Winter Thoughts

Good Eventide to you all! I hope you are all keeping warm. It is snowing and frightfully cold here. I have taken Sir dog out and am now settled in with a nice cuppa. The choice for today is a mix of Pumpkin Spice and Ginger...with a little splash of something to warm me bones. There is nothing quite like tea in a pretty cup, I say! I believe I will try and make this a habit. After all, it is 4:30pm... which translates into tea time. Unfortunately I do not have any scones or biscuits to have with my tea. Perhaps tomorrow. 

We are 10 days away from Christmas. For most it is a festive time. All the wonderful decorations, visits with friends and family, and much more. But then, there are others, who are alone this time of year. It can be a terrible time. For them, it is looking at what they don't have, be it family or even a warm place to live. For others, it means painful memories of a time long passed. And still others, who fight addictions and mental illness. This time of year can be a real trigger. Add to that the cold weather, the snow, days of shorter sunshine and much more gloom. Holiday time has one of the highest rates of suicide and violence. 

I am the afore mentioned.. one who suffers from depression. Holidays have never been a favorite of mine. In a previous life, it meant stress and arguments and loneliness. In this life it means going without...without money, without friends and without family. The mister and I will not be participating in Christmas this year. 

However, for those of faith, particularly that of the Christian one, it is a time of joyous anticipation! The long journey of Joseph and Mary back to the village of Bethlehem as they await the birth of what will be our Savior. But, so many people seem to look past that. It's not about the gifts, the decorations, the parties.... it's about an anticipation of the future. My all time favorite story has always been Linus' soliloquy of the story of the "true" meaning of Christmas......

As you go about your shopping, your celebrating, your decorating, keep in mind those who are without. Perhaps say a little prayer. Or make a special ornament for your tree. Donate or volunteer your time at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Throw your pennies in the kettle for the Salvation Army. Light a candle at church. Whatever it is you choose to do, remember how blessed you are for all the things you have. And remember the reason WHY we celebrate Christmas.....

Some links for donation sites:

**for some reason they don't show up as active. However, if you copy and paste, you will be taken right to the site.

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/christmas-assistance

http://soldiersangels.org

http://toysfortots.org/default.aspx

http://www.coats-for-kids.org

World War II Remembered

"Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." These were the opening words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's speech to the United States Congress the day after the Japanese conducted a sneak attack on the Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It was this event that threw the United States into World War II. 

The devastation of Pearl Harbor was massive. So many lives were lost. To this day, there are many ships underwater with their contents forever embedded to the ocean floor. There were also bodies that were never recovered. Loved ones were left to wonder if their family and friends were alive or dead. 

The attack happened early on a Sunday morning. At that time, most were in church or had yet to start their day. Soldiers had only begun to file into their ships. Had this attack happened later in the day, more lives would have been lost. 

People tend to overlook the fact that this war had started years previously in Europe. Hitler was on the march seeking to obliterate all Jews. Germany was left vulnerable and broke at the end of the First World War. This left them with a shattered economy and devastated towns and cities. Work was hard to find and food was in short supply. Hitler's promise of prosperity grabbed the nation, giving it hope. However, no one could have predicted what Hitler's reign was going to do. Rather than enriching their country, providing a more stable government, and boosting their lagging economy, World War II had a further devastating effect on Germany.

Newspaper article reporting on the Nazis
 "Kristallnacht" (The Night of the Broken Glass)

United States citizens were only partially aware of the atrocities happening under Hitler. There were murmurs of attacks on Jews. There were rumors of the concentration camps, but that is just what it was... rumors. No one could believe that something that horrible could happen. Why would anyone want to exterminate an entire race of people? It was unheard of. Yet, it was happening. 

As men marched off to war, it left a huge gap in the work force. No longer were there men working in the factories, working in the fields, working in domestic service. It was the women who jumped in to take over the reigns. Not only did they fill necessary employment opportunities, but these jobs helped the women to not only support the troops fighting in the war, but also to support themselves and their families. Women worked in factories helping to manufacture airplane parts, tank parts, weapons manufacturing. Wherever the need, the women were there to fill the spot. These jobs also empowered women. This was a time when many women stayed home to raise the children while their husbands' toiled away at work to support their family. Women took great pride in their work. They were lauded by the government for their willingness to work long hours in an effort to help in the war effort.

Europe saw even more change. They had to cope with enemy attacks on a daily basis. Women and children were sent to countries were there was less of a chance of an attack. There were also children being separated from their families in an effort to keep them safe. Transportation to these outlying places were sporadic at best. Parents had to make a gut wrenching decision. In the end, as parents will do, they decided that what little means of escape there were, the children needed passage more than the adults. Still, though, many families could not make the escape. They were left to deal with war on a daily basis. 

The aristocracy in Europe were not exempt to the ravages of war. Often, their domestic staff were conscripted into the war. Large country homes and estates were commandeered to be used as hospitals and rehabilitation services in which wounded soldiers would receive care before either being shipped home, or sent back to their units to continue the fight. Many a noblewomen became volunteer nurses or any kind of help that was needed. There was no surprise in seeing a Baroness carrying linens or emptying bed pans.  

Once the war ended, Europe had suffered such damage. Entire cities were wiped out. Nothing but bits and pieces of houses remained. Buildings stood precariously, with their blown out walls and fractured foundations. The war may have ended, but the struggle was just beginning. The Soviets took control of Eastern Germany, further declining their war wounds. The Americans were marching through towns where the concentration

Jews being herded into cattle cars being 

sent to the concentration camp

in Auschwitz, Poland.

camps were and were immediately overcome with such heart break to see all these people who were emaciated, who had been victims of cruel "experiments" at the hands of Nazi doctors and psychologists. Whole generations of families were expunged. And the conditions inside the camps were horrific. Huge buildings that served as pyres for burning Jewish bodies once they were of use no more. The soldiers were stupefied and horrified. Who would do such a thing? What kind of sick and twisted mind did these Nazi's have? To this day, you will hear stories denying the fact of the attempt at wiping out the Jewish race.

We need to take cautious steps in this day and age in order to not repeat what happened in World War II. Unfortunately, with weapons and armaments that are able to attack half a world away, if a war were to break out, World War II would seem like a small skirmish compared to the global damage that could occur in this day and age.

I pray that this post will encourage you to look further at the details of World War II. Then, take a good hard look at what is going on today. Winston Churchill used a statement  originally coined by George Santayana, who was a philosopher and literary critic, that says "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it". 

 Sweater Controversy

Ok.... time for my rant on the latest "offense". This story got some real blasts from all kinds of people. Many complained that this was making fun of a serious mental illness. In my own personal opinion, I don't see it as such. I have several psychological disorders, one of which is OCD. I'm not offended by this sweater. I have a friend who decorates her entire house for Christmas. It looks like Santa's Wonderland. That sweater would be perfect for her!

I see a bunch of people who have nothing better to do with their lives than complain about SOMETHING!! Seriously, people need to STOP being so sensitive over every little thing. We have become a society of such "political correctness" that we have to watch every word and phrase that comes out of our mouth so we, heaven forbid, offend ANYONE. We want to make sure we are "all-inclusive". How did we become this way? How have we become such sensitive sots? 

There is always someone being offended. Well I'm offended that I have to make sure I don't offend someone else! I'm a Christian, and as such, I am offended that I am not allowed to wish people a Merry Christmas because then I am "forcing" my faith "down their throats". So, instead, I have to wish others a Happy Holiday so that I am sure to include EVERYONE and not offend someone else. 

Our governor (I'm in New York State) just signed a bill stating that children no longer have to say the Pledge of Allegiance because it mentions "..one nation, under God..." It seems that little phrase offends everyone who does not believe in God. But, wait a minute.... aren't there OTHER gods that people recognize as THEIR GOD? We aren't saying that we are one nation, under the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God... whatever your name for Him is... Allah, Vishnu, Jehovah... Even if you're atheist, agnostic, wicca.... there is still a name for your "higher power". 

In my humble opinion, those who are complaining about being offended are bringing unneeded attention to what their "difference" is. There is ALWAYS going to be someone offended by something. If we spend our lives always looking for something that offends us, we're going to become a most miserable lot. 

LEARN TO LAUGH AT YOURSELVES PEOPLE! Life is too short.

Hugs My Loves,
Agatha 

FOOD!!!!!!!!!!

Hi there Etherneters!! I have something yummy to share with you today. I don't know what to call it since it's just something I slapped together to use some leftovers from Thanksgiving. It's Sweet Potatoes with marshmallow in a tortilla shell.

A friend of ours had given us a whole tray of the leftover sweet potato "casserole" (I'll post the recipe for that in a bit). I had had some with my dinner the other night but it was just too marshmallow-y tasting. So it's been sitting in the fridge. 

I came up with this idea this afternoon. I was going to try to make something similar to potato pancakes, but it didn't quite fry up as I planned. So I browsed what was in the fridge (which wasn't much). My daughter had a stack of the small, soft tortillas in there. HHmm... what could I do? Figured I'd warm up the tortilla and put the sweet potato mix on it. OH MY GODLY YUMMINESS!!!! Happy accident!! Oh it was so good! I even went back and made another! Only on that one I added Cool-Whip. It's like pumpkin pie in a tortilla! I may yet make another one later on. So anyway, here's my "recipe" of sorts.

Sweet Potato Tortilla

Soft tortilla shells (to preference, use large if making for more people)
Sweet Potato with Marshmallows (recipe to follow)
Pumpkin Pie Spice 
Maple syrup/pancake syrup
Butter

1. In a bowl, mix the sweet potato with the pumpkin pie spice and a drizzle of the pancake syrup (flavor to taste). Mix well.

2. Add a small amount of butter to frying pan. Put about 1 tbsp (or more for larger tortilla) of the sweet potato mix in the frying pan. Heat well, flipping often for even heating.

3. Remove mix from pan and set aside (but don't let it get cold).

4. In the same pan, add just enough butter to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.

5. Place the tortilla in the pan to heat. Be sure to flip it so both sides get hot. (I waited until I saw the tortilla start to puff up a bit.)

6. Place warm tortilla on a plate. Add the sweet potato mix. Flip half of the tortilla over. 

**Optional: I topped mine with Cool Whip. But toppings can be optional. I suppose you could use whatever tastes good!

Prep time: About 5 minutes
Makes 1 tortilla

Sweet Potato Casserole 

Recipe By:Stephanie Phillips

"Mmm! Sweet potatoes topped with creamy toasted marshmallows."

• Prep
  15 m
• Cook
  45 m
• Ready In
  1 h

Ingredients

• 5 sweet potatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup reduced fat margarine
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 1 (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and mash.
3. Place mashed sweet potatoes in large bowl, and use an electric mixer to blend with the margarine, brown sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon. Spread evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with miniature marshmallows.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until heated through, and marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2016 Allrecipes.com
Printed From Allrecipes.com 11/29/2016

If you try this, leave a comment below and let me know how yours came out! Here's to happy eating folks!!

Something Different

Ok. so I've lost track of how many incarnations this blog has had. I'm not known for sticking to just one thing. I'm kinda like a hummingbird. Or a magpie. lol My brain never shuts off. Not even for sleeping. So, whatever is going through my head I may just share here. I'm not trying to be new or different or trendy. This is just me, who I am, in whatever I am.

I'm sitting here with the dog under my blanket, snoring away. I have a "virtual fireplace" with Christmas music playing (courtesy of YouTube). Hubby should be home from work shortly. Daughter is out with friends for dinner. So, for now, it's very peaceful. I also have a small candle burning on the table next to me. I really like candles. I just wish I could afford to buy more. 

I will probably be posting lots of pictures. I love to share pictures!! Here is one of our dog, Chipper. He's a Boston Terrier who sleeps, eats, farts and snores!

My current obsession is all things British. I watch British tv shows, I have a few British acquaintances on Facebook. What's not to love about the U.K.? They have a scheduled tea time every day!! And oh...those lovely British accents (which actually vary depending on where you are from). They are a very proper culture. I would love to have tea time in England. All pretty dessert trays and fancy tea sets. And to dress up! Be a proper lady! What fun! 

And let's not forget "Downton Abbey"! Oh to live in the lovely manor with the Crawley's. I don't know if I'd like to be the aristocracy or the "staff" or maybe just the crazy relation that is kept in the attic! lol I binged on the entire show and had it done in a number of weeks. Oh how I miss my "date" with the Crawley's.


Well, folks... that's all for now. Have a peace filled evening.

Ephesians Bible Study

Good morning and happy Saturday. I'm sharing with you a great bible study on the book of Ephesians that I found on a blog "Stone Soup for Five". It's in the side bar. You enter your email and it will be sent to you. This is a FREE study. I have a study book, as well, on the same thing, so I might try and incorporate it into the study. Check out my Facebook page as I also cross post there for bible study and doddling/journaling: Ladies Cafe and Bible Study.

*** I can't seem to get the links to activate, but if you google the stone soup blog, you'll find the bible study. For Facebook, just type in the name of my page.

These are some suggested resources to help you in your reading and understanding of the Book of Ephesians. (They come from the Stone Soup for Five bible study)


Grace to You--John MacArthur
https://www.gty.org/resources/Bible-Introductions/MSB49/Ephesians

Blue Letter Bible--Matthew Henry's Introduction
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Eph/Eph_000.cfm?a=1098001

I am also using some of my resources from my Christian Counseling course as well as a study guide for Ephesians:

• New Believers Compact New Testament (From Live Church)
• Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction
• Ephesians by Max Lucado

I hope you all will join me and others in exploring Scripture, growing our faith and a chance to be creative. 

Bible Journaling 101

Good morning lovelies! I'm trying a new project. I have seen such great ideas on how people journal in their bible, keeping track in a beautiful way their prayers or what they are learning. However, I don't have the money to buy a new bible. But recently I received lots of scrap booking materials. So, I decided I would try using a scrap book as a way to journal. Here is the beginning:

I've been checking out some online resources and videos because I'm not sure where or how to begin. It can seem rather daunting because so many people seem to be so artistic. I'm lucky if I can draw a stick figure!! I also don't have money for fancy supplies. I have gotten some basic supplies to get started. I know I can pick up more stuff at the dollar store. That's a great way to accumulate a variety of supplies without going broke.

My biggest stumbling block is what verses to start with. There are websites to help with that. Or you can start with a favorite passage. You might want to use a verse from a daily devotional. Or just pray about it. God will tell you where you need to start. I found a really nice video on how to get started. This is one from a very bubbly college student. You can check it out here: **How to Start Bible Journaling + My First Entries.

There are also resources to do an online bible journal. Those of you who are familiar with various photo editing programs might find these a little easier than those of us who really don't know! I found some ideas in this blog: ** http://www.biblejournalingdigitally.com/3-ways-to-bible-journal-digitally/. It offers some images and a workbook you can download and print. You can also download and print images just from a google search.

There is no one wrong or right way to do this. This is for you. To follow your progress in your faith. Or get you through a tough time. Or a way to express your creativity that God gave you. I hope you will try this out and maybe share some photos of your journals!

** If the links don't work, then just copy and paste it into your browser. **

Have fun and God Bless!