Olive Cheese Bread

I made this recipe over Christmas and wanted to post it then, but forget to take pictures of the finished product. Well, made it again last night for company and once again forgot to take pictures. It was a hit both times, so here's the recipe and I hope you make it because it's fabulous!

Olive Cheese Bread

1 can black olives

1 jar green olives

1 stick softened butter

1/2 cup mayo

1 clove minced garlic

parsley

1 loaf french bread

Chop up the olives and mix all the ingredients together. Slice the loaf of bread lengthwise. Spread mixture on bread and bake at 325 for 25 minutes. I also broiled the top a bit to brown the cheese more. Cut into slices and serve.

I made two whole loaves last night and one of them didn't have olives. It was good too and went over just as well.

Here are the two pictures that I did take over Christmas.

Mmm. Look at all that yummy stuff. A couple of my guests last night don't like olives, but they still liked the bread. I was surprised, but glad they liked it.

Sorry I don't have a picture of the finished product. You'll just have to trust me that it's wonderful! I would also recommend putting foil on the bottom of the pan so the cheese that runs off doesn't get crusted on the pan. (This was a side note from the girl that hates washing dishes. Which reminds me...I better get to it. I went to bed instead of washing them last night. )

Brighten Your Day

I've been a little absent again. It's retreat season, what can I say. Besides, my brain is jello and I can't think of much to write right now. So here is a little something to let you know I haven't forgotten about you. Hope this makes you smile!

Why I Love Iowa

My dad got this poem from a missionary and shared it with me. Not sure who wrote it, but it sure fits.

Why I Love Iowa

It's winter in Iowa
And the gentle breezes blow
70 miles per hour at 52 below.
Oh, how I love Iowa,
When the snow is up to your head;
You take a deep breath
And your nose turns to bright red.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful;
I guess I'll hang around.
I could never leave Iowa
Cause I'm frozen to the ground!

Teaching Is Learning

I think one of the reasons I am so passionate about teaching the Jr. Girls Class is all that I learn in the process. I am so thankful that God's Word is living, challenging and exciting (my favorite word in class). Tonight was an especially good challenge.

The lesson was from Luke 7:24-27 highlighting the wise and foolish men. They both have hearing in common, but what sets them apart is the doing - obedience. We also looked at the example of Levi/Matthew in Luke 5:27, 28. When Jesus asked Levi to follow Him, he asked no questions and made no demands...he just did it. Our example of the foolish man was the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-23. His love for himself was greater than his love for the Lord. In verse 23 it says that he was greatly saddened when he learned he would have to sell all his wealth. This is where it really gets good. As I was teaching it, I realized that he wasn't sad because he would have to part with his possessions. Would he have still felt that sadness if he had obeyed? I don't think so. Obedience brings joy and freedom.

I had written on the white board the words, wise and foolish. Most of these girls have been in church right after birth. They have all the knowledge and hearing - they just need to start the doing. I asked the girls if I handed them a marker where they would have to write their name. I know that at times I would have to write my name under foolish, but my goal is to live my life making those choices that would please Him. I don't want to just be a hearer, but a doer also.

Where would your name go?

Christmas with Family

I thought I should share some more Christmas pictures. We did do more than just bake. There is a family that has become precious to us that moved from Harlan to Pana soon after my parents did. In fact, the girls call my parents Grandpa and Grandma. They joined us for Christmas day and we had such a fun time. Here are some pictures.


I realized that I have a lot of pictures with my mom, but not many with my wonderful dad. So here he is. Isn't he a handsome devil. Well, since he's a pastor, I guess I shouldn't call him a devil.
Next we decided we wanted some shots of the three of us. Well no one else where there and Dad has the longest arms, so he was the designated photographer. Here are the results.

Not too bad.

A little worse.

Hey, where are going, Dad?

By this time, we had the giggles.


And now we just composed ourselves after a good belly laugh. It was silly, but created a great memory. My parents are truly wonderful.


We prayed in a circle holding hands. When we were done and looked down, our feet just looked so cute, so I had to take a picture. Yes, my dad sometimes wears white socks with sandals. I love him anyway.


The girls gave their grandpa a kiss because he agreed to play games with us. He hates games, but the rest of us love them. He gives in at least once a year.

And here is the Birthday cake I made for Jesus. Notice anything about the colors?

I hope you each had a fabulous Christmas. Although I loved spending time with my parents, even that is not the reason for celebration. Jesus Christ made a way for us to have a home in heaven and have a personal relationship with Him. Millions of lives have changed because of His birth.

It's Your Choice

Like Totally 80's

Last night the 20/20 Faith and Faith Impact classes from church had our Christmas party. We went with the 80's theme. Boy, did we have fun! Since I'm so young, I hardly remember that decade (cough, choke)....okay, so maybe I have a slight recollection. Enjoy the pictures!

This is our group - those of us that dressed up that is. There were a few behind the camera that didn't dress the part. Because of an ice storm only half our group made it.

This was a fun game. We had three teams. Each chose a leader and that person had to put a pair of stockings on their head. There were hole cut in them at the top of the legs. It was a contest to see who could make antlers first. We won!!!!

Time for some close ups.

This is Shayne and Jen Skellenger. Shayne went all out with a mullet wig.

Every crowd has to have some preppy people. Pastor Scott and Brooke Greening took on that roll.

Here are Jeremy and Stacey Ryal. Aren't they cute in their matching outfits?

Here are Jeremy and Sarah Barkema. I wish I had taken this the other direction. Sarah had on a skirt with leggings and then leg warmers. Anyone else remember that look? How do you like the big boom box?

This is Michelle Imoehl. She actually found an acid wash jean dress! It was totally rad. (just to keep in with the vernacular of the era.)

Pastor Phil and Barb crashed our party, but we were so glad they did. The were both students at Faith in the 80's. Barb is actually wearing her chorale dress! To us it looked more like the pioneer days. I guess we could call this look the "Christian 80's."

No, Mary Callison is not expecting, but she was during much of the 80's, so I guess this costume is fitting. I didn't get a picture of Pastor Dave, but he was sporting the Miami Vice look.

Lynnae and Alyssa came to my pad (er apartment) to get ready. I did Alyssa's hair with a crimper. Anyone remember those? Lynnae did some research online and found that if your make-up didn't make you look like a clown then you didn't do it right. I think we nailed it.

So don't be a dweeb...you need to plan you own party! It was like such a bodacious time!