memories

Right now I'm in the midst of sorting through things in my room. So many memories in the this wee upstairs yellow room. Like this one. . .

I would stay and write more, but with my room in chaos behind me it may be better for me to turn my attention back to sorting :) 

a first

There is a first for everything, isn't that the way the saying goes?  Well, I do not believe that I have ever posted a recipe on any blog of mine, so here we are embarking onto new territory. . .

(. . .just a side note. . .I'm always amazed at those people who are able to take pictures of every step of the way throughout their recipes.  I love reading those blogs but this post will not follow the same pattern for two reasons.  One:  Apparently I take after my great-Grandmother in not keeping the kitchen very tidy when I'm in it  and don't really want photographic evidence of that fact floating around cyberspace.   Two:  I have a feeling if I remembered to take pictures, I'd forget to add the flour or something else important like that.  So here is a recipe. . .minus the pictures. . .)

. . . .
a simple pancake recipe:

2 1/2 cups freshly ground flour
4 tablespoons sugar (or half the amount of honey)
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sour milk (add a squirt of lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for a couple of minutes)
2 beaten eggs
2 tablespoons cooking oil.

Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.  Do not over stir but be sure all the clumps of flour are gone :)  Using a 1/4 cup pour batter unto a hot, greased griddle.  Cook until golden brown (flipping to cook other side when pancakes have a bubbly surface and slightly dry edges)  Serve with real maple syrup and butter (eggs and sausage are always a welcome side) 
. . . .

The nice thing about the freshly ground flour is that they have such a hardy taste, and are so much more filling than usual pancakes.  Unless you are one of my brothers. . .who each consumed six (or seven!) of these yesterday. 

Oh, and then if you happen to have leftovers, save them in the fridge for pancake sandwiches.  I was shocked when I found out that so many people did not know about such things :)

the sunday before Christmas ramblings

As I sit here, curled up with a blanket and listening to Christmas music playing softly in the background, it seems like the perfect time to go on a ramble. . .

ram·bleWalk for pleasure in the countryside, typically without a definite route.

Isn't a ramble with a definite route rather defeating the purpose?  Sort of like planned spontaneity?  Something to ponder, I suppose. . .

Out the window the city lights are twinkling and I can see the steady stream of vehicle headlights.  So different from the view from my campus window.  I love how each season, each place where the Lord has you is p.e.r.f.e.c.t. for that time and season.

The concept of surrender is one that has been on my mind and heart for the past month.  When it seemed as if I would not be coming home for Christmas. . .oh! how hard that was.  To surrender my family, my hopes and dreams spending the holidays with them (and we love our family traditions)  I have a feeling from here on out, I'll not be able to listen to "I'll be Home for Christmas" without fearing uncomfortably close to tears :)  

And then to turn around and then surrender leaving my wee little campus home without a sure date of returning.  Oh! how the Lord desires His children to walk in dependence and with open hands. 

"The faithfulness of God is the only certain thing in the world today. 

We need not fear the result of trusting Him." 

John Stam

Isn't that a beautiful quote?  Tonight it so resonates with my soul. . .HIS faithfulness is the only certain thing.  Who knows where we will be tomorrow; what we will be doing and why.  But the man or woman who trusts the Lord shall not be moved nor shaken. 

And that sounds like a good note to end a ramble upon. . .

goodnight

home.

Is where I am right now. 
Sitting at the kitchen table; hearing my brother putter about in the kitchen, seeing my mum in the living room. 

Making meals.  Candles.  Washing dishes.  Tim Hortons.  Laughter.  Christmas music. 

My family.

Sharing stories of the past months. . .filling everyone in all the little daily stories that I love to store up and share in person.  Hearing stories that have been stored up to share. 

Modern travel never ceases to amaze me.  Yesterday. . .I was there.  Today I am here. 

May you embrace today, wherever the Lord has you.

"Thou changest not,

Thy compassions they fail not. 

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Lord unto me. . . " 

I'm looking forward to posting some office adventures (working behind the desk is n.e.v.e.r. boring, regardless of what it may seem like) and anticipating that there will be many home stories to share as well.  I have missed this wee blog, and missed writing. 

Until next time. . .

He is able

“I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize that He is able to carry out His will for me. It does not matter where He places me, or how. That is for Him to consider, not me, for in the easiest positions He will give me grace, and in the most difficult ones His grace is sufficient.”   

-Hudson Taylor-