We the guilty have been forgiven !!!

FAITH

Acts 2:1-47

In Old Testament times God's spirit did not permanently remain in people who trusted him. Instead, God usually sent  his Spirit to inspire specific people at specific times. Though Jesus had talked with his disciples about the new role of the Spirit, the Jews were amazed at the out pouring of God's spirit on the day of Pentecost and the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.

Christ's Spirit lives in us. The indwelling Spirit enables us to live out our faith. He guides, teaches, convicts, counsels, inspires, empowers, and bears fruit--all so that God may be glorified.

Picture the scene. Peter, John, James. They came back. Banking on some zany possibility that the well of forgiveness still had a few drops, they came back. Daring to dream that the master had left them some work, some plan, some direction, they came back.

But little did they know, their wildest dream wasn't wild enough. Just as someone mumbles, "It's no use," they hear a  noise. They hear a voice.

"Peace be with you."

Every head lifted. Every eye turned. Every mouth dropped open. Someone looked at the door.

It was still locked.

It was a moment the apostles would never forger, a story they would never cease to tell. The stone of the tomb was not enough to keep him in. The walls of the room were not enough to keep him out.

The one betrayed sought his betrayers. What did he say to them? Not "What a bunch of flops!" Not "I told you so." No "Where-were-you-when-I-needed-you?" speeches. But simply one phrase, "Peace be with you." The very thing they didn't have was the very thing he offered: Peace.

It was too good to be true! So amazing was the appearance that some were saying, "Pinch me, I'm dreaming" even at at the ascension. No wonder they returned to Jerusalem with great joy!

No wonder they were always in the temple praising God.

A transformed group stood beside a transformed Peter as he announced some weeks later: "Therefore let all Israel be assured or this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

No timidity in his words. No reluctance. About three thousand people believed his message.

The apostles sparked a movement. The people became followers of the death-conqueror. They couldn't hear enough or say enough about him . . . Christ was their model, their message. They preached "Jesus Christ and him crucified, " not for the lack of another topic, but because they couldn't exhaust this one.

What unlocked the doors of the apostles' hearts?

Simple. They saw Jesus. They encountered the Christ. Their sins collided with their Savior and their Savior won! . . .

A lot of things would happen to them over the next few decades. Many nights would be spent away from home. Hunger would gnaw at their bellies. Rain would soak their skin. Stones would bruise their bodies. Shipwrecks, lashings, martyrdom. But there was a scene in the repertoire of memories that caused them to never look back: the betrayed coming back to find his betrayers; not to scourge them, but to send them. Not to criticize them for forgetting, but to commission them to remember. Remember that he who was dead is alive and they who were guilty have been forgiven.

(from Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado)

To change is not easy and not common. Most of us develop comfortable ruts. In your life today, where is change needed? What comfortable ruts are you in? Ask God to Change your life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Spirit Living in Us --John 14:17; Romans 8:9, 15; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19 2 Corinthians

4:6-7, 16; Galatians 2:20; Ephesian 3:16-17; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:24; 4:4. 13.

FRIENDS

BLESSED LORD and GOD, 

We come to you, aware that you have pierced our world. You became flesh, you swelled among us, you saw us in our fallen state, you reached in and pulled us out. You offered us salvation, you offered us mercy, And we are ever thankful.

FOOD

Curry Eggs over Rice (For Leftover Hard Boiled Eggs) 

A delicious main dish that uses up those leftover hard boiled eggs from Easter. The lady who prepared this on the show said that her mother used to make this dish often during Lent. This recipe halves beautifully. This is not a particularly spicy dish, just rich in flavor. (Note:There is no curry powder in this recipe - you are essentially making your own blend using various spices.)

45 min | 15 min prep | SERVES 6

2	tablespoons ground coriander
2	tablespoons ground cumin
1/2	teaspoon chili powder (hot or mild Indian style)
2	teaspoons ground turmeric
1	tablespoon cider vinegar
2	ounces water (or more as needed)
1/4	cup canola oil
1	cup chopped onions (1 large)
2	tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
6-8	garlic cloves, chopped
3	cups chopped fresh tomatoes (about 6 small)
1	cup unseasoned tomato sauce (8 ounce can)
1	pinch sugar, to taste
1/4	teaspoon salt, to taste
1	teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
12	hard-boiled eggs, peeled, halved
1/8	cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
6	cups steamed white rice

1. Mix the first 4 spices along with vinegar and water to make a thin paste; set aside.
2. Heat a large saucepot over a medium heat and add oil.
3. Add onion, ginger, garlic and saute until golden brown.
4. Add spice mixture to the pot and stir well.
5. (Add more water in small amounts if mixture begins to stick.) Add chopped tomatoes to onion mixture.
6. Pour tomato sauce into a 2-cup measuring cup and add enough water to make 2 cups liquid.
7. Add to the pot and simmer 20 for minutes.
8. Add pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Cut eggs in half lengthwise and slide them into the sauce.
10. Serve over rice, sprinkled with fresh chopped cilantro.

FUN

The Real Definition of Words When Used By Women  

1. Fine - I am right. This argument is over. You need to shut up.   
   
   
2. That's Okay - One of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. "That's okay" means she wants to think hard and long before deciding when and how you'll pay for your mistake.   
   
   
3. Nothing - The calm before the storm. This means "Something" and you better be on your toes. Note: Arguments that start with "Nothing" usually end with "Fine" (See #1). 
   
   
4. Five Minutes - If getting dress, this means half an hour. (Don't be mad about this. It's the same definition for you when it's your turn to do some chores around the house.  
   
   
5. Thanks - A woman is thanking you. Do not question this or faint. Just say, "You're welcome," and let it go.  
   
   
6. Loud Sigh - Not actually a word but rather a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. It means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is standing here wasting her time arguing with you about "Nothing." (See #3)   
   
   
7. Go Ahead - This is a dare, not permission. (Don't Do It!)   
   
   
8. Don't worry about it, I got it - The second most dangerous statement a woman can make. It means that a woman has asked a man several times to do something and is now doing it herself. (This will result in you asking at a later date, "What's wrong?" For the woman's response, see #3.)

Jesus died for his executioners sins too....

FAITH

Matthew 27:1-66

The Jewish leaders decided that Jesus must die. Because they were not allowed to execute anyone, they turned him over to the Romans. Jesus appeared before Pontius Pilate (governor of Samaria and Judea from A.D. 26-36)prior to his crucifixion.

Jewish leaders refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah and insisted that Pilate execute him. Yet Jesus died for their sins, and ours too.

Six hours. One Friday.

Let me ask you a question; What do you do with that day in history? What do you do with its claims?

If it really happened... if God did commandeer his own crucifixion...if he did turn his back on his own son...if he did storm Satan's gate, then those six hours that Friday were packed with tragic triumph. If that was God on that cross, then the hill called Skull is a granite  studded with stakes to which you can anchor.

Those six hours were no normal six hours. They were the most critical hours in history. For during those six hours on that Friday, God embedded in the earth three anchor points sturdy enough to withstand any hurricane.

Anchor point #1~My life is not futile. This rock secures the hull of your heart. Its sole function is to give you something which you can grip when facing the surging tides of futility and relativism.... Someone is in control and I have a purpose.

Anchor point #2~My failures are not fatal. It's not that he loves what you did, but he loves who you are.... The one who has the right to condemn you has provided the way to acquit you. You make mistakes. God doesn't. And he made you.

Anchor point #3~My death is not final. There is one more stone to which you should tie.... It blocked the door of a grave. It wasn't big enough, though......He only went in to prove he could come out. And on the way out he took the stone with him and turned it into an anchor point.... Tie it to his rock and the typhoon of the tomb becomes a spring breeze on Easter Sunday.

There they are. Three anchor points. The anchor points of the cross.

(from Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado)

Some people would rather see Jesus dead than controlling their lives. What room in the castle of your life (career, family, church,) needs to be placed under Christ's control? Don't hesitate a day. Pray now. Give your life fully to him.

Jesus' death saves us~John 3:14-17; 11:25-26; Romans 3:23-26; I corinthians 1:18; Colossians 1:20-22; Titus 3:3-7.

FRIENDS: 

Please pray for all ministers that are preaching the truth this Sunday.

Father,

We invite your assistance and guidance and powerful indwelling into the hearts, heads and minds of those sharing your gospel from the pulpit this Sunday.  We pray that if there are closed hearts listening to your words that you will open them and help them to see and hear what is important, what is eternal and what is lasting. And most of all let them feel your love for them.

 

FOOD: 

What to do with left over ham and veggies

An easy macaroni with ham and asparagus in a heavy cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. 

INGREDIENTS: 

2 cups asparagus tips & stems, cut in 1-inch pieces, steamed (could use any left over veggies) 

2 tablespoons butter 

2 medium onions, chopped 

8 ounces diced ham 

1 cup heavy cream 

salt and pepper to taste 

1 lb macaroni cooked according to directions fresh grated Parmesan cheese to your taste

Could chop some hard boiled eggs and sprinkle on top PREPARATION: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, sauté onions in butter until pale. Add asparagus and ham and sauté for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream; continue cooking just until thoroughly heated. Pour over hot cooked pasta and toss with cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve with extra cheese. Serves 4.

FUN:

A little boy was afraid of the dark. One night his mother told him to go out to the back porch and bring her the broom.

The little boy turned to his mother and said, "Mama, I don't want to go out there. It's dark."

The mother smiled reassuringly at her son. "You don't have to be afraid of the dark," she explained. "Jesus is out there. He'll look after you and protect you."

The little boy looked at his mother real hard and asked, "Are you sure he's out there?"

"Yes, I'm sure. He is everywhere, and he is always ready to help you when you need him," she said.

The little boy thought about that for a minute and then went to the back door and cracked it a little. Peering out into the darkness, he called, "Jesus? If you're out there, would you please hand me the broom?"

The Way of Glory

 John 18:1-27 

Events surrounding the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus form the climax of all four Gospels. 

The arrest of Jesus has the stamp of divine plan. Jesus suffered to give us eternal life. The way of the cross provides the way to glory and victory, not defeat and humiliation. 

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" ( 1 Peter 4:12-13) 

God works through pain to bring glory! 

All of us have to understand that God's fabulous treasures aren't bought with cash and credit, slapping down a contract on a bargaining table and scratching a signature and a date. They just don't come that way! 

Our Lord Jesus suffered too, to show us the way. He suffered first and most--to purchase for himself glory in our eyes (Philemon 2:5-11) First the pain, and then the prize. "Come, let us return to the Lord," says the prophet Hosea: "He has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us; he has injured us, but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us, that we may live in his presence" (6:1-2) Do you catch something here? It's as if the shadow of a cross is falling across these words. 

God is totally involved in our suffering, as we will be totally involved in His ultimate triumph. The two processes are inseparable. 

(from My Sacrifice, His Fire by Anne Ortlund)  

Think of specific instances when you have kept your Christian identity secret. Don't be ashamed--Jesus paid such a high price for your life. Remember, God joins our suffering--strengthening and lifting us up so that we can share in his glory. Suffering--Exodus 5:4-9; Leviticus 26:40--45; Job 3:23-26; Psalm 44:9-22; Mark 8:31-32 Romans 8:17; Philippians 1:29; Hebrews 2:10, 18: James 1:2-4 Revelation 2:10-11

FRIENDS

Surrender Prayer of a Head-Strong Servant: 

Dear Father, You know my internal struggles, Shatter my will, my desire to control, my leveraging, my bargaining, my manipulation. Break me down. Bring me to my knees in total surrender. From the shards of my broken self, re-create, re-make, re-fine, and polish me. In the stillness, enfold me, encourage me, equip me as I embark on this exiting new adventure with You as my guide. Awaken my spiritual gifts. Free me to serve You in humble obedience. You have changed me into someone worth being. Now, lead me to some mountain worth climbing. Take me along on a joyful journey as I follow Your pathway to purpose. I gladly surrender, Lord, into your loving arms, Your Grateful Servant

FOOD

Chicken Vicious  

Cook Time: 30 Minutes 

Ready In: 45 Minutes 

Yields: 4 servings 

"This is some very powerful stuff and not for the faint of tongue, but absolutely de-lish!!! If you did it right, the sauce will be very sweet, the garlic will knock your socks off, the vinegar will open your sinuses for the rest of the night, and your tongue will definitely feel that pepper. Surprisingly though, the meal will set very gently on the stomach." 

INGREDIENTS: 

2 teaspoons vegetable oil 

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch pieces 

1 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar 

1 cup white sugar 

1/2 cup soy sauce 

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, or to taste 

2 tablespoons garlic powder, or to taste 

1 tablespoon onion powder, or to taste 

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 

1 (8 ounce) package button mushrooms, sliced 

1 cup frozen green peas 

3 green onions, chopped 

3 teaspoons cornstarch 

2 tablespoons cold water 

DIRECTIONS: 1.Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat. Add chicken pieces, and fry, stirring, until browned. Pour in the vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar; stirring to dissolve sugar. Season with red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and ginger. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Taste the sauce at this point and adjust seasoning to taste. The sauce should be very sweet. If it is too tart, add more sugar; if it is too sweet, add more vinegar. 

2.Once the sauce is to your liking, add the mushrooms, peas, and green onions. Simmer gently over low heat for another 5 minutes, until the mushrooms shrink a bit. Stir together the cornstarch and water, and stir it into the sauce. Continue to simmer until it reaches the desired thickness.

FUN

Bob Hope---Don't know how many of you remember him. I know some of you do. He was a funny, funny man.  

May 29, 1903 - July 27, 2003  

ON TURNING 70 "You still chase women, but only downhill".  

ON TURNING 80 "That's the time of your life when even your birthday suit needs pressing."  

ON TURNING 90 "You know you're getting old when the candles cost more than the cake."  

ON TURNING 100 " I don't feel old. In fact I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap."  

ON GIVING UP HIS EARLY CAREER, BOXING "I ruined my hands in the ring ... the referee kept stepping on them."  

ON NEVER WINNING AN OSCAR "Welcome to the Academy Awards or, as it's called at my home, 'Passover'."  

ON GOLF "Golf is my profession. Show business is just to pay the green fees."  

ON PRESIDENTS " I have performed for 12 presidents and entertained only six."  

ON WHY HE CHOSE SHOWBIZ FOR HIS CAREER " When I was born, the doctor said to my mother, 'Congratulations You have an eight-pound ham' ."  

ON RECEIVING THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL "I feel very humble, but I think I have the strength of character to fight it."  

ON HIS FAMILY'S EARLY POVERTY "Four of us slept in the one bed. When it got cold, mother threw on another brother."  

ON HIS SIX BROTHERS "That's how I learned to dance. Waiting for the bathroom."  

ON HIS EARLY FAILURES "I would not have had anything to eat if it wasn't for the stuff the audience threw at me."  

ON GOING TO HEAVEN "I've done benefits for ALL religions. I'd hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality."  

Give me a sense of humor. Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke, to get some humor out of life.

Jesus Was Angry on a Monday

FAITH
Luke 19:1 - 48
The testimony of Zacchaeus as well as Jesus' tears for Jerusalem demonstrate that God desires genuine faith from his people.
God will judge those who peddle the faith and those who prevent people from worshiping.
It's tough to be let down. It's disappointing when you think someone is interested in you, only to find they are interested in your money. When salespeople do it, it's irritating--but when people of faith do it, it can be devastating.
It's a sad but true fact of the faith: religion is used for profit and prestige. When it is there are two results: people are exploited and God is infuriated.
There is no better example of this than what happened at the temple. After he had entered the city on the back of a donkey, Jesus "went into the temple. After he had looked at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany, with the twelve apostles"...
Want to know what he saw? Then read what he did on Monday, the next morning when he returned. "Jesus went into the Temple and threw out all the people who were buying selling there. He turned over the tables of those who were exchanging different kinds of money, and he upset the benches of those who were selling doves. Jesus said to all the people there, "O It is written in the Scriptures, "My temple will be called a house for prayer." But you are changing it into a "hideout for robbers." ' "
What did he see? Hucksters. Faith peddlers. What lit the fire under Jesus' broiler? What was his first thought on Monday? People in the temple making a franchise out of the faith.
It was Passover week. The Passover was the highlight of the Jewish calendar. People came from all regions and many countries to be present for the celebration. Upon arriving they were obligated to meet two requirements.
First, an animal sacrifice, usually a dove. The dove had to be perfect, without blemish. The animal could be bought in from anywhere, but odds were that if you brought a sacrifice from another place, yours would be considered insufficient by the authorities in the temple. So, under the guise of keeping the sacrifice pure, the dove sellers sold doves--at their price.
Second, the people had to pay a tax, a temple tax. It was due every year. During Passover the tax had to be rendered in local currency. Knowing many foreigners would be in Jerusalem to pay the tax, money changers conveniently set up tales and offered to exchange the foreign money for local--for a modest fee, of course.
Ir's not difficult to see what angered Jesus. Pilgrims journeyed days to see God, to witness the holy, to worship His Majesty. But before they were taken into the presence of God, they were taken to the cleaners. What was promised and What was delivered were two different things....
"I've had enough, " was written all over the Messiah's face. In he stormed. Doves flapped and tables flew. People scampered and traders scattered.
This was not an impulsive show. This was not a temper tantrum. It was a deliberate act with an intentional message. Jesus had seen the moneychangers the day before. He went to sleep with pictures of the midway and its barkers in his memory. And when he woke up the next morning, knowing his days were drawing to a close, he chose to make a point: "You cash in on my people and you've got me to answer to." God will never hold guiltless those who exploit the privilege of worship.
(From Max Lucado)
Be careful that you are motivated to attend church to worship and get to know God better. We can become like the people in this chapter if we attend church in order to meet business contacts.

God's Compassion--Exodus 33:19; Psalm 84:11; Nahum 1:7; Matthew 9:36; Romans 8:32

FRIENDS - Pray for your friends with children
Father, in the midst of hectic schedules, we come to you. What was supposed to give us more time seems to take more time to run. What was supposed to free us up seems to imprison us. And, Lord, there are times when the only stability in the world is the Cross of Christ. So to that Cross we turn, praying that you would give us the courage to do only what needs to be done in your eyes, through your power.

FOOD
Muffin Meatloaf

-1 lb ground beef (97% ff)
-1 box stove top stuffing
-1 egg
-1 cup water
-1 pkg onion soup mix or ranch dip mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients. Lightly grease a
muffin tin. Press mixture evenly into 12 cups. Bake 20-25 min. Makes
12 servings,

4 Weight Watcher pts per mini meatloaf.


FUN
Paddy was tooling along the road one fine day when the local policeman, a friend of his, pulled him over.

"What's wrong, Seamus?" Paddy asked.

"Well didn't ya know, Paddy, that your wife fell out of the car about five miles back?" said Seamus.

"Ah, praise the Almighty!" Paddy replied with relief. "I thought I'd gone deaf!"

FAITH

One of my dearest friends sent this to me and I think it needs to be shared with all of you:

"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he
grants sleep to those he loves" (Ps 127:2).

One of the paradigm shifts every believer must learn once they make
Jesus lord of their lives is how to move from receiving by sweating and
toiling to receiving by trusting and obeying. In the scripture, Egypt
represented sweat and toil and bondage. The Promised Land represents
a land of milk and honey received by trust and obedience. We learn in
Joshua 24:13 that our obedience will allow us to receive things we would
never receive out of sweat and toil. "So I gave you a land on which you
did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from
vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant."

I learned this principle when God began to transition me from owning
and operating an advertising agency to a vocational marketplace ministry.
Many times I could not see how provision to do my work would result
because it was not based upon a contract-for-services model. I was once
invited to speak to a small group of people on a Caribbean island. I knew
it would require three days of my time and I'd receive very little
compensation. The Lord instructed me to go anyway. Just as I thought,
I did not receive a commensurate income for the time invested for the
three days. (This is often the way we think in business).

However, I left some books behind and they began to be circulated to
other islands. A few businessmen received the books and they invited
me to speak at a conference for 22 Caribbean islands later that year.
One man was touched by my teaching. On January 2, I received a check
for $5000 from this man. I pondered the sequence of events that led to
receiving this provision. It was because of my obedience to the small
things that God was able to "give me a land on which I did not toil."
Be faithful to the small things and God will always honor your obedience
(by Os Hillman)

FRIENDS
Dear God, People can be so mean to one another through their
thoughtless words. It has happened to me...and at times I may
have caused pain on others through words I've uttered. Please
help me to think before I speak. I pray that I will always think
of others and their needs, their hurts, their circumstances, even
their personalities in the way I speak and respond.
I pray that every brother and sister in Christ would speak words
of encouragement, exhortation, and the truth in love. If there is
a need for confrontation, may it be through following biblical
principles that the name of Jesus be lifted up and that you will
be glorified through it all. May I never be rude or uncaring and
may I never say words that leave that impression. Thank you
for helping me and for blessing me. In the name of Jesus I
come to you. Amen

FOOD
Cranberry Apple Turkey Rolls
Ingredients:

2 teaspoons melted butter or margarine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 large apple, cored and chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
3/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 cups seasoned crumb-style stuffing
3 pounds turkey breast cutlets.


Directions:
Combine butter, chicken broth, apple, onion, celery, cranberry sauce,
poultry seasoning and stuffing. Place 3 tablespoons stuffing mix on
each turkey cutlet. Roll up and tie. Place in crockpot. Cover; cook on
LOW 8 hours (HIGH 4 hours).


FUN
click on this link
http://worriersanonymous.org/Share/OnlyYou.htm

You Are Worthwhile

FAITH
When Jesus told the story of the missing sheep, some of the people who were listening wiped away a tear because they knew how it feels to be lost among the crowd. Jesus wanted us to understand that we have a Father who sees and cares for each one of his children--that we are all equally valuable to him.
No one is useless to God. No one, at any point in his life is useless to God--not a little child, not the unattractive, not the clumsy , not the tired, not the discouraged. God uses his children.
Our value is inherent--it's not based on the Ph.D. after our name or the amount of money in our bank account. We have value simply because we are. In the eyes of God, every human has value simply because he is the creation of the almighty God.
You belong to God's eternal dream. Now you may not feel motivated, you may not feel you have a reason for living, but you must renew your mind with the immovable fact that you are part of a commissioned people---you have a reason to be alive.
There is an eternal purpose. There is a great river of God's purpose that is moving toward an eternal home with him. You can't stop God's purpose. God's purpose is greater than you are, and if you are God's child, nothing is going to slow down God's purpose for your life.
(Written by Max Lucado)

FRIENDS (we pray together)
Father, we know that someday you're going to take all your followers into eternal happiness. And it is to that day, Father, that we look. And it is upon our hope and confidence that you will return, that we stand.

FOOD
Once you make your own, you won't go back.
Breakfast sausage
Ingredients:
2 lbs of ground pork
1 tablespoon of sage
2 teaspoons of marjoram
2 teaspoons of thyme
2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon of brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Method:
1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Form into patties and fry six minutes on each side.
Keeps in the refrigerator for a week.
Note: The spice measurements are not an exact science, and what I tend
to do while mixing is pinch off a little bit and fry it up to see if I
like the flavor. This is what I start with, but feel free to
experiment.

FUN
Caution: Once you read this and realize how weird my sense of humor is you may think me a very strange old lady!!!


A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed
that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ
depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle.
For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged
and masculine features. However, if she is menstruating or menopausal,
she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth
and a spear lodged in his forehead while he is on fire.
No further studies are expected.

The Beginning

Genesis 1:1-2:3
The magnificent story of The Beginning revealed God's creativity, majesty, and love. Yet the most humbling, puzzling, and awe inspiring act took place when God breathed the breath of life into humanity.
God demonstrated power and love by creating. With only a spoken word God created everything around us. Then, with loving care, he formed Adam out of the ground.
With one decision, history began. Existence became measurable. Our of nothing came light. Our of light came day. Then came sky......and earth. And on this earth? A mighty hand went to work.
Canyons were carved. Oceans were dug. Mountains erupted out of flatlands. Stars were flung. A universe sparkled.....
Our sun became just one of millions. Our galaxy became just one of thousands. Planets invisibly tethered to suns roared through space at breakneck speeds. Stars blazed with heat that could melt our planet in seconds.
The hand behind it was mighty. He is mighty.
And with this might, he created. As naturally as a bird sings and a fish swims, he created. Just as an artist can't not paint and a runner can't not run, he couldn't not create. He was the Creator. Through and through, he was the Creator. A tireless dreamer and designer.
From the pallet of the Ageless Artist came inimitable splendors. Before there was a person to see it, his creation was pregnant with wonder....
Mundaneness found no home in his universe.....
Probe deep within him. Explore every corner. Search every angle. Love is all you find. Go to the beginning of every decision he has made and you'll find it. Go to the end of every story he has told and you'll see it.
LOVE.....
He created a paradise. A sinless sanctuary. A haven before fear. A home before there was a human dweller. No time. No death. No hurt. A gift built by God for his ultimate creation. And when he was through, he knew "it was very good."
But it wasn't enough.
His greatest work hadn't been completed. One final masterpiece was needed before he would stop.
Look to the canyons to see the Creator's splendor. touch the flowers and see his delicacy. Listen to the thunder and hear his power. but gaze on [humanity]---the zenith---and witness all three.....and more.
(From In The Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado)
Today you will encounter God's creation. When you see the beauty around you, let each detail remind you to lift your head in praise. Express your appreciation for God's creation. Encourage others to see the beauty of his creation.
Exploration..God the Creator
Nehemiah 9:6; Job 26:7; Psalm 102:25; Acts 14:15; Hebrews 11:3.

FRIENDS: people we need to be praying for
How about the men that have gone forward and are baptized from Virgil's ministry.
We pray that they will remain faithful and not give up their life in Christ when they face difficulties and undesirable circumstances or when things get too good and the world entices them to focus on material things and pleasures

FOOD
Divine Chicken with Green Beans
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 20 Minutes
Yields: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic, or to taste
1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
12 ounces fresh or frozen green beans
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons heavy cream
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Add garlic and onion, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook and stir just until fragrant. Mix in the green beans, cover and cook to your desired doneness, at least 5 minutes.
2. Uncover, and stir in the cream and cheese just until everything is coated. Remove from the heat and enjoy.

FUN
click on the link below and be prepared for a few chuckles
http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=fq55ieixwd