Chocolate ‘bark’ with Virgin coconut oil

4 T. (1/4 cup) Virgin Coconut Oil

1-T. Cocoa Powder

1/4 t. lowcarb sweetener, such as stevia

2 oz sliced almonds optional

2 oz coconut flakes optional

Melt the coconut oil to a liquid LOW heat, add in cocoa powder and sweetener. Stir to combine and blend well. Blend nuts and flakes into chocolate mixture (Optional). Pour onto a plate with wax paper on it put in refrigerator or freezer on LEVEL shelf and let set 10 minutes or so. It will harden quickly and breaks up easy, put in a plastic bag and keep in refrigerator or freezer.


source:  http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/03/homemade-toothpaste-with-coconut-oil.html

Bright Smile toothpaste~with coconut oil

3 Tablespoons Organic Coconut Oil


4 Tablespoons Baking Soda

2 drops grapefruit seed extract

8- 12 Drops therapeutic grade organic essential oil of your choice.

Stevia - to sweeten to your taste (Personally I don't add it but others might like a sweeter recipe)



I also gargle with Hydrogen Peroxide for teeth whitening effects.


Mix all the ingredients together and store in a container with a lid.

Essential oils such as lemon, clove, lime, cinnamon, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary or licorice are safe to be used internally. Essential oils are anti-fungal, anti-viral , antimicrobial and antibiotic.

I rarely have bad breath anymore.... the grapefruit extract really helps.

source:  http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/03/homemade-toothpaste-with-coconut-oil.html

Sweet and Sour chicken to can

Sweet And Sour Chicken


By Marty Junker and Janice Lam

4.5 lbs chicken,boneless, skinless, thighs and/or breasts cut in bite sized pieces
2 large green peppers chopped
1 large red pepper chopped
1/2 of an onion chopped
3 20 oz cans pineapple chunks drained, reserve juice
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cups white vinegar
6 tablespoons coconut aminos (I have to find out what these are)
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tsp ginger

Layer the chicken, onions, peppers and pineapple in quart jars.

Heat the brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, catsup, ginger, and 3 cups of pineapple juice (add water if there is not enough) and bring to a light boil until the sugar is dissolved.

Pour liquid over the solids in the jar with 1" headspace. REMOVE BUBBLES!

Pressure can for 90 minutes at 11 lbs pressure or according to your elevation.

Sausage Zucchini Soup to can

Sausage Zucchini Soup

1 ½ lbs sausage

¼ cup olive oil

3 onions, chopped

3 peppers, chopped

24 cups cubed zucchini, do not peel

3 cans (14oz) diced tomatoes

3 cups sliced carrots

12 cups chicken stock

6 cups water

1T salt

1T seasoning salt

1T. pepper

1T Italian seasonings

In a large stockpot, heat up olive oil and add sausage, onions and peppers. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and the veggies are soft. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and let simmer a few minutes.
Fill the first 7 hot quart jars with the hot soup. Process in a pressure canner at 10lbs of pressure for 90 minutes. Repeat for the next batch.

source: http://feedingthecrew.blogspot.com/2012/06/sausage-zucchini-soup.html

Mom's okra and dill pickle canning recipes

Mom’s Okra recipe for canning



Small tender okra leave as much stem as possible, wash and drain, prick each pod to allow solution to enter.

Pack in jars, small bunch of dill for each dill, can use dill seed. 2 t.


3 cups apple cider vinegar

3 cups water

6 T. canning salt

Mix together and boil. Pour over to within ½ inch of top.

Can add a clove of garlic or a jalapeno.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♥~~~~~~~~~♥~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Easy Dill Pickle

1 quart apple cider vinegar

4 quarts water

1 cup canning salt

Mix and heat.

Cut cucumbers into slices, spears or leave whole. Fill jars with cucumbers.

1 head of dill in each jar

1 teaspoon alum

1 clove garlic

Redneck Love Poem

Click on picture for larger more clear view.

Elvis Presley Cake by Pamela Cassada

ELVIS PRESLEY CAKE

9x13 inch pan

Ingredients:

1 white cake mix

1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice

... 1 cup white sugar

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Prepare cake according to instructions on package. Bake in a 9x13 inch pan. Allow to cool. Make holes in cake with fork. Combine pineapple and sugar in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Spoon over cooled cake.

In a large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add vanilla. Add pecans and mix well. Spread cream cheese frosting over cake.See more

Mollie is a high school graduate.

Congradulations Mollie.  We are so proud of you.

3 Ingredient Banana Bread

Shortcut Banana Bread


adapted from Artsy Fartsy Mama

(1) yellow cake mix

2 eggs

3-4 overripe bananas

(Optional) 1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
Add all ingredients to a large bowl (or stand mixer) and mix well. Fill two small, greased loaf pans, or one large loaf pan.

Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes (bake longer if using larger loaf pan)


source:  http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/06/simple-3-ingredient-banana-bread-including-the-bananas.html

Monkey Butter by Katzcradle

MONKEY BUTTER

5 perfectly ripe bananas, no bruises

1 20 ounce can, crushed pineapple in natural juice (do not drain)

3 cups sugar (I cut the sugar in half as per a suggestion from a facebook friend and I am so glad I did, this stuff is really sweet.)

1/4 cup coconut, (I used sweetened shredded), finely chopped

3 tablespoons bottled lemon juice

pinch of salt



Put pineapple in pot. Slice bananas directly into the pineapple. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Cook over low heat until mixture thickens, takes about 30 minutes. Fill sterilized jars, and process in for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.

Remove from bath and let cool for 24 hours before removing bands and labeling. Enjoy!

I had won 6 months worth of bananas from Dole several months ago.  The coupons expire at the end of this month and I still have 6 more to use.  I think I will make this so I dont waste my coupons.  Great timing.

I ended up getting 28 pounds of bananas with my coupons.  Today I made 5 batches of this monkey butter.  I am so glad I cut the sugar in half, it was plenty sweet.  This evening we had some on some ice cream and I must say it is wonderful.  It tastes like a banana split only better over vanilla ice cream.  Tomorrow I will make another 5 batches to use up my bananas.  This stuff is really great. July 2, 2012
July 3, 2012 I am canning another huge batch of Monkey Butter.  This should be enough to give away and last us for a couple of years.   I also need to can a couple of quarts of tomatoes when i get this done before the tomatoes go bad.  I love canning and would really love it in a bigger kitchen but that may just be a dream.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake by Pamela Cassada

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake


Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

... 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

4 heaping Tbsp. cocoa

1 cup water

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

Add all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Pour into 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes.

Frost cake when cooled with your favorite icing. I use Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese

1 stick unsalted butter

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners' sugar

Beat together til creamy

I agree with Tim

Todays canning

Mollie picked the garden for me this morning and there was enough okra to make one pint so I made up a batch of the juice and canned the one pint.  At the same time I canned 3 pints of tomatoes.
While I was canning that I had about 4 pounds of zucchini and onions soaking in salt water to make bread and butter pickles.
Then I began canning the zucchini.

As you can see I only have three burners and the space where the pan on the left is, is all the counter space I have.  I use the table a lot.

 I ended up with 7 pints of zucchini pickles.

This is the steam canner I use instead of a water bath. It heats up quickly, can be used more quickly for a new batch and only takes a couple of quarts of water.  I always be sure to keep an eye on the water level especially when I am canning more than one batch at a time.  Don't want to run out and burn up my canner.  If you notice he hole just above he lip of the bottom pan that is where the steam comes out.  Once its coming out of there real good I begin counting my canning time.  I usually add 5 minutes just to make sure I didn't jump the gun.  I really love this canner. 

I think she likes mud

Hannah is at church camp this week and it rained so what did she do?  You guessed it, she got muddy.  I bet if I gave her some lemons she would make lemonade.  I love that girl.

I think Kaitlyn got the tickles.
Here are a few more times the girl and the mud met.

Some folks get swimming pools, I think we just need a pig waller.

She cleans up pretty good though.  Here she is with Christina.

Household Tip

Here is a tip you may not know about. When using vinegar to soak hard water stains or other things you are soaking, heat the vinegar first. Warm to hot vinegar loosens things up quickly so you don't have to let things sit and soak for hours.
Try this next time you want to soak your shower head. Heat the vinegar and put the shower head in a metal pan just a bit bigger, pour the hot vinegar over and let soak. Cleans fast.

Never drink aspartame

My version of rotel

Today I canned 14 pints of a rotel type of concoction I made.  I used cherry tomatoes.  I figured if the skins bother me when I go to use them I can blend it all up with my immersion blender.

I was asked for the recipe and of course I don't have one but this is what I did.  I put some cored, halved cherry tomatoes in the jar then I added about 1/4 cup of chopped onion and a sliced jalapeno and then filled the jar with more tomatoes.  I then put 1 teaspoon of salt on top and covered with boiling water.  Ran a knife around the edges to get the air out, placed the lids and processed in my steam caner for 10-15 min.  I tend to go a little over the time just to make sure.

Icicle pickles

My grandmother used to make wonderful icicle pickles and I never got her recipe.  I may try these to see how close they are to hers.

Pickled Okra

Step 1: Boil Jars


Bring canner half-full with water to a boil; simmer. Meanwhile, place jars in a large stockpot with water to cover; bring to a boil, and simmer. Place bands and lids in a large saucepan with water to cover; bring to a boil, and simmer. Remove hot jars 1 at a time using jar lifter.

Step 2: Pack Jars

Pack 2 1/2 lbs. small fresh okra into hot jars, filling to 1⁄2 inch from top.
Place 1 green chile pepper,

1 garlic clove,


and 1 tsp. dill seeds in each jar.


Bring 4 cups white vinegar (% acidity),


1/2 cup salt,


1/4 cup sugar,


and 4 cups water to a boil over medium-high heat.


Pour over okra, filling to 1⁄2 inch from top.

Step 3: Simmer

Wipe jar rims; cover at once with metal lids, and screw on bands (snug but not too tight). Place jars in canning rack, and place in simmering water in canner. Add additional boiling water as needed to cover by 1 to 2 inches.
Step 4: Seal and Store

Bring water to a rolling boil; boil 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool jars in canner 5 minutes. Transfer jars to a cutting board; cool 12 to 24 hours. Test seals of jars by pressing center of each lid. If lids do not pop, jars are properly sealed. Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature up to 1 year.

recipe source: http://www.southernliving.com/food/how-to/how-to-make-pickled-okra-00417000068545/print-index.html

My mom makes the best pickled okra in the whole world, as soon as I find her recipe I will compare it with this one. One thing about her recipe that I do remember is that she pokes a hold in the top of each okra with a toothpick when she cans them. I think I could make up the liquid for this and keep it in the fridge so I could can these as the okra comes on.

Zucchini Bread and Butter Pickles

Zucchini Pickles
•4 pounds zucchini

•1 pound onions

•1/2 cup salt

•1 quart cider vinegar

•2 cups sugar

•2 Tablespoons turmeric

•2 teaspoons celery seed

•1 Tablespoon dried mustard

•2 teaspoons mustard seed

Cut zucchini into thin slices. Peel and slice onions thinly. Cover with water; add salt. Let stand 1 hour. Drain.
Combine vinegar and remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil. Pour over vegetables. Let stand 1 hour.
Bring to a boil and cook 3 minutes. Pack into hot jars, seal with 2 piece lids and process 10 minutes in boiling water bath.

I have not tried these yet but I will very soon.
June 19,2012 made a batch of these using cucumbers.
June 21, 2012 made a batch of these using zucchini.
June 25, 2012 made a batch of these using cucumbers.

recipe source:  http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/2009/07/16/zucchini-pickles-recipe/

Chicken Lentil soup by Sarah and her grandma

Sarah Bagley

Sorry it took me a bit to get back to you, Debbie. I use "Grandma's recipe" which doesn't really have measurements.

I boil 1 cup of lentils in 6 c water until tender.

I add 1 beef bouillion cube,

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce,

1/4 tsp rosemary, and

1 Tbsp minced garlic.

 Whatever vegies are handy - this time it was white onion, french-cut green beans, and sun dried tomatoes.

 I boil the chicken (I use thighs) separately in lightly salted water till cooked through, then remove the bones and add to the lentils. This is one recipe I've wanted to try in the Crock pot but havent yet. I tweak the herbs, spices, and vegies every time.

Thank you for the recipe Sarah

You CAN afford to eat healthy

This is a good visual to show that you CAN afford to eat healthy.

Click on picture for larger view.

Black Satchel

I finished this black satchel last night, its 8x9 with a 36 inch strap.  I don't think I will make anything in black for a while.  Its too hard to see my stitches while working.  This is a really cute item.

Sting = 1 cent

I got this as an email so I dont know if it works but I will try to remember it because I swell up like crazy when I get stung by a wasp.

It might be wise to carry a penny in your pocket while working in


the yard..........

BEE STINGS !

A couple of weeks ago I was unfortunate enough to get stung by both

a bee and hornet while working in the garden.

My arm swelled up so off to the doctor I went. The clinic gave me

cream and an antihistamine. The next day the swelling was getting

progressively worse so off to my regular doctor I went. Infected

arm needed an antibiotic. What was interesting is what the Dr. told

me. The next time you get stung put a penny on the bite for 15

minutes. I thought, wow next time (if there ever is one) I will try

it.

Well that night Shelley's niece got stung by two bees. When she

came over to swim I looked at the bite and it had already started

to swell. So off I went to get my money. Taped a penny to her arm

for 15 minutes. The next morning, there was no sign of a bite. Wow

were we surprised. Her niece we decided, just wasn't allergic to

the sting.

Well guess what happened again on Saturday night. I was helping

Shelley deadhead her flowers and guess what? You are right I got

stung again two times by a hornet on my left hand. Was I ticked. I

thought, here I go again having to go to the doctor for yet another

antibiotic.

Well I promptly went into the house, again got my money out, and

taped two pennies to my bites and then sat and sulked for 15

minutes. The penny took the sting out of the bite immediately. I

still wasn't sure what was going to happen.

In the meantime the hornets were attacking Shelley and she got

stung on the thumb. Again the penny. The next morning I could only

see the spot where he had stung me. No redness, no swelling. Went

over to see Shelley and hers was the same. Couldn't even tell where

she got stung. Then Shelley got stung again on Monday night on her

back---cutting the grass. This penny thing is going to make us

money at school. Again it worked.

Just wanted to share the marvelous information in case any of you

are experiencing the same problem at home. We need to have a stock

of pennies on hand at school and at home.

The Dr. said somehow the copper in the penny counteracts the bite.

I would never had believed it. But it definitely does work.

So remember this little bit of wisdom and pass it on to your

f riends, children, grandchildren, etc.

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to my dad....Bob




And to my step-dad......Don

And to my husband......Jeff

And to all the other dads out there.  May your day be blessed and may you spend it with those you love.

(Eph 6:2) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

Missonary update

WOMAN HEALED LAST WEEK DOING GREAT!




The Namara Church leaders came in this week to receive payment

From: "Brenda Lange"

Subject: Blog, June 17, 2012

Date: June 17, 2012 6:11:30 AM CDT


HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO MY DAD, AND ALL DADS RECEIVING THIS NOTE!

I pray God blesses you ALL with a wonderful day with your family.



MIRACLES AND HEALINGS ABOUND AT NAMARA SHADE TREE CHURCH!

Last week we prayed for many, but only one miraculous result when 1 woman’s blinded eye received site!

Our team of visitors were very encouraged today when we saw that Jesus did a might work after we left.

The results from last week’s prayers of faith:
1. The woman instantly healed last week of a blind eye and damaged eye lid is able to see perfectly, but her nerve damaged eye lid would only open about 25% this morning.

2. Today, we taught our 29 new believers on the authority Jesus gave us to overcome our sicknesses, the power of PRAISE, and the power in the NAME of JESUS! By faith this woman commanded her eye lid to open “in the name of Jesus”, and it began to open more as she praised Jesus’ name. She is really excited at what Jesus has done for her.

3. Isabelle, the woman who had fallen into a water well breaking both ankles was able to walk instantly after prayer 2 weeks ago. She BOLDLY walked into the service today, and says her strength is growing daily.



4. A 2 year old mute girl began to speak! Mute for no reason over the last 4 months, the mother explained that her daughter was talking fine, and had not been sick. After prayer last week, she still didn’t speak but seemed much happier. Today, she was sitting in her Mom’s lap, happily “humming” songs all through the service time and clearly said MAMA as she looked up to show something to her Mom.

The mother happily told us afterwards that she had been saying Mama and Da Da all week!



5. Another 2 year old, named Gilda, was released from demonic spirits last week which kept throwing her to the ground. Twice during the church service today, Gilda was violently thrown to the ground, but it wasn’t a seizure. She would be slammed to the ground, hitting her head, and start crying in terror. As soon as we laid hands on her and commanded the foul and unclean spirit to go, it left! She would get up instantly, and be totally fine. When it happened again, we realized that there is an open door allowing the demon to return. So more teaching followed for the mother and the whole church on how to deal with this.



6. Last week we met ZITO, a 10 year old boy who was brought to us on the luggage rack of a borrowed bicycle by his mother, Angelina. Zito is severely anemic, emaciated, and unable to walk after breaking his femur in a soccer game 4 years ago. (His femer was not set right and his leg is badly deformed). His father is dead, and the mother was dealing with an abusive “live in boyfriend” who finally left during this last week, leaving them with no food in the house. We prayed for Zito and his mother last Sunday, but saw no healing results.

Today, we gave them food, and taught the church about WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?). Several church members immediately donated food to them today after church was over. We registered them into our food assistance program as Angelina has 2 other emaciated children at home.

Eric Dry, our assistant manager donated his aluminium crutches to Zito, but he is too weak at the moment to use them. We dewormed the family today, and Zito was started on a high protein diet with vitamins. The mother was so grateful, and the relief on her face said much more than words ever could.



We took Zito to his mud hut, and saw that they had basically nothing but one old rope bed. Tomorrow, your love gifts will provide them with food, kitchen items, clothing, grass mats and a bed and blankets, as all of them are in poor health and need major assistance.

Zito’s family needs a sponsor for the next year at $30/month, as they will need continued help with clothing and other personal needs throughout the next 12 months. It will take that long to get them “back on their feet” since Angelina’s corn field totally failed this year.



We PRAISE THE LORD for what He is doing to build faith in those who are seeking the true God in Namara.

It’s like watching ACTS of the BIBLE unfold before our eyes!

Stayed tuned as this story will continue next week!



298 TONS OF CORN IN THE BARN!



With God’s help, our fantastic team moved this massive amount of corn in 15 days, making this the fastest ever we have completed such an monumental task.

Our team consisted of 4 missionary staff, 4 ninety day visitors from the USA, and 95 Mozambicans.

With 3 sacking chutes, 2 trucks, and 2 weighing teams, this strong crew moved an average of 59 tons/day!

With the food in the barn, we can now turn our efforts to more evangelism, begin the construction of 2 of the 5 orphan houses at full speed, and prepare for the food distributions to begin in July.



This year is flying by, and we are truly grateful to all of you for making it possible through your prayers and love gifts!



Blessings,

Bush Bunny Brenda

and the awesome Balama Team

Eric Dry, RSA

Linda Stanley, NC

Leona Phillips, RSA

Don Hitsman, MI

Kaylan Vollmering, TX

David Abel, KS

Bryce Vaughn, NE

Hours and hours of driving, here is what I did.

The trip to Arizona was 16 hours each way with no stops, so of course it took longer than that.  When I wasn't sleeping or taking my turn at the wheel this is what I did.

I will be adding clips to them so they can be used in the hair or clipped to a purse or head band or hat or whatever else you can think of to do with them.  It was an easy mindless thing to work on during that long long drive.

Sewing advice

I have to admit that I do not wear make up or dresses.  I do think the rest of the advice is good.  I always get up and shower and get dressed even if I think I will be home alone all day.  I have never been able to go around with my nightgown on all day.

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog, June 10, 2012

Date: June 10, 2012 4:27:11 AM CDT


NAMARA SHADE TREE CHURCH SEES ANOTHER MIRACLE HEALING!
A large crowd of over 100 came to our Shade Tree church today, pouring in with their sick, lame, and blind.

Looked like a scene out of the Jesus Film!

We prayed for many, but only saw one miracle healing that was obvious.

A woman was in an motorcycle accident last year, hitting her head when the bike fell. She lost sight in her right eye (her blindness confirmed by 2 family members). She prayed to accept Jesus and as we prayed for her eye, she began to see!

We covered her good eye and began to point at objects, asking her what color they were. She told us immediately without hesitation.

But, we had to hold her eye lid open for her to be able to see.

Her eye lid nerves were also damaged in the accident, and she couldn’t open her eye lid without using her fingers. We prayed a second time for this, and she began to be able to open it half way. We encouraged her to begin to tell it to open all the way” in the name of Jesus”. With exercise, we feel it will soon open normally.



We met a little boy named Zito, who was kicked in his left hip and crippled during a soccer game 4 years ago. His left femur head is obviously out of the hip socket and his pelvis is also damaged. He was taken to the hospital but nothing was done for him. His parents confessed to being Muslim, but they say they are finished with Islam and prayed to receive Jesus.

We prayed for Zito’s healing but nothing happened. We encouraged the family to learn more about Jesus and to continue to have faith for Zito’s healing.

I sensed a blockage of unbelief in this family, especially the mother, and pray they will overcome their unbelief as they learn more about Jesus. Our team will be working with them this week in private.



We had a child set free from demons and his mother received Jesus.

It was wonderful to see all that Jesus did today, as people are starting realize that JESUS IS LORD over Diseases!
WOMAN HEALED LAST WEEK DOING GREAT!
The Namara Church leaders came in this week to receive payment for the corn their church members grew.

My first question was “How’s the woman who was healed after prayer last week for her brocken ankles?”

The church leader beamed with a big smile and said he had visited her every day this week. She has not touched her walking stick since last Sunday.

She tells him that even though her feet didn’t totally straighten out, that her legs feel much stronger and “different” than before we prayed for her.

There is lots of excitement in the village over this.

When we arrived at the Cactus Shade Tree Church this morning, this woman came walking in with only a mild limp. Don and I both noticed that her feet were much straighter than last week. She gave her testimony to encourage others as many sick and lame came forward for prayer. It was wonderful to see her walking with much more confidence than last week.
CORNY BUNNY’S TEAM REPORT
Due to our wonderful team of missionaries, we are using 3 processing chutes (vs. 2 last year) for sacking the corn. We have set new records being able to move 49-53 TONS in a day with a crew of 90 men. We only work every other day as the 2 trucks can’t keep up with us due to the villagers being a bit slow in getting their corn to the weighing areas!

At present we have 133.5 TONS in the barn with another 135 tons in the field awaiting pick up.

Thanks for all your prayers, as the wonderful team of visitors, 2 trucks with patient drivers, and 90 strong men, are giving all they have to make this happen.



BLESSINGS AND THANKS!

Bush Bunny Brenda and her Team of Corn Stackers in Balama

Cute lady bugs

Cherry tomatoes, and olives and cilantro, how cute.

Flower comparison

Its hard to tell how the two different flower patterns look side by side so I made one of each in red.  This is what I came up with.

I need a better camera but you can kind of see.

A new flower pattern

I found the directions for this flower on a ladies blog.  The instructions were in some other language, maybe German.  She had good pictures so it was pretty easy to figure it out.  I think I like this one even better than the other flower pattern I have been using.  It seems bigger and fuller, is that a word?

This is the other flower pattern.  Now that I look at both of them I think I like them both.  This one seems like it has more individual petals.  I am going to try the top one in red and see if it looks more like a rose.  I will add a pic to this post after I make it.
Ok the red flower is done.  It looks orange in the picture to me but its deep red.

Crochet flowers

I have found a fun easy way to use up small balls of yarn.  For the last couple of days I have been making these flowers.
First I made this one to go on a purse I crochet.

I liked it so well I made another and then another and soon I had made 9 of them just yesterday.

I may sew clips on to them so they can be used on head bands or hats or purses or what ever a person wants to use them on.  I think they would sell good at a craft fair.

I have to get packing today for our trip to Arizona but you can be sure I will be making crochet flowers along the way.

Pink, white and greens purse

 I hope to have a better camera on my next phone which will be my husbands phone when he gets a new one.  Anyway, this is the latest purse I made, its hot pink, white and greens.  It measures 11x12 inches.

 I also learned how to make these cool flowers.  They are a good way to use up small amounts of yarn.

A joke then some serious stuff.

Tim Hawkins


When somebody says something is 'fun as hell' are they talking eternal torment fun or lake of fire fun?..
 

Lavender Satchel

I made this lavender satchel for my youngest.  She wanted something small with a long strap.  She is testing this out to see if this is along the lines of what she was wanting.

The satchel measures 6.5 X 9 inches with a 38 inch strap.  She can put her wallet, 2 glass cases, a small glass cleaner bottle and microfiber glass cleaning cloth in it.

Making quick breads today

Today I am making what I call quick breads, that may be the wrong term for it if it is let me know.  So far I have made 4 large loaves of banana bread and next up is zucchini bread.  For the banana bread I used this recipe  except I added about 1 T. cinnamon and 1/3 c. brown sugar.  I never put nuts in our breads, don't know why, just never had any so never used them.  I like it when other people bring breads that they have used nuts in I just don't.
Here is the recipe:  http://www.doingmybestforhim.blogspot.com/2012/01/banana-bread-recipe.html

Our garden looks really good and is producing lots of green peppers, jalapenos, tomatoes and the zucchini is starting.  It looks like the cucumbers and okra will be coming on soon too.  The cukes are blooming so any day now.

Mollie is at the grocery store right now buying tortillas so we can fajitas with the green peppers and we have some onions.  She is also going to pick up some  packages of bologna that is on sale for 1.00 a package.  I am going to make bologna salad.  Its similar to ham salad but cheaper.  I have actually never made ham salad.

Here is my recipe for making bologna salad.
Grind up as much bologna as you want to.  We usually make 3 or 4 packages at one time.
Add mayonnaise, and a bit of mustard and sweet relish.  The secret is to add about a tablespoon of sugar, it makes the bologna taste like ham.  This is better if left in the fridge for a few hours to meld the flavors but we can never wait.

Black and White bag

This is a bag I made from different black and white yarns. It measures about 11 across the bottom X 10.   The strap is about 38 inches long.

Bella Ruffeled Purse

I found this cute pattern for the Bella Ruffeled Purse on face book and had to make one.  Here is my version of the purse.

Here is the pattern I used.  https://www.box.com/s/4ed7c2d4204f1b8d1b2c

Missonary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog addition Sunday, June 3, 2012

Date: June 3, 2012 5:04:16 AM CDT

AND THE LAME SHALL WALK!

We had an amazing 150+ people show up under our tree in Namara today, with over half being adults!

That is a switch, since our biggest crowd is usually the children.

After teaching on God’s Creation, I gave my testimony on how Jesus raised Crispo from the dead after he was bitten and killed by a Black Mamba snake.

Then I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to pray for the sick.

About 10 came forward with minor illnesses. Then I was taken to a young woman who had been crippled last year after falling into an open water well.

She fell about 30 feet, suffering compound fractures in both ankles. Her feet were not set right and faced outward.

It’s amazing she survived the accident as most with compound fractures die from infection. She could hobble with a simple long pole that she used for a crutch.

We knelt on the ground, and listened as she repeated the sinner’s prayer.

We then laid hands on her legs and commanded in Jesus name for the bones to straighten and the muscles to strengthen.

Pastor Jose and I lifted her to her feet and she stood with no help. Her feet were only slightly straighter, but she said her legs felt stronger.

When we told her to walk, she said she was scared of falling.

We told her Jesus had healed her and she needed to step out in faith. I took her by her hand and she took her first step.

Together, we walked hand in hand around the entire crowd and then I told her to dance. SHE DID!!!!!

She danced a jig in place, as we were surrounded by the crowd. A smile broke out on her face and she began to laugh!

Everyone was singing and shouting, so it got a bit wild!

I was praying for some other women when Don said “Look at that!” We spotted her walking at a fairly good pace down the road with no assistance.

The locals were amazed and told us she had not been able to stand alone or walk without her crutch, cause she would fall over.

It was a great faith builder for those who saw this wonderful miracle.

Pastor Jose quickly gave a salvation message an altar call.



35 RECEIVED CHRIST!!!!

Three teenage boys came forward and stood alone before this ever growing crowd.

Their action sparked courage in many others, who pushed their way through the crowd to receive Jesus into their hearts.

Most were children ages 6 to 14, as many adults still had doubts.

As Jesus said, let the little children come unto me. They are the GOOD GROUND who see and believe!

My entire team can’t wait to go back next week to see what else the Holy Spirit may do with this new crowd of believers.


Blessings,
BBB and the Namara Team of Don, David, and Bryce)

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog, June 2, 2012

Date: June 2, 2012 9:57:29 PM CDT





CORN ROLLING IN BY THE TON

June 1 found us in the Naccaca village weighing and loading a total of 21 tons of corn in 7 hours.

There are another 225+ tons waiting to be picked up in the next 2 weeks.

Our barn team processers and sackers consists of Dave VanderGriend, Don, Kaylan, David, Bryce, and Leona. They did a fantastic job of getting 110 tons of beans into the barn in 3.5 days! Linda Stanley kept us all fed using her extensive hotel cooking experience to whip up many different goat dishes for our team of 9 that week.



Because of this wonderful help, we are able to use 3 processing chutes for sacking the corn this year instead of just 2. With 2 chutes we can move 25 tons a day with an 80 man team. We hope to move over 32 tons/day with 3 chutes and our 2 trucks (one 6 and one 7 ton).

The objective is to get the job done as quickly as possible, cutting labor costs, and so we can get on with evangelism and construction projects that had to be put on hold to get the food in the barn.



NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY

June 1 was National Children’s Day and our huge family of 100+ orphans were given their annual Birthday Party. Because many don’t know their birthdate, we give everyone a big party on this day with games, candy, cookies, and a festive meal of goat and rice. (No we did not butcher one of our goats.) I bought an goat from a villager.



GOAT PROJECT GROWING



With the 2nd barn finished, we have started the 2nd herd of goats.

First barn now contains 37 and the 2nd barn 15. We plan to buy 5 more for the new barn, then wait a bit because all of them are pregnant. Our herd will double in the next few months, so I want to prevent overcrowding in the barns.



CRIME INCREASING IN PEMBA AT RAPID RATE

Due to the natural gas “boom” with 3 Houston companies moving into Pemba over the last 8 months, our quiet little peninsula town has become a traffic jammed, full blown crime center. When I picked up our last 3 visitors on May 19th, we stayed overnight in a missionaries home. Wanting to be at church, we packed the truck at 4a.m. and gave the order for the guard to open the gate. (ALL HOMES in Pemba are brick walled with security gates for privacy and safety.)

The guard was busy texting on his phone and delayed opening the gate. Unknown to us, he was working with a gang of thieves. When he opened the gate, in drove a car with blacked out windows so we couldn’t see who was inside. Blocking the gate, they left us no escape. I immediately realized this was a robbery attempt, and began yelling at them in the NAME OF JESUS to get out! I was waving my arms, yelling, and locking the truck doors at the same time.

They probably thought I was a mad woman, but not a one of them got out of the car.

I had Pastor Fred, plus David and Bryce with me (both strapping young men). They obviously were not expecting us to match their numbers, so they backed out of the gate, but waited for us out on the road. They began to follow but when we stopped at the home owners house down the street, they backed off, knowing there were additional guards inside that gate.

We went to the hotel were we picked up Dave Vander Griend, and left town without further incident.



We realize that increased security measures must be taken each time we go to Pemba, and overnight stays avoided when possible.

Your prayers for our safety are much appreciated. I’m sure those thieves got an eye full of something besides us 4 unarmed people when they backed off.

My next trip to Pemba is this Friday as 3 of the visitors are due for visa renewals at immigration.



Please keep us covered with prayers for BIG ANGELS with LARGE FLAMING SWORDS! Both Bryce and David as well as the strongest guy on our staff will travel with me on our “in and out” trip that day. Leaving at 4a.m., we should be home by 5pm.



As you wake up this beautiful Sunday, we will have just returned from starting a new church under a Mango Tree in Namara Village. There are 18 new believers in this massive village of 5000+, so Don, David, Bryce, and I will take them the story of Creation today, showing them WHO created their world and why he sent his Son Jesus.



Love and Hugs,

Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama Team

New Principal ~ Warning language

An anonymous commenter left a comment that this story is totally untrue and that I should check my facts before misleading people.  This person did not leave a name or any proof that this is not a true story so I am leaving it on my blog.  I do not allow anonymous comments especially ones that are rude.  This happens to be my blog and if I wanted to I could fill the pages with lies.  That is not my intention however.  If you leave a comment stating that I am misleading people, have the decency to sign your name and give the source of your information.  Thank you.


New high school principal


We watched high school principal Dennis Prager of Colorado , along with Sara Palin and Tom Brokaw on TV a couple of weeks ago....what a dynamic, down to earth speaker. Even though Palin and Brokaw were also guest speakers they did little but nod and agree with him. This is the guy that should be running for President in 2012!



A Speech Every American High School Principal Should Give.By Dennis Prager.



To the students and faculty of our high school:



I am your new principal, and honored to be so. There is no greater calling than to teach young people.



I would like to apprise you of some important changes coming to our school. I am making these changes because I am convinced that most of the ideas that have dominated public education in America have worked against you, against your teachers and against our country.



First , this school will no longer honor race or ethnicity. I could not care less if your racial makeup is black, brown, red, yellow or white. I could not care less if your origins are African, Latin American, Asian or European, or if your ancestors arrived here on the Mayflower or on slave ships. The only identity I care about, the only one this school will recognize, is your individual identity -- your character, your scholarship, your humanity. And the only national identity this school will care about is American.

This is an American public school, and American public schools were created to make better Americans. If you wish to affirm an ethnic, racial or religious identity through school, you will have to go elsewhere. We will end all ethnicity, race and non-American nationality-based celebrations. They undermine the motto of America , one of its three central values -- e pluribus Unum, "from many, one." And this school will be guided by America 's values. This includes all after-school clubs. I will not authorize clubs that divide students based on any identities. This includes race, language, religion, sexual orientation or whatever else may become in vogue in a society divided by political correctness.

Your clubs will be based on interests and passions, not blood, ethnic, racial or other physically defined ties. Those clubs just cultivate narcissism -- an unhealthy preoccupation with the self -- while the purpose of education is to get you to think beyond yourself. So we will have clubs that transport you to the wonders and glories of art, music, astronomy, languages you do not already speak, carpentry and more. If the only extracurricular activities you can imagine being interested in are those based on ethnic, racial or sexual identity, that means that little outside of yourself really interests you.

Second , I am uninterested in whether English is your native language. My only interest in terms of language is that you leave this school speaking and writing English as fluently as possible. The English language has united America 's citizens for over 200 years, and it will unite us at this school. It is one of the indispensable reasons this country of immigrants has always come to be one country. And if you leave this school without excellent English language skills, I would be remiss in my duty to ensure that you will be prepared to successfully compete in the American job market. We will learn other languages here -- it is deplorable that most Americans only speak English --but if you want classes taught in your native language rather than in English, this is not your school.

Third, because I regard learning as a sacred endeavor, everything in this school will reflect learning's elevated status. This means, among other things, that you and your teachers will dress accordingly. Many people in our society dress more formally for Hollywood events than for church or school. These people have their priorities backward. Therefore, there will be a formal dress code at this school.



Fourth, no obscene language will be tolerated anywhere on this school's property -- whether in class, in the hallways or at athletic events. If you can't speak without using the f-word, you can't speak. By obscene language I mean the words banned by the Federal Communications Commission, plus epithets such as "Nigger," even when used by one black student to address another black, or "bitch," even when addressed by a girl to a girlfriend. It is my intent that by the time you leave this school, you will be among the few your age to instinctively distinguish between the elevated and the degraded, the holy and the obscene.



Fifth, we will end all self-esteem programs. In this school, self-esteem will be attained in only one way -- the way people attained it until decided otherwise a generation ago -- by earning it. One immediate consequence is that there will be one valedictorian, not eight.



Sixth, and last, I am reorienting the school toward academics and away from politics and propaganda. No more time will be devoted to scaring you about smoking and caffeine, or terrifying you about sexual harassment or global warming. No more semesters will be devoted to condom wearing and teaching you to regard sexual relations as only or primarily a health issue... There will be no more attempts to convince you that you are a victim because you are not white, or not male, or not heterosexual or not Christian. We will have failed if any one of you graduates this school and does not consider him or herself inordinately fortunate -- to be alive and to be an American.



Now, please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our country. As many of you do not know the words, your teachers will hand them out to you.