Rise and Swine

"I Believe In Love" How long will my prayers seem unanswered? Is there still faith in me to reach the end? I'm feeling doubt I'm losing faith But giving up would cost me everything So I'll stand in the pain and the silence And I'll speak to the dark night I believe in the sun even when it's not shining I believe in love even when I don't feel it And I believe in God even when He is silent And I, I believe Though I can't see my stories ending That doesn't mean the dark night has no end It's only here that I find faith And learn to trust the one who writes my days So I'll stand in the pain and the silence And I'll speak to the dark night I believe in the sun even when it's not shining I believe in love even when I don't feel it And I believe in God even when He is silent And I, I believe No dark can consume Light No death greater than this life We are not forgotten Hope is found when we say Even whe...

"Don't you see horse, we had it wrong, it's not love, it's loving that makes us Real."   I LOVE this quote from The Velveteen Rabbit movie.  How often do we...do I..have it wrong?  We feel unloved, unimportant, unworthy because of the hurtful things others say or the lack of love we have received. But our value doesn't come from how much love we receive from those here on earth.  We get our worth from Jesus.  God is love.  And He gave it all on the cross for you and for me - even when we hated Him.  He was the perfect example that it is better to love than be loved.     We are commanded, not asked, to love others as ourselves.  This is not to let someone off the hook, rather to guard our own hearts.  Guard our hearts from bitterness and hatred.  In Proverbs we are told that it is our responsibility to guard our heart.  No one else can - or will - do it for us....

Ahhh love is in the air...Or at least it will be soon!   Here are a few ideas to make this Valentine's Day special!     Family and Friends  Leave a sweet message on the bathroom mirror (use lipstick for your sweetie and dry erase markers for your little ones). Serve breakfast with a Valentines theme - Pretty pink eggs,  Precious pink pancakes (cut into darling heart shapes) and so on.  Your children will love this-write 26 notes using each letter of the alphabet to describe what makes them special.  Hide the notes all over the house revealing clues to make them hunt for their treasures.  Little girls love having a special tea party!  Top it off by having a mini makeover complete with hair, manicure and pedicure.  Nothing beats miniature pink toenails! Sandwiches cut into hearts; make the perfect lunch. Bake yummy cookies to share with your neighbors. ...

Hi y'all!  Valentine's Day is creepin' up so I thought I would share two of my favorite desserts for this time of year.  Chocolate.  Chocolate.  And more chocolate.  Mmmmmm...Delicious!!! Danish Torte 3 egg whites  1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup finely ground pecans Cover two baking sheets with aluminum foil; draw an 8 inch circle in the center of each cookie sheet.  Beat egg whites with cream of tarter in large bowl until foamy.  Beat in sugar 1 tablespoon at a time on high speed; beat 2-3 minutes until stiff and glossy peaks form.  Fold in pecans.  Divide meringue onto cookie sheets; spread evenly smoothing tops and edges.  Bake in 275 degree preheated oven for 45 minutes.  Halfway through baking time, reverse position of baking sheets both horizontally and front to back.  Bake as close to the center of oven as possible.  After 45 minutes of baking time turn oven off....

Wow.  I wish I had better words to express what I feel, but all I can say is THANK YOU!!!  To be honest,  I was hesitant to publish my post yesterday.  Fear had a grip.  Even though I knew God had told me to share my story I was expecting condemnation from many.  Not something I was looking forward too.  But all I have received are notes, emails and comments of encouragement, love and kindness.  You have no idea how you have blessed my heart!  Many of you I have never met..some of you know me all too well...I am SO grateful for EACH of you.  My prayer is that you would feel God's presence and love like you never have before! Until next time... Jessie

As I exited the door my heart was pierced with their animosity.  Hatred and poison spewed from their lips. The savage mob encircled me with no escape.  Screaming just a breath away from my face.  Shoving with such force I was almost knocked to the ground.  Humiliated.  Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pushed through the violence.  Once inside my car I began to weep.   Even in the present their vile words reel through my mind.  Beads of sweat began to form in my tightly clinched fists.  Squirming in my chair... biting my lower lip as an attempt to hold it together.  Peering above the Pastor's head as though I was looking at him... knowing if I did I would burst into tears.  That was my experience at church this past Sunday.  To my relief the Pastor spoke words of love, life and truth NOT condemnation.  Healing and refreshing. ...

Upon waking this morning I found myself with the all too familiar feeling of being hit by a semi...I ache from head to toe.  I knew what I would experience the moment my eyelids began to flutter.  Her breath was hot. Wrapped around my shoulders were her moist, miniature hands clinging to my nightgown with a death grip.  My sassy five year old strikes again!  Ever since she was born she has loved sleeping in our bed.  Even though I have tried everything to break this behavior she inevitably snuggles herself against me the moment I have fallen asleep.  She has appropriately earned the nickname "Velcro".  So as you can imagine with every movement I make she is attached as if we were one.  Her nose plastered to my skin like a hound...breathing in all that I am.     It reminds me of how my relationship with God should be.  I should desire to ...

Praying... Waiting... Trusting... No matter what...   Jessie

Got milk?  Goat milk that is.  I do. Or at least I will soon!  This morning we introduced two adorable pygmy goats (that are very pregnant I might add) to our funny farm.  So exciting for everyone... except the chickens.  They are stressed to the max!  Babies will arrive in April... so if anyone is wanting to buy a goat from me let me know.  I should have at least three. One of my girls is expecting twins! =) I'm thrilled to introduce you to Miss Sally and Miss Sabrina    Welcome home girls!   Mr. Bunny is SO confused... Gotta go and get everything done for the day.  It's been a busy one already.  Hope y'all have a great day too! Fun times! Until next time... Jessie

Humbled again...  You would think that after all the foolishness I've fallen into... after all the sin Jesus has lifted me out of I would never have a self righteous condemning heart.  Wrong!  All too often I find myself on my face asking once again for His forgiveness as well as the forgiveness of others.  I don't want to be judgemental.  I don't want to be self righteous.  I'm well aware of where I've been and what Jesus rescued me from.  Still.  There it sits in my heart.  And when the right amount of pressure is squeezing me, it oozes out with force.  Ugly.  I wish I could take back all the times I've messed up.  Take away all the hurt I have caused others.  I can't.  Most of the time I am just one BIG mess trying to love God, and do what is right.  Failing more times than I would ever like to admit.  Today, I was reminded of the ugliness in my heart that God needs to dig out, and I need to let Hi...

Growing up I lived in good old California for a few years, and visiting San Fransisco was a weekend tradition.  I absolutely loved spending time there.  It is gorgeous!  And nothing beats their freshly baked sour dough!  Ever since moving back I have searched high and low for a recipe that would make my taste buds tingle with delight, but all failed in comparison.  Until now.  Alton Brown has ended my quest.  Finally!  I know.  I know what you're thinking...sour dough takes forever!  Yes, sour dough takes a bit of time but it's really easy and well worth the wait. 17 1/2 ounces of bread flour (all-purpose flour works too) 1/4 teaspoon yeast (room temperature)   2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 12 ounces very warm water (105 degrees) Mix dry ingredients well; add water.  Knead until flour is absorbed.  Leave in bowl and cover loosely with plastic wrap.  Set on counter or i...

The last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster.  Loved ones have had their hearts broken, suffered great loss, revealed their secrets through billowing sobs, some have been paralyzed by fear from lies spoken by the enemy.  A few still have strong faith while many others seem to have no faith at all.  I wish with all my heart I could swoop in and "fix" everything.  I can't.  I don't have answers.  I can't heal their wounded hearts, make their dreams come true or free them from the bondage of their addictions.  Honestly, I can't do anything.  Except pray...  Except pray?  A phrase I have heard countless times when someone is going through a trial but it has never set well with me.  Prayer is not the ONLY option we have left but the most POWERFUL weapon we've been given.  God can do anything!  He cares about us.  He h...

Ugh.  My day consisted of the dreaded plunge.  Walmart.  I cringe every time I think of it!  I will admit I despise shopping of any kind unless it's for shoes, the flea market, garage sales or Craigslist (an adventurous hunt for the unusual is always a blast).  However, Walmart is one of my most dreaded trips.  It is an adventure though...odd people, no parking, lines that are unending and I am undoubtedly accosted by every nut in the state of Colorado.  Yes.  That sums it up.  I'm convinced they need a HUGE sign out front that reads ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!  Nevertheless once a month I pretend to be brave and venture out.  Well, three full carts... five grumpy kids...a cashier that needed a serious dose of personality and 2 hours later...I was spent.  To top it off I held my breath as I watched the cashier scan one item after another quickly racki...

Burrrrr.  It's cold outside! Since the winter months are upon us, I thought I would share a few of my favorite soup recipes to keep you nice and warm.  I love coming in out of the nippy weather and sittin' down to enjoy a bowl of soup.  It warms me all the way down to my tippy toes!  Sausage Green Bean 1 large yellow onion, chopped 4-6 potatoes, chopped Cooked Green Beans Polish Sausage or Bratwurst, cut into chunks Salt and Pepper to taste Enough beef broth to cover Saute onion in a bit of olive oil until softened.  Combine all ingredients into stockpot.  Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Before serving add 1/2 cup heavy cream.  Heat through and serve hot.  Top with cheese. 8-10 Servings Split Pea 1 pound dry split peas 8 cups water 1 ham bone 1 large onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 p...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!! And may all of you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

I've made the same mistake before Too many malls, too many stores December traffic  Christmas rush It breaks me till I push and shove Children are crying While mother's are trying To photograph Santa and sleigh The shopping and buying and standing forever in line What can I say? I need a silent night A holy night To hear an angel voice Through the chaos and the noise I need a midnight clear A little peace right here To end this crazy day With a silent night December comes, then disappears Faster and faster every year  Did my own mother keep this pace Or was the world a different place? Where people stayed home wishing for snow  Watching three channels on their TV Look at us now rushin' around Tryin' to buy Christmas peace I need a silent night A holy night To hear an angel voice Through the chaos and the noise I need a midnight clear A little peace right here To end this crazy day With a silent night What was it like back the...

Welcome back!   I hope y'all are having a blast preparing for Christmas.  It can be hard work to get everything done.  Exhausting in fact.  I'm sure you've earned some relaxation time.  So, grab something warm to drink, prop up your feet for a moment and enjoy some time for yourself.  I hope you'll be inspired by what I've done and be challenged to unleash your imagination too. Jessie's Christmas Tour Part II Guests are greeted by an antique sled adorned with boughs and an adorable coat that my sons wore as toddlers. In years past, I've decorated in an elegant fashion.  I love the grandeur and opulence.  However, this year I decided to go with a more down home natural look and I absolutely love it! A simple way to display Christmas cards.   My mother gave me this nativity a few years ago.  It was handed down from my great aunt.   I miss her SO much.  Pulling this out each year makes me fe...

It's official!  The Christmas season is in full swing at my house!  I am thrilled!  I've been bustin' at the seams to let my creative juices flow and sprinkle some cheer into every nook and cranny of my home.  My passionate desire actually started the week before Thanksgiving, but we have a rule in our home...we make sure to stop and enjoy each  season and holiday (without giving into the temptation to get ahead of ourselves).  However, after the Thanksgiving feast is complete the Christmas decor is pulled from the attic and a way we go.  It makes my heart happy! My home has been finished for a bit now but I haven't had the time to show you what I've done.  I've been busy with parties, shopping and so forth...I like to plan all those events the first few weeks of December and leave the last couple of weeks to spend with family/friends. Come on in for the first part of Jessie's Christmas Tour     At our hou...

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, FA la la la la, la la la la seems to be the chosen  Christmas song of  my sassy five year old.  Over and over...from the moment her tiny feet hit the floor in the morning... until she is snug in her bed...I love to hear her sweet voice sing with joy!  And I must admit, her passion for Christmas does come from me.  LOVE.  LOVE.  LOVE this time of year!  Autumn is my favorite season, but Christmas is most definitely my favorite holiday.  I drive my family to the brink of insanity!  In fact, I have been banned from playing Christmas music until Fall has officially arrived.  I have been known to commence holiday cheer in mid June.  My husband and children were less than enthusiastic about my gleeful spirit.  But I can't imagine why?     Christmas is the best!    Anyway, I th...