Tennessee Memories - All That Glitters...

Fresh from the Garden – Squash and Ham Skillet

I originally published this in August 2010. I thought it would be nice to re-post it. :-)

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Recently my dad handed me a couple of yellow summer squashes fresh from our garden. I didn’t have a plan for supper yet that night, but the squash gave me an idea and I came up with this super simple, quick and tasty dish. Serve it with your choice or a carbohydrate – bread, chips, noodles, rice, potatoes, etc. A salad might be nice as well, but we didn’t have one as we usually eat fairly simple meals.

I am sharing this recipe in it’s rough form. It will be an opportunity to “cook by the seat of your pants” or for “adventure cooking,” as we might call it. :-) You can adjust the amounts to suit your tastes and for the number of servings you need for your family.
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Yellow summer squash, sliced
Sliced ham, fully cooked
Butter
Onion powder 
Pepper to taste
Grated cheddar cheese
Water

Saute yellow squash in butter and a little water in a large frying pan. Sprinkle with ground pepper. Cook till almost done, stirring occasionally. (Add water as needed, but not too much – just enough to keep it juicy.) Meanwhile, chop or tear the ham into bite size pieces. Add ham when squash is almost done and sprinkle with onion powder. When the squash is cooked to your taste and the ham is heated through, remove from heat and top with grated cheese. Cover and allow cheese to melt. Serve.

Note: I do not recommend adding salt while cooking as the ham and cheese make it quite salty. If you want extra salt I suggest adding it at the table. You could also use cooked bacon or some other fully cooked, flavorful meat to make this dish.

Thoughts from the Past - Thoughts On Safety and Trust

Psalms 11:1 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

One of the curious things about safety is that no matter how safe you actually are, if you don’t feel safe you won’t believe you’re safe. My mom remembers years ago a brother in Christ taking her family to a Jewish neighborhood in a large U.S. city. This was probably sometime in the 1950s. As they drove through the area they noticed that the houses were closed, the blinds or curtains were pulled shut. People were not on the streets or in the yards. There were no children playing outside in an era when that was even more common than today. It was quiet and lifeless. The man told them that these people were still afraid because of the terrible experiences many of them had had in Europe during WW II. They were safe in their new country; they could have been enjoying life and their neighborhood -- but they were afraid.

How many of us live our lives like that spiritually or emotionally? We close ourselves away from all others because of some bad experience we had, or because of some danger we imagine may be present, when in reality we are in a place of perfect safety “in Christ.” Some cut themselves off from normal interactions with people or hide away in remote places because of fear. Granted, there are times and places when we may not be “safe” from the harms that come in this life, but I’m speaking of the fear that sometimes dictates our actions where there is no real danger.

I once knew a lady who was afraid to hand out tracts because she thought some terrible thing was going to happen to those who did, that “they” would shortly round us up and do great evil to us if we exposed ourselves like that. Might it happen at some point? Maybe, but that was nearly 20 years ago! Twenty years to be afraid to witness for Jesus because of the “imminent” persecution, which, though it may be nearer, still hasn’t come – not in the form she was expecting. Friends, this is not the way God intends for us to live. Being sober and vigilant of the adversary (1 Peter 5:8) does not mean that we refuse to obey the Lord’s command to go and preach the Gospel because something “bad” might happen. And, it gives a very wrong impression for a Christian.

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
It comes down to this – no matter how much safety God gives us, if we don’t trust Him, we can’t enjoy it.

Trusting

You ask how you learn to trust Him?
Dear child, you must just let go!
Let go of your frantic worry,
And the fears which plague you so;
Let go of each black tomorrow
Which you try to live today;
Let go of your fevered planning,
He knoweth all your way.
Fear not lest your slipping fingers
Let go of your Savior too;
Trusting is only knowing
He’ll not let go of you!
Martha Snell Nicholson

Psalms 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psalms 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Double Clasp

The Saviour's hand - how close its hold,
That none can loosen, none can break.
No powers of heaven or earth or hell
That loving clasp can ever shake.
And over Jesus' wounded hand
The Father's hand of strength is laid,
Omnipotent to save and keep;
Thus is our surety surer made.
So, one beneath and one above,
Father and Son their hands unite.
How safe, how safe the ransomed are
Within that clasp of tender might!

Annie Johnson Flint

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.

I wonder how much fuller, richer, more productive and more restful our lives would be if we really understood how safe we are in the tender grip of God.

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This video does not have the best sound quality, but I like what the young man said at the beginning. Plus, I appreciated hearing this from an Indian – someone who is in a place that North Americans would generally consider much less “safe” than our world for various reasons.



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Originally published here Oct. 2015

Evening Song - Violin/Piano Medley - I Sing the Mighty Power of God/All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

Ephesians 1:18-21 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 

Thanksgiving 2018

This year for the U.S. Thanksgiving I thought it would be nice to do something a little different. Here is a selection of songs and hymns to listen to and some scripture to read. (Please remember that I have no control over the ads that might come up during the videos. :-) Thanks.) I hope that all those who serve the Lord Jesus in truth have a blessed day.

Psalm 103:2-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 

Psalm 52:1 ...the goodness of God endureth continually. 

1 Chronicles 16:35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise. 

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 

Psalm 106:1-2 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? 

Our Thanks to God Most High by Isaac Watts

Our thanks to God most high!
   The Father of our Lord,
The Savior-God is He,
   And be His name adored!
O God, Thy mercy shall endure,
Thy Word abide forever sure.

He sent His only Son
   And saved us from our woe—
From Satan, guilt and hell,
   And every hurtful foe.
Thy mercy, Lord, shall still endure,
Thy Word abide forever sure.

Give thanks aloud to God,
   To God your praises bring,
To God upon His throne
   His works and glories sing.
His power and grace are still the same,
Let endless praise exalt His name.

- Isaac Watts
#60 in Hymns for the Little Flock

Psalm 107:1-2 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; 

Psalm 136:1-4 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. 

Better Than My Best by Annie Johnson Flint

Because giving thanks isn't always easy.

Better Than My Best

I prayed for strength, and then I lost awhile
All sense of nearness, human and divine;
The love I leaned on failed and pierced my heart,
The hands I clung to loosed themselves from mine;
But while I swayed, weak trembling, and alone,
The everlasting arms upheld my own.

I prayed for light; the sun went down in clouds,
The moon was darkened by a misty doubt,
The stars of heaven were dimmed by earthly fears,
And all my little candle flames burned out;
But while I sat in shadow, wrapped in night,
The face of Christ made all the darkness bright.

I prayed for peace, and dreamed of restful ease,
A slumber free from pain, a hushed repose;
Above my head the skies were black with storm,
And fiercer grew the onslaught of my foes;
But while the battle raged, and wild winds blew,
I heard His voice and perfect peace I knew.

I thank you, Lord, You were too wise to heed
My feeble prayers, and answer as I sought,
Since these rich gifts Your bounty has bestowed
Have brought me more than all I asked or thought;
Giver of good, so answer each request
With your own giving, better than my best.

Annie Johnson Flint

Psalm 34:1-6 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Come Let Us Sing the Matchless Worth

Come let us sing the matchless worth,
And sweetly sound the glories forth
     Which in the Savior shine:
To God and Christ our praises bring:
The song with which high heaven will ring,
     "Praises for grace divine."

How rich the precious blood He spilt,
Our ransom from the dreadful guilt
     Of sin against our God;
How perfect is the righteousness,
In which unspotted, beauteous dress
     His saints have ever stood!

How rich the character He bears,
And all the form of love He wears,
     Exalted on the throne;
In songs of sweet, untiring praise,
We e'er would sing His perfect ways,
     And make His glories known.

And soon the happy day shall come,
When we shall reach our destined home,
     And see Him face to face;
Then with our Savior, Lord and Friend,
The one unbroken day we'll spend
     In singing still His grace.

- Samuel Medley
#196 in Hymns for the Little Flock

Ephesians 1:17-23 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. 

Maker of Earth and Heaven

As a way of remembering some of the many blessings we have to think upon and for which we can give thanks, I thought it would be interesting to post scripture and a poem of praise and thanksgiving daily from today through Wednesday. I hope it is an encouragement and refreshment to you!


Maker of earth and heaven,
   Whose arm upholds creation,
To Thee we raise the voice of praise,
   And bend in adoration.
We praise the power that made us,
   We praise the love that blesses;
While every day that rolls away
   Thy gracious care confesses.

Though trials and affliction
   May cast their shadows o'er us,
Thy love doth throw a heavenly glow
   Of light on all before us;
That love has smiled from heaven,
   To cheer our path of sadness,
And lead the way through earth's dark day,
   To realms of joy and gladness.

The light of love and glory
   Has shone through Christ our Savior,
The Crucified—who lived and died,
   That we might live forever.
And since Thy great compassion
   Thus brings Thy children near Thee,
May we to praise devote our days,
   And keep forever near Thee.

- Henry Ware
#44 in Hymns for the Little Flock

Psalm 95:1-6 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Evening Song - What Grace Is This?

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Tennessee Memories - Autumn Stages

Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 

Autumn Thoughts - A Poem

This is a poem I wrote last year for one of the writing challenges that I posted.

Autumn Thoughts

Crisp autumn days with crackling leaves that crunch beneath our feet,
A sky like clear blue glass, or rain that rushes in a sheet;
The splendid smells of asters, nuts, and burning leaves --
Who would have thought that death could smell so sweet?

Please Continue Reading here. 

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Painting: The Church at Old Lyme by Childe Hassam.

Evening Song - Nearer My God to Thee

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. [Speaking of Jesus Christ and His work for us on Calvary.]

The Thousand Word Project - Red Pearls

FREE Scripture Graphic - Chrysanthemum, Psalm 145:8

Here is another vintage graphic that I edited. I got the original graphic from The Graphics Fairy, made some changes, and added the verse. You can save the image from here, but it will not be very high quality.  You can get it in higher quality if you go over and download it here. (Use the download button in the lower right.)

If you wish to use this online, please do not link to the graphic from either of my locations. Save it to your own hard drive and then upload it to the place where you store graphics online for you own use. Thank you.

[Note: It's OK to link the graphic from here only if you are sharing the link to this specific post on my blog - either on your own blog or in social media.] :-)

Enjoy!

Pilgrims In the Wilderness

Photo by Mike Van Nattan; Smokey Mts., Tennessee

Pilgrims In the Wilderness 

We're pilgrims in the wilderness;
Our dwelling  is a camp;
Created things, though pleasant,
Now bear to us death's stamp.
But onward we are speeding,
Though often let and tried;
The Holy Ghost is leading
Home to the Lamb, His bride.

Continue Reading. 

Evening Song - Here We Are but Straying Pilgrims

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 



acapeldridge.com

The Thousand Word Project - Winter Mustard

Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 

Mustard