The Blended Blog: August 2012

C.H. Spurgeon's Evening Devotional

Saturday July 19, 2025

"A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench."-Matthew 12:20

What is weaker than the bruised reed or the smoking flax? A reed that groweth in the fen or marsh, let but the wild duck light upon it, and it snaps; let but the foot of man brush against it, and it is bruised and broken; every wind that flits across the river moves it to and fro. You can conceive of nothing more frail or brittle, or whose existence is more in jeopardy, than a bruised reed. Then look at the smoking flax-what is it? It has a spark within it, it is true, but it is almost smothered; an infant's breath might blow it out; nothing has a more precarious existence than its flame. Weak things are here described, yet Jesus says of them, "The smoking flax I will not quench; the bruised reed I will not break." Some of God's children are made strong to do mighty works for Him; God has His Samsons here and there who can pull up Gaza's gates, and carry them to the top of the hill; He has a few mighties who are lion-like men, but the majority of His people are a timid, trembling race. They are like starlings, frightened at every passer by; a little fearful flock. If temptation comes, they are taken like birds in a snare; if trial threatens, they are ready to faint; their frail skiff is tossed up and down by every wave, they are drifted along like a sea bird on the crest of the billows-weak things, without strength, without wisdom, without foresight. Yet, weak as they are, and because they are so weak, they have this promise made specially to them. Herein is grace and graciousness! Herein is love and lovingkindness! How it opens to us the compassion of Jesus-so gentle, tender, considerate! We need never shrink back from His touch. We need never fear a harsh word from Him; though He might well chide us for our weakness, He rebuketh not. Bruised reeds shall have no blows from Him, and the smoking flax no damping frowns.

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Friday, August 31, 2012

What Have YOU Made this Week?

Whether this week has been hectic & busy or you've been able to relax and enjoy yourself, we'd love to hear what you've cooked up in the last week or so. Let's share our latest kitchen creations today...we know you've got something yummy bubbling away in the oven or simming on the stove!

So, tell us...

What recipes have you MADE THIS WEEK? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Always a favorite, this recipe originally appeared in our cookbook, Comfort Foods, and has appeared on our dinner tables many times since then!

Gram Walker's Smothered Chicken
This family-favorite was shared with us by Dawn Raskiewicz of Alliance, Nebraska. She writes, "My grandmother always prepared this chicken when we went to her house...it's been passed down to my mom and me. I have so many special memories of eating this meal with my family."
3 to 4 lbs. chicken
1 c. all-purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. margarine
2.1-oz. env. chicken noodle
soup mix
10-3/4 oz. can cream of
mushroom soup
12-oz. can evaporated milk
1 t. poultry seasoning
dried parsley to taste
Dredge chicken pieces in flour; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Melt margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden on both sides; transfer to a greased 13”x9” baking pan. Sprinkle with soup mix; pour mushroom soup over top. Combine evaporated milk, seasoning and parsley in a small saucepan over medium heat; heat through without boiling. Pour over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until juices run clear. Serves 4.

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Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a Blue Moon.....It happens tonight. What does it really mean? Will the moon truly be blue? Check it out here.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Whisk Bliss

I have to tell you about his wonderful product called Whisk Bliss. I was pleased with the easy product that this turned out to be. I'm sorry I forgot to take a picture of the pasta dish, but my family loved it. I made a Chicken Alfredo. It was gone in one meal no leftovers.

I cooked my noodles, while mixing the cooking base as directed on back of package. I added come chicken bullion to my mix as well as canned chicken, garlic and mushrooms. mixed it altogether and presto a quick and easy meal in no time flat.

Whisk bliss is a universal cooking base mix. You can make almost anything you wish with it. This product takes the place of cream sauces and canned soups. And it is very versatile. It's so easy a 10 year old could make a meal with it.

Whisk Bliss is a unique UNIVERSAL COOKING BASE that creates quick and delicious sauces, soups, and endless savory sensations that are healthy for you and your family. Just-add-water and you have a cream sauce for Alfredo, gravy, soups, sauces, dips and much more. It can be seasoned, salted and garnished, or mixed with cheese, tomatoes and veggies.

The package has three easy recipes on it Pasta Alfredo (I added to their recipe), Old-Fashioned Sausage Gravy and Broccoli and Cheddar Soup. They are all easy, quick and healthy thanks to Whisk Bliss. Whisk Bliss comes with a satisfaction 100% guaranteed.

Hundreds of recipes on-line here using this product.

A sample of Whisk Bliss was provided for this review by...

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Wordless Wednesday ~ Lots to See, So Little Time

US Capital

Russell Senate Building

American History Museum

Library of Congress

Washington Monument

National Archives

Native American Museum

Monday, August 27, 2012

Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Living in Harmony Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2012) by Mary Ellis
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Ellis is the author of many books, including A Widow's Hope,
Sarah's Christmas Miracle, and A Marriage for Meghan. She and her
husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life.

She was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards for A Widow's Hope in
2010, and the 3inner of the Award of Merit in the Holt Medallion Awards
for A Widow's Hope in 2010.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Living in Harmony is the first book in bestselling author Mary Ellis's New Beginnings series. It's about fresh starts and love...and how faith in God and His perfect plan for our lives provides us with the peace and joy we desire.

Amy King--young, engaged, and Amish--faces difficult challenges in her life when she suddenly loses both of her parents in a house fire. Her fiancé, John Detweiler, persuades her and her sister Nora to leave Lancaster County and make a new beginning with him in Harmony, Maine, where he has relatives who can help the women in their time of need.

John's brother Thomas and sister-in-law Sally readily open their home to the three newcomers. Wise beyond his years, Thomas, a minister in the district, refuses to marry Amy and John upon their arrival, suggesting instead a period of adjustment and counseling.

During this time Amy discovers an aunt who was shunned. She wishes to reconnect with her, but this puts a strain on her relationship with John.

Can John and Amy find a way to live in happily in Harmony before making a lifetime commitment to one another?

Watch the book trailer for Living in Harmony:

If you would like to read the first chapter of Living in Harmony, go HERE.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Scratchin my head

Back from vacation last night and scratchin' my head. I can't believe no one wants to win a $25 gift card for Starbucks?????? I'm so confused. Wish I could win. This giveaway has been posted for week now and one one has entered. :/ tomorrow is deadline. Hurry over to my the original post for details.

Win $25 Starbucks gift card and book.

Get details here.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Wordless Wednesday ~ so girly

favorite boots at moment would love to own a pair

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

What to do with Cukes....

Last year I made lazy man pickles (recipe here)...
This year I thought I'd try a different few different versions from Gooseberry Patch cookbook I won.

Easy Mustard Pickles (p.181)

Sweet Dill Refrigerator Pickles (p.96)

Note: to read recipe click on picture to enlarge. Since I'm in a rush and working on leaving for vacation I didn't have time to copy these recipes out. Sorry.
I put these up before we left on vacation.

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