We've arrived in Texas again, after a whirlwind few days of driving and ministry. It feels good to be here. I can hear the cicadas and katydids in the trees beside our trailer, sparrows and tufted titmice are nesting nearby, and a little flock of chickens keeps coming by for dried corn. There is also a fat squirrel -- the same one we befriended last year -- who grabs all the pecans we give him, only he waits until he thinks we're not looking before he takes them. And there are wily geckos...

Texas is a grand place for taking walks. We like best to go walking in the late afternoon, when the heat of the day is (hopefully) a little abated.

There is a large pen at the back of this campground, where the owners keep three huge longhorns. They look a little intimidating, but I think we've finally befriended at least two of them!

People-pictures coming soon!

Coconut Macaroons...

These little tasties are amazing on a summer day. Yet another America's Test Kitchen recipe that turns out super well every time!

Here's the recipe:

1 c. cream of coconut
2 T. light corn syrup
4 large egg whites
2 t. vanilla
1/2 t. salt
3 c. (8oz) unsweetened shredded coconut
3 c (8oz) sweetened flaked or shredded coconut
good semi-sweet chocolate, for dipping

1) Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle and preheat oven to 375 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment and lightly grease.

2) Whisk together cream of coconut, corn syrup, egg whites, vanilla, and salt in a small bowl; set aside. Combine the unsweetened and sweetened coconut in small bowl; toss together, breaking up clumps. Pour liquid into coconut and mix with a rubber spatula until coated. Chill for 15 minutes.

3) Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto parchment (or shape them into pyramids with your fingers). Bake until light golden brown, about 15 minutes, rotating racks.

4) Cool cookies until slightly set, remove to wire rack.

5) Dip bottoms in chocolate; refrigerate until set.

[photo by Augs]

It was one of those moments...

 ...when you've just got to laugh.

God's Say-So

(a young friend in Indiana)

I read this morning: "My say-so is to be built on God's say-so. God says -- 'I will never leave thee,' then I can with good courage say -- 'The Lord is my helper, I will not fear--' I will not be haunted by apprehension. This does not mean that I will not be tempted to fear, but I will remember God's say-so. I will be full of courage.... What are you dreading? You are not a coward about it, you are going to face it, but there is a feeling of dread. When there is nothing and no one to help you, say -- 'But the Lord is my Helper, this second, in my present outlook.' ....

Frailty is another thing that gets in between God's say-so and ours. When we realize how feeble we are in facing difficulties, the difficulties become like giants, we become like grasshoppers, and God becomes a nonentity. Remember God's say-so -- 'I will in no wise fail you.' 

Have we learned to sing after hearing God's key-note? Are we always possessed with the courage to say -- 'The Lord is my helper,' or are we succumbing?" (Oswald Chambers)