Functions Redefined

This tidbit reminded me so much of the C.S. Lewis quote I have on an earlier post. Since I'm not a prolific writer, I'll let the words speak for themselves...

"The great truth is that we exist for our functions, not our functions for us. 

I was not put here to get myself happy, but to put myself into my role. It's somebody else's job to look after me. I'm supposed to be too busy with my own work to have time. 

We don't often do it that way, but that is how we are put together."        

-Bed and Board by Robert Capon

On a practical note...Amazon Mom

In case some of you don't know, Amazon has a free membership just for mothers. It gives you discounts on most everyday household & baby care items. The reason I'm bringing this up now is that on September 17th, if you are an Amazon Mom member, you'll be given an additional 20% some products. Now is the time to sign up! Here's a link for more information. Bless you all in your vocations.

Two Good Friends...

What a heritage that we've received to give our children...that they will grow up, by God's grace, with true friends, being baptized together into a story that is shaping and conforming their lives to be more like Christ!

Older and Closer...

"...there is no such thing as being only a mother. You exist as ______________'s mother only because you first exist as God's creature. That relationship is older and closer...He also loves you..."

-The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis (p. 91)

When I heard this read yesterday, I was overjoyed and reassured all over again. Yes, we are mothers but firstly and more importantly we are daughters of God. Bearing and raising children is a noble and high calling. But it is NOT where my righteousness comes from. My righteousness comes solely from the blood of Christ. What a relief for me and my children!

Sweet Summer Sleep...

Isabella was so tired she fell asleep on the back porch.

Then someone else decided to join her!

Blackberry Financiers

I made these today and decided that had to be shared since they were SO delicious, I mean very tasty!! Well, at least I thought so...Hope you try them out! 

Blackberry Financiers

From Bon Appetit Magazine 

• 1/2 cup plus 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons honey
• nonstick vegetable spray or mini muffin liners
• 2 cups fresh (or frozen, thawed) blackberries, halved

Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until browned bits begin to form. Continue to simmer frequently scraping up browned bits at bottom of pan, until dark brown, but not burnt, about 6-7 minutes. Do not take your eyes off the saucepan has the butter can burn in an instant.  Scrape the butter and the browned bits into a medium bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Next, process almonds and flour in a food processor until nuts are finely ground. Transfer to a medium bowl, whisk in 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Add egg whites and mix until smooth. Fold in honey.
3. Fold browned butter into batter. Cover and chill for 1 1/2 hours.
4. Place the rack in the middle and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat muffin cups with non-stick spray, or use muffin liners for easier release. Fill cups to 3/4 full and press 3 blackberry halves into the batter.
5. Bake until cakes are golden brown and just cooked through, 15-16 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, and then remove cakes from pan. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Here are the pictures of mine...

Belly Target Practice!

...so this is what happens when I leave Isabella with Uncle Ryan and Auntie Beth!!