TODAY IS September 15, 2025
AROUND ME the temperatures are in the 80s rather than the 70s, but the humidity is low and that makes such a difference. We continue to enjoy watching the beautiful new deep rich colors of nature changing and the changes in lighting...longer evenings and slower starts to the morning light.
I AM PONDERING how 40 years ago on this day the Holy Spirit convicted me of the fact that I was a sinner living before a holy God and that I needed Jesus. My life has never been the same! I'm so thankful for the Trinity and how they work together separately and as One.
AMONG MY FAVORITE THINGS
I AM THANKFUL FOR the joy that comes with knowing Jesus because it makes the things like the happenings of last week more bearable.
NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN that we can't outgive God...no matter how hard we try.
FROM THE KITCHEN I tried a couple of new recipes this past week . The pictures are from the recipe sites themselves, but I can tell you that both of these were delicious! (Links for the recipes are under the pictures)
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK
"So teach us to number our days,
so that we may present to You a heart of wisdom"
Psalm 90:12
Reading your reflections today was such an encouragement. I love how you notice the changes around you — the shifting light, the slower mornings — and let them turn your heart toward gratitude. What you shared about remembering the day, forty years ago, when the Holy Spirit drew you to Jesus really touched me. It’s such a gift to look back and see how deeply He has worked, and how that first moment continues to shape your life even now. I’m also encouraged by your words about joy in Christ making hard things bearable. That’s something I need to carry with me into this week as well.
ReplyDeleteJa, that is a very good your reminder from Psalm 90:12: numbering our days, so that they don’t just pass, but that they become days offered back to Him with a heart of wisdom. Thank you for sharing these thoughts so openly — they point me to live with more thankfulness and purpose.
May the Lord bless you in your daily tasks this week, and give you joy both in the ordinary rhythms and in the unexpected moments of grace
xxx Aritha
https://kostbaar.blogspot.com/
Dear Aritha, thank you so much for your words of encouragement. When I see your picture, it always makes me smile because I know that there will be much encouragement that follows.
DeleteThank you also for including your blog link. I wasn't sure which one you used the most.
Numbering our days is something that I've been working on for quite some time. If I don't, I find it's too easy to waste the precious moments that He's given me. xx
Great post. Wonderful thoughts. I wish I could get motivated try new recipes. The one you posted looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteHello Linda. Thank you so much for stopping by. We enjoy trying new recipes around here. My husband will try most anything one time lol...and I enjoy cooking and baking, so it's always an adventure in the kitchen. :)
DeleteI need to revamp my cooking routine but this week is too busy to do that! Love seeing your journal days :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Friend. I understand about busy weeks not being the time to revamp one's cooking routine!
DeleteI love visiting you! Such peace, encouragement, and joy in your posts! Thank you for sharing. I need to go find some lunch now! LOL!
ReplyDeleteLOL...you are so sweet, Monica. I hope your lunch was tasty. Thank you for your kind words. You always leave encouragement behind for me when you visit. Hugs.
DeleteBlessings to you on your 40th day with Jesus. It's all very much worth it, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe porkchops and scalloped potatoes look yummy! The honey baked beans too!
I watched a video of one of my favorite content creators this morning talking about when you feel overwhelmed and sad. She quoted Elizabeth Elliot who said to "Just do the next thing." Such simple advice but very true. That's also resilience.
Have a blessed day.
Forty years is a long time, but at the same time, I still remember the excitement that I felt that day...that deep joy. I remember the first thing I said to our pastor once I was saved..."May I be baptized tonight?" I never grow tired of the memories associated with that day just as I never grow tired of learning more of my Saviour and His love for me.
DeleteThanks for your kind words regarding the food in this post. Those pictures are from the internet, because I can't seem to remember to take pictures before we eat anymore. lol But both of the dishes were delicious.
I saw that same video. It was an encouragement to me as well.
I'm noticing some changes here too and enjoying that beauty. Your recipes look good.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessed day, 40 years ago! Interestingly as I read this, Amazing Grace is playing on my computer. Truly amazing, that grace!
I love it that when you were reading about my salvation that Amazing Grace was playing on your computer! Yes, that grace truly is amazing! xx
DeleteThe recipes look delicious.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary Dianna. :) A wonderful day to remember.
Thanks, Karen. It truly was a wonderful day to remember. xx
DeleteI hope the week has started well.
ReplyDeleteBoth meals you've shown look very tasty, I especially like the look of the Smothered Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes.
My Monday was quite busy and I'd planned to do some laundry but it didn't get done! No worries I think Tuesday may well be laundry day.
All the best Jan
Oh, Jan, that Smothered Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes was SO good. It certainly wasn't as healthy as a recipe I would find on your blog, but then I don't cook like that all of the time either. :)
DeleteI normally do laundry on Monday's, but it isn't always possible here either.
Your meals look very delicious. I love the quote of the week. Hope you are having a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bill. We both enjoyed them. The quote really resonated with me...you know, the whole resilience thing. :)
DeleteCongratulations on your spiritual birthday!! What a blessing and a joy! I hope you are having a good week. We are having revival services this week at church. Not much time to be on the comptuer but just wanted to drop by and say hello my friend!!
ReplyDeleteAww...thank you, Jennifer. We are having a good week here. Yesterday (Monday) I was able to get the laundry and ironing accomplished and today my hubby and I spent the day running around doing errands. So, it's been a good week so far! Thanks so much, my friend, for stopping by to say hello. xx
DeleteI am not a big pork chop fan, yet that recipe you shared sounds like I might want to try this recipe. Born again forty years again...I never get tired of thanking Him for saving me! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWe normally aren't big pork chop fans here either, Cathy. I had a small pork tenderloin in the freezer that needed used up, so I just sliced it up into chops. They pork chops weren't dry at all. Searing them first in the cast iron skillet really helped with that...and then finishing them up in the oven with the scalloped potatoes made for a tasty meal. :) Yes...born again forty years ago...and I still remember the joy and excitement of that day. It has only deepened over the last 40 years...day by day.
DeleteYour pork chop dinner looks delicious 😋 Your photos are beautiful. Thank God 😊 🙏 for more comfortable temperatures.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Linda.
DeleteThe very best of anniversaries to remember. Your kitchen is putting out some mouth watering dishes! Here we are in the last week of summer.
ReplyDeleteI agree, my friend! Thanks for the kind words on the food this week. xx
DeleteHappy spiritual birthday! I pinned the pork chop recipe--and I found some on sale this week, so I might try this!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara! I hope you will enjoy the pork chop recipe if you give it a try.
DeleteHow wonderful that you know the very day you trusted Christ as your only hope for heaven. All I know is that it was June of 1971 when as a 14-year-old I trusted in Him for my salvation. He is faithful. And He is always good, no matter the circumstances. I know that Charlie knew this and I know that Erika knows it, but this has been so hard. God help us in the coming days and rise up other faithful servants to do the work that takes so much courage. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHello Jenny. It's so good to see you in the world of blog again! Thanks so much for stopping by!
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