Mountain Musings

Can't Sleep...Don't Count Sheep

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "Can't sleep?  Don't count sheep; talk to the Shepherd."  It definitely is great to talk to the Shepherd, but sometimes after a LONG talk with Him, I'm still awake!  This was one of those nights.  Being newly introduced to blogging, I was actually lying awake at 2:30 a.m. composing new posts in my head! Mercy!  Another hindrance was trying out a new pillow and finally getting up and grabbing my old one and trying to get back to sleep.  When even that didn't work, nothing to do but go have breakfast at 3:30 a.m.  And, of course, you don't lie down on a full stomach...so nothing to do but hit the computer and read awhile.

Here's a neat article I read while trying to get sleepy.  It's about the Red Hat Society...I've seen those cute little ol' ladies in airports, shopping at Union Station in DC, and just all around...and thought it must be neat to be a Red Hatter.  But...this article made me realize there are better things to do for the Shepherd.

~Deb

Our Christmas Present--A New Weblog!

Well, this is a new writing experience for our family--we were given our own weblog as a Christmas present from my sister, Bet (visit her at Dappled Things).  She has been campaigning for awhile now and thinks we would make good bloggers!  I'm not so sure.  We have all been tinkering with the format, colors, pictures, etc., so we can go public with our web address. We will be posting general comments about our day, book reviews, recipes, and other items of interest to keep you updated about our family life. Visit us often!  We'd love to read your comments and see what you think of our site and our posts.

~Deb

Holiday Recipe

Everyone loves nutty snacks to munch on during all the festivities....here's something we made the week before Christmas for us all to enjoy. I've never tried making these before but have always loved those free samples you get places once in a while. These were quite simple to make and turned out very tasty.

Sweet Spiced Nuts

1 egg white

1tsp. water                                                                                                    

5 cups pecan halves 

1/2 cup or less sugar                                                                                       

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon                                                                                 

1/4 tsp. salt

Beat egg white and water at high speed until foamy. Add pecans, stirring to coat well. Combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt; sprinkle over pecans, stirring to coat well. Spread in single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 225 degrees for 1 hour, stirring occasionally (about every 15 min.). Cool completely on baking sheet. Store in an airtight container. Makes 5 cups.

~Hannah

Nature: God's Publicity Agent

From Psalm 19:

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.  There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard......the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

Looking at the mountains that surround our house is a constant reminder to us that there is a great Designer who created the universe.  God has placed everything from planets to blades of grass in order to show Himself to mankind.  If only more people would recognize His hand in nature!

~Jonathan

Merry......Boxing Day??

Wondering what to do after all the Christmas gifts are unwrapped?  Have you thought about celebrating Boxing Day?  Boxing Day is an official holiday in Britain, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.  Click here for tips on how to commemorate Boxing Day.

However, we here at Mountain Musings want to stay cozy inside, drink hot chocolate, and maybe play a game or two.  How about you?

~Jonathan

Merry Christmas!

Here are some selected scriptures that Hannah wrote in calligraphy on a watercolor painting for a Christmas gift:

"But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year. When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which he has given you."   ~Deuteronomy 8, 11