Marie's Sunday Six

We've been through a particularly difficult week here at Oak Cottage this week. With having to pack up all of our belongings and then losing our Jess, one might think that there was not a whole lot to smile about . . . but I am happy to say, that amidst the tears that came often and abundantly, there were lots of smiles interspersed.



I have felt the love that surrounds me, through the many comments, e-mails, letters and cards that have come through my letter box . . . oh how very thankful I am for each and every one of them. They mean the world to me, and each time one arrived, a warm smile touched my heart amidst the tears . . . .



The many kindnesses of friends and strangers during this past week have touched Todd's and my hearts in countless ways . . . they brought us comfort and much needed solace in a week that was tinged with so much sorrow . . . they brought a much needed spark of light into what was becoming dark and very hard to push our way through . . .



The many helping hands that have surrounded us in these past days have been such a blessing to us. The hands that took the time to type or write us notes and e-mails of support. The hands that took the time to text or telephone us to offer us more love and support. The kind hands of the Sister Missionaries that came over to help us pack, and who packed 45 boxes of books. ( I know!! I couldn't believe it either!) The many hands that have been folded in prayer, which we have felt surrounding us and upholding us in these past difficult days. The caring hands of the members of our Ward that put together a fabulous Ward Activity last evening . . . that came out to wish us well and to surround us with love in their own unique way . . .

It has all been so wonderful, and overwhelming . . . and very, very special.



We have felt cared for, and up lifted, strengthened . . . and very, very loved. We thank each one of you from the very depths of our souls . . .

God can't be everywhere, and He uses the hands of His people to reach out to others that may have hearts and lives filled with sorrow, and need, and pain . . . your hands have ministered to us like the Father's hands over these past days, and they have brought much joy to us and helped to soothe our breaking hearts, and to comfort us.



We are very unsure of what may lie ahead in our future . . . it is a bit scary and at the same time exciting. Our immediate need of housing and a place to go has been met . . . I have no doubt that our other needs will also be met. This time has been a great time of testing and also a great exercise in the strengthening of our faith. Amidst tears and heartbreak, there have also been countless little miracles and the ever increasing evidence that we are loved and that He knows and cares for us in a very special way.

We will be ok. That is the thought that comes into my mind and my heart, over and over again . . . that still small voice that reassures and comforts me and that lets me know that He is ultimately in control and in charge of our lives, as long as we allow Him to take the helm of our ship. He will guide us through the storm and into clear and peaceful waters.

I am most grateful for the sense of peace that brings, for it's calming influence and for the strength that it gives us to be able to move forward.

We WILL be ok.


Here is another delicious way to prepare potatoes. I just love potatoes. I could eat them every day, and usually do. They are such a versatile vegetable, and one that I just could not live without!! I guess that makes me a carboholic through and through!!



*Cheese and Chive Potato Crush*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

A deliciously rich potato crush, filled with the wonderful flavours of cheese and fresh chopped chives. This goes very well with most meats and poultry. I've even been known to eat a plate of this all by itself.

2 pounds of baby new potatoes, washed and scrubbed
2 TBS buttr
4 TBS singlecream
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 TBS minced fresh chives

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the potatoes and bring back to the boil. Simmer just until fork tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot. Place over the residual heat of the burner and give the pot a shake to dry the potatoes out even further.

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F. Lightly butter a shallow casserole dish. with a potato masher, slightly mash the potatoes, crushing them, taking care only to break them up and not to mash them completely. Gently stir in the cream and the butter, mixing them in thoroughly and maintaining the texture. Season to taste with some salt and pepper and stir in 2 TBS of the chives. (reserve the last TBS for later)

Lightly pile the potato mixture into the prepared dish, taking care to leave it looking a bit craggy. The lumps and bumps will get all crusty and add to the flavour. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over top and bang the casserole dish into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top begins to brown slightly and get little crusty bits. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with the remaining chives just before serving.



Over on The English Kitchen today . . . a delicious Blueberry Crunch Cake.