Consolation

"...we are hidden under the shadow of God's wings; for  although to outward appearance we lie open, and are exposed to the will of the wicked and the proud, we are preserved by the hidden power of God. Accordingly, it is said 
"In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me." (Psalm 27:5)From Calvin's Commentary on Psalm 83

On Living Temporarily Away From Home

Heidelberg Catechism

"Question 76. What is it then to eat the crucified body, and drink the shed blood of Christ?

Answer: It is not only to embrace with believing heart all the sufferings and death of Christ and thereby to obtain the pardon of sin, and life eternal; (a) but also, besides that, to become more and more united to his sacred body, (b) by the Holy Ghost, who dwells both in Christ and in us; so that we, though Christ is in heaven (c) and we on earth, are notwithstanding "flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone" (d) and that we live, and are governed forever by one spirit, (e) as members of the same body are by one soul."

I just returned from a solo road trip to California, and this past week, was my first Lord's Day back. The church 'care group' to which Rick and I belong, has been making its way through Kevin DeYoung's fine book, 'The Good News We Almost Forgot', which takes the reader systematically through each Lord's Day. This last Sunday we came to Lord's Day 28, which contains the above question.

From time to time I have had occasion to ponder the Christian's state of being sojourners and pilgrims in this world. I think the answer to Question 76 brings out an important point regarding that fact. Christ is, indeed, in Heaven and we, His followers, are on earth, but we are UNITED, '...flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone...' together, though separated by a vast gulf!

David M. VanDrunen, WSC, puts it this way:

"....The New Testament refers to Christians as 

“sojourners and exiles” in this world (1 Peter 1:1, 17; 2:11). By God’s grace in Christ we are already citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20), but we live temporarily away from home, “in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation” (Phil. 2:15)....

Rick and new friend, Kiki!

I enjoyed seeing friends and family in California, and I felt so welcome in the fellowship in which I joyfully found myself, but it was an even GREATER joy to return to my earthly beloved, Rick! In our brief sojourn, I've gotten quite fond of this dear man - and it's only been thirty-nine years!

 I don't know about you, but I find it quite a comfort to realize I'm just 'temporarily' living away from home', but some day, I get to return for the first time to my Beloved who has known me and loved me from the foundation of the world!

OLD Battle Creek, Mineral, Calif.

'OLD' Battle Creek Campground: Site of the happiest memories of my childhood, shared first with our own kids and now 'children's children' too!

DOES Absence make the heart grow fonder?

Return to my blog after an absence of over one year! I just returned from a 10 day, whirl-wind visit to Northern California, and these are a few choice photos of the trip.
A few photos from our visit with Great-Grandpa Richard in Chico on June 25th

Rick modeling his special Dark Knight shirt - his 'left behind' present!

Prize-Winning Pecan Mocha Brownies

Deliciously different brownies - this was my Pecan Fantasy entry this year. I specifically entered the so-called 'Lighter Side' category. Although these brownies contain sugar they do NOT contain flour or dairy and are very low sodium. Unfortunately for me, the contest judges saw fit to place my entry with 'Bars' and I was awarded a Third Place Ribbon. I will never know if I'd have been the BIG WINNER if I'd ended up in my original category. 


Thanks to my dear friend, T.H., in California, for the original recipe! 

Preheat oven to 350*, grease 8 inch square cake pan and line the bottom with parchment, then grease parchment or use cooking spray before adding batter. 


Ingredients:


5-1/2 oz. good quality semi-sweet chocolate (I used Lindt 70% Cocoa)
3-1/2 oz dairy-free margarine (I used Benecol) plus extra for greasing pan
1 tsp. strong instant coffee (I used Starbucks Via Instant Columbia)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup ground pecans (original recipe calls for almonds)
scant 1 cup superfine 'bakers' sugar
4 eggs, separated
Confectioner's sugar to decorate


Method:


Melt the chocolate and margarine in a double-boiler* pan over gently simmering water, making sure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir very occasionally until the chocolate and margarine have melted and are smooth.


Remove the bowl from heat. Let cool slightly, then stir in the coffee and vanilla. Add the pecans and sugar and mix well until combined. Lightly beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl, then stir into the chocolate mixture.


Beat the egg whites in a large bowl until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold a large spoonful of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the remainder until completely incorporated.


Spoon the mixture into a prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until risen and firm on top but slightly gooey in the center. Let cool in the pan, then turn out, remove lining paper and cut into 12 pieces. Dust with confectioner's sugar before serving.


*Who has a double-boiler in this day and age? I gerry-rigged one by upending my metal vegetable steamer basket in a 3 quart sauce pan. The bowl rested easily on the 'legs' of the basket with the water simmering beneath - well below the bowl. I wouldn't recommend micro-melting. Chocolate burns easily in a microwave and result might not be quite as nice. 


Oh, and one last suggestion, if you are caffeine-sensitive you might not want to eat one of these right before bedtime. But if you NEED to wake up or stay awake these are a tasty alternative to a cup of coffee - or eat a brownie AND drink coffee for a double jolt!

'Lefty' Heerema

 Silas is definitely showing signs that he favors his left hand, as does brother Hendrik

 Occasionally he would pick up the pencil with is right hand, but quickly change to the left. 

Both my late brothers, Silas' great uncles, were left-handed.

Still in Business!