FAITH:
Romans 8:28 ~And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
I suppose one of the hardest questions to answer is: “Why do I have to deal with so much adversity?!”
Quite honestly, one of the best answers I’ve ever come across was written by C.S. Lewis in his book, Mere Christianity. Lewis likened God’s use of adversity to walking a dog. If the dog gets its leash wrapped around a pole and tries to continue running forward, he will only tighten the leash more. Both the dog and the owner are after the same end: forward motion. But the owner must resist the dog by pulling him opposite of the direction that he wants to go. The master, sharing the same intention, but understanding better than the dog where he really wants to go, takes an action precisely opposite to that of the dog’s will. It is in this way that God uses adversity!
We really don’t like being pulled and corrected by the Lord — but when we understand there’s a greater purpose involved, then we can pass through adversity with hope, expectation and steadfastness knowing these events are for our greater good!
Let’s learn from the trials and tribulations we go through because God has a purpose in them. We may not enjoy it, but when all’s said and done, enduring trials faithfully will produce perseverance, character, and hope. And hope will not disappoint us for the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit…[Romans 5:4-5] We truly can trust in the God who loves us with an everlasting love because He knows the direction we need to go, AND He knows exactly how to get us there!
FRIENDS:
Father-Forgive us for our sins. Search our hearts and show us where You want us to be open to Your grace and love. Give us the wisdom, courage and strength to change. In Christ’s name, Amen.
FOOD:
THREE BEAN CHILI WITH TURKEY IN THE SLOW COOKER
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (4 ounces) diced mild green chiles
1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder
1 to 2 teaspoons cumin
salt to taste
Directions
1. Cook and stir turkey and onion in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until turkey is no longer pink. Drain and discard fat. Transfer to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker.
2. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Cover; cook on HIGH 6 to 8 hours.
FUN:
The wife was busy frying eggs, when her husband came home. He walked into the kitchen and immediately started yelling. "CAREFUL!!! CAREFUL! MORE OIL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM NOW! WE NEED MORE OIL! THEY ARE GOING TO STICK! CAREFUL! CAREFUL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM!!! HURRY UP! ARE YOU CRAZY! THE OIL IS GOING TO SPILL! USE MORE SALT! THE SALT!!"
The wife was very upset, "What is wrong with you? Why are you yelling like this? Do you think I don't know how to fry an egg?"
The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted you to know what it's like for me when I am driving the car and you're sitting next to me."
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
COURAGE
FAITH:
The disciples were alone in the storm for nine tempestuous hours. Long enough for more than one disciple to ask, "Where is Jesus? He knows we are in the boat. For heaven's sake, it was his idea. Is God anywhere near?"
And from within the storm comes an unmistakable voice: "Courage! I am! Don't be afraid!" (Matthew 14:27, literal translation).
From the center of the storm, the unwavering Jesus shouts, "I am." Tall in the Trade Tower wreckage. Bold against the Galilean waves. ICU, battlefield, boardroom, prison cell, or maternity ward--whatever your storm, "I am."
Christ comes astride the waves and declares the words engraved on every wise heart: "Courage! I am! Don't be afraid!" by Max Lucado
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 lives are in the midst of terrible storms. Help us to lean on you even when the circumstances of life don't make sense and our burdens are bigger than our shoulders. In Jesus' name we ask for courage, Amen
FOOD:
Waffle House Hash Browns (I miss the Waffle House. We had one not far from us when I lived in Tuscon. Everything there was fattening and good)
(copycat recipe)
You can use regular potatoes that have been peeled and shredded,but for this recipe I prefer to use the refrigerated ones. Serve with your favorite style eggs and toast.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons margarine, divided (DO NOT use butter for this)
1/2 cup diced cooked ham (diced small)
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 cup refrigerated shredded hash brown
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Garnish with your choice of grated cheese
Melt 1 Tablespoon margarine in a medium sized non-stick skillet, over medium heat. Add onion and diced ham, cook until onion is soft and ham is heated through. Spread ham and onion into an even layer, add rest of margarine in center of ham/onion mixture.
Cover ham/onion mixture evenly with shredded potatoes. Season potatoes with salt and pepper. Cover with lid and let brown for about 5 to 10 minutes.(depending on how brown you like your potatoes).
Remove lid and divide into 4 pieces, turn each piece over to brown other side. Serve with your choice of grated cheese put on when plated up.
FUN:
The disciples were alone in the storm for nine tempestuous hours. Long enough for more than one disciple to ask, "Where is Jesus? He knows we are in the boat. For heaven's sake, it was his idea. Is God anywhere near?"
And from within the storm comes an unmistakable voice: "Courage! I am! Don't be afraid!" (Matthew 14:27, literal translation).
From the center of the storm, the unwavering Jesus shouts, "I am." Tall in the Trade Tower wreckage. Bold against the Galilean waves. ICU, battlefield, boardroom, prison cell, or maternity ward--whatever your storm, "I am."
Christ comes astride the waves and declares the words engraved on every wise heart: "Courage! I am! Don't be afraid!" by Max Lucado
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 lives are in the midst of terrible storms. Help us to lean on you even when the circumstances of life don't make sense and our burdens are bigger than our shoulders. In Jesus' name we ask for courage, Amen
FOOD:
Waffle House Hash Browns (I miss the Waffle House. We had one not far from us when I lived in Tuscon. Everything there was fattening and good)
(copycat recipe)
You can use regular potatoes that have been peeled and shredded,but for this recipe I prefer to use the refrigerated ones. Serve with your favorite style eggs and toast.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons margarine, divided (DO NOT use butter for this)
1/2 cup diced cooked ham (diced small)
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 cup refrigerated shredded hash brown
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Garnish with your choice of grated cheese
Melt 1 Tablespoon margarine in a medium sized non-stick skillet, over medium heat. Add onion and diced ham, cook until onion is soft and ham is heated through. Spread ham and onion into an even layer, add rest of margarine in center of ham/onion mixture.
Cover ham/onion mixture evenly with shredded potatoes. Season potatoes with salt and pepper. Cover with lid and let brown for about 5 to 10 minutes.(depending on how brown you like your potatoes).
Remove lid and divide into 4 pieces, turn each piece over to brown other side. Serve with your choice of grated cheese put on when plated up.
FUN:
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Comfort and hope
FAITH:
Mark 7:1-37
Many Pharisees of Jesus' day believed that their rituals demonstrated respect for God. Hundreds of laws and rituals prescribed exactly how Jews should live, including the consumption of clean and unclean foods. Jesus showed that faith was more important.
Jesus amazed the people by his teaching and dumbfounded them by his actions.
Quite a passage, isn't it.
Jesus is presented with a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Perhaps he stammered. Maybe he spoke with a lisp. Perhaps, because of his deafness, he never learned to articulate words properly.
Jesus, refusing to exploit the situation, took the man aside. He looked him in the face. Knowing it would be useless to talk, he explained what he was about to do through gestures. He spat and touched the man's tongue, telling him that whatever restricted his speech was about to be removed. He touched his ears. They, for the first time, were about to hear.
But before the man said a word or heard a sound Jesus did something I never would have anticipated.
He sighed.......
Sigh. the word seemed out of place.
I'd never thought of God as one who sighs. I'd thought of God as one who commands. I'd thought of God as one who weeps. I'd thought of God as one who called forth the dead with a command or created the universe with a word....but a God who sighs?
Perhaps this phrase caught my eye because I do my share of sighing.
I sighed yesterday when I visited a lady whose invalid husband had deteriorated so much he didn't recognize me. He thought I was trying to sell him something.
I sighed when the dirty-faced, scantily dressed, six-year-old girl in the grocery store asked me for some change.
And I sighed today listening to a husband tell how his wife won't forgive him.
No doubt you have done your share of sighing.
If you have teenagers, you've probably sighed. If you've tried to resist temptation, you've probably sighed. If you've had your motives questioned or your best acts of love rejected, you have been forced to take a deep breath and let escape a painful sigh....
All these sighs come from the same anxiety; a recognition of pain that was never intended, or of hope deferred.
Man was not created to be separated from his creator; hence he sighs, longing for home. The creation was never intended to be inhabited by evil; hence she sighs, yearning for the Garden...
And when Jesus looked into the eyes of Satan's victim, the only appropriate thing to do was sigh."It was never intended to be this way." the sigh said. "Your ears weren't made to be deaf, your tongue wasn't made to stumble." The imbalance of it all caused the Master to languish.
So, I found a place for the word. You might think it strange, but I placed it beside the word comfort, for in an indirect way, God's pain is our comfort.
And in the agony of Jesus lies our hope. Had he not sighed, had he not felt the burden for what was not intended, we would be in a pitiful condition. Had he simply chalked it all up to the inevitable or washed his hands of the whole stinking mess, what hope would we have?
But he didn't. That holy sigh assures us that God still groans for his people. He groans for the day when all sighs will cease, when what was intended to be will be. by Max Lucado
Applying it: What situations cause you to need comfort? A broken relationship, a lost loved one, or overwhelming anxiety? Pray, thanking God that he still groans for his people.
Exploring it: Comfort-Job 15:11; Psalm 23; 71:19-21; 86:17; 94:19; 119:50, 76; Isaiah 12:1; 40:1; 2 Corinthians 1:3 Hebrews 6:18
FRIENDS:
Father, you are God and Creator, but we come to you as children coming to their father, as children who would ask their father to hold and comfort them, hoping to receive some words of wisdom. As you stilled the storm on the sea of Galilee, will you still the storms that rage within our hearts? In our sorrow will you comfort us and draw us ever closer to you? In Jesus' name, Amen
FOOD:
The Famous Peabody Hotel Sugar Cookies
1 1/2 cups margarine
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup real butter
1 large egg
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
Cream together margarine and butter. Slightly beat the egg and add to creme mixture. Add the sugar to mixture. Add flour slowly and beat until thoroughly blended; add vanilla. Dough will be stiff. Prepare dough into long rolls and refrigerate over nite. Slice and bake for 12-15 minutes in 350° oven
FUN:
Mark 7:1-37
Many Pharisees of Jesus' day believed that their rituals demonstrated respect for God. Hundreds of laws and rituals prescribed exactly how Jews should live, including the consumption of clean and unclean foods. Jesus showed that faith was more important.
Jesus amazed the people by his teaching and dumbfounded them by his actions.
Quite a passage, isn't it.
Jesus is presented with a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Perhaps he stammered. Maybe he spoke with a lisp. Perhaps, because of his deafness, he never learned to articulate words properly.
Jesus, refusing to exploit the situation, took the man aside. He looked him in the face. Knowing it would be useless to talk, he explained what he was about to do through gestures. He spat and touched the man's tongue, telling him that whatever restricted his speech was about to be removed. He touched his ears. They, for the first time, were about to hear.
But before the man said a word or heard a sound Jesus did something I never would have anticipated.
He sighed.......
Sigh. the word seemed out of place.
I'd never thought of God as one who sighs. I'd thought of God as one who commands. I'd thought of God as one who weeps. I'd thought of God as one who called forth the dead with a command or created the universe with a word....but a God who sighs?
Perhaps this phrase caught my eye because I do my share of sighing.
I sighed yesterday when I visited a lady whose invalid husband had deteriorated so much he didn't recognize me. He thought I was trying to sell him something.
I sighed when the dirty-faced, scantily dressed, six-year-old girl in the grocery store asked me for some change.
And I sighed today listening to a husband tell how his wife won't forgive him.
No doubt you have done your share of sighing.
If you have teenagers, you've probably sighed. If you've tried to resist temptation, you've probably sighed. If you've had your motives questioned or your best acts of love rejected, you have been forced to take a deep breath and let escape a painful sigh....
All these sighs come from the same anxiety; a recognition of pain that was never intended, or of hope deferred.
Man was not created to be separated from his creator; hence he sighs, longing for home. The creation was never intended to be inhabited by evil; hence she sighs, yearning for the Garden...
And when Jesus looked into the eyes of Satan's victim, the only appropriate thing to do was sigh."It was never intended to be this way." the sigh said. "Your ears weren't made to be deaf, your tongue wasn't made to stumble." The imbalance of it all caused the Master to languish.
So, I found a place for the word. You might think it strange, but I placed it beside the word comfort, for in an indirect way, God's pain is our comfort.
And in the agony of Jesus lies our hope. Had he not sighed, had he not felt the burden for what was not intended, we would be in a pitiful condition. Had he simply chalked it all up to the inevitable or washed his hands of the whole stinking mess, what hope would we have?
But he didn't. That holy sigh assures us that God still groans for his people. He groans for the day when all sighs will cease, when what was intended to be will be. by Max Lucado
Applying it: What situations cause you to need comfort? A broken relationship, a lost loved one, or overwhelming anxiety? Pray, thanking God that he still groans for his people.
Exploring it: Comfort-Job 15:11; Psalm 23; 71:19-21; 86:17; 94:19; 119:50, 76; Isaiah 12:1; 40:1; 2 Corinthians 1:3 Hebrews 6:18
FRIENDS:
Father, you are God and Creator, but we come to you as children coming to their father, as children who would ask their father to hold and comfort them, hoping to receive some words of wisdom. As you stilled the storm on the sea of Galilee, will you still the storms that rage within our hearts? In our sorrow will you comfort us and draw us ever closer to you? In Jesus' name, Amen
FOOD:
The Famous Peabody Hotel Sugar Cookies
1 1/2 cups margarine
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup real butter
1 large egg
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
Cream together margarine and butter. Slightly beat the egg and add to creme mixture. Add the sugar to mixture. Add flour slowly and beat until thoroughly blended; add vanilla. Dough will be stiff. Prepare dough into long rolls and refrigerate over nite. Slice and bake for 12-15 minutes in 350° oven
FUN:
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
When someone leaves us too soon.....
FAITH:
Psalm 145: 14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
I was at a funeral last night. The deceased had been tragically killed in a plane crash last weekend, on the very same day that his son was getting engaged to be married. I went to the funeral because the mother of the dead man is a member of our congregation. It was a very sad event for her because she also lost her daughter to breast cancer last year. She has now survived both her children.
I wondered how the pastor would conduct such a sad service to the devastated family. I prayed for him constantly throughout the service. He was an old minister, who was also a dear friend to the family. I could see that he was deeply affected by this tragedy, but his years of pastoral experience enabled him to gently lead the whole gathered community to celebrate the life of the deceased and, at the same time, still retain faith, hope, and love for God.
Towards the end of the service, the elderly pastor asked the congregation to share some thoughts and memories. A beautiful letter, written by the deceased’s wife, was read and some other people shared their personal stories. The last speaker was the son of the man who died. He very courageously thanked everyone for being at the funeral and added these words: “You have all confirmed for me that my father was the person I always knew him to be.” I have never heard of a higher compliment being given to a father by a son.
In the midst of this tragedy, we all wondered how we could celebrate and endure such a loss. And yet God, in one of His mysterious ways, provided all of the ingredients, people, and thoughts necessary to enable the family and friends to be lifted up. It was a remarkable experience and for me it proved the promise encapsulated in this verse: ‘The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.’
We are all still reeling from the loss of our sister Kelsey. My prayer for you this day is that God will come to wherever you are, and gently lift you up in body, mind, heart, and soul.
FRIENDS:
Lord Jesus, in the midst of our sorrows, be our Comforter. During times of trouble and tragedy, be our Strength. And in those dark moments when we feel down or depressed, isolated or alone, be our Friend. Both now and always. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
23. LUKE 24:28-35; HEBREWS 12:14-29; PROVERBS 29:15-27; ISAIAH 59-61
24. LUKE 24:36-44; HEBREWS 13:1-8; PROVERBS 30; ISAIAH 62-64
25. LUKE 24:45-53; HEBREWS 13:9-25; PROVERBS 31; ISAIAH 65-66
Isaiah 61:3
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
May God bestow on you a crown of beauty instead of ashes of grief; that He will pour out joy over your life to soothe these days of mourning. I pray that God will exchange your heavy spirit of despair for a beautiful, everlasting garment of praise to Him for the great things He will do in your life through the death of your child.
Our sweet Kelsey.....
Psalm 145: 14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
I was at a funeral last night. The deceased had been tragically killed in a plane crash last weekend, on the very same day that his son was getting engaged to be married. I went to the funeral because the mother of the dead man is a member of our congregation. It was a very sad event for her because she also lost her daughter to breast cancer last year. She has now survived both her children.
I wondered how the pastor would conduct such a sad service to the devastated family. I prayed for him constantly throughout the service. He was an old minister, who was also a dear friend to the family. I could see that he was deeply affected by this tragedy, but his years of pastoral experience enabled him to gently lead the whole gathered community to celebrate the life of the deceased and, at the same time, still retain faith, hope, and love for God.
Towards the end of the service, the elderly pastor asked the congregation to share some thoughts and memories. A beautiful letter, written by the deceased’s wife, was read and some other people shared their personal stories. The last speaker was the son of the man who died. He very courageously thanked everyone for being at the funeral and added these words: “You have all confirmed for me that my father was the person I always knew him to be.” I have never heard of a higher compliment being given to a father by a son.
In the midst of this tragedy, we all wondered how we could celebrate and endure such a loss. And yet God, in one of His mysterious ways, provided all of the ingredients, people, and thoughts necessary to enable the family and friends to be lifted up. It was a remarkable experience and for me it proved the promise encapsulated in this verse: ‘The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.’
We are all still reeling from the loss of our sister Kelsey. My prayer for you this day is that God will come to wherever you are, and gently lift you up in body, mind, heart, and soul.
FRIENDS:
Lord Jesus, in the midst of our sorrows, be our Comforter. During times of trouble and tragedy, be our Strength. And in those dark moments when we feel down or depressed, isolated or alone, be our Friend. Both now and always. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
23. LUKE 24:28-35; HEBREWS 12:14-29; PROVERBS 29:15-27; ISAIAH 59-61
24. LUKE 24:36-44; HEBREWS 13:1-8; PROVERBS 30; ISAIAH 62-64
25. LUKE 24:45-53; HEBREWS 13:9-25; PROVERBS 31; ISAIAH 65-66
Isaiah 61:3
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
May God bestow on you a crown of beauty instead of ashes of grief; that He will pour out joy over your life to soothe these days of mourning. I pray that God will exchange your heavy spirit of despair for a beautiful, everlasting garment of praise to Him for the great things He will do in your life through the death of your child.
Our sweet Kelsey.....Saturday, September 19, 2009
Who is watching you?
FAITH:
Psalms 101:2
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
The other day we were busy working and realized it had been several minutes since we had heard anything from our little girl. That’s almost never a good sign with an alert two-year old running around the house. After a quick search we realized that she was in the bathroom with the door closed, a big no-no. We came in only to find that she had placed all of her bath toys in, sad to say, a forgotten-to-be-flushed toilet, last of which was her favorite stuffed Barney doll from a gift from a good friend. That was an enjoyable clean-up. Needless to say, a little discipline was in order.
Why do we have to discipline our children? I mean really, who likes doing that? The truth is though, that if we don’t discipline our kids, they will never learn to obey us. And if they never learn to obey us, how will they ever learn to obey the Lord? In teaching them to obey authority, we are actually teaching them to obey the Lord.
But here’s the kicker. If we aren’t obeying the Lord like we should, no discipline will ever be effective enough on our children. Are we following after the Lord wholeheartedly all the time? Are we setting a good example? I wish we could say we have a squeaky clean record. What we have is a huge responsibility. And we have innocent eyes always watching, just waiting for the next opportunity to show the world what they’ve learned. The sad reality is that our kids don’t do what we tell them to do, they do what we do.
Young eyes are always watching, regardless of whether they are young physically or young spiritually. And we have a responsibility before the Lord to be a good example to them. Let’s ask the Lord to cleanse us and mature us so that we can be lights to our children, our brothers and sisters and all the world around us.
FRIENDS:
Father, help us to be the Godly examples that our children and others need to see. Please help us to admit our shortcomings and our imperfections and to leave them at the foot of the cross. Thank You for loving us at our worst. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
20. LUKE 23:50-56; HEBREWS 11:17-31; PROVERBS 28:1-14; ISAIAH 51-53
21. LUKE 24:1-12; HEBREWS 11:32-40; PROVERBS 28:15-28; ISAIAH 54-55
FOOD:
Some time ago I posted a recipe for an apple dumpling and got some comments on how gross it sounded. While I was rambling around the internet the other day I came across this recipe blog with pictures. I am including the link for the nay-sayers, so you may see how truly wonderful they are. Please take the time to look at them and while you are there, look around a little.
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/easy-and-amazing-apple-dumplings.html
Here are some very helpful hints on cleaning things....
To clean tea stains from glass or plastic pitchers, use either white or apple cider vinegar. Pour a little in the bottom of the pitcher or teapot and then use a paper towel to clean the inside and around the spout. You can also use baking soda to clean the coffee stains out of coffee cups. It has a slight abrasive action.
For cleaning a fiberglass hot tub reach for 20 Mule Team Borax and a dampened gentle scrubber sponge. You will be amazed. It takes off stains that can't be removed with cleaners that are actually made for hot tubs. It is highly recommend for cleaning difficult stains on fiberglass.
You can use original blue Dawn dish washing soap to remove soap scum from the shower. If you have lots of buildup another product to use is Soilove! Replace the top of the Soilove bottle with a top from an old Windex bottle. Then spray the glass shower doors at night and let them sit until morning. Also Greased Lightening will cut through the soap scum buildup in showers and tubs.
Oil-based paint is difficult to remove, especially if you don't have mineral spirits and soap and water won't work at all. Try WD-40 spray lubricant. Sprayed it on your hands and arms and let it soak for 30 to 60 seconds. With minimal scrubbing and an old cloth, it will take the paint right off. It also does not dry out the skin like mineral spirits and turpentine usually do. A final washing with soap and water will rinse the WD-40 off.
FUN:
While riding the bus, my mother noticed a young man, who was holding onto the same pole as her, staring at her. Eventually, he said, "Excuse me. This is my stop."
Since she wasn't blocking his way, she was confused. "Well," she said, "go ahead."
"And this is my pole," he said.
My mother was completely perplexed until the young man added, "I just bought it at the hardware store to hold up my shower curtain."
And with that, he picked up his pole and carried it off the bus.
Psalms 101:2
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
The other day we were busy working and realized it had been several minutes since we had heard anything from our little girl. That’s almost never a good sign with an alert two-year old running around the house. After a quick search we realized that she was in the bathroom with the door closed, a big no-no. We came in only to find that she had placed all of her bath toys in, sad to say, a forgotten-to-be-flushed toilet, last of which was her favorite stuffed Barney doll from a gift from a good friend. That was an enjoyable clean-up. Needless to say, a little discipline was in order.
Why do we have to discipline our children? I mean really, who likes doing that? The truth is though, that if we don’t discipline our kids, they will never learn to obey us. And if they never learn to obey us, how will they ever learn to obey the Lord? In teaching them to obey authority, we are actually teaching them to obey the Lord.
But here’s the kicker. If we aren’t obeying the Lord like we should, no discipline will ever be effective enough on our children. Are we following after the Lord wholeheartedly all the time? Are we setting a good example? I wish we could say we have a squeaky clean record. What we have is a huge responsibility. And we have innocent eyes always watching, just waiting for the next opportunity to show the world what they’ve learned. The sad reality is that our kids don’t do what we tell them to do, they do what we do.
Young eyes are always watching, regardless of whether they are young physically or young spiritually. And we have a responsibility before the Lord to be a good example to them. Let’s ask the Lord to cleanse us and mature us so that we can be lights to our children, our brothers and sisters and all the world around us.
FRIENDS:
Father, help us to be the Godly examples that our children and others need to see. Please help us to admit our shortcomings and our imperfections and to leave them at the foot of the cross. Thank You for loving us at our worst. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
20. LUKE 23:50-56; HEBREWS 11:17-31; PROVERBS 28:1-14; ISAIAH 51-53
21. LUKE 24:1-12; HEBREWS 11:32-40; PROVERBS 28:15-28; ISAIAH 54-55
FOOD:
Some time ago I posted a recipe for an apple dumpling and got some comments on how gross it sounded. While I was rambling around the internet the other day I came across this recipe blog with pictures. I am including the link for the nay-sayers, so you may see how truly wonderful they are. Please take the time to look at them and while you are there, look around a little.
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/easy-and-amazing-apple-dumplings.html
Here are some very helpful hints on cleaning things....
To clean tea stains from glass or plastic pitchers, use either white or apple cider vinegar. Pour a little in the bottom of the pitcher or teapot and then use a paper towel to clean the inside and around the spout. You can also use baking soda to clean the coffee stains out of coffee cups. It has a slight abrasive action.
For cleaning a fiberglass hot tub reach for 20 Mule Team Borax and a dampened gentle scrubber sponge. You will be amazed. It takes off stains that can't be removed with cleaners that are actually made for hot tubs. It is highly recommend for cleaning difficult stains on fiberglass.
You can use original blue Dawn dish washing soap to remove soap scum from the shower. If you have lots of buildup another product to use is Soilove! Replace the top of the Soilove bottle with a top from an old Windex bottle. Then spray the glass shower doors at night and let them sit until morning. Also Greased Lightening will cut through the soap scum buildup in showers and tubs.
Oil-based paint is difficult to remove, especially if you don't have mineral spirits and soap and water won't work at all. Try WD-40 spray lubricant. Sprayed it on your hands and arms and let it soak for 30 to 60 seconds. With minimal scrubbing and an old cloth, it will take the paint right off. It also does not dry out the skin like mineral spirits and turpentine usually do. A final washing with soap and water will rinse the WD-40 off.
FUN:
While riding the bus, my mother noticed a young man, who was holding onto the same pole as her, staring at her. Eventually, he said, "Excuse me. This is my stop."
Since she wasn't blocking his way, she was confused. "Well," she said, "go ahead."
"And this is my pole," he said.
My mother was completely perplexed until the young man added, "I just bought it at the hardware store to hold up my shower curtain."
And with that, he picked up his pole and carried it off the bus.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
So little time, So much to do
FAITH:
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday September 18 and ends at nightfall on Sunday September 20.
1 Cor. 15:51-54 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
What’s interesting about Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish celebration of the New Year), is that it doesn’t fall on the first day of the first month. It actually falls on the first day of the seventh month! It’s difficult for outsiders to understand this concept, but if we study how the Jewish year begins and how God is outlining this age according to the Jewish feasts it all makes sense. The first month of the Jewish year begins with Passover. Two thousand years ago, the new age began with the crucifixion of Jesus on the Cross on Passover! Next, Messiah rose from the dead precisely on day of the celebration of first fruits. Then, fifty days later, the Feast of Shavout (Pentecost) began the celebration of the harvest season. This day marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the beginnings of the first harvest right here in Jerusalem as three thousand souls came into the kingdom!
Now, here we are, in the midst of the summer harvest — the harvest of souls, awaiting the great sound of the trumpet! When the trumpet sounds — it shall be the beginning of a new age when “this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality!”
So as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah or Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets), it’s a reminder that this age is soon coming to a close — that the summer will soon end and there will be no more days to work. Let’s take heed the sound of the shofar and rise to this awesome occasion!
We live this life only once, so let’s do what we need to do while we still can! Let’s not put off the good we are called to do! Don’t put off forgiving others — forgive now! Don’t put off sharing with that neighbor with whom you’ve been wanting to share for years –share now! Don’t put off going forth and doing the great things God has called you to do — do them now! These are the final days of the harvest — let’s get out into the field and finish the work that needs done so that we might all be able to rejoice together in the end!!
FRIENDS:
Father, thank You so much for your practical ways of thinking and your precise timing. Thank You for making each of us and for giving us a heart that wants to share about You. Help us to understand how You want us to help You in spreading Your Word, life by life by life. In Christ's name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
18. LUKE 23:38-43; HEBREWS 10:19-39; PROVERBS27:1-14; ISAIAH 46-48
19. LUKE 23-44-49; HEBREWS 11:1-16; PROVERBS 27:15-27; ISAIAH 49-50
FOOD:
TURKEY- PUMPKIN CHILI
1 lb lean ground turkey
¾ cup chopped onions
½ cup chopped green bell peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
Two 14.5oz. cans diced tomatoes, with liquid
15 oz can pure pumpkin pureé
15 oz can kidney beans, with liquid
15 oz can Great Northern beans, with liquid
15 oz can tomato sauce
4 oz can diced green chilies
2 tsp ground chili powder
1½ tsp ground cumin seed (or more to taste)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1½ tsp oregano
½ cup water
1. Brown meat in large pot. Remove meat and place on paper towels to remove excess fat. Wipe any remaining fat from the pot and coat pot with cooking spray.
2. Sauté onion, bell pepper and garlic; sauté until tender. Return meat to pot. Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Simmer 30 minutes to 1 hour. If chili is too thick for you, add more water, and adjust seasonings as needed.
Servings: 8
FUN:
Is someone trying to tell me something......Yes, I DO know that I talk a lot.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday September 18 and ends at nightfall on Sunday September 20.
1 Cor. 15:51-54 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
What’s interesting about Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish celebration of the New Year), is that it doesn’t fall on the first day of the first month. It actually falls on the first day of the seventh month! It’s difficult for outsiders to understand this concept, but if we study how the Jewish year begins and how God is outlining this age according to the Jewish feasts it all makes sense. The first month of the Jewish year begins with Passover. Two thousand years ago, the new age began with the crucifixion of Jesus on the Cross on Passover! Next, Messiah rose from the dead precisely on day of the celebration of first fruits. Then, fifty days later, the Feast of Shavout (Pentecost) began the celebration of the harvest season. This day marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the beginnings of the first harvest right here in Jerusalem as three thousand souls came into the kingdom!
Now, here we are, in the midst of the summer harvest — the harvest of souls, awaiting the great sound of the trumpet! When the trumpet sounds — it shall be the beginning of a new age when “this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality!”
So as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah or Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets), it’s a reminder that this age is soon coming to a close — that the summer will soon end and there will be no more days to work. Let’s take heed the sound of the shofar and rise to this awesome occasion!
We live this life only once, so let’s do what we need to do while we still can! Let’s not put off the good we are called to do! Don’t put off forgiving others — forgive now! Don’t put off sharing with that neighbor with whom you’ve been wanting to share for years –share now! Don’t put off going forth and doing the great things God has called you to do — do them now! These are the final days of the harvest — let’s get out into the field and finish the work that needs done so that we might all be able to rejoice together in the end!!
FRIENDS:
Father, thank You so much for your practical ways of thinking and your precise timing. Thank You for making each of us and for giving us a heart that wants to share about You. Help us to understand how You want us to help You in spreading Your Word, life by life by life. In Christ's name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
18. LUKE 23:38-43; HEBREWS 10:19-39; PROVERBS27:1-14; ISAIAH 46-48
19. LUKE 23-44-49; HEBREWS 11:1-16; PROVERBS 27:15-27; ISAIAH 49-50
FOOD:
TURKEY- PUMPKIN CHILI
1 lb lean ground turkey
¾ cup chopped onions
½ cup chopped green bell peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
Two 14.5oz. cans diced tomatoes, with liquid
15 oz can pure pumpkin pureé
15 oz can kidney beans, with liquid
15 oz can Great Northern beans, with liquid
15 oz can tomato sauce
4 oz can diced green chilies
2 tsp ground chili powder
1½ tsp ground cumin seed (or more to taste)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1½ tsp oregano
½ cup water
1. Brown meat in large pot. Remove meat and place on paper towels to remove excess fat. Wipe any remaining fat from the pot and coat pot with cooking spray.
2. Sauté onion, bell pepper and garlic; sauté until tender. Return meat to pot. Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Simmer 30 minutes to 1 hour. If chili is too thick for you, add more water, and adjust seasonings as needed.
Servings: 8
FUN:
Is someone trying to tell me something......Yes, I DO know that I talk a lot.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's Good To Be King
FAITH:
Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
An aging king woke up one day to the realization that should he drop dead, there would be no male in the royal family to take his place. He was the last male in the royal family in a culture where only a male could succeed to the throne – and he was aging. He decided that if he could not give birth to a male, he would adopt a son who then could take his place but he insisted that such an adopted son must be extraordinary in every sense of the word. So he launched a competition in his kingdom, open to all boys, no matter what their background. Ten boys made it to the very top.
There was little to separate these boys in terms of intelligence and physical attributes and capabilities. The king said to them, ‘I have one last test and whoever comes top will become my adopted son and heir to my throne.’
Then he said, ‘This kingdom depends solely on agriculture. So the king must know how to cultivate plants. So here is a seed of corn for each of you.Take it home and plant and nurture it for three weeks. At the end of three weeks, we shall see who has done the best job of cultivating the seed. That person will be my heir-apparent.’ The boys took their seeds and hurried home. They each got a flower pot and planted the seed as soon as they got home. There was much excitement in the kingdom as the people waited with bated breath to see who was destined to be their next king.
In one home, the boy and his parents were almost heartbroken when after days of intense care, the seed failed to sprout. He did not know what had gone wrong with his. He had selected the soil carefully, he had applied the right quantity and type of fertilizer, he had been very dutiful in watering it at the right intervals, he had even prayed over it day and night and yet his seed had turned out to be unproductive.
Some of his friends advised him to go and buy a seed from the market and plant that. ‘After all,’ they said, ‘how can anyone tell one seed of corn from another?’ But his parents who had always taught him the value of integrity reminded him that if the king wanted them to plant any corn, he would have asked them to go for their own seed. ‘If you take anything different from what the king gave you that would be dishonesty.’
‘Maybe we are not destined for the throne. If so, let it be, but don’t be found to have deceived the king,’ they told him. The d-day came and the boys returned to the palace each of them proudly exhibiting a very fine corn seedling. It was obvious that the other nine boys had had great success with their seeds. The king began making his way down the line of eager boys and asked each of them, ‘Is this what came out of the seed I gave you?’
And each boy responded, ‘Yes, your majesty.’ And the king would nod and move down the line.
The king finally got to the last boy in the line-up. The boy was shaking with fear. He knew that the king was going to have him thrown into prison for wasting his seed. ‘What did you do with the seed I gave you?’ the king asked. ‘I planted it and cared for it diligently, your majesty, but alas it failed to sprout.’ the boy said tearfully as the crowd booed him.
But the king raised his hands and signaled for silence. Then he said, ‘My people behold your next king.’ The people were confused. ‘Why that one?’ many asked. ‘How can he be the right choice?’ The king took his place on his throne with the boy by his side and said, ‘I gave these boys boiled seeds. This test was not for cultivating corn. It was the test of character; a test of integrity. It was the ultimate test.’
If a king must have one quality, it must be that he should be above dishonesty. Only this boy passed the test. A boiled seed cannot sprout.’ Never!!
We live in a society that has become obsessed with success and many show success at any cost. We say the end justifies the means. It is the tragedy of life. You see, failure often is an invitation to God to show that he is all powerful and does not need help to make us great or to bless us.
FRIENDS:
Father, thank you for giving us the treasure of good sense, and thank You for loving us even when we fail. Forgive us for our failures. Grant us Your wisdom to resist the great deceiver. We thank You for the tests that come our way, because we know You only want us to win and to grow closer to You. In Christ’s name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
16. LUKE 23:26-31; HEBREWS 9:11-28; PROVERBS 26:1-16; ISAIAH 42-43
17. LUKE 23:32-37; HEBREWS 10:1-18; PROVERBS 26:17-28 ISAIAH 44-45
FOOD:
Garden Veggie and Chicken Soup - Slow Cooker
1/2 package (16 ounces) frozen pepper stir-fry vegetable mix
1 cup frozen corn
1 medium zucchini, sliced
2 bone-in chicken thighs, skinned
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 can (14 ounces) fat-free chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 ounces uncooked egg noodles
1 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Directions
1. Coat 4 1/2-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place stir-fry vegetables, corn and zucchini in bottom. Add chicken, garlic, broth and thyme. Cover; cook on HIGH 3 to 4 hours or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove chicken and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Add noodles to slow cooker. Cover; cook 20 minutes longer, or until noodles are done.
3. Meanwhile, debone and chop chicken. Return to slow sooker. Stir in remaining ingredients. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
FUN:
Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
An aging king woke up one day to the realization that should he drop dead, there would be no male in the royal family to take his place. He was the last male in the royal family in a culture where only a male could succeed to the throne – and he was aging. He decided that if he could not give birth to a male, he would adopt a son who then could take his place but he insisted that such an adopted son must be extraordinary in every sense of the word. So he launched a competition in his kingdom, open to all boys, no matter what their background. Ten boys made it to the very top.
There was little to separate these boys in terms of intelligence and physical attributes and capabilities. The king said to them, ‘I have one last test and whoever comes top will become my adopted son and heir to my throne.’
Then he said, ‘This kingdom depends solely on agriculture. So the king must know how to cultivate plants. So here is a seed of corn for each of you.Take it home and plant and nurture it for three weeks. At the end of three weeks, we shall see who has done the best job of cultivating the seed. That person will be my heir-apparent.’ The boys took their seeds and hurried home. They each got a flower pot and planted the seed as soon as they got home. There was much excitement in the kingdom as the people waited with bated breath to see who was destined to be their next king.
In one home, the boy and his parents were almost heartbroken when after days of intense care, the seed failed to sprout. He did not know what had gone wrong with his. He had selected the soil carefully, he had applied the right quantity and type of fertilizer, he had been very dutiful in watering it at the right intervals, he had even prayed over it day and night and yet his seed had turned out to be unproductive.
Some of his friends advised him to go and buy a seed from the market and plant that. ‘After all,’ they said, ‘how can anyone tell one seed of corn from another?’ But his parents who had always taught him the value of integrity reminded him that if the king wanted them to plant any corn, he would have asked them to go for their own seed. ‘If you take anything different from what the king gave you that would be dishonesty.’
‘Maybe we are not destined for the throne. If so, let it be, but don’t be found to have deceived the king,’ they told him. The d-day came and the boys returned to the palace each of them proudly exhibiting a very fine corn seedling. It was obvious that the other nine boys had had great success with their seeds. The king began making his way down the line of eager boys and asked each of them, ‘Is this what came out of the seed I gave you?’
And each boy responded, ‘Yes, your majesty.’ And the king would nod and move down the line.
The king finally got to the last boy in the line-up. The boy was shaking with fear. He knew that the king was going to have him thrown into prison for wasting his seed. ‘What did you do with the seed I gave you?’ the king asked. ‘I planted it and cared for it diligently, your majesty, but alas it failed to sprout.’ the boy said tearfully as the crowd booed him.
But the king raised his hands and signaled for silence. Then he said, ‘My people behold your next king.’ The people were confused. ‘Why that one?’ many asked. ‘How can he be the right choice?’ The king took his place on his throne with the boy by his side and said, ‘I gave these boys boiled seeds. This test was not for cultivating corn. It was the test of character; a test of integrity. It was the ultimate test.’
If a king must have one quality, it must be that he should be above dishonesty. Only this boy passed the test. A boiled seed cannot sprout.’ Never!!
We live in a society that has become obsessed with success and many show success at any cost. We say the end justifies the means. It is the tragedy of life. You see, failure often is an invitation to God to show that he is all powerful and does not need help to make us great or to bless us.
FRIENDS:
Father, thank you for giving us the treasure of good sense, and thank You for loving us even when we fail. Forgive us for our failures. Grant us Your wisdom to resist the great deceiver. We thank You for the tests that come our way, because we know You only want us to win and to grow closer to You. In Christ’s name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
16. LUKE 23:26-31; HEBREWS 9:11-28; PROVERBS 26:1-16; ISAIAH 42-43
17. LUKE 23:32-37; HEBREWS 10:1-18; PROVERBS 26:17-28 ISAIAH 44-45
FOOD:
Garden Veggie and Chicken Soup - Slow Cooker
1/2 package (16 ounces) frozen pepper stir-fry vegetable mix
1 cup frozen corn
1 medium zucchini, sliced
2 bone-in chicken thighs, skinned
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 can (14 ounces) fat-free chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 ounces uncooked egg noodles
1 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Directions
1. Coat 4 1/2-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place stir-fry vegetables, corn and zucchini in bottom. Add chicken, garlic, broth and thyme. Cover; cook on HIGH 3 to 4 hours or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove chicken and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Add noodles to slow cooker. Cover; cook 20 minutes longer, or until noodles are done.
3. Meanwhile, debone and chop chicken. Return to slow sooker. Stir in remaining ingredients. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
FUN:
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Unchanging
FAITH:
"Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89 (NASB)
We live in a society that prizes change. Whether it's the most recent dictum of haute couture from the world of fashion, or the latest in technical gadgets, we are enamored with the idea that newer and different is better.
Let the word "change" fall from a politician's lips, and his or her future is suddenly golden. Discontented with the ordinariness of our lives, we are often an easy sell. So much so, in fact, that one of the quickest ways to kill an idea or project is to describe it as "so yesterday."
Obviously, some changes are positive and some are negative. But too much change, or change for the wrong reasons, can leave us scrambling for the higher ground of stability. When we are forced by circumstances to ride those roiling seas of change, to what do we cling to maintain our emotional and spiritual equilibrium? In Psalm 61:2, David said, "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (NKJV).
Isn't that what we all want - a sense of permanence in a world of change and restlessness? Solid ground when we can't touch bottom? Stillness in place of agitation?
God's Word tells us that all these are possible because of one man, and His name is Jesus. "For he himself is our peace," (Ephesians 2:14, NIV), the One who never changes. The "same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8, NIV). The unshakeable foundation beneath our feet when everything in our world totters (Psalm 40:2).
How comforting to know that our lives are encompassed by an eternally present Christ. He is our Alpha and Omega, our Beginning and our End. Who He is and what He says stands...
Uncontradicted.
Unoverturned.
Forever.
Long after you and I are considered history and "so yesterday," Jesus will still be. Describing the uniqueness of our God, Eugene Peterson in The Message asks, "Are we not at bedrock?" (Psalm 18:31).
Can you recall another time in your life when God worked good for you out of what appeared to be a negative change in your life? Is it possible to look at an unexpected or negative change in a positive way?
In what way does God's Word provide an anchor for us?
Applying it: List the major changes that have occurred in your life within the past year. How have these changes impacted your life? As you identify your reactions to the changes - disappointment, anxiety, fear, loneliness, grief - spend some time in the Word to see how Jesus, the great "I AM," provides stability for you in the midst of your rocking world.
Exploring it: Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (NIV); John 8:58, "'I tell you the truth,' Jesus answered, 'before Abraham was born, I am!' "(NIV); Psalm 27:5, "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." (NIV)
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, as everything around me changes, may I rest my heart on the firm foundation of Your Word, which never goes out of style or needs revision. May I rejoice in its timeless truth and rest in its awesome strength to transform my sometimes erratic life into a place of peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
14. LUKE 23:1-12; HEBREWS 8:7-13: PROVERBS 25:1-14; ISAIAH 37-39
15. LUKE 23:13-25; HEBREWS 9:1-10; PROVERBS 25:15-28; ISAIAH 40-41
FOOD:
Baked Taco Sandwich
1 pound ground beef
1 envelope (1.25 ounces) Old El Paso taco seasoning mix
1 cup Original Bisquick mix
1/3 cup cold water
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (3 ounces)
Sour cream, if desired
Shredded lettuce, if desired
Chopped tomato, if desired
1. Heat oven to 450F. Grease square pan, 8x8x2 inches. Cook beef and taco seasoning mix as directed on envelope of seasoning mix.
2. Mix Bisquick mix and cold water until soft dough forms; spread in pan. Spread beef mixture over dough.
3. Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately sprinkle with cheese. Let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with remaining ingredients.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Not recommended.
YIELD: 4 Servings
Substitution: More zip? Use shredded taco-seasoned cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers to boost that great Southwest flavor
FUN:
George went on a vacation to the Middle East with his family including his mother-in-law. During their vacation in Jerusalem George's Mother-in-law died. With the death certificate in his hand, George went to the American Consulate Office to make arrangements to send the body back to the United States for a proper burial.
The Consul told George that to send the body back to the United States for burial is very, very expensive. It could cost him as much as $5,000.00. The Consul told him, in most cases the person responsible for the remains normally decides to bury the body here in Jerusalem. This would only cost him $150.00.
George thinks for sometime and answers, "I don't care how much it will cost to send the body back; that's what I want to do."
The Consul says "You must have loved your mother-in-law very much considering the difference in price."
"No, it's not that," says George. "You see, I know of a case many, many years ago of a man that was buried here in Jerusalem. On the third day he arose from the dead! I just can't take that chance!
"Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89 (NASB)
We live in a society that prizes change. Whether it's the most recent dictum of haute couture from the world of fashion, or the latest in technical gadgets, we are enamored with the idea that newer and different is better.
Let the word "change" fall from a politician's lips, and his or her future is suddenly golden. Discontented with the ordinariness of our lives, we are often an easy sell. So much so, in fact, that one of the quickest ways to kill an idea or project is to describe it as "so yesterday."
Obviously, some changes are positive and some are negative. But too much change, or change for the wrong reasons, can leave us scrambling for the higher ground of stability. When we are forced by circumstances to ride those roiling seas of change, to what do we cling to maintain our emotional and spiritual equilibrium? In Psalm 61:2, David said, "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (NKJV).
Isn't that what we all want - a sense of permanence in a world of change and restlessness? Solid ground when we can't touch bottom? Stillness in place of agitation?
God's Word tells us that all these are possible because of one man, and His name is Jesus. "For he himself is our peace," (Ephesians 2:14, NIV), the One who never changes. The "same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8, NIV). The unshakeable foundation beneath our feet when everything in our world totters (Psalm 40:2).
How comforting to know that our lives are encompassed by an eternally present Christ. He is our Alpha and Omega, our Beginning and our End. Who He is and what He says stands...
Uncontradicted.
Unoverturned.
Forever.
Long after you and I are considered history and "so yesterday," Jesus will still be. Describing the uniqueness of our God, Eugene Peterson in The Message asks, "Are we not at bedrock?" (Psalm 18:31).
Can you recall another time in your life when God worked good for you out of what appeared to be a negative change in your life? Is it possible to look at an unexpected or negative change in a positive way?
In what way does God's Word provide an anchor for us?
Applying it: List the major changes that have occurred in your life within the past year. How have these changes impacted your life? As you identify your reactions to the changes - disappointment, anxiety, fear, loneliness, grief - spend some time in the Word to see how Jesus, the great "I AM," provides stability for you in the midst of your rocking world.
Exploring it: Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (NIV); John 8:58, "'I tell you the truth,' Jesus answered, 'before Abraham was born, I am!' "(NIV); Psalm 27:5, "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." (NIV)
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, as everything around me changes, may I rest my heart on the firm foundation of Your Word, which never goes out of style or needs revision. May I rejoice in its timeless truth and rest in its awesome strength to transform my sometimes erratic life into a place of peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
14. LUKE 23:1-12; HEBREWS 8:7-13: PROVERBS 25:1-14; ISAIAH 37-39
15. LUKE 23:13-25; HEBREWS 9:1-10; PROVERBS 25:15-28; ISAIAH 40-41
FOOD:
Baked Taco Sandwich
1 pound ground beef
1 envelope (1.25 ounces) Old El Paso taco seasoning mix
1 cup Original Bisquick mix
1/3 cup cold water
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (3 ounces)
Sour cream, if desired
Shredded lettuce, if desired
Chopped tomato, if desired
1. Heat oven to 450F. Grease square pan, 8x8x2 inches. Cook beef and taco seasoning mix as directed on envelope of seasoning mix.
2. Mix Bisquick mix and cold water until soft dough forms; spread in pan. Spread beef mixture over dough.
3. Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately sprinkle with cheese. Let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with remaining ingredients.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Not recommended.
YIELD: 4 Servings
Substitution: More zip? Use shredded taco-seasoned cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers to boost that great Southwest flavor
FUN:
George went on a vacation to the Middle East with his family including his mother-in-law. During their vacation in Jerusalem George's Mother-in-law died. With the death certificate in his hand, George went to the American Consulate Office to make arrangements to send the body back to the United States for a proper burial.
The Consul told George that to send the body back to the United States for burial is very, very expensive. It could cost him as much as $5,000.00. The Consul told him, in most cases the person responsible for the remains normally decides to bury the body here in Jerusalem. This would only cost him $150.00.
George thinks for sometime and answers, "I don't care how much it will cost to send the body back; that's what I want to do."
The Consul says "You must have loved your mother-in-law very much considering the difference in price."
"No, it's not that," says George. "You see, I know of a case many, many years ago of a man that was buried here in Jerusalem. On the third day he arose from the dead! I just can't take that chance!
Friday, September 11, 2009
How Good is our God !!!!
FAITH:
As many of you know, my grandson, Jeffery, is serving in the Army and is now is Kuwait. This brings much concern to our family, about his safety. For me personally, there is an added measure of fear and emotion having had a child die. I pray that my son and daughter-in-law will be spared that pain. Also for myself, I do not want to have to go through that again.
I have been quite fearful and tear-full even though I have prayed.
God is so good. I have been able to have chat's with Jeffery because of modern technology. This is a wonderful thing for his parents and for me and others that love him. It is reassuring to us to hear his almost day by day recounting of his life as it is right now. So what looked awful to me in the beginning, is now manageable. I have talked more to Jeffery since he has been in Iraq than I did before he left. I now have some peace in all of this. So when we think something is going to be unbearable, often God makes it bearable. Here is a devotional that says that also.
Phillipians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
As the war continues in Israel, I’m finding believers throughout the land filled with peace in spite of the conflict. How is that possible, one may wonder? Could it be these believers are going deep?
When a storm swarms across the ocean surface, the fish know where the water is still — deep down under. While, on the surface, the winds and the waves rage, fathoms below lies water completely at peace. Perhaps we should learn something from fish.
In a shallow relationship with God we will find ourselves being tossed to and fro by stormy waves of circumstance. James describes such a person as “double-minded” and unstable. In his trials, he cannot exercise faith because he hasn’t gone deep with the Lord.
However, when we seek that deeper relationship with Him, we can enter another perspective on what’s happening at the surface. Seeking and abiding in the depths of God, our Sar Shalom (Prince of Peace) will bring a peace that passes understanding, even in the midst of great storms. The double minded man has not yet sought or found this place — since not everyone is willing to spend the time or effort for a deep relationship, however it is available for all who truly desire and take the time for it.
Are you distressed or worried? It’s time to press in… seek that deeper relationship with God and let Him lead you to the still water. He so wants to fill you with a “Peace” that passes all understanding!
FRIENDS:
Father, We pray today for peace in our country, our homes, our schools, our workplaces and the world. We pray for the safety of those serving in the military. We know You have the answer. We thank You for the answer, Your Son , Jesus. In His name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
11. LUKE 22:47-53; HEBREWS 7:1-10; PROVERBS 23:19-35; ISAIAH 29-30
12. LUKE 22:54-62; HEBREWS 7:11-28; PROVERBS 24:1-22; ISAIAH 31-33
13. LUKE 22:63-71; HEBREWS 8:1-6; PROVERBS 24:23-34; ISAIAH 34-36
FOOD:
This is for those of you that have so many tomatoes from your gardens that you don't know what to do with them all.
Smoked Tomato Salsa
Once we have eaten a case of tomatoes with sea salt over the sink, we do start thinking of other ways to eat them, in combination with other summer foods. We've been eating lots of salsa around here, and we thought you might want to eat this too.
5 large tomatoes, at the height of ripeness
1 medium Anaheim chile
1 medium red onion, peeled and fine-diced
1 tablespoon fine-chopped garlic
1/4 cup fine-chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fine-chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 lime, juiced
1 lemon, juiced
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
Smoking the tomatoes. Get your smoker ready, with a good amount of smoke going. Cut 4 tomatoes in half, and leave 1 of the halves on the kitchen counter. Put the tomatoes, skin side down, onto the smoker's rack. Cover. Let the tomatoes smoke for 30 minutes. Remove them from the smoker and let them cool. Remove the skins from the tomatoes. Chop them up. Save as much of the juice as possible. It's an important ingredient.
And if you don't have a smoker... You will need to add smoked paprika (about 2 tablespoons) or a dried chipotle pepper that has been hydrated and de-seeded. This will give you a smoky taste, different than the smoked tomatoes, but equally delicious.
Roasting the pepper. Rub a little oil on the Anaheim pepper. (This is a mild pepper. If you want more heat in the salsa, use a different chile. But be careful.) Throw it in a 425° oven and roast it until the skin begins to blister. Put the pepper in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit until is cool to the touch. Peel the skin and de-seed. Chop it up with some care.
Blanching the other tomatoes. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to boil, using enough salt to make the water taste like the ocean. Mark a small x on the bottom of the tomato with a paring knife. Add the tomatoes into the salted water and cook until the skin starts to slip off, about 5 to 10 seconds. (Don’t let the tomatoes stay in the water for much longer, or you will start to cook them.) Transferthe tomatoes in a bowl of ice water to cool quickly. Remove the skins from the tomatoes, which should slip off fairly easily. Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds. Chop the tomatoes.
Making the salsa. Combine the tomatoes, the roasted pepper, the onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, and sherry vinegar. Stir.
Scoop up 1/4 of the salsa and put it in the food processor. Pulse the processor until the chunky salsa is pureed. Add this back into the salsa.
Squeeze in the lemon and lime juice. Taste. Add more if you wish. Season with salt and pepper.
Let the salsa sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before eating it. (I know. It's hard.) It will be even better the next day.
FUN:
Bumper Stickers
If You Can Read This, I Can Slam On My Brakes And Sue You
Forget World Peace -- Visualize Turning Off Your Turn Signal!
HANG UP AND DRIVE!
Where There's A Will...I Want To Be In It!
Ever Stop To Think, And Forget To Start Again?
This Would Be Really Funny If It Weren't Happening To Me
If We Quit Voting Will They All Go Away?
This Bumper Sticker Exploits Illiterates
I Haven't Lost My Mind - It's Backed Up On Disk Somewhere
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol?
FAITH:
In my early walk of faith I was always taught that drinking was spoken against in the Bible and that it was wrong. Recently, I talked to a Christian friend who told me that it was actually all right to drink alcohol according to the Bible. Now I need to sort out these conflicting values.
This is not talking about teens drinking: It’s against the law. Alcohol is absolutely off-limits until you’re 21. God commands us to obey laws like these when He says, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." (Romans 13:1) If you disobey the law, then you’re also disobeying God.
But what about after you turn 21? Is it okay for a Christian to drink then? Although there are some situations in which the Bible forbids alcohol, it never says that alcohol is always wrong. Since the Bible doesn’t absolutely forbid alcohol, whether or not you should drink as an adult becomes a personal decision you have to make for yourself.
Although I cannot make that decision for you, I can share with you what the Bible does say about alcohol:
The Bible allows Christians to drink alcohol for medical reasons. Paul told Timothy, "Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illness." (1 Timothy 5:23)
The Bible sometimes portrays alcohol as something good and enjoyable. Jesus’ first miracle involved turning water into wine for a wedding celebration. (John 2:3-11) Psalm 104 says, "He makes grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth; wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart." (v. 14-15)
The Bible forbids drunkenness. Although the Bible never says that alcohol itself is sinful, it does say many times that drunkenness is a sin. God says, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:6) In fact, there are many verses in the Bible which speak out against drunkenness. (For a few examples, see Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3.) Then how does one decide where sobriety stops and drunkenness starts?
The Bible forbids drinking if it offends fellow believers. God explains in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 that we should be considerate of other Christians who have different convictions than we do. Some Christians believe that alcohol is always sinful. And their convictions should be respected. God says, "If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification....It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall." (Romans 14:15-21) That verse says it loud and clear: Don’t drink alcohol if it will offend a brother or sister in Christ.
The Bible forbids drinking if it hinders the gospel. Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 9 that even though he was allowed to eat and drink anything he wanted, he was very careful not to do things that would hinder the gospel of Christ. He said, "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many a possible. "I became all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
If someone was trying to witness to a person who thought it was bad for Christians to drink, then hopefully there’s no way they would drink alcohol in front of that person! But, what if you are not drinking around anyone but by the mere fact of the knowledge that you drink alcohol, you cause a new Christian to stumble? Is it then all right in God's eye's to have those few drinks? Should we err on the side of caution?
Is this being a stumbling block and doesn't the Bible caution about what happens to stumbling blocks?
The Bible warns that drinking is often dangerous and unwise. The Bible contains lots of warnings about how tempting and dangerous it is to get involved with alcohol. A wise mother told her son, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel - not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights." (Proverbs 31:4-5) And Solomon, one of the wisest men who’ve ever lived, said, "Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper." (Proverbs 23:31)
These passages suggest that it is often wise to totally stay away from alcohol since it can be a difficult thing to control. Alcohol can easily seduce you, and before you know it, it controls you. How many girls have had a few drinks and then ended up in bed with a strange man? How many people have had a few drinks and then ended up in a serious car accident? How many hurt feelings are there because someone had a few too many?
These situations are all too common. God is looking out for you when He warns you about the dangers of alcohol and drunkenness. Getting drunk causes you to lose control of yourself and do things - dangerous things - that you wouldn’t do if you were sober.
I wonder if it is possible to live a godly life and enjoy a small amount of alcohol? If a person who chooses not to drink at all, also lives a godly life, then he should do it without condemning those who do.
PLEASE feel free to respond to this topic in the comment section of this blog, right at the end of the post or you may email me directly and I will post your response if you would like me to.
FRIENDS:
Father, Thank you for your love and for your Word. You have placed a wonderful plan for living in a wonderful book, we call the Bible. Help us to understand and apply your wisdom to our lives, so that we may glorify You. Lord we do not always hit the mark, thank you for loving us even when we fail and forgiving us when we repent. Give us the strength that only you can give, to be more like your Son, Jesus. In His precious name we pray, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
9. LUKE 22:31-38; HEBREWS 6:1-12; PROVERBS 22:17-29; ISAIAH 24-26
10. LUKE 22:39-46; HEBREWS 6:13-20; PROVERBS 23:1-18; ISAIAH 27-28
FOOD:
BREAKFAST BREAD PUDDING with HAM SPINACH AND CHEESE
For Custard:
4 large egg whites
4 large eggs
1 cup skim milk
For Seasonings:
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
For Bread & filling:
4 cups whole-grain bread, crusts removed if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1/2 pound, 4-6 slices)
5 cups chopped spinach, wilted (see Tip)
1/2 cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers
1 cup diced ham steak (5 ounces)
For Topping:
3/4 cup shredded gruyere cheese
Tip: To wilt greens, rinse greens thoroughly in cool water. Transfer them to a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and punch several holes in the wrap. Microwave on high until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the greens before adding them to the recipe.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an 11-by-7-inch glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray.
To prepare custard: Whisk egg whites, eggs and milk in a medium bowl. Add mustard, pepper and rosemary: whisk to combine.
Toss bread, spinach, roasted red peppers and ham in a large bowl. Add the custard and toss well to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and push down to compact. Cover with foil.
Bake until the custard has set, 40 to 45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until the pudding is puffed and golden on top, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
FUN:
A farmer went to town to buy a pickup truck that he saw advertised in the paper for a certain price. After telling the salesman which truck he wanted, they sat down to do the paperwork. The salesman handed the farmer the bill, and the farmer declared, "This isn't the price I saw!" The salesman went on to tell the wise old farmer how he was getting extras such as power brakes, power windows, special tires etc. And that was what took the price up. The farmer needed the truck badly, paid the price and went home.
A few months later, the salesman called up the farmer and said, "My son is in 4-H and he needs a cow for a project. Do you have any for sale?" The farmer said, "Yes, I have a few cows, and I would sell for $500.00 apiece. Come look at them and take your pick." The salesman said he and his son would be right out. After spending a few hours in the field checking out all the farmer's cows, the two decided on one and the salesman proceeded to write out a check for $500.00.
The farmer said--------"Now, wait a minute, that's not the final price of the cow. You're getting extras with it and you have to pay for that too." "What extras?" asked the salesman.
Below is the list the farmer gave the salesman for the final price of the cow..........
BASIC COW...............................$500.00
Two tone exterior..........................$45.00
Extra stomach...............................$75.00
Product storing equipment..........$60.00
Straw compartment....................$120.00
4 Spigots @$10 ea......................$40.00
Leather upholstery......................$125.00
Dual horns.....................................$45.00
Automatic fly swatter....................$38.00
Fertilizer attachment..................$185.00
GRAND TOTAL......................$1,233.00
In my early walk of faith I was always taught that drinking was spoken against in the Bible and that it was wrong. Recently, I talked to a Christian friend who told me that it was actually all right to drink alcohol according to the Bible. Now I need to sort out these conflicting values.
This is not talking about teens drinking: It’s against the law. Alcohol is absolutely off-limits until you’re 21. God commands us to obey laws like these when He says, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." (Romans 13:1) If you disobey the law, then you’re also disobeying God.
But what about after you turn 21? Is it okay for a Christian to drink then? Although there are some situations in which the Bible forbids alcohol, it never says that alcohol is always wrong. Since the Bible doesn’t absolutely forbid alcohol, whether or not you should drink as an adult becomes a personal decision you have to make for yourself.
Although I cannot make that decision for you, I can share with you what the Bible does say about alcohol:
The Bible allows Christians to drink alcohol for medical reasons. Paul told Timothy, "Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illness." (1 Timothy 5:23)
The Bible sometimes portrays alcohol as something good and enjoyable. Jesus’ first miracle involved turning water into wine for a wedding celebration. (John 2:3-11) Psalm 104 says, "He makes grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth; wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart." (v. 14-15)
The Bible forbids drunkenness. Although the Bible never says that alcohol itself is sinful, it does say many times that drunkenness is a sin. God says, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:6) In fact, there are many verses in the Bible which speak out against drunkenness. (For a few examples, see Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3.) Then how does one decide where sobriety stops and drunkenness starts?
The Bible forbids drinking if it offends fellow believers. God explains in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 that we should be considerate of other Christians who have different convictions than we do. Some Christians believe that alcohol is always sinful. And their convictions should be respected. God says, "If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification....It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall." (Romans 14:15-21) That verse says it loud and clear: Don’t drink alcohol if it will offend a brother or sister in Christ.
The Bible forbids drinking if it hinders the gospel. Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 9 that even though he was allowed to eat and drink anything he wanted, he was very careful not to do things that would hinder the gospel of Christ. He said, "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many a possible. "I became all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
If someone was trying to witness to a person who thought it was bad for Christians to drink, then hopefully there’s no way they would drink alcohol in front of that person! But, what if you are not drinking around anyone but by the mere fact of the knowledge that you drink alcohol, you cause a new Christian to stumble? Is it then all right in God's eye's to have those few drinks? Should we err on the side of caution?
Is this being a stumbling block and doesn't the Bible caution about what happens to stumbling blocks?
The Bible warns that drinking is often dangerous and unwise. The Bible contains lots of warnings about how tempting and dangerous it is to get involved with alcohol. A wise mother told her son, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel - not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights." (Proverbs 31:4-5) And Solomon, one of the wisest men who’ve ever lived, said, "Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper." (Proverbs 23:31)
These passages suggest that it is often wise to totally stay away from alcohol since it can be a difficult thing to control. Alcohol can easily seduce you, and before you know it, it controls you. How many girls have had a few drinks and then ended up in bed with a strange man? How many people have had a few drinks and then ended up in a serious car accident? How many hurt feelings are there because someone had a few too many?
These situations are all too common. God is looking out for you when He warns you about the dangers of alcohol and drunkenness. Getting drunk causes you to lose control of yourself and do things - dangerous things - that you wouldn’t do if you were sober.
I wonder if it is possible to live a godly life and enjoy a small amount of alcohol? If a person who chooses not to drink at all, also lives a godly life, then he should do it without condemning those who do.
PLEASE feel free to respond to this topic in the comment section of this blog, right at the end of the post or you may email me directly and I will post your response if you would like me to.
FRIENDS:
Father, Thank you for your love and for your Word. You have placed a wonderful plan for living in a wonderful book, we call the Bible. Help us to understand and apply your wisdom to our lives, so that we may glorify You. Lord we do not always hit the mark, thank you for loving us even when we fail and forgiving us when we repent. Give us the strength that only you can give, to be more like your Son, Jesus. In His precious name we pray, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
9. LUKE 22:31-38; HEBREWS 6:1-12; PROVERBS 22:17-29; ISAIAH 24-26
10. LUKE 22:39-46; HEBREWS 6:13-20; PROVERBS 23:1-18; ISAIAH 27-28
FOOD:
BREAKFAST BREAD PUDDING with HAM SPINACH AND CHEESE
For Custard:
4 large egg whites
4 large eggs
1 cup skim milk
For Seasonings:
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
For Bread & filling:
4 cups whole-grain bread, crusts removed if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1/2 pound, 4-6 slices)
5 cups chopped spinach, wilted (see Tip)
1/2 cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers
1 cup diced ham steak (5 ounces)
For Topping:
3/4 cup shredded gruyere cheese
Tip: To wilt greens, rinse greens thoroughly in cool water. Transfer them to a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and punch several holes in the wrap. Microwave on high until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the greens before adding them to the recipe.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an 11-by-7-inch glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray.
To prepare custard: Whisk egg whites, eggs and milk in a medium bowl. Add mustard, pepper and rosemary: whisk to combine.
Toss bread, spinach, roasted red peppers and ham in a large bowl. Add the custard and toss well to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and push down to compact. Cover with foil.
Bake until the custard has set, 40 to 45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until the pudding is puffed and golden on top, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
FUN:
A farmer went to town to buy a pickup truck that he saw advertised in the paper for a certain price. After telling the salesman which truck he wanted, they sat down to do the paperwork. The salesman handed the farmer the bill, and the farmer declared, "This isn't the price I saw!" The salesman went on to tell the wise old farmer how he was getting extras such as power brakes, power windows, special tires etc. And that was what took the price up. The farmer needed the truck badly, paid the price and went home.
A few months later, the salesman called up the farmer and said, "My son is in 4-H and he needs a cow for a project. Do you have any for sale?" The farmer said, "Yes, I have a few cows, and I would sell for $500.00 apiece. Come look at them and take your pick." The salesman said he and his son would be right out. After spending a few hours in the field checking out all the farmer's cows, the two decided on one and the salesman proceeded to write out a check for $500.00.
The farmer said--------"Now, wait a minute, that's not the final price of the cow. You're getting extras with it and you have to pay for that too." "What extras?" asked the salesman.
Below is the list the farmer gave the salesman for the final price of the cow..........
BASIC COW...............................$500.00
Two tone exterior..........................$45.00
Extra stomach...............................$75.00
Product storing equipment..........$60.00
Straw compartment....................$120.00
4 Spigots @$10 ea......................$40.00
Leather upholstery......................$125.00
Dual horns.....................................$45.00
Automatic fly swatter....................$38.00
Fertilizer attachment..................$185.00
GRAND TOTAL......................$1,233.00
Monday, September 7, 2009
Don't waste your gifts
FAITH:
1 Kings 9:1-11:43
This is the story of Solomon's greatness and decline. God appeared to Solomon and promised blessing in exchange for obedience. The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's wisdom and came to see if the reports were true. Finally, toward the end of his life, Solomon's many wives influenced him to turn away from God.
Solomon's sin did not catch God off guard. Although God knew Solomon would sin, he continued to bless Solomon because of God's promise to David.
God is outside and above the Time-line. In that case, what we call "tomorrow" is visible to Him in just the same way as what we call "today". All the days are "now" for him. He does not remember you doing things yesterday; He simply sees you doing because though you have lost yesterday, He has not. He does not "forsee" you doing things tomorrow; He simply sees you doing them: because, though tomorrow is not yet here for you is is for him. You must never suppose that your actions at this moment are any less free because God knows what you are doing.
from: The Quotable Lewis
Applying it: What gifts has God given you? Money? Musical talent? Outgoing personality? Intelligence, sensitivity. or discipline? Find a way to use your gifts in service to God so that He receives the glory.
Exploring It: Purpose of Gifts - Romans 12:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 14:26; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6
FRIENDS:
Dear Father, use us to your glory. Take what we have to glorify you. Father help us to be willing vessels; help us to be aware of our gifts that you have so generously given each one of us and show us how you want us to use them. Father, we praise You and love You and thank You for all we have, for all comes from You. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
7. LUKE 22:14-23; HEBREWS 4:12-16; PROVERBS 21:17-31; ISAIAH 17-20
8. LUKE 22:24-30; HEBREWS 5; PROVERBS 22:1-16; ISAIAH 21-23
~The Sunshine of Life~
A poet once described friends as "the sunshine of life." I myself have found that the day is certainly much brighter when I'm sharing it with my friends. Enjoying fellowship is one of life's sweetest blessings and joys. What would we do without people and the many shadings of companionship and camaraderie? We need friends in our lives, friends with whom we not only discuss "deep" issues and confide out secrets, fears, or sorrows, but with whom we can laugh, play and even cry. The best times in life are made a thousand times better when shared with a dear friend.
Camaraderie is definitely a part of friendship, and camaraderie itself can often produce friendships, too. When we reach out to others, they reach out to us. It's a two-way street, a street practically lined with balloons and streamers in celebration of the unique bonds of friendship. by Luci Swindoll, You Bring the Confetti..this was in a book that was a gift from a Sister-friend and I just wanted to share it with all of you, my friends.
FOOD:
THE WHOLE JAR OF PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
"This cookie got its name because a whole 18-ounce jar of peanut butter is used to make it. It is the creamiest, moistest cookie I have ever had, and bound to be a favorite with anyone who makes them. Just don't over bake them!"
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (18 ounce) jar peanut butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped peanuts
1. In a large bowl, cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until Smooth. Add the eggs, yolks, and vanilla; mix until fluffy. Stir in peanut butter. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Finally, stir in the peanuts. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
3. Roll dough into walnut sized balls. Place on the prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Cookies should look dry on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet before removing to cool completely on a rack. These cookies taste great when slightly undercooked.
FUN:
Six year old Angie and her four year old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough.
"You're not supposed to talk out loud in church," she hissed at Joel.
"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel shot back.
Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door?"
Joel nodded.
"They're hushers."
1 Kings 9:1-11:43
This is the story of Solomon's greatness and decline. God appeared to Solomon and promised blessing in exchange for obedience. The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's wisdom and came to see if the reports were true. Finally, toward the end of his life, Solomon's many wives influenced him to turn away from God.
Solomon's sin did not catch God off guard. Although God knew Solomon would sin, he continued to bless Solomon because of God's promise to David.
God is outside and above the Time-line. In that case, what we call "tomorrow" is visible to Him in just the same way as what we call "today". All the days are "now" for him. He does not remember you doing things yesterday; He simply sees you doing because though you have lost yesterday, He has not. He does not "forsee" you doing things tomorrow; He simply sees you doing them: because, though tomorrow is not yet here for you is is for him. You must never suppose that your actions at this moment are any less free because God knows what you are doing.
from: The Quotable Lewis
Applying it: What gifts has God given you? Money? Musical talent? Outgoing personality? Intelligence, sensitivity. or discipline? Find a way to use your gifts in service to God so that He receives the glory.
Exploring It: Purpose of Gifts - Romans 12:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 14:26; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6
FRIENDS:
Dear Father, use us to your glory. Take what we have to glorify you. Father help us to be willing vessels; help us to be aware of our gifts that you have so generously given each one of us and show us how you want us to use them. Father, we praise You and love You and thank You for all we have, for all comes from You. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
7. LUKE 22:14-23; HEBREWS 4:12-16; PROVERBS 21:17-31; ISAIAH 17-20
8. LUKE 22:24-30; HEBREWS 5; PROVERBS 22:1-16; ISAIAH 21-23
~The Sunshine of Life~
A poet once described friends as "the sunshine of life." I myself have found that the day is certainly much brighter when I'm sharing it with my friends. Enjoying fellowship is one of life's sweetest blessings and joys. What would we do without people and the many shadings of companionship and camaraderie? We need friends in our lives, friends with whom we not only discuss "deep" issues and confide out secrets, fears, or sorrows, but with whom we can laugh, play and even cry. The best times in life are made a thousand times better when shared with a dear friend.
Camaraderie is definitely a part of friendship, and camaraderie itself can often produce friendships, too. When we reach out to others, they reach out to us. It's a two-way street, a street practically lined with balloons and streamers in celebration of the unique bonds of friendship. by Luci Swindoll, You Bring the Confetti..this was in a book that was a gift from a Sister-friend and I just wanted to share it with all of you, my friends.
FOOD:
THE WHOLE JAR OF PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
"This cookie got its name because a whole 18-ounce jar of peanut butter is used to make it. It is the creamiest, moistest cookie I have ever had, and bound to be a favorite with anyone who makes them. Just don't over bake them!"
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (18 ounce) jar peanut butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped peanuts
1. In a large bowl, cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until Smooth. Add the eggs, yolks, and vanilla; mix until fluffy. Stir in peanut butter. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Finally, stir in the peanuts. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
3. Roll dough into walnut sized balls. Place on the prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Cookies should look dry on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet before removing to cool completely on a rack. These cookies taste great when slightly undercooked.
FUN:
Six year old Angie and her four year old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough.
"You're not supposed to talk out loud in church," she hissed at Joel.
"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel shot back.
Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door?"
Joel nodded.
"They're hushers."
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Partly Sunny
Thanks to the reader that sent this to me...
FAITH:
"Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:43 (NIV)
Last week my seven-year-old son and I were waiting for his sister to get her hair cut. As we sat in the waiting area, we had no choice but to listen to the radio that played in the background. The forecast came on and the announcer said that it was going to be partly cloudy. My son, who was playing with LEGOs® on the floor, stopped playing and looked up with an indignant look on his face. "Mom," he said, "That man said it's partly cloudy but it's not. It's partly sunny." Then he went back to playing.
Oh, to see the world the way my son did in that moment. He taught me a huge lesson on perspective that day and I have been mulling it over ever since.
Do I see my days as partly sunny or partly cloudy? Do I marvel at the wonders or get caught up in the mess? Do I consciously choose to alter my "glass half empty" mentality and choose to see it as half full? Do I rejoice in what I have or focus on what's missing?
Just for today, let's focus on the good things that happen, so they don't get lost in the shuffle of life. I hope that you will join me in seeking to see our days as partly sunny. Sure, a few clouds may enter our horizon, but that doesn't mean our outlook has to be altered.
Partly cloudy or partly sunny? My son taught me it's all in how I look at it. by Marybeth Whalen
Applying it: Look outside your window. Is the weather partly sunny or partly cloudy? Even if it's pouring down rain, praise God for what you see and where you are. Every time something happens today, determine that you are going to look for the "partly sunny" element. Do you have a tendency to see things from a "glass half empty" perspective? How can you change your thought process to intentionally see things in a more positive light?
Exploring it: Philippians 2:14-15, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. (NIV)
Daniel 12:3, "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." (NIV)
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, when life starts looking cloudy, help me to remember that the sun is still shining. Help me to take my negative, defeating thoughts captive and shift my perspective. Most of all, help me to remember that as one of Your children, I will someday shine like the sun in Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
5. LUKE 21:29-38; HEBREWS 3; PROVERBS 20:16-30; ISAIAH 11-13
6. LUKE 22:1-13; HEBREWS 4:1-11; PROVERBS 21:1-16; ISAIAH 14-16
Some facts about the Bible.....
* The word Bible comes for the Greek word Biblia, which literally means "books." So, reading the Bible is like reading 66 books. Think about it...the Bible was written by over 40 different authors.
* The Bible contains about 773, 692 words! It would take you approximately 70 hours to read the whole Bible out loud.
* The Old Testament was written in Hebrew. The New Testament was written in Greek. Now the Bible has been written in over 6,000 different languages around the world!
* The Star of Bethlehem was reported by Matthew, but at the same time Chinese astronomers recorded it, too. To the Chinese it was a bright, unknown star.
* A shepherd boy discovered old clay jars in a cave by the Dead Sea. The old jars contained dusty scrolls, which turned out to be ancient copies of the Old Testament.
* The shortest Old Testament book is Obadiah. It has 1 chapter with 21 verses.
* The shortest verse in the Old Testament is 1 Chronicles 1:25.
* The oldest parable in the Bible is in Judges 9:8-15.
* The Old Testament has more than 60 references to Jesus.
* The New Testament contains more than 260 Old Testament quotations.
* The shortest book in the New Testament is 2 John with 13 verses.
* The longest book in the New Testament is Acts. It has 28 chapters. Matthew also has 28 chapters, but it is shorter.
* The New Testament has 7,959 verses.
* Paul four of his letters in the Bible while in prison. They are Ephesians 3:1, Philippians 1:7, Colossians 4:3, and Philemon.
* The word Christian is first mentioned in the Bible in Acts 11:26. The word Christian is found in only two other places in the Bible: Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16.
* The oldest person in the Bible was Methuselah. He died when he was 969 years old.
* Isaiah prophesied most about the coming of Jesus. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 lists more than 20 things about Jesus, all of which are true.
* The strongest man in the Bible is Samson.
* The wisest man in the Bible is Solomon.
* The greatest warrior in the Bible is Gideon. With 300 men, 300 trumpets, and God, He defeated 135,000 Midianites.
* King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
* The biggest and tallest villain in the Bible is Goliath at over 9-1/2 feet tall.
* The number 7 appears many times in the Bible. It is often linked to perfection or completion.
* There were 12 tribes of Israel and 12 disciples.
* The number 40 is used many times in the Bible. It often means God is about to usher in a new event or era. For instances, rain during the flood lasted 40 days, spies explored Canaan for 40 days, Jonah warned Nineveh for 40 days, and Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days.
* The first book of the Bible tells of a serpent tempting Eve. The last book of the Bible calls Satan "that serpent of old, who is the Devil." (Genesis 3; Revelation 20:2).
* "Do not be afraid" appears 365 times in the Bible. Hmm, same amount of days in a year!
* A raven was the first animal out of the ark.
FOOD:
Snickers Peanut Butter Cookie
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
20 fun size Snickers candy bars
Cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugars. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, bakins soda and salt. Mix well.
Chill the resulting dough for 1 to 2 hours.
Take about 1/3 cup (about one ice cream scoop) of the dough and wrap it around a Snickers bar. Repeat, using the rest of the dough and Snickers bars.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 F (175 C) for 15 minutes. Makes 20 cookies.
FUN:
For Sale: must see to appreciate. 4 doorless sedan, one horsepower, air conditioned, No gas worries, burns oats. Act quickly, priced to sell.,
FAITH:
"Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:43 (NIV)
Last week my seven-year-old son and I were waiting for his sister to get her hair cut. As we sat in the waiting area, we had no choice but to listen to the radio that played in the background. The forecast came on and the announcer said that it was going to be partly cloudy. My son, who was playing with LEGOs® on the floor, stopped playing and looked up with an indignant look on his face. "Mom," he said, "That man said it's partly cloudy but it's not. It's partly sunny." Then he went back to playing.
Oh, to see the world the way my son did in that moment. He taught me a huge lesson on perspective that day and I have been mulling it over ever since.
Do I see my days as partly sunny or partly cloudy? Do I marvel at the wonders or get caught up in the mess? Do I consciously choose to alter my "glass half empty" mentality and choose to see it as half full? Do I rejoice in what I have or focus on what's missing?
Just for today, let's focus on the good things that happen, so they don't get lost in the shuffle of life. I hope that you will join me in seeking to see our days as partly sunny. Sure, a few clouds may enter our horizon, but that doesn't mean our outlook has to be altered.
Partly cloudy or partly sunny? My son taught me it's all in how I look at it. by Marybeth Whalen
Applying it: Look outside your window. Is the weather partly sunny or partly cloudy? Even if it's pouring down rain, praise God for what you see and where you are. Every time something happens today, determine that you are going to look for the "partly sunny" element. Do you have a tendency to see things from a "glass half empty" perspective? How can you change your thought process to intentionally see things in a more positive light?
Exploring it: Philippians 2:14-15, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. (NIV)
Daniel 12:3, "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." (NIV)
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, when life starts looking cloudy, help me to remember that the sun is still shining. Help me to take my negative, defeating thoughts captive and shift my perspective. Most of all, help me to remember that as one of Your children, I will someday shine like the sun in Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
5. LUKE 21:29-38; HEBREWS 3; PROVERBS 20:16-30; ISAIAH 11-13
6. LUKE 22:1-13; HEBREWS 4:1-11; PROVERBS 21:1-16; ISAIAH 14-16
Some facts about the Bible.....
* The word Bible comes for the Greek word Biblia, which literally means "books." So, reading the Bible is like reading 66 books. Think about it...the Bible was written by over 40 different authors.
* The Bible contains about 773, 692 words! It would take you approximately 70 hours to read the whole Bible out loud.
* The Old Testament was written in Hebrew. The New Testament was written in Greek. Now the Bible has been written in over 6,000 different languages around the world!
* The Star of Bethlehem was reported by Matthew, but at the same time Chinese astronomers recorded it, too. To the Chinese it was a bright, unknown star.
* A shepherd boy discovered old clay jars in a cave by the Dead Sea. The old jars contained dusty scrolls, which turned out to be ancient copies of the Old Testament.
* The shortest Old Testament book is Obadiah. It has 1 chapter with 21 verses.
* The shortest verse in the Old Testament is 1 Chronicles 1:25.
* The oldest parable in the Bible is in Judges 9:8-15.
* The Old Testament has more than 60 references to Jesus.
* The New Testament contains more than 260 Old Testament quotations.
* The shortest book in the New Testament is 2 John with 13 verses.
* The longest book in the New Testament is Acts. It has 28 chapters. Matthew also has 28 chapters, but it is shorter.
* The New Testament has 7,959 verses.
* Paul four of his letters in the Bible while in prison. They are Ephesians 3:1, Philippians 1:7, Colossians 4:3, and Philemon.
* The word Christian is first mentioned in the Bible in Acts 11:26. The word Christian is found in only two other places in the Bible: Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16.
* The oldest person in the Bible was Methuselah. He died when he was 969 years old.
* Isaiah prophesied most about the coming of Jesus. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 lists more than 20 things about Jesus, all of which are true.
* The strongest man in the Bible is Samson.
* The wisest man in the Bible is Solomon.
* The greatest warrior in the Bible is Gideon. With 300 men, 300 trumpets, and God, He defeated 135,000 Midianites.
* King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
* The biggest and tallest villain in the Bible is Goliath at over 9-1/2 feet tall.
* The number 7 appears many times in the Bible. It is often linked to perfection or completion.
* There were 12 tribes of Israel and 12 disciples.
* The number 40 is used many times in the Bible. It often means God is about to usher in a new event or era. For instances, rain during the flood lasted 40 days, spies explored Canaan for 40 days, Jonah warned Nineveh for 40 days, and Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days.
* The first book of the Bible tells of a serpent tempting Eve. The last book of the Bible calls Satan "that serpent of old, who is the Devil." (Genesis 3; Revelation 20:2).
* "Do not be afraid" appears 365 times in the Bible. Hmm, same amount of days in a year!
* A raven was the first animal out of the ark.
FOOD:
Snickers Peanut Butter Cookie
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
20 fun size Snickers candy bars
Cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugars. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, bakins soda and salt. Mix well.
Chill the resulting dough for 1 to 2 hours.
Take about 1/3 cup (about one ice cream scoop) of the dough and wrap it around a Snickers bar. Repeat, using the rest of the dough and Snickers bars.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 F (175 C) for 15 minutes. Makes 20 cookies.
FUN:
For Sale: must see to appreciate. 4 doorless sedan, one horsepower, air conditioned, No gas worries, burns oats. Act quickly, priced to sell.,
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Magnitude of God's Forgiveness
FAITH:
Matthew 18: 10-35
10 "Be careful. Don't think these little children are worth nothing. I tell you that they have angels in heaven who are always with my Father in heaven. 11 The Son of Man came to save lost people.
12 "If a man has a hundred sheep but one of the sheep gets lost, he will leave the other ninety-nine on the hill and go to look for the lost sheep. 13 I tell you the truth, if he finds it he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that were never lost. 14 In the same way, your Father in heaven does not want any of these little children to be lost.
15 "If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again. 16 But if he refuses to listen, go to him again and take one or two other people with you. 'Every case may be proved by two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him like a person who does not believe in God or like a tax collector.
18 "I tell you the truth, the things you don't allow on earth will be the things God does not allow. And the things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows. 19 "Also, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them."
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, when my fellow believer sins against me, how many times must I forgive him? Should I forgive him as many as seven times?"
22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, you must forgive him more than seven times. You must forgive him even if he wrongs you seventy times seven.
23 "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who decided to collect the money his servants owed him. 24 When the king began to collect his money, a servant who owed him several million dollars was brought to him. 25 But the servant did not have enough money to pay his master, the king. So the master ordered that everything the servant owned should be sold, even the servant's wife and children. Then the money would be used to pay the king what the servant owed.
26 "But the servant fell on his knees and begged, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything I owe.' 27 The master felt sorry for his servant and told him he did not have to pay it back. Then he let the servant go free.
28 "Later, that same servant found another servant who owed him a few dollars. The servant grabbed him around the neck and said, 'Pay me the money you owe me!'
29 "The other servant fell on his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything I owe.'
30 "But the first servant refused to be patient. He threw the other servant into prison until he could pay everything he owed. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very sorry. So they went and told their master all that had happened.
32 "Then the master called his servant in and said, 'You evil servant! Because you begged me to forget what you owed, I told you that you did not have to pay anything. 33 You should have showed mercy to that other servant, just as I showed mercy to you.' 34 The master was very angry and put the servant in prison to be punished until he could pay everything he owed.
35 "This king did what my heavenly Father will do to you if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
A lot of us live with a hidden fear that God is angry at us. Somewhere, sometime, some Sunday school class or some television show convinced us that God has a whip behind his back, a paddle in his back pocket, and he's going to nail us when we've gone too far. No concept could be more wrong! You Savior's Father is very fond of you and only wants to share his love with you.
Could you use the genuine fresh air of God's forgiveness? Would you love to stand in the approval of God again? How do you do it? By genuinely admitting to God that you've made a mistake, knowing that God loves you more than he hates your mistakes. And knowing that he will forgive those mistakes.
Does the Word of God say, "There is limited or some condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"? No. It says, "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Think of it---regardless of our sin, we are not guilty.
FRIENDS:
Father, we are not perfect but we are yours. we're not what we should be, but we do claim your salvation and your grace. We ask you to make us every day more and more into the image of your Son. We stand amazed that you would have such mercy upon us to forgive us time and time again. Thank you for the immeasurable depth of your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
3. LUKE 21:1-19; HEBREWS 2:1-9; PROVERBS 19:15-29; ISAIAH 6-8
4. LUKE 21: 20-28; HEBREWS 2:10-18; PROVERBS 20:1-15; ISAIAH 9-10
FOOD:
Beef Stroganoff Casserole in the Crock Pot
2 lbs chuck roast, cubed in 2-3 inch cubes
Approx 6 oz uncooked wide egg noodles
16 oz can condensed mushroom soup
8 oz can beef broth, fill empty can with warm water and add to crock pot.
4 oz sour cream
1 tsp salt, pepper to taste
Method
In crock pot add meat cubes, salt and pepper, and then uncooked noodles on top of meat. Then add beef broth, water, sour cream, and mushroom soup. Cook on medium heat for at least 6 hours, covered. There is no need to stir or mix ingredients. The soup, broth & water will make a tasty broth with the sour cream, meat and noodles.
Notes: Make sure you place the meat and noodles in the crock pot first so the noodles absorb the sauce and cook evenly. This recipe can also be made exactly the same way using an 8 oz bag of frozen meatballs, just as delicious! Number of Servings: 4-6
FUN:
There was once a small boy who banged a drum all day and loved every moment of it. He would not be quiet, no matter what anyone else said or did. Various attempts were made to do something about the child.
One person told the boy that he would, if he continued to make so much noise, perforate his eardrums. This reasoning was too advanced for the child, who was neither a scientist nor a scholar.
A second person told him that drum beating was a sacred activity and should be carried out only on special occasions. The third person offered the neighbors plugs for their ears; a fourth gave the boy a book; a fifth gave the neighbors books that described a method of controlling anger through biofeedback; a sixth person gave the boy meditation exercises to make him placid and docile. None of these attempts worked.
Eventually, a wise person came along with an effective motivation. He looked at the situation, handed the child a hammer and chisel, and asked, "I wonder what's inside the drum?"
Matthew 18: 10-35
10 "Be careful. Don't think these little children are worth nothing. I tell you that they have angels in heaven who are always with my Father in heaven. 11 The Son of Man came to save lost people.
12 "If a man has a hundred sheep but one of the sheep gets lost, he will leave the other ninety-nine on the hill and go to look for the lost sheep. 13 I tell you the truth, if he finds it he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that were never lost. 14 In the same way, your Father in heaven does not want any of these little children to be lost.
15 "If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again. 16 But if he refuses to listen, go to him again and take one or two other people with you. 'Every case may be proved by two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him like a person who does not believe in God or like a tax collector.
18 "I tell you the truth, the things you don't allow on earth will be the things God does not allow. And the things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows. 19 "Also, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them."
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, when my fellow believer sins against me, how many times must I forgive him? Should I forgive him as many as seven times?"
22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, you must forgive him more than seven times. You must forgive him even if he wrongs you seventy times seven.
23 "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who decided to collect the money his servants owed him. 24 When the king began to collect his money, a servant who owed him several million dollars was brought to him. 25 But the servant did not have enough money to pay his master, the king. So the master ordered that everything the servant owned should be sold, even the servant's wife and children. Then the money would be used to pay the king what the servant owed.
26 "But the servant fell on his knees and begged, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything I owe.' 27 The master felt sorry for his servant and told him he did not have to pay it back. Then he let the servant go free.
28 "Later, that same servant found another servant who owed him a few dollars. The servant grabbed him around the neck and said, 'Pay me the money you owe me!'
29 "The other servant fell on his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything I owe.'
30 "But the first servant refused to be patient. He threw the other servant into prison until he could pay everything he owed. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very sorry. So they went and told their master all that had happened.
32 "Then the master called his servant in and said, 'You evil servant! Because you begged me to forget what you owed, I told you that you did not have to pay anything. 33 You should have showed mercy to that other servant, just as I showed mercy to you.' 34 The master was very angry and put the servant in prison to be punished until he could pay everything he owed.
35 "This king did what my heavenly Father will do to you if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
A lot of us live with a hidden fear that God is angry at us. Somewhere, sometime, some Sunday school class or some television show convinced us that God has a whip behind his back, a paddle in his back pocket, and he's going to nail us when we've gone too far. No concept could be more wrong! You Savior's Father is very fond of you and only wants to share his love with you.
Could you use the genuine fresh air of God's forgiveness? Would you love to stand in the approval of God again? How do you do it? By genuinely admitting to God that you've made a mistake, knowing that God loves you more than he hates your mistakes. And knowing that he will forgive those mistakes.
Does the Word of God say, "There is limited or some condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"? No. It says, "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Think of it---regardless of our sin, we are not guilty.
FRIENDS:
Father, we are not perfect but we are yours. we're not what we should be, but we do claim your salvation and your grace. We ask you to make us every day more and more into the image of your Son. We stand amazed that you would have such mercy upon us to forgive us time and time again. Thank you for the immeasurable depth of your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
3. LUKE 21:1-19; HEBREWS 2:1-9; PROVERBS 19:15-29; ISAIAH 6-8
4. LUKE 21: 20-28; HEBREWS 2:10-18; PROVERBS 20:1-15; ISAIAH 9-10
FOOD:
Beef Stroganoff Casserole in the Crock Pot
2 lbs chuck roast, cubed in 2-3 inch cubes
Approx 6 oz uncooked wide egg noodles
16 oz can condensed mushroom soup
8 oz can beef broth, fill empty can with warm water and add to crock pot.
4 oz sour cream
1 tsp salt, pepper to taste
Method
In crock pot add meat cubes, salt and pepper, and then uncooked noodles on top of meat. Then add beef broth, water, sour cream, and mushroom soup. Cook on medium heat for at least 6 hours, covered. There is no need to stir or mix ingredients. The soup, broth & water will make a tasty broth with the sour cream, meat and noodles.
Notes: Make sure you place the meat and noodles in the crock pot first so the noodles absorb the sauce and cook evenly. This recipe can also be made exactly the same way using an 8 oz bag of frozen meatballs, just as delicious! Number of Servings: 4-6
FUN:
There was once a small boy who banged a drum all day and loved every moment of it. He would not be quiet, no matter what anyone else said or did. Various attempts were made to do something about the child.
One person told the boy that he would, if he continued to make so much noise, perforate his eardrums. This reasoning was too advanced for the child, who was neither a scientist nor a scholar.
A second person told him that drum beating was a sacred activity and should be carried out only on special occasions. The third person offered the neighbors plugs for their ears; a fourth gave the boy a book; a fifth gave the neighbors books that described a method of controlling anger through biofeedback; a sixth person gave the boy meditation exercises to make him placid and docile. None of these attempts worked.
Eventually, a wise person came along with an effective motivation. He looked at the situation, handed the child a hammer and chisel, and asked, "I wonder what's inside the drum?"
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
JOY
FAITH:
"She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. '...only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10:39, 42 (NIV)
I remember driving down the road with my verbose 3-year-old son riding in the back seat. He had been talking for quite some time, and this listener was getting tired. I broke into his monologue with a suggestion. "Anson, sweetheart, why don't you take a breath and rest a while?" With only a pause for my words, he blurted out, "But Mommy, I don't like to breathe. I like to talk..." and he continued his stream of speech. I sighed, chuckled and resumed listening.
Years later, that scene came back to my mind after a dinner with my friend Maggie. I had been listening to Maggie talk excitedly about the work God was doing in her life. She was a new believer, and she was experiencing the transformation of her life with wide-eyed wonder. Everything about her new relationship with God was fascinating and fresh. She emanated joy.
Although I was enjoying Maggie's passion, I started to wonder, "Where did my joy go?" I too could think of times when I had been consumed by watching and participating in the awesome work of God. I remembered mountain top experiences when I felt full of passion, fire and overwhelming joy. Yet here I was in the midst of one of the greatest times of kingdom building that I had ever experienced, and I felt empty, depleted and downright exhausted. "How did I get to this place?" I wondered to myself. I was teaching Sunday school, speaking and writing with regularity. God had opened doors wide for ministry, but my batteries were running low.
At the end of dinner, Maggie and I exchanged prayer requests. She gave me a few, and then it was my turn. I struggled internally with how real I could be. Maggie was a new Christian. Surely I would discourage her if I confessed a lack of joy and passion. God's still voice urged me to be transparent, though, and I found myself pouring out my heart in frustration. "I'm in God's Word every day as I prepare to teach," I explained to Maggie. "I'm always praying for the events and women where I'm going, but I feel wrung out and joyless. Please pray for me."
My sweet, wise friend looked compassionately at me for a minute before she asked an essential question, "When was the last time that you spent time reading the Bible and praying when you weren't preparing for something? How long has it been since you just spent time with God to enjoy Him?"
She had seen through all the spiritual rhetoric right to the source of the problem. Like my young son, I had been so busy talking to God--preparing, studying, delving, interceding, teaching, speaking--that I hadn't taken time to breathe in a deep breath of His Spirit. I hadn't taken time to worship God for who He is, to meditate on a juicy piece of His Word or to bask in His presence. In my drive to do all for an audience of One, I had forgotten to slow down and take time with the One I love.
Every day God reaches out to us with an incredible offer to spend time with our Creator and the Lover of our soul. Through prayer, Bible study and silence He faithfully fills us with His riches. We can walk away from time with Him full instead of empty; hopeful instead of despairing; peaceful instead of tumultuous.
After my discussion with Maggie, I chose to set time aside to just commune with God. Preparation time was separate. God is faithful! Joy returned and my passion was stoked. Join me now...one...two...three...breathe deep! by Amy Carroll
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, still my heart. Silence my voice. Open my ears and eyes. Help me to breathe in a deep breath of your Spirit. Only You are sufficient to fill me, and I long to find fullness in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
1. LUKE 20:27-40; HEBREWS 1:1-9; PROVERBS 18; ISAIAH 1-2
2. LUKE 20:41-47; HEBREWS 1:10-14; PROVERBS 19:1-14; ISAIAH 3-5
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Someone that imparts an aura of serenity
2. Being able to face the truth
3. Rural roadside stands selling pumpkins
4. Little girls playing house
5. Public transportation
6. A book that makes a difference in your life
7. Being missed
8. Things that are quiet and old and simple and ordinary and very real
9. The sight of the sun shimmering on a lake
10. Two people listening to each other.
FOOD:
Italian Sausage Meatball Soup for the Crock Pot
Sausage Meatballs
1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Soup
4 cups hot chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup mini pasta shells*
bag (10 ounces) baby spinach leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese
salt to taste
Directions
1. Combine all meatball ingredients. Form into marble-size balls.
2. Combine broth, tomato paste, garlic and red pepper flakes in 4
1/2-quart CROCK-POT® slow cooker. Add meatballs. Cover; cook on LOW 5
to 6 hours.
3. Thirty minutes before serving, add pasta. When pasta is tender,
stir in spinach leaves. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan
cheese and serve immediately.
FUN:
Coffee filters ..who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar STORE for almost nothing.
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave.
Coffee filters make excellent covers.
2.. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll
leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China
Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a
wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to
absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.
7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined
with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a
kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with
a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes..
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in
a coffee filter.
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of
coffee filters.
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken
fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."
"She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. '...only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10:39, 42 (NIV)
I remember driving down the road with my verbose 3-year-old son riding in the back seat. He had been talking for quite some time, and this listener was getting tired. I broke into his monologue with a suggestion. "Anson, sweetheart, why don't you take a breath and rest a while?" With only a pause for my words, he blurted out, "But Mommy, I don't like to breathe. I like to talk..." and he continued his stream of speech. I sighed, chuckled and resumed listening.
Years later, that scene came back to my mind after a dinner with my friend Maggie. I had been listening to Maggie talk excitedly about the work God was doing in her life. She was a new believer, and she was experiencing the transformation of her life with wide-eyed wonder. Everything about her new relationship with God was fascinating and fresh. She emanated joy.
Although I was enjoying Maggie's passion, I started to wonder, "Where did my joy go?" I too could think of times when I had been consumed by watching and participating in the awesome work of God. I remembered mountain top experiences when I felt full of passion, fire and overwhelming joy. Yet here I was in the midst of one of the greatest times of kingdom building that I had ever experienced, and I felt empty, depleted and downright exhausted. "How did I get to this place?" I wondered to myself. I was teaching Sunday school, speaking and writing with regularity. God had opened doors wide for ministry, but my batteries were running low.
At the end of dinner, Maggie and I exchanged prayer requests. She gave me a few, and then it was my turn. I struggled internally with how real I could be. Maggie was a new Christian. Surely I would discourage her if I confessed a lack of joy and passion. God's still voice urged me to be transparent, though, and I found myself pouring out my heart in frustration. "I'm in God's Word every day as I prepare to teach," I explained to Maggie. "I'm always praying for the events and women where I'm going, but I feel wrung out and joyless. Please pray for me."
My sweet, wise friend looked compassionately at me for a minute before she asked an essential question, "When was the last time that you spent time reading the Bible and praying when you weren't preparing for something? How long has it been since you just spent time with God to enjoy Him?"
She had seen through all the spiritual rhetoric right to the source of the problem. Like my young son, I had been so busy talking to God--preparing, studying, delving, interceding, teaching, speaking--that I hadn't taken time to breathe in a deep breath of His Spirit. I hadn't taken time to worship God for who He is, to meditate on a juicy piece of His Word or to bask in His presence. In my drive to do all for an audience of One, I had forgotten to slow down and take time with the One I love.
Every day God reaches out to us with an incredible offer to spend time with our Creator and the Lover of our soul. Through prayer, Bible study and silence He faithfully fills us with His riches. We can walk away from time with Him full instead of empty; hopeful instead of despairing; peaceful instead of tumultuous.
After my discussion with Maggie, I chose to set time aside to just commune with God. Preparation time was separate. God is faithful! Joy returned and my passion was stoked. Join me now...one...two...three...breathe deep! by Amy Carroll
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, still my heart. Silence my voice. Open my ears and eyes. Help me to breathe in a deep breath of your Spirit. Only You are sufficient to fill me, and I long to find fullness in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
1. LUKE 20:27-40; HEBREWS 1:1-9; PROVERBS 18; ISAIAH 1-2
2. LUKE 20:41-47; HEBREWS 1:10-14; PROVERBS 19:1-14; ISAIAH 3-5
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Someone that imparts an aura of serenity
2. Being able to face the truth
3. Rural roadside stands selling pumpkins
4. Little girls playing house
5. Public transportation
6. A book that makes a difference in your life
7. Being missed
8. Things that are quiet and old and simple and ordinary and very real
9. The sight of the sun shimmering on a lake
10. Two people listening to each other.
FOOD:
Italian Sausage Meatball Soup for the Crock Pot
Sausage Meatballs
1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Soup
4 cups hot chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup mini pasta shells*
bag (10 ounces) baby spinach leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese
salt to taste
Directions
1. Combine all meatball ingredients. Form into marble-size balls.
2. Combine broth, tomato paste, garlic and red pepper flakes in 4
1/2-quart CROCK-POT® slow cooker. Add meatballs. Cover; cook on LOW 5
to 6 hours.
3. Thirty minutes before serving, add pasta. When pasta is tender,
stir in spinach leaves. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan
cheese and serve immediately.
FUN:
Coffee filters ..who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar STORE for almost nothing.
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave.
Coffee filters make excellent covers.
2.. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll
leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China
Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a
wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to
absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.
7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined
with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a
kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with
a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes..
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in
a coffee filter.
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of
coffee filters.
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken
fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."
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About Me
- P-Dot
- Over the years of yo-yo dieting, Pills, and over eating I have ruined my metabolism. Here is how I am chosing to heal myself.
