SANDRA

                                                               Sandra

I’ve begun to catch my breath, and I’m eager to share a little about one of the most wonderful women our Lord ever created.

We speak more days than not.  I’m that blessed. 

I took today to write about her because, after having to clear out a storage box of treasures that became wet when rain poured in under my front door, I found the yo-yo pin she made me long ago. 

It’s not going back in that box, either.  I’ve already hung it on my “friends” wall.  If you’ve never made a yo-yo, take it from me, it’s not as easy as it appears.  Especially if you make several hundred to sew together into a quilt!  But, if you’re gifted, like my friend, Sandra (she doesn’t like being called Sandy) its pure pleasure.  That is, until your hands begin to ache from the tedious and repetitive motion.

If they do, I hope, like her, you just let go of that fun part of your life and look for something else to do to bless others, while enjoying yourself.  

She seemingly can’t be licked.  Not no way.  Not no how. 

~

I, Pencil - Leonard E. Read SUPPLY CHAIN +++

      

                ACCIDENTAL DELIGHT

It was suggested I watch You Tube to learn about the "I Pencil" for my unused I-Pad.  

I Goggled "I Pencil" and found this treasure!  It's about 13 minutes long, and quite enlightening!

Have fun.   I did.  

THINGS HAVEN'T (REALLY) CHANGED

 

(Answer Below)

Maybe I do this on purpose yet unawares.  Again I find myself feeling like an odd man out.  A very odd man.

I’m in this Covid-19 disaster, but, I’m not jostled, even though I’ve seen and heard lots of people tell me about the sky falling.  That may be too harsh.  I realize this is not make-believe.  It’s not hype.  It’s happening. 

However, if I may express my personal experience in this, things haven't really changed much.  

I feel like a misfit.  But, I believe we, as a collective, include an occasional misfit.  So, I’m ok with it.     

-

Someone:  “What am/are I/we going to do?” 

Me:  “No one knows.”

Someone:  “How can I stay safe?”

Me:  “Do your very best to follow people who know more than you and seem to want to help.  But, don’t forget, no one is really ever “safe” in the ways you’re hoping to find safety.

Someone:  “What if______________”

Me:  “No one knows.”

Someone:  “Will things ever be normal again?”

Me:  I read a saying I’ve grown to love that would fit nicely here:  “Normal is just a setting on the washing machine.”  (Reader’s Digest)

One person’s normal is another person’s abnormal.

-

I’m not thrilled to realize every change will not seem wonderful, but my course is set to forge ahead expectantly.

Things will never be exactly the same.  Things change continuously.  

They always have.  They always will.   

(Answer to Odd One Out challenge:  The man on the right is slightly larger.)

SEVENTEEN SISTERS (I counted)

This is a story about Seventeen women, (widows and singles).

Some knew each other.

Some didn’t. 

Their intent was to study through 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers (died 2007) and her husband, Warren Myers who is also gone from the earth (Died 2001).

Surprise! Surprise!  God was there!

Some women spoke.  Many really.

Their love and believable relationships with our Lord was made obvious. 

I liked it!

Still, I had my doubts.

Having read the “assigned” (strike 1) reading in the book ($5) I had mixed feelings.  I had been reading Pursuit of Holiness and that author had been a “Navigator” (so was Mr. Myers). I wasn’t familiar with that group, but my dear friend, Sharon said her Dad, and I think her Mom too, was connected to something the Navigators were a part of.  So, that was enough for me to maintain a glimmer of hope I might learn something worthwhile.

Anyway, The Holiness book wasn’t looking too promising after 4 chapters.  There were inconsistencies and lots of “you must’s.” The biggest faux-pas was, “If you (fill in the blank) __________, you might not be saved.”  Yikes!

So, I’m saying strike 2 going in.

However, as my gentle, and wise Savior does so often, He toned me down enough to see through the troubling wording of “the book”, and He touched two dear sister’s hearts (who led the group) to reach through the offensive wording and pull out the essence of what the material said, which was divine. 

It said, (in essence), “You can be closer to God, and more like what He planned for you.  This book may help.”

I committed to the entire 6 weeks! 

Thanking, once again, our Heavenly Father, and fully expecting much from these sisters I’ve just been acquainted with, and of course, the precious one I already knew. 

a few months later…

The study group didn’t disappoint, which for me was a miracle.  I seem to hold people and groups who claim to know our Savior to such very high standards, I’m almost always disappointed.  But, not this time!

Lovingly, Linda

 

SAY, WHA?

SAY, WHA?

Here’s a good one to ponder.

“Disinterested benevolence.” 

Completely foreign in concept, right?  That’s because it’s heavenly. 

Just to make sure we’re on the same page, I’m talking about doing something benevolent (generous, kind, thoughtful+.) and then forgetting all about it. 

It sounded super weird to me at first, but on further consideration, I could see something admirable in it.  So, of course, I determined to give it a go. 

I found I was right.  It is super weird.  Know what was inconspicuously missing?  I was.  I mean I wasn’t taking into account how I might benefit, or how I might lose something if I (fill in the blank) ed.

So, I managed to send myself on an imaginary hike somewhere, and was more or less benevolent.  I admit it was in a small way.   I sleuthed about so successfully, not even I could have recounted the impact of my mini-benevolence.  Truth be told, I do remember it.  But, forgetting has happened here and there as I continue to sleuth about looking for times I might commit these “disinterested benevolent” acts, I think I’m getting better at forgetting.  It has happened. 

I LIKED IT! 

As with most new behaviors, I am finding new ways to be disinterestedly benevolent, and new blessings from perfecting this “super weird” behavior.  It’s an ongoing adventure, one of my favorite things!

I’m having trouble coming up with examples to tell you, as to aid in your own adventures, because (of course) I’ve forgotten most of them.  But, I do remember one I re-use from time to time.  

This wasn’t really my own idea, except maybe for the last part, but you may have heard occasionally someone in line (usually at a fast-food restaurant drive-through) pays for the order of the car behind them. 

Well, that’s an example, only in this case, you don’t check their reaction in your rear-view mirror, and you tell the ole’ memory to forget what just happened.  Isn’t that a blast?

Writin' ain't what it used to be

Today, as I searched for a publisher, I came across Blazevox Books.  These publishers narrow down writing requirements to a simple criteria today's writer's might really understand.  Well, I do.

Their criteria, and I quote, "...your work must not suck."

Reference page 230 of Writer's Market 2015

Many Uses for Milk

Lately, I have been enjoying the many wonders of plain old milk.  It started when my path crossed not one, but two dear women from India who made yogurt almost daily.  I found out many people from India do. 

When I tasted it, I asked one of them how they did it.  Wow!  It’s easy!  So, I’ve been making my own for a couple years now.  It’s less expensive, and more delicious, and very kind to my inner-workings. 

From the yogurt, I've made smoothies, soft cheese (similar to cream cheese) and of course regular and Greek-style yogurt.  I’m getting ready to make some flavored yogurt for my husband.  I’m planning to try peach first.

Since my openness to make-it-yourself yogurt, I've become aware of several other dairy products that don’t look too intimidating.  A quick Google search turns up homemade mozzarella, sour cream, ricotta, cottage cheese, kefir, buttermilk, and of course butter.  I did do the butter…it’s also gratifying. 

Of course, all I have to do is go to a dairy department and I could find most of these dairy products, but what’s the fun in that? 

My personal method is a combo from several posts I've read, and You-Tube video’s I've watched, people I've talked to about it, and tweaks I developed after having done it myself. 

To get my recipe for homemade yogurt just click here more…

For your first batch, you’ll need a little yogurt (about 4 Tablespoons).  It is important for it to have live cultures in it.  I used Dannan plain yogurt and it worked great.  After your first batch, you can save about 4 Tablespoons of your own yogurt and use that instead of store-bought.

You’ll need a heavy saucepan.  I use a three-quart one, and fill it about ½ of the way with milk.  I use either whole or 2% milk, but I’m pretty sure you can use any kind.

Heat milk to a temperature between 170 and 180 degrees.  I use a candy thermometer clipped to the side of my saucepan.  It’s important for the metal bulb of the thermometer to be toward mid-depth, to get an accurate reading.  I shoot for 175 degrees.  It’s easy to read on my thermometer.  I like using a wooden spoon to stir it occasionally.  It is important for the bottom not to become scorched. 

Remove from heat and let milk cool to between 105 and 110 degrees.

If you remembered to bring your starter yogurt to room temperature, you can stir in 4 or more tablespoons of it now.  If you didn't remember, you can “temper” it by pouring about ½ cup of the milk into the starter yogurt and stirring it well.  Then, add it to the heated milk. 

Now the mixture must cure.  It’s best to have a warmish area for this.  I accomplish my warm area by turning on my oven light and setting the pot on an oven rack.  Yes, I close the oven door. I keep the pot uncovered so condensation doesn't form and drip back on the mixture.

So, that’s really it, except for waiting 6—8 hours for the yogurt to solidify.  It’s wonderful—after the time period--you open the oven and check by sampling a teaspoon or so.  It is very yummy, and mild.  Ohhh this is my favorite part. 

If it’s not sour or solid enough for you, let it set longer.  This is a matter of taste.  I think about 12 hours would be all you’ll want to try. 

I put mine right into the fridge after covering the saucepan.  I use my yogurt from the pan, but I have poured it into glass jars before the curing time, and that worked well too.  I think I read somewhere not to disturb the warm yogurt too much, so I wouldn't pour it into jars after it firms up.  Anyway, becomes quite a bit thicker as it cools in the fridge, so don't worry if yours seems too soft.  

I'd love to hear how it goes for you.