Don't Stop Praying

For as long as I can remember our families prayer has been for more children. I will forever have the image of my parents kneeling by my sister's and my bed as we met in prayer to beseech heavens gates. Year after year. Night after night. I thought for sure there would be marks from their knees on the carpet, often I would check. We would curl in bed together as mom read through the bible chapter by chapter, book by book. We laughed and cried together, when my family is the strongest it's when we are on our knees together.

It's a bond we will always share, like fellow soldiers. As you may have gathered this prayer while so many uncountable ones were fulfilled has been left unanswered. I'm amazingly blessed to have grown up with two women who treated prayer as if it was the very breath in their lungs.

It's so easy to grow weary, to stop praying for the things He has pressed against the fibers of our hearts. To give up and drop our dreams- our prayer burdens on the side of the road like so many pieces of belongings left in the wake of a wagon trail. When the going got tough they would have to lighten the wagons loads, leaving behind anything that wasn't absolutely necessary.

Related Articles: This Is War

So too we can abandon our prayers. We can leave our prayers by the way side and trudge on tired, disheartened and weary. Or we can wait with Him. Holding His hand. Believing that He knows his plan for us and that His timing is always best...

Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Psalm 116:2 NLT

Perhaps it is in the faith to keep praying, despite what may seem as a lack of an answer that we grow...

Call to me and I will answer you... Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

Perhaps it is in the pain, the tears in the dead of night as soft words escape our lips that worship is the sweetest...

Perhaps it is the faithfulness of bended knee that we stand a beacon in the dark, a lighthouse in someone else's storm...

Perhaps the desperate prayer from a crushed heart and empty arms is the most beautiful...

David and Goliath - Trip To The Holy Land

David and Goliath

Tour the Holy Land - The Valley of Elah

 “Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle and were gathered at Sochoh...  

1 Sam 17:1

“And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and the encamped in the Valley of Elah and drew up in battle array against the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 17:2 NKJV

Today’s tour included an excursion outside of the old city area in a different direction. Out of the populated city, roughly 30-45 minutes west towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Looking out the bus windows I noticed there were towns scattered here and there, businesses, both industrial and shopping areas. Like many places in the world, when you leave the crowded city, the landscape becomes spacious, even containing open spaces.

I was admiring one such area when the bus pulled to the side of the road and stopped. The area was very lovely, but I saw no structures or anything that looked to be of significance.

There were green hills by where we parked and a huge meadow filled with long grass and wildflowers. Beautiful to behold, but again that’s about all there was to see.

Exiting the bus, I donned my waterproof poncho again as it looked like rain. We put the whisperers’ (listening devices) back to our ears and tuned into the station as instructed so we could hear our guides. We followed them on a dirt, rather rocky path along-side the highway, then turning away from the road we continued on the path into the valley, careful to avoid

pools of water from the earlier rain. When our guides stopped, we were about 50’ to 75’ away from the base of the hillside and right along-side the lovely meadow. We gathered to hear what Pastor Jack and Amir had to share with us about this scenic valley. It turns out we were standing in the Elah Valley. The valley where the battle between David and Goliath took place! There is a long history of conflict between Israel and the Philistines. Even before the Israelites were Israelites. During the period of The Judges, the Jews alternately conquered them or were conquered by them. Depending on whether the Israeli people were following God or had abandoned God.

When the children of Israel “did evil in the site of the Lord”, He would take His hand of protection from them and deliver them to the Philistines. Eventually, they would cry out to the Lord and He would compassionately deliver them by way of raising a judge to save them. During David’s time, when Saul was king, there were fierce battles between Israel and the Philistines. As a matter of fact, whenever King Saul saw any strong or any valiant man, he took him for himself in order to battle the Philistines. This particular battle had been going on for 40 days – well kind of ---. Israel stood on one mountain and the Philistines encamped on another – WITH A VALLEY in between. The mountain we were facing just happened to be the mountain where the Israeli people were encamped.

 The Philistines were a large people and Goliath, their champion warrior was one of the largest. Approximately 9’9”! For 40 days Goliath had been taunting the Israeli soldiers 

“I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.” When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.1 Samuel 17:10-11

I learned that it was common during those days that 1 representative from each army would fight each other instead of the entire army. However, the Bible records many other battles where there was a tremendous loss of life like there are in most wars. In the meantime, or back at the ranch so to speak, David was from the tribe of Judah and lived in Bethlehem with his father, Jesse and eight brothers. David was the youngest. David tended sheep on his father’s land, but he loved to play the harp and write music. Many of the Psalms were written by David. In fact, he played the harp so well, he had been called to the Palace on a number of occasions to play the harp for King Saul who suffered a distressing spirit (another story – Read 1 Samuel – it proves the Bible is not boring as some claim! This book is a really good read with battles, intrigue and everything in between). So, David went back on forth from the palace to his home in Bethlehem to take care of the sheep. David had eight brothers, three of whom were in King Saul’s army and were in the midst of the battle with the Philistines. Jesse, a concerned father, told his son, “ 

“Take now for your brothers an epah of dried grain and ten loaves, and run to your brothers at the camp. And carry ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand and see how your brothers fare, and bring back news of them.” 1 Samuel 17:17-18

So David went to the camp, dropped off the supplies and ran to the army and found his brothers. As he was talking to them, Goliath once again said the same thing again …

”give me a man that we may fight together!”

As I said early, Goliath was huge, a champion and VERY strong. The helmet, shield and coat of armor were made of bronze and weighed approximately 156 pounds – if my math is correct- hmmm-. He carried a bronze javelin, which is a heavy spear and the tip of the javelin alone was 18 + pounds! While standing there, David also heard something else that struck his interest. The men talking to each other and related 

“; and it shall be that the man who kills him (Goliath) the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter and give his father’s house exemptions from taxes in Israel!” 1 Samuel 17:25

David said “what?” – not really, but he did confirm the reward. When David’s older brother heard David talking to the other men, he was angry! 

“ Why did you come down here and with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?” 1 Samuel 17:28.

A shot, for sure like any good older brother. As David continued to inquire, Saul finally heard about it and sent for David. David told Saul, 

“Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”

But Saul, seeing that David was just a kid, told him you can’t do it. David didn’t take no for an answer. He plead his case convincingly, telling the king, 

“ Your servant has killed both lions and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” 1Sam 17:36

We all know how the story ends – victory for David, of course. I think the best part and the lesson is the confrontation itself. Goliath looked down on David with disdain. He saw a good- looking youth with a sling-shot. He must have been laughing to himself, saying “this is going to be a piece of cake!” In fact, he said, 

“what am I a dog that you come after me with sticks?”

and here is where he really made a mistake. He cursed David by his gods and taunted him with details of his impending death. But David knew the real God. He knew that God had given him the power to kill lions and bears and had total faith that God was here in the midst of this battle. David told him, 

“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

David then revealed how Goliath would be killed and continued saying, 

“Then all this assembly (and the entire earth from the previous verse) will know that the Lord does not save with a sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.”

When people – and nations – humble themselves before the Lord, fear the Lord, put their trust in the Lord, the Lord will answer. The history of Israel proves this and so does American history. We have been blessed abundantly in my country, America. Our forefathers knew where the blessing came from. George Washington said 

“It is the duty of all NATIONS to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

 David knew where the power came from and so did George Washington. Do you? God Bless

Debbie lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband Doug and her children and grandchildren.











Scripture taken from the New King James Version Copyright @ 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

Freedom's Ring Book Review

We are back with another great book to share with you, this week we have Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli. As you begin reading you are introduced to "Annie" a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing, after two years she's far from "Boston Strong" weighed by the guilt over her niece, crippled in the blast and haunted by the face of her rescuer and the antique ring he left with her. When she discovers her rescuer's identity will he be the hero she's dreamed up? Can the story lost through time of the woman behind the ring help her to release her guilt and embrace her future?

Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Open the cover and fall into a story unfolding through time, and a ring that ties the present to the past. This story will take you through the hardships of the struggle for freedom and the pain of piecing your life back together after the unimaginable. Struggles, Mistakes, Faith, Friendship, Forgiveness, and tales forgotten by time. This is a wonderful book that will pull you in. View all my reviews




This article contains affiliate links. Affiliate links cost you nothing extra but help to support the Rosevine Cottage Girls so we can continue bringing you recipes, travel posts, garden and farm posts and so much more. We received this book from the publisher for our review, all opinions are our own.

Cottage Shabby Chic Shower Curtains

We are so excited to share our new line of beautiful Rosevine Cottage Girls shower curtains and bath mats with you.  We have partnered with Zazzle to make available to you our original Rosevine Cottage Girls Artwork of our beautiful flowers for you.

This is our beautiful Shabby Chic' Cottage line.  It is now in its infancy but we will be adding more designs as time goes by so check back with us often.

The shower curtains are 71"x 71"
Made of 100% Polyester
12 eyelets
Click photo or the text below to be taken to the page to find more information, a closer view and to purchase the product!

Blue Hydrangea Shower Curtain 

Soft Blue Hydrangea Bath Mat
by RosevineCottageGirls

Bright Pink Hydrangea Shower Curtain

Bright Pink Hydrangea Bath Mat
by RosevineCottageGirls

Pink Hydrangea Shower Curtain

Hydrangea Flower Bath Mat
by RosevineCottageGirls

Soft Pink Hydrangea Shower Curtain

Soft Pink Hydrangea Bath Mat
by RosevineCottageGirls

Cut Rose Shower Curtain

Single Cut Rose Bath Mat
by RosevineCottageGirls

Pink Cabbage Rose Shower Curtain

Pink Cabbage Rose Bath Mat
by RosevineCottageGirls

Signature Rosevine Cottage Girls Shower Curtain

Signature Rosevine Cottage Girls Rose Bath Mat
by RosevineCottageGirls

Signature Cabbage Rose Rosevine Cottage Girls Shower Curtain 

Rosevine Cottage Girls Signature Bath Mat
by RosevineCottageGirls

Yellow Cabbage Rose Shower Curtain
by RosevineCottageGirls

Yellow Cabbage Rose Bath Mat
by RosevineCottageGirls

We also carry matching Duvet Covers! Check out that post for more information! 

Country Burger Buns

Hamburgers go with summer like peanut butter goes with jelly. This is one of our favorite hamburger recipes, delicious soft interior with a firm golden crust and crisp oats on top. This is an exultant addition to any burger. This recipe is really easy to make and soooo good!

Ingredients:

1 1/8 Cup Warm Milk
3/4 Tablespoon  Organic Raw Sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil (melted)
1 1/4 Teaspoons Celtic Sea Salt
3 Cups Organic Flour
2 Teaspoons Dry Yeast

Related Article: North West Burger

Topping:

1 Egg (beaten)
Oats

Bread Machine Way:

Put milk, oil in the bread machine. Then add flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Set the bread machine  "dough" and press start. Once done separate into five equal pieces, smooth into balls. Place the balls on a cookie sheet in a warm place to rise. Baste with egg and sprinkle with oats. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Related Article: Organic Hamburger Buns

By Hand Way:

In a bowl mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Heat milk in a sauce pan with sugar until dissolved, add oil. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add wet ingredients. Stir until combined. Leave in a warm place to rise. Once double in size knock it back and allow to rise again until doubled in size. Separate into five pieces and place on a cookie sheet in a warm place to rise. Baste with egg and sprinkle with oats. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until golden.

Catching The Wind Book Review

Are you ready to embark on a journey through time? Get a cup of coffee or tea, and settle in your favorite reading spot and let me tell you about this beautiful story. I am not exaggerating when I say this is an amazing story. The story opens to children playing knight and princess in a treehouse. But all too soon the joys of childhood are crushed and Brigitte and Dietmar must leave all they know behind and flee their homeland to escape the Gestapo. Together they journey across Europe to reach England, only to be separated in the worn torn country vowing to find each other once more.

70 years later Dietmar, now Daniel Knight a wealthy old man still seeks to fulfill his promise to his friend. He enlists the help of a reporter Quenby Vaughn in one final effort to find Brigitte.

Broken pasts, demons thought long buried, WWII espionage, deception, sacrifice and the beauty only He can bring from the ashes of our past.

Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the best book I've read all year, maybe ever. It draws you in and you get lost in the story until suddenly you find yourself closing the back cover. This book is heartbreaking and yet strikingly beautiful. These characters will haunt you, draw you to tears, inspire you and make you laugh and leave you changed. Received this book free for our honest review.

View all my reviews

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Heidelberg Castle - Germany

Heidelberg Schloss / Castle

Heidelberg Germany

Welcome back to Heidelberg Germany.

In the last article, we talked about the history of the town of Heidelberg.

Now we get to the fun stuff, of course, that is after we eat lunch at the Zum Guldenen Schaf the Golden Lamb in English

The restaurant has been located at the same location for over 250 years. It was also our guides favorite restaurant while he was attending college here.








I ordered ravioli and it was delicious,  even though it was baked and had no sauce. The others had a variety of specialties and enjoyed them as well.







Now we arrive at the castle. The Heidelberger Schloss is a ruin in Germany and it is also a landmark of Heidelberg. The earliest structure of the castle was built before 1214 and later anther was built around 1294.

 It was during the reign of Louis V, Elector Palatine I (1508-1544) that Martin Luther came to Heidelberg to defend one of his theses. While there he paid a visit to the castle and was shown around by Louis's younger brother Wolfgang, Count Palatine, and praised the beauty and the defenses of the castle.

In 1537 the upper castle was hit by a lightning bolt and was destroyed.

 In 1619, Protestants rebelled against the Holy Roman Empire and offered the crown of Bohemia to Frederick V, Elector Palatine and this triggered the 30 Years War. This time brought destruction to the castle. After Frederick V loss the Battle of White Mountain on November 8, 1620, he went on the run leaving the Palatinate undefended against General Tilly who was in command of the Imperial and the Holy Roman Empire's troops.

On September 16 Tilly captured Heidelberg and then a few days later had control of the castle.

On May 5, 1633, the Swedes captured the city and the castle. In July 1635 the emperor's troops recaptured the city. It remained in their position until the Peace of Westphalia ended the war.

The new ruler Charles Louis and his family did not move into the castle until October 1649. Then in 1688 the 9 Years War hit causing more damage to the cities walls towers and castle.

Since the castle was in ruins people started taking things for other castles and buildings elsewhere. Finally, they stopped taking from the ruins and started trying to rebuild it. In 1764 the castle was hit by another lightning bolt which destroyed some of the rebuilt sections.

 Next time we look at 3 of the churches that I visited, so until then be Blessed.

Mr. Cottage

End Of Log.