The holly-tree

Love is like the wild-rose briar;

Friendship is like the holly-tree.

The holly is dark when the rose briar blooms,

But which will bloom most constantly?

Emily Brontë

Student-style banana nut bread

Sometimes shortcuts are simply necessary. With the leisurely days of summer slowing fading, . . . I often find myself in a bit of a time crunch. As such, when it comes to such things as baking, the task gets pushed to the end of my to-do list behind reading, research, tutoring, more reading, and so on. So, when asked to bring a baked good to a little get-together with other graduate students in my department, this easy peasy twist on a favorite of mine was precisely what I needed.

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix

1 package Jell-O Instant Banana Cream Pudding & Pie Filling

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 ripe bananas, mashed

4 eggs

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Heat oven to 350° F.

Mix all the ingredients well. Pour into 2 large or 4 small greased loaf pans.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

Recipe derived from Real Simple

A bedtime prayer

Photo by Magdelena Fischer via Cup of Jo

A Bedtime Prayer

My dear Lord Jesus, I come to you now to be restored in you, to be renewed in you, to receive your love and life, to take refuge in you. I honor you as my Sovereign, and I surrender every aspect of my life totally and completely to you. I give you my body, soul and spirit; my heart, mind, and will. I cover myself with your blood, and I ask your Holy Spirit to restore my union with you, renew me in you, and lead me in this time of prayer . . .


Provided by Ransomed Heart Ministries

Wanderlust

With the school year drawing nearer, and the travel season slowly fading, . . . I long to take a trip home to Germany. Simply one day of summer in Germany would be enough to satisfy this wanderlust. Germany and its seasons of perfection. Where summer is warm and fragrant. Where fall is vibrant and cozy. Where winter is lit and wondrous. And where spring is pink and cheery.

Poster via Pinterest

Tangerine cupcakes with buttercream frosting

After church, on a sleepy Sunday afternoon, I was struck with the desire to bake tangerine cupcakes with buttercream frosting. I brought the zesty, summery treats to work the following morning. They were quite a hit and made for a sweet start to the long week ahead.