Date and coconut icecream

Today, I decided to experiment and make something out of the ordinary. I used a coconut icecream recipe and just added dates and left out the sugar.

1 cup milk
1/2 cup decicated coconut
1 cup coconut cream
2 tsps honey
1 cup of softened dates

I soaked the dates in hot water and let it sit til it cooled down. Then I drained the dates and placed them in a food processor along with the honey. I poured in the milk, coconut, and coconut cream and beat til combined. Finally, I poured the mixture into a shallow tray and placed it in the freezer for 2 hrs or until edges have frozen. After 2 hrs, I whipped the mixture with a beater and placed it back in the tray to freeze again. Repeat 1 or 2 times. Yummy!

When Love Came To Stay

My heart battered and bruised
Beat rapidly from exhaustion
As I tried to crawl from this pit
That I had dug out for myself

I know not what went wrong
I just know I made a wrong turn
And I’m struggling to pick up
The fragments of my messy life

Until one glorious day
Someone told me about Him
They told me, “God is love”
I did not know what to think

I found out more and more
And thought it was too good to be true
But on one eventful night
I decided to love Him

On that day, sunrise came
And warmed my soul
Breathing life back into me
And that’s when love came to stay


Written by Marisa Nowland 2010

Poem: The Road

I wrote a poem a while ago. I read one by Robert Frost(I think) and it inspired me to write this:


When I had awoken,

I observed two roads before me.
I peered down a wide road;
It looked very pleasant and bright
But I could not see the end.


Then I peered down a narrow road;
It looked very rough and hard,
But I could glimpse the end,
A light was shining brightly there.
This greatly aroused my curiosity.


Which road should I take?
I stood there for long hours
Contemplating my decision.
The wide one offered numerous pleasures,
But I couldn’t stop thinking about the narrow one.

At last, I decided on the narrow one,
And wondered if this was the right decision.
I started on down the long road,
And grew weary quickly,
But I couldn’t keep my eyes off the light.

When I felt I could go on no longer,
I felt a pair of arms lift me up,
And gave me much reassurance.
The voice encouraged me
“Don’t give up, I’m right here.”

 

So I didn’t give up, not one bit.
I spent my life walking to the light.
It was hard at times but I had much joy.
Just as I finished the last few steps,
The light revealed a Being who said,
“Well done My good and faithful servant;
I’m so glad you’re home at last.”


Written by Marisa Nowland 2009

Learning to Fall

Learning to Fall - by  This Beautiful Republic

I've heard it a million times
that I should hold on tight to Jesus
But I took this road so far from Home
and distance came between us
When I walked away
I knew one day I'd need Your grace

So now you'll find me on my knees surrendering
'Cause I know that I'm really not so strong
And now, done fighting for control
Lord You can have this life that I've been holding for so long
I'm learning to fall

You ran so fast to rescue me
While I was barely breathing
You picked me up, You touched my face
an I began to see more clearly
Though I'm such a disgrace You still forgave
And Your love remains

Take me as an offering
I surrender everything
No more living without You

So now you'll find me on my knees surrendering
'Cause I know that I'm really not so strong
and now, done fighting for control
Lord You can have this life that I've been holding for so long
I'm learning to fall
Let my world crumble
I'm learning to fall
Let my world crumble

Great band!!

Pictures of old books

As I love old books and illustrations, I was so excited to discover this new site! There are victorian borders, and lovely illustrations from 'Out to Old Aunt Mary's'. They are free to download from a range of sizes.

http://www.fromoldbooks.org/

My photos

I have upload some of my photos on Flikr.
Have a look at them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39673160@N07/

Flikr

I found this lovely photo on Flikr. The photographer, Kris Kros, has enhanced the colours of the background and made it look like a painting. I also love the setting and natural expressions of the bridesmaids.
Click on this link to have a look:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kros/2796864266/

Holiday in New Caledonia and Vanuatu

It was an amazing trip! When we arrived in Noumea, we walked along Lemon Bay. We found a lovely French cafe called 'Le Fare'. The food was so good.
Next we arrived in Lifou, which was quite remote where we went. Lots of hills. The locals wanted braid our hair. There were also coconuts on sale.

I watched North and South and loved it. I love the costumes and seeing what everyday life would have been like in England in that era.

Sunset

Don't you just love the sky at sunset!
Photographed by Mia