since last New Years day. After enjoying them again today I’ve resolved to include these super foods in our diet more often than just once a year. Here’s my recipe for collards that is a crowd pleaser that even prior haters of greens will love.
16 oz pre-washed collard greens
ham hock or remnants from Christmas ham
32 oz natural chicken broth
1 tbsp Cider vinegar
1/8 tsp hot pepper flakes
2 tsp stevia
salt to taste
Bring ingredients to a boil in large pan. Cover and reduce to medium low heat and cook until greens are tender. We top our greens with a dose of vinegar and some fresh cut onions. Yummy, good for you and low-calorie (25 calories for 2 cups)
6 lbs. apples
3 cups apple cider
6 cups sugar (I used 5 cups white, 1 brown)
3 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
3/4 tsp. ground allspice
Making Home Churned Ice Cream from Jo Rae Johnson on Vimeo.
STRAWBERRY HOME CHURNED ICE CREAM
INGREDIENTS:
2 (14 OZ) CANS SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK
5 CUPS WHOLE MILK
2 CUPS HEAVY CREAM
2 TABLESPOONS VANILLA EXTRACT
1/2 TSP SALT
3 CUPS CHOPPED RIPE FRUIT (I USED STRAWBERRIES)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine milks, cream, vanilla, and salt in freezer canister of ice cream maker. Pulse fruit in a blender (you can add some of the milk mixture in with the fruit to help in mixing). Add blended fruit to can and stir with a spatula. Plug in electric ice cream churn. While unit is rotating, layer ice and rock salt layers to top of canister. Motor will stop when ice cream is complete.
The main ingredients for this soup are found inside your pantry and frig. I hate to throw away food so when cold weather hits and our food stock needs purging this is my go to soup. Leftovers, fresh vegetables in danger of going bad, as well as expiring fresh juices can be combined to make a delicious, nutritious meal without a trip to the store. Each batch of this soup is as unique as what’s inside your home. Here’s my recipe for today’s soup:
Base:*
(2) 32 oz. V-8 Juice (about to expire and bought in bulk at Costco) 1) 24 0z. All Natural Pasta Sauce with MushroomLeftovers:
Jasmine rice Home made salsa Assorted cut vegetablesFresh Vegetables:
Dandelion Greens – stems removed and cut into 1/2” pieces Collard Greens – stems removed and cut into 1/2” pieces Yellow Onion – diced Red Potatoes – washed thoroughly and diced leaving skin on Sugar Snap Peas (whole)Pantry:
All Natural Chopped Tomato’s (without preservatives)Freezer:
Assorted Soup VegetablesSpices:
Mint, Italian Seasoning, Salt, PepperMeat:
Lean cubed beef browned in olive oil and chopped fresh garlic then add to soupPlace items in crockpot and cook on high for 8 hours. Easily serves a family of six. Leftovers provide hubby’s lunch the following day and I freeze the rest for future meals.
*Tomato Juice or soup could be substituted. Add water to thin condensed soups.
Here’s an idea for a lovely low cost wreath!
Items Needed:
120 Sweet Gum Balls
Styrofoam or Straw Wreath
Can of Silver Spray Paint
Glue gun & glue
Toothpicks
Ribbon for Hanging
Floral Picks to Attach Ribbon
Spray Glitter or Spray Adhesive and Loose Glitter
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:17-19
I’ll never forget the moment I gazed upon my children for the first time. Love bubbled up from deep within my soul and flooded me with its intensity. Extreme joy came simultaneously with a bond that made me want to clutch them to my breast and never let them go. Repeatedly Timothy and Lauren have been told, “I love you more than life itself.” Through my words, touches, acts of service, and decisions, I have attempted to give them roots saturated with my love. Understanding the love God has for me as His child has been sometimes more difficult. I remind myself that Jesus put action behind His words as well. He loves me more than life, and He proved it on the cross. His is a perennial love and no greater love exists than the love He has demonstrated. Claim this scripture today and pray it over yourself and those you love. As your trust in God deepens, your faith strengthens. The soil of his love is rich, replenishing, and can never be outgrown. Soak your roots in His love, He never lets go – you’ll always be grounded in our Father’s care. Thought for the Day: Unfathomable is the depth of the Father’s love.
With a snap of latex against my wrists, I pulled on gloves with surgeon-like precision. Today was the day. The uncertainty was gone and along with it the guilt. With determination and a steady hand I focused and aimed while pressing down on the trigger.
A loud pop interrupted my concentration and I released my grip and gazed at a darkening sky. A ball of light exploded, cascading trails of red, white and blue. A smile spread across my face and my face relaxed. Color faded into the horizon and I continued my application of long swaths of bright purple over the unstained, boring, and nondescript swing. It was July 4th—Independence Day—and I knew he wouldn’t be coming back.
A couple of months had passed since I began this project. I’d painted the Adirondack chair and ottoman purple to brighten the shaded area under the mammoth mulberry tree adorning a corner of our yard, Lime green accents were added by way of a small table sitting next to the chair and a few accessories.
An appetizing palate of citrus-colored cushions were added. Neighbors on their evening strolls, exclaimed how much they loved the burst of color found under the trees. My next piece to paint was the swing.
I was more than surprised when out of the blue my husband forbid me to paint the swing. I’d coated everything outdoors with a rainbow array of spray paint and I changed the colors often. Our garage floor looked like an artist’s tarp with its myriad of colors from over-spray. But the swing was just the latest thing on which to disagree, so reluctantly I left it untouched.
Our flags should have flown at half-mast Memorial Day in recognition of our dying relationship. By the time he moved out in June, the light of our love, which had burned so brightly at the beginning, was so dim it was difficult to see.
In the wake of his departure many projects were set aside and I realized the untouched swing symbolized the hope that he’d return. Picking up that paint can represented my independence and ended his control over me.
The experience of divorce taught me that life is a story with many beginnings and endings. As this chapter closed, I opened my eyes to the full spectrum of color unseen while immersed within the beige pages of this marriage.
Although I’m in the “middle years” of life, I feel like a child with the largest box of crayons and a new coloring book. With each colorful opportunity God brings my way, I grow in my dependence and trust in Him. Discovering who God created you to be outside a relationship can be an adventure. Who knows-you might even experience some fireworks in a shade all your own.
Author Andrea Palpant Dilley has graciously provided a chapter of her book for readers to enjoy. With truth and transparency Andrea takes readers along her bumpy spiritual road of discovery. Enjoy the ride.
Click on Link Below to Read Chapter:
Faith and Other Flat Tires Sample Chapter
A garden would not be southern if not for hydrangeas. The sunset shades of pink, purple, and blue add early summer color to gardens fading from spring’s early sunshine. Hydrangea blossoms last for days inside when arranged in a vase filled with water or you can enjoy them forever when you attach them to a simple straw wreath and allow the flowers to dry in place. I purchase these straw wreaths from Goodwill or other thrift stores for around .50 to $1.00.
I prefer a straw wreath, but you can buy a wire wreath form and fill it in with moss. Be sure and stuff it very full and tight to give you resistance when pushing the pins in. Wreaths come in a multitude of sizes and shapes and provide you with lots of options.
The other item you’ll need is floral pins. You can pick up a 2 ounce package of these u-shape pins 
for $1.47. I found mine at Hobby Lobby, but any craft store should have them.
Next you’ll need your flowers. I have several choices of colors in my garden and decided to go with blue as the core color with a hint of pink for added interest. Cut blossoms from your hydrangea bushes or you can purchase cut blooms at local grocery stores. I’ve found them at Whole Foods, Publix, and Bi-Lo here in the upstate of South Carolina. If you don’t have hydrangeas available, you can use roses instead.
Although I didn’t use it in this wreath, you might want to gather some baby’s breath. I keep mine from the floral arrangements I’ve been given, and also plant Euphorbia each year in containers. It dries beautifully and looks great in cut arrangements. I also use raffia and shear ribbon (in a complimentary color to my blossoms) to make a decorative hanger.
When I pulled out my decorations for the holiday I discovered I needed new napkins. I found these bandanas at Hobby Lobby. Words cover the cloth–words of the benefits we enjoy as Americans–Equal, Citizen, Liberty, Justice, and of course Freedom. Words that express character traits like Truth, Devotion, Genuine, Integrity, and Loyalty. Words that represent icons of our country like Stars, Flag, and Home. Interestingly enough, the most important word of all was missing–God.
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. Flags flying and tabletops decorated with a red, white, and blue theme help remind me of the sacrifices others have made for my freedom. Men like my father who served twenty-one years in the Air Force. His influence and growing up in a military home infused my life with such love of America that my blood bleeds the colors of our flag.
Love of country extends to our next generation as well. Dakota Smith (son of my friend Kaye George Smith) joined the Marine Corps right out of high school and is currently in basic training in Parris Island.
And so did J.R. Glenn, who ran track with my son Timothy at Mauldin High, and is serving in Kanoehe, Hawaai in the 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines.
As I enjoy food and fellowship with friends and family today, I will remember Dakota, J.R. and others who have served our country or are serving now. My freedom cost you something. Some paid with their lives. Some lost their Father or Mother, Brother or Sister, Son or Daughter. Like Jesus paid the price for our sins, you’ve paid the price for our freedom. And like Jesus, you did it willingly. Words like sacrifice, valor, honor, and service come to mind. So if you’ve served or are serving in our military–Thanks.
The Kings James Bible may be 400 years old, but the things we say to our kids and one another hasn’t changed much. Many popular sayings originated from the KJV. So just for fun, I thought I’d walk you through my life, King James Version style. See how many of these phrases you recognize.
My parents were a wonderful source of Bible idioms. Often when I’d ask for money they’d respond, “You can’t get blood out of a turnip” (Genesis 4:2-5). Yeah, but what did that have to do with my going to the movies?
I guess I had my head in the clouds (Job 20:6), and also was prone to shoot off my mouth (Psalm 64:3-4), at least from my parents’ point of view. They certainly told me often enough that I was asking for it (Proverbs 18:6), and they didn’t mean money. After all, everyone knew if you gave me enough rope, I’d hang myself (Psalm 141:10) and they were right. A little freedom can be dangerous, in fact my parents thought I’d gone to the dogs (I Kings 21:19-23) in my efforts to show them a thing or two (I Samuel 14:12).
After I moved out on my own, I realized some truths for myself. Paying the bills meant burning the midnight oil (Mathew 25:1-10) by working two and sometimes three jobs. And although I admit some of my plans were half-baked (Hosea 7:8), and at times I did go hog wildfor crying out loud (Mathew 27:46). (Mark 5:13), I did the best I could
I finally grew up, got married, and had two kids of my own. I often complained they wouldn’t lift a finger to help (Luke 11:46) around the house and that my husband and I couldn’t see eye to eye (Isaiah 52:8). His discipline was based on spare the rod, spoil the child (Proverbs 13:24) while I thought it better to teach them a lesson (Judges 8:16) another way.
I’ve never been great at relationships, so it was no surprise when my marriage bit the dust (Ps 72:9). Although I was laughing on the outside, I was crying on the inside (Proverbs 14:13), and added to my losses were a few fair-weather friends (Proverbs 17:17).
As a single parent, I learned it’s a jungle out there (Proverbs 22:13), but raising my children was a labor of love (I Thess. 3:10). We ate so much macaroni and cheese it was coming out our ears (Numbers 11:20) and plenty of teachable moments (Deut 6:4-9), most of them mine. Like the time my son, Timothy, got in the car from daycare covered in dirt. I asked, “How could you get so dirty?” He replied, “Mama, it’s what kids do.” Great wisdom comes from out of the mouths of babes (Ps. 8:2).
At Christmas we learned it’s more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35), but that didn’t keep Timothy and Lauren from making their lists too. Thankfully, just the reminder of Santa’s naughty or nice (Prov. 15:3) record kept the kids in line. I needed all the help I could get. After all, surviving on one income had me tearing my hair out (Ezra 9:3) over the cost of toys and God forbid (Romans 3:4) I should run up a large credit card bill I’d have to repay.
How quickly the years past, and in a twinkling of an eye (I Corn. 15:52) the children were gone. Little did I know I’d be out of sight, out of mind (Ps. 31:12). Stung a little, you know? Even when the writing is on the wall (Dan. 5:5) we’re never prepared for the apples of our eye (Due. 32:10) to leap out of the tree.
I had to learn to get a life (I John 5:11-13) when their leaving had turned my world upside down (Acts 17:6). No longer defined as someone’s wife or mother, I felt like a stranger in a strange land (Exodus 2:21-22). I had put all my eggs in one basket (Eccl 11:2) and the transition to living alone has been a rude awakening (Prov. 27:14).
I’m doing so much better now, after all it’s too late to close the barn door (Eccl. 10:11). No man is an island (Rom 14:7) and I’ve found life’s easier when I connect often with my friends. I admit dating has been a fly in the ointment (Eccl. 10:1) and it’s definitely survival of the fittest (Eccl. 9:11) at this age.
The best part of being alone is I have a dream (Jeremiah 23:25) of creating word pictures (Prov. 25:11), and now I have the time to do it. I guess there is a time and season for everything (Eccl. 3:1), and my time is now!
If you’re still in the midst of raising your children, cheer up (Deut. 24:5), your day is coming (Psalm 37:13). You may feel as if you’re at your wit’s end (Psalm 107:27), but I suggest you practice what you preach (Mathew 23:3), because we know what goes around comes around (Deut. 32:35).
