The Ort Family

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for-but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken words were answered.

I am, among men, most richly blessed.

Anonymous

What gifts has God given you this year? 

All who engage in the articulation of spoken communication ought to eschew obfuscation.
-Paul Stefan

One of the blessings from the ice storm is an ample supply of firewood.  The first load of wood was neatly organized by Paul Stefan and Peter today.

Ready to be moved  

Two strong men

(more…)

On Sunday, we celebrated a milestone birthday for our youngest member.  Peter turned 16!

Having posted photos of the damage done by the ice, I think it is fitting to show pictures of God's artistry in the midst of the disaster.  I woke up on Monday morning to a completely crystalized landscape.  Almost everything was covered in ice.  It seemed as though God had been painting a picture all through the night.  His art is definitely unsurpassed!

Praise the Lord!  About the time of our last post, the electricity at our home was restored!  We are grateful that the outage only lasted 3 ¼ days (78 hours). 

"Sometimes an outage is required for man to recognize how powerless he is." – Paul Stefan

Has God shown you how helpless you are without Him? 

The scene in our neighborhood (mostly):

We have been without power since Monday afternoon:

The scene at the LEI office:

Stay tuned for more news…

Then . . . newly arrived to Tulsa and Literacy and Evangelism in 1997  

We look back on the past 10 years with gratefulness and amazement at what the Lord has done in our lives.  God has proven Himself faithful again and again.  When we moved here in 1997 little did we know what He had in store.  To be continued….

Germany is known for its baked delicacies.  One of these delicacies is Nürnberger Lebkuchen, a treat we always enjoy.  I am glad to have finally found a recipe to make it!

Nürnberger Lebkuchen  (original recipe here)

Ingredients:

½ cup butter

¾ cup + 1 Tbsp. sugar

3 large eggs (or 4 small)

2 ¼ cups + 2 Tbsp. flour

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1 cup milk

1 Tbsp. Lebkuchen Spice (see below)

2 Tbsp. cocoa

1 ½ cups finely ground almonds

½ cup + 1 Tbsp. ground candied fruit

¾ cup craisins or raisins (softened in hot water, drained, and chopped)

½ – 1 tsp. imitation rum extract 

Beat the butter, sugar, and eggs well until foamy.  Gradually add the remaining ingredients until well mixed. 

Spread the batter thickly on wafer papers and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. (If you do not have baking wafers, place dough in flat rounds on greased baking sheet.  

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until firm to the touch. Immediately remove cookies from baking sheet.

Recipe makes approximately 50 2 ¾ inch cookies. 

Glaze:

While rounds are still warm, glaze tops with powdered sugar icing or melted chocolate.  Let cool and store in a tin.

Lebkuchen Spice (original recipe here)

Mix together the following ingredients (all should be ground):

4 Tbsp + 3 tsp. Cinnamon

3 tsp. Cloves

¾ tsp. Allspice

¾ tsp. Nutmeg

1/8 tsp. Coriander

1/8 tsp. Cardamom

½ tsp. Ginger