Thursday Thoughts . . .

As you all know, I recently went through the painful experience of having lost my job. Through no fault of my own of course . . . it's just the times we are living.

The worst part though, was not the losing of the job, but also the losing of our home . . . as our home was attached to the job. It is one thing to lose your job . . . but when the roof of your head disappears right along with it, well . . . that's a pretty hard pill to swallow.

And then . . . just when we thought that things could not get any harder to take . . . we lost Jess. Our much beloved dog . . . our hearts were broken. We were not sure how much more we could take . . . I was not sure, how much more I could take . . .



One morning when I was feeling a bit blue about it all . . . I read the story of this man who, during the great Depression . . . had lost his job, a fortune of money, his wife and his home. He tenaciously clung to his faith however . . . the only thing he had left. One day he stopped to watch some workmen doing stonework on a huge church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of stone.

"What are you going to do with that?" asked the man.

The workman looked up at him and replied, "See that shape up there neaer the spire??? Well, I'm shaping this down here, so it will fit up there."

Tears suddenly filled the eyes of the man as he walked away. God had spoken to him through the workman to explain the ordeal though which he was passing.

"I'm shaping you down here, so you'll fit in up there."



One might be tempted to believe because they are members of a certain church, or a person with deep and abiding faith, that nothing bad will happen to them . . . and sometimes when bad things do happen, you might be tempted to ask yourself . . . why, when you have been such a good person, and done all the right things . . . why are you having to suffer the things you are having to go through???

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies,bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust." Matthew 5: 44, 45



He never promised us things would be easy, only that they would be worth it, and that is what helped to get me through a very difficult time . . . what is helping me to get through what continues to be a very difficult time. A stronger pot must be put through the fire again and again, and He is helping to shape me into a stronger pot. However does anyone without faith get through life?? It boggles the mind!

"For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth." Hebrews 12:6



We've had some beautiful weather these past couple of weeks, but it looks like that is going to come to an end today! We will now begin to have Bank Holiday Weekend weather, with rain, wind and colder temperatures! Or "Sod's Law" as Todd calls it! Nevermind, as Annie sings . . . the sun will come out tomorrow! Or at least when the Bank Holiday weekend is over!!

I baked these taste tempting muffins yesterday morning. They're a fabulous way to begin the day. Nutty, and fruity and oh so very delicious!




*Norsk Apple Muffins*
makes 12 large muffins
Printable Recipe

This is a recipe that I have had in my files for a very long time. So long I can no longer remember where it came from! Moist from the apples, with the delicate hint of lemon and cinnamon, and a golden crunch of toasted almonds and cinnamony sugar on top. These are winners!

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
the finely grated zest oe one lemon
1 medium apple, cored, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup)

For the topping:
1/4 cup demerara sugar
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F gas mark 5. Butter well a muffin tin, or line with paper liners. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and creamy. Beat in the eggs and lemon zest, continuing to beat until well incorporated.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamn together in another bowl and then stir this into the creamed mixture, just to moisten. Gently fold in the chopped apple.

Spoon into the prepared muffin cups, dividing it equally amongst them. Sprinkle the sugar and almonds evenly over the top of each muffin and then dust each with some of the cinnamon.. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until lightly browned and well risen. Remove from the oven and let stand for five minutes, before removing from the pan to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm. Delicious!



We have Turkey Burgers over on The English Kitchen today, adorned with a delicious Cranberry Catsup!