"BUSH BUNNY BRENDA"

FROM "BUSH BUNNY BRENDA"

DATE: AUGUST 29, 2015

GOING THE EXTRA MILE TO HELP A FRIEND   Hagipe, a friend and Balama businessman, called me when I returned from S. Africa.  He asked if there was anything special I needed to help me with my limited diet during the next 6 weeks.  I told him the only thing needed, but not available, was AVOCADOS.  Since this is the end of their growing season in Moz., I had not found any in Pemba upon my return. He told me he would check in Nampula, the city 7 hours drive south of Balama, as that is where the Avos grow in northern Moz.   Last Saturday, Hagipe called to say none were available in Nampula, so I thanked him, and thought no more of it.  I’d make do with what foods I had on hand.     Hadipe, showing off the bucket of avacados for de Bush Bunny.       UNKNOWN to me, Hagipe called someone in Maputo City, the National Capital of Moz. that is a 3 day drive from Balama.  His friend organized 15 Avocados, packed them in a plastic bucket, boxed and shipped them BY AIR FRIEGHT to Pemba.  Hagipe called me late Wed. afternoon to see if I was home.  He said he was bringing me a gift of AVOCADOS, and would be there Thursday morning.  When he showed up and told me how he had obtained them, I was so overwhelmed, that I had tears in my eyes.  All I could think of was the Bible story of the man who carried his burden the extra mile.  Hagipe is a modern day example of what Jesus expects all of us to do for one another.   I’m a happy Bunny as I just ate a whole avocado for lunch before sitting down to write this story!   LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS LIKE A FAMILY WHO CARES     Aunt Nazarena bottle feeding baby Mezies for the first time.   MEZIAS, a new born baby boy, lost his mother in child birth.  (Death in child birth is the 3rd largest killer of mother’s in our area).   His aunt and uncle brought him to our door late Wed. afternoon.  They’d just walked in from Sirimula Village, 37 km away, (22 miles) to ask for help. Sirimula is where most of the corn is grown that feeds our orphans, so out assistance programs to orphaned babies is well known.   Where is Mezias’ father, I asked?  They told us he had died from an unknown sickness just before Mezias’ birth.  They were the only family he has left.   I praise the Lord that Mezias has a family who truly loves and cares for him.  Both Aunt and Uncle listened and repeated the instructions we gave them for bottle feeding Mezias. My staff was thrilled that this family seemed to truly understand the important of “doing it right”.   Because most Moz. babies are breast fed, the average mother, especially one living in a remote village, have never seen anyone bottle feed a baby.  This next week is critical for Mezias, for if the Aunt doesn’t boil the water before mixing the dry milk powder in the bottle, the bacteria in the local well water could cause Mezias to  perish from the #1 killer in Africa:  DYSENTERY.   WITH YOUR LOVE GIFTS FOR WATER WELLS, WE HAVE DRILLED AND PRESENTLY MAINTAIN OVER 50 WATER WELLS IN BALAMA AND MELUCO DISTRICTS (counties). CLEAN WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE ON THIS EARTH, JUST AS JESUS IS ESSENTIAL FOR ETERNAL LIFE.   Our church’s name is IGREJA AGUAS VIVAS IN MOZAMBIQUE.  (LIVING WATERS) We need both types of water to have a complete life, both here and in the hereafter.   JESUS IS COMING SOON.  ARE YOU READY?   Blessings, Bush Bunny Brenda Lange

One of these things is not like the others.

This is the way Sandy laid out her toys.  I think she is playing that game, one of these things is not like the others.  I couldn't believe she lined them up like this.

The story of the little red hen

The little red hen found a seed. It was a little seed. The little red hen found a seed. It was a wheat seed.   The little red hen said, “Who will help me plant the seed?”   The pig said, “Not I.” The cat said, “Not I.” The dog said, “Not I.” The little red hen said, “I will.”   The little red hen said, “Who will cut the wheat?” The pig said, “Not I.” The cat said, “Not I.” The dog said, “Not I.” The little red hen said, “I will then.” And she did.   The little red hen said, “Who will thresh the wheat?” The pig said, “Not I.” The cat said, “Not I.” The dog said, “Not I.” The little red hen said, “I will then.” And she did.   The little red hen said, “Who will grind the wheat?” The pig said, “Not I.” The cat said, “Not I.” The dog said, “Not I.” The little red hen said, “I will then.” And she did.   The little red hen said, “Who will make the bread?” The pig said, “Not I.” The cat said, “Not I.” The dog said, “Not I.” The little red hen said, “I will then.” And she did.   The little red hen said, “Who will eat the bread?” The pig said, “I will.” The cat said, “I will.” The dog said, “I will.” The little red hen said, “You shall not eat the bread. I will eat it.” And she did.

Happy birthday Mollie on the 23rd.

My beautiful daughter Mollie turned 21 on the 23rd and I forgot to make a tribute for her birthday on my blog so here it is.  I love you Mollie.

Happy birthday Hannah

My youngest daughter Hannah turns 19 today.  She is a beautiful woman inside and out.  I love you Hannah.

Walker bag

I was privileged to be invited to a dear friends 90th birthday party.  I wanted to get something for her but at 90 you pretty much have everything you need.  WELL, she called me a couple of days ago and asked if I could make her a new bag for her walker.  Of course I said yes.  She doesn't know it but now I have a useful gift to give her.  I went over to her house and picked up the one she has now and loves but its just worn out to use for a pattern.  I like the way it turned out so much that I am thinking of making a few more to sell.

                                                       This is the front of the bag.
                                                    The straps attach it to the walker.
                                                     There are two large pockets on the outside.

                                                  This is the back of the walker bag.

This is the inside of the bag.  There are two large pockets.

Her party is Saturday.  I will try to get a picture of her with her new bag attached to her walker.

 

Happy birthday Mother

Today is my mother's birthday.  I am thankful that her mother gave life to such a beautiful and wonderful woman, who in turn gave life to me.  I love you mom.

The water bearer

A Water Bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and one half pots of water in his master's house.

The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the Water Bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.

The Water Bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path." Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologize to the bearer for its failure. The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We re all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father's table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste. So as we seek ways to minister together, and as God calls you to tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway. Go out boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him every one of God's promises is a Yes."

Never feel bad about your brokenness my lovelies. God can use your story, your life to bring beauty/encouragement/inspiration to places you never imagined! The cracks in your broken life will allow light to shine through your life to reach people you don't even know you are reaching! Be vulnerable, be broken, shine anyway!

COTTAGE CHEESE FRUIT SALAD

COTTAGE CHEESE FRUIT SALAD

1 lg. container sm. curd cottage cheese
1 sm. box cherryJello (dry) or any flavor...
1 sm. can mandarin oranges (drained)
1 lg. can crushed pineapple (drained)
1 med. container Cool Whip
1/2 cup pecans
Mix cottage cheese and 1 small box of dry jello together. Add oranges, pecans,pineapple mix well. Then add Cool Whip and mix well. Refrigerate.

The 23rd Psalm

Bring to boil: 1 stick of butter 1 c water 4 T Cocoa Remove from heat and add to: 2 c flour 2 c sugar 1 t salt 1 t baking soda Beat in : 2 eggs 1/2 c sour cream Pour into large greased 15.5" x 10.5" pan.Bake 20 mins 350 degrees.Let cool 10 mins and then ice cake. Icing recipe: Bring to boil: 4 T cocoa 6 T milk 1 stick butter Remove from heat and add: 1 box powdered sugar 1 t vanilla 1 c pecans (optional) Pour over cake and spread. Enjoy!!
https://onourweightohealth.wordpress.com/2014/02/05/texas-sheet-cake/

Homemade Russell Stover Candies

Homemade Russell Stover Candies

 2 cups powdered sugar
14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup coconut ...
1 cup shortening, not butter
12 oz. chocolate chips

Mix sugar, milk, coconut and shortening and chill over night. In saucepan melt chocolate chips over low heat. Form filling mixture into small balls or squares, dip in melted chocolate and set on wax paper to harden. Do Not Refrigerate.

Chocolate Crazy Cake Recipe

Chocolate Crazy Cake Recipe

Ingredients 1 1/2 Cups flour (all-purpose) 3 Tbsp. cocoa (unsweetened) 1 Cup white sugar 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp.  salt 1 tsp. white vinegar 1 tsp.  pure vanilla extract 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil  1 Cup water  Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix first 5 dry ingredients in a greased 8" square baking pan.  Make 3 depressions in dry ingredients - two small, one larger (see #3 in photo below). Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the other and the vegetable oil in third larger depression.  Pour water over all.  Mix well until smooth. Bake on middle rack of oven for 35 minutes.  Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.  Cool.  Top with your favorite frosting.  Enjoy! Note:  Oven cooking times may vary, be sure to check your cake to make sure you do not over bake. TIPS You can double this recipe, just use a 9x13 baking pan. You can also mix the batter in a bowl for neater, easier mixing.  Be sure to follow the directions the same way - mixing the dry ingredients then making the depressions for the wet ingredients.  Don't forget to grease your pan.  You can also make cupcakes - be sure to adjust baking time.  Although I have not used Gluten Free flour mixes for this recipe, many people have and said the cake turns out wonderful!  This is a great tip from someone that made the cake using a GF mix -  "...the mix I use is 1c. brown rice flour, 1c. white rice flour, 1/3 c. tapioca starch, 2/3 c. potato starch, 1tsp. xanthan gum. I've used it in everything from bread to cookies to cakes, and I love it. I do add just a bit more leavening agent *usually baking soda* than the recipe calls for.  For instance, in this recipe I just added 1/2 of what it called for more. So the recipe called for 1 tsp, so I added 1 1/2.  And it was SO good. Hubby didn't even know it was vegan.  And he's a full on man lol. Meat, potatoes, you get it."  She also added another note for this GF mix - "I only increase the leavening on cakes and bread. cookies are fine."   A big thank you goes out to the sweet reader for being so helpful and sharing this tip with all of us!  Head here for a GF Crazy/Wacky Cake recipe - Bob's Red Mill Gluten-   Free Wacky Cake Many have shared that this recipe is great served warm or cold with just sprinkling powdered sugar on top!   This cake is also a great activity to do with kids! A sweet reader, Lesley, shared photos of her Layered Crazy Cake and Cupcakes.  Thank you, Lesley, so thoughtful for you to share with all of us! For the layered cake, she greased her pan and used baking paper (parchment paper) on the bottom.  She didn't double the recipe, just cut the cake into a layer.     For the cupcakes, she made a dozen using her muffin tin and cupcake liners.  The cupcakes were baked at 350 degrees F for 13 mins.  (Oven cooking times vary)

Fresh apple cake

Saucy In The Kitchen

FRESH APPLE CAKE RECIPE:
1 c vegetable oil
2 c sugar
3 eggs
3 c flour...
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 c chopped pecans
3 c peeled and chopped apples

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13" pan. Combine oil, sugar, and eggs. Stir in flour and baking soda. Add vanilla, pecans, and apples. Spread in prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. Cool for 2 hours. Then prepare frosting.

Frosting

1/2 c butter
1 c brown sugar, packed
1/4 c evaporated milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

Boil all ingredients in a small saucepan for 2 minutes. Set pan in bowl filled with ice water. Beat icing until of spreading consistency. Spread over top of cake.

Peach cake

Trish Payne

Peach cake:

 1 large can sliced peaches, drained and mashed (I used 2 regular cans since that is all I had at the time) You could also use fresh peaches.
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar............
2 teaspoons baking soda
Drain the peaches and empty into a large bowl. I just used my hands to mash them. Add flour, sugar and soda and mix well. Spray a 9 x 13 inch cake pan and pour in batter. Bake in a preheated 350F degree oven for 35 minutes. See recipe below for icing.
ICING:
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 regular sized can of evaporated milk
1 stick butter or margarine
1 cup coconut (I used a little more than a cup of coconut)
1 cup nuts
Boil everything but the nuts on top of the stove until thickens, remove from heat, stir in nuts and spread on cooled cake.

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