Secrets for Self Publishing Your Own Book.

Love my Dolly

If you want to gather your memoirs or stories for your, friends, family and loved ones, you may want to consider “Self Publishing.” 

Decide how many you will sell and give away. 

For my book “Rescue the Stories Book One,” I used Instant Publisher who also does cook books, club or company books fairly reasonable.  Check out their site:  http://www.instantpublisher.com/

Getting a book ready for printing is a long and tedious process. In simple steps here it is:

Collect all the stories from your blog or elsewhere that you want in your book. Save them to a folder. Then edit to make sure all the words are correct.  Change sentences you don’t like. The printing company provides a form to down load to transfer your stories to the book size you select.  Do more editing to be sure it all fits on the page.

Finally the Printer wants it set up on PDF. (So it is time to learn how to do that.) Do a Google search asking a “how to question.”

Lastly a cover for the book can be difficult.  I tried to figure out how to use a photo program that didn’t want to cooperate.

Eventually I gave up and contacted the printer company who will do the cover for a reasonable price, just send them a couple photos and words you want on the cover.  They will e-mail you a PDF photo of the cover for you to approve or change.  Change or just approve the cover and give the go ahead. Wait for about 10 days.

For a small fee, Pay Pal will supply you with a “Buy Now” button so your customers can order from your internet site.

You will need to purchase envelopes large enough for mailing.  Media Mail is about $3.00 so include that in your shipping cost information.

The more copies of your book that you order will bring the cost down. 

Instead of copies ran off at Kinko’s, your book will be professionally done and you will be pleased with the results.

That is me at three years old on the cover of my book!  I still have some available, but order soon.

This post has been shared at Friendship Friday with Joy

 

Reading the Bible Through

Reading the Bible
courtesy photobucket.com

It was the year 1976, my husband and I stood in a long line waiting to receive an arm full of books that would be required reading during our nine months at Rhema Bible College

Our first session in the auditorium as new students, the director gave us further instruction of requirements.

One very important task was to read the entire Bible through from cover to cover during the school term. 

 

At the end of nine months we would be asked the question, “Did you read the Bible through? And they expected an honest answer.

Reading the Bible through was not going to be a simple chore along with our regular studies and home work. 

For me, I needed a plan.  I counted the number of chapters in the Bible, then I counted the days up until the early part of May. 

Doing the math, I came up with 9 or 10 chapters a day.

My normal reading of the Bible was to daily read two chapters, so reading nine chapters each day would be a challenge.

To help me with a rhythm, each afternoon, I brought out my Living Bible on tape, and would play the tape while I read the King James Version to myself.  It worked for me and I was able to truthfully say I completed what was set before me.

When the assignment was done, I was spiritually and physically weary of running all that distance.  I happily returned to my two chapters a day.

It had been many years since that time, and I had never again read the Bible through from start to finish. 

Two years ago I decided as a New Years resolution to again read the three or four chapters in order to accomplish this achievement.  Yea, I did it and again the second year. 

Then I became tired.

A decision was made to take my time and read my Bible for content, and not for a set number of chapters in order to finish in one year.  I usually stay in the New Testament but I do love the Proverbs and the Psalms.

Yes, I daily read a portion of the Bible, regularly, at least two chapters, but there is not the pressure to read more in order to reach a set goal.

This post has been shared with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
 

The Most Popular Sermon

Sending God's Word - World Wide
courtesy photobucket.com

It has been my custom for almost three years to take notes on Sunday’s Sermon and post a condensed message on my Internet Blog: “A Joyful Noise.”  Some find me by doing a Google search “Hazel Moon Blog spot.”

The sermon is available late Sunday evening and most of Monday.

Apparently many in Europe are doing either a Bing or a Google search because each week there are many viewers “world wide” who are reading my Pastor’s sermons.

A few will make a comment, saying they are blessed.  It is amazing how God’s Word will not return void.

Almost two years ago, our Pastor, preached a sermon entitled, “Little is Much When God is In It.”    This sermon has been the all time most popular post with a total of over 3100 views todate. 

Almost daily I receive two or three anonymous comments from many of the European countries about this sermon.  Viewers from Ukraine, Turkey, Russia, Poland, Japan, and United Kingdom often visit this sermon. 

Some European viewers are being referred by their friends and others are doing a search, and how they come to this particular sermon, I honestly can’t say.   I can only pray that they are reading it in its entirety, because if they are they will be viewing all about Jesus. 

Usually I do not publish anonymous comments, but for this two year old sermon, I often make an exception. 

The viewer’s certainly are hoping I will view their site and make a purchase, so I must not rule out their original motive.  Perhaps they are true seekers of God!  Because for some reason they are attracted to the Title: “Little is Much When God is In It.” 

Don’t we all want viewers for our site and if we are selling something – we also hope someone will buy. 

I pray these viewers will try Jesus, he is free.

This post is shared at: Tell Me a Story

http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/  

 Also Linked with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday use it on Monday!

 And with Laura at The Wellspring

 

 

  

The Shortest Sermon Ever Preached

Jesus Reading from the Scroll
courtesy free clip art

Gleaning from Pastor Jerry’s sermon as he was reading from Luke 4:14-21, I share the following:  The setting was Jesus had began his ministry and news of the miracles was being broadcast through out the region.  He was gaining a following and as was his custom he taught in the Synagogues. 

Now he was returning to his home town and as his habit was he went to the Synagogue to worship.  The service began with the Words, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”  Singing followed - -

Because Jesus was a know teacher, he was handed the scroll from Isaiah 61 and began to read the familiar scriptures.  Yet it seemed as if they were hearing it for the first time.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me, to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Then Jesus closed the book and sat down as was the custom of the teachers, and all eyes were fixed upon him for the people were expecting to hear a sermon. 

His words were loud and clear: “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

These words shocked and angered the crowd, for they understood - - he was saying that he was the Messiah, and they did not like it one bit.  They expected Messiah to come, but on a white horse and to liberate them from the Roman Rulers that held them in bondage.

The audience was confused and filled with rage and they began to drag Jesus out of the temple and pull him toward the cliff intending to cast him over the side. 

How things can change so quickly.  One minute everyone was happy and now they wanted to kill Jesus.  An amazing thing happened; somehow Jesus passed from their midst; either they were blind and could not see him, or perhaps he simply disappeared, but he was no where to be found.

After that day, Jesus could no longer walk and minister in Palestine.

The announcement in the Scripture is familiar to us as we congregate here in our church as is our custom.  Yet it is fresh, new, vibrant and alive to us.  These words move to center stage and admonish us to understand and to push worries and fears aside and to lift up Jesus.

Let the world rush by with its terror, fear, evil and bad news, and may we be encouraged to trust in the one who is the healer of broken hearts, the one who brings liberty to those who seek him.

“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

  

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

 

Afraid - You Becha

image courtesy photobucket

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.


 

Chili’s for Lunch

Lunch Plate
courtesy photobucket.com

 

It rained last night, but today was crisp, cool and a beautiful day. 

Our morning called for a trip to a near by city to do an oil change for one of my Mystery Shop companies.  My company had offered me a bonus of $10 plus reimbursement for the oil change so who could pass up an offer like that?

My husband mentioned that he though the auto place had “made me” as a mystery shopper because they offered us a free tire rotation while our vehicle was on the rack, and enjoy the coffee while you wait.  I told Robert, “No they treat everyone nice like that!”

Ever thought of becoming a Mystery Shopper?  Intelli-shop Company is a good place to begin. Check it out --- http://www.intelli-shop.com/   If asked, tell them Hazel Moon referred you.

Since we were in the big city, our plans included a trip to Sam’s Club, to stock up on dog food and other items with prices too good to pass up. 

After all that work, now we were hungry. 

The night before I had searched through my wallet for a gift card for Chili’s that our daughter Nancy had given us several months prior.  We had already used the card for one lunch on another occasion, and knew that we would enjoy a lovely lunch today.

Chili's Logo

Yes, Chili’s was still offering their lunch special for $20 which included a choice of an appetizer and two lunch plates with a variety of choices.  There were several chicken dishes offered, but I knew Robert had his heart set on steak, so that is what we ordered.

The chips were fresh and crunchy, and the salsa was tangy with a bit of a bite.  Soon our server brought us each a plate with a delicious 6 oz steak, a large scoop of mashed red potatoes topped with cheese, crumbled bacon and chives, a slice of cheese bread, and a large serving of green - really green and fresh broccoli! 

Robert was able to finish his plate, but I requested a take home carton, because I knew this would be enough for me later that evening. 

When we arrived home, there was a report to do, and receipts and paper-work to scan for my Mystery Shop company.  After all this was my job and “work,” needing to be done to pay for our oil change. 

I gave the auto shop a thumbs up report as we were very pleased with the service and the way we were treated.

To end our day, our dogs suggested they sample some of the canned dog food we purchased today, which made them very happy.

Then I took our three dogs for a walk around our mobile.  As I arrived at the back fence, I could hear the most beautiful song as frogs joined in to worship God.   The rain must have brought them out to play, sing and praise the Lord!

 

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

 

 

De Clutter Repost

That's better now !!
courtesy free clip art

It was during Spring Cleaning last year that my husband decided to redecorate our, "TV' room.

He removed book cases and books and packed them all away in boxes and boxes.

His remark was, “We never read these anyway.” I managed to snatch a few favorites and place them in our guest room. All the photos that graced the tops of the book cases were packed and put away.

Our room looks lovely with new paint, new carpet, our recovered comfortable old sofa, and some paintings that we purchased years ago from the “Starving Artist art Show.”

My sweet hubby even purchased a Lazy Boy chair for my Birthday for me to relax in while we watch TV together at night.

My current reading materials are on a small table in my restroom. (My quiet place) There sits my daily devotional, a few magazines, a book I am reading and a small Bible.

Honestly I must confess that I read my Bible each evening from the free E-Sword which I consider the best Bible program out there. I also use E-Sword to search for certain scriptures that I may desire to insert into one of my posts. The following is a good verse.

Psalms 45:1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

My daughter has a Kindle and my son has something else that is similar. His gadget also has a GPS along with free books and other books you may purchase.

Truthfully my computer keeps me busy reading blog posts from internet friends, so I actually do not envy those with Kindles and I-Pods.

I praise the Lord for technology and all the amazing devices available today. We live in a wonderful age in time. Soon more exciting and also sad to say - - increasing devastating occurrences may be on the next page in time.

There is a new awareness that the day is short as we view all the terrors and tragedy that is happening today.

The Bible tells us that as the Day of the Lord approaches, there will be earthquakes, fires and much fear in the hearts of people.

Those who have placed their trust in God, have nothing to fear even if they go through trials for He has promised to be with us at all times.

Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

This post was shared at Bonnie’s Faith Jam

 

Warning – Time to Pray

Bound
courtesy photobucket.com

 

As I was reading a post by one of my friends, about her children and ever being alert.  I thought about times when we receive a prayer alert from God and it is time to put a stop on what might happen, now or down the road in the future. 

A young girl made an off handed remark to her mother, “Mom, I will never smoke!”  Then the girl added, “But I might try it just once.”  Trying anything once can be the bait to catch your child or you in Satan’s trap.

I was reminded of a time when I was a young child.  Our entire family was in our car going someplace, and my dad lit up a cigarette.  It might have been the match, but as he took a deep drag and expelled the smoke, I asked him, “What brand of cigarette is that?”  He answered “Lucky Strike, and why do you ask?” 

I answered, “I just wondered, because it smelled so good.” 

I remember my mother turning her head and looking at me in the back seat, and then she looked at my dad as she said, “Bryce!”  I think she received a major prayer alert right then.

In my teen years, I did try smoking, maybe more than once.  We kids had found an open pack of cigarettes at the old school house in the mountains.  Smoking one then, and also later, as days went by, I realized that while all alone, a strong desire arose out from me, that I wanted and needed a cigarette. 

This was my own signal that cigarettes could control me if I would let them; so I made a determination at that time to never smoke again.

A major warning alert to me was a feeling and a knowing that I might become a captive slave to cigarettes if I continued in this practice..

Warning prayer alerts come in a variety of ways.

Often it is a dream, and we must understand that a dream can be a warning and now is the time to pray right then, asking God to prevent a tragedy. 

Other times it is a word spoken and we receive a clue to pray – and possibly intercede. 

Sometimes it is a foreboding feeling of danger or a fearful cast of worry - - again it is time to pray and perhaps NOT to pray exactly but SPEAK a command to the mountain to stop and be cast into the sea.

So next time you receive one of these prayer alerts, do not shrug it off as nothing. 

Pay attention to the Holy Spirits soft voice.

Understand that God is alerting you in advance, to surround your child, your friend, your loved one or even YOU with a prayer of protection, fortification, and deliverance.

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

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

Grace in Action

Water into Wine
courtesy photobucket.com

 

Today I am sharing as I gleaned from Pastor Jerry’s sermon while he read from John 2: 1-11 about the first miracle of Jesus; turning the water into wine.

Jesus, his disciples and his mother Mary were all invited to the Wedding at Cana of Galilee, when the host ran out of wine.  This was an embarrassing situation and Mary told Jesus, “They are out of wine.”

Evidence seems to show that her husband Joseph died leaving Mary the mother of Jesus a widow.  Jesus became the decision maker of the household and Mary looked to him for direction.  Mary knew the divine nature of Jesus and Mary expected Jesus to do something about this humiliating situation. 

To some it would seem that Jesus answered her gruffly but she knew him and told the servants to do what ever he instructed them to do. 

Without questioning, they filled the large water pots with water and took it to the master of the feast who after he tasted it declared, “Why was the best wine kept for the last?”  Jesus had turned the water into wine as the servants obeyed his command.

In our world we face many stressful situations, which include pending surgery, a death in the family, loss of income, wayward children and family members and friends struggling with addictions and other state of affairs.   

Image courtesy
photobucket.com

Pastor mentioned a song that was popular awhile back with those fighting to break free from alcohol.  The singer was praying for God to help him turn the “Wine back Into The Water”
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSdze_yYeKc

It is important for us to turn to Jesus when we have problems.

Pastor used an illustration of a lady cleaning her canary cage with her vacuum cleaner, and the phone rang.  Her hand slipped and inside the vacuum went her canary.  Quickly she opened the cleaner bag and rescued her bird, but as days went by she noticed that her bird no longer sang it's sweet song.  He only stared at her with a sort of accusing look.

We too might feel like we have been beaten down and sucked into the ash heap.  Yes, we might even accuse God for our troubles some of which may be our own doing. 

We may feel like we have lost our song, but if we would practice singing even when we do not feel like it, we will discover that joy will return into our heart.

Jesus is in the miracle business of transformation.  He turns worry into peace.  He turns the sinner into a Saint.  He begins with one and then to another.  He starts with you and then your neighbor.

The miracle work of Jesus is Amazing Grace in Action.

 

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

 

The Lost Wallet

Lost Wallet and My Uncles Mistake
courtesy photobucket.com

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

The word is; Mistakes.  My Uncle made a big mistake.

My Uncle who lived with us, was laughing as he told my mother of his marvelous find. 
 
He had found a wallet that had money in it.  He showed it to Mother and she could see that there was almost $200 there. 

My Uncle showing the found wallet to my mother was his big MISTAKE.

I was about 9 years old and taking this all in with my big eyes and wondering “What next!”

It was then that Mother noticed the picture on the driver’s license, and she exclaimed, “I know this fellow and he goes to our church.  You must give it to me and I shall return it at once.”

Now my Uncle’s happy face turned to ashen gray, as he realized he had told the wrong person of his fabulous discovery.

Mother made a telephone call and within 20 minutes or so, here came our friend to our house to retrieve his lost item. 

He offered my Uncle a reward but uncle refused as he mumbled that he was happy he was the one who found it and was glad to give it back to its owner. 

At least there were two happy persons that day; my mother and our friend with his wallet returned.

This friend of ours, had angels watching over him even in his carelessness to lose something so valuable.   My angel mother was there to give assistance also.

If you have lost anything, I pray that an honest someone will find it and return it to you.

The Bible tells us of lost things and then found.  Jesus said the good shepherd will search for a lost sheep until he finds it.  The Holy Spirit is still searching for the lost ones.

The worst thing to ever lose is your own soul. 

 

Make sure that doesn’t happen by receiving Jesus into your life today.

 

This post is shared with

“Tell Me a Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

 

 

Kefir Water

Kefir Water Grains
courtesy photobucket.com

Many homemakers are turning to natural foods, avoiding packaged mixes, avoiding gluten, and adding unusual grains and beans, fresh vegetables and fruits to their family diet. 

Many are brewing and drinking Kefir Water as well.

So what is Kefir Water?  What is this strange water that many are drinking for health?

Actually it is not so strange to the Health and wellness community who are discovering ways to include homemade Probiotics into their family diet.

Kefir Water is a natural home brewed Probiotic that is simple to make, costs very little, and will balance the systems of you and your family.  The benefits are many and as a natural diarrheic and giving assistance to the liver it is just what I need at this time.

About a week ago I ordered some Kefir Water grains so I can make this Probiotic water.  It is for my daughter who has a damaged liver due to prescribed medicines over many years, which took their toll on her liver. There is also Kefir Grains for milk, but my daughter cannot tolerate dairy.  She refuses to drink my Kombucha tea which has helped me keep the swelling out of my legs and ankles. 

The Kefir water seems like something she can be comfortable with. 

Making a quart at a time, which brews in just 24 hours, then another quart is started.  The first mix can be assimilated alone, or add some juice to it for flavor.

Wellness Mama has some excellent tips to make this Kefir water, just click HERE to take you to her site.  She calls it Kefir Soda Pop because it has a bit of fizz.

Kefir water grains do not like metal, so clean glass jars are used.  The ingredients are:

Using a glass quart jar, add, 4 cups of Spring water, 1/4 cup white sugar (the grains eat the sugar in the process) and 4 tablespoons of Kefir water grains.  Use a wooden spoon to stir. 

Cover the jar with a paper towel or clean cloth and secure with a rubber band and leave in your pantry for 24 hours.  Strain the water into another jar catching the grains in a plastic or bamboo strainer (not metal.)  Transfer the grains back into your quart jar and begin again for a new batch.

You can drink your first mix as is, about 1/2 cup morning and night or add a bit of fruit juice (not citrus) for flavor. 

Someone you know may be able to share some grains with you as they do multiply. 

Or do like I did and go to e-bay.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   
also shared at:  Laura’s Faith Filled Friday


 

Sturgeon Fishing with the Girls

It's Supposed to Look Like This
courtesy Photobucket.com

More than almost anything else, my friend Jean loved to fish. 

At vacation time, she would organize for her family a fishing trip either to a lake or river fishing resort.

Carquinez Straits
courtesy free maps

During the year, Jean would invite groups from our church to join with her and her husband to go sturgeon fishing in the Carquinez Straits leaving from Martinez.  These trips were on Saturday when the men were off work.  I remember my husband’s cousin spending most of his time lying on a bunk due to being sea sick.  

Jean was an excellent fisherwoman, and she always caught her fish.  One time she invited the young married church group over for a sturgeon barbecue and I remember it being so good. 

Anytime someone mentioned fishing Jean was ready and raring to go.

Out of desperation to fish during the week, she decided to invite some of the ladies to join her for a girl’s day out fishing for sturgeon.  My neighbor cousin, Joann and I thought that would be fun, so we decided to go for it.  We packed a lunch, dressed warmly and were ready when Jean picked us up early that morning.

Joann and I were acting silly, laughing and having a good time.  We would sing to the fish and tell them to take our bait.  The boat captain was a professional fisherman and he did not take lightly to our jolly, rather loud time of fun.

As the day went on, all of a sudden I had a big bite on my line.  Jean came over to encourage me what to do next and it took some time fighting with my catch.  “Let the line out, now pull it in,” all good advice and after many minutes, I lifted my giant fish over the side. 

The captain came over with his tape measure and pronounced, “Not long enough,” as he promptly unhooked my fish and tossed it over the side.

I can still remember that hollow feeling when I realized he had rejected my catch.

In my heart I thought he was upset with us girls and that perhaps this was a chastisement for our loud banter back and forth.  Or maybe my fish truly was an inch short of the minimum.

Although cast down, I continued to fish but not whole heartedly.  I was ready to go home.

 
Oh how this reminds me of that day when God passes out the rewards.  He might say to some, sorry but you don't measure up enough – go over to this side with those who have wood, hay and stubble.

My desire is for him to say, "Just the right measure for you are a keeper – Enter into the joy of the Lord."

This post is Shared with Laura at The Wellspring

Also linked to Tell Me a Story at:

http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

Please go there and add your true story to the Blog Party!

 

Foundations of Belief that Unify Us

 

Unity of the Brethern
courtesy photobucket.com

 

Sunday was the annual pulpit exchange and Annie T. from the Rescue Mission was our guest speaker.  (Pastor Jerry was at the Methodist Church today.)

Gleaning from Annie’s message as she read from Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

I Peter 2: 1-3 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,  as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

She stated that there are four basic things that unify us as believers.

First the Bible, second a personal relationship with Jesus, third freedom from guilt, and fourth, knowing we have eternal life now and for ever.  We are to take God’s word at face value.  My opinion about doctrine really doesn’t matter, and neither does yours. 

We all are subject to mistakes, and raising children is a good example. 

 

What counts is what the Bible says, for in it are the words of LIFE.

Jesus asked his disciples, “Will you leave me too?” and Peter answered, “Where would we go, for you have the words of life.”

The Bible:  Scripture is given so we can understand what we believe.  2 Timothy 3:16 says it is valuable for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness.

Freedom from guilt:  She said, we tell the men at the mission, that recovery from anything requires a change from what was to what is now.  If there is a problem, then it is time to change our belief system.  The opposite of guilt is HOPE.  Hope allows us to be over-comers.  

God sees more value in us that we often see in ourselves.

A personal relationship with God:  It is necessary, that we may know him and his power to change our lives.  We are a peculiar people – not strange or weird, but the word peculiar also means “set aside” for good works. 

Eternal Life:  This is the promise for all those who receive Jesus.  We all desire to believe and know that heaven is real.  Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything.  We enter this world through birth and we exit through death.  Everyone’s life begins at a point and will eventually end, but death is a passage into eternity.

While we wait for the Lord’s return or death, which ever comes first, we must present ourselves as a living sacrifice unto God for it is our reasonable service.

Romans 12: 2   And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Granola Home Made

Home Made Granola
courtesy photobucket.com

Winter time was when my mother prepared for us kids a hot cereal for our breakfast. 

Usually it was Quick Quaker Oats with some raisins thrown in.  On a couple days in the week, it would be Cream of Wheat, or Wheatena served with a bit of sugar and milk generously poured over our bowl of steaming porridge.

In the summer we were allowed cold cereal, those without the added sugar, such as Kix, Cheerios, Rice Checks and Corn Flakes.

Time passed, we grew up with our own families and Mother was now alone in her small mobile home.  She lived at the other end of town and we enjoyed having her close by. 

One summer day I dropped in for an early visit while she was preparing her breakfast.

“What is that?” I asked as I viewed her bowl of cereal.  She replied, “That is my homemade Granola, and it is very healthy for you.”

Now I like healthy, so I copied her recipe and will share it here with you.

Granola – Ruth Stanton

 

Mix:     3 cups Quick Oats 

            1/2 cup coconut  (Some times I substitute flax meal)

            1/2 cup chopped nuts

            1/2 cup wheat germ

            1/2 cup sesame seeds

            1/2 cup sunflower seeds

            Optional:  Add a handful of raisins.

 

Mix together:

            1/4 cup honey

            1/4 cup olive oil 

Stir into the first mixture and spread on a greased cookie sheet.

Bake 15 minutes at 325 degrees.  Store in the refrigerator.

Use as a breakfast cereal, or sprinkle on yogurt for a snack.

I like to add a serving of apple sauce, yogurt and 1/2 cup of the granola with no milk for an occasional breakfast.

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

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

 

 

Honor Your Parents

Painting by Kostadin Dimtchev Kostov
courtesy photobucket.com

 

How can I honor my parents when they are alcoholics, they quarrel, fight and spend money on themselves; money that should go for our food? 

This was a question put to me by a young girl as she sobbed out her heart.

She did not feel even one ounce of love and respect for either one of her parents, as they had never shown her their love or affection.  They yelled at her and at times would beat her when she said she was hungry and cold.

Finally they would leave her and head for the local bar to drown out their sad existence.

Since I had never experienced anything like this in my young life, I was at a loss as to how to answer her.

As I prayed, all I could think of was the scripture verse that says to Honor your parents as unto the Lord, and God will honor you with long life.

The young woman had been attending our Sunday school, and had given her heart to the Lord, so I told her this verse.

She sat for a long time, and finally said.  Perhaps I can see my parents in a different way if I try.  I will ask Jesus to help me do things for them as if I was serving Him.

Later she told me that she had gone home,  and instead of feeling sorry for herself, she washed the dirty dishes that were in the sink and swept the floor. 

 

Next she sorted some beans and put them in a kettle on the stove along with a small piece of bacon and a slice of onion.  Not much was in the pantry, or in the refrigerator, but she did have enough to make some corn-bread to go with the beans.

When her parents arrived home, they were reasonably sober and seemed pleased to find such a nice aroma coming from the kitchen.

Her mother came to her side and placed a hand on her shoulder, and mumbled the words, “Thank you.”  The girl told her mother, “I love you and wanted to do something for you.”

This was a start - - and the girl whispered a prayer - - “Thank you Jesus for showing me how to honor my parents - - when they probably didn’t deserve it.  Thank you for helping me to see them in a new light as I honor YOU.”

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

The word is; HONOR   

 

Urgent Prayer Request

Dear Blogger friends, 

I received this urgent request from "Asia Harvest" this Wednesday evening.

Please forward to your friends who are prayer intercessors!
Thank you,  Hazel Moon

Date: 1/9/2013 11:45:32 PM

Subject: Urgent prayer request for a Christian in great need

Dear Friends,

You probably know that we rarely send emails unless we have a very urgent prayer request we would like to share with you. This is such a time.

A dear personal friend of mine is in trouble for no reason except that he loves and obeys Jesus Christ. His name is Saeed Abedini. He was born in Iran, but is now a US citizen. His wife Naghmeh is also a US citizen and they live with their two children in the US state of Idaho.

Saeed, despite being just 32 years old, has been instrumental in bringing many Iranian Muslims to the Lord, and has established numerous house churches throughout Iran.

He asked me to write his biography, and I was working on it when Saeed made one last trip back to Iran to say goodbye to his family. He knew that when his book came out it would be impossible for him to travel back to the country of his birth.

I can assure you that his testimony is quite remarkable and will bring much glory to God, and I can testify that Saeed is a God-fearing brother who loves the Lord Jesus. Before he met the Lord, Saeed was so depressed he wanted to commit suicide, and for a time he was trained by Hezbollah to be a suicide bomber. After he experienced salvation through the Blood of Jesus Christ, Saeed’s whole life was so dramatically transformed that he could not help but spread the Good News to as many people as possible.

In September last year Saeed was travelling on a bus near the Iranian border when Revolutionary Guards boarded the bus and dragged him off. He has been held for months while he waited for his case to come before the courts of Iran. He is currently captive in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran. He has been mercilessly tortured, but has not denied His Lord and Savior.

Despite being an American citizen, the US State Department has done nothing to help as they have no relationship with Iran. From the human level, there is little hope for Saeed. Indications have been given that he may be sentenced to 18 years in prison, or possibly even given the death penalty.

That is why I am asking you to pray. What politicians and the strength of men are unable to achieve, God can do!

Today we received news that Saeed’s case has been assigned to a notorious judge who is known as ‘the hanging judge” because of his history of sending people to the gallows. This man has such a fearsome reputation that few lawyers in Iran are willing to defend clients before him, because the judge often has the lawyer thrown into prison as well. He is due to hand down his sentence next week. The American Center for Law and Justice has released this harrowing statement, which includes a picture of Saeed and his family: http://aclj.org/iran/american-father-husband-abandoned-iran-handed-hanging-judge

Despite all these hardships, Saeed continues to stand strong for the Lord. In a recent letter to his family from prison he wrote, “Prison is a test of faith. I was always worried that the storms of this life would break the ship of my faith, but when you stand steadfast, the storms are like a nice breeze. Nothing can break my faith. These walls have created more fervor for me to love others through sharing the Gospel, but more than that, the walls have deepened my love for my Savior. I feel the prayers of all who are praying for me.”

Can you please pray that our Living God will perform a miracle for Saeed and his family?

·    Whatever the outcome, please pray that the Name of Jesus will be glorified and many thousands in Iran will hear the Gospel because of Saeed’s imprisonment.
· Please ask God to soften the heart of Judge Pir-Abassi, and that the Lord’s will may completely overshadow all the proceedings.

Pray Saeed will receive grace and favour from the Lord.

·       Ask God to bring this situation to the attention of many intercessors around the world who will pray for Saeed and his family.

· Please pray Saeed will continue to stand firm and be a great witness to the guards and other prisoners he comes into contact with.

·       Pray the Gospel will continue to spread to the 70 million captive Iranians. Many are open to knowing and following Jesus Christ, but have never heard the message of His salvation.

Please feel free to forward this message to other praying Christians. There are no security restrictions on it and there is nothing in the content which the Iranian government doesn’t already know. You may also post this message in its entirety on social media or websites, if you feel it will help mobilize more Christians to pray.

For our King,

Paul Hattaway

www.asiaharvest.org