~ Mailbox Exchange ~

I thought it would be fun to do a mailbox exchange. The exchange will be in the form of a puffy envelope, so it won't be too costly to mail. You can chose anything you'd like to send to the person you get, but it would be nice to spend around $10.00 to make it fair to everyone doing the exchange. You could put a kitchen towel, book, sachet, stickers etc.. in your envelope or anything you'd like. I will draw all the names and e-mail you your gals name and address in one week. If you'd like to be in this exchange, please e-mail me (in my profile).

Have fun looking for special little surprises to send to your mailbox exchange partner!!

~ Happy Memorial Day ~

We remember and thank all of those that have served and are serving our country!!

~ Controlling Your Thoughts About Yourself ~

Todays Topic: Control Your Thoughts About Yourself

Verse(s): Ephesians 2:10

Devotional:Winners control their thoughts about themselves instead of allowing their thoughts to control them. Winners focus on what the Word says instead of what others say. Winners are not afraid to boldly declare who they are and what they are according to the Word of God even if some people don’t agree with them. Your attitude about yourself can either make you or break you. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5“Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.” (The Message Bible)Can you imagine Jesus thinking negative thoughts about Himself? It’s time to start rejecting any thought that is contrary to God’s Word. It’s a lie from the devil. Don’t let your thoughts demoralize you. Think on things that agree with what God says about you. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus . . .” Ephesians 2:10Don’t ever forget who made you. God made you. Quit putting yourself down. God sees you as unique. Just like there are not two snowflakes exactly alike, there are no two human beings exactly alike. My fingerprints and yours don’t even match. There is no one else quite like you. If you never learn to see yourself the way God sees you, then Satan will torment your mind with insecurities and low self-esteem which will ultimately affect every area of your life.Many times, you will find in Paul’s writings the phrase “in him,” “in whom,” and “in Christ”. It is essential that you and I know who we are in Christ. In Christ, you are valuable. In Christ, you are precious. In Christ, you are special. In Christ, you are significant. Don’t accept anyone belittling you. You’re not that insignificant person that perhaps you’ve been told you were all your life.When you believe what the Word says and make it final authority, then you’ll begin to walk in a greater level of freedom than you’ve ever known in your life. When you learn who you are in Christ, then winning becomes your way of life. Losing becomes a thing of the past.--------------------"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

Devotional~Unknown author

~ I really enjoyed this devotional and I hope it is a blessing to you as well.

~ Wanda E. Brunstetter ~

I have really enjoyed reading Wanda Brunstetter's books. She has a few different Amish series that are just wonderful!!

Wanda has a devotional out that is called, "The Simple Life" It is a special devotional that is filled with wonderful stories and recipes throughout.







Here is the most delicious recipe for potato salad that she has included in her devotional. We enjoy going to some of the Amish restaurants in Southern Ohio and they serve this delicious recipe. I have always wanted the recipe and was so excited to finally find it in her devotional. It is just fabulous!!

Overnight Potato Salad
(Ingredients)

12 potatoes, medium, boiled

12 eggs, hard-boiled

1 and1/2 cups finely chopped celery

1 onion, medium, chopped fine

Salad Dressing

Grate potatoes and eggs. Mix together with onion and celery, then add dressing and let set overnight.

(Salad Dressing Ingredients)

3 cups of mayo or Miracle Whip salad dressing ~I use Miracle Whip~
1/8 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup milk

1 and 1/2 cup white sugar
6 Tbsp. mustard

3 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Add desired amount to potato salad. Refrigerate any remaining dressing.

http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/ She has a beautiful website!!

~ Mrs.Little Bit ~

Mrs. Little Bit has decided to spend some time at the Cottage in The Meadow. Mrs. Little Bit has a beautiful nest, with four speckled eggs, firmly nestled in our gravel driveway. This came as quite a surprise to us when we noticed her and her nest at the edge of our drive. She is a Killdeer and they make their nests in gravel and their eggs are a good size that resemble stones.

Mr. Little Bit has been keeping a close look out as Mrs. Little Bit spends most of her days sitting on their nest. Her babies will hatch with their eyes open and they will be ready to scurry about as soon as their feathers dry. I can't wait to meet Mr. and Mrs. Little Bit's family!!

~ Come Share Cookies and Tea With Me ~

In celebration of my new blog, please come and have cookies and tea with me at the Cottage in the Meadow. Here is my daughter's favorite recipe for oatmeal cookies ~ENJOY!!

Yummy Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup butter, softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old-fashioned,uncooked)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2.Beat together butter and sugars until creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.

4. Add combined flour, baking soda, salt; mix well.

5. Stir in oats and mix well.

6. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased cookie sheets.
7. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Cool one minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack. Makes around four dozen.

~ Welcome to my blog ~

Welcome to my blog!!!
I hope you will enjoy my little cottage in the meadow and that it will be a place where you can come and relax!! Please feel free to leave your comments.
Heather