From the Shadows to the Substance

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Sharing notes from our Pastor’s Sunday message from Colossians 2: 5-23.  He was reading from the Message Bible which is an illuminating transliteration.  The scriptures here are from the Message Bible

6-7 My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

Understand that your sins are forgiven, the slate has been wiped clean, and the warrants against you have been cancelled, now GO ahead and live IN Him.

Keep focused on Jesus for he is the center. He is the hub of the wheel. Jesus is Preeminent, most excellent and unsurpassed.

8-10 Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.

Jesus revealed the mysteries of the Kingdom through the parables he taught. His teachings are not secret to us, but may seem like foolishness to those who do not believe. To the unbeliever the mystery of the kingdom is but a riddle or a puzzle and often they “will” themselves to be shut off from the Truth of Salvation.

Jesus Christ is the KEY.  He is the solid rock, the corner stone and we are to build our lives on Him. He weaves the gospel like unto a tapestry and the beauty is revealed as you view the completed project.

The mysteries are open to the believer who has placed himself into Christ.  God's plan is shown to us through His Word.  It is not a secret.

So how can we live this mystery? The answer is simple and plain. Get in! Stay in.  

Be firmly rooted and grounded in Jesus.  Jesus said, “I am the vine and you are the branches, abide in me.”

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” His promises are Yes, yes and amen.

1.  Build your life on the Rock of ages for he is the unshakable foundation where we can safely trust.

2.  Let your life spill over with thanksgiving. A thankful person is a thinking individual.

3.  Live your life IN Christ understanding that He is IN you and you are in Him.

4.  Because of Jesus the power of sin has been broken. The slate has been wiped clean. We are forgiven.

This post has been shared at: Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday. Please visit there to view other posts. http://nebraskagraceful.blogspot.com/2011/07/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday-for.html

The following scriptures from Colossians in the Message Bible and are so enlightening, that I have included them here.

11-15 Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It's not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you're already in—insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin. If it's an initiation ritual you're after, you've already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.

16-17 So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.

18-19 Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are. They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.

20-23 So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? "Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!" Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they're just another way of showing off, making your selves look important.

This post was also shared at: In and around Mondays at:  http://seedlingsinstone.blogspot.com/

and at The Wellspring: http://www.lauraboggess.com/ 

Look Mommy I Picked Your Apples

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We had moved to a neighborhood full of young families and our small children were excited for us all to be in our new home.

Our back yard had virtually no landscaping, but one day my husband brought home a dwarf apple tree. I was thrilled because I knew that once it began to bare fruit we could enjoy home grown apples.

The first couple of years our little tree grew, but there were no blossoms. By the third year our tree began to bloom and small apples started to form.

The apples were a brilliant green, and when ripe I knew they would have lines of red running through them.

Faithfully I watered and tended my tiny tree. I was so hopeful to receive a nice harvest, but I knew it would take many weeks before they were ready.

One day, the back door opened and in walked my young four year old daughter holding up her dress like a basket. She called to me, “Look mommy, I picked your apples for you.”

Yes, she had stripped the tree clean and picked every one of those NOT - ripe apples.

In those days, I had absolutely no patience, and my response was not pleasant. You would have thought that I loved those apples more than my daughter by the way I acted.

Poor little thing, she was broken hearted because I was so upset. Here she was trying to be helpful and this was her way of showing love for her mother.

How could she ever understand at this young age that what she meant for good turned out all wrong in my eyes?

I was reminded of Jonah when he was angry at God for not destroying Nineveh. He went off by himself and pouted and had his own pity party. God send a gourd to quickly grow up causing the leaves to shelter him by providing shade from the hot sun. Then God caused a warm wind to destroy the vine causing it to wither and die.  This upset Jonah terribly. He questioned God, WHY?  God told him, are you more concerned about that vine, than you are about all the innocent children in that city who would have perished?

When I think of these and other incidents when I could have reacted so very much better, I am ashamed and sorrowful, wishing I could go back and do it over again this time being all that I should have been.

However my daughter has forgiven me, and God has forgiven me.

We have all been guilty of being too harsh at times, with those we love. May God help us all to remember that people are more important than things!

People are even more important than a basket of freshly picked apples!

I am not including a recipe today, but do enjoy a nice fresh apple as they are in season!

This post has been entered in Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/  Do amble on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Also shared at: http://www.beholdingglory.com/index.html  Bragging on God Fridays

Truth and Lies

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Wounded lover hearing lies and wanting truth!

Love will win if spoken from the heart.

Enemy of our soul is the chief liar, the first one.

Arrows of pain strike their mark!

Swell and fill the void where lies have touched my soul,

I welcome love to enter and remain,

Lies cannot stay and they will not prevail,

The gentle Holy Spirit refreshes with His rain!

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This poem was Inspired from a Sestina poem by “Anna” on Path of Treasure on http://pathoftreasure.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/truth-vs-lies-a-sestina/

Do view her site and notice the format for the Sestina, which Anna Gives there.

I must learn more about these types of poety one of these days!

Porch Swing

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Glancing through the Sunday paper, we spied a porch swing on sale at the local Oklahoma Builders Supply.

The heavy duty chains were strong enough to support our weight and the swing would hang from hooks attached to the porch ceiling.

Our back porch was like a covered deck that extended just outside our kitchen door and along the windows. This was the ideal place to hang our treasured swing.

Resting in the welcoming arms of the mounted swing we could view the cows munching the grass in the pasture just the other side of our rear cyclone fence.

Early in the mornings we would enjoy a second cup of coffee while the air was still cool.

In the evenings we would watch the fire flies dance and demonstrate a fireworks show.

The relaxing sway of the swing would lovingly relieve our tension and the rush of the day.

There is something calming and comforting about a swing that soothes our thoughts and relieves the stress that we often carry with us.

Our gentle swing was like a therapy, a place to unwind, settle down, and to let go of those things that bother. A place to release our anxiety and worry, and to simply rest in God our Savior.

I searched on my favorite online Bible: http://www.e-sword.net/  for the word “porch” and most references referred to the porch of the Temple. There was also a porch where the Priest would present the burnt sacrifices on the alter.

Our porch with its swing was also like a temple to us as we could reflect on the Lord and pray for those we loved and cared for.  It was a quieting place, and a place of sacrifice, giving up our will for the will of the Father.

Just thinking about that swing reminds me of that old Gospel spiritual “Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Coming for to carry me Home.” It was Elijah who was carried up into heaven in such a swinging chariot.

You Tube has Johnny Cashing singing "SWING Low Sweet Chariot along with the lyrics:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyZ128zVEr4

In my vivid imagination I can envision God having a front porch equipped with a swing where he sits and dangles his feet as he sways and bends down to smile upon his children.

Job 28:4 “Forgotten by the foot; They hang and swings to and fro far from men”.

This post has been shared at “One Word at a Time”   Please SWING by there and view the other posts using the word Swing.  http://peterpollock.com/2011/07/swings-blog-carnival/

Little is much when God is in it!

 

Jesus is My Master
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Sunday Pastor Carl read from Colossians 1:14-23. The following is a gleaning as I took notes:

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) should all fullness dwell - -

The city of Colossi was a tiny village and God has chosen the small things of this world that He might show his power though those who consider themselves little in their own eyes.

1. Jesus illustrated that small faith even as infinitesimal as a mustard seed will accomplish great things.

2. A cup of water given in His name will receive a reward.

3. Jesus used a young boy’s small lunch to feed a multitude.

4. Great things come in small packages and God can use even the least of us for His glory as we submit to him.

5. Jesus called the lowly fishermen to be his followers, and told them that they would become fishers of men. Peter later wrote two books of the Bible and a transformed Peter reached out to strengthen and influence the believers of that day and of ours.

Jesus brings meaning to our lives as we worship him and bow down before Him. He brought us redemption through His blood.

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By Him all things consist as Jesus is the Head of the body. The Head controls the body and gives it direction. The church is His body. Not this church membership or a building, but the collection of all Christian believers, washed in His blood, scattered world wide are the body of Christ. 

Understand that as a born again believer, "You are the Church."

We as Christians must learn to practice the presence of Jesus daily as we walk with him.

Thomas said he would not believe that Jesus was raised from the dead until he could see and touch Him. Jesus gave Thomas the opportunity to touch and see, and then He stated that blessed are those who believe and have not seen.

There is so much beyond us that we have not seen, yet we believe. There are angels all around us ministering in our behalf. There is an old hymn that says, “I love to tell the story of UNSEEN things above, of Jesus and His glory of Jesus and His love.”

Unseen is The Holy Spirit hovering and gently moving over all the earth, wooing and bringing men and women to Christ. We are to work together with the Holy Spirit and with other Christians because God uses people to preach and teach the Good News to others.

We serve a Living Savior and He is in the Father, the Father is in Him, and He is in us! Amazing to know that Jesus lives in ME by his Holy Spirit.

Jesus has conquered every enemy, saving us He loves us, and there is no limit to His love. Jesus Christ must be Preeminent in all things. Let us serve him with our Love.

If you have not received Jesus as your Savior I beg of you to repent of your sins and ask Jesus to come into your life.  He died on the cross for you, but he rose from the dead after three days and he is alive for ever more.

 

Praying in the Spirit

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My eyes are closed and my thoughts are open and directed toward you O Lord,

Yet I see into worlds unknown by others, and you are there,

Your presence enfolds me to your bosom, and your arms hold me secure,

I are helplessly, transfixed as I realize your very virtue flows through me here!

I sense your gentle touch reach out - - over the miles, through space and time,

In rapture my prayers flow out through you to those in need and those in pain,

You are there already before my voice did call or mention the need!

Though darkened vision, their faces are yet before me as I call their name.

If you are there already, why must I agonize these words of request?

Are you requiring that two or three are enough to send the enemy on his way?

Do you need someone to “stand in the gap” and stir the healing flow?

Patiently and soberly my petition is brought before you and there I let it lay!

Is it enough to ask once and believe that you have heard?

Should now my prayers be words of thanksgiving and praise?

I know that behind the scenes you are working in their behalf,

My trust is in you, and all your Word declares and says!

I wait and rise for now, shake and alert me again when need is there,

Your word declares that you alone are God and you know our frame is as dust,

Willing to intercede and be your vessel I lean on you, Use me O God, for I am here!

Your hand moves when we ask in faith, and it is in you we place our trust.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.

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Tuna Casserole in a hurry!

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The weather was warm, and the workers at church had been tending the church yard all morning. There was fresh lemonade, which helped during the early hours, but now it was almost lunch time.  I had not gone to help that day, and I was at home.

My telephone rang; it was my husband, and he sounded almost frantic. He asked, “What can you fix real quick so these workers here at the church can have a nice lunch?”  He continued, "We have two cakes but that is all." 

I told him not to worry, that I would be there in about half an hour with something!

Quickly I put on 4 cups of water with some olive oil and a bit of salt into a large kettle. When it began to boil, in went 2 cups of white rice that I had rinsed well. Turning down the burner, I timed it for 18 minutes.

Next into another pot went 5 cans of green beans with some crumbled bacon left over from breakfast. I added some dried onion flakes and let the beans simmer.

While the rice cooked, I chopped up a head of lettuce; graded up a carrot, tossed in some sliced radishes, with a couple chopped tomatoes, for a salad. Also I made certain that I had plenty of my Famous French dressing in a mason jar.

I had a full loaf of French bread so I quickly and thinly sliced and buttered it.

The rice was nearly done, so I opened two cans of tuna, drained it and set it aside. Next I opened two cans of Cream of Chicken Soup and filled a measuring cup with 1 1/2 cups of milk from the refrigerator.

My timer bell went off and I tested the rice. It was perfect. In went the soup, the tuna, the milk and a quick stirring for another minute, turned off the heat and I put the lid back on.

The salad went into a large carrying plastic bowl and then into my station wagon. In the back of my wagon were some cardboard boxes that I used to separate groceries when I shop. In those boxes went my two kettles the bread, and not to forget, my famous French salad dressing.  I knew there were serving bowls at church, and my pots would travel well until we arrived.

Ten minutes drive to the church, got me there just in time to see all the fellows washing up for lunch. One of their wives had made coffee, set the table with napkins, paper plates, cups and plastic utensils. I could see the two cakes sliced and sitting on the table.

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AND the workers were also ready! Just like Jack Sprat and his wife, they licked the platter clean.

The recipe for the rice dish that went to the church was doubled. For your family you may need to divide it in half.

For our household it was always a quick fix for our dinner when meat was scarce and we were in a hurry. The chicken soup made the tuna almost taste like chicken.  Almost  that is !!

This post has been entered in Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/

Do visit her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Tuna Rice Casserole

2 cups water boiling

1 Tablespoon oil or butter

1 cup white rice

1/2 chopped onion (optional)

Reduce heat and simmer 18 minutes with lid on.

Add the next ingredients all at once and stir well and place lid back on and let sit a few minutes.

1 or 2 cans tuna drained
1 can cream of chicken soup

3/4 cup milk

(Optional) 1 cup canned green peas

Thou Shall Not Hit your Neighbor!

When my friend next door reported to me that our young son had hit their little girl, I was shocked. We had taught our children not to hit each other, and to hit our neighbor friends was unthinkable.

Taking our son aside, I asked him, “Why did you hit Gayle? Is there a reason you did this to her?”

Out it came, the best reason on earth to hit your neighbor. His reply was, “She said she was Davie Crocket - - and I WAS Davie Crocket!!”

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Covering my mouth, I had to keep myself from laughing, because to me this was so funny!

Davie Crocket was big on TV in those days, and to be like Davie was the dream of every red blooded young boy, and apparently little girls too!

Explaining to our son that hitting your neighbor was simply unacceptable was not an easy task. After a long talk, we marched over to the neighbors, and Gayle received an apology for the hit.

I might say our son never resorted to hitting again.

As adults we probably may not get into actual battering fights, but often there are neighborhood arguments that are just as silly as wanting to be Davie Crocket.

I am thinking of some friends who argue with neighbors about bushes too close to their fence, and dogs barking late at night.  

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We had some Pastor friends who specialized in teaching Marriage seminars. He confided that each time they started out to do one of these Marriage meetings; he and she would almost have their own divorce!

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Satan is so crafty, and we must be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.  Sometimes it is better to just let those little nit picking things go!

If needs be that we must fight let it be the Fight of FAITH.   1Timothy 6:12 Let us fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

In the long run, does it really matter who gets to be Davie Crocket?

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 

If you enjoyed my story, you may like Floyds post- - - click here:

http://theregoi.com/finding-floyd/remember-the-alamo/

My post was also shared at Bonnie Faith Jam, Please visit there by clicking below.

http://www.faithbarista.com/2011/07/get-rebellious-to-become-lifegiving/ 

And also shared at The WellSpring:   http://www.lauraboggess.com/ 

Prayer Request for today

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I have a special request today. Will you please take a moment?

I am asking you to please read the post of Sheila one of my blogging friends.

Another blogging friend has just received her Doctors report that the cancer is back.

Sheila is requesting that we all agree and pray the prayer of faith that you will view here on her site:

Include any loved ones fighting cancer who also need this prayer.

http://www.godspotting.net/2011/07/urgent-request-we-interrupt-this-blog.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GodspottingWithSheila+%28Godspotting+with+Sheila%29

Thank you my dear online friends ! 

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Look at me! I need to be recognized!!

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It was always a mystery to me, but as was the usual case, when our children were small, and the telephone rang, it seemed to be a signal for them to act up.

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Thus ensued the resulting arguments, and word fights, (they were not allowed the hitting kind of fights.)

Most of the time, the telephone conversation was cut short in-order to bring peace back into our household.

Were my children making a demand for attention? Was it something that happens in other households?

I never actually discovered the answer but could only surmise.

Today our children are no longer under our roof, and most of them including our grandchildren have their own smart phones with their own agenda. They are busy with their multi-tasking work, school and play.

Back to our house hold today, it does not take the telephone to ring. We have three dogs who equally demand attention any time of day.  If one gets scratched behind the ears and spoken to, quickly rush the other two pushing their way to get in between and to be number one.

There seems to be a driven force within mankind and even animals to be recognized. To be seen, appreciated, understand and accepted.

I am reminded where Jesus instructed us about our good works, that they are to be done in secret and not competing for recognition.

Jesus must have been referring to the extreme mature believer. Because there are times when it is necessary and important to give honor where honor is due.

“Look at me, Look at me,” called our young children when they accomplished a task or an achievement that was significant in their immature life. To ignore them was unthinkable and they needed this reassurance that they were doing well and learning at best.

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It is not only children and new believers who need encouragement that they are doing a good work as they serve the Lord, but teachers, helpers, the staff in your church, including your Pastor.  A word spoken in earnest kindness does lift the spirits.

Good words spoken are like jewels gifted.  Have you given any good words lately?

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Sharing this post at Playdates with God:  Please go there and view other awesome posts   http://www.lauraboggess.com/2011/07/playdates-with-god-happy-feet.html

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By Him All Things Consist

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Digesting our Sunday Worship as our Pastor read from Colossians 1:1-20.

Colossians 1:18 (KJV) And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

The word that the Pastor selected to emphasize was “Preeminence.” Jesus is preeminent, he was with the Father when all things were created, and by Him all things consist.

Jesus has Supremacy, is Superior and there are no other Gods, persons or religions in comparison to Him.

By His Holy Spirit He gives us wisdom, and teaches us all things. He warms our heart, and inspires us to do God’s will.

In Colossians the word ALL is mentioned 14 times and is translated Superior. Jesus is Lord of All and there is no other above Him or in comparison to Him.

I am reminded that there is “NO other Name by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

In this world the problem is that there are many false prophets and false religions claiming that they are the Way to Heaven.  Some are prideful and declare that they do more Good Works than the Christians.

Some have weird spiritual revelations and strange doctrines, some are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.

We cannot place Jesus on the same level as other religions, because He is All in All and Master of everything.

Through Jesus we receive the wisdom and power of God unto Salvation. His gift to us is a quality of wisdom that bears the fruit of the Spirit,

In Him there is no fear, because he is perfect Love, and Love casts out all fear. Our fear of God is an awe in knowing that he is all powerful and that we can safely worship, trust and praise Him.

He is greater than we can even imagine. He is preeminent!

Jesus is the magnificent obsession and He is everything; Lord of all, merciful, forgiving, He is our sacrifice, our deliverer, our healer, our inheritance.

Do others accuse you of being obsessed with Jesus?

The Green Suit

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My memory was triggered as I read Floyds post on “Fashion.” You might enjoy his interesting post at http://theregoi.com/finding-floyd/a-fashion-sense/

I was reminded that many years ago I had lots of fun shopping at a local “close-out” store. They often had the best bargains and usually one of a kind, items at just the right price.

One day I spotted this “reasonably priced” and very pretty man’s suit in just my husband’s size. The only thing was it was a nice lime green color and I debated if I should purchase it or not. Finally I decided to take a chance and bring it home with me.

That evening when my hubby arrived home from work, I surprised him with my lovely purchase!!

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He took one look at it, and told me to march right back to the store and get my money back and to please let him pick out his own clothes!! Needless to say, I took it back!!

That was many years ago, and today he does allow me to buy his lounging pants for indoors but never a suit or shoes!

I am reminded that our clothing does not matter to God. He is not impressed if we wear fine apparel.  Rather God is looking at our heart.

1Samuel 16:7 “For man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

I have always believed that when we attend church that we should be dressed clean and in appropriate clothing. I have seen some ladies wearing shorts and halter tops that embarrassed me to no end.

I suppose that God was looking at their heart while I was judging them.

God is interested in the person we are on the inside. Are you a person that God will be pleased with when he takes a look at your heart?

This post was shared at: Saturday hop Between the Lines
http://www.betweenthelines-kel.com/   Do visit the site and enjoy the posts there.

Oat Bran Muffins

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While shopping at my local store I notice they had some large stoneware bins in one area, where you could help yourself to grains, rice and other selections. They even had recipes for some of the featured items there.

I pulled off a recipe for Oat Bran Muffins and then decided to scoop out several cups of oat bran into a plastic bag and add it in with my other shopping. It was a good choice!

Healthy and full of fiber, any left over muffins would be a simple breakfast to warm quickly in the micro-wave.

In my cupboard at home, was everything else I needed so I was prepared to bake.

Here is the recipe and I hope you will enjoy my muffins too.

Oat Bran Muffins

2 1/4 cup oat bran
1 Tablespoon baking powder (not soda)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey or molasses
1 1/4 cup milk
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons Olive oil
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (or pumpkin seeds)
1 cup shredded or chopped fruit (I like apples but you can add peaches, bananas, zucchini, carrots or pumpkin) what ever you have on hand.

Mix well and pour into 12 cup muffin tins. Bake at 425 degrees for 17 minutes.

This post has been entered in Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do visit her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

The New Girl Teaches the Old

     New Girl

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Excited about my new job with our County, I settled in as we collected the child support checks and entering the payments into the computer. 

At the time, the county was financially stressed, and all the employees had agreed to a 10% cut in pay. This was arrived at by working a 36 hour week instead of 40 hours. We were also cramped for space, so there was a rotation of an early shift and a later shift. I arrived at 4:00 pm and worked until 12:30 am, which was just fine with me.

Across the lobby was another facet of our department, the Enforcement officers who worked until 5:30 pm.

Although I had only worked for less than a month, my supervisor had instructed me how to update some information into the computer from the case files. Each case needed this computer update and it had been arranged for me to teach the Enforcement Officers how to correctly enter this data in sequence.

We met and I briefly explained to my co-workers what to do and they began to complete their task. If they had a question, they raised their hand, and this new girl at the office (me) would help them solve their problem.

Although I was the “new girl,” they did not resent me nor were they offended by my telling them how to complete this assignment.  I was representing Jesus and even at work I was endeavoring to be His example.

1Timothy 4:12  Let no man despise thy youth (or age); but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

One good thing that this accomplished was; “Many hands make light work,” and also I was quickly introduced to these lovely ladies who became my friends for the next several years.

As time went by and the County financial problems became less threatening, we were able to move to a larger location and return to a 40 hour week. Now we were all at one site and we no longer needed to work in two shifts.

One nice thing about this job was that we were allowed to work four 10 hour days with Fridays off. Later because some wanted the office open on Friday, we were offered a flex schedule and could decide to have Monday or Friday off what ever we preferred.

When you are the “New Person,” at work, or at your church, or school, if often takes time to become comfortable and to feel welcome and to “fit in.”  It also takes FAITH to step up and do what needs to be done.

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One thing that always helped me was to act like I belonged already - - and that this was MY job, My Church, or My School.  I took personal possession and made it mine.

That is the way we each must do with God, to see Him as MY GOD and He is our Personal Savior.

If you are having a lost feeling, may I remind you that you are a brave and courageous person, because of whom it is that lives inside YOU.

So never fear, just hold your head high because YOU are needed, and it just may be that you will be called on to help someone who has been there much longer than you.

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This post has been shared at:

and also was shared at:
Bonnie's Faith Jam at http://www.faithbarista.com/2011/07/what-you-fear-most-is-where-faith-grows/



Peter on the Porch

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Considering again on Monday what was heard on Sunday. 

Our Pastor read from:  I Peter 1:1-5

Peter was an emotional, boisterous, loyal, quick tempered, tough as nails, gentle as a lamb, follower of Jesus Christ.

As Jesus was seized by soldiers in the garden, it was Peter who hastily cut off the ear of one of the men. Jesus took the ear and placed it back on the face of the angry warrior, instantly healing his severed ear.

Many disciples fled when Jesus was taken hostage, but Peter followed and waited in the court yard near the porch. It was here that he denied that he even knew Jesus.

Peter was a loud mouth with his foot often found there.

Simon son of Jona, was one of the first to be called by Jesus. Matthew 4:18 Jesus told Peter and his brother, that "I will make you fishers of men."

Peter was the first to receive a new name, Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter.

He was first to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. Matthew 16:16 Thou art the Christ.

Peter was first to deny Jesus. He then retreated to the Porch.

Mark 14:68 He denied it: "I don't know what you're talking about." He went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.

He was first to repent and ask God for forgiveness...

He was first to escape from prison.

First to die in a similar way as Jesus did. Legend tells us Peter was crucified upside down as he said he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus did..

In the letters written by Peter, he gives the Church HOPE for now and in the future. Not wishful thinking but a surety of a new and abundant Life in Jesus.

Peter writes a Living Trust written in Blood so that we might have an incorruptible Living Hope in the Lord and a life eternally more precious than fine gold. Rejoice greatly for your Name is written in the Lamb’s book of Life.

Rejoice for there is ahead a banquet of glory, (not a pot luck) but a feast.

Even the Angels will observe and marvel in wonder as we rejoice and sing the song of the redeemed. Angels can praise God and adore Him, but they cannot understand and sing the songs of redemption.

If your name is not written there, it only takes a moment to receive Jesus and invite him into your life. He then writes your name in that book which entitles you to eternal life.

If you have not already done so - - - Do not delay, receive Jesus today.


This post has been entered in “Changing the World One Word at a Time” Please visit and check out the other great posts at: http://peterpollock.com/2011/07/porch-blog-carnival/

Berry Pie

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Sunday after church we had a fellowship time with pie and ice cream. I was pleased with a lovely slice of berry pie and it was soooo good.

This reminded me of the home where I grew up. My folks had a long row of boysenberries, with not many thorns and they were virtually seedless. Mother made the most amazing berry pie and we enjoyed it hot out of the oven.

We could not afford ice cream, but mother would make a whip cream topping that was just as good.

Our milk was home delivered and not pasteurized and homogenized like milk is today. Mom would pour off enough cream from the bottles and save it to make whipping cream.

Fresh picked berries will be good no matter if served plain, on a cake or just eaten off the bush!

I am reminded of the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve could pick the fruit anytime they were hungry. It must have been the most tasty and delicious food because in the garden everything was perfect. That is - - - until - - - Oh that sad day when Adam and Eve sinned and we must also reap the curse of what they sowed.

Now we have to fight weeds, bugs, chiggers, and critters, which often eat from our garden before we can harvest it.

The Bible tells us that when we arrive in heaven there will be the tree of Life with twelve different kinds of fruit - - All on one tree !!

It is difficult to imagine all the glories waiting in heaven for the redeemed.

I certainly do not want to miss heaven and receiving Jesus will reserve you an honored place there.

Revelation 22:2 On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

A Bowl of Beans

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When I was quite young, we lived a city block away from the Rail road trains. I loved to run down to the corner and wave at the engineers.  They always waved back and blew their loud whistle.

There were men who rode the freight trains trying to get to a different city, perhaps to return to their home, or they might be looking for work. We called them Hobo’s. I suppose today we would call them homeless men.

One day, there was a knock at our back door and a clean man, neatly dressed in a suit told my dad that he was down on his luck and was hungry. He asked if he could do some work for us in exchange for some food.

My dad took one look at him and invited him to come in and sit at our kitchen table.

A big pot of red beans was cooking on the store and that was to be our dinner. However mother always cooked plenty so there could be some left over if anyone was hungry later.

Mother had just removed a huge pan of corn bread from the oven and she began to slice a large portion for our guest.  Our kitchen must have smelled like heaven to that dear man!

Dad scooped up a big bowl of the steaming beans and set it before our visitor.

It was evident that this gentleman was telling the truth that he was hungry, because he ate those beans and corn bread with a vengeance. I can remember as a small child, watching him and thinking that I was glad he came to our house.

This was not the first man who had knocked on our door and probably wasn’t the last one either, but my parents always fed whoever requested something to eat. They did not require them to work for it or to pay them money. For the hungry person it was FREE.

I am reminded that this is just like our Lord? When our spirits are hungry for God, He gives to us freely because Jesus has already paid for our salvation by his death, burial and resurrection. It is up to us to receive what He has provided for us.

I am also reminded that the Bible tells us that when we give to those in need, that we are giving as unto the Lord. It is the same as if we were presenting gifts unto Jesus himself.

In another scripture, it says, that some have entertained angels unawares!!

Wow that truly is an amazing thought!!

I suppose that we will never know on this earth, who we have actually entertained, but one day those secrets will be revealed to us when we arrive in heaven.

In the mean time, as you have opportunity, do good unto all persons.

Scroll down for the Recipe for Home Made Chili Beans

This post was inspired by Floyd’s post about “A Homeless man.” Please read his post at: http://theregoi.com/finding-floyd/a-homeless-man/

This post has been entered in Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do visit her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

HOMEMADE CHILI WITH BEANS

1 pound bag of pinto beans or kidney beans soaked over night
in three times their volume of cold water before cooking.
Brown and cook these ingredients separately and add when beans are done.

1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp. salad oil
4 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 large chopped onion
1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
2 cans tomatoes
1 cup water
2 tbsp. flour

After soaking the beans, drain and add fresh water to the cooking pot.

Bring the beans to a boil, and then lower the heat and simmer for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

Do not add other ingredients until beans are tender.

Beans are done when they can be easily mashed between two fingers or with a fork. Always test a few beans in case they have not cooked evenly

While beans cook, do not add salt or acidic ingredients, like vinegar, tomatoes or tomato juice, as this will slow the cooking process. Instead, add these ingredients when the beans are just tender.

In a large skillet, brown ground beef; add chili powder, salt, sugar, onion, green pepper, tomatoes, and water. Simmer until all is cooked. Add rest of ingredients, mixing flour with liquid from beans for thickening.
Serve with hot corn bread and if you like a fresh green salad.

Wait until I get you Home !!

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Through out life there are lessons to learn and some of those learning experiences come at a very young age.

I couldn’t have been more than four years old, and my mother and the three of us children went to visit some neighbors. They did not live very far away so a nice stroll took us there.

What seemed like a very LONG time, I became very tired and bored! The ladies were enjoying their tea and talking, but I wanted to leave and go home.

First I saddled up close to my mother sitting at her feet and thought she might catch on. This did not work, and she was ignoring me to say the least.

Then I tried another tactic, I began to call her name, mama, mama, - - but she would not give me the time of day.  She completely disregarded me!!!

In desperation, to get her to notice me, I reached up and slapped her face a nice sort of smack - whack.
Guess what? That got her attention right away and she looked down at me and made a statement that only a mother can make.

“Wait until I get you home!”

Now all of a sudden, I became patient and could wait with all the time we needed for us to leave.

We had walked to our visit destination, so marching home was again no other choice to get us back home again.

I tried to change the air by talking about things as we ambled along. I was hoping that my chatter would cause my mother to forget what I knew was waiting for me when we arrived at home.

One thing my mother never forgot was: A promise was a promise, good or bad, and sure enough she reminded me of the “WHY” this punishment was being applied.

“Never hit or strike your parents! NO matter what! This is unacceptable behavior!!”
This was one lesson that I quickly learned and it was never repeated.

The Bible instructs us to obey our parents, and this also applies to our Heavenly Father.

In life, there are some things we need to review. If we could only remember the WHY and why NOT, all would be much simpler.

This post has been entered in Faith Barista’s Blog JAM, see other entries at: http://www.faithbarista.com/2011/07/why-ordinary-holds-extraordinary-value-to-god/

Be filled with the Holy Spirit and you will Not need to Fear Demons

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A book review was recently sent to me from a friend who thought I might enjoy reading it. The book was about Spiritual Warfare, and the review was extremely negative. The book was also lop-sided.

The gentleman who wrote the review claims to be agnostic and is definitely not certain of his relationship with Jesus.

If he wonders about a God, he certainly must not believe in Satan or in Angels, and demons (which are fallen angels.)

Yes, there is a God, there are angels, a devil and demons, but I also know that it is NOT spiritually healthy to dwell with your thoughts on devils and demons.  It is better to think on things that are lovely, pure and of good report.

As I read the review, it seemed to me that both men were in left field and neither of them in my opinion has it all together.

This man doing the review is so heated and hostile as he attacks the minister who wrote a book. Interesting how angry this man gets while he delivers this book review.

I am reminded of the verse in Proverbs that says

Proverbs 22:24 - 25 Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.

I have found that those who YELL and holler to get their point across are probably wrong.

INSTEAD, I find that if I am full of the HOLY SPIRIT, I do not need to worry about the Unholy kind of spirits. The Bible instructs us to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit.

I do NOT spend my time in “Spiritual Warfare” but I do believe it is sometimes necessary.

I believe in Intercessory prayer, and I practice praying in the Spirit. This will get the job done in most cases.

If a prayer for deliverance is needed, then God will direct you in that also.

So what to do? - - For your spiritual health, it is better not to follow those who criticize and tear down others.  Read and study the Bible for yourself and see if these things are actually so.

I have included a few scriptures that are on fighting the Good Fight for a Christian.

There are others but these are excellent.

We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds... break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God... conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT)


...now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13:11-14 NKJV)


He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV)


You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 NKJV)

NOT Good Enough!!

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“No man (or woman) is good enough for my daughter (or my son).” Most parents think those thoughts when their child brings home someone they plan to marry.  Dad's and also Mother’s are like that !!

When two young adults are in love, they are usually not willing to receive unwanted advice from their parents. 

Loving parents by adding their heartfelt objections and opinions, can create a rift - - a mile wide that may be difficult to cross later. 

Once counsel given, it is time to leave it alone, and from this time forward - - to love and support them.

Pray that their spiritual ears will be opened to hear God’s voice. They are probably not ready to hear their parent's voices!!

The best solution is to PRAY that Saul will turn into PAUL soon and very soon. Only God can change your child’s beloved, you certainly cannot modify or transform him.

Many young people today are determined to find a mate even if it means lowering their standards.

Convictions once honored are pushed aside by the worldly influences. They are not able to see beyond today, and they may be in for some butting heads later on in days of the future.

So what are parents to do? If you have given your children a solid foundation as they grew up, and they have made their personal decision to follow Jesus - - Now you must allow them freedom to make their choices and also their own mistakes.  It may be difficult but youth need their parents to support them in their happiness and in their pain.

I can remember when one of my friend’s sons telephoned her to let her know that his girl friend was pregnant. This was NOT the time for her to rant and rave! So she simply said, “Well congratulations.” And to his girlfriend who was also on the line - - she said, “How are you feeling, dear?”

Turned out that in a few weeks, the girl friend miscarried, and the boy took that as a clue to break up with her.  He did not like that trapped feeling and accepted this as a sign to escape.

Are you in a situation that you feel you cannot back out of, and really do not want out?

Read the Bible for yourself and let Jesus be your guide and NOT the propositions of others.

Let’s trust that you as a couple will pray together and communicate how you really feel about certain lifestyle practices. Then be open to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide, and allow your decisions to be Bible Based on what God has said.

Whom Should I Marry??

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It is a good thing to pray before deciding who to date. Ask yourself, is this person marriage material? Is this person a Christian and do they believe like I do?

The Bible gives guidelines and warns us NOT to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.

This Biblical warning goes further even when it comes to joining certain clubs or lodges and especially when considering going into business with an unbeliever.

At age 15 I was in love with love and also was in love with the wrong feller. I knew it and finally God maneuvered us apart. Nice of God to do that! Then entered my husband to be, and we lived happily ever after! (smile)

Before we were married, my husband prayed and told God he was willing to give me up, if this marriage was not God's will. God said, "You can have her." Amazing that God talks like that!

One of my daughters met her husband through a Christian dating service. God was there and chose just the right "One" for her.

Another daughter met her husband on an arranged dinner at one of two friends home, they both set them up! It was love at first sight!

Teen age rebellion is often at work, and actual Parental interference can be a disaster.

When our children reached 21, we did not always approve of their choices in life, but when asked what we thought we tried to answer with soft words.

Our son was dating a girl of another faith. He informed me that they intended to marry. I thought for a minute and then said, “Well you know that we do not agree with the way this group believes the Bible, but I must say, they do teach the concept of families sticking together.”

“Yes,” he said, “And they teach their girls to be chaste.” I could not dispute that fact and I gave him a hug.

As parents we try to teach our young children right from wrong. We read the Bible in the home, and take them to Sunday school, to Christian Young people’s groups, and pray over them.

Our hope is that they will make good decisions, but we also realize that they will make mistakes.

Once they reach the age of maturity, it is up to us as parents to love and support them even when we may not always agree with them.

Come back tomorow as this post will continue!