Linda Titus Landis - Good Things: Simple cooking and happy tales

04/19/2026

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never really had an opportunity to look inside my own heart except those times when I am when examining my behavior, my selfish inclinations, and more than a few times, my own broken heart. Recently I find myself going through some health evaluations and tests, and this past week following yet another, I was scanned and released to get dressed. The tech left the room with my beating heart on the screen, and I must tell you, standing there in a hospital gown watching it for a few moments was profoundly moving. While I’m not unfamiliar with the mechanical workings and the imagery, to see your own organs functioning in real time is a mesmerizing, tear evoking experience.

I did the math. It seems so very miraculous that at my age – 70 years and six-ish months - this fist sized mechanism constructed from two cells contributed by my parents along with some magic “dust of the Earth” has beat more than 2.89 billion times. That’s BILLION guys. From the moments of my microscopic creation to mere pounds of a bawling baby … my infancy, childhood and teenage angst. Through my sassy teenage years and my stubborn selfish young adulthood. During strains of pregnancies, childbirth, marriage, and parenting .. through gut-busting laughter and gut-wrenching sadness, it has sustained my very existence. Whether I gave it a thought or not, the Unseen has kept this rhythm tuned and orchestrated through my sleeping and waking for some 25,747 days now. It is impossible to express my gratefulness with words. The feelings well up in this fleshly woman and near explode.

After I dressed I felt had to capture a few seconds of this fleshly, thumping pump that differentiates an infinitely fine line between my life and death. I want to see it regularly and and remember to appreciate all the things that have been designed to work perfectly in order for me to even exist. I know there is a countdown remaining … whether that be millions or just a handful, I mean to be grateful to The One who numbers every beat.

03/03/2026

A French omelette is only slightly different than an American, but classic in its eggy simplicity! Not one fancy thing here, just silky, golden fluff with a custard-like center. Beat three eggs, add salt and pour into a hot pan of sizzling, melted butter. Hold at medium low heat; stir the eggs while swirling skillet at the same time to create a small delicate curd. Pause everything to allow the bottom to solidify but do not brown! A dash of cracked pepper to finish and a sprinkle of cheese if you wish…but nothing more! Fold in thirds and slide onto a warmed plate. Top with a glisten of butter and chives. Just moments from pan to plate! Ooooo-la-la!!

02/14/2026

This is known as “wonky comb”. When I was a first year beekeeper, I learned a lot about so many things regarding hive management. As a result of not having enough additional wax on my foundation, the bees did a freeform comb construction job. An accident based on my inexperience in animal husbandry, which I received as a Good Thing: encouragement to try again while enjoying a smile at the Creator’s subtle love note to me. Totally appropriate to pull out and appreciate on February 14, right?

Jeremiah 31:3: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

02/07/2026

Have you ever spatchcocked a chicken? This technique assures that every part of the bird will be tender and juicy; no under cooked dark meat or dried out white. Bonus is that using this method makes for much faster roasting time as well. Just a few minutes of prep yields a fabulous bird every time!!

02/02/2026

What does a beekeeper do with an impending Arctic blast when the bees cannot leave the hive without risk of sure death? Take a quick run with me to Honeybee Holler and you will see. 🤗

01/19/2026

01/18/2026

Happy New Year, my friends!  Just popping in to share a classic treat that I made to say thank you to a helper this weekend. I rarely eat sugar but I do love a good chocolate, and this version is sooo good! It literally melts with richness when it hits your tongue. So simple, this recipe goes together super fast and only requires 4 ingredients. I added a couple more things I had on hand to make it a little “extra” since it was a gift. If you’re a purist .. skip the additions; if you’re adventurous, try mine or your own faves to personalize this wonderful classic fudge. Either way, it is definitely a very Good Thing!

01/01/2026

Sitting at Still Waters with the gift of morning birdsong and a delish cuppa after watching a gorgeous January 1st sunrise. Beautiful harbinger of hope and joy!

Like most of the world today, I am thinking about the adventure of a new year. More than ever, I’m gonna need the Lord on this one you guys! It’s likely that I am resolved to many of the same things that every American is; eating smarter, being stronger, choosing activities that consume my time wisely. Adding to that, I personally want to love better, be kinder, have deeper peace and joy. Mark off meaningful days on my calendar that count for the Kingdom. For me, this will come by recommitting myself to what Jesus admonished us to do. I will endeavor to live in His Word, spend less time with devices and distractions, and more time serving others. This year is starting out with ample opportunities for the latter! At 70, every single day matters, and I am more aware that the ONLY good in me is Jesus. I plan (hope!) with His help to make choices that will assure I finish my race strong and fulfill my calling.

What are your resolutions? Let’s lift each other up and keep one another accountable. May we strive to accomplish Good Things, even when we’re tired! Mark Twain once said we only regret the things we didn’t do. He also said the secret to getting ahead is getting started. Let’s aim to put down our phones, get started, and DO more. We want no regrets! I love you guys dearly. Here’s to the many opportunities and blessings that 2026 is sure to hold!

11/06/2025

Inspired by cooler weather and a recent return from the East Coast. Sometimes you just have to make your man some soup!

11/01/2025

It’s been so refreshingly cool and fall-ish lately in Texas. What welcome weather! This is one of Joel‘s favorite things and an age old autumn tradition for us. What Good Things do you guys do for fall?