Hens with Chicks and Tornados

Biceps and I went to the state fair this week. Amongst the interesting sightings of mullets, rat tails, butt cracks and cops eating food…I witnessed something this non-country, country girl has never before seen.

On display were 48 eggs all in some state of incubation. Surrounding the cracked egg shells were fluffy yellow chicks–climbing, snuggling and bumbling around the cage. A few eggs were just hatching, pushing their way toward the outer world. Slimy, with matted feathers, these newborns painstakingly chipped through their shells and were slowly climbing out in search of freedom.

Watching this beautiful scenario unfold, I was reminded of God’s goodness, of His protection over me and of his unending faithfulness.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4

At times, when I feel as though the weight of my small world is on my shoulders and there is no hope, I am reminded to turn to the Truth. What does God say about my tiny, little life?

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” Psalm 91:1 & 2

I want to rest in the shadow of the Almighty-the creator of heaven and earth. This doesn’t mean I’m exempt from suffering, from pain or from experiencing the ramifications of the evil in this world.

Blame it on my Kansas upbringing, but tornados always come to mind when I think of the resting in God during the midst of trouble. Picture being in the middle of a tornado, swirling around and around. However, you are wrapped in industrial strength bubble wrap with a gigantic bouncy mat to land on.

That’s how I picture God protecting me in times of trouble-He’s my industrial strength bubble wrap, my hen with outstretched wings, my refuge and my shelter. And in Him I find rest.

Do you feel like you are in the midst of trouble, but don’t know how to rest in God’s shadow? Will you email me (or comment here if you feel so bold) and tell me how I can pray for you?

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11 & 12

Blue Skies Shop-FREE DRESS Give Away!

Here are a few of my thoughts when I hear the phrase “boutique” shop:
1. They usually are spelled “Shoppe”. And I overtly and systematically pronounce the extra letters just to be a smarty pants.
2. Stuff is either outrageously expensive or ridiculously impractical to wear.
3. They have nothing that fits me. Ever. Because I have a weird body-apparently.

However, this is not the case with my new favorite boutique shop called Blue Skies Shop! 
1. They don’t feel the need for excess letters tagged onto the end of “shop”.
2. Their clothes are reasonably priced, super cute and they are made to last.
3. Everything fits me. It’s loose and flowy and makes a girl feel like a girl should.

Just look at how cute this dress is! And today, I am (well, technically Blue Skies Shop is) giving away ONE FREE DRESS! Here are just a few teasers of the awesome and supremely cute stuff they have.

This dress has “Cute” and “Sassy” written all over it. And priced at just $28, how could a girl go wrong?

Their jewelry ranges from whimsical to “don’t mess with me, sucka”. I have fallen in love with these cuffs, which I believe are in the “don’t mess with me, sucka” category. And, they are only $22 each!

I know what you’re thinking-“Do they businessy-type clothes”? The answer is “Yes!”. And, I will take this skirt for $24, if anyone else is also thinking, “What can I get this weirdo, Rebekah, for Christmas?”.

I mean, seriously. This is cute. And with a little jacket and some brown boots, you are totally ready for the fall.

So, who wants to WIN A FREE DRESS? YOU DO, that’s who! Check out Blue Skies Shop and then tell me which dress you like first. Once you’ve done that, if you’d like to up the entry anty, keep going down the line of available ways to have more entries.  The more you enter, the more likely you’ll win!

PS-I received no compensation for this. I just love their stuff. I bet you will, too! Learn more about this unique store by scrolling past the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Blue Skies:

Blue Skies Shop was created out of our passion for fashion, design, and creativity. We wanted to create a boutique that offers quality pieces, in limited supply, and at affordable prices to keep your look unique. We pride ourselves in having hand-chosen pieces arriving weekly to keep things fresh. Our main focus is to find clothing and jewelry that are easy to wear, versatile, and will be pieces you want to reach for again and again. We believe the most important part of looking good is feeling confident and we strongly believe Blue Skies Shop has the products to make everyone feel this way.

Blue Skies Shop had been in the making long before we launched our website in November of 2012. Bryan and Cara are a husband and wife team bringing their savvy style and appreciation of design to Blue Skies Shop. We are continuously searching for great pieces to offer our customers and hope you enjoy what you find here.

:: Blue Skies ::

What do you Fall for?

Good morning! First things first, I must talk about the pink elephant in the white room. I have not been posting as frequently-as I’m sure you’ve noticed. Without going into too much detail, I’ve needed a little reprieve.
But, that reprieve has been had and now it’s time to get back to business. The crisp fall air is upon us and I feel invigorated to sew, cook, create, build and ramble on about the things of God that I’m learning.

Can you handle all the weirdness that is Rebekah? Please scroll down before you answer that.

Probably not. But that’s why we have the buffer of the internet between my weirdness and your purity, dear reader.

Anywho, it’s fall time. A time of harvest, hot coffee and fun wintery-type projects. What are your favorite fall things to do?

At the top of my fall list is leaf watching. I could stare at, walk through, collect and photograph the changing leaves from now until eternity. And since I’ve already cleared it with God that there will be seasons in heaven, this love affair will not end.

Another one of my favorite things to prepare for the cold, fall weather is to make mittens out of old sweaters. I can never seem to find the cuteness factor when shopping for store-made mittens. Plus, store-bought are either too small, too scratchy or don’t match my winter coat. I came up with my own solution and made a pair of mittens and a matching scarf from two old sweaters.

Problem solved, mate.

Like a child, I cannot get enough of a good Maize Maze. The swishing stalks against a pale blue sky takes me back home to Kansas, to wheat fields, to harvest festivals. Plus, a good Maize Maze is always accompanied by horsey rides, apple cider and other fall accoutrements.

What more could you ask for?

Maybe a pumpkin patch? Yes, please. Pumpkin patches are to fall as snow is to Christmas. The grocery store cardboard bins full of pumpkins should be shunned other than for last minute pumpkiny needs, such as decorating your porch when unannounced guests come to visit.

Otherwise, I implore you to drive at least 45 minutes to a pumpkin patch, labor over which has the perfect stem-to-body ratio and finally choose your pumpkin-already knowing which side you will be carving a face into.

Please, for all pumpkins everywhere, do the right thing.

Finally, nothing says fall like all things cinnamony, nutgmegy and spicey. I love to kick off fall by cooking a huge batch of Ginger Snap Cookies, sharing it with the neighbors and nibbling on a few of my own. This pictured version above is a skinny version I created, called “Ginger Puff Cookies“, for those of you watching the waistline.

I also think fall should be accompanied by homemade No Fuss, No Sugar Applesauce, Beautiful Banana Bread andEasy Chili.

What are your favorite fall things to create, bake, sew or enjoy? I’d love to know, dear readers-for you are my inspiration to keep writing and creating things!

Easy Baked Apples

Last night it got down to 58 degrees. Burr…Fall is upon us! I’m ready for scarves and spiced cider and mittens and leaves.

Fall brings to mind comfort foods, hot desserts and turkey. And this is one of my favorite (not so healthy-involves butter, but appears healthy-also involves apples) desserts. Printable recipe card found at the bottom of this post.

Easy Baked Apples are one of my favorite go-to’s when last minute guests arrive. To really push it over the top, add a little french vanilla ice cream. Yum….

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Easy Baked Apples:

4-6 Jonathan Apples
6 TBS butter-room temperature
1/4 C Raisins
1/4 C finely chopped Walnuts or Pecans
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Lemon juice (only needed if you are making these ahead and cooking them later, as I did)
1 TBS sugar (if desired to make the dessert a little sweeter, but can be left out)

By using either an apple corer or a paring knife, remove the center of the apple, including all seeds.

Take a moment to make a face with your cored apples.

Place your apples in a sprayed/greased microwavable baking dish.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, add the 6 TBS room temperature butter to the 1/4 C of raisins.

Add the 1/4 Walnuts or Pecans.

Next, add the 1/4 tsp of Nutmeg.

And then add the 1/2 tsp of Cinnamon.

If you are making this dessert hours ahead of when you might want to actually consume it, add the 1 tsp of lemon juice. The lemon juice allows the apples to maintain their color and crispness, but gives you the option of cooking the apples several hours or even a day later.

If you enjoy sweeter desserts, add 1 TBS sugar to the bowl. I opted not to do this, allowing the ice cream to sweeten the deal.

Mix everything together using a fork.

Using a baby spoon or a knife, fill the apples completely full and a little overflowing with the mixture.

Tightly saran wrap the top of your baking dish. (If cooking the apples later, place them in the fridge until you are ready.)
Microwave for about 6 minutes, or until the apple skin is pliable and easily cut with a butter knife.

Let the apples cool slightly for 1-2 minutes, leaving the saran wrap on the baking dish.

Transfer to your serving plate and liberally spoon the excess juices over the apples (and over the ice cream, if desired). Serve the apples whole or sliced up for easy eating.

Enjoy!