Tapestry Threads

Steven Curtis Chapman "Yours" New Verse

2011-05-15T12:21:00.005-04:00

This is such a sobering song, especially the new verse written after his little daughters fatal accident, three years ago this week. God has truly used this man, and his family to minister His love, forgiveness, salvation and restoration to hurting and even dying people. I thank Steven for sharing his gift of music, but more importantly for being transparent and allowing us a glimpse into the secret moments as God deals with his soul.

"YOURS" (With New Verse) Written and Sung by Steven Curtis Chapman

I walk the streets of London,
And notice in the faces passing by,
Something that makes me stop and listen,
My heart grows heavy with the cry.

Where is the hope for London?
You whisper and my heart begins to soar;
As I'm reminded,
Every street in London is Yours! Oh, yes it is, God!

I walk the dirt roads of Uganda,
I see the scars that war has left behind.
Hope like the sun is fading,
They are waiting for a cure no one can find.

And I hear children's voices singing,
Of a God Who heals, and rescues and restores
And I'm reminded
That every child in Africa is Yours!

CHORUS
And its (we) all (are) Yours, God, Yours God,
Everything is Yours!
From the stars in the sky,
To the depths of the ocean floor!
And its all Yours God, Yours God,
Everything is Yours!
You're the Maker and Keeper,
Father and Ruler of everything!
It's all Yours!

And I walk the sidewalks of Nashville,
Like Singapore, Manilla and Shanghai.
I brush by the beggar's hand and the wealthy man,
And everywhere I look, I realize,

That just like the streets of London,
For every man and woman, boy and girl,
All of creation,
This is our Father's world!

BACK TO CHORUS

I've walked the valley of death's shadow,
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe.
I've had to let go of more than I could bear,
And I've questioned everything that I believe.

But still, even here, in this great darkness,
A comfort and a hope comes breaking through.
And I can say in life, or death,
God we belong to You!

Have a Blessed Resurrection Day!

2011-04-24T17:03:00.001-04:00

Thank you Jesus, for what you did for us!

God Speaking, sung by Mandisa

2011-04-09T09:43:00.000-04:00

"Not Guilty!"

2011-04-09T07:34:00.003-04:00

Taken from "My Utmost For His Highest - April 6, 2011"

THE COLLISION OF GOD AND SIN

The Cross of Christ is the revealed truth of God's judgement on sin. Never associate the idea of martydom with the Cross of Christ. It was the supreme triumph, and it shook the very foundations of hell. There is nothing in time or eternity more absolutely certain and irrefutable than what Jesus Christ accomplished on the Cross - He made it possible for the entire human race to be brought back into a right standing relationship with God. He made redemption the foundation of human life; that is, He made a way for every person to have fellowship with God.

The Cross was not something that happened to Jesus - He came to die; the Cross was His purpose in coming. He is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). The incarnation of Christ would have no meaning without the Cross. Beware of separating "God was manifested in the flesh. . ." from ". . . He made Him . . . to be sin for us . . ." (1 Timothy 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21). The purpose of the incarnation was redemption. God came in the flesh to take sin away, not to accomplish something for Himself. The Cross is the central event in time and eternity, and answer to all the problems of both.

The Cross is not the cross of man, but the Cross of God, and it can never be fully comprehended through human experience. The Cross is God exhibiting His nature. It is the gate through which any and every individual can enter into oneness with God. But it is not a gate we pass right through; it is one where we abide in the life that is found here.

The heart of salvation is the Cross of Christ. The reason salvation is so easy to obtain is that it cost God so much. The Cross was the place where God and sinful man merged with a tremendous collision and where the way to life was opened. But all the cost and pain of the collision was absorbed by the heart of God.

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Of The Church

2011-03-20T15:37:00.000-04:00

How Can I Be Saved? THE BRIDGE-A Gospel Presentation

2011-03-19T14:21:00.002-04:00

Gospel In One Minute

2011-03-19T14:19:00.000-04:00

Russ Lee - Living Life Upside Down [Original] Slideshow

2011-03-19T14:00:00.001-04:00

<< 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 >>
King James Version
1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

TRUTH - Holy of Holies

2011-01-19T18:32:00.001-05:00

MULLET ALERT!!! This is how I remember "Truth" way back in the mid 80's.

Listen to "Truth" member Andy Chrisman sing "Holy of Holies" who would later be the tenor in the "Truth" sister band "4 Him" made up of Truth Alumni. "Truth" worshiped the Lord like no other band I had ever heard before and their vocals, unmatched.

Truth Farewell Tour

2011-01-19T18:16:00.001-05:00

Under the direction of Roger Breland, Alum gather on stage to sing a "Truth" oldie but goodie, "Majesty". How I would have loved to be in attendance to witness this event.

Truth - Farewell Tour 80's Duets

2011-01-19T17:24:00.004-05:00

I discovered this vid of a group named "Truth", one of my all-time favorite singing groups. The Director, Roger Breland and "Truth" visited my church (First Baptist of Perrine, FL) quite often when I was 16 years old. They made quite an impression on my life. I aspired to be a part of them one day, but my Lord had different plans for my life.

I discovered early on that Mr. Roger Breland has a special musical touch that rubs off on everyone that he comes into contact with. If you are a fan of "Truth", you know what I am talking about. Dr. Breland has been busy with other ministries these days, as he is Director of Performing Arts at University of Mobile. Look at some of my other posts to see "Voices of Mobile". These young people are refreshing to watch and so very talented. They are a pleasure to experience. Oh, and that Breland touch is definitely on them. It is like I am listening to Truth all over again. I love them!

I hope you enjoy watching, as much as I have enjoyed seeing these old friends again and hearing and singing along to these old songs again.

It's Still the Cross

2011-01-18T22:43:00.001-05:00

Sit back and enjoy the singing ministry of the "Voices of Mobile" singing "It's Still the Cross". You will find the lyrics types below.

IT'S STILL THE CROSS(Performed by Voices of Mobile)

[Verse 1]
It's not conservative, or liberal
However they're defined
It's not about interpretation
Or the judgment of the mind
It's the opposite of politics
Power or prestige
It's about a simple message
And whether we believe

[Chorus]
It's still the Cross
It's still the blood of Calvary
That cleanses sin
And sets the captive free
It's still the Name
The Name of Jesus that has power to save the lost
It's still the Cross

[Verse 2]
Now we can water down theology
And preach the Word to suit our needs
We can justify sweet subtle lies
That are wrapped in noble deeds
We can alter our convictions
To adapt to social whims
But we cannot change the Gospel
Or the Truth contained within

[Chorus]

Though some may say it's man's religion
Or ancient history
The Cross of Jesus still remains
The price for sin
That sets us free!!!

[Chorus]

It's still the Cross

Voices of Mobile

2011-01-18T22:23:00.000-05:00

Here is another video to enjoy from "Voices of Mobile". The opener of the song was originally sung by "Truth". This truly allows us to see the strong influence of Roger Breland.

Glory Giver

2011-01-18T22:05:00.002-05:00

The group performing this song (originally recorded by the "Annie Moses Band") is called "Voices of Mobile". The strings provided by Ellie Thomas, member of "Voices of Mobile". When I heard this, I knew I had to find the lyrics and post them here.

Glory Giver

I, I am a bride, waiting for her first kiss.
I, I am a child, dancing in the river.
I am a worshipper, basking in the bliss
Of the Glory, of the Glory Giver.
Instrumental
I, I am a saint, dressed in robes of pure white.
I, I am a jewel, set in finest silver.
I am a follower walking in the light
Of the Glory, of the Glory Giver.
Instrumental
I, I am a pearl, purchased at a great price.
I, I am an heir, chosen and delivered.
I am a miracle bursting with the life
Of the Glory, of the Glory Giver.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-09T15:16:00.005-05:00

Whew! Where did Thanksgiving and Christmas go? We are already almost into the middle of January. I return back to work tomorrow after a nice long three week break. I really didn't even do much baking after the Christmas rush. It's been really nice to have some time to rest. Of course, I could use more time to get things done. I didn't accomplish everything on my "TTD" list (that's "Things to Do")- (wink!).

I thought it would be nice to spend my last day of my break doing things I really enjoy. After breakfast with my BFF (my hubby), we went to see a new movie. It was really great. As I sit here listening to the soundtrack and watching some of the videos (find some at the bottom of my blog), I find myself dabbing tears as I reflect over the movie. The movie, entitled "Country Strong" starring Gwyneth Paltrow (my new favorite actress and country singer) and of course, Mr. Eye Candy, himself, Tim McGraw. He is becoming quite the actor.

I won't leak any spoilers here, but will say that it was one of the best films I've seen in a long time. (Can you tell I really liked it???) I will see it again (might even purchase the DVD when released). I have heard that the critics didn't give it much of a thumbs up, probably explains why I liked it so much. It has been said that the critics said that the story-line was not strong enough. IMHO, I feel like there were many layers that left me thinking after the movie was over and you can take a lot from it. When the movie started, I found my eyes welling up with tears and really didn't know what the story was about. Hindsight is 20/20!

Whether you are a country music fan or not, I think you will really like if not love this film. The songs are great! I cannot wait until the soundtrack is released! Excellent songwriting. Check out the song, "Coming Home" as sung by Gwyneth Paltrow below.

Well, since we are beginning a new year, I figured it's a good time to start getting back into shape. So, Weight Watchers, here I come. I purchased a WW cookbook over break and I'm going to cook a few of the recipes, starting with Onion Soup. Yum! Not to worry, fellow cookiers, I'll still be baking. After all, Valentines Day is right around the corner. There are many cookies yet to bake!

So, with that, Have a very happy and healthy 2011 and...let the baking begin!

The Story of the Candy Maker's Witness

2010-12-22T20:04:00.006-05:00

Many years ago, a candy maker wanted to make a candy at Christmas time
that would serve as a witness to his Christian faith.
He wanted to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry
and death of Jesus. He began with a stick of pure white hard candy;
white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus;
hard to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the Church;
firmness to represent the promise of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J"
to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior.
He thought it could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd,
with which he reached down into the ditches of the world to lift out
the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker
stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes
to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received,
by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the
blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the
promise of eternal life. Unfortunately, the candy became known
as a candy cane - a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time.
But the true meaning is still there for those who have
eyes to see and ears to hear.

Christmas cookies!!!

2010-12-22T19:54:00.003-05:00

Hurray for the Minis!!

2010-10-31T20:55:00.005-04:00

Aren't these minis cute? I have been putting mini cookie pops in arrangements because they are so cute, especially when they are all wrapped up in their little packet with a bow or blinged up with sanding sugar. At the suggestion of a cookier in cyberspace, I made these sets and bagged them up in pretzel bags. How cool are these?!? I have seen a lot of them and there are so many possibilities for these cute little cookies. It seems that the minis will be around for awhile!

Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-24T07:35:00.005-04:00

I've been busy baking! Here are some pumpkin patch cookies I made for my step-daughter's fifth grade class. I mailed them and she said they arrived in perfect shape. I hope there will be a lot of happy kiddo's on Friday! Thanks to Karen at Karen's Cookies for the wonderful tutorial on these!

Got Weights?

2010-10-24T07:24:00.005-04:00

Here is a set I made for my co-worker's husband. It was his birthday and he is a chocolate lover. He's also been lifting weights his whole life. I suggested chocolate chip cookies and a weight lifting theme. They were so appreciative! It was a pure honor to make these for this sweet couple.

LIVE, from the Owl Box!

2010-09-26T18:17:00.007-04:00

Well, since we saw, "The Legend of the Guardians" today and it was sooo fantastically good, I thought it would be cool to link to the live feed in a real live owl box in San Marcos, CA. Here we can observe a day in the life, if you will, of owls and their owlets. Unfortunately, it appears that the owlets will "branch" soon and should be off on their new life adventure by October 1. I guess the camera will be shut off until momma "Molly" lays a new clutch of eggs. However, we can observe these little owlets for a few more days. My full-view button isn't working. Just click on "Ustream" in upper right hand corner to go to the website. I hope you enjoy this as much as we have. There are people all over the world waiting for these little babies to finally fly away. It will be exciting and sad at the same time!

flashvars="autoplay=false&brand=embed&cid=3034451&locale=en_US" width="375" height="239" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" id="utv803447" name="utv_n_343647" src="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/live/1/3034451?v3=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"

Thank You!

2010-09-25T17:03:00.004-04:00

I made this little arrangement for my hubbies co-worker as a thank you! For my birthday she bought me a 3 tier cooling rack for baking cookies. Now I can bake a ton of cookies at one time. I was thrilled, as I had been wanting one for quite a while, but always spent my money on other things and it kept getting bumped to the bottom of my wish list. I was so excited to receive this gift, as my kitchen space is very limited. Thank you so much, Alice!

Here are a few more in my "Buzz'n Buddies" collection!

Happy Birthday, Sheila!

2010-09-25T16:59:00.005-04:00

A co-worker wanted me to put together a little arrangement for her friend and co-worker!

Another Sympathy Arrangement!

2010-09-25T16:56:00.002-04:00

Birthday Bouquet for Christy!

2010-09-25T16:43:00.004-04:00

Here are some birthday cookies I did for a friend's daughter for her birthday!

We Will Never Forget 9-11-01!

2010-09-11T09:04:00.011-04:00

Our prayers are still with all of the victims and heros (and their families) of the tragic and heinous acts that happened on this day, nine years ago AND with all of our troops (and their families) who bravely fight for our freedoms as a result of this tragic day. We have not forgotten, we support you, we thank you, and our hearts are still with you!

Click to view a video by Darryl Worley, "Have You Forgotten?"

Congrats, Aja!

2010-08-16T07:11:00.004-04:00

I just got off the telephone with my step-daughter. She just got home from a baby shower for her best friend from college. Her friend moved out of state and traveled back to FL for her shower. I offered to make her cookies. I decided to make an arrangement and a few dozen extra, figuring she'd want to serve them at the shower as favors. I have a little confession here, I have been dying to do baby cookies. Plus, my step-daughter and her hubby have the baby itch, if you know what I mean. Anyway, It was great practice for me.

When she arrived with cookies, she reports that all the ladies gathered around and oohed and aahed over them like it was a wedding cake.

Her friend called her when she got home. She said after the shower there were about 8 or 10 ladies sitting around. After ate, they went looking for cookies. They were all gone, so they all went around the room looking under wrapping paper and among gifts hoping to find a cookie. When one would find one, they would scream out, "I found one!" She said it was hysterical. She said that they all would sit around breaking pieces off the stray cookies and passing it around to share. She said that they were a hit!

Here are some pics of my finished cookies and the bouquet.

Happy Birthday, Dear Courtney!

2010-08-07T18:55:00.007-04:00

Our Courtney turned 25 last Saturday. I made these delicious yellow butter cupcakes with a mound butter cream frosting and swirls of her favorite color, purple, and edible purple glitter.

What are your wishes for???

I love to see here enjoy her food!

A mouth full of deliciousness!

A starter Pandora bracelet from her dad and step-mom.

Courtney, First Teaching Job!

2010-08-07T18:35:00.006-04:00

I am sooo proud of my dear step-daughter who was just hired as an elementary school teacher. She graduated in December of 2008 and has been working contracted svc. teaching jobs. But, this year she if officially a full-time teacher.

I made this set of teacher cookies for her. Her husband Brandon, the nursing student, ate all of his cookies and pestered Courtney for days for her cookies. He said, "If they weren't so good, I wouldn't have eaten them so fast." I guess I have my work cut out for me! ;o)

Brandon, Accepted in the R.N. Program!

2010-08-07T18:28:00.005-04:00

I am sooo proud of my son-in-law. He was just accepted into the Registered Nursing program. He was 1 in 24 out of over 500 applicants. God is good! Here is a little set I made for him.

"Live! Laugh! Love!" ... or is it "Live! Love! Laugh!"?

2010-08-07T18:22:00.003-04:00

Just some random cookies done with my favorite saying.

Another With Sympathy!

2010-08-07T18:03:00.005-04:00

A "With Sympathy" cookie bouquet for a co-worker whose friend's husband tragically died in a truck driving accident. I tried a new effect called "brush embroidery" that I gleened from the gals over on "Karen's Cookies" website. Mine are not near as pretty as theirs. It is a very elegant effect though.

Flip Flop Summer!

2010-08-07T17:43:00.005-04:00

Here are some I did for a few co-workers!

Bonnie's grandchildren were coming in to town. She told me she is known as the "Ice Cream Grandma". She loves the stuff and they always eat it when here grandkids are in town. So, she wanted a few for her grands. She said they loved them!

Lynore was going on a trip to New Jersey and wanted to take cookies to some of her friends and family! I thought, well, it is hot and is still summertime, so...

Breakfast Pasta - Mediterranean Style

2010-07-25T13:05:00.006-04:00

I woke up this morning craving one of my favorite restaurant breakfast dishes. Since I didn't feel like getting dressed and going out (uh-ah, not today!) I started going over in my head the ingredients I'd need to make it. I had everything! Bingo! Here is my recipe for "Breakfast Pasta Mediterranean Style". I hope you enjoy! And, please come back and give me some feedback. Thanks!

BREAKFAST PASTA - MEDITERRANEAN STYLE

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 stick butter (smart balance will work, too!)

1/2 large carton of liquid egg

1 medium onion

2 to 4 cloves fresh garlic, grated

1 carton, cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 large bag baby spinach leaves

1/2 block feta cheese, broken into small pieces

1 box linguine, cooked

salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to directions on package. While pasta is cooking. Chop onion, peel garlic cloves and wash and slice cherry tomatoes and set aside.

In a microwave safe bowl, pour eggs and a dash of salt and pepper. Wisk together and place in microwave 2 1/2 minutes. Take out, stir and place back in microwave for 1 minute. Repeat until eggs are scrambled.

If pasta is finished cooking, drain and leave in collander.

Heat oil and butter in large skillet. Add onion to pan. Stir until heated through, approx. 1 to 2 minutes. Grate fresh garlic into skillet, add tomatoes and continue cooking another few minutes. Add spinach leaves until wilted. Incorporate approx. 3/4 of cooked pasta into skillet and toss thoroughly. With a fork, lightly break up scrambled egg into bite sized pieces and gently toss in skillet with pasta. Top with plenty of feta cheese and another dash of salt and pepper to taste. Mix and enjoy!

With Sympathy

2010-07-23T19:23:00.004-04:00

Just a few cookies I put together for a friend who's friend's FIL passed away. This is why I am learning to make these. When flowers are old and you don't know what to give, these made a nice little gift to pass through the door!

Yellow Butter Cake Cupcakes that are "To Die For"!

2010-07-23T18:07:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I'm looking for a mouth watering white or yellow cupcake recipe and I stumble across a little beauty of a recipe that was posted out on "The Repressed Pastry Chef" blog. I've been brave and have been venturing out just a bit into the world of cupcakes. A huge "THANK YOU!" to Marlena for posting the recipe. I've tried to contact you, but can't figure out how! Hopefully she will see this. These cupcakes are indeed mouth-watering. I made a Mascarpone Cream Cheese frosting (although they really don't need any) and OMG(oodness!). To coin a phrase, "Yummo!"

Recipe - Peanut Butter Cookies with Blackberry Jam!

2010-07-20T19:47:00.008-04:00

Below is a delicious recipe of these little gems made

by Giada on her show. For your convenience, here

is the recipe. You can also click on her picture to go

to the Food Network Channel. I made these and they

are unbelievable!

I will definitely make them again. My only mistake is

that I made them with a mini cookie scoop and

overbaked them just a bit. It was suggested to bake

only 10 minutes for smaller cookies. Also, I have a

hand-held mixer and it worked fine. The dough

is thick, but it worked.

As you can see,

mine are not as

pretty as Giada's.

You simply must

try this yummy

recipe of Giada's

version of P,B

& J's. Delish!

Don't forget to come back and leave a comment

and share how you liked them.

Peanut Butter Cookies with

Blackberry Jam

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Prep Time:: 18 min
Inactive Prep Time:: 25 min
Cook Time:: 12 min

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 10 (4-inch) cookies

Printed from FoodNetwork.com on Tue Jul 20 2010

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (recommended: Hershey's)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature,

cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar, plus 1/4 cup
1/2 packed cup light brown sugar
1 egg, room temperature, beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup blackberry jam

Directions

Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375

degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, sieve together the flour, cocoa powder, baking

soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter,

peanut butter, 3/4 cup of sugar, and light brown sugar together,

scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until smooth, about

30 seconds. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until blended.

With the machine running on low speed, gradually add the flour

mixture until incorporated.

Put the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar in a small bowl. Form the dough

into 1/4 cup-size balls and roll in the sugar. Arrange 5 balls of dough,

evenly apart, on each baking sheet. Using a round 1/4 teaspoon measure,

or the thin end of a wooden spoon, make a hole in the center of each ball

of dough, about 1/2 to 3/4-inch deep. Spoon 1 teaspoon of jam into each

hole. Bake for 11 to 14 minutes until the dough has spread and the

surface of the cookies are crackled. Cool for 5 minutes and transfer to

a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes. Arrange the cookies

on a serving dish and serve.

The Tapestry of My Life-A Devotion

2010-07-17T17:06:00.009-04:00

The word "tapestry" has always held great meaning for me. I suppose it is because, just like a tapestry is a work of the weaver or the artist, I know that my life is an on going work of the Lord. I can't say things have come easily for me. Most everything in life, I have had to work hard for and if there was success, it was through great times of trial and tribulation. If something is given to me, I know it is directly from the hand of God.

I read this years ago and It was very special to me at the time. I haven't thought about it in years, until I just stumbled across it and thought I'd share it with you. I know that just as a tapestry is a creation by the artist. The artist h

as a vision for how his creation will turn out. On one side of the tapestry, it is a jumbled mess of knots and threads. It isn't until the tapestry is turned over that all of the sudden the creation is revealed.

My life hasn't always made sense, and I've made many mistakes, but I can simply thank Him for His grace.

The Tapestry of My Life

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles. An angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares were. They were filled with giant holes.

Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My Angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn’t had all the earthly fortunes. I had had love in my life, and laughter.

But there had also been trials of illness, and death, and false accusations that took from me my world as I knew it. I had to start over many times.

I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance. In my life I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then I looked upon the tapestry before me.

Light flooded through the many holes, creating an image. The face of Christ.

Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, “Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.”

Author Unknown

“‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Let your light shine before men is such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’” Matthew 5:14,16 (NASB)

Summer School

2010-07-17T12:03:00.006-04:00

Since my hubbie is a Teacher's Assistant during summer school and also a camp counselor at the school he works at, I made some "Summer School" themed cookies. I wanted to practice the "school-themed" cookies since fall and the beginning of school is right around the corner. I've almost worn out the beach-theme, although they are so fun to do. But I have a feeling you will see more and more "school-themed" cookies right here. Please feel free to visit!

Monster Cookie!

2010-07-17T11:12:00.005-04:00

I have never made a giant cookie before! I had an order for a 40th birthday. She wanted a giant cookie. I'm proud of it, however, I was extremely exhausted and had some issues going on. I think my blood pressure was elevated and I was behind on my sleeping, among other things. I feel like I could have done better, and would have if I had felt better and it was a rush job since I had short notice. I understand that the cookies were a hit at the party, though! Naturally, I was thrilled since I worried over that order for days until I heard that they were a "Hit!". Here are pics!

I was so glad that I had some candy clay made up.

Candy clay is made from white chocolate and is more palatable than fondant. Some people like the texture better. It was really good and took on the flavor or royal icing. Thanks to Karen at Karen's cookies for the recipe. It made decorating a breeze.

Some flowers, butterflies and circles.

Here is the star of the show, a giant chocolate chip cookie cake! I wish I had have put some flowers or balloons or something! I was afraid I wouldn't have enough room! Oh, well! It was a learning experience. She was happy with it. For that, I am grateful!

Happy Fourth!

2010-07-04T08:02:00.001-04:00

Fun in the Sun!

2010-07-03T18:45:00.004-04:00

Summer cookies are cool!

Happy Fourth!

2010-07-03T12:40:00.004-04:00

Here is an arrangement I put together for a co-worker. She gave this to her grandson's pre-school teachers as an appreciation for all they did throughout the school year!

Flubs!

2010-07-03T11:14:00.011-04:00

Here are some that never made it to the decorating tray! While I get frustrated over broken cookies, my hubby says that the flubs are his favorite!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-26T08:33:00.008-04:00

A few cookies for Father's Day for the guys! I thought I would use the puppy dog theme since we are all crazy over our dogs.

These were the better ones. It was a rush job, so there were lots of mistakes. That's okay, they didn't even dry before being devoured. As they say, good things are worth waiting for. Or so they told me.

Dance!

2010-06-26T08:17:00.005-04:00

A few ballet slippers and tutus for a co-worker's grandaughters. Although, not an original idea, I was pretty proud of the way they turned out!

Good reports came back, as the word was that the, "cookies were a hit." The recital was a success, as well.

My Fourth Project - Girly, Girl Turns Eight!

2010-06-19T09:01:00.003-04:00

Here is a group of cookies I did for my co-worker's friend who saw the beach-themed cookies I did and wanted to order some for her daughter's eighth birthday. So I did some cookies with #8 cookies with sugar glitter, flowers, butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs and a peace sign all decorated in a turquoise, chocolate, lavendar, pink color theme.

When she e-mailed me after the party, she was very happy with them and said her daughter was "in awe"! I was so honored to be able to make them for her. It made me feel good to make her and her daughter happy. "Thanks for the order, Veronika!"

Here they are...check 'em out!

The Third Time is Charm!?! (Or something like that!)

2010-06-19T08:42:00.003-04:00

A co-worker was telling me that she was throwing her daughter a birthday party to celebrate her turning 12 at the beach for 27 friends. I thought, what an awesome learning experience to make cookies for her. (Boy, I speak quicker than I think.) It was definitely a learning experience!

I did a bunch of beach-themed cookies for her. She said she loved them! Her daughter was so excited. The reports that came back were that they were a huge hit!

Here they are!

My Second Attempt!

2010-06-19T08:26:00.004-04:00

I have to admit, I borrowed this idea from a dear person on the web. It went along perfect with my theme. I put together a little digital scrapbook for my daughter and her hubby who celebrated their third wedding anniversary mid-May. You can view the scrapbook below. It was to the song "You and Me" by Lifehouse that was played at their wedding. Naturally, I had to make a cookie bouquet to compliment the song. Take a look and see what you think? Keep in mind, this was only my second attempt at making cookie bouquets. Be gentle!

After all of the time invested...they went at it like wild savages. Happy Aniversary kiddos!

Click below to view the video "You & Me" by Lifehouse to celebrate our kids third wedding anniversary!

My First Arrangement

2010-06-19T08:11:00.005-04:00

This was my first attempt ever at making a cookie arrangement. About two months ago. I made it for a neighbor across the street who had surgery. Unfortunately, the flowers were so heavy that they broke as we sat visiting with her. I was mortified! She said not to worry, they wouldn't last long! She was so sweet about it.

The butterflies were added later in Picnik by my hubby.

I just love ladybugs, don't you?

I was pretty proud of these. But my, they are ugly!

My Cookie Experience

2010-06-19T07:52:00.003-04:00

I have made my fair share of cookies in my life, but recently cookie making has taken on a whole new meaning to me. I never realized there is a real artistry involved in making cookies.

My experience with sugar cookies in the past was always the pile of melted dough that would come out of the oven at Christmastime that looked like a blob. Most of the time they were so burned that you could have used them as a weapon to defend your life, if need be. When the sugar was sprinkled on them (red and green, of course) it just did not stick. (Wassup wit that!) Remember those occasional blue or yellow ones? I never could figure how they related to Christmas, unless it was an angel (yellow sugar, of course).

When cookie bouquets started getting popular, I thought they were unbelievably cool. Recently, I decided to send a cookie bouquet as an anniversary present. When I realized how much they cost, I decided against sending it, as they were quite pricey. Soon after that I decided to embark on an adventure of my own to learn how to make cookie bouquets. (What was I thinking?) Wow, have I been learning a lot. Now instead of thinking they are charging too much, I find myself thinking, "They are only charging that much?".

I have a new respect for "Cookiers" near and far! It is hard work and many long hours are invested, not just with time (it is very time consuming) and money, but with creativity and lots and lots of love! A true labor of the heart.

Since embarking on this adventure I have met so many talented mentors who have never forgotten where they have come from, that they had to start out somewhere and now, many years later, are patiently and lovingly sharing their talents, giving priceless instruction, tidbits of wisdom, yummy recipes, gentle guidance, time-tested tips. Thanks to all of you.

This has been a wonderful adventure so far! I am a diabetic, so I have to limit my tasting and testing. But the joy that I have seen on the faces of my recipients makes me want to keep learning and keep making cookies.