Finagle

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Finagle is to maneuver, wheedle, coax, wangle, contrive, trick, manipulate, usually to get your own way how ever you can manage to do it. 

And don’t forget the word HORNSWAGGLED! 

One of my blogger friends, Floyd wrote an interesting post on this word; Hornswaggled.  Read it by clicking HERE.  Be sure to read the comments too as they are also VERY interesting and downright enlightening. 

We must be careful not to judge.

Perhaps at one time of another we have all been guilty of fudging or pulling strings.  Maybe even ignoring the right thing to do and passing to the other side.

Here in blog land we often prove that we are not always the Saints that some believe us to be.  I know that I am not perfect but it is difficult to admit to it.  Improvement is still on the way.

Many Years ago I had my three granddaughters with me and no credit card and a certain amount of money.

The girls were hungry, so we stopped at a fast food place, and I ordered each a simple cheap sandwich and asked for complementary water for us all.  I barely had enough money to pay the bill.

image courtesy photobucket.com

I stepped to the soda dispenser to get water for the girls, and for the life of me there was NO button for the water!

Sometimes I miss things, so I called my granddaughters and asked them it they could help me find the button for water.  

We looked carefully, inspecting each spigot!  Not to be found - - -

NONE of us could see a button for water.  

So I told them, “Just get any drink you want to,” and so they did.

By the way, these days, Robert and I usually take the complementary water, and lo and behold, somehow the water button has appeared. 

The fast food company probably got Hornswaggled too many times and decided to fix the water button.

This post has been linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty
Shared with Eileen at Into the Beautiful  Seeking Him
Also shared at:  “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

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You Dont Have to Do It Alone

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Pastor Jerry was reading from Ephesians 3: 14-21

 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,   Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Gleaning from the Sunday sermon I share with you a portion.

Pastor Jerry told us a story about a young 8 year old child whose entire family was cooperating in a 12 step AA program.  The alcoholic father had affected the lives of every family member and this meeting was to help them all.  The young girl thought if she was good enough, such as making excellent grades in school, being kind to others, that her father would stop drinking.  When there was no change in her dad, she felt guilty for failing in what she envisioned as something she could bring about by her efforts. 

The councilor asked her to remember step number three which says; “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.” 

The councilor asked the child, “Who is it that can help?” and the child answered, ‘Jesus.”  The councilor wanted her to understand that we cannot do it alone. 

May I ask you -- what are we putting our trust and faith in?  Is it in yourself?  Is it in our talents and our gifts and our skills and our education? Are we trusting in our possessions and only attempting to do that which we know is possible? 

God calls us to trust in Him and Him alone -- He calls us to not depend on ourselves or our possessions or any other worldly thing -- but to trust in Him for salvation and to accomplish the tasks that He has called us to.

Through God, we can do all things -- through God we can inherit eternal life -- and through God, we can see our church revived and lives changed

Do you want to see God do the impossible in your life and in this church?   Then trust in The Lord and allow Him to work in you and through you to do just that

What ever the task or problem that is ahead of you --You Don’t Have to Do it Alone.

We must have God and allow Him to be God.

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

God's Heart For You

 

Think of it...
You belong to a God who has no limitations.
He is able to do things for you,
be mighty in you, and bring blessings to you.
His provisions are endless,
His blessings are measureless,
and His generosity is boundless.

All that is in His heart (for you)
flows out in waves of love.
They are sent to touch you, to fill you, and to cover you.
You cannot contain them for they are
more than your mind can imagine,
more than your arms can embrace,
and more than your heart can hold.

(Courtesy Day Spring)

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25

The Messenger

Messenger courtesy Google Search

When I was much younger I felt compelled to pass out tracts and also to be sure that every one that came to my door left with some sort of Christian magazine that contained the Gospel message.   I still believe in the power of the printed page.

It was later that I understood that I was more driven than being obedient.  I know that tracts have their place, as those who receive them have been blessed, but also I have seen many tracts tossed aside. 

The Chick comic books are an exception, and are usually eagerly read.  Some are fine and to the point, but when Chick Publishers began to publish some comic books that were offensive with hate towards certain people, I stopped purchasing from them.  God has many other ways we can share the gospel.

All the years that I worked in the employ of others, I allowed my life to preach and not tracts.  On my desk I did have a flip over calendar that had a Scripture verse and a short devotion on it for each day.  It was usual for my co-workers to visit my desk to see what the, “Word” was for today. 

The opportunities came one on one as God directed.  In fact at my work place there were several miracles that occurred as God did the work.

Time passed on, and I retired, and began to write a blog.  Many of my stories are recorded there.  I discovered other writers who contribute posts to a Blog Hop.”  Sharing a recipe on Friday, and on Sunday a summary of the Pastors Sermon, I participate with other bloggers.  Late Monday evening I post one of my true stories and invite others to enter their True Story on my blog Hop, “Tell Me a Story.”

complements Google Search

I said all that to say this - - - A few days ago, two large boxes arrived, at my home, filled with my first book. “Rescue the Stories” offers over eighty true short childhood stories of my early childhood from age 3 through age eighteen.  Most have a lesson learned about life woven in.

My book will say more than most tracts will be able to say.  For this reason I encourage each person who purchases my book, to find someone to read to. 

I am anxious to hear reports on what the anointed word will do even in a story.

The telephone rang and it was from my friend who began to read my book I had given her as a gift.  She was very excited and reported that she had read four stories to her co-worker during their lunch break.  

She did not understand why she felt so calm and peaceful and her words were “I felt soothed.” 

I mentioned to my husband, Robert about her phone call, and he remarked, “That was an expensive tract, but I am sure it will bless her.” 

If you hesitate to share Jesus with others, may I suggest that you order a copy of my book and begin to read to someone the stories found inside. 

They will get the message and you will be the messenger! 

Baby Girl Named after me??? Perhaps So !!

Baby Girl courtesy photobucket.com

My Sister in Law, Terry Moon has excellent hearing so I take her word for it that what she heard was correct.

Terry’s note to me is shared here: 

"I was listening to the radio this morning and someone called in for a contest. The guy said he and his wife just had a baby girl and they named her Hazel Moon (plus their last name). Isn't that something? And that I would be listening at that exact moment to hear him say it. Just thought you'd be interested to know you have a namesake out there."

WOW - - Off hand, I don’t think I am acquainted with this couple, but who knows – they might know me!

Perhaps their lives were touched by one of my blog posts or even by a comment? 

Many times the comments I read on a Bloggers post will minister to me as much as the post.

This incident reminded me of our friend Kitty.  She is a German lady, who was raised in South America.  Kitty attended our church, here in our city and is now an international missionary.  She speaks 4 languages fluently and ministers in Peru, Indonesia, Europe and Africa.  In those countries where she has touched lives and baby girls are born, in many cases the couples have named their girl babies “Kitty” after her.

Although someone naming their baby girls “HAZEL MOON” does interest me 

- - it also causes me to wonder. 

Truth is - - I sure would love to hear the rest of their story!!

This post is shared at: Stacy’s Heartprints Hallelujah

Also linked with Laura’s Faith Filled Friday

Zucchini Parmesan Fries (Baked)

Photo from Swansons Health

The secret to transforming ordinary zucchini into a delicious, crunchy appetizer is really quite simple.  A dusting of flour, a splash of egg whites and a coating of bread crumbs, Italian spices and grated parmesan cheese. The best part is they're oven-baked, not deep-fried.  No grease. No added fat. No guilt!

Zucchini Parmesan Fries (Baked)

1 / 2 cup whole wheat flour

1 / 2 cup  All Purpose Flour

3 / 4 cup  Bread Crumbs   (We use stuffing mix crushed.)

1 / 4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 / 2 tsp  Garlic Powder

1 / 2 Tbs  Italian Seasoning

2 egg whites, whisked     

       1  1 / 2 pounds zucchini, cut into strips

 Cut the zucchini into strips and preheat the oven to 425° F. Mix the flours and the garlic powder in a Ziploc bag and add the zucchini strips. Shake to coat.

Next, whisk the eggs in a bowl. Using a separate bowl or plate, mix the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning together.

Remove your zucchini strips from the plastic bag, shaking off the excess flour. Dunk each strip individually in the egg and then roll them in the bread crumb mixture.

Place on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven for 10 minutes. Flip them over and put return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

Serve plain or with a favorite dipping sauce like marinara.
 

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

Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Compassion Flowing

Compassion
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During the 1970’s our church was using different methods to encourage new members to visit our church. 

A volunteer group went door to door with flyers inviting our neighbors to a dinner at our church on Saturday.  A few neighbors responded including a young couple who told us they would like to visit our church the next day which was Sunday.

Sunday arrived, and the young couple brought their three year old son who had never walked.  His legs were like wet spaghetti with no muscle or strength.  The father of the child raised his hand and asked permission to bring the child forward for prayer. 

What happened next – was a wave of COMPASSION struck Pastor Herring and he was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Our Pastor sat down on the altar bench and took the boy onto his lap with the boy facing the congregation. 

Pastor Herring placed each hand on the back of the boys legs just below his knees and his legs began to quiver as muscle formed and his legs filled out. 

The Pastor called for the boy’s mother to come and assist the child to walk. 

Holding the boys hand, the mother and our pastor walked him back to where the Grandmother sat with tears flowing down her face.  As you can imagine, the people were shouting praises to God. 

The boy was healed and strange as it seems, not a prayer was made - - only love, and Compassion and the Holy Spirit flowing out to do the work of a creative miracle. 

The couple became regular attendants of our church and the miracle boy would run and play.  

Our pastor is older now, and during his many years as a pastor, he continues to tell this wonderful story of God’s love.  Although he has seen God heal and answer prayer many times, he has never experienced anything that miraculous happening again. 

Mystery of Mysteries!    May we be a yielded vessel and allow God’s miracle power of love and compassion to flow though us - - for we are His church. 

This post has been linked with Jenn at: Mercy Mondays

Also shared at: “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

Compassion

compassion courtesy photobucket.com

Enclosed in our Sunday church bulletin was a short letter of retirement from our Pastor Carl who has been recovering from a minor stroke and brain tumor.  He is a fighter, but after much prayer and consideration he realized that he may not be able to return to fill our pulpit once again.

Our guest Pastor Jerry has been our Guest Pastor and doing an excellent work.  By next Sunday the announcement is due to be made that he is our newly appointed permanent part-time pastor.

As is my custom, I took notes and present my gleaning from his sermon.  Pastor read from Mark 6:30-34.  The setting was Jesus meeting with his disciples who had just returned from their time of ministry and with joy they reported all that God had done.

        Many people were pressing upon them, and they had not had time to even eat or rest.    Jesus said, come away by yourselves to a secluded place and we will rest for awhile.  So they took a  boat and left - - but the people saw where they were going and followed them.

Mark 6:34  When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.

The people in the large crowd were probably a mixture of Jews and Gentiles.  Jesus had compassion on all of mankind.  He reached out and ministered to them even though his body was tired and hungry.

As there is today, even then there were major social issues; slavery, hunger, human rights, civil rights, women’s issues, sexual problems, health care, abuse of all kinds, religious persecution.   The church today addresses these needs or ignores them.

Some people say, “I am looking for a church that meets my needs.”  The truth is that the church cannot meet the needs of all people. 

Perhaps we need to settle down and realize that it is Jesus who meets the needs of his sheep.  He has compassion for them, and we also need to show compassion for others. 

Those outside the Jewish faith were people also wanting their needs met and were looking to Jesus.  Those outside the “church” also need Jesus!

Sheep need a shepherd!  Without a shepherd, sheep wander and get into trouble.  Jesus came to earth to fulfill God’s plan because we needed him.

Jesus continues to have compassion, and it is through his church that compassion must flow.    We are His Church – May compassion flow through me!

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Spoiled Babies

Our Black Lab  Old Buck prefers the wading pool to drink from!

Young babies learning to communicate will often point to an object they want and expect you to give it to them. 

Funny thing is our dogs have learned to point also.

Buck also enjoys a drink inside on hot days!

During some very hot days, we brought our three dogs into the house and they are assigned to some area rugs. 

One of those very warm days, we filled a pan with water and allowed them to have a nice drink because they were panting from the heat.

The very next day, our dog Luke began to stand in front of the sink and point to the faucet, indicating that he wanted a drink from the indoor water pan.

Luke enjoys a drink too!

You might say we spoil our dogs, and we complied with his wishes.  Now all three dogs enjoy getting a drink indoors from time to time.

When they are outside, they have a nice dog water bucket but we also daily fill a small hard plastic wading pool with water. 

Wouldn’t you know it?  They prefer to drink from the wading pool.

Dogs are fun and funny too, just like we humans are.  Although they are spoiled, there are times when I also feel spoiled. 

My husband and my children are good to me, and so is the Lord.  I must always remember to be thankful and grateful for kindness, mercy and goodness shown to me.

This post is shared at: Stacy’s Heartprints Hallelujah

 

Corn on the Cob – Microwave Method

sweet corn courtesy photobucket.com

This is the season for corn to be fresh and reasonable in the market, and I share a simple method to fix it that it is both tender and tasty. 

At the market, select the white corn, not the yellow.  Be sure it is not field corn which can be tough.

Leave the husks on, and trim the bottom and the top leaves – maybe remove one layer of husk so that it is clean.

Place up to 3 ears in the microwave and set the timer for 4 minutes.  Open the door and turn your corn and set for another 4 minutes.   

Using a pot holder, carefully remove each ear from the microwave as they are hot.  Now pull the husks off using for protection a clean kitchen towel and remove the silk that remains.

Butter your corn and enjoy with a salad and perhaps a slice of buttered French bread.

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

Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Charm School

Lady in Fashion - Courtesy photobucket.com

Summer days were here and our three teen age girls were bored with “nothing to do.”

An advertisement in the newspaper caught my eye.  Our local department store was offering a charm school for girls that sounded like fun for our young ladies.

The girls invited their cousin, Connie to join them and off we went to investigate.

For a small entry fee, the girls would learn basic beauty tips, how to sit gracefully, how to walk, and how to tastefully apply makeup.  They were to each receive a small makeup kit to keep.  At the end of the week, they would all be able to participate in a fashion show that the store would open to the public.

Our girls were excited and for the next four days they were faithful to learn stylish ways to dress for less, and how to be refined and charming young women.

The class leader shared secrets on how to walk with good posture, and to keep your eyes straight ahead.  For the fashion show, they were shown how to walk with poise on to the runway and how to pivot a nice turnaround. 

More hints were shared, on how to enter a car; don’t climb in feet first, but carefully back up, sit down and then slowly swing your feet inside.  When you arrive at your destination, allow your driver to open the car door for you. 

As the final day approached, the girls were allowed to select a pretty dress from the store racks to wear for the fashion show.  Our older girls chose a lovely formal gown and the younger ones a beautiful party dress. 

That evening, the show went on without a hitch.  Proud parents, grandparents, employees, and the public were all there to cheer for the precious girls.

The lessons learned did not fade away and our girls became young women we continue to be proud of even today.

This post has been linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty

Also shared at: Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

I do hope you are also enjoying reading as many stories as you can and giving your comments.

A Moral Dilemma

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Our Guest Pastor Jerry ministered from Mark 6: 14-29 about the violent and gruesome recounting of the death of John the Baptist.   I share my gleanings from his sermon.

King Herod respected John even though the message that John gave was not so welcomed.  John told Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother’s wife.  These words caused Herod’s wife Herodias to be very angry and she wanted to kill John the Baptist.  Possibly to protect John from his wife, Herod had John put into prison?

On his birthday, Herod decided to throw an extravagant party, and when his step daughter danced for them, everyone was very pleased.  Herod told her that he would offer her a gift and to ask whatever she willed and he would give it to her. 

Have you ever made a rash statement, and then wished you had not declared it?

Herod found him self in a quandary when the girl at her mothers request, asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.  Herod had made an impulsive and stupid promise and there was no backing out.  His lords, high captains and other guests had all heard him make this pledge.  The king was deeply grieved, but he was obligated to keep his word.

There was nothing else he could do, so immediately he sent for his executioner and gave the hideous command which was soon fulfilled.

While this is a disgusting, unpleasant story and we are glad it doesn’t happen here in America, the truth is that similar happenings are occurring all over our current world.

Men without conscience are killing Christians and burning churches many like Saul of Tarsus, believe they are doing God’s work.

Have you ever done something or said something that was foolish and unwise?

We have all been there, making wrong choices.  We may not have killed anyone physically but perhaps in some way we may have caused harm to someone’s character by our actions or words.

We don’t like to reveal our weaknesses for we do not want others to think less of us.

So what do we do?  We lie, cover up, and conceal our sins and errors.

What can we learn today?  Perhaps we all need to gather at the feet of Jesus bringing our failures to him where there is Salvation and always grace mercy and forgiveness.

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Also linked with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake

Oat Meal Cake Courtesy photobucket.com

We are always looking for something different to take to our church Pot luck, so when I came across this interesting and easy recipe for a different cake I had to try it.  You might like to serve it at home, warm with some ice cream on the side.  Yumm!

Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake

Pour boiling water over the oats, cover and let rest for 20 minutes.

1 1/4 cups boiling water
1 cup quick cooking oats

In a large bowl mix well the next 5 ingredients 

1/2 cup shortening or cube butter softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs

Add the oats to the above and mix well.

Sift together

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix all ingredients.

Bake in an oblong pan in a preheated 350°F oven for 55 minutes.

If you prefer not to frost your cake- - you might like to add 1/2 cups chopped nuts to the above cake before you bake it.

Frosting:

1/4 cup soft butter
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup coconut

Mix, spread on top of baked hot cake. Put in broiler until bubbly.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s Food on Fridays   
Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Rescue the Stories Book Two

Book two Available now in USA only!   
A Real Book with Real Stories: Only $14.99 which includesd shipping


Memories are worth rescuing! 

You will laugh and cry and also be embarrassed as you enjoy over 100 short true stories recorded in my book, Rescue the Stories Book TWO. 

Sorry book one is no longer available. 

These true stories are something you will want to share with your children or loved ones.  Each story has a life's message along with it.
 
Order your copy today using the Buy Now button at the top of this page.

There is a place on the order to send me a message to request which Book you desire.  Each book is $14.99 and will ship free to USA.

Mother’s Journal in time

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“Grandma Ruth, will you please write the story of your life in a book so we can have it to remember you by,” said my brother’s daughter Barbara to our mother.

So with a pen in her hand, mother began to write and record facts about growing up in a small town, helping her dad on a ranch, and later getting married and raising three children.  Years went by and she continued to write.

When my dad (her husband) passed away, she and her widowed sister Edna took a cruise to Alaska and the following year another one to the Caribbean.  They traveled to Hawaii twice and on one occasion drove back to Kansas to visit relatives. 

At age 90, mother gave up her driver’s license, so once a week I took her grocery shopping.   In October each year, I drove her to visit her sister Edna in Lindsay and to celebrate Edna’s birthday. 

All this was recorded in her journal.

One day she requested me to type it up for her, which I was happy to do.  I asked her to keep writing, but she said, “Now I am too old to travel, so I will just let that be it.”

As time went by, my mother Ruth began to loose her memory.  Most days, she thought I was a good friend and not her daughter.  There was scarcely a story to tell or write down.  They were lost and there was no saving them anymore.

Not all was lost, because she had written down much in her journal and I had recorded it on my computer.

Printing out the copies was easy and I took them down to our Office Supply and had 50 copies spiral bound into an 8 ½ by 11 book. 

Mother passed away in March of this year, and at her funeral we gave out the copies of her story to all who knew her well and to the family.   Many told us how thrilled they were to learn more about our mother and her activities as they read her book. 

All of us have a story to tell.  As we age, it is more difficult to remember events of long ago, and now is the time to begin to write the account of your life.

May I encourage you to save the stories that will be lost if you fail to do this.

 "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it." Habakkuk 2:2, NKJV

This post is linked with Jennifer at:  God-Bumps and God-Incidences

And linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty

This post is also shared at: “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

I do hope you are also enjoying reading as many stories as you can and giving your comments.

NOT WHERE YOU ARE KNOWN

Jesus and his Followers
image courtesy photobucket.com

Our Pastor Jerry was reading from Mark the 4^th chapter.  Taking notes I gleaned from his sermon.
   

Jesus often spoke in parables and when his disciples asked him why he said, “It is for you to know, but for those who are outside, all things come in parables.”

There seems to be an unwritten law among ministers that they should never consider accepting a pastorate of a church in their home town where they are known.  

It is difficult to minister among people who know you and you grew up with.

Jesus grew up in his home town of Nazareth, but as he began his ministry he went into other nearby towns and became popular because of the miracles, “He could do no mighty works in Nazareth, because of their unbelief.” 

The people of Nazareth, questioned, “Where did he get all that wisdom?  Is not this the carpenter’s son?”  “Surely we would recognize the Messiah, but this man is just Jesus and we know him.”

His family even believed Jesus had gone mad and at one time came to take him home.  Jesus turned away from his family and took unto himself a group of social misfits. 

Although women usually did not travel alone, there were many women who also followed Jesus.  Pastor speculated that their husbands may have been a follower and the wife came along too..

The townspeople were amazed at the miracles, but they were offended at Jesus.  To them he was a stumbling block and a rock of offense.

Pastor read from:  1 Peter 2:4-8 (KJV)  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

In history one of the central leaders speaking about George Washington said, “I never had confidence in George, because I knew him as a boy, and I don’t believe that he could ever lead an army.”

Pastor asked us, “Do we really ever know each other?”

Jesus sent out disciples and told them to preach the Kingdom of God, and if you are accepted then stay, but if you are rejected, then shake the dust off your feet and leave.

Pastor suggested that as we go our way this week -- to show the love of Jesus, and if we are not accepted, to be polite but to back off and allow the person to reflect on what you have told them. 

Pastor told us to understand that perhaps later that person will remember your words and actions and come to Christ.  The Holy Spirit continues to strive with men.

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Pumpkin Pie and Ice Cream Social

image courtesy photobucket.com

The annual Ice Cream Social is a happy event hosted every 4^th of July by the church I now attend. 

Our ladies donate various kinds of pies, and tables are arranged on the outdoor patio for the guests to enjoy ice cream on their pie.  As the day ends, baskets filled with goodies are raffled off and the occasion is always a huge success. 

Through out the year, several fun filled fund raisers are sponsored by our church, such as the annual spaghetti dinner, the Christmas Dazzle craft and baked goods sale, and the Ladies salad luncheon which draw crowds from the neighborhood and from other churches who also enjoy the proceedings. 

Slips of paper were included in the church bulletin, requesting volunteers to assist in helping make this Fourth of July affair into a triumphant day.  Needed were set up persons, pie cutters, scoopers for the ice cream, ticket takers at the door and clean up committee. 

Appeals for pies sounded like something I could do, so I volunteered to bake two pumpkin pies, and I share my mother’s famous recipe here with you.

If you purchase Mrs. Smith’s deep dish ready to bake pie crusts, this recipe will make three delicious pies. 

Pumpkin Pie (Makes 2 large pies)  

1 large can pumpkin (or two small cans pumpkin)
2 cans evaporated milk
4 large eggs separated   (place the whites in a separate bowl)
2 cups sugar
2 tsp cinnamon (level)
1 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp salt
1 heaping Tablespoon flour
2 T molasses

Blend well the above mixture and at the end fold in the beaten egg whites.

Bake one hour at 350 degrees.  Let cool, and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   
Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

 

Good News Club

Good News Club
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On May 18th of this year, CEF celebrated 75 years of reaching children for Jesus world wide. The Good News Club and Release Time Christian Education are two of the most popular forms of ministry. The goal is to claim a city for Jesus by reaching the children.

Good News Club® is a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship® in which trained teachers meet with groups of children in schools, homes, community centers, churches, apartment complexes, just about anywhere the children can easily and safely meet with their parent's permission.

As a young child I attended a good news club just down the street from us. There Bible stories were told, songs about Jesus and living for God were learned as well as Scripture memory verses. Prizes were given and at the end of the class usually a candy or cookie was enjoyed for paying attention.

The Wordless Book is still popular today when a small book with no words, just colored pages tells the Gospel story. The cover is green representing everlasting life and growing in Christ. Black represents our hearts full of sin. Red reminds us of the blood of Jesus that can wash away our sin, White as snow is our heart after we receive Jesus. The color Gold represents the city in heaven that we now have the privilege to go one of these days.

I was thinking back to when my own children were attending a Good News Club located just around the corner from us. A Christian family had opened their home for the Bible Club, and faithfully each week Mrs Drinkle and a helper would share the love of Jesus with a group of neighbourhood kids including my children.

One day my youngest daughter Judie had gone to the Bible club with her friend from school. My two older children for some reason had not attended that day, but were at home with me in the kitchen.  Suddenly Judie rushed in very excited as she burst out the good news. “Mama, today I gave my heart to Jesus at Good News Club. Mrs. Drinkle gave me a little book and wrote my name with the date in it so I can remember when Jesus came into my heart."  We rejoiced together and I was so happy for Judie.

What happened next was unexpected, as her sister Becky said, “I don’t think I have ever done that.” Her big brother Steven came over to her, and looking into her face said, “Then you had better do it now.” Together we prayed the sinner’s prayer and that day, Heaven registered two new names in the Lambs book of life.

I am so thankful for Good News Club and for faithful teachers like Mrs. Drinkle!  Some plant, some sow and others reap but it is God who gives the increase.

Child Evangelism Fellowship welcomes volunteer teachers, and they also have dedicated missionaries who minister full time. Martha Wright our friend of many years became one of the CEF missionaries. She represents our family as she ministers daily for the children in the State of Maryland.

Volunteers are needed and full time workers need support. Interested? Contact CEF.
http://www.cefonline.com/


This post has been shared at God Bumps and God Incidences.

Office Practice

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School was out and I had passed 11th grade with flying colors.

Because I thought it might be a good idea to graduate half a year early, I had signed up for Summer School.   All I needed was two extra credits to make this happen.

My chosen subjects were US Government and typing I; a difficult subject and the other one quite easy.

In a few weeks my summer school classes were completed, and I had earned my needed credits to graduate midterm in the following year.

Twelfth grade began and I had signed up for typing II and my Government II class was with a group of older students who would be graduating in February as I expected to do.

As my typing teacher surveyed her class of students, she called me aside and informed me that she was selecting a small group of girls for an afternoon work program beginning next semester. She wanted me to be part of that group. It would mean that the second half of twelfth grade we would be assigned a part time job that paid a small stipend.

However if I accepted this offer, I realized that I would need to graduate with my class and not early as first planned.

Finding a pay phone I called my mother to ask her advice. She suggested that I might enjoy the work experience and didn’t I really want to graduate with my own class instead of the early one? I would also be able to take some fun electives in the morning classes. My decision was made.

Some of the girls were assigned to assist the Principals at nearby grammar schools. One girl was chosen to help in our school office.

My assignment was to work in our school library cataloguing magazines and books that needed new cards. The librarian was very nice and seemed to appreciate my help. I was to earn 50 cents an hour, but would not be paid until the following month had passed. That was a long wait.

Our group of girls would be taking Office Practice instead of typing 3, learning office procedures and other skills relating to office work. Our teacher had also planned excursions for us to experience some real offices in action. One visit was to a near by Pet Food Factory with their upstairs offices and another was a trip to a downtown bank.

Dress for success
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Our teacher was desirous for us to be prepared for job interviews so for our excursions we were to dress in business attire wearing a dress, gloves, a hat and heels.

The hat was something I needed to purchase, because none of mother’s hats did me justice. A shopping trip down town provided me with a beautiful hat that matched my dress and I was set to go.

It is amazing how quickly plans can change when a new opportunity comes our way. I was glad that God provided me with His better plan. He knew all along what was best!

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This post has been linked with Joan Davis  Sharing His Beauty

This post is also shared at Hazel’s site:
“Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

I do hope you are also enjoying reading as many stories as you can and giving your comments.

Growing Strong in Broken Places



Touching Jesus
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Pastor Jerry was reading from chapter four of Mark’s gospel about two healing miracles a story within a story. As I took notes, I gleaned from his message and now share with you.

Jairus had requested Jesus to come to his house to heal his sick 12 year old daughter. As they were on the way, a woman who had suffered 12 years with a bloody affliction reached out and touched his garment and was healed. Jesus knew that virtue had left his body and he asked, “Who touched me?” The woman bowed at his feet, confessed it was she who had touched him, as she gave God the praise for being healed.


image courtesy Bible clip art

When the group reached the home of Jairus; his household proclaimed not to trouble Jesus because the child was dead. Jesus did not accept the negative report, but instead replied, “The child only sleeps. Then Jesus proceeded to enter the home and took the young girl by the hand. Immediately she sat up both cured and healed. “Give her something to eat,” commanded Jesus.

When Jesus does a miracle in our life, we immediately need something to eat – that is we need to partake of God’s word as Spiritual food because it will give us needed strength.

Pastor asked us to consider healing today, is it possible to be cured, but not healed? Healed but not cured?

A broken leg can be set, and in a sense we are cured, but not healed. It is the same thought after surgery that may cure us, but there is still a healing process.

There are different angles to healing. Some would consider healing stories as magic.

Pastor gave examples such as power coming out of clothing, and aprons when touched seem mystical to some.

Hollywood plays up images such as a weeping idol, or wood supposedly from the cross, or the shroud with the form of Jesus visible inside.

There are formulas such as using certain words to arrive at healing.

One example from church history was the words, “Hocus Pocus” - - literally used by the priests as a Latin phrase that meant, “This is my body that is broken for you.”

The real miracle of healing is not in clothing, or special words, but in the power of God as we believe His word.

When I truly love the human being who I am praying for and that other person is open to the divine touch from God, miracles will happen. Our spirits reach out and we touch God together and healing will occur.

We go to Doctors, to Specialists, have surgery, and take medicine or we say NO and take full responsibility for ourselves.

Today we are participating more in our own health care than ever before.

Some believe that we should not use doctors, or drugs, or have blood transfusions.

If this involves a child, there may be a court order for treatment if a child's life is in jeopardy.

We appreciate medical skills, but we must recognize that doctors are practicing medicine and they practice on us at times.

Doctors are amazed when a tumor suddenly disappears, and they recognize that miracles do happen outside the normal medical treatments.

We must not leave God out of the treatment – cure – or healing.

In these two healing stories recorded in the book of Mark; both were called daughters of God by Jesus. Both were broken, and both were healed.

There are many broken persons today who need a touch from Jesus. We are broken in body, in mind and spirit. May He first heal our sinful nature and cause us to be born again and to become a new creature in Christ.

We question, why are some not healed? I can not answer that question to satisfy you. There are answers but none will make us happy if healing is delayed.

Wholeness means to be at peace. If our healing lingers, can we be at peace with God regardless? Jesus has the divine power to restore and make whole and give us peace.

Can we trust him and know that we must never rule out a miracle?

Can we accept God’s will for this time allowing Him to make us whole and to give us peace of mind along with comfort and hope for the future?

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday