Change

     Well, we are an entire month and one day into the new year of 2011! Wow, that was fast. Talk about change! My friend just informed me that 1980 is considered vintage by "Etsy" standards after I tried to correct her about an item in her shop classified as 1980 vintage. I thought she must have meant 1880, for who would consider the 1980's vintage! I was married in the 80's and had babies in the 80's! I remember the 80's! Something is wrong with this.  I think what is wrong is that "change" is going on, whether I like it or not!

I'm not a big fan of change, yet without it I would be stuck. Stuck in time, stuck in an era without progress, stuck in times of life that are not so good, even stuck in good times that could get "old". Sometimes though, the change can't come fast enough. Especially when life is not so grand.  Other times, we don't want to change. We like our soft, cushy, happy life we are in, and we don't want to move on.  Trusting God is the key. Letting go and letting Him lead us through, even when the times are bad. It reminds me of the scene in the movie Gone With the Wind, where they had to put a blanket over the horse's head to lead them through the burning streets of Atlanta. If the horses didn't see the fire, they wouldn't fear it or fight it. Some days are like that. Just put the blanket over my head, Lord! I trust you. Just lead me on.  

Ever have one of those days, weeks, years? Well, you're not alone! You're in good company, or should I say, at least in company!
Keep your head under the blanket of faith, and just follow on! God will lead!

Proverbs 3:5&6  " Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.

Becoming a Grandparent!

I'm filling in for Renee, so I just thought I'd blog about what I'm bursting to tell the world! I'm just weeks away from becoming a grandmother, and I can't wait.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. KJV James 1:17  After raising four children, my husband and I realize that this monumental responsibility has only been accomplished by the grace of God. Phew!!  And now, what a joy to be anticipating the birth of our first grandson, Gavin Michael, in December, and another grandchild in January.  I loved being a mother, and I'm told there's nothing like being a grandparent.  In a sense, our parenting task is still not complete, as now we get to "parent" in a "grand" way!  Giving lots of love, hugs, kisses, and prayers, and living a godly life that points our grandchildren to the Lord!  So, fellow grandparents, we're joining the ranks, and God's grace abounds!

Monday, Mama whatcha cookin?

Faith, Family, Friends and Chicken Pot Pie, that's what's cookin today!

I say this because I could not have one of these without the other today. Years ago, I received this recipe from my dear friend who happens to be the other half of Java Girls! It came from a member of her family. It is a very good and simple recipe for chicken pot pie and it always seems to be the perfect comfort food. I make it for my family quite often. I am always rewarded with lots of raves and kudos for a great dinner when I make this. That makes me happy. I also like to make this to take to someone in need, which is what I'm doing today! I will make two, one for my family, and the other one is going to a sweet young "mommy to be" that has been on bed rest most of her pregnancy. What is supposed to be the most joyful time has been the hardest time for this young mother to be. Pregnancy has it's ups and downs anyway, but most of us make it through with some really fun memories of going on with our life during the nine months. Not for this mommy! So, as her friend I have the privilege of helping her.

As I prepare this pot pie, I can think of this new mom and pray, knowing how hard it is to endure discomfort herself for the sake of letting her baby grow. I can encourage her that it will come to an end. Though I do remember thinking myself during my first pregnancy "This baby will never come out!" Mine did, and so will hers. Soon she will be holding her own sweet baby, and all this will be in the past. Also, I can make this dish with extra love and appreciation because it was my friend who shared this family recipe. It has blessed our family and many other's as well. I can increase my own faith and this new mom's in knowing that no matter what goes on in the world today, or what we face, we have faith in God, family, friends and yummy chicken pot pie for dinner!
Till next time,
Mamacooker

A great place to keep your prayer list or just journal about your faith, family and friends is in this beautiful journal we just listed this month in our shop. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43470670

Chicken Pot Pie

1 recipe of double layer pie crust/or 1 box Pillsbury pie crust.

1 16 oz. pkg. frozen vegetables(peas/carrot or mixed)

1 can Campbell's cream of chicken soup

milk (approx 5 oz)

1 1/2 to 2 cups cooked cubed chicken breast
Pre-heat oven to 375.

Cook vegetables according to package directions, drain and set aside. Place bottom layer of crust in 8-9 inch pie plate. Mix together drained vegetables, cream of chicken soup, using soup can, half can of milk, and cooked/cubed chicken. Pour into crust. Cover with top crust. Using knife, make 4-5 small slits in center of pie crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake at 375 for 30-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Crust Recipe:

2 c. sifted flour

1tsp. salt

2/3 c. Crisco shortening

5-7 Tbsp. cold water

Sift together flour and salt. Cut in shortening with pastry blender. Sprinkle 1 tbsp water over mixture. Toss with fork. Repeat until all water is used. divide dough into two balls and roll out on floured covered surface. Makes two crust, for top and bottom.