Cooks Day (week) Off

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Some days you just want to give up on cooking. That is what my husband told me.

In trying to come up with different meals, he said, “I guess I am just burnt out. It is now your turn to do the cooking.”

I have been so spoiled because for the last 15 years of our marriage, my husband has done most of the cooking at our house.

Honestly I was not anxious to take up the wooden spoon and rule the kitchen, but what is a girl to do when her cook takes a sit-down-strike?

The previous night I removed a pack of Hamburger from the freezer and yesterday morning, I crumbled and fried it until it was brown. Usually I would add half a chopped onion, but my husband was off onions for a few days.  From my spice shelf, I added a bit of Italian Seasoning, a mix of Garden Herbs, and a tablespoon of dried parsley. From the refrigerator I took my jar of crushed garlic and added half a teaspoon to the mix. Next I added two small cans of tomato sauce.

I was planning on making lasagna but my husband decided he was only drinking juice today --- so there went those plans.

Not to be undone, we cooks must be flexible, so I divided my hamburger mix into two storage bowls and it went into the refrigerator.  Each was ready to go into what ever hamburger dish I decided to make later on; tacos, spaghetti, lasagna, manicotti or what ever.

Today was a new day, so spaghetti it is. From the refrigerator, I removed one of the hamburger bowls and added to it 2 cups of prepared spaghetti sauce and more parsley.

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While the spaghetti was boiling, I sliced up one medium size zucchini from our garden, and put a pat of butter into my steamer. Then I sprinkled the zucchini with some mixed herbs and turned on the steamer. In less than 15 minutes my meal was ready. We are watching our bread, but some nice French bread would have been lovely.

After you have been cooking for a good number of years, there are times when you cook with a “Wing and a Prayer.” Using what ever you have in the pantry and the refrigerator, and adding a dab of this and that, and thanking the Lord as you sing while you work.

As we blessed our food this day, we were both grateful that we have another day to praise the Lord and to enjoy our time together.

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

Workman’s Compensation Insurance

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Working for an employer who owned a roofing company was a good deal for us.

This boss was also a leak specialist, and taught my husband many secrets on how to fix a leaking roof.

Because my husband was a valuable employee, his boss offered my husband a guaranteed salary even if it rained or there was no work.  God was supplying our need.

His boss always found something for him to do to earn his pay, even if it was working on the boss’s house or his cabin.

One day his boss had some bad news. He told my husband that his jealous son had been complaining to his mother (the boss’s wife) that he wanted the same guaranteed salary that my husband had. This boy was a slacker and hardly worth his pay, but his mother insisted that my husband be replaced, as they could not afford to keep them both.

The boss had another plan. He suggested that my husband apply for his contractor’s license and that he would sub-contract some of his work to us until we built up a cliental.  I told my husband that God was in this, and that I would help him;  I could answer the phone, do the bookkeeping and run errands.

Securing the study books from a friend and a copy of the contractors laws, my husband began to study.

Twice he read the book until it began to make sense. The day that he went for his test, he was the first one to finish. The person in charge asked him to return to his seat and review the questions to see if he was satisfied with his answers. He was happy with his answers so he left.

In due time, we were notified that my husband had passed the examination. Now he could apply for the License. However we needed a truck and after finding an older flat bed truck, we borrowed some money to purchase it and install some racks on it.  God was supplying our need!

True to his word, the former boss did give us some work on consignment. He also allowed us to rent a spot in his yard to store our supplies.  We were in business! 

Placing some small ads in the newspaper they began to bring us our own work. Because we had no employees, my husband could only do installation of asphalt shingles so that is what he did.

Then one day, his cousin needed a job, so hubby hired him to carry the shingles up the ladder and also he began to teach his cousin how to install roofing.  God was supplying our need!

Soon after, my husband’s family moved from Tennessee and his step-dad was an experienced tar and gravel man. Now we needed to purchase a tar kettle, because some jobs were becoming available in an area that had all flat roofs needing tar and gravel.  Then an Uncle was out of work so he became our kettle man.

Bit by bit our business began to come together, and our customers were referring us to their friends.

God was supplying our need!

One day a professional looking man showed up at my door saying that he was from the State of California and that we did not have Workman’s Compensation Insurance.

I told him no, we do not need it, because our workers are not going to get hurt. I told him that I pray for our men, and God keeps them safe.  

I also told him that we were tithers and that we expected God to bless our business and to keep our men safe from harm and accidents.

I asked him if his insurance would keep our men safe from accidents.  He said the insurance was needed if they got hurt.  I argues that we did not expect any of our men to get hurt! 

But you really can't argue with the Government! 

The agent standing at my front door simply stated that since we now have employees, the State requires us to have this insurance. So it was that we complied and obeyed the law.   And I must brag on God because He has always supplied our need.

Even Jesus obeyed the law and paid his taxes!!
Matthew 17:27 "But, lest we give them offense, go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin. Take that and give it to them for you and Me."

This post was shared at: Laura's Site - Brag on God Friday:  Please visit and view some awesome words posted there. http://www.beholdingglory.com/1/post/2011/09/brag-on-god-friday11.html 

Love Sweet Love

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Our Pastor has begun a series on the Fruit of the Spirit, and Sunday he started with the first Fruit; Love. He read the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 and used as his text Galatians 5:22-26. I am sharing today some of the gleanings from his message.

Our pastor said that Love is not a feeling, but love is an action. Jesus loved us and gave himself so that we could be saved. Some would possibly give their life for a friend, or family member, but probably not for an enemy. Yet Jesus laid down his life while we were yet sinners. The Love of God is unconditional - - He flat loves us!

Fruit grows on a tree or on a vine, and Jesus spoke about himself being the vine and we are the branches. He stated that we were to bear good fruit. 

In another place the Bible speaks about us being grafted into Christ. We become participants in all that he did and He continues to do. When we make the decision to connect with Jesus, - - we were there - - We died with Him, we were buried with Him, and we were resurrected with Him, and now we allow Jesus to live His life through us.

Our pastor told about a friend and his magnificent garden, full of flowers, and beautiful shrubs, and also with a number of exotic fruit trees. One tree in particular was a citrus tree and his friend had grafted 6 other citrus fruits into this one tree. It was an amazing tree with oranges, mandarins, tangerines, lemons, limes and grapefruit all on one tree.

Jesus is the union of all the Saints blended into one body. The first Psalm says that we are like a tree planted by the rivers of water and we are to bring forth Good fruit and to prosper. The first of these fruit of the Spirit is LOVE.

Because of His love, there was also an UGLY tree, the old rugged cross on which Jesus gave up his life. Jesus became a curse for us, taking our sin to the tree; all of our sins, past and present were nailed there. The resurrection brings the Holy Life of Jesus available to us. Love is what motivated Him to willing sacrifice himself for us.

The Key is the Tree; Jesus our tree, died on a tree so that we could be grafted in and bear good fruit for Him.

Galatians 5:25-27 Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

This post was shared at: The Well Spring: http://www.lauraboggess.com/2011/09/playdates-with-god-mopping-as-spiritual.html

Also shared at: Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday. Please visit there to find other wonderful words: http://bit.ly/oRJcZP

  

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Change Your Thinking

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Afraid, yes, many of the Old Testament Prophets were afraid to step out and proclaim the messages God had giving them to announce.

Gideon was terrified to accept the challenge of God’s call, and his feeble excuse was that he was the least in his father’s household.

Samuel when seeking to anoint a new king, passed over all the handsome young sons of Jessie, before finally asking, is there anyone else?  The youngest and least of all was David only a shepherd boy, but he was the one chosen by God to be the king. 

David did not consider himself small or weak, because he knew he could depend on God for his strength.

King David took control of his thought life. If he thought he was weak, he would say to himself, “Let the weak say I am strong.”

Our thoughts may at times tell us that we are not talented, not smart enough, or creative enough. The strange thing is - - that God calls those who are not able in their own strength to do his work.

God expects us to lean on him and follow what he tells us to do. We each have a part in God’s big plan and as we step up to do our part, we are so busy we cannot dwell on those negative thoughts that once plagued us. :-)

We often are guilty of putting ourselves down with “Poor me, not good enough thinking,” and we forget how special we are to God.  

Perhaps it is time for us to change our thinking, to change our words, and change our life. I have been told that we cannot think on two different things both at the same time. (And it is true)

So when I am in a funky mood, I am learning to sing, to praise, and change the channel (of my thoughts). This helps me, and hope it helps others too.

Some experiences in life are not to be shared, and God will show us what those incidents are. When I have something so secret that I really prefer no one else to know - - I share it with Jesus and He never condemns or laughs at me. He may smile, but that is alright too, after all he is proud of me regardless of my faults, because I am His child.

Entering this post at: Spiritual Sundays: Please visit there at: http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-friends.html

Mother Punched the Doctor

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Wanting to quickly return the permission form to NOT give my mother a flu shot, I drove to the assisted living home where Mom now resides.

Years ago, mother had told me that she no longer wanted to receive flu shots, so it was important that I get these papers back to the home as soon as possible.

For her 99 years, and her weight at 99 my mother is still tough with her grip. Although her knees are weak, her spirit is strong even if her memory flows in and out like the tide.

Last week I had received a phone call from the home, that it was time for Mother’s three month Doctor’s appointment.

Thinking back to the last time I took her by myself, while toting her wheel chair, and her stubbornness to not want to exit my van; I was not looking forward to another doctor visit with Mom and the unwilling body transfers.

The lady at the care home said, that they would take her if I wanted them to. Yes, I told them, I am willing to pay the extra fee that you will charge to do this.

Yesterday, as I returned the paper work for NO flu shot, I asked about the Doctor visitt. “Well, she did not want to leave the care home, and then she did not want to exit the vehicle.” All that was old news, so I asked, “How did the Doctor visit go?”

The care giver stated, “When she saw the Doctor she broke out in a big smile and seemed happy to see him.  Her blood pressure and pulse was excellent and her heart was also pumping great for her 99 years.

Next the Doctor decided to give her a FLU SHOT.  Well your mother did not like the Flu Shot, and she PUNCHED the Doctor!!”

When the girl told me that, I laughed and said, “That sounds like mother.”

All her life, Mother has always been sweet, cooperative and accommodating. She has never been violent except when she was punishing us as children for something big we had done such as telling a lie or worse.

In her dementia years, she has let it be known if she is not happy, and there have been times she has shown her displeasure with a good SLAP at her attendants.

Perhaps in her thoughts, she is punishing one of us for disobedience. Who knows?

In the recreation room I held mothers hands as she was sleeping in the big overstuffed chair. She tried to open her eyes, but she could not focus. I kissed her good bye and left.

The girl who usually cares for Mother, loves her dearly, and asked me to write a permission letter so they can take her photo and put it in the Local paper when she reaches Happy Birthday 100 on December 30, 2011.  I will do that and Mother will be pleased!

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No Fruit? – Cut it Down!

Down plunged two of our four apple trees. These trees had bore no fruit for three years, and my husband made a decision to take them out.

Large green cooking apples were almost ready to harvest from one of the trees still standing. The other tree offered a sprinkling of fruit, and, “We will dig around it and water it for another year,” said my husband.

Although the green apples were not yet fully ripe, my husband picked a basket full because he wanted to make an apple pie.

Usually we purchase the ready made store bought crusts, but we had just used our last pie crust supply a few days ago to make a cherry pie.

Not an experienced pie maker, my husband wanted to understand, and learn how to make a flaky pie crust.

Searching the Inter-Net, he found a recipe that said it was fool-proof. The ingredients called for butter, flour and some water.

Carefully following the directions he rolled out his dough and gently laid half of it into a waiting glass pie dish. In went the apples he had prepared and then he smoothed over the pie with his top crust.

The pie baked for the correct amount of time, and it looked browned and delicious as he retrieved it from the oven.

Now it was time to sample the goods. Sadly the knife would not enter the pie crust. Applying some pressure, he was finally able to cut a nice slice.

Horror of all Horrors, but this pie was a disaster. The crust was so tough he was ready to throw out the entire pie.

I told him, that perhaps I could rescue the apples, because the sugar and cinnamon that he had added to them smelled wonderful.

Carefully I lifted the top crust off and discarded it.  Then into a bowl went the apples.

"They will be so lovely for breakfast," I told my dear one.

My husband is not a quitter, so he will attempt another pie crust soon. 

Before long we found a nice easy sounding recipe on http://www.cooks.com/  that is made with shortening. 

Honestly I believe the shortening will make a fine pie crust and he is willing to try again.

I am reminded about the tree in the Bible that the grower was going to cut down. Instead the vineyard keeper begged his Master to give it a bit more time.  He would dig around it, apply fertilizer and with tender care he would expect a good harvest for the next year.

Isn’t that the way God is with us when we are not bearing fruit as we should.   Sometimes our heart is hard like that pie crust and we will not allow his voice to penetrate our thinking. 

He patiently allows us a bit more time and lovingly points us in the right direction so that we might produce good Spiritual fruit.

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

This post was also shared at Laura's site You will also want to view Brag on God on Fridays at: http://www.beholdingglory.com/1/post/2011/09/brag-on-god-friday10.html 

Creating Quilts

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Very carefully we cut into 6 inch squares some of the left over material from dresses my mother had made for my sister and me as we grew up.

These were leftover, bits and pieces, good-for-nothing waste.  Could there be a decent use for these unsightly odd looking snippets?

Mother had a new purpose, and it was to use the scraps of yardage and potentially sew the squares together into a pretty combination for a quilt top. The throw away scraps had a renewed purpose. They would amount to something lovely and good after all !!

Once all the square pieces were sewed in place, then each strip was then sewed to the previous length until the whole was large enough for a quilt. Mother would purchase a contrasting piece of flannel yardage for the back of the quilt. Inside she would place an old blanket or a flannel sheet.  The quilt was now ready to tie.

My dad had made a set of wooden frames for Mother so she could stretch the quilt.  Arming ourselves with large needles and crochet thread, we were ready to begin the tying process.

At each corner of the small squares we pulled the needle through and tied a double knot. Also we placed a tie in the center of each square. When we had completed as far as we could reach, we rolled the frame and secured it fast with clamps.

With us all working together, in no time at all the quilt was tied. Now it was ready to tuck the edges inside and use a blanket stitch (similar to a button hole stitch) around the entire quilt. If the quilt ever got dirty, it was securely made so a gentle wash would not harm the back or the insides.

Quilt making is almost a lost art, but it could be something that would renew the families love of working together on a project. If you do not sew your own clothing, there are usually remnants sold at the yardage store for only a small amount of money. Think about this wonderful project that you and your children would enjoy helping to create.

In life, you may often feel that you are a piece of scrap, left over, wasted, and good for nothing.  But I have good news. You are not a throw away!  God is able to take your life and renew it into something beautiful and into a fantastic work of art.

First you must submit yourself into God’s hands. The needle God uses may hurt as He ties you all back together, but soon you will understand it was all for your good, and you will be pleased and satisfied with the end result.

This post was shared at: The One Word Carnival. The word for this entry is Quilt. Do visit and enjoy what others have written using this word.   http://peterpollock.com/2011/09/quilts-blog-carnival/  

Do go here as well to Bonnie's site Faith Barista: http://bit.ly/omUU6P   Scroll all the way down to reach the entries.

Also sharing at a new Blog Hop: Friends Day-Wednesday at: http://bit.ly/rmqcDk

The Pie Man

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 The Pie Man’s wife, Peggy was a beautiful lady and very shy, and one day as I visited her, I exclaimed, “Peggy, I love coming to visit you at your house.”

She asked why, and with all honesty, my young and not so wise mouth proclaimed, “Because when I visit you, my cluttered house seems very clean.”

Books were stacked on tables and not on shelves, papers everywhere, unopened mail, toys here and there, and boxes of purchases sitting on counters, this was Peggy’s house. Yet I loved her and admired her and her family.

Peggy felt cheated in life! When she was a very young teenager, an especially handsome fellow at church wanted to date her. She was excited because the feeling was mutual.

The Pie man, approached the dashing fellow and told him, to leave Peggy alone, because she belonged to him and he was going to marry her.  She did eventually marry the Pie Man, but always felt she could have had a more attractive husband.  Peggy never got over wishing things could have been different !!

Could have, should have, may well have been the worst thing that might have happened to Peggy. She pined away with regrets as she raised her two wonderful children. Yet she was adored by her husband who was crazy about her.

Even when she took their life savings and loaned it to her brother to purchase a Cruise ship, the Pie Man loved her still.

Even when her brother lost his ship in foreclosure, the Pie Man loved Peggy still.

Even when she began to go out for coffee with another man from her acquaintance and pour out her story of “poor me” to this other man, the Pie Man loved her still. 

I am reminded that I too have done some pretty stupid things in my life, but God loves me still. He puts up with me when I act foolish, outlandish or even peculiar at times.

God says that I am worth loving, and He loves me regardless, because He paid a BIG price to secure and keep me. He gave up His Son Jesus so that I could be His child.

The truth is that God loves YOU in the same way that He loves me.

Why waste precious time living with “regrets” that probably was not God’s plan for you in the first place.

Come out of that dark corner of self pity, and enter into His light and life. Allow Jesus to shine His light into your heart and reveal His truth to you.

The important thing to always remember is “That God Loves you still.” So run to him and serve Him with your whole heart and your entire being.

This post was shared at the Wellspring/Playdates With God at: http://bit.ly/qdMcx2

Also shared at a Pause on the Path at: http://bit.ly/ro704q

Also shared at Wild Wed Hop:  You will enjoy aboutamomblog@gmail.com reviews for online shopping 

Micah the Friend of the Poor

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Todays post is being entered at “Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday” Do visit there at: http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/09/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday.html  

What I share today is taken from my notes of my Pastor's sermon on Sunday.  Pastor was reading from the Old Testament book of Micah.

The prophet Micah, his name meaning “who is like Yahweh," was a friend to the poor and he was Christ like in that Jesus was also a friend of the poor and of sinners.

Jesus was a champion to the under-dog.  He came to save that which was lost.

Micah’s message was clear: “What does God require? His simple answer was: God requires repentance and righteousness.

Even in that day, there were many who tried to justify themselves by stating that “they were a good person, that they were religious and they had not harmed anyone.

Micah warned the people that their hearts were wicked and they must repent and worship the true God.

“These people have been professing much and performing little. God has been observing the contradiction between creed and conduct,” says the prophet, “and He will not tolerate it anymore. God has had enough!”

The Old Testament Prophets including Micah, used strong words to motivate the people to repent and return to God. Their message exposed, rebuked, warned, challenged, inspired and urged repentance.

Micah did not pull any punches, but in no uncertain terms he pronounced the deadly effect of sin, and how God was willing to forgive if the people would cry out for mercy.

As ministers still do - - Micah also used the Word of God as a mirror to expose the evil of the day, and offer hope of a better tomorrow; if the people would return to their God.

In chapter 5, Micah pointed his finger toward Bethlehem and prophesied that it was to become the place for the birth of Messiah, the Savior.

Paul stated in 2Corinthians 8:9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

Micah’s words of repentance and hope are still valid for today!

Through Jesus we can become free from sin, rich in mercy, and grace, by His forgiveness. Our own righteousness is as filthy rags, but Jesus will clothe us with His Robe of Righteousness.

Pray for the Peace of Israel

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In the year 1948, our 11th Grade History teacher suggested that each pupil in her class purchase a blank scrap book and begin to cut out clippings in the news paper about important happenings in the world. Our teacher had us keep our scrap books in her room at school so we could add to them daily.

My mother helped me cut and save articles as we watched history in the making. She also asked the neighbors for their papers so my brother and sister could also have their own scrap book too.

Our teacher was particularly interested in the events preceding and ending with Israel becoming its own nation on May 14, 1948.

Interesting that Bible scholar’s claim that Ezekiel’s prophesy in the Bible was the exact date that this happened.

(Isaiah 66:8) “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things?
Shall the Earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once?
For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children."

(Note: This prophecy was fulfilled in one day - on May 14, 1948)

There is remarkable information on the internet about a mathematical prophecy of counting years and days and arriving at this date, so I will just take their word for it.

Amazing enough when Israel was attacked by surprise they quickly won their war and a peace agreement was signed. Again in 1967 the six day war ended with another peace treaty.

God says He will love and protect Israel not because they deserve it, but because they are His chosen people. God’s warning is, “Don’t mess with my child Israel.”

According to the Bible, all those who receive Jesus are grafted into Israel and become His chosen ones also. This means that we inherit the promises too. We are His grafted child.

Although I do not plan to move to Israel, however truly, I would love to visit there some day, and perhaps tour and stay for an extended time.    

In the mean time, God’s promise for prosperity is to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.  We can do that!

Psalms 122: 6 American Standard Version
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee.  

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This post was shared at Reflections of His Grace:  Please visit and enjoy other good words:  http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/2011/09/sparrows/

TURTLE BAR COOKIES

When our children were growing up, I baked cookies each week for their lunches.

Often I made these Ooo-ee Goo-ee Cookie Bars and they were a favorite. They reminded us of Turtle Candy and I suppose a better name would be Turtle Bar Cookies.

When it comes to a good box of Chocolate candy, the ones I like the best are the ones with nuts and caramels. I think that is why I like these cookies so well.

TURTLE BAR COOKIES

1 lb Kraft caramels (approximately 40 wrapped caramels)
1/3 cup evaporated milk
German chocolate or chocolate cake mix with pudding in the mix
1/2 to 3/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1/3 cup  evaporated milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 to 1 cup chopped nuts

Melt together the unwrapped caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk on low heat.

In a large bowl combine cake mix, melted butter, 1/3 cup evaporated milk to make a batter. Press half of the cake batter in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes and remove from oven.

Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts over hot baked cake. Then pour the melted caramel mixture over the cake. Crumble the rest of the cake mix by teaspoonfuls over the caramel layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool. Makes 24 bars.

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

The Brass Bed

Our beautiful blond wooden headboard had served us well over many years. It had survived three young children who had used it to carve their initials here and there.

Naturally no one knew how the carvings got there.

“I can get you a lovely brass bed here in Korea for half price if you would like one,” said my daughter Judie, who was stationed there in Seoul South Korea.

Judie is a shopper just like all my girls, and she had found us “The bed.”

Because she was in the Air Force, she was also able to ship items home for reasonable postage by using the United States Post Office there on her military base.

The order was placed and in weeks our bed arrived. We excitedly opened the box and noted that it was like a jig saw puzzle. There were no instructions, only a picture of what it should look like once it was put together.

Sadly we put the beautiful bed in its box, and tucked it away until our daughter would arrive home after her soon scheduled military transfer back to California.

Judie’s husband was also anxiously awaiting her arrival, because their long distance marriage had been difficult.  Yes, from time to time she had been able to hop a free military flight and visit home, and then she was always scheduled to return back to Korea again.  Now she was coming home for good!!

At Christmas, our son-in-love, volunteered to put the bed together for us. With his engineer mind, he was happy to tackle this brain-teaser and the challenge was a joy for him.

Before you could say “Jack Robinson,” he had put the puzzle together, and we had our bed - - plus a few extra pieces that did not fit anywhere.  However the new bed was gorgeous and we loved it and still do.

Life is like that at times. Some pieces of the puzzle may not always go where you think you need them to fit, but keep working!

Other times, there are long term delays and long distance prayers that take LOTS of time to get answers. Keep praying!

The joy is when you see God’s purpose and His plan was best and you arrive at a beautifully finished product. Keep believing!

At times we do not have all the directions we think we need, but there is a set of guidelines in God’s word that will always prove helpful.

So, keep working, keep praying, and keep believing.

God’s plan is a perfect one and you will understand it all, when it is complete in His time.

This post was shared at: Finding Heaven: http://findingheaventoday.blogspot.com/2011/09/yes-this-is-me-soli-deo-gloria-party.html  Please visit there and enjoy other God Given Posts.

Also shared at: A Pause on the Path at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/09/i-have-been-chosen.html  Visit here and find many good words there.

Remember to Help Carry the Burden

Remember seemed to be the main theme of Sunday’s Sermon at my church by our guest minister.

Remember Pearl Harbor! Remember the Alamo, Remember 9/11, all causing us to bring back painful memories and to honor those who suffered and died in these tragedies.

In the last ten years our world has experienced severe and brutal catastrophes and devastation in the form of terrorist’s attacks, shootings, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and mine cave in’s.

Rescue teams and organizations have rallied to bring aid and assistance to the hurting.

The population all over the world has paused and then sprung into action to assist and to help carry the burden of the suffering.

We do not live to ourselves. It is up to us to reach out to those suffering and in need.

Pastor gave an illustration of the people in India who carry large heavy burdens on their back. To rest, they would lean up to a building and do a movement so that the building carried their burden for a time enabling them to find rest.

Pastor reminded us that Jesus is our burden barer and that if we cast our care on Him, he will carry it for us and give us His rest.

Years ago there was a Cartoon sketch of a young boy carrying his brother that was brought to the attention of Father Flannigan. He obtained the rights in August 1943 to recreate the drawing in color with the caption "He ain't heavy, Father . . . he's m' brother." The phrase became the motto of Boys Town. Later a popular song was written to show that we must help our brothers and sisters in need.

Pastor reminded us that often we are filled with rage over these man-made and otherwise dilemmas, that we must remember what Jesus taught us about forgiveness. He illustrated to his friend Peter, that we must forgive not 70 times, but 70 times 7.  In other words, to always find it in our hearts to forgive.

Pastor used as his reference: (Message Bible) Romans 12: 1-2 Place Your Life Before God

1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Jesus and His teachings have at times been referred to as “The Way.”  We are reminded in Isaiah 30:21 - - This is the way, walk ye in it.


Most of us are not able to rush to the scene of accidents and help those in need, but we can pray and we can give.  Ask God what He would have you can do and then set about doing it. 


This post was shared at: Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday. Do visit Michelle here: http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/09/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday-when.html



And at: In and Around Mondays Seedlings in Stone. Visit and read other great posts at:
http://seedlingsinstone.blogspot.com/ 
 

And at a Pause on the Path: On Your Heart Blog Hop Visit Shanda’s site at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/09/i-have-been-chosen.html

all images on this post; courtesy photobucket.com

Help my Unforgiveness

Help my Unforgiveness

Lord I believe, Help thou my unbelief!

These words were sincere as the man spoke,
He had asked Jesus for a miracle to spare his child,

His words came with expectation and with hope

Oh Lord today we remember the devastation

Caused by those who thrive on terror

Hate nourished their very thoughts and minds

They were void of even considering their error.

We grieve those who were lost in the rubble,

Children, men, and women, all innocent of this deed,

Our sorrow knows no bounds as we moan our loss,

Why, why would men be so vile? What was their need?

I cannot find it in my heart to forgive those terrible men,

From their souls came seeds of destruction they have sown.

Lord, help me to draw upon your forgiveness,

Because I have nothing left to forgive on my own.

Give me peace where there is none, and bring me grace,

Let me understand how you are able to forgive,

Even these awful men who sinned against you,

Teach me Lord show me your heart and the way to live.

When you breathed your last, I know it was for all,

Did you love those who hated you even as you died?

And still the miserable sinners who devise wickedness?

Did you have me in mind when you gave your life?

I must pray when I do not feel the energy to do so,

I pray for those who lost family, and those who survived.

Lord Help my unbelief, help my un-forgiveness,

Teach me to forgive as you have shown us by your life.

images courtesy photobucket.com

This post was shared at: Bonnie's site: FAITH BARISTA JAM!

http://www.faithbarista.com/2011/09/what-season-of-faith-is-jesus-calling-you-into/#more-12135

Also shared at The wellspring at:  http://www.lauraboggess.com/2011/09/playdates-with-god-remember.html

Daily Devotions

One of my friends has found such a blessing in using “The Book of Common prayers” for her daily time with God.

The church I visited on a recent Sunday used a similar book all through their service except when the minister preached. It was different for me, but extremely interesting.

In my home in the mornings, I use a daily Devotional called "The Upper Room." It is abbreviated compared to "The Book." I am happy that others are finding such joy in using a book and reading the prayers therein. The written prayers are to them like poetry to the soul.

My own prayers are spontaneous and unrehearsed. At times I sense God’s presence simply explained as a very gentle touch of electricity going through my body. Some call it “The Anointing.”  When this happens, I know God has reached out and ministered to the person I have prayed for.

Other times my prayers are words of thanksgiving which can be uttered while doing other tasks even sweeping the floor or doing the laundry.

When I was still working, I kept at my desk a devotional calendar that you flip the pages over for each day. At times some of my co-workers would come by my desk and read my calendar, and it became a witnessing tool. It also helped begin their work day.

I have several Bibles in my home, but for some time now, the Free online
 www.e-sword.net/ has been downloaded on my computer, and I use it to read my Bible each evening.  

I find that I fall asleep much easier after reading God’s word. E-Sword is also an excellent study tool, and I often use the search feature to find a scripture I need.

What ever your method is to get together with God, find a comfortable time and place to pray and ready your Bible.

If “The Book” helps you meet with God, then I agree that this is what you should do. If you use a daily devotional, that also is a good choice.

Take time to fellowship with God, and He is always ready and willing to meet you there.

This post was shared at The WellSpring: 
http://www.lauraboggess.com/2011/09/playdates-with-god-praying-from-book.html

all images courtesy photobucket.com

Easy Cold Coffee Drink

Image courtesy photobucket.com

Our youngest daughter is a coupon collector.  She is able to secure free or almost free food, groceries and other goods. Then she donates a good portion of her bounty to homeless shelters and Christian schools.

One day she gave us some free drink coupons for Starbucks. She suggested the Cold Carmel Frappuccino and she was right – The drink is SOooo good.   But - - - - These drinks can get expensive and we are frugal and sometimes “cheap.”

So we experimented and came up with a delicious home made cold coffee drink.

The first recipe is our favorite, and the second is a dry mix that you can make ahead and use hot water instead of milk.

photo by Hazel

Easy Cold Coffee Mocha Drink (This our personal Favorite Home Made Drink)

6 T Hills Bros Cappuccino Mix (comes in a 12 oz carton) We use the Dark Chocolate flavor.

1 T Instant coffee granules

6 T Hot Coco Mix (Nestles Quick is good)

1/4 cup hot coffee or hot water to dissolve the dry mix

Add 2 cups milk and Blend well.

Add sugar to taste  Optional: Add crushed ice

Then pour into glasses and enjoy. We often put it into the freezer for an hour until it is slushy.



Cappuccino in a Jar (From Cooks.com)

• 2/3 cup instant coffee granules
• 1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
• 1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix (Nestle's Quick is good)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Optional)
• 3/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (Optional)

Directions

Have ready two (12 ounce) canning jars. Put the instant coffee into a food processor, and process to a fine powder. If you don't have a food processor, put it into a large plastic bag, and crush with a rolling pin.

In a large bowl, combine creamer, chocolate mix, instant coffee, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir together until well mixed. Spoon into two - 12 ounce jars.

Attach a note to each jar that reads: Cappuccino: Mix 3 tablespoons of powder with 6 fluid ounces hot water.

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

Mail Train Adventures

A free ticket to ride the mail train came with my dad’s job.  The railroad called these tickets a “Free Pass.”

This train was the slowest train on earth, because it stopped at every small town along the rail road tracks. A special rail car on this train was used for the sorting of mail that would be dispensed along the way. The mail was then distributed to the local post offices and would soon be delivered to the neighboring households.

Each summer my dad would secure enough free passes for my mother and us three kids to ride the train as far as Fresno, where my Grandparents would pick us up.

Then we would visit Grandma and Grandpa for at least two weeks before retracing our steps to again ride home with our Free Pass.

Our fun time was running through the sprinkler while the lawn was being watered, and grandpa would let us take turns dunking in the irrigation tank that held the water before it ran out to the grove of orange and olive trees.

One 1945 hot August summer after “vacationing with our Grandparents,” and as we were traveling back to our home on the slow train; several women came running through the train making quite a loud racket. 

It seemed as if the entire train was in an uproar!

One lady was carrying a bottle of some kind of liquor as she shouted; “The War is over!”

Men and women began to dance in the aisles. They were laughing and having a great time. We sat in our seats with eyes wide open and watched it all!

President Truman had just made the radio announcement that Japan had surrendered and the World War II was over.  Everyone was in a very happy mood.  The train also sang with joy as it chugged along tooting its whistle.

Officially on August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito’s announcement of Japan's acceptance of the terms of the Potsdam Declaration was broadcast to the Japanese people over the radio.

The war was over, but everything was far from returning to normal.  All the ship yards immediately closed down, the airplane factories stopped production, and all the nice cushy War jobs were over.

Returning Military men took back their jobs, and employment became scarce for many, including the young persons just graduating from High school.

Our family was not affected, because the railroads went on, my grammar school was commencing in September, and now we could throw away our ration books, and hope we could soon purchase gasoline again.

That wasn’t my last ride on the slow mail train, but it certainly was a ride to remember.

image courtesy photobucket.com

Innocent – Not Me!

I watched as Mother was dividing the home made fudge into equal pieces for me and my two siblings.

I noticed she only placed two pieces on the napkins and so I asked mother, “Where is mine?

“You have already had yours!” she replied in her firmest voice.

I declare that my mother must have had eyes in the back of her head because she seemed to know everything.

I found out later that as she cut the fudge into pieces she had counted them. How she knew it was me, always baffled me and still does.

There it was sitting on the counter, the round pie plate had on its edge one small tiny slice of fudge that no one would ever notice if I tasted it. Yummy but it was good!! 

Leave it to my mother, she noticed and my lesson was learned by having to do without.

There were many times when I had to be without something I needed because I had already spent my goods for something completely un-necessary.  Life's lessons are often difficult.

Doing something when you think no one is looking may get you a prize for the moment, but the truth is, God is always watching and he takes notice of every (good or) sneaky thing we might do.

Mother was a great believer in the Scripture verse that said, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” She was always right and my sins were at all times discovered.

About that time in my life, I learned to keep short accounts with the Lord and others. Ask Forgiveness quickly from God and man, allowing nothing to fester until it worsens and begins to smell, but get it taken care of immediately. This brings sweet peace in your spirit.

My conscience was tender and still is, and thats what keeps me innocent.

Images courtesy photobucket.com

This post has been entered in “Changing the World One Word at a Time” Today’s word was Innocent. Please visit and check out the other great posts at: http://peterpollock.com/2011/09/innocence-blog-carnival/

Also entered at: On Your Heart Tuesdays at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/

Do What Ever You Please!

Should I or shouldn't I?

Are there times when you just do what ever suits you? Times when you merely do what ever you please?

That’s what I did on Sunday -- instead of attending my church; I visited a different church that offered an early service.

There were things needed to do and  I wanted to do in the afternoon, and it simply pleased me to rearrange my worship schedule for the day.

The minister at the stand-in church preached from I Corinthians 15:1-10 “We are created as His Workmanship,” was his title for his sermon.  I share here some of the gleanings from his message.

The people at Corinth were from every nation, a diverse group of persons, worshiping numerous gods, and countless wicked individuals were living there.

Much like any city in the world, and the same as many of our cities here in the United States.

The general populace of Corinth were immoral sinners all needing the message of salvation. Just as people in any city need to know the true gospel; Paul began to preach and teach them about Jesus, His love, His mercy and His grace. Many in the city began to follow Jesus but it was difficult for some to leave their old manner of living.

They misunderstood the message of grace and took it to mean that they could, “Do anything they pleased,” and grace would cover their sin. Paul explained that it did not work that way, and they were NOT to sin so that grace could much more abound.

The minister today gave an illustration about Martin Luther, when he was asked by a listener, “Does God allow us to do anything we please?” Martin Luther asked the person, “Just who is it that you please?”

If we have received Jesus as our savior, then we can do what ever we please, because we will only do those things that please God.

We do not earn our salvation by feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, building homes for the homeless, or other worthy projects. The people of Corinth needed to understand that it is by grace that we are saved, and not of works lest we should boast.

After we receive Jesus as our Lord, - - then we may desire to feed the poor, visit the sick and other worthy projects, because we do those things which please God.

We all have a choice, and we can do as we please, NOT the rebellious, stubborn, willful having our own way attitude, but it is because we do that which pleases God.


We are to let our light shine in our sinful city showing others by our lifestyle, and our actions that we are pleasing God, because we are called according to His purpose.

Are you doing those things that Please YOU, and are those things pleasing to God?

This post was shared at Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday site:  Do visit there at:

http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/09/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday-as.html

Also shared at: In and Around Mondays Seedlings in Stone at: http://seedlingsinstone.blogspot.com/ 

and at the Well Spring: http://www.lauraboggess.com/2011/09/playdates-with-god-praying-from-book.html

Do visit there and enjoy other posts you will discover waiting for you.

images courtesy photobucket.com

The Flood

The Flood  

Heavens open, pour out their containment

Gushing swirling not knowing which way is best,

Deep opens and swishes churning its while,

Flooding everywhere, North, South, East and West!

Pouring, never ending, where does it all go?

Cold and hollow dashing to meet the destination,

Freezing bitter, throwing higher, deeper,

Questions, Why? There is no comprehension.

Lightening flashing, then darkness everywhere,

No light or shadows only sounds of thunder,

Cracking, rumbling noise of anger and of wrath,

Rolling, boiling flowing - - Only wonder!

Reaching out, arms outstretched, voices calling,

Over those who cry, befalls the covering flood,

I am lost, Jesus, save me lest I perish!

Cover me now with your precious blood!

Rushing, soothing wooing, loving

Gentle tender is the flow,

Washing, rinsing spotless clean

My Savior this I know! 

Hazel Moon 09/04/2011

images courtesy photobucket.com

(This is a Repost, hope you enjoy it again)

Compliments to the Chef

One summer when the children were small we visited Aunt Jessie and Uncle Joel and learned some wonderful tips. Aunt Jessie taught me to serve watermelon first – then while you do the cooking let the melon digest. A slice of watermelon is better digested before you eat anything else.

I suppose you could substitute other fruit as well, but Aunt Jessie and I are partial to watermelon.

If there is one thing that I learned from my Uncle Joel, it was this: At the end of every meal, Joel would say, “Jessie, that meal was outstanding; my complements to the cook.” Jessie would blush, but this was their blissful ritual every time they broke bread together.

The chef at our house is my husband. I always was the cook when the children were growing up and then some.

However things changed. His body would not cooperate when he wanted to work at his job. It became necessary for us to move from the big city to a rural area where we now live.  Another big adjustment that was essential - - I needed to return to the work force.

“I feel so helpless” was his lament.

“Listen,” I told him, if I must work, there is one very important thing that you can do, and that is to fix dinner and have it ready when I get home. He has always loved to cook, so this became his portion of sharing the load.

If I truly learned Uncle Joel's lesson well, then what do I say each time my husband cooks for me? I tell him this, “Thank you sweetie that was a great meal.” “My complements to the chef.” Those tender expressions are words of love and approval, and I am truly grateful.

You probably have a question - - and that is - - what if the meal is not that remarkable?

I don’t lie, because repeating those words of gratitude is also showing a Big “E” for effort.

He might fuss and say, I messed up that dish, and I always say, “I thought it was good.”

I have heard some say; you might need to “Eat Your Words.” Well in a sense I suppose that is what we do when we speak a genuine “Thank you” to those who serve us in small and in large ways. Showing our appreciation with words is tremendously important!!

To encourage the cook at your house here is my simple recipe.

At the end of your meal; Say with great feeling - - - “My Complements to the Chef.”

Linked up today with Jennifer at Getting Down with Jesus

http://gettingdownwithjesus.com/the-letter/

images courtesy photobucket.com