Land O'Lakes Little Joys Holiday Recipes:Free brochure

Download and save this brochure with Christmas dessert recipes! 

A Little Raggedy But Still Loveable!

This kitty looked like it had seen better days, but hey, haven't we all??  Still loveable, LOL!

Photo by Freida @ Lake Bowen

When and How to Report Suspicious Activity to Law Enforcement

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Quote

"Laugh and the world laughs with you; snore
and you sleep alone."
-- Gelett Burgess

2011 18th Annual "Dickens of a Christmas" Celebration is Nov. 29th in Spartanburg, SC

Happy Holidays!!

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Spartanburg, SC Law Enforcement Holds Workshop on Home Invasions and Offers Tips

Psalm 119:143

credit: Freida Thomas

As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.

SC Fall Color Photo

Photo credit: Freida Thomas

Movie: Jack and Jill

I saw the new movie Jack and Jill yesterday.
Adam Sandler and Al Pacino are hilarious!
This is a must see if you want to laugh alot!!
thumbs up and 5 stars...............*****

An apple a day

1 Peter 2:15-16

It is God's will that your honorable lives should
silence those ignorant people who make
foolish accusations against you.For you are free,
yet you are God's slaves, so don't use
your freedom as an excuse to do evil.

Quote

"It's not enough to be busy, so are the ants.
The question is, what are we busy about?"
– Henry David Thoreau

Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake

credit: www.tasteofhome.com

"I clipped this recipe from a newspaper years ago," recalls Bonnie Evans from Norcross, Georgia. "The house smells great while it's cooking. My husband and son enjoy this warm dessert with vanilla ice cream and nuts on top."

4 ServingsPrep: 10 min. Cook: 1-1/2 hours

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons baking cocoa
• 1 cup boiling water
• Vanilla ice cream

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the milk, peanut butter, oil and vanilla,
• beat until well blended. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar,
• flour and baking powder; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture
• until blended. Spread evenly into a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker coated
• with cooking spray.
• In a small bowl, combine the cocoa and remaining sugar; stir in
• boiling water. Pour into slow cooker (do not stir).
• Cover and cook on high for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until a toothpick
• inserted near the center of comes out clean. Serve warm with ice
• cream. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 piece) equals 348 calories,

1 John 4:18-20 (NIV)

~Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue
but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know
that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts
at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us.
For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows
everything.

An apple a day

Isaiah 1:18

";Come now, let's settle this,"; says the Lord. ";
Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson, I will
make them as white as wool.

More Fall Color!

Photo credit: Freida Thomas

What Every Parent Should Know About the Dangers of Chicken Pox Parties

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Fall Colors

If you have eyes to see all

of God's beauty around you,

thank HIM, you are blessed!

Photo Credit: Freida Thomas

  Quote du Jour

"Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil,
and cruel. True, and they have many other fine
qualities as well."
-- Missy Dizick



"Beware of people who dislike cats."
-- Irish prover



"Cats seem to go on the principle that it never
does any harm to ask for what you want."
-- Joseph Wood Krutch

                                                              Photo credit: Freida Thomas

An apple a day

1 Timothy 2:1-2

[Instructions about Worship] I urge you, first of all,
to pray for all people. Ask God to help them;
intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority
so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by
godliness and dignity.

Photo Credit: Freida Thomas
Isn't fall beautiful?

Photo credit: Freida Thomas

Photo credit: Freida Thomas

Photo credit: Freida Thomas
Chimney Rock

What You Need to Know About the Marmorated Stink Bug Invading the Carolinas

click on title for the article

An apple a day

Credit: Freida Thomas
Chimney Rock

I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me
will never walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life (John 8:12, NIV).

Quote du Jour

"Be generous with kindly words, especially
about those who are absent.”
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Dry Pet Food Linked to Human Salmonella Infection: How to Avoid Becoming Sick

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Festive Broccoli Salad Shared with us by Carol Shrum of Gastonia, North Carolina, this is one of those dishes you can add to any meal, in any season. We enjoyed it at our potluck and it was gone before we knew it! Ingredients:

2 heads broccoli, chopped into flowerets 1 red onion, chopped 1/2 to 3/4 c. sweetened dried cranberries 3-oz. jar bacon bits 1 cup mayonnaise 2 T. red wine vinegar 1/2 c. sugar Mix together broccoli, onion cranberries and bacon bits in a large bowl. Whisk together remaining ingredients in a separate bowl and pour over top of broccoli mixture, just before serving. Toss to mix. Serves 8.

Happy Halloween Haiku

Click on title to read Haiku!

"Never underestimate a man who overestimates
himself."
-- Franlin D. Rossevelt

An apple a day

photo by Freida

Ephesians 2:8-9

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a
gift from God.Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us
can boast about it.

An apple a day

Romans 12:1

[A Living Sacrifice to God] And so,
dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give
your bodies to God because of all he has done for you.
 Let them be a living and holy
sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.
This is truly the way to worship him.

An Affirmation for Today

I trust that these glitches are here for my Spiritual growth.

An apple a day

Ephesians 5:19-20

singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves,
and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
And give thanks for everything to God the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Grapefruit and Oranges Quick Recipes

Did you know?  Grapefruit and Oranges are both packed with vitamin C!
We need alot of Vitamin C during the Cold and Flu season, so try to
incorporate some of these easy recipes into your daily diet.

Grapefruit Cobbler: Top a halved grapefruit with a dollop of vanilla
yogurt and crumbled low-fat shortbread cookies.

Sweet and Sunny Salad: Drizzle grapefruit and orange slices with honey
and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Grapefruit Whip: Toss grapefruit slices in a blend of equal parts
light whipped cream and lemon-flavored yogurt.

Citrus Parfait:  In a parfait dish or glass, layer 3 ounces vanilla
yogurt, 1/4 cup granola (or other cereal) and 1/4 cup peeled
grapefruit and/or orange wedges; repeat. 
Top with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Black Friday 2011 is Coming: Prepare Now

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An apple a day

Proverbs 9:10

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good
judgment.

SC Gov. Nikki Haley Responds to Citizens Questions at Recent Town Hall Meeting

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Is it a good day in SC for you?

A Review of SC Gov. Nikki Haley's Town Hall Meeting Held in Spartanburg on Oct. 17, 2011

Where is SC Now and Where is it Going

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Country Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 2 large Granny Smith Apples, peeled and cored
• 2 (10 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (12 oz.) can or bottle Mountain Dew

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Cut each apple into 8 wedges and set aside. Separate the crescent
roll dough into triangles.  Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll
dough starting at the smallest end.  Pinch to seal and place in
baking dish.
3. Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar and
cinnamon. (Other spices can be added if desired)
 Pour over the apple dumplings.  Pour Mountain Dew over
 the dumplings.
4. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until
golden brown. (serve warm and top with ice cream, optional)

I love any apple dish in the fall and this easy recipe is
one of my favorites. Hope you will try it and like it!

from allrecipes.com

An apple a day

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in.
 Aim at earth and you get neither.” C.S. Lewis

Fresh Egg Tip

Quick Tip

To tell if an egg is fresh, place it in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lies on its side, it’s good. If it sinks and stands large-end up, use it quickly—it’s about to go bad. If it floats, toss it.

tip from allyou.com

 

An apple a day

Psalm 37:4

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires.

I give myself permission to cherish my inner resources.

An apple a day

Psalm 25:14-15

The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.
He teaches them his covenant. My eyes are
always on the Lord, for he rescues me from
the traps of my enemies.

Affirmation

You are a good heart!

An apple a day

2 Samuel 7:22

 How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you.
 We have never even heard of another God like you!

"Footloose" and "Dolphin Tale" Are Top 2 Movies to See This Weekend Oct. 14-16 in Spartanburg,SC

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How to Make Your TV Watching Time Productive

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An apple a day

~ Take time to be still in God's presence. The more hassled
you feel, the more you need this sacred space of communion
with Him.  Breath slowly and deeply.  Relax in His holy presence
while His face shines upon you.  This is how you receive His
peace.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)  "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted
in the earth."

10 Adult Halloween Costumes Each Under $20 and Available Online

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5 Recipes for Halloween Snacks Costing Under $1.00 Per Serving

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Affirmation

                                                 You give straight from your heart.

How to Prepare for a First Job Interview

An apple a day

Proverbs 19:20-21

Get all the advice and instruction you can,
so you will be wise the rest of your life.You
can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose
 will prevail.

Love, Live, and Learn!

Affirmation

You are learning with each passing day.

An apple a day: Psalm 63:1

Psalm 63:1

[A psalm of David, regarding a time when David
was in the wilderness of Judah.]O God, you
are my God; I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for
you in this parched and weary land where
 there is no water.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

"That's been one of my mantras -- focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains." ~Steve Jobs: CoFounder of Apple, Inc.

Millions Mourn the Death of Steve Jobs: Co-Founder of Apple, Inc

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An apple a day

enjoy your surroundings!!
by freida

"Life is too short to be anything but happy....
love deeply, forgive quickly, take chances,
give everything with no regrets, forget the past
with exception of what you have learned and
remember everything happens for a reason."
-- Anonymous

6 Statements You Should Never Make To Your Boss

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An Affirmation for Today

I take pleasure in receiving the goodness around me.

An apple a day

When many things seem to be going wrong, Trust God.
When your life feels increasingly out of control, Thank God.
These are supernatural responses, and they will lift you
above your circumstances! Affirm your trust in God, regardless
of how you feel.  Though thanking God in all circumstances 
may seem unnatural or even irrational, by doing it, gradually you will
begin to ascend, recovering your lost ground.

Six Effective Ways to Help a Loved One with Borderline Personality Disorder

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6 Key Cancer Protectors

"If everyone in America followed these suggestions,
we could see a 50 to 70% drop in cancer deaths, says
Edward Partridge, M.D.:

• Don't smoke
• Eat a healthy diet
• Be physically active
• Use sunscreen
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get recommended screenings

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Try this warm and yummy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Comfort food for a chilly Fall night!

Ingredients for cake:

3 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 stick butter, melted

Ingredients for Topping

1 stick butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. cinnamon
dash of ground cloves (optional)

Ingredients for Glaze

2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
5 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
________________________________
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all cake ingredients
together except for the butter.  Once combined, slowly
stir in melted butter and pour into a greased 9"x13" pan.

2. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until
well combined.  Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with
a knife.  Bake for 30-35 minutes, then remove to cool.

3. While cake cools, stir together powdered sugar, milk, and
vanilla.  While cake is still slightly warm, drizzle with glaze.

compliments of Melissa Spivey
www.beowblueskies.com

I give myself permission to move through intense emotions easier.

An apple a day

~Sow for yourselves righeousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes and showers
righteousness on you.~
(Hosea 10:12-NIV)

An apple a day

Philippians 1:9-10

I pray that your love will overflow more and more,
and that you will keep on growing in
knowledge and understanding.For I want you to
understand what really matters, so that you
may live pure and blameless lives until the day
 of Christ's return.

"Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully." - Zig Ziglar

~Everyone must take time
to sit and watch the leaves turn~

Elizabeth Lawrence

Apple-Pumpkin Butter

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup apple, peeled, cored, and grated
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
_______________________________
Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan
bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer
1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Yields: 3 cups

recipe compliments of  www.gooseberrypatch.com


This is a delicious and easy fall/winter recipe! 
Why not make your friends some jars of this as Christmas presents,
 along with a copy of the recipe!

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Matthew 6:33

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.

Who among us hasn't envied a cat's ability to
ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?”

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - 1 John 2:1

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that
you will not sin. But if anyone does sin
we have an advocate who pleads our case
 before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the
one who is truly righteous.

Affirmation

With each moment, my heart opens up to the beauty around me. Live in the "present" moment only. The present moment is all we have.  Stay grounded in it!

Land O'Lakes Little Joys Holiday Recipes:Free download!

Click on the Title in this post to download your free holiday recipe book today!

Reminder: The Presidental Debate is on FoxNews Channel
at 9:00 pm tonight. Please watch, it is important that
everyone get involved and decide who WE
want as our next President! We must vote Obama out in 2012!

Oct. 1, 2011 International Festival at Barnet Park in Spartanburg, SC

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8414609/free_admission_event_2011_international.html?cat=2

Affirmation

Remember: With each day you are getting better in every way!

An apple a day

~But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.

(2 Corinthians 3:16-17; NIV)

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
Victor Hugo

 

An apple a day

~The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.
(Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)

Affirmation

You generously contribute to the happiness of others.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Ephesians 5:1

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Wow, what a difference a day makes!
From 80 something degrees yesterday
to the 60's today. Am I ready for
cold weather!  NOT!! lol

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - James 3:13

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing
good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - 1 John 4:16

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.

I woke up (wide awake) at 3am this morning.  I've been checking
emails and web surfing.  I'm still awake, and have a busy day
ahead of me.  Suppose I will read for awhile now. Maybe that
will help!  Good morning early, from me!!

Today's Affirmation

Your Affirmation: With each day, I am letting go.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Philippians 2:1-2

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?
 Any comfort from his love?
Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me
truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working
together with one mind and purpose.

An apple a day

~"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let
your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:27 (NIV)

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Philippians 4:4

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice.

Hope you have a happy and blessed day!

Top Ten Advantages of Adopting an Older Cat Over a Kitten

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thanks

Boiled Peanuts: A Southern Staple

click on title for step-by-step instructions

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Titus 2:2

Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect,
 and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.