“In Dependence” Day

Happy July 4th to my fellow United States citizens!  This is always a fun time of year, great food, cook outs, lemonade, fireworks, swimming… celebrating the time our country declared its freedom to become a great nation.  

We have become so accustomed to this “independence” that we so often take it for granted; forgetting the sacrifices that were required to achieved it for one….but also in another deeper sense….we begin to assume that we deserve independence and woe unto the person who tries to infringe on our presumed independence!  

Suddenly I am proud of my accomplishments, what I can do,  what decisions I am able to make….I don’t need anyone……or do I?   Do we as a country stand in need of some dependence?

I have come to realize in the last few weeks that I have stood in too much independence…forgetting just where my supply comes from….my portion….the One who truly takes care of me; even in my ignorance….

The Lord is my portion and in Him will I trust.  So today I am declaring Patty’s “In Dependence” Day.  I am totally dependent on my Lord.  It is my desire to stop being in such pride that I think I am responsible for all I have and all I am….truly none of us are.  Are you “In Dependence”?  And do you depend on the One…the only One…Think about it.  Have a wonderful and blessed day.

Cranapple Pork Chops

We had a great dinner tonight and easy too!  I love to receive and pass along any thing that I find easy and tasty!  I hope you enjoy if you decide to try it!

CRANAPPLE PORK CHOPS

4 pork loin chops or 4 boneless loin pork chops, about 3/4″ thick

2 large green apples, pared, cored and quartered

1 Tbsp. butter or margarine

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Salt and pepper

1/2 cup cranapple juice

1/3 cup whole cranberry sauce

 

1. Trim off any excess fat from chops. Set aside.

2. Cut each apple quarter into wedges.

3. Heat butter in a heavy, large skillet. Quickly brown apple. Do not cook until soft. Remove.

4. In same skillet, heat oil. Quickly brown chops on each side. Season with salt and pepper. Top with apples.

5. In a small bowl, combine the cranapple juice & cranberry sauce. Pour over pork & apples. Cover.

6. Cook over medium heat 25 to 30 minutes until done.

7. Remove to a platter. Spoon with sauce.

8. If the sauce needs thickening, dissolve 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons cranapple juice. Stir into pan juices. Bring to a boil and spoon over chops and apples.

Soft Breezes Part 3

Whooo Weee….I was beginning to think I wouldn’t be able to get back here before vacation!  But…I made it….and here is part 3 of the Soft Breezes kit for you.  I hope you are enjoying this kit.  

Click here to download.