The Receptionist Repost

Receptionist
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“Good Morning, how may I help you?” the receptionist asked as she picked up her phone. I could hear the smile in her voice and her sincerity convinced me that she wanted to help. I felt comfortable immediately! I told her I was looking for a doctor because I was pregnant and was experiencing nausea every morning.

Her smiling voice prompted,” I have an opening next Tuesday at 10:00 AM, is that time and date good for you?” “Yes,” I told her.

Then the doctor’s receptionist offered some advice. “Honey, until you can get in to see the Doctor, put a soda cracker on your night stand. Without lifting your head, as you wake up, reach over and take a small bite of the cracker. It should help with the morning sickness.”

I enthusiastically thanked her! I knew that this Doctor had a jewel for a receptionist. Was I happy that I called her number? You bet I was! This Doctor eventually became our family physician for many years, all because his receptionist was cheerful and caused me to feel important.

What a contrast to a recent experience I have had with a local Doctor’s office. His receptionist is abrupt, snippy, and unpleasant with the patients. She acts bothered when patients call for a refill or other requests. Imagine that, in this day when good customer service is so valuable.

As a seasoned Mystery Shopper, my thoughts immediately turn to my shops designed to measure service and the hospitality of their employees. I wondered whether or not her doctor even realizes that his receptionist is a detriment rather than an asset. Certainly staff training or re-training would be in order. This receptionist should be required to watch some videos on public relations. If she were instructed how to better treat her clients, both she and her doctor would benefit. Not to mention the patients!!

As I mulled all this over, I was reminded of many excellent scriptures that reflect what the Bible teaches about our attitudes and our speech. (* List below)

Some of us may have a complex work situation, and each of us have family and friends. The home is one place where it seems to be most difficult to implement attitudes of love and appreciation.

Let us purpose to make it a habit to treat our co-workers and each household member as if they were an honored guest.

As we remind ourselves to watch our words and our mannerisms toward one another, something else will also occur. A conscious awareness that we are smiling more and that we’re at peace, will sweep over us. In general, we’ll just enjoy life better!

*  1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children:

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
 
Proverbs 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.

This post was shared at: Tell Me a Story
http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
 

   

 

Growing in Wisdom

Jesus Amazed the Teachers
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The contrast of three mothers and their sons who grew in wisdom, in stature, and favor with God was portrayed by Pastor Jerry’s Sunday Sermon.  From my notes I share what I have gleaned.

Hannah - the mother of Samuel.  You may remember that she was barren and prayed for a child and promised to return him to the Lord’s service at a tender age.  Each year she lovingly brought him a new robe to wear as he learned to be a helper to Eli the priest.

1 Samuel 2:26 And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men.

Elizabeth – the mother of John the Baptist 

Luke 1:41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.   

 

John is in a procession of prophets who came from the desert and most were executed by the Romans who did not enjoy their harsh preaching of repentance.  John also lost his life because of his message not received.

Mary – the mother of Jesus. 

Each year the family would travel with all their relatives to Jerusalem to worship.  On the way home, Mary believed twelve year old Jesus was with his cousins.  When he was missed they returned to find him in the temple sitting in the midst of the learned teachers.  He was listening and asking questions of the teachers and they were astonished at His understanding and answers. 

Pastor suggested that we could listen more and perhaps our questions would be answered.

Listening is important, and why do we believe we must always answer the questions?

Luke 2: 46-47 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.  

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Pastor proposed that we as Christians might feast on the Word of God, continue to come together in praise and worship and allow God to touch us with his favor and wisdom.

Colossians 3:16,17  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

May we show forth the Love of God to others as we continue to grow in wisdom and faith?

Transfer of Power

The Star Shone over the Young Child
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Pastor Jerry was reading from the Book of Micah 5:2.  Entered here are Gleanings from my notes of his sermon for last Sunday.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”

As was prophesied, out of Bethlehem would come the One to be Ruler and King.  Little did the prophet know that it was to be Jesus born of a Virgin?  His kingdom was to be a spiritual one, born in the hearts of men.  The Power of authority was transferred to this tiny baby who lay in the manger. 

 

Angels sang of his birth and shepherds visited him. 

The Jews were looking for someone to deliver them from the hands of the Romans, and no one understood about the Kingdom Jesus was to rule over.

During World War II, a Dutch woman sat near a wireless waiting for a message of Good news about a deliverer coming to rescue them; outside forces with their troops, planes, and tanks.

National crisis and political forces cause us to want an outside deliverer, we desire a transfer of power to change our situation, but there is none coming.

Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with John, and the babe leaped for joy in her womb at the sound of Mary’s voice.  We think of mother’s singing a lullaby, but Mary’s song was different.

A song foretelling of a power transfer to a new King, and expecting salvation and deliverance.  Not just one day of victory, but moment by moment.

What does “Captive” mean?  AA says we are helpless to help ourselves.

We have many problems, health, loss of job, rebellious children, and are captive to the dynamics of human life.  We seem powerless to find a solution.  Most of which are insolvable.

Worship of little gods, that take up room in our hearts.  These gods do not care about us.  People are addicted to various things.  All sorts of gods get in the way of the True God.  We desire a deliverer and then came Jesus Christ and in him was HOPE for a transfer of power.  Power to overcome our addictions. 

Power within for each day of our lives.  God with us and in us; Emanuel. 

 

God transferred power in the form of Jesus, and he in turn transfers that power to us so that we might be free to live Godly lives.

Older Missionaries

Ministering at the Rescue Mission
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 This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   

Today’s stories are more of a report on my favorite missionary workers, with our Local Rescue Mission first.

Oroville Rescue Mission is my Local place to donate monthly to help the homeless.  Click HERE to view more about this ministry.  You probably have a similar work in your town.  Find out and see what you can do to help in your city.

My post started out to share about Older Missionaries and their Needs.

There are stories of old time missionaries going forth without support from people, and simply depending on God to supply their needs.  God was faithful, but many suffered!

Today most missionaries take a year to raise monthly support by traveling to churches and requesting pledges to be sent to National Headquarters, or given through their church. 

Once on the field, there are times they return home for a furlough which is in effect work to travel and raise more monthly funds as some contributors have dropped off in their giving for various reasons.

I am thinking back to one of the first pledges we gave to an elderly missionary.  Her husband had died, but she decided to go back to Mexico to live and minister.  Armed with tracts she would spend her days passing out Gospel Literature.  Evenings she would hold a Bible study in her small home for those she had contacted during the day.

The year was 1960 and the small church near me sent her what they could in support.  When I taught Release Time Education using their church, I learned about this widowed missionary.  As she grew older so did her supporters, many of which had passed away. 

The Pastors wife asked me if I could pick up 3 or 4 dollars to replace some of these givers.  I pledged 7 dollars to begin with; later increased to $10, then to $25 and eventually as she aged and lost contributors, we gave even more.

Even though confined to a care home, she still ministered to the residents and to those who visited her.  When she passed away we transferred our giving to another missionary who was also growing older.

About 20 years ago we found it crucial to discontinue our Missionary giving with a letter to each of our missionaries regretting that we could no longer send monthly support. 

Then I went to work, and realized that in addition to our tithes, we could once again pick up the support we had found it necessary to discontinue for a time. 

When I retired, with a small pension and also a golden handshake; we could continue to support our missionaries who by the way are all getting older.  They not only are continuing to minister but are reaching out into new fields for Jesus.

Image courtesy photobucket.com

Dr Martha J. Wright – Child Evangelism for 35 years - - CEF’s Goal is to reach cities for Jesus by saving the Children.  Martha is currently Executive Director CEF of Maryland.   Martha requests new supporters, she doesn’t like to ask, but how else will the people know she needs help.  Check her out on Facebook.  View Activities of Child Evangelism HERE.

Dr Ron Lamb – reaching out to train Christian dentists in Africa.  He also supplies Missionaries with dental equipment for mission trips.  Also provides supplies to disaster areas.  American Dental Association says this about his ministry:  CLICK HERE

Dick Joyce Missionary Evangelist – Click HERE to see what his home church says.

http://dickjoyce.org/   He has a donate button on his site!

Kitty Hamilton Anointed Missionary Evangelist to many nations:  http://www.hisnetwork.de/english/kitty-hamilton/

Ron and Annette Thiesen 30 years missionaries to Peru, are now in Honduras taking over a Childrens home with 50 children – many of the children still need sponsors.

Click HERE to view some of what they do for the Lord.  They continue to minister in Peru and are active in training leaders to minister.

Rocky and Joske Malloy Bolivia - Mission Generation – bringing Jesus into the Class Room.  Click HERE to view their newsletter.   As a contractor with the Government. Mission Generation has been given full liberty in the Bolivia public school system to preach and teach the Gospel through textbooks, school conferences, teacher accreditation and parent training. Mission Generation textbooks are Jesus-centered and Biblically-based. Every textbook includes the prayer and plan of salvation on the last page.  Other nations are requesting their textbooks.

Samaritans Purse – a trustworthy organization who has varied local and international relief projects.  Click HERE for more on this ministry.

Not monthly, but gifts as acquired go to one of our local churches who feed their neighbors on certain days of the week. 

Then there is our New Hope Center who gives out food and clothing to those in need.  They also accept gifts of groceries, household supplies, and clothing as it comes our way.

I realize that each one of us have favorite projects and works that we give to either annually or perhaps monthly.  B

 

Be led of the Holy Spirit on how much and where to give.  Not everyone who asks for help – is worthy.   Research, and pray before you sign up for a monthly pledge. 

Then as you are directed, act upon those desires to be a blessing to others.

P.S.  If you are a google blogger - check out your audience.  You may be surprized at how many countries are viewing your posts, but they never comment.

 

Due Date

New Born Babe
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It was ten days past my due date and the doctor did not seem concerned.  “When the fruit is ripe it will fall.” was his remark of comfort to me, but I am a person with not much patience when it comes to waiting.  This baby was past due, and I wanted him now!

Soon after my Doctor visit, as I arose from bed that morning, there was a rush of uncalled for fluid that flowed from my body.  I told my husband, I think this is it, but I am not in pain, so probably it is not time yet to go to the hospital.

My husband needed to go to work, so the next best thing was to take me to my mother’s house, so I would not be alone.  She had a telephone and we could call the Dr as soon as the contractions began.

At a previous doctor visit I had been told to time the contractions and call him when they were around seven minutes apart for this first baby.  When they were 5 minutes apart, go to the hospital.

I was experiencing more of a flutter and not a contraction, but when evening came, I began to worry.  After a phone call to the Doctor he said, “Come in to the hospital and let’s take a look.”

All it took was a quick examination and he declared, “This baby is breach, and his bottom is there instead of his head.  Naturally, I did not like the sound of that, so I said, “Will it hurt when you turn him?”  The doctor replied, “Oh we aren’t going to turn him, it will just be a bit harder but not a real problem.”

They had given me a shot of something, so by then I was agreeable for most anything and I took my doctor at his word.

Needless to say, when it was all over and I was cozy in bed and feeling pretty good, I told the nurse, I was ready to have another one!  She laughed.

My thoughts went to the Virgin Mary who rode a donkey into Bethlehem escorted by Joseph her husband.  Certainly she must have known that her DUE date was very soon.

Never the less, it was imperative that they travel to Bethlehem to be taxed, so they followed orders from the local rulers.  The events that followed were bizarre and the treatment she received was not hospitable at all.  The next few hours resulted in that her due date arrived and there in the stable along with the animals the king of kings was born.

Not welcomed by the majority of the masses, but visited by lowly shepherds who viewed the heavenly angels singing and declaring, “Do not fear, but follow the star and it will lead you to the new born king.  He will bring Peace on Earth and Good will toward men.”

Many things transpired during Jesus thirty three years of life, until his tragic death, but rejoice because he did not stay dead, for he arose on the third day and lives ever more.

There is another Due date coming and that is the Event of the Ages, “The Return of our Lord,” to receive all those who have accepted Him as their savior.   Don’t miss out on that Due date!

 

This post is linked to Peter Pollock’s One Word Carnival 

The word is; DUE

Also linked with Tell Me a True Story:

http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

 

the Virgin Birth - Repost

Born of a Virgin
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I Rejoice Because of the Virgin Birth!!

As we consider this Christmas Season and celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, I am so very thankful and rejoice for the Virgin Birth. 

It is extremely important that we understand why the Virgin Birth was so necessary.  The Bible tells us that the Life is in the Blood.  Jesus said he was the Life and the light of Life.

When the first Adam sinned and took of the fruit in the garden something terrible happened to his body, his soul, and his spirit.  He became sort of REVERSE born again or changed into a different person.  His blood now had the sin nature which all mankind has inherited.  1 Corinthians 15:45 tells us that the Last Adam was Jesus.  Jesus was not born with Adams sin nature because his father was God. 

Dr. M.R. De Haan explains in his book, “The Chemistry of the Blood,” Physiologists have proven beyond question that the Mother does not impart her blood to the babe that is being formed.  It has been proven that the blood that flows in the arteries and veins of the babe is from the father of the child.

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/BTP/Dr_MR_DeHaan/Chemistry/toc.htm  

Mary herself wondered and told the Angel, “How can this be since I have never known a man?” 

The Angel told Mary that this Holy Child that will be formed in you will be conceived by the Holy Ghost, and the life in him will be from his Father God.  Mary said to the Angel, “Let it be so unto me even as you have said.”

God needed a blood sacrifice to atone for Adam’s sin.  Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  His blood was Holy because his blood was from his Father God.  That is why it is so very important to be thankful for the Virgin Birth, so that the Holy Jesus could shed his Holy Blood so that we could be saved and changed into another person.

So my joy today is that I am thankful for the Virgin Birth and all it means to purchase for you and me, -- the gift of salvation.

1Corinthians 15:45  And so it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living soul," the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit.

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Easy Fruit Cake

Christmas Fruit Cake
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At our annual Dazzle at our Church, there are crafts, white elephants, and baked goods to purchase.  One of our ladies always makes a delicious fruit cake and I usually buy two of her loaf size treats.

Robert and I slice off a small piece and enjoy it in the late afternoon with a cup of coffee.  Then we ran out of cake.

Regularly I shop at a discount food mart near by, and there I spied a carton of glazed fruit cake mix.  Years ago I had attempted to bake a fruit cake and perhaps it was time to try again.

Usually I go to Cooks.com and search what others have submitted.  Suddenly I discovered what looked like a nice and easy to make recipe.   It called for some rum to soak up the fruit, and I had some rum left over from the time I made: Chocolate Brownies with cranberries!  Click on the name to view.

In comparison, I believe my recipe is as good as, or better than my friend’s cake.

Robert gave his approval and suggested that I bake another one for Christmas.

EASY FRUIT CAKE Adapted from COOKS.COM

2 cups flour
3 eggs
3 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
6 oz butter
1 cup glazed fruits mixed with 1/2 to 1 cup rum
                                 (or substitude 1/2 cup orange juice)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg

I added more fruit and some nuts!

1/2  cup raisins

1/2  cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped walnuts

Plump raisins and cranberries in hot water. Drain and set aside.

Mix butter and sugar until creamed. Add dry ingredients and mix. Add eggs one at a time mixing after each. Add vanilla and fruit. Mix well. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes or until done.

Lay wax paper in bottom of two loaf pans, or bake in an angel food pan. 

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays 

 

SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN THE AIR - Guest Post Robert's Musings

Repent courtesy photobucket.com

 

SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN THE AIR 

I don't how or why I got there

I guess I had to be somewhere

I surmised it must be a place of refuge

For a cross had been placed up in the air

 I entered with apprehension

Disquieted, suspicious, say the least

Yes, for sure, there was something different in the air

There were benches for sitting, straight backed and so hard

 I felt it must be a form of torture to endure

The ceiling reached nigh to heaven

The walls and stain glass were so severe

It added to my discomfort, I feared

 

The Lectern rose above me, all delivery came from above

Then A solemn figure rose from his seat and strode across the stage

He took his place in the pulpit and as he assuaged

I felt my self getting smaller, and I feared for

There was something different in the air

Sometime later the sermon, it was past

I was glad it was over but then alas

 He cried with a voice so anguished

So laced with bitter pain I could hardly bear it

 

His composure he regained and said with softer tones

Come, come, the savior is calling, hurry don't delay

It may be your only chance, this may be your only day

And as I sat there musing, there was something different in the air

The next words he uttered I could hardly comprehend

Raise your hand, walk down the aisle, at the altar the knee must bend

Repent, confess and try to make amends

It was some time later, I felt all things were new

I didn't understand it, I wondered what to do

As I looked around me, I couldn't help but stare

Then I realized there was something different in the air

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar-sPqVmOSc

 

 

The Real Santa Clause

Santa - courtesy photobucket.com

 

Early on my mother told us three children that the stories about Santa were like a game, and not real.  She told us that the presents came from Mother and Daddy, not Santa.

Mother told us we could pretend and enjoy the fairy tale stories, and so she took us to the store to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what we wanted in exchange for a candy cane.

Being the oldest and wisest of the three of us, I told my brother that the Santa at the store had on a fake beard, because I could see the green string that held it together.

When it was five year old Allen’s turn to visit Santa, he bent over and tried to look under Santa’s beard.  Santa laughed, and asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and although startled, Allen told him an electric train. 

Santa laughed again, and said, I have been watching you, and you have been a very good little boy, so I will do my best to see that your wish is granted. Taking the candy cane that was offered to him, Allen wondered if perhaps this was truly Santa after all.

He wondered some more when Christmas came, for he was not disappointed when a smaller version of the electric train that he had dreamed about was under the tree.

All three of us enjoyed playing with that train and later it was set up in our basement so Allen could play with it anytime he wanted to.

When our own children came along, we told them that we would play the Santa game of pretend, but we would not lie to them and tell them Santa was real.  They enjoyed visiting Santa at the Mall and telling him of their desires - - and getting the offered candy cane.

I have heard of some children once they discover that Santa is a story and not true, are very disillusioned, upset and angry at their parents.

They reason, if Santa is a Fairy tale, then they begin to wonder if all the amazing Bible stories are true, and if Jesus is real.  Some of the Bible stories of miracles and people coming back from the dead are hard to believe, they think to themselves.

Planting faith in the heart of a young child and teaching them to believe in Jesus is important! 

Who sees us when we are sleeping, and knows when we are good or bad?

It is not Santa, but Jesus is the one, who knows every detail of our life.   

God does not reward us according to our behaviour, although many times he expects better things from us.

When a person, big or little invites Jesus into their heart and life, they will know that God is real and where truth is. 

This post has been shared at “Tell Me a True Story”

http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

Gaudete Sunday - Rejoice Sunday

Rejoice - courtesy photobucket.com

 

Today being the third Sunday of Advent, the Pink Candle was lit signifying Love (and forgiveness.)  Gleaning from the Sermon today as Pastor Jerry read from Zephaniah chapter 3.  Verse 17 was encouraging to remind us of God’s eternal Love.

The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”

A reading from Philippians chapter four where Paul encouraged the Christians to Rejoice, not to worry, and to stay focused on what is important.

The then known world was going crazy.  King Herod had tried to kill the baby Jesus, and many times during his life Jesus barely escaped death from his enemies.  Eventually Jesus was slain on the cross, and Christians were shaken and afraid.  But death could not hold him and he is alive.  Paul knew times were extreme and madness prevailed, but he encouraged believers to rejoice in the Lord and to press toward the goal of finishing their race.

Forward to our day and the world is still going crazy.  Terror and senseless killings cause us anxiety of heart.  What do we say to those who have experienced dreadful tragedy? 

What about those who criticize Christmas decorations and greetings?  Pastor shared about a neighbor who put up a Santa and a Chimney in her front yard.  The next day the Santa was missing.  The lady placed a white board where Santa had been that said, “I curse the person who stole my Santa.”  Pastor thought it might be better to read, “I forgive the person who stole my Santa.”

Not everyone has happy attitudes at Christmas and some try to tear away at our joy and create unpleasantness. 

Santa is fun, and there are pleasurable cultural events in the Holidays, but the one who comes for the real Christmas is Jesus.  He offers Truth and Joy.

John the Baptist prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus and when the people asked what must we do.  He replied, “Share with others who have nothing, do not cheat but be fair to those you serve, and be content with your wages.

The angels proclaimed, “Behold I bring you tidings of great joy.”  Even in turmoil we can rejoice.  To rejoice is a response to this good news, Jesus Christ the King is born.

 
Joy comes with truth.  Redemption is a gift that is offered, and we have the choice to receive.

Focus - -  Focus on what is important.

 

Jesus is Born King
courtesy photobucket.com

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Also Linked up with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday

 

EGGPLANT PARMESAN

EggPlant Parmesan
courtesy photobucket.com

 

There was a need for me to go into town to the post office to mail one of my books to Australia.  I had no idea of the cost in order to ship one small book.

Previously I had called United Parcel Service for a quote and was told 98 dollars.  Being flabbergasted to say the least, I knew there must be a better way.  Phoning the Post office, the clerk said she was too busy to look it up, but a ball park figure might be around $5 to send it first class.  She was thinking United States destination, because when I arrived at the Post Office I was told it would be $10.03 to Australia.

I just could not disappoint my friend who had been so faithful to me.  I would keep my word, and bite the shipping cost and send the book with out comment to my friend.  My Blogger friend is not stupid and she had already figured out that the shipping would eat up what she had paid for the book, so she did the next best thing.  She ordered a second book, and told me NOT to send another book, as these funds were to cover the shipping.  I was overcome with her kindness, and decided when her next book comes out – I will be one of the first to purchase it.  Thank you Crystal Mary Lindsey!

All that to say this; Robert requested, “Since you will be in town, please stop by the grocery store and pick up some fresh vegetables.”   So I did; onions, squash, broccoli, lettuce, radishes, 2 apples, carrots, and an eggplant.

Robert makes the best Eggplant Parmesan and here is a recipe taken from Suzanne Marie that you will love!   We enjoyed ours today for dinner with a mess of fresh chard.

EGGPLANT PARMESAN

1 large eggplant
10-12 medium sized mushrooms (sliced)

We added 1 sliced onion nuked in the microwave but they are optional
1 jar pasta sauce (we added a bit of hamburger but optional again)
1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese (shredded)   We used cheddar and pepper jack mixed
Italian bread crumbs (we used stuffing mix ground in the processor.)
Vegetable oil
3 eggs
salt (optional)

Slice the eggplant about 1/2 inch thick. Throw away both ends of eggplant; don't eat.

Beat the eggs together in a flat bowl (cereal bowl; pie plate). Use another bowl (same type) and fill about 1/4 inch with breadcrumbs.

Cover a slice of the eggplant, one at a time, with the egg and let excess drip off. Then lay the slice in the breadcrumbs, covering both sides. Repeat this process, adding more breadcrumbs as needed. If you fill the bowl with too many crumbs at on time, the crumbs will get sticky and chunky.

Add oil to a medium fry pan, but just enough to coat the bottom. Brown each slice; you can brown about 4-5 slices at a time. Don't overcook; just let them get crispy on the outside. Add oil as necessary; don't let the pan dry out or burn.

Transfer slices to a paper towel. Once all are browned, place a layer in the bottom of a rectangular casserole dish (approx. 9-11 inch dish). Top with half of a jar of sauce. Add the sliced mushrooms and a couple hand fulls of cheese. Add another layer of eggplant and the rest of the sauce.

Cover with foil and put in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes (oven temps vary). Add another couple hand fulls of cheese and bake uncovered for about 8-10 minutes.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   

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

 

Dab A Little on Your Face!

 

Dab a Little on your Face
courtesy photobucket.com

 

Having just graduated from Jr High, it was now time to appear at the High School for orientation day.

Complaining to my mother that I had no one to walk with me to school, my mother suggested that I ask Joann who lived down the street from us to walk with me.

Hesitating as usual to take the first step toward friendship, my mother did not pressure me, but she must have been in contact with Joann’s mother; because our telephone rang and it was Joann.  She asked if I would walk with her to orientation and I told her yes and the time I would pass by her house.

Up until that time, we had not been friends, but a lasting friendship began.  Each day we enjoyed our walk and also were company for each other at lunch time.

Joann’s dad was a postman, and her mother took in foster babies.  There were cribs of various sizes in different rooms of their house.  Her mother told me that sometimes a baby would arrive during the night, and they never knew for sure how long they would have each child.

 The reasons for these babies being foster cared were wide-ranging, from an unwed mother considering whether or not to keep her baby or give it up for adoption to a mother who was in prison, or in rehab.  Protective Services often removed a baby from an abusive home.

One day Joann confided in me how to have a beautiful complexion.  She said her mother instructed her to take the babies wet diaper and dab it on her face before washing her face.

She said it would take care of pimples and acne woes but it must be from an infant, not an adult.  There may be some truth to this - strange things seem to work at times. but it didn't appeal to me!

In those days the diapers were cloth, so the wet was absorbed thoroughly.  Joann did have a nice complexion, except for some freckles which were also attractive.

Although I am often a gullible person, I did not accept this story as fact, so I shared the information with my mother and asked her opinion. 

Her reply was, “If you washed your face daily and as often as the diapers were wet, perhaps you might have a lovely complexion, but she doubted it.

Thinking what one of our Pastors told us, to not believe everything we hear and only half of what we see, that is a saying good to remember.

Dab on your face if you will, or dab something smelly on your life, and you might not be able to wash it off unless you have help.

My help cometh from the Lord!  He not only dabs; but he pours out his cleansing for our faces, our souls and to cover our sins.  

 

This post is linked to Peter Pollock’s One Word Carnival

The word is; DAB
Also shared at Tell Me a Story:

http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/      

Do visit and enter your own true story!

 

The Sapper

Sapper ready to Prepare the Way
Courtesy photobucket.com

 

As Pastor Jerry read from Luke 3:1-6 about John being the one sent to prepare the Way for the Messiah, I took notes and gleaned from his sermon. 

 

Pastor began by mentioning a famous maze in England.  It is an outdoor garden that many get lost in and cannot find their way.  Life is like that at times, with confusion and seemingly no direction ahead. 

The trick is to know which turns to take that will lead you easily through the maze.  It is in being prepared and knowing the WAY ahead of time.

An illustration was given, if you had eight hours to cut down a huge tree and all you had was an axe, what would you do?  Abraham Lincoln when asked this question said, “I would spend six hours sharpening that axe.”  It pays to be prepared.

Luke put it into human context.  John the son of Zechariah began to preach the gospel of repentance and forgiveness from sin.  John’s cry was to repent and change your ways!

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
⁵ Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
⁶ And all people will see God’s salvation.

Pastor used the word Sapper, and gave the picture of an army of engineers going forth to prepare the roads prior to the coming of the King.  For safety sake, they would level the hills, fill in the pot holes, smooth the roads and make the crooked places straight in preparation for the King’s arrival.

The shepherds followed the star that shone so bright - - to find the King.  They could have said, we have things we need to do first, but they would have missed out.

We are that shinning light that others are watching, and may we lead them to find Jesus.

The burden is on us to be a SAPPER, to prepare the way for others.  Our family, our friends, those we work with.  Sharpen your knowledge of the scriptures and know what you believe and be able to share with others the way!

Like unto the Maze there is only one way to go, and no detours allowed.

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Linked up with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday use it on Monday
Also shared with Laura at The Wellspring

 

When Our Hearts Were In Need Guest Post by Roy Lessin

When Our Hearts Were In Need

To those in sin, God sent us the Savior
;
To those in darkness, God sent us the Light;

To those in bondage, God sent us the Deliverer;

To those in defeat, God sent us the Victor;

To those in want, God sent us the Shepherd;

To those in hunger, God sent us the Bread;

To those in pain, God sent us the Physician;

To those in doubt, God sent us the Truth;

To those in confusion, God sent us the Way;

To those in turmoil, God sent us the Prince of Peace;

To all in need, God sent His only begotten Son.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.
Isaiah 9:6
 

-Devotional by Roy Lessin, from his blog Meet Me In The Meadow
CLICK HERE to follow Roy's Special December Month Long Posts on Jesus

 

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Guest Post by Robert’s Musings

 
I am pleased to do another guest post for Robert's Musings. His site has continued stories that you might enjoy signing up to receive by e-mail.
Go HERE  to visit his site.

Wild
courtesy photobucket.com

Well what can you say? They are everywhere on every street. They want to have the Spirit but can't control their soul.

Its one day of praying and six days of fun!

Yes, the minds of these people are now closed.

They have ears, but they don't listen.

 

They have eyes, but they refuse to see.

They are like those who accept the seed of redemption

But it is seed that fell on rocky ground?

 

They are like the people who hear the teaching

And quickly and gladly accept it.

But they keep it only short time and all they have left is;

One day of praying and six days of fun.

 

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE   Lyrics by Mack David

Sinner, hear what I'm sayin'

Sinner, you've been swingin', not prayin'

One day of prayin' and six nights of fun

The odds against goin' to heaven, six-to-one

You walk on the wild side, the Devil is waitin'

He's waitin' to take your hand

You walk on the wild side, you're walkin' with Satan

Away from the Promised Land

 

One day of prayin' and six nights of fun

The odds against going to heaven, six-to-one

You better cross over, you better walk humble or you're gonna stumble

And Satan is waitin' to take your hand

You walk on the wild side, you walk on the wild side

Away from the Promised Land

One day of prayin' and six nights of fun

The odds against going to heaven, six-to-one

The odds against going to heaven six-to-one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxz_E1Nlo9I

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