Perfect peace . . .

Think of this picture of perfect peace . . . a small bird perched on the slender branch of a tree, which overhangs raging white waters . . . the bird has no cause to be afraid, because it puts its trust in the fact that it has been blessed with strong wings and it can take a flight to freedom anytime it wishes to do so.

We, too, can have perfect peace. It is something that comes from putting our trust in the Lord . . . who protects, guides, leads and loves us with a love that is enduring, unfailing and eternal. No matter how delicate our situation may be. No matter how many storms may rage around us. No matter how horrible a situation we may find ourselves in . . . we can have that same inner peace.

If we have worries we can . . . and should share them with Him, so that we are not feeling alone and burdened down with a load of care



Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:5-7

This is the perfect peace.

On Christ the solid rock I stand . . . all other ground is shifting sand.



Oh what a lovely day we had here yesterday!! The sun shone beautifully and warm the whole day through! I managed to get two loads of laundry done and out on the line to dry. We slept in clean sheets last night which smelled of sunshine and fresh air. Don't you just love sleeping in fresh, line dried sheets? I do!

I will have to pick some of our lavender soon or it will be too late. Every year I tell myself that I am going to pick some and dry it so that I can place it in our dresser drawers and every year I wait until it is too late. Lavender has such a clean and pleasant smell . . . it would make our clothes smell so wonderful. We have noticed other plants growing in the front garden now . . . fushia, gerber daisies, and a few others that I don't know the names of. It's really very pretty.




I think in the autumn we are going to put in some zinnias and the like along the back of the borders, near the fence. They would look really pretty there and bring us some colour for most of the growing season. Todd picked up a few rose bushes at B& Q yesterday for his rose garden. They were looking well past it and so had been marked way down. After replanting yesterday afternoon and a good watering, they are looking quite lovely! I think he has his whole pond dug now and just has to work on the lining etc. We are quite enjoying building the back garden into a haven . . . a little oasis of comfort and peace.

Here is a quick and easy meal that is very family friendly and economical to make. This is an old standby that I turn to time and time again when I am lacking in inspiration, and when time is short. Todd just loves this, and it uses things that I always have in my cupboards and fridge.





*Beans and Weiners Under Cornbread*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

This makes a delicious and simple supper. Hearty and family pleasing. Todd really enjoys this when I make it and I can say with a certainty that the leftovers taste even better the next day so it is worth making the whole recipe, however you can very successfully cut the recipe in half if you wish.

1 package of smoked frankfurters
2 (415g) tins of baked beans
1 heaping dessertspoon of tomato ketchup
1 TBS Dijon mustard
1 TBS dark soft brown sugar
1 tsp hot pepper sauce (Tabasco)
(You can cut this down if you don't like your food too spicy)
1 TBS molasses (In the UK you can use a combination of dark treacle and golden syrup)

For the topping:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup cornmeal (polenta in the UK)
1 cup buttermilk
2 TBS oil
1 egg, lightly beaten
4 ounces roasted diced green chilies
3/4 cup strong cheddar cheese
1/3 cup diced red onion

Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/375*F. Cut the frankfurters into 1 inch pieces and brown them in a large hot skillet. (There is no need to add any fat to the skillet). Once they are browned add the beans, tomato sauce, mustard, sugar, molasses and pepper sauce. Stir it all together really well and bring to a simmer. Let cook for about five minutes, on low heat, while you make the cornbread mixture.

Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the cornmeal and ½ cup of the grated cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil and egg. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry just enough to combine, without over mixing. Fold in the roasted chilies and red onion.

Place the hot bean mixture in a lightly buttered casserole dish*. Pour the cornbread mixture over top. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of grated cheese. Bake in the heated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cornbread is well risen and nicely browned. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Note - you may also bake this in individual casseroles as I have done.



There are some delicious Lemon Drops over on The English Kitchen this morning!