"You're Welcome Day"

I read this week on a community food board that the Friday after Thanksgiving has been called “You’re Welcome Day”. I googled "You're Welcome Day" and this is what I found...

You're Welcome Day
When: Day after Thanksgiving

You're Welcome Day encourages us to simply say "You're welcome". It helps to put manners back into society.

This very special day comes the day after Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving Day we say "Thanks" for what we have. So, it only seems natural, that "You're Welcome" immediately follows a thank you.

Participating in this day can happen anywhere that you are, and anywhere that you go today. Just speak a profusion of "thank you's" for even the slightest of reasons. When you say thank you, make sure to be sincere. It will go a long way.

I started to ponder Thanksgiving and You're Welcome Day. I thought about how on Thanksgiving we give Thanks to God for all we have, all He has provided. I think of Him shouting a great big You're Welcome! Can you hear Him? A You're Welcome that comes in in His son Jesus Christ. The day after Thanksgiving we beging focusing on Advent and Christmas; God says You're Welcome... and I have to think that God also adds... it was My pleasure.

So this Thanksgiving as you give thanks to God for your many, many blessings... think about His You're Welcome... prepare your heart and home for the coming of the Great You're Welcome!

The lady on the food board I participate on kicks off You're Welcome Day by making a wonderful breakfast for her family. I am going to follow suit. I am making a Blackberry Coffee Cake. I found the recipe on a can of Blackberry Pie Filling I picked up at Big Lots (love Big Lots)

Blackberry Coffee Cake

* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 2 cups sugar
* 4 eggs
* 2 cups flour
* 2 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1 can pie filling
* 1 cup confectioners sugar
* 2 tsp water
* 1 stp vanilla
(I also added 1/2 tsp almond extract)

Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Pour into buttered 13x9 pan. Spoon pie filling over top; swirl. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes until golden. Blend confectioners sugar, water, vanilla, and almond drizzle over cake.


You could use any pie filling - I am sure.

Let me tell you... this dish is heavenly!

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!!!

Thessalonians 5:18 - "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God."

The Four Legged Turkey...

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

~ 1 Chronicles 29:13


The week of Thanksgiving, more than any other time prompts us to recall what we are thankful for. I want to share a picture of a treasured Thanksgiving memory and a person I am thankful for... my niece Becky.

Thanksgiving 1991, my then 7 year old niece Becky made this turkey for me.(I wrote the date and her age on the back so I would always remember when...) As you can see, my treasured turkey has 4 legs. After all, did a 7 year old understand that a turkey only has 2 legs... or was it wishful thinking? I mean 4 turkey legs would mean more food for everyone!

Every year this turkey comes out on November 1st and graces the front of our refrigerator. (I keep saying eventually I will frame him) My niece Becky is now 24 years old and has a baby of her own. How time flies! Although I treasure the gift of my four legged turkey, I treasure my sweet niece Becky more... she is one of the children the Lord gave to me when I cried out to him for a child. For her I am eternally grateful to my God!

I hope you have something as sweet as the gift of a four legged turkey and a wonderful child that you treasure. It's simple, it didn't cost a thing and it's worth is far more than gold!


Yes Lord, I give you thanks, and praise your glorious name! Amen!

I certainly didn't plan a blog break, but it happened. It's been a week since I last sat down and asked each of you what Thanksgiving side dish are you? What fun it was to see how many of us were similar and how many were different! I had a very busy week last week and I am sure God wanted me to tend to my tasks at hand. Between work and home I had a lot on my plate. A sense of accomplishment getting those tasks completed. Cleaning our and re-stocking the pantry. Cleaning out the fridge! YIKES... I do believe some of the food containers in the back of the fridge could be deemed "science experiments!" Picking up the last of the fallen leaves, buttoning up the house for a long winter's nap. All those things I look forward to doing at this time of year. I know call me crazy! I also love shopping at the grocery the week before Thanksgiving. Stocks, soups, canned pumpkin, Pepperidge Farms stuffing etc. All those items I can use during the cold winter months! I don't host Thanksgiving... so perhaps it's a bit less stressful for me as I shop for those staples that fill the winter pantry.

As I reflect on the Thanksgiving holiday and the many things I am thankful for... I am thanking God for giving me a full pantry and fridge. That I have a roof over my head and a warm bed. My heart aches for those who are lonely, homeless and hungry. I know the Lord loves them... Do not forget them dear friends. Donate your time at a soup kitchen, help clothe a child and provide a Christmas gift for them, help fill a Thanksgiving basket at your church... but most importantly, lift them up in prayer!

Oh give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. ~ Psalm 107:1

Which Thanksgiving Side Dish Are You?

I thought this was really cute and fun...

Which Thanksgiving Side Dish Are You?


Here are my Results!

I am Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. (which I find rather humorous since I really don't like mashed potatoes all that much - however, my hubby loves them... so I guess that's why he loves me!)

You find comfort in familiarity and like things that go together. Milk and cookies. Bacon and eggs. Where would mashed potatoes be without the gravy? This Thanksgiving, your plate is sure to feature this classic combo.

So friends... tell me... Which Thanksgiving Side Dish Are You?

An email from a friend....

I received this in an email from my sweet friend Hollee yesterday. I liked it so much I wanted to share it with my bloggy sisters!

'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a CD while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus .'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?'

(Romans 8:31)

I Love a Rainy Night...

I Love a Rainy Night... you know it makes me feel good!
Remember that old Eddie Rabbitt song?
Well it's a very rainy, damp, cold night here in Indy, and I am cozy inside!
We have had dinner and now I am enjoying a cup of de-caf coffee.

This is what we had for dinner, one of Jim's favs...

I make Ina Garten's (The Barefoot Contessa) meatloaf recipe from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. Her recipe actually calls for ground turkey, but my dear hubby is a meat and taters guy, so it's made w/ ground beef. While looking through my current Taste of Home Magazine I found a meatloaf recipe that called for a mashed potato crust. Well, as soon as I mentioned the crust to Jim... it was a must make dish! So here is a pic... and I do have to say it's delish. Just make your favorite meatloaf recipe and bake for 30 minutes @ 350*. Remove from the oven and pipe the mashed potatoes you prepare on top. I used a large star tip. Bake for 45 more minutes or until the meatloaf registers 160*. We had petite peas and pineapple slices too! Fortunately there is some leftover for his lunch tomorrow! I made my mashed potatoes w/ butter, a splash of chicken broth, salt and some cream cheese. Whipped them up and yummo!

Tonight is one of those nights that you hunker down and are thankful for the roof over your head, a warm meal in your tummy, cozy blanket and a good book!

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Peter 6:6

Veteran's Day

Give honor and respect to all those to whom it is due.
~ Romans 13:7 TLB

Father, I thank You for the many brave men and women who have fought for the freedoms we hold so dear. For their unselfish sacrifice and service to our country. For those who have gone before... for those who currently serve. Cradle our service men and women in your ever protecting care. Bless and keep their families as they are far a part.

... and Lord, I thank You for our ultimate freedom fighter Jesus Christ. Amen

A Sunday in Autumn

I have enjoyed this day so much today that I wanted to share w/ all of you what has gone on so far...

A Sunday in Autumn

Up early for Church (this is a picture of the altar in our Church Sanctuary.

After church we had breakfast at Jim's mom's. (we all gather together for breakfast each Sunday after church. Jim's mom lives right next door to Calvary.) Today Jim's Uncles are in town so we enjoyed Jim's mom's "Sunday French Toast" My favorite! We also had sausages, orange juice and coffee. I am including the recipe for her French Toast - it's wonderful!

Sunday French Toast
* Loaf of French Bread (or any bread you like)
* 4 Eggs
* 1 Cup Milk
* 2 T Orange Juice
* 1 T sugar
* 1/2 tsp vanilla
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 2 T butter
* Confectioners (powdered) sugar

Arrange bread (sliced) in a 13x9 inch pan.
Beat eggs w/ milk, orange juice, vanilla & slat until well blended. Pour over bread, turn slices to coat evenly. Cover pan and refrigerate overnight.

Melt butter in skillet, or on your griddle; place bread slice in skillet or griddle and cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side (just eyeball it); sprinkle w/ powdered sugar and of course smother it with maple syrup!

Once home we decided we should stay on top of the leaves. Plus, we needed to rake out the leaves under the bushes in the front of the house. Jim has been mulching up the leaves this year with the mower - it's been wonderful. Not raking as much and not bagging as much. Some of the mulched leaves will be tilled into the veggie garden. As I type this he is cutting up the leaves in our neighbor's yard.

Here we are hard at work... looks like I drew the short straw here!



Well... maybe not the short straw... Jim is still outside in the cold... here is where I am...



I have a cozy fire in the fireplace... have poured myself a cup of coffee and will settle in to read the Thanksgiving issues of my favorite magazines! I am using my new coffee mug that I purchased at the Feed & Seed's Christmas Open House last night. Isn't it cute?!?!?!

Oh, and I have a pot of chili bubbling on the stove!
I have my favorite fall candles burning inside and you can smell the fireplace outside. It sure smells like fall at the Schwark Homestead!




After we eat, I believe we will venture out to our friend's home to watch the Colts!!! Go Colts!!

Autumn days, like today are my favorite. Raking leaves, (good exercise) something bubbling on the stove, a fire in the fireplace, crisp air, a good book or magazine... and football!

I hope you are enjoying your Autumn Sunday...
What a blessing today has been!

WFW ~ Build Upon the Rock

Matthew 7:24-25
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

Today's WFW is scipture from Matthew and a picture I took of our house today!

I am so thankful that Jim and I have based our marriage upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Yes, there have been times when the winds have blown, the rain has beat down... but on Christ the solid rock we stand. Only in him can we stand firm... and not fall.

If you look closely - you can see my dog looking out the window. More than likely wondering what his weird mother is doing!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a Bible verse!

To be blessed by more Word Filled Wednesdays - please visit Amy @ 160 Acre Woods!

Election Day... VOTE

Here are the words for today's date, Election Day this year...from my morning devotional book Praying God's Word Day by Day, by Beth Moore.

I pray to You, O Lord, in the time of your favor; in Your great love O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.

Resucue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide Your face from Your servant; answser me quickly, for I am in trouble. (Psalm 69:13-17)

According to Your Word, in this world I will have trouble, but I am to take heart! You have overcome the world! (John 16:33)

I couldn't think of more appropriate words for the state of our country in this age and how our beliefs are persecuted in sometimes a very subtle and other times a very blatant way.

Lord have mercy on the United States. May we return to the Christian values that this great nation was founded upon. Amen.

Due to an election day post, I will post my Yes to God Tuesday post on Thursday this week, returning to Tuesday on next week.