Still waiting for the right man.

One another......

FAITH:
John 13:1-38
Jesus began to teach in the upper room the night before his death. He looked forward to spending this last Passover with his disciples.

Jesus washed his disciples' feet, giving us a significant lesson in servanthood. If Jesus had an attitude to serve, certainly his followers ought to demonstrate a similar heart.

What kind of life did those first Christians live? When they were together, they devoted themselves to four things....

First, they gave them selves to "the apostles' teaching." That was everything the apostles had seen Jesus do and heard him say. Eventually they got it all written down; now we call it the New Testament. Our equivalent today of the "apostles teaching" would be the Bible study.

Second, they devoted themselves to the fellowship. That was simply being together for the joy of being together. This was no deliberate cut-off from those of the world to be exclusive. Their fellowship was the strong base from which they reached out to others. But there was far more power for evangelism in this close knit community then we find today---we, whose spirits are diluted by so much exposure to the world--even though we may say it's to win the lost for Christ!

Third, they devoted themselves to breaking bread together. I'm sure this meant Communion, but I think it meant other meals, too. How did it happen? Well, I'll use my imagination. Here was Thomas with a roomful of new believers in a home together. They were singing, praying, laughing together, sharing their trials, and listening to Thomas teach. Finally one of them slaps his forehead. "I don't believe it!" he says. "The sun's gone down. I hadn't even noticed. The children must be starving."

Everybody looks shocked and frustrated. 'The lady of the house says, "Oh, Thomas, just keep talking, and I'll break out something for us, somehow." My bet is that the meals just happened that way at first, and they added so much to the fun and close feelings, besides extending the time, that they began to be planned for.

Number four ingredient in their new life together: "the prayers." That's right, the Greek has the article the in front of it, and it's the same word as in Acts 3:1: "One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of the prayers." In other words, "the prayers" were the stated times for worship at the temple, and all believers went together....

No doubt a lot of former activities had to go for the early Christians. they "eliminated" and they "concentrated"; they continually devoted themselves to these four things.

Friends, let's check our life styles. Have we eliminated a lot of clutter from our lives so that we, and the ones around us who want to go hard after God, can give ourselves to Bible study, to fellowship, to eating together, and to the regular services of the church? by Anne Ortlund

Applying it: Get together with others and pray and brainstorm way to help the church and community.

Exploring it: Fellowship--Psalm 133:1-3; Mark 10:42-45; Acts 20:35; Phillipians 2:1-2; 1 John 1:3-7

FRIENDS:
If you know someone who is struggling with family problems, share this prayer with them.
Dear Father in Heaven, please hear me this day. I am sorry for my failures as a family member. I pray that you will forgive me where I have messed up, and will give me wisdom and knowledge and grace to do better. I pray for every family, that you will bind them together in love, that every member will uplift and support one another daily--in all circumstances and challenges that come. Help us to be forgiving and understanding. I pray for your blessing upon those who seek your will and your continued anointing upon the family unit. May we all look to you with our whole hearts and turn to you for help in times of trouble as well as look to you with praise and celebration in times of joy. You tell us in your Word that we are to be thankful in all things. So I am thankful for even the trials that bring us closer together. Thank you, Father, for loving me and surrounding my family with your protection. Please continue to have mercy upon us and bless us according to your will. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

FOOD:

No Peel Apple Cake
4 c. chopped unpeeled apples, cut into ½" pieces
½ c. oil
½ c. applesauce
1 ½ c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda

Mix all together and put into a 9 x 13 pan or a shape equivalent to the amount of batter
Sprinkle on top: ¼ c. sugar and ½ c. chopped pecans and bake at 350
for 55 minutes--

FUN:
THIS NEEDS SOUND....and it's very stressful to play so don't if you have a bad heart.
If the link doesn't work, copy and paste......
TicTacToe http://stuff.pyzam.com/toys/tictacscare.swf

How important is money to you?

FAITH:

James 5:1-20

Wealth can lead some into false security. Jesus and the Old Testament prophets defended the poor. James explained that instead of hoarding, exploiting, and self-indulging Believers should share with those in need.

A Christian should be more concerned with sharing and meeting the needs of others than with accumulating earthly treasures.

We live at one of the great turning points in history. The present division of the World's resources dare not continue. And it will not. Either courageous pioneers will persuade reluctant nations to share the good earth's bounty, or we will enter an era of catastrophic conflict.....

Do Christians today have that kind of faith and courage? Will we pioneer new models of sharing for our interdependent world? Will we dare to become the vanguard in the struggle for structural change?

I am not pessimistic. God regularly accomplishes his will through faithful remnants. Even in affluent nations, there are millions of Christians who love their Lord Jesus more than houses and lands.

If at this moment in history a few million Christians in affluent nations dare to join hands with the poor around the world we will decisively influence the course of world history. Together we will strive to be a biblical people ready to follow where ever Scripture leads.

We pray for the courage to bear any cross, suffer any loss and joyfully embrace any sacrifice that biblical faith requires in an Age of Hunger.BY RONALD SIDER

Applying it: Are you free to lend your possessions? Is money set aside for giving? Develop a plan today, keep it for six months, and evaluate the results.

Exploring it: Sharing-Acts 2:44; 4:32-35

 

FRIENDS:

Father, keep us from being so blinded by possessions we cannot keep that we would fail to see the eternal we cannot lose. Help us to see what is important, what is eternal and what is lasting. Let us make decisions based on our eternal life and not on temporary possessions. Help us to put into practice the timeless truths found in your word. And most of all, Rather, thank you for loving us. In Jesus' name, Amen

FOOD:

I read a lot of food blogs/recipe websites.  This recipe if from one of my favorites and she is from the San Francisco area . It is vegetarian and the name is 101 Cookbooks. The comments are the authors.

Ten Minute Couscous Soup

This is a soup that should be made to order, if it sits around the
consistency changes and the vegetables get that over-cooked flavor no
one likes. I like to use whole wheat couscous, which I've been seeing
around more often lately. I also picked up a box of barley couscous
the other day - delicious. If all you can find is regular couscous, no
problem, that will work as well too. I just try to pick up "whole"
versions when given the choice. Use a delicious broth, one you
wouldn't mind enjoying a bowl of on its own - I've mentioned before
that I like Rapunzel Herb Bouillon with Salt (available at many
stores). This soup can easily be made vegan by leaving out the cheese.

7 cups great-tasting vegetable broth
2 or 3 pinches crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup whole wheat, barley, or regular couscous
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, cut into tiny pieces smaller than your thumb
1 1/2 cups cauliflower florets, cut into tiny pieces smaller than your thumb
4 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (opt)
4 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
an ounce or two of goat cheese

In a large pot heat the broth, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. When
it comes to a boil remove the pot from the heat and stir in the
couscous. Wait two minutes and stir in the broccoli and cauliflower.
Wait another two minutes - just long enough for the vegetables to
loose their raw edge, and ladle into bowls. Top each bowl with some
sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, and a bit of goat cheese.

Serves 4-6.

FUN:

There was this haunted house on the outskirts of the town which was avoided by all the townfolk - the ghost which `lived' there was feared by all.

However, an enterprising journalist decided to get the scoop of the day by photographing the fearsome phantom. When he entered the house, armed with only his camera, the ghost descended upon him, clanking chains et al. He told the ghost "I mean no harm - I just want your photograph". The ghost was quite happy at this chance to make the headlines - he posed for a number of ghostly shots.

The happy journalist rushed back to his dark room, and began developing the photos. Unfortunately, they turned out to be black and underexposed.

So what's the moral of the story?

The spirit was willing but the flash was weak.

I can't budge it.....

FAITH:

Matthew 9:1-38

Although he was neither rude nor arrogant, Jesus aggravated the teachers of the Law when he exercised his privileges as Son of God. When he forgave sins, mingled with sinners, raised the dead, and healed the sick, the teachers thought his actions were either inappropriate or unexplainable.

 

The Kingdom of God had come. Jesus used his power over sickness and death to show his compassion for needy humanity. As a true friend, he meets the needs we bring him. He asks us to join his mission and reach out to those around us.

Tell me, why are these stories in the Bible? Why are the Gospels full of such people? Such hopeless people? Though their situations vary, their conditions don't. they are trapped. Estranged. Rejected.

They have nowhere to turn. On their lips a desperate prayer. In their hearts, desolate dreams. And in their hands, a broken rope.  But before their eyes a never-say-die Galilean who majors in stepping in when everyone else steps out.

Surprisingly simple, the actions of this man. Just words of mercy or touches of kindness. Fingers on sightless eyes. A hand on a weary shoulder. Words for sad hearts...all fulfilling the prophecy. "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out."

Again I ask. Why are these portraits in the Bible?...Why did God leave us one tale after another of wounded lives being restored? So we could be grateful for the past? So we could look back with amazement at what Jesus did?

No. No. No. A thousand times no. the purpose of these stories is not to tell us what Jesus did. Their purpose is to tell us what Jesus does. 

"Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, " Paul penned. "The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope" (Rom. 15:4).

These are not just Sunday school stories. Not romantic fables. Not some-where-over-the-rainbow illusions. They are historic moments in which a real God met real pain so we could answer the question, "Where is God when I 

hurt?"

How does God react to dashed hopes? Read the story of Jairus. How does the Father feel about those who are ill? Stand with him at the pool of Bethesda. Do you long for God to speak to your lonely heart? Then listen as he speaks to the Emmaus bound disciples. What is God's word for the shameful? Watch as his finger draws in the dirt of the Jerusalem courtyard.

He's not doing it just for them. He's doing it for me. He's doing it for you......

I know there used to be a stone in front of a tomb. And I do know it was moved. And I also know that there are stones in your path. Stones that trip and stones that trap. Stones too big for you.

Please remember, the goal of these stories is not to help us look back with amazement but forward with faith. The God who spoke still speaks. The God who forgave still forgives. The God who came still comes. He comes into our world. He comes into your world, He comes to do what you can't. He comes to move the stones you can't budge.

Stones are no match for God Not then and not now.He still moves stones. By Max Lucado

Applying it: Do you see Jesus as a close friend or far away? Jesus desires to relate to us as a friend. Talk with him. Tell him all of your needs.

Exploring it: God cares--Deuteronomy 7:9; Nehemiah 1:5; 1 Chronicles 16:31; Psalm 9:2; 67:4; 

Habakkuk 3:17-19

FRIENDS:

Father, we look at your plan and it's all based on love, not on our performance and we pray that you'd help us to understand that. To be captivated by your love. To be overwhelmed by your grace. To come home to you in that beautiful path that you've already carved out for us. In Jesus name, Amen.

FOOD:

I have belonged to an Internet cooking list for many years and this recipe has been a favorite of many people on that list.  It came up during some discussions about soup and although I haven't tried it yet, I find the ingredients very compatible.  Anyone willing to give it a try?

Polish Pickle Soup

Serves 4
4 large Yukon Gold or Yellow Finn potatoes (skins intact)
1 large carrot, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely

chopped
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
4 sprigs fresh dill (leaves only), chopped
4 half-sour pickles, chopped
1 cup pickling liquid from the jar of half-sours
Salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a pot just large enough to accommodate them in a single layer,
fit the potatoes and carrots. Add enough cold water to just cover
them. Bring to a boil, cover with the lid, and cook for 30 to 35
minutes, or until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a skewer.

2. In a soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the
scallions, garlic, and mustard seeds. Cook gently, stirring often, for
5 minutes or until the garlic is soft and fragrant but not colored.

3. With a slotted spoon, transfer the carrots to the scallion mixture;
set aside.

4. Remove the potatoes from their cooking liquid (set the liquid
aside). When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slip off their
skins. Quarter the potatoes and return them to the potato water.
Sprinkle with dill. With the edge of a wooden spoon, chop and mash the
potatoes. There should be lots of potato chunks, none very large.

5. Tip the potato mixture into the carrot mixture. Add the pickles and
pickling liquid. Bring to a simmer, and cook over medium heat,
stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

6. If the soup is too thick for your taste, add a little more pickling
liquid, or milk or water. Taste for seasoning, add salt and plenty of

pepper.

FUN:

This a true story sent to me by a black haired relative of mine and I know this to be true.....

I got this person hooked on miniature doll houses.

 I was in the mall the other day and I saw this awesome doll house at a kiosk. Three stories, with 4 bathrooms, 

5 bedrooms, game room, sauna room, sun room etc. It was simply gorgeous. All the furnishings were so beautiful.  I was standing there oohing and ahhing.....and I said, "I really really want this house". The lady at the kiosk, got really excited and started showing me all the amazing things the house did, open at the roof, the sides, the interior room walls opened, you could even access the stairwell...I was enraptured!  I said, "OK, I want to buy this house".....she says, "no problem, do you have financing or ???"  Since I have looked at some other doll houses already, I know I am looking at the minimum around 4-5k, so I am thinking about her question and trying not to look stupid. So she says, "we have some lenders we work with, I can set you up if you need that". I am thinking about my husbands reaction to getting financing for a doll house. So I finally screw up my courage and ask, "whats the price?" The lady says," depending on options we are looking at around 1.5 million to 2 million".  Without letting my brain engage and process this info, I shriek out " FOR  A  FREAKIN'  DOLL  HOUSE???????" Passers by stopped in their tracks to stare, the lady turned red, and whispered quietly, "this is a model of a home for a new development."  I turn redder, and say "thanks," and rush away.  My mom asked if it was possible that I was in fact a blonde......

Be strong in the Grace

FAITH:

2 Timothy 2:1-26

Believers in Timothy's church had lost their focus on Christ. Paul knew that concentrating on Christ and ignoring personal annoyances would help Timothy's problems.

Christians, even those enduring suffering, must focus on Jesus the Savior and avoid being distracted by worldly problems.

In the shop of a blacksmith, there are three types of tools.

There are the tools on the junkpile:  outdated, broken, dull, rusty.......

There are tools on the anvil: melted down, molten, hot moldable, changeable......

There are tools of usefulness: sharpened, primed defined, mobile. They lie ready in the blacksmith's tool chest, available to their master, fulfilling their calling......

We are all somewhere in the blacksmith's shop. We are either on the scrap pile, on the anvil, in the Master's hands, or in the toolchest. (Some of us have been in all three)

From the shelves to the workbench, from the water to the fire.........

I'm sure somewhere you'll see yourself......

The rubbish pile of broken tools, the anvil of recasting, the hands of the Master--it's a simultaneously joyful and painful voyage.

And for you who make the journey--who leave the heap and enter the fire, dare to be pounded on God's anvil, and doggedly seek to discover your own purpose--take courage, for you await the privilege of being called "God's chosen instruments." From "On the Anvil by Max Lucado

Applying it: Is your walk with the Lord obscured by day-to-day annoyances? Remember the priority of your relationship with the Lord and get back on track through prayer, Bible study, and worship.

Exploring it: Focus-Judges 15:18; Nehemiah 13:25-29; 2 Corinthians 11:3

FRIENDS:

Father, WE GIVE YOU PRAISE. We honor and glorify you name. You truly are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. We thank you and worship you and glorify your name forever and ever. We could not make it through this life without the promise of you and the life after. In Jesus name, Amen.

FOOD:

CROCKPOT PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

--2 cups milk (I used 1%)
--2 T canned pumpkin
--2 T white sugar
--2 T vanilla (not a typo. it asks for tablespoons)
--1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
OR: 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and a teeny tiny
pinch of ground ginger
--1/2 cup brewed espresso or 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee

--garnish with whipped cream (optional)

The Directions.
This will make enough for 2 people to have a big mug with a bit
leftover. If you are having friends over, adjust the recipe
accordingly. I used a 4-quart crockpot, but as small as a 1.5 quart
will work with these amounts.
Add the coffee/espresso and milk to the crockpot. Whisk in the
pumpkin, spices, sugar, and vanilla.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours if everything is cold. Whisk again.
Ladle into mugs, and garnish with whipped cream and additional
cinnamon. I added a cinnamon stick to be fancy.

(if I rinse it off, can I re-use it? It seems wasteful to toss.)

FUN:

A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found  himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into  shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, 'What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before?'

Remember the Four B's of transformation

FAITH:

"When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, 'He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner'" (Luke 19:5-7).

Jesus modeled four things when He lived on the earth that allowed Him to impact other people's lives. I call them the Four B's of transformation.

First, he built a relationship with them. In the marketplace it is rare that you can impact a person without building a relationship first. The old saying, "People don't care what you know until they know that you care" is especially true in the workplace. Jesus modeled this in His life every day of his public ministry.

The second thing Jesus did was he blessed them. He tried to meet a physical need they had. Many times he healed them first, then told them to go and sin no more. He listened to their concerns.

The third thing Jesus did was He began praying for them. He often prayed for deliverance for a person that was demon possessed. He prayed they would know the Father. He prayed for Lazarus to come back from the dead.

Finally, the fourth thing Jesus did was He Brought the Kingdom of God into their lives. He invited people to believe in Him as the Savior of the world and to partake of eternal life.

I decided to test this model with an acquaintance. I intentionally refused to talk about Jesus to this person until I had accomplished the first three steps in my relationship with him. After I had fulfilled the first three steps, I presented Christ to my friend. He received Christ immediately because the soil was prepared and he was ready to receive.

As you consider your ministry at work, consider these four stages of relationship building before you present Christ to others. You will find the fruit of this process will be great. 

By Os Hillman

FRIENDS:

For every problem, every anxiety, every temptation, every sin in my life, there is a deliverer--Jesus Christ! Thank you, God, for Your sacrifice, Your love, Your way to reach down and pull me up. Please forgive me and help me to stand sure-footed and steady on the Rock of my salvation and not to slip and fall into the mire of the world. Please, be in control of my life...and I know everything will be all right. In Jesus' name, amen.

FOOD:

NOT SO SPOOKY SPIDERS

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate morsels
3/4 c. Rice Krispies
1/2 c. thin chow mein noodles
Candy eyes

1. Line baking sheet with waxed paper.

2. In microwave, place chocolate in 2 cup microwave safe bowl. Microwave on medium (50%) for 2 minutes. Stir. If chocolate is not completely smooth, microwave an additional 20 to 30 seconds; stir.

3. Stir in Rice Krispies.

4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper, forming spider-body shapes. Stick 4 noodles into each side of "body" for spider legs. Add eyes on top of spider.

5. Refrigerate about 15 minutes to set, or let them set at room temperature about 1 hour. Store in covered container.

Makes 12 spiders.

FUN:

A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found", the boy called out. "What have you got there, Dear?" With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear"!

Don't refuse your calling

FAITH:

"Moses said to the LORD, 'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue'" (Ex 4:10).

One of the greatest affronts you can commit against God is to refuse His calling that He has placed upon you. Imagine arguing with your Creator and telling him you know better than Him.

That is exactly what Moses did when God called him to be his spokesperson to Pharaoh.

God and Moses got into an "I know best" competition. "The LORD said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.' But Moses said, 'O Lord, please send someone else to do it.'"

God actually relented in the argument. Can you imagine that? But He's not happy about it. "Then the Lord's anger burned against Moses and he said, 'What about your brother, Aaron the Levite?'" God has to use Aaron as Moses' mouthpiece.

Have you ever not pursued something because it had to be perfect? There is a fine line between doing things with excellence and being a perfectionist. Perfectionists become argumentative with God. They refuse to step out in faith and obedience because they care too much about what others think if the results don't turn out perfectly.

I battled these same demons when God led me into a writing and speaking ministry. "Lord, I am weak in grammar and you know I'm an introvert." Then He reminded me "...for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9).

When God places His anointing on you He uses whatever level of skill you have to fulfill His purposes in your life. This is why you need not fear moving into an unfamiliar area if He calls you there.

What is God waiting for you to do? It may be time to step out. He specializes in "cliff-catching." By Os Hillman

FRIENDS:

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:

Peanut Butter Fudge

1/2 cup butter 2 1/4 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup milk 3/4 cup peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth; pour into an 8x8 inch dish. Chill until firm and cut into squares.. FUN: Praying for the food~~~ As my five-year-old son and I were heading to McDonald's one day, we passed a car accident. Usually when we see something terrible like that, we say a prayer for whoever might be hurt, so I pointed and said to my son, "We should pray."  From the back seat I heard his earnest voice: "Dear God, please don't let those cars block the entrance to McDonald's."

This is such a great idea....

This lady took her favorite photo and had it made into this giant picture and used it in place of a head board. There was also a shot of another picture of clothes hanging on a clothes line behind an eating area in a kitchen. Very cool.....

Making more time....

FAITH:

1 Timothy 4:1-16

False teachers have always blemished the church. The false teachers in the Ephesian church did not believe Jesus was really human. They contradicted Scripture while appearing to be self disciplined and morally righteous. 

Christian leaders must be disciplined. They must guard their motives, be faithful to God and his Word and live commendable lives. A false teacher can easily be detected if the teacher's message differs from the Bible's truth.

For you to rest--that is, to live in total acceptance of God's way--demands quiet......

To rest in God permanently means to hand over each activity, each situation of your life, to Him and to learn the habit of trusting Him to work for you.

We don't naturally rest. Naturally we are stewers, tinkerers, and fussers....

Have you too much to do?  Are you pushed, rushed, harried?

Said George Fox long ago, "Come out of the bustlings you that are bustling."

To guard your inner life, you must guard your outer life.  How's your pace? Are you too busy?....

Does your pace allow you to keep in touch with yourself--with your inner needs and feelings and longings? Does it allow you time to think, plan, make changes? Does it allow you time to observe carefully the dear ones around you and care for their needs--physical and emotional? Do you have time to really live?....

Asian theologian Kosuke Koyama says that in human affairs God moves at something like three miles and hour, the pace at which a person walks, not runs! Are you synchronized to your world, maybe even to your Christian world, but out of sync with God?....

You will change when your inner life changes.  But I just said your inner life is affected by your outer life! Then is the whole thing a vicious circle that can't be stopped?

No. The whole thing begins with a decision. Your heart is your headquarters. Even as you read this, make the decision, by a conscious act of your will, that you will learn to rest in God both in your inner life and your outer life. Once the decision is made--and you implement it--gradually, gradually over the weeks or years, the changes will come.  Your heart will start listening to a different pulse deep within you, and with joy you'll begin to match your steps to that lovely, restful beat.By Anne Ortlund

Applying it: Are you satisfied with God's plans for you? Are you discontent because you are too young or too old? Impatient because you are not advancing as high as you would like? Frustrated with your restrictions? Be content where God has placed you. Love your life as an example to others. Speak boldly of what Christ has done for you and what he can do for others.

Exploring it: Discipline--Proverbs 3:11-12; 12:1; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Hebrews 12:5-11; Revelation 3:19

FRIENDS:

 "In a world so shattered and broken by violence...," Koyama asked, "how can we rejoice in hope?"

We have hope, he continued, because we believe in a "compassionate God", who runs out from the centre to meet those on the periphery of life. Our task is to make God's love visible to the world by loving our neighbours. "The rejoicing of a private and exclusive community fails to invite all to hope," Koyama declared. We must be willing to give and receive from strangers as well as from our brothers and sisters, because "for God no one is a stranger".

Father, we pray that we will truly love our neighbors and show God's love to them......

FOOD:

OVEN STEW
21/2-3 pounds stew beef, cut into small cubes
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained (or a 29-ounce can whole tomatoes, undrained, coarsely chopped)
1 box frozen peas
6-8 slender carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch lengths
3 small yellow onions, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 slices bread, crusts removed, cubed
3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup hearty red wine
1 tablespoon salt and pepper to taste
Thyme, marjoram and rosemary to taste, fresh or dried (can use one,
none or all three, but really best with at least the thyme)
In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing well. Place
mixture in a large pot and cover tightly. Bake at 250 degrees for 5
hours or at 300 degrees for 4 hours.

Uncover only once near the end of the cooking time and stir the stew
and check if additional cooking time is desired.

Excellent served over garlic mashed potatoes.

FUN:

This is the funniest video. The guy is clean and talented.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

FUN FIRST TODAY

FUN:

  

MANY OF YOU MIGHT NOT APPRECIATE THE HUMOR IN THIS BUT THOSE OF US THAT ARE OF A CERTAIN AGE WILL FIND THIS FUNNY, 

OR SO I HOPE...*

                     *I sure did.....

FOOD: 

You are getting two pumpkin recipes today because it appears that someone, who shall remain nameless but likes to dress up their dog, didn't forward this recipe on to Alaska, like they were supposed to.

Pumpkin Upside Down Cake

The pumpkin upside down cake is simple.  Just mix together like you are making pumpkin pie filling,
1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
little nutmeg
salt to taste
1  cup white sugar (the recipe called for 1 3/4 c but I don't like mine that sweet so use your own judgment based on your own pumpkin pie filling recipe)
3 eggs
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
Pour this into a well greased (with butter) 9 x 13 baking pan
Sprinkle 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix (dry, don't add anything to it) over the filling
Pour 1 cup melted butter over that.
Top with 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. I used to pour the butter over the nuts but several times the nuts got too brown so I just add them last and that seems to fix that problem.  Guess it depends whose oven I'm using.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 60 minutes or until a knife inserted into the cake comes out clean
and let cool.

Top with whipped cream or whipped topping.....yummy.

This is one of my favorite soups for this time of year. I add chili powder when it's just me but not everyone likes that.

Pumpkin Bean Soup    
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 cups chicken broth
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped (optional)
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1.    Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the bell
pepper and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and
turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Mix in the garlic and cumin and
cook, stirring, for an additional 2 minutes.
2.    Pour in the pumpkin puree, black beans, corn, chicken broth, tomato
sauce, and 1 teaspoon cilantro; season to taste with salt and pepper.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil; reduce the heat and simmer, covered,
for 25 minutes.
3.    Garnish each bowl of soup with a dollop of unsweetened whipped
cream and additional cilantro, if desired

FAITH:

Psalms 56:1-57;11~~~~David wrote Psalm 56 when the Philistines captured him in Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15). He wrote Psalm 57 while hiding in a cave.

God is trustworthy. He is a rock, a hiding place, a fortress.  We have safety and comfort in him.

Many years ago, Frederick Nolan was fleeing from his enemies during the North African persecution. Hounded by his pursuers over hill and valley with no place to hide, he fell exhausted into a wayside cave where he fully expected to be found. Awaiting his death, he saw a spider weaving a web. Within minutes, the little bug had woven a beautiful web across the mouth of the cave.  The pursuers arrived and wondered if Nolan was hiding in there; but they thought it impossible for him to have entered the cave without dismantling the web. And so they went on. Having escaped, Nolan emerged from his hiding place and proclaimed, "Where God is, a spider's web is like a wall.  Where God is not, a wall is like a spiders web." 

God is our wall of defense.  He is the one who delivers us from those who want to hurt us. He is the one who gives us comfort and strength we need to be courageous and to endure the trials and trouble that enter our lives. 

By Gary Smalley

APPLYING THIS:

Christians will be persecuted. In what ways are you persecuted? Who opposes you? When life gets hard, look to your refuge- God.

EXPLORE FURTHER:

God as Refuge--2 Samuel 22:31; Psalm 46:1; 59:16;, 62:7; Isaiah 25:4; Jeremiah 16:19; Joel 3:16; Nahum 1:7.

FRIENDS:

Father, you promised that there would be faith and strength and hope to meet life's problems.  Father give that strength to those whose anxieties have buried their dreams, whose illnesses have hospitalized their hopes, whose burdens are bigger than their shoulders.