Sunday 21 March 2010

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.

11 comments:

  1. Good Morning Marie,

    I think I know how you feel the love and prayers of others. It is the most comforting experience. When my brother died I said I was prayed through the experience.

    Please enjoy your day.

    Suzan

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  2. My dear Marie,

    I'm glad that you are comforted and cared for. Yes, that's the truth, you will be ok. The Lord will never leave you nor forsake you.

    I will continue to pray for you.

    Love and prayers,
    Ruth

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  3. Dear Marie you are an inspiration to us all ,how you can find a smile just now is admirable ,and you still manage to be upbeat ,God BNless you and Todd at this time ..love Jan xx

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  4. Do you know Marie...my mother had a saying.." You get out of life what you put into it".
    The help and friendship that is surrounding you now is because you have brought a lot of love into many people's lives through your special journal.Your quotes and stories feed our 'spiritual stomachs' and your recipes do the rest for our bodies.
    Prayers are on the 'menu' every day for you and Todd.
    Don't forget to let me have your new address
    Hugs
    Jeanie xxx

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  5. You are fortunate to have the friends and helping hands in your life. That is something to be thankful for! Over time all the good that we do for others does come back to us and I've found that to be true in so many ways. You will be ok. The dear Lord has you right in the palm of his hands. What more could we ask! Have a wonderful Sunday!

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  6. Hi, dear Marie! There is always much to be thankful for...even during very difficult times. How I admire your strength and faith...and I know it will carry you through these days ahead. So happy you are surrounded by the love of friends & family. :o) I have a card and little package to send you, but was uncertain where to send it what with your move. When you have a moment, please email me your new address--thanks! Hope so much to get a chance to chat with you tonight. I'm still not feeling to well. Going to rest, and will try to be around later. Can't wait to catch up. :o) Thinking of you & Todd as you deal with and face so much *prayers*-.LOVE YOU BOTH LOTS!! OXOX ((BIG HUGS))

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  7. you are such an inspiration marie. i love you and am so sorry for the heartaches you've had this week!

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  8. Dear Marie, your posts helped me through a long bleak winter. A warmth stole off your words - laced with a comforting smell of baking.
    Now it is my turn, to welcome you back to the northwest. You are no stranger, and there is a lot of love and support for you and Todd.
    Bunny xx

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  9. 45 BOXES OF BOOKS!!!!! Goodness me, how did that happen? Is that Todd's books too? I wouldn't like to shift that lot.

    Seriously though, I'm glad to see you feeling more positive aabout the move. Yes, you will be OK.
    love, Angie, xx

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  10. Hello dear,
    I am glad that the ward had a special activity for you and Todd. You are much loved and will be much missed. However, your new ward will be blessed to have you. I am sure that your friends in Chester as really excited to have you moving back.

    Change is always hard and scary. However, like you I KNOW you will be OK. In fact, you will be better off in the long run. My love and prayers are with you every day.

    45 boxes of books!!!!! My goodness... is your new home big enough to hold them? Good luck.

    You mean a lot to so many people. You are a good example and inspiration to us. Know wonder so many have reached out to you and Todd. Thank you for touching our hearts with your faith and courage.

    I have been at the hospital with Jan and Kris today. Jan gave us a scare at church today but she is back home now. You can read about it on my post.

    I send love and best wishes. Hugs, Lura

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  11. Marie, this is such a lovely post, so full of love and hope and faith. It is nice to hear that many are reaching out to you both in this trying time and that you are feeling the comfort of that love. I have thought and prayed for you many times over the last several weeks and it is heartwarming to know you have come to some peace in knowing the Lord will provide a way for you.

    Loving you from far away...
    Bonnie

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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!