I LOVE celebrations!! Celebrations provide opportunities for making memories. I have 20 plus years of experience in weddings, birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, luncheons, corporate events and more. I am praying for the Lord to provide an opportunity for my party planning business, Celebrations By Melanie, to grow and provide memorable events. Please check out a few of the events on my Facebook page!
Who did not love a Swanson Salisbury Steak Frozen Dinner back in the day? I remember like it was yesterday the convenience foods in the frozen section.
Turkey Dinners, Chicken Pot Pie, Salisbury Steak Meals and more.
I was skeptical about this recipe but was up for a little dinner challenge tonight. Wow was I surprised when at first bite of the salisbury steak, I was transported back to a much simpler time and place. This is the perfect old-fashioned Swanson’s Salisbury Steak TV Dinner “dupe” from the mid 1960’s.
Give a 👍 below If you have ever eaten this particular TV Dinner before.
2 packets Brown Gravy Mix 2 cups hot water 1 teaspoon ketchup 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
How to Make Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Add all patty ingredients to a large bowl. Use clean hands to combine until mixed well. Divide the mixture into four balls and flatten each into patties.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook patties until they are no longer pink in the middle (about 5-7 minutes). Reduce heat to low once cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
In a separate bowl, combine Brown Gravy Mix with hot water, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce using a whisk until smooth.
Pour the gravy mixture over the cooked patties in the skillet.
Allow it to come to a simmer; if too thick, add an additional ¼ cup of water while stirring.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Serve your easy Salisbury steak warm over mashed potatoes if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish with family!
It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:32
Happy Monday
A brand new start to the week! Ever found yourself burned out after trying to do things all by yourself?
It can be easy to try and accomplish things in our own strength.
Even when we do manage to be successful in getting things done, we rarely are ever able to enjoy the outcome because we are so exhausted.
God designed us to cooperate with Him in all things, not operate a one-man show where we do everything in our own power.
Many times, we may long to accomplish things by ourselves because it’s easier than recognizing our own insufficiency. However, God desires to fill in these insufficiencies with His strength!
Often, it is through our weakness and insufficiency that we draw closer to God. When you go to Him and pour out your heart, it is His good pleasure to instill you with His supernatural strength and grace to accomplish that which He has called you to do!
Because of this, do not despise your weakness. Rather, see them as empty “cups” waiting to be filled by the Lord’s power.
When you’re in a close walk with Him, you can have mighty confidence despite your insufficiency, because you know that God is infinite in His sufficiency!
By meditating on His word daily and seeking Him in prayer, the truth of His word will wash over you, permeating your being and empowering you.
Do you need strength today? The Lord is waiting for you with open arms, ready to empower you and equip you with His unfailing love.
Instead of dreading the day ahead, you can approach it with confidence knowing the Lord is working alongside you and through you. You never have to face anything alone, because His abundance of flowing strength will never run out!
And although l’m fully aware that five words can’t solve your problems or dry up your issues (or your basements) or cure you of all that ails you…. there IS power in these five words. Let this be our bold declaration today.
Write it out on paper, like writing it on your heart!!
Think of them as your five smooth stones to defeat the giant, even though you only need one.
Think of them as a dip in the Jordan.
Here’s what I mean-
There once was a guy named Naaman who stood in need of great healing. When told to dip in the Jordan to do so, his response was, in so-many-words…
Are you kidding me? Do you know who I am? I’m the one in charge around here! I’m a guy of great honor and rank! There’s GOT to be something more noble than THAT for me to do? There’s got to be something much harder than taking a plunge into a nasty gross river? It took Naaman’s servant to put it into perspective for him…
Listen my father, if the prophet had told you to do some great big grand thing, wouldn’t you have done it? Then why in the world won’t you do this one simple thing?
Naaman needed that perspective. I think at times we all do.
Amen.
I could say a million more things about this story but I’ll run out of room so let me just wrap up with THIS…
TODAY IS A NEW DAY.
To ask God, beg God, plead with God or beseech.
A new day to behold what may potentially lie ahead expectantly…and not dreadfully.
A new day that we know has the potential to be freshly restocked like new white towels in the linen closet with grace and mercies and compassions and all the sweet-smelling fragrance God’s got.
YES.
Beloved…
If yesterday was not everything you hoped for, today is a new day.
If yesterday drained you, today is a new day.
If yesterday left you feeling hopeless, today is a new day.
TODAY IS A NEW DAY.
I pray these five words alone brought even the *slightest* touch of healing to you today.
For you are worthy of love.
And don’t you forget it.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8
Remembering the life of Kay Arthur today. So sad to hear of her passing!
At this day’s end I reflect on this week of beauty, opportunity and the glory of Jesus…..
Blessed endings prayed over for every heart this night….
Thinking on the moments in my life that have defined my faith…..
More than 20 years ago I joined a group of like-minded women in the Kay Arthur study- Lord, I want to know you~ a devotional study of the names of God.
We would learn the character, nature and attributes of God.
Kay Arthur declared the mission of this book was more than a devotional but instead a Biblical Study from Genesis to Revelation about the names of God.
Kay continues…
“If we are to glorify God, then we need to know His character, attributes and His Names. Kay explains all of this with the Bible as our only guide. You can then use these names, as Jesus taught, when you pray! Very important to those who belong to Him.”
Life-changing.
Transforming.
Empowering.
A deeper view and understanding that would change the way I pray, read my Bible and expected God to move in power!
Kay continues…..
“When you know God more fully by studying His names — Creator, Healer, Protector, Provider, and many others — you’ll gain power to stand strong. You’ll find strength for times of trial, comfort for pain, provision for your soul’s deepest needs. And your walk with God will be transformed.”
Once I began to see God revealed in His Word…. every part of who He is…. My life of faith grew to levels that I had never known. Real worship would carry me through the darkest day and elevate my faith on the mountaintop views!
So I have been sharing with the children of MRO this season…
“I Am: 40 Ways To Trust God”
A study that introduces children to the names of God.
This song has become my life-song this season.
When real life happens. When trouble is real. When pain has become a reality. When the fight for life and living collide with faith. When the promises of God carry us. His song becomes real so very soul deep.
If we have no basis for “belief”. No absolutes. No truth. There is nowhere to run and no safe place to hide.
This I know…..
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
Not sure where your heart lingers tonight but I DO know the Lord is near. Faithful. You are loved. You are His beloved creation and He longs for good in your life. You can run to, cling and find rest that while the world is unchanging- God is true to who He is ALWAYS!
I pray that your heart is cared for and that you know even more deeply the Love of our gracious God through His son Jesus Christ.
What A Beautiful Name~ Hillsong Worship
“You were the Word (John 1:1) at the beginning….
The Lord most high….
truth #trustworthy #sure #steadfast #immovable
What a beautiful name it is…… the name of Jesus Christ my King.
What a wonderful name it is….. the name of Jesus.
Nothing compares to this…..
What a beautiful name it is…… the name of Jesus Christ my King
What a wonderful name it is…. the name of Jesus.
You didn’t want heaven without us…..
So Jesus YOU brought heaven down…..
My sin was great Your love was greater……
What could separate us now…..
What a wonderful name it is…. the name of Jesus.
How sweet His name….
How good You are…..
Love to sing Your of your name Lord….
Love to sing of who You are….
Silenced the voice of sin and shame….
Your is the kingdom….
Your is the glory….
Yours is the name above all names../
What a powerful name it is….. the name of Jesus Christ my King
May is stroke awareness month. I have not spoken about this much but last January I had two strokes. This song reminded me today of just how grateful I am that God gave me signs to know what to do when the symptoms happened. I have no damage from the first stroke. It happened a week before the second stroke. They say you often get a warning. But clearly it was not loud enough to stop me. And then on a Sunday morning much like today, my right leg collapsed out from under me while I was getting ready for church. I ended up in the floor. Thankfully as soon as I stepped I knew I was going down and was able to brace myself. Thankfully mine were clots and not a bleed.
Quick response is key. I was not eligible for TPA because of my recent eye surgery. But thanks be to God the blood thinners did their job.
After 3 days in ICU, I walked out of the hospital and got into the car. One. More. Day. So thankful. There are small things that changed in my life but the second chance of life has not been wasted.
Today is what we get. My heart is filled with gratitude that my story was not much more life-altering. So this Sunday morning on the porch, I am thankful. I want to encourage you to listen to your body and do not take one day for granted.
One. More. Beautiful. Day.
“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” James 1:17
Father, thank you for the gift of life and for one more beautiful day!!
Note: We learned through the course of my stay that my blood thinners were not working properly. I had a genetic mutation where my liver rapidly metabolizes the Plavix that I had been taking. So essentially the medication was not working as it should because of how my liver was processing it. So thanks be to God, a simple medication change has made a world of difference. And God was with me. So faithful and true!
A beautiful reminder of the small and BIG miracles. So much more to do in this life. So grateful to have you enjoy this journey!!!
I am running a bit backwards since the beginning of the year. I have battled the horrible mid/upper respiratory challenge with aches, fever, sore throat virus or whatever you would like to call it for six full days. Six full days of misery but praise God today I feel so much better after a really rough night with lots of coughing and congestion. Finally got the right meds in me and am happy to say…. I am grateful as my heart believes that the worst is behind me.
My new 2025 planner and prayer journal have sat at the foot of my bed this entire time. Since December actually. Every time I have walked by them I have groaned and whispered sweetly to the Lord that I promise to get to these committed treasures. Why? Because my heart is expectant.
2024 was not as anticipated and truly took on a life of its own with some medical setbacks right at the beginning of last January. We took multiple trips last year that were beyond our wildest dreams. But so many of the in between moments have been filled up with many medical visits and extensive testing. I truly felt like I never really got to process 2023 nor prepare for a “state of the union” for 2024.
So rather than simmer in the unrest and regret, I settled into a rhythm of life on a bit of a conveyer ride that just kept going with little reprieve. So much to process. My mind, spirit and body was quickly overwhelmed by adjusting to new challenges, eye surgery, a flooded basement and new medications.
Truthfully, 2024 is simply for me right now a litany of moments, information and things that needed to be done, remembered and ultimately the grace to embrace all that had changed so quickly in my life and our lives.
When I think back this afternoon, it was all beautiful chaos much different than the last 22 years of my life had known. And while I know and hold close spiritual truths so very dear, we are all aware, that to everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. {Ecclesiastes 3}
-to be born, and a time to die; -a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted
-a time to kill, and a time to heal; -a time to break down, and a time to build up
-a time to weep, and a time to laugh -a time to mourn, and a time to dance
-a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together -a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing
-a time to seek, and a time to lose -a time to keep, and a time to cast away
-a time to tear, and a time to sew -a time to keep silence, and a time to speak
-a time to love, and a time to hate; -a time for war, and a time for peace.
Honestly this last week of not feeling well has been filled with moments of an earnest sweetness lined with such grace, thoughtfulness, stillness and recollections of all that God has done in my life. TIME to consider the beautifully broken places, the beautiful handiwork of God and gather my thoughts in a way that I have been unable to do until now. Like right now.
I have despaired when I have set aside time to clear my mind and write the things so near and dear to my heart. I have been unable to write as my heart has truly desired and this has left a void in me that I cannot truly capture with words.
To everything there is a season….
I have waited {which for this heart that longs to be a “doer of the Word”} has had a hard time with. I have never doubted God in this waiting. But my heart would be remiss for those of you reading may need to hear this in your own waiting place as well. So lean in close as I write it out loud for us all as it be a quite lonely place for you as well.
I have been earnest in my prayers for the Lord to make clear this new beautiful and good road He has placed me on. I have lived full in the quietest place my soul has known in many years. So I have been held and known God so real even in this time of silence. Refuge. Comfort. My sweet and faithful Lord has been the keeper of my heart. The one who has held my tears and embraced me in this season of want and yet wait. My desire to love my God, my family and friends has never waned but I have not truly known this part of me until this season.
His promise- beauty from ashes.
So I share today for those who may be walking alongside of me that my heart has never been more ready to receive all that God has for me in this season. And the truth is, I have NO IDEA what that means but I am here body, mind and spirit for the beautiful next steps on this faith journey that we share.
Everything that I write or share will be here as well! I hope you will join me with an expectant heart as we unwrap all that God will do in our lives.
{Postscript}
I returned from Asheville still struggling with fatigue, sore throat, cough, etc… Finally went to the doc yesterday. Pneumonia, double ear infection, antibiotics and steroids. A little better today. Prayers appreciated. Stand down Satan!! Ready for a God-breathed 2025 for His glory!!
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through ALL generations. The Lord is trustworthy in ALL He promises and faithful in ALL He does. The Lord upholds ALL who fall and lifts up ALL who are bowed down.
The eyes of ALL look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in ALL His ways and faithful in ALL He does.
The Lord is near to ALL who call on Him, to ALL who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:13-19
I don’t know about you, but some days I need the reminder that, like a parent who clutches a stumbling child by the arm to prevent them from wiping out, God knows how to uphold me in the moments I fall. He’s not far away. He promises to be right there beside me. He is “trustworthy” in His promises and He is “faithful” in whatever He does. He “upholds” those who fall and He “lifts up” those who are doubled over.
What care and love from our Heavenly Father.
And did you see all the “alls” in this passage?
If you missed them, you might even take time to go back and underline each one. This passage has encouraged my heart through some of the most difficult moments of my life. God’s kingdom endures through not just one or two generations, but ALL generations. He’s trustworthy in not just some of what He promises, but in ALL He promises. He is faithful in not only the things we can visibly understand or see, but in ALL He does. He upholds not some of us, but ALL who fall and ALL who are bowed down. He’s near to not a special few, but ALL who call on Him. What a sweet reminder, and what good news this is, for l am certainly one of the “alls” crying out for His steadying hand.
God is with us and we are held in knowing God has got it ALL. Fully and completely and in ALL the ways that we as His beloved need.
Thank You, Lord, for Your trustworthiness today, and help us lean into Your all-encompassing love for your beloved!!
Journal Thoughts For Today: {write it out as your truth today}
Which promise in this passage is ministering most to your heart today? Why?
In what ways do you feel like you’re “bowed down” these days? How do you usually handle this experience? (Do you try to get back up in your own power and striving? Do you stay on the ground, afraid that you don’t deserve the chance to get back up again?)
Reflecting on your life, how have you seen God uphold you in a moment you were stumbling? How does that past grace give you strength for today’s struggle. 🤗
Prayer:
Father, thank You for being so trustworthy and faithful to me. Thank You for lifting me up even when l am bowed down, and for being near me in all the moments I need You. Help me to call out to You when I fall, when I doubt, when I fear and infuse me with trust that You always hear me, You’ve always got me, and You’ll always answer my cries for help. Give me rest body, mind and spirit today!
• Add the room temp sliced peaches and sugar together in a bowl and set aside. If the peaches aren’t very ripe, you might want to let them sit for a bit in the sugar until sugar is dissolved.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice butter into pieces and add to a 9×9 or 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the pan in the oven while it preheats, to allow the butter to melt. Once melted, remove the pan from the oven.
• In a large bowl mix together the flour and sugar. Stir in the milk, just until combined. Pour the mixture into the pan, over the melted butter and smooth it into an even layer.
• Spoon the peaches and juice (or canned peaches, if using) over the batter.
• Bake at 350 degrees for about 38-40 minutes. Serve warm, with a scoop of ice cream, if desired.
Note:
1. Most recipes call for cinnamon, brown sugar and other spices. I am a purest. Dough, peaches and butter work for this old girl.
2. You can use all-purpose flour. If you only have that available you will need to add 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt
Note: I have celiac. My go to/fave GF flour alternative is King Arthur Flour Measure 4 Measure Gluten Free Flour.
You can grab the 3lb bag on Amazon for the same price as Walmart.
Upon our arrival to the Hyatt Resort in Poipu on the island of Kauai, our sweet valet offered recommendations of some things we “must do”. He strongly encouraged us to head over to Poipu Beach at sunset to watch the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles come onto the shore. So tonight we ventured out with few expectations but always up for a new adventure.
So I did a little research and learned that the first published photo of a Hawaiian green turtle basking on a beach appeared in National Geographic Magazine in 1925. The caption read: “These grotesque creatures browse in submarine fields of algae until hunger is satisfied, and then crawl heavily out to sprawl in the sand, safe from enemies in the sea.”
Tonight we visited a small beach cove and watched alongside of a few onlookers to experience this beautiful phenomenon. Volunteers had placed signs out to protect these war-torn sea creatures from harm. It was eerily quiet as we all eagerly awaited this sacred opportunity.
It is truly the little things in life. The simple rhythm of nature and the God who brings the waves in and takes them out. The God who sets the sun in the sky and brings it down at night. It overwhelmed my soul to see how these beastly, yet beautiful green sea creatures knew where to end their day and where to find a safe refuge. It was absolutely breathtaking and a moment we will carry with us for the rest of our days.
At dinner the night before we saw a whale breach right in front of us just beyond the breaking waves in the dark blue sea and blow sea water. Tonight we were allowed to participate in a tender and daily sacred ritual. I am reminded of the God who faithfully orders the world and His creation. Giving thanks at this days end for this simple glimpse into the greater order of things. How we will hold close in our hearts for always the green seas turtles pilgrimage to safety day in and day out.
And if you ever find yourself near Poipu Beach on the island of Kauai, we too highly recommend a sunset visit there! Make sure you tell them we said hello!!
Simple Life Heartenings 
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