Prayer for Our Nation

Beth Moore
Father in Heaven,
We lift our eyes toward Your Throne,
where You reign in righteousness.
Your Word assures us that when Your people cry
out in sincerity and humility,
You will never turn a deaf ear to us.
We call upon You now, seeking Your
forgiveness and favor.
Look over this fevered landscape and
heal us, Lord.
Drop knees to the floor and raise eyes
to the sky, for we know where our help
comes from.
Unite these States again in devotion to
You, and blur every dividing line.
Do not give us over to our sins. Give us,
instead, over to passionate prayer that
moves Your heart.
“May Your unfailing love rest upon us,
O Lord, even as we put our
hope in You.”
In the Name of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Amen.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Barefoot Contessa

Prep Time:

10 min

Inactive Prep Time:

30 min

Cook Time:

1 hr 0 min

Serves:

8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 extra-large eggs at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups sour cream
• 2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the streusel:

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for 4 to 5 minutes, until light. Add the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla and sour cream. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the batter until just combined. Finish stirring with a spatula to be sure the batter is completely mixed.

For the streusel, place the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and butter in a bowl and pinch together with your fingers until it forms a crumble. Mix in the walnuts, if desired.

Spoon half the batter into the pan and spread it out with a knife. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup streusel. Spoon the rest of the batter in the pan, spread it out, and scatter the remaining streusel on top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean.

Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Carefully transfer the cake, streusel side up, onto a serving plate. Whisk the confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup together, adding a few drops of water if necessary, to make the glaze more liquid. Drizzle as much as you like over the cake with a fork or spoon.

Ingredients

• Butter, for greasing the pans
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cups good cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

Directions

Chocolate Buttercream, recipe follows

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 2 (8-inch) round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans.

Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until combined. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.

Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.

Chocolate Frosting:

6 ounces good semisweet chocolate (recommended: Callebaut)

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 extra-large egg yolk, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

1 tablespoon instant coffee powder

Chop the chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until just melted and set aside until cooled to room temperature.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light yellow and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and continue beating for 3 minutes. Turn the mixer to low, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, then beat at medium speed, scraping down the bowl as necessary, until smooth and creamy. Dissolve the coffee powder in 2 teaspoons of the hottest tap water. On low speed, add the chocolate and coffee to the butter mixture and mix until blended. Don’t whip! Spread immediately on the cooled cake.

=

It has been a while since I have been able to return to my roots of Hendersonville North Carolina and I must say I am a bit “homesick”!

I am missing the mountains, the apple blossoms in the spring time, the warm sunshine and cool mountain breeze. Kentucky is beautiful right now but the mountains of home have a beautiful mystery all of their own.

Next visit is planned for June..let the countdown begin!

In some ways my job is kind of like “Finishing School” I have my high school diploma, a Bachelor of Science, in Hospitality and Management from the University of Kentucky, and now I am being primed and pruned in the field of hospitality at A Storybook Inn.  I’m not so sure what I am being prepared for but I am forced to interact with people from all walks of life, especially people who are affluent in society.  I learn more about entertaining, conversation, making a house a home, and hospitality with each passing day.  Who knows maybe I am being prepared to be a future First Lady : )   My days are filled with everything from cooking & baking, putting together floral arrangements, decorating, to creating marketing plans and promotions for the business.  Every day is a mixed bag full of opportunity, growth, and creativity.  Right now A Storybook Inn is venturing into a new chapter of its life.  We are currently in the design process for renovations and additions that will take place starting June of this year.  Once renovations are complete we will be equipped with additional luxury suites, a Spa, and a Banquet Hall/Meeting facility.  All of these changes are very exciting! 

Working at A Storybook Inn I am surrounded by beauty. The Inn itself dates back to the early mid 1800’s pre civil war.  This old house is full of character as people have lived out their own “stories” here.  When I first arrive to work each morning I am greeted by a friendly black standard poodle by the name of Nicholas.  Some of you have been privileged to meet him, I must admit he is a pretty cool dog.  The gardens here are beautiful, and the library is full of traditional literature and conservative books.  As A Storybook Inn develops, as does my job.  Once renovations are complete I can run full speed ahead as Special Events Coordinator.  I am also the personal assistant to the owner who is a devout Christian and savvy business woman. I am truly blessed to have a job which allows me to grow spiritually, mentally, and creatively. Stay tuned for updates about my job, A Storybook Inn, and some great recipes from our kitchen!

To find out more about A Storybook Inn visit us online at www.astorybookinn.com!

Love,

Sheena

This past Labor Day weekend we took a family vacation to Gatlinburg TN.  Spent the day at Dollywood, another day at Cades Cove, and spent time playing games and eating good food with the family.  Below you will find some photos from the long 3 day weekend that ended way too soon! 

After doing some research Steven and I discovered that the house was first built in 1911.  It is just over 4,000 sq. ft.  Below you will find a photo of the house in its prime. 

We could not find information on the family who originally built and owned the house. 

The future of this house is a grim one.  It will be demolished in preparation of a new road which will go straight threw the property.  I would love to know the history of this old place if anyone has information please share! 

I have copied this article in its entirety. I dedicate this posting to all the beautiful women in my life! ~S~ 

Beauty from the Inside Out

By Janet Maccaro, PH.D., C.N.C.

You’ll need more than cosmetics for great-looking skin and a lovely appearance. You’ll need to understand the health and beauty connection.

Beauty truly does radiate from within. A healthy, vibrant woman defies age. As a testimony and reflection of our self-esteem, inner beauty and vibrancy, true beauty is the result of inner vitality, balance, health and happiness, not vanity.

The Bible tells us: “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Pet. 3:3-4, NKJV).

The most beautiful woman I have ever known had an essence that drew men and women alike. Although her outward appearance would never suggest that she had such magnetism, her essence captured the hearts of those around her.

She was loyal, confident, strong, unselfish, dependable, unassuming, loving, a best friend, humorous, humble and gentle. She gave of herself, never sought approval, and she had faith and a sense of her true worth.

Below are a few tips Dr. Maccaro recommends:

Optimal nutrition, stress-relieving exercise and a positive frame of mind are requirements you must tote along on your continued journey toward complete balance. A balanced body and a beautiful spirit are better than the very best cosmetic application or surgery.

With proper nutrition, rest, relaxation and exercise, you can keep your body balanced, healthy and youthful throughout your entire life. Your skin can be wrinkle-free and elastic, your eyes can sparkle, your complexion can be smooth, and your face can be firm and tight.

When it comes to aging, there are two choices: you either embrace it, or you try to erase it with cosmetic procedures. However, you can begin feeling and looking better—and younger—if you’re willing to make simple lifestyle changes and adjust your health and beauty regimen.

SKIN SINS Your appearance will start changing for the better soon after you begin eliminating these harmful habits that are taking a toll on your skin and overall well-being:

Sun exposure. Nothing ages you faster and is more damaging to your skin than sun exposure. However, you can prevent sun damage by wearing sunscreen whenever you leave the house.

You should wear at least SPF-15. Wear SPF-30 if you are a golfer, or if you spend time at the beach. Sunscreen not only protects you from future sun damage, it can also help reverse past damage because, with protection, your skin gets a chance to repair itself. If possible, stay covered or out of the sun completely between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Lack of sleep. I consider sleep to be the best beauty vitamin in the entire world. Nighttime is when your body repairs itself. This includes your skin. Collagen and elastin are replaced and new cells are built, thereby erasing the previous day’s exposure to sun and environmental toxins.

Your skin is more absorbent and receptive at night, so it is a perfect time to moisturize and add topical vitamin treatments. Lack of sleep will cut these benefits, leaving you with dark circles, puffiness, sallowness and even pimples.

Stress increases the levels of adrenal hormones, such as testosterone, which can trigger acne. Stress hormones can also cause your blood flow to be directed away from your limbs and major organs, leaving your skin crying out for the nutrients it needs.

When you are stressed, it is harder to repair your complexion with skin care. Stressed skin simply does not respond to treatments as well as relaxed skin. Practice deep breathing, exercise and/or take a tub bath with lavender essential oils to help de-stress your body, mind and spirit.

Lack of exercise. Exercise boosts oxygen in your blood and in turn improves your skin tone. Exercise also increases your tolerance to stress and helps you sleep, which will boost your skin health as well. For optimal skin health, try to do three sets of 20 minutes of exercise each week. Try cycling, walking at a good pace, swimming and running, if your joints are healthy.

Caffeine. Every cup of coffee you drink needs three cups of water to process through your system. Caffeine is very dehydrating to the skin. In addition, it increases your level of stress hormones, which can lead to poor skin health.

Smoking is the second most damaging thing you can do to your skin, second only to sun exposure. The nicotine found in cigarettes constricts the blood vessels in your face, making your skin look gray or sallow.

A chemical in cigarettes, acetaldehyde, attacks the fiber in your skin that holds it together. Factor in the constant creasing and wrinkling of the eyes due to smoke irritation and the pursing of your lips, and you have all the ingredients for looking 10 years older than women who do not smoke. The good news is that quitting before the age of 30 returns your body to the level of a nonsmoker within 10 years—and that includes your skin.

Alcohol dilates blood vessels, leading to broken veins. Like cigarettes, alcohol also contains acetaldehyde, which attacks skin fibers and reduces elasticity and firmness. In addition, alcohol robs the body of vitamin C, a key nutrient for healthy skin.

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE In today’s world, the skin care and cosmetic surgery industry is booming and has become one of the largest, most profitable industries in America. Like women before us, we are on a constant search for the latest and greatest botanical, liposomal, antioxidant, exfoliant or hydrator in the world to make us appear more beautiful with skin that is visibly younger and smoother.

The fact remains that even in our advanced generation, beautiful skin is so much more than skin deep. Yes, there are lunchtime peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and other techniques to smooth and erase fine lines, but it is an undeniable fact that beautiful skin is still the result of a healthy, toxin-free body.

When we are young, our skin is soft, supple and glowing. Beautiful skin comes naturally in our youth. But, as we age, beautiful skin is a reward for taking proper care of our bodies. The skin is a barometer that reflects what is going on with us internally. Skin care is big business these days as baby boomers anxiously take part in staving off the signs of aging.

Stress, excessive sun exposure, liver malfunction, hormone depletion, smoking, alcohol, sugar, fried foods, caffeine and poor circulation all contribute to the condition of our skin. Age spots, wrinkles, dry skin, uneven skin tone, sallow complexion and acne are the result of how well our systems handle wastes.

For healthy, glowing skin, the following simple practices will greatly benefit you:

SKIN CARE THERAPY

What is a woman to do?  There are so many “lip” products on the market now days.  Lip gloss, lipstick, lip stain, lip plumper, lip lacquer.  The list can go on and on, and let’s not forget about the never ending palette of colors from, “cherries in the snow” to “bubblegum pink”!

As women our smiles can light up a room, our kisses can calm a crying baby, and our words can kill.  Yes, you read that last part right, our words can kill.  James 3:8 states that, “…no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil full of poison.”  We must pick and choose our words just as carefully as we pick and choose the lipstick color we select for the day before us!

Give these verses some thought:

“The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.” Proverbs 25:23

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”  Proverbs 18:21

“People who want to live a full life and enjoy good days must keep their tongues from saying evil things, and their lips from speaking deceitful things.”  1 Peter 3:10

“An evildoer pays attention to wicked lips. A liar opens his ears to a slanderous tongue.”  Proverbs 17:4

God’s Word has countless verses regarding the significance of words that pass by our lips.  We can build people up or create false notions; we can bring a smile to a face or bring burning anger to ones heart.  As women of God we must place high importance on picking out the words we choose to say!  Kind words should flow out of our mouths that paint lovely images, lift others up, and leave a smile on someone’s face!

I can guarantee that your choice to speak kind words can only enhance your ever important choice of lipstick color.  Give it a try, my guess is it may become your new favorite accessory.

Red fingernails are a bit flashy, a bit foxy, and in a weird way a bit empowering.  As I dawned my newly painted red fingernails to the rest of the world I slowly began to grow quite fond of them.  I in some arbitrary line of thinking began to read deep into the brilliant rich red fingernails.  The red hue so illuminant, bright, strong, and bold….it reminded me of courage.  I then began to think about courage.  Where does my courage come from? 

This question brings a very pleasant thought to mind, my courage comes from the Lord.  The deep red color splashed across my fingernails now reminds me of the price Christ paid so I can have a relationship with him.  The crimson on my hands now demands my attention when I am nervous or unsure reminding me of Joshua 1:9.  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Being a daughter of the King I have the power and majesty of Christ at the tips of my fingers!  Fingers turning through pages of the Bible, fingers clenched in Prayer, and fingers with fingernails now drenched in my new color of choice, courageous red.