The Pennyless Cook: Renewal

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Renewal

This past Friday I was extremely blessed to experience the renewal of vows between two sweet friends. My breath was taken away by the beauty of the church lit in candlelight. As the church filled with song you might've thought in that moment that there is nothing more glorious, but after hearing the beautiful and difficult journey this family had been on, and the way God has graciously healed and blessed them; His work amidst lives is much, much more glorious!

As these two were renewing there love for one another; I was taken aback by the fact that God is constantly renewing for our good and His glory!

God has been renewing me for the past several months. I've felt like I've been riding a roller coaster, if I'm honest, since January. I would go down in a pit and then He would pull me back out; till recently.

During this time God has used the wise and encouraging counsel of dear friends and even my husband (I know it may be shocking, but Matt is my wisest and bestest friend in the whole-wide world). He, God that is, has also opened my ears to His Word, and used different songs to point me towards Himself. He has constantly pursued me during this time till I finally listened and said, "Ok! Ok! I hear you! Yes I want to be near you now with my entire heart, not just a portion, and thank you for not giving up on me! I do love you, I'm sorry for not always showing it, and thank you so much for always loving me!"

I just wanted to share with you that I am so incredibly thankful that He doesn't give up on me and He won't ever give up on you either! His love sustains, provides, protects, and still believes when I, or even you may not!

This song has been on my mind ever since I witnessed God's merciful, joyous, and gracious hand on that precious family; that simply wanted to share what God had done between two hearts that He had brought together two decades ago.......

Yea, it was harder then we thought it would be and it may get harder, but that's what the Promise is for.

I need to remember that when I forget.

No comments:

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Tips to Eat or Cook By

Buy cheese by the block and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese doesn't pack as much flavor and costs more ounce per ounce.
Don't waste time buying roasted vegetables in a marinade that you will use one time for one dish; make your own (see post: The dinner the hood interrupted).
Al dente is a cooking term used for pasta. It should be checked by tasting so it is firm to the bite. The more pasta cooks the gummier it gets.
This is not some great wisdom or secret, but cut coupons. If you don't you are literally throwing away dollar after dollar. Don't use coupons on something you really don't want simply because of the coupon; use them on what you need!
If you don't have acsess to jared tomato juice the best store bought juice, in my opinion, is Red Gold . Cheap and fresh tasting!
Try to make your own sauces as much as possible; you'll save so much money and be eatting a homemade sauce without perservatives.
A rue is used to help thicken sauces. For example you can melt 2 tbsp of butter and then mix in 2 tbsp of flour until cooked through and browned. Then add to sauce until smooth and thickened. You can also make rue first and then add ingredients to the rue.
Mascarpone cheese is a good thing to keep on hand. It can be used as dip on crackers (my son's favorite), used in the place of sour cream while cooking, can be used in desert by adding vanilla and on top of fruit. Possibilities are truly endless!
Siracha Hot Chili Suace is one of the best hot sauces and can be found in the Asian aisle. Don't let the Asian influence fool you; it is delicious in all types of food that need a little kick!
To enhance the flavor of dried spices (which is a smart investment) simply crush in the palm of your hand before adding to the dish.
Keep fresh spices lasting longer by adding a damp paper towel in a plastic bag with the spice.
If you forget to lay butter out to soften you can beat it with a rolling pin or warm it with your hands.
Cookies, candies, or even a spice mix makes a great gift in a clear gift bag with a ribbon or nice glass jar.
Buy meat on the bone; it is always cheaper and more flavorful.
Save wrapping from sticks of butter to use in greasing pans or skillets.
Instead of wasting money on pancake mix, make your own with ingredients you already have on hand; add vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon for an added touch.
Instead of buying grated cheese, it's cheaper and more flavorful to buy it by the block and grate it yourself (save the rind to put in soup stock).
Cut coupons and plan monthly menu around sale bills.
A donut has less calories than a multi-grain bagel wIth low-fat cream cheese.
Stock fridge with frozen vegetables; cheaper and just as nutritious.
Regular bacon is healthier than turkey bacon.