Friday 9 January 2009

Friday Bits . . .



"God has put something noble and good into every heart His hand has created. So while living on earth we must always remember to learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow because time will only show what has mattered throughout our journey."
~Melanie Klein


I love these words. They are the perfect reminder to me that everyone around me is only doing the very best that they know how to do, according the sum of their experience. Plainly put . . . when we know better . . . we do better. There is good in everyone if we dig deep enough to find it.

I am so grateful that I don't have to carry the mistakes I have made in my life around with me like an anchor around my neck . . . the weight of them dragging me down and making every step forward that I take, a burden and an exercise in futility. Repentance is a beautiful thing and an empowering thing. That is not to say that I forget those things that I have done that were wrong, but that I leave them in the past where they belong and that I move forward in faith, whilst trying hard not to repeat them. Quite often we are bound to live the consequences of our actions for a time, maybe even longer than we would wish to, but we can colour our lives with a different colour in the future, having learned from our mistakes, and applying the lessons learned to our lives.



Forgiveness goes hand in hand with repentance, and just as I would like others to forgive me for my misdeeds, I, too, must learn to forgive those who have wronged against me. Carrying a grudge is often just as much of an anchor as regret . . . and so, I must forgive.

The past I cannot change . . . the future is yet to be . . . but the time right now, this is within my grasp and my control. I am the artist which draws on the page of today. By making all of my todays count, and by garnishing my thoughts and actions with love, service, mercy, forgiveness, and prayer I can ensure that my tomorrows are filled with the joys of yesteryear instead of the pain of regret, and that, at the end of the day, I can measure up my life as having been worthwhile and of substance. This is what truly matters . . .



When we finally get to the end of the road and we add up the treasures we have gathered in the journey along the way, they will be measured not in dollars in the bank or in rich paintings on the wall . . . but in blessings shared, service given, relationships built, love and memories created. Like it as not, we will be remembered for what we did, or what we didn't do, rather than what we had.

Just my two bits of wisdom for the day.

We spent hours on the phone yesterday afternoon with the technical guys for my camera. Or should I say, Todd spent hours. (I know, I am a lucky woman!) They could do nothing to change anything. It appears to be a conflict between Windows Vista and our Camera Software. That is why in the shop they were able to download all the photos, which here at home we were not. I am not sure what the next step is, but I personally feel that the shop should either refund or replace it with a camera that is compatible, instead of just brushing us off.

With all the cold weather we have had here this past week, we've had a lot of soup nights. Nights when only a hot bowl of soup can warm our innards and make us feel all cosy. When I lived in Canada we always had crackers with our soup, but I have come to know and to love the British tradition of serving bread with soup. These wonderful dinner muffins are also very good with soup.



*Savoury Cheese and Onion Dinner Muffins*
Makes 12

The flavours of cheese and onion go so very well together. These delicious muffins are good with just about anything. Great with soups and stews and also with most roasted meats. They are a quick and easy alternative to a yeasted bread and everyone always enjoys them. Just perfect for when you have unexpected dinner guests and you don’t have time to whip out to the store for some rolls. I guarantee nobody will be complaining!

2 cups plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 TBS white sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup milk
¼ cup melted butter
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
4 ounces strong cheddar cheese, grated

Pre-heat the oven to 200*C/400*F. Lightly grease a twelve hole medium muffin tin and set aside.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together in a large bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onion and ¾ of the grated cheese.

Beat the egg and milk together in a measuring cup. Stir in the melted butter.

Make a well in the centre of the dry mixture and tip in the wet ingredients all at once. Quickly mix together just until the dry ingredients are all moistened. Do not over mix.

Divide evenly amongst the muffin cups, filling about 2/3 full, and then sprinkle a little bit of the remaining grated cheese evenly over top of each.

Bake for about 20 minutes until they are well risen and golden brown. Test for doneness with a toothpick. When inserted into one of the muffins it should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These are best served warm.

*Note - You can re-heat these the day after by simply placing them in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. These also freeze quite well.

PS - My ART BLOG has had a facelift. Pop on over and have a look. I just love it! Thanks Hannah!

19 comments:

  1. Another beautiful post written by my beautiful friend. I agree with every word you have written....indeed words of wisdom.

    I hope at the end of my journey I will have collected many treasures...the kind that really count... and that I can offer them up in gratitude to my Saviour and Heavenly Father for the gifts and blessings that they always given me so abundantly. I hope that when I look back on my life it will not be with regret.

    I also agree with what you've said about forgiving. You are right. As a child I was so hurt by my father running off with a teenager, leaving us and throwing my mother's and my life into turmoil that I hated him. My sweet mother kept telling me that holding a grudge only hurt me and that I needed to forgive him and feel sorry for him and the bad choices he made. It took me years to understand what she was telling me.... but finally I got it. When I was able to forgive him...and even feel sorry for him....and pray for him.. a great burden was lifted from me. It was as if a huge weight was gone from my soul and I was filled with peace and joy.

    It is late...we just got home from the temple... I just came to the computer to say good morning to you. Have a good Friday and a great weekend.

    I am sending love and hugs your way. Lura

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  2. Yes true words of wisdom given in love as only you can.
    I really like the face lift to your picture site, makes your artwork to really pop. Although it pops by itself.
    I apologize for not writing during the week but my sugar has gotten crazy this week which makes me not feel very well. It finally came down to my normal last night and I feel better this morning - not great yet, but better. Praise the Lord.
    I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your dreams writing earlier. It has set me to remembering. I think I acted so much in what my dreams were that I didn't see it as my dream. My dream was to teach children the Word of God. I have taught children the word since I was 11 yrs old. My parents were missionaries to the Indians in Arizona, and after much pleading I was allowed to go and help. I loved teaching the kids that were 2 yrs up to 10yrs. I have continued to teach children clear up to this last year. When I was like 4 yrs I would get all my dollies, and the cat and the dog and my foster brother's and sister's and their dolls and I would teach them and preach to them. I must have been a real trial to them.
    Dreams are truly what God put in us and not to be stuck in a box and forgotten. I thank the Lord that I had an opportunity to do as you and worked on my dreams from an early age.
    You have such a gift I can understand it having been a dream. God is so good when He instills that which He desires in our life.

    God bless you - Much joy,
    Ruthanne

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  3. Here are my hugs - pushed the button too soon.
    Much love to you, blessings and bushels of hugs. You are an awesome wonderful lady.

    love Ruthanne oxoxox

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  4. How's your camera doing? How is everything else? Did you ever get the LFB stuff I sent? I've got a great story about a chef I met yesterday working. I'll e-mail you.

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  5. Whenever I come to the computer I can do absolutely nothing until I've had my Marie fix! You are an inspiration to me and many more and I am proud to call you my friend.

    Skill with the skillet not bad too!!!!!!!!!!!

    Don't know what's up with this computer today. This is the 3rd attempt I've had at leaving a comment and it keeps wiping itself out so now I am trying totype really fast before t knows I'm here

    love, Angie, xx

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  6. I think your bits of wisdom are very wise words indeed. Thanks for sharing them and the recipe today. I've some cheese in the fridge that needs to be used so maybe this weekend I'll try the recipe and use it up.
    Have a great Friday!

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  7. I'm also having trouble commenting here. I couldn't get it to work yesterday, either. Have I mentioned that I hate computers?

    Honestly, I am stunned at the camera manufacturer's response. Surely it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to make its products compatible. You should contact the manufacturer again to determine what they have to get you up and running. How can it not support Vista, which is what a lot of computers have these days.

    Lovely to read your entries even if it refuses to accept my comments. And those muffins look delicious and perfect for soup weather. Makes a nice change from the "holy toast" LOL!

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  8. I'm so glad we don't carry our mistakes around with us!
    Love those muffins!

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  9. Nice post Marie! here is lovely really!! all!and nice recipe!So many things these days my friends,. alot! so when I read you I remember is Friday really I dont remember where day we stay!!!!! huggss!Gloria

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  10. Have a lovely weekend with Todd, kisses!!! Gloria

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  11. Reading this post was just like attending an inspiring spiritual class. I feel enriched by your words, and well as very touched. You have a way of presenting thoughts and 'lessons' that feels like someone has taken my own thoughts, and organized them, and then they become so clear to me. Thank you for 'being there' every morning and helping me to get my day started with a smile on my face. You truly are inspirational to me!!!

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  12. Love the many contemplative thoughts here...and wintry photos adding to the reflection. Do hope you get things with your camera sorted out, now you know the problem. Hope they shop will be kind and help you with a new camera all together. And thank goodness for husbands who take care of the big things sometimes! Mine is like that too--me lucky. :o) Soup is just the thing for these cold days. And your muffins make the ideal accompaniment...mmm...Off to see your new art blog. Oh, it was so good to get to chat with you at last today--hooray! Always adds extra sparkle to the week when we get to chat. Happy weekend to you & dear Todd--LOVE you both! ((BIG HUGS))

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  13. You're so right about forgiving. Had a look at your art blog Marie, it's beautiful. You're so very talented.

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  14. You are an inspiring woman. Thank you for your insightful entries. I agree onthe forgiveness and know it is not easy. The muffins look so yummy. I will have to try them with my soup. I understand your frustration with the camera. Sometimes I just want to elimanate all technology! Good luck.

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  15. Very nice post today Marie. Those rolls sound and look like more! How could anybody resist cheese and onion in one roll!

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  16. Great winter land photos! Those savoury muffins sound really good as well.

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  17. WE ALWAYS HAD HOT BUTTERY TOAST WITH OUR SOUP GROWING UP AND THAT'S STILL HOW I LIKE IT BEST...AND CREAM OF TOMATO IS STILL MY FAV!

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  18. that quote is beautiful. a true reminder that God has created every living thing on this Earth and that everything and everyone has good inside them(even if it is really deep inside:).

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  19. Thank you for posting those words full of wisdom! I have started reading your blog couple of weeks ago and everytime I feel down, your posts put a smile on my face. You are truly an inspirational woman and your words are very touching and comforting. Have a wonderful week and please continue posting such nice words. :)

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Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!