Do you have a Prayer Closet?

  We went to see the movie War Room Sunday evening.  An excellent movie that I highly recommend!  The title refers to having a prayer closet-what the lady in the movie called her war room, just like the military has one to plan how to fight a battle.  It reinforced how much I miss my prayer room that I had set up in our church in Michigan.  Our church here is too small for extra space and our house isn't much bigger.  But then I started thinking about a room divider we had brought home from my mother-in-law's house when we cleaned it out eight years ago.  Just big enough for a corner in the basement where a year ago I had considered making a space for prayer.  Then there were the brown curtains that had hung in the living room at one time; sitting in a cabinet in the hallway.  Could I create a big enough space for a corner shelf, my papasan chair, a small stand for a lamp and a bistro table with two chairs?
  The result is an area approximately four foot by five foot.  Nothing like my classroom with the big picture window but the brown curtains clipped onto the inside of the divider give it a private, cozy, quiet feel.  I can write at the table, sit in the chair to read, have space to kneel in prayer (and something to push on to get up again!) and have wall space for my prayer lists and my labyrinth.  And I don't have to walk next door to get there-just down the steps!  I've added pictures so you can get an idea of what my space looks like, from the outside and on the inside.
  So do you have a prayer closet?  A space that's just for you and the LORD?  Most of us probably don't have the luxury of an extra closet that can be used as a space for prayer.  Many don't have the luxury of a 4 X 5 space in the corner.  Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, had a chair she sat in and threw her apron over her head.  That was the signal to her many children that she was in prayer.  One gentleman I knew had a very large house but his space for prayer was in the bay window.  There was a chair for him and for his wife and a table in between where they kept their Bibles and prayer books.  It was such an inspiration to walk or drive by and see him, or them, in prayer and reading.
  We are all different in our personalities and our worship bents.  Some may prefer a spot outdoors, others an intimate corner inside.  Some may find a closet too confining.  What is important is that you have a space and a time and that you are consistent.  I have found since we moved sixteen months ago that I have not been as consistent as I would like-partly due to schedule and some craziness in our lives.  Largely due to not having a space that worked for me.  My prayer is that now that the LORD has led and directed me to creating a "war room" I will be faithful in spending time there.
  Finding a space may take some creativity-one site suggested a pup tent in a room or the garage! (I kind of think that my space from the outside looks a bit like a big tent)  Maybe room dividers will make a comeback.  What about pulling the sofa out enough to lay behind it?  Find what works for you.  But for a Christian, there is nothing more important than being in God's Word and in prayer, learning to hear His voice and listening for His heart to be revealed.  Find your space and ask Him to meet you there.

Not the best of pictures especially with the clothes that need to be put away, but you get the idea.

And this is what I see behind the curtain as I step in.

Not a lot of space but the bistro table works well.

A new blog along with Souper Burger's

Okay, I confess that I don't need to be starting another blog.  I already have two very sadly neglected ones.  I'm just ready to do something different-something that has to do with recipes, craft ideas and household hints.
  So why the title?  Well, when I cook, I look like the Swedish Chef!  When I craft, I am in a creative whirlwind.  And housekeeping-yes, well, there is a certain irony that I was born on Phyllis Diller's birthday!  I am not the greatest when it comes to keeping a clean house.
  But there is another reason.  J-June, my mother, cook and crafter.  A-Alma, my grandmother-cook and wonderful housekeeper.  M-Minnie, my great-grandmother, a good cook and homemaker.  Some genetics I have, others not so much.  But I am always aware of these three women and the impact they have had on my life.  And so maybe starting a new blog also has to do with the upcoming 3rd anniversary of my mother's death as well as her birthday and Grandma's in November.  And since Fall is my favorite season, it's a time for new beginnings.
  Yes, I am messy when I cook and when I craft.  I am a messy housekeeper and I have a messy style of organization.  But I enjoy cooking and crafting and being creative in the process.  And maybe, just maybe I can share some of that with you.
  So what was for supper tonight?  Sloppy Jo's, also known as Souper Burgers from "Campbell's Homemade in Minutes".  Here's my version:

1 pound ground beef
Minced onion (you can use 1/2 cup chopped onion if you like real onion)
1 can Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 Tablespoon prepared mustard (any flavor)
Barbeque Sauce to taste (my addition, not in original recipe)
Seasoning as desired-I prefer seasoned salt and garlic pepper-the recipe calls for 1/8 tsp pepper
Make it extra cheesy-add 1/2 cup grated cheese, whatever type you prefer

1)  In medium skillet over medium-high heat cook beef and onion until meat is browned.  Pour off fat and return to skillet (this is where I add minced onion)
2)  Add soup, mustard, barbeque sauce, and seasoning.  At this point I add 1/4-1/2 can of water to "rinse out" the can then stir in sour cream to taste and the cheese.  Reduce heat to low and heat through.  Serve with hamburger buns or other bread, heated and/or toasted if you prefer.

  The water can make it a little extra soupy and you may not like the creamy taste of the sour cream.  That's why I love this recipe-it's so adaptable!  Tonight I forgot the mustard but I had seasoned the meat with A-1 sauce.  It tends to be a little different each time I make it.  And it's so easy to double and make a larger batch!  Plus, easy to make beforehand and into the slow cooker to stay warm.
 Souper yummy, Souper fast, Souper simple-enjoy!