A Joyful Noise

Let Me Get Your Sweater!

2012-02-27T15:01:00.003-08:00

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With two teen age boys and three teen age girls living in our home, there was usually a house full of their friends as well. Cup cakes and cookies were always available and often some would even stay for dinner.

In those days I cooked a lot of casseroles, stews or pasta dishes, so we always had enough food for an extra plate at our table. If it looked like company would be for dinner, I threw in a couple extra potatoes and a carrot in the stew, or more pasta for the spaghetti.

Our visitors were well behaved and there was always a lot of fun and laughter, but as the evening progressed, our kids did not always want the fun to end. If school was the next day, there needed to be a cut off time and visitors needed to go home.

I knew that for my children to “Save Face,” that it was up to me to gently and yet forcefully send our visitors home.

My favorite “easy out” was to pick up all the sweaters and jackets and hold them up for everyone to see and proclaim, “Sorry you all have to leave, but come back soon.”

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All the arguments were saved, and our young people were free to finish up any homework that still needed attention and then prepare for bed time.

Perhaps I should have had more rules and regulations, but it seemed easier this way, and the friends of our children enjoyed hanging out at our home.

Most of those friends would attend our church and give their hearts to the Lord Jesus.

Some are actively serving the Lord in their churches, but sorry to say that a few slipped away with the cares of the world. Pulled away by desires of fame in the entertainment field, and influenced by other relatives and friends either their own, or those of their spouse.

We are urged by the Scriptures to Hold Fast to our Faith in Jesus and to build up ourselves in the Word so that we are strong to resist temptation.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Paul tells us to be wise and watchful because Satan is sly and out to snatch away your faith if he is able.

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Next time you are aware of that Old Devil hanging out at your house, just reach up and grab his sweater and swiftly and forcefully invite him to leave and not return. Good bye Old devil and good Riddance!

This post is linked to:
Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem
Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty on Monday

Suffering for Righteousness Sake

2012-02-26T22:17:00.001-08:00

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Taking notes on the message by Pastor Jerry our guest minister on Sunday as he shared on the topic of Suffering. He read from 1 Peter 3: 18-22 regarding the suffering of Jesus, and spoke on how in this world we may expect suffering.

God does not guarantee us a life without suffering, yet Jesus is there with us giving us strength. God is there to ease our pain. Suffering is part of the human condition.

Pastor Jerry reminded us that there is much suffering in our local city.

Some suffering is man made. Doctors give us a prescription for pain as we hope to avoid pain and suffering. Suffering can be both physical and emotional.

Abraham and Sarah suffered doubt that they could have a son.

Jacob suffered guilt and fear as he ran from his brother Esau after cheating him of his birthright.

David suffered the painful results after killing Uriah, and taking his wife for his own.

Jesus warned his disciples that he would suffer many things, and they did not understand.

When Jesus gave the Beatitudes, one was this;

Matthew 5:10-11 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Jesus suffered on the cross to bring us redemption.

As the disciples ventured out preaching and teaching after Jesus ascended into heaven, they were not always received with gladness. Often they were ridiculed, beaten, thrown into prison, and some were killed as they suffered gladly for the Kingdom’s sake.

I Peter 3:13-17 If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.

Turn to the cross and cling to Jesus as it is there we receive our daily strength.

What God Hath Promised

By Annie Johnson Flint

God hath not promised skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;

God hath not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love. - - -

More delightful poems by Anne Johnson Flint can be found at this site:
http://www.homemakerscorner.com/annie.htm

This post is linked up today with Michelle at: Hear it on Sunday

Plans for You

2012-02-26T08:18:00.004-08:00

Devotional Courtesy of - - DaySpring

Greater Things for You

There are greater things than you can imagine ahead of you - and there's a great God walking beside you.

I know His purpose is at work within you, as He's guiding your life with wisdom and love.

God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!
Ephesians 3:20 The Message

The Plans for You

"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.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me

when you seek me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV

Devotional Courtesy of - -
DaySpring Cards
PO Box 1010
Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Red and Yellow Black and White

2012-02-24T17:24:00.005-08:00

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The year was 1951 and after dinner each evening, we would wrap up our first born baby in blankets and walk the two blocks from our apartment over to Robert’s Uncle Ern’s place to watch his new Television.

Cowboys and Indians was the fair to middling each evening. Hop A Long Cassidy was a favorite along with Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans - - all in black and white.

One evening my husband announced that we needed to get our own TV. There was one on sale for $250 that sounded like a good one to him.

We had just finished paying off our refrigerator at $10 a month, so our budget could easily stretch to fit in a TV.

I was not so sure, because our church was having their annual Missionary Convention and pledges were to be taken on Sunday for the missionaries that our church supported.

“What do you think if we pledged that $250 to Missions? Do you think that the Lord would also allow us to purchase a TV,” I hesitantly asked my husband.

He thought for a minute and then emphatically replied, “Yes, I believe God would approve of us having a TV, and I suppose we can swing the missionary pledge too.”

The previous year we had only pledged $50 to missions, so this was a big step. We needed to believe for work because some days my hubby only worked a couple of days each week.

God blessed us, and a roofing contractor who liked Robert, hired him almost full time.

Now we could watch the news, some game shows and also our favorite Cow Boy movies all in black and white.

We were also pleased that our Missionary dollars were going around the world to various cultures, some to black and some to white.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we did think our set was beautiful. Several years went by until we decided to upgrade to a new TV set that offered a Color picture.

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I am reminded of the song we used to sing in Sunday School; “Jesus Loves the Little Children, all the children of the world, Red and Yellow, Black and White, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

These days, we enjoy our big screen Colored Television, and we are also happy that our dollars continue to journey over oceans, over hills and valleys, over continents and are still traveling to all the colors of the world.

This post is linked to Faith Barista Jam Thursdays

Linked with Laura at: Brag on God Friday
And with Heartprints Hallelujah Fridays

Chinese Chow Mein

2012-02-23T22:00:00.002-08:00

image courtesy of fotosearch

Years ago, my husband had a Roofing business in the city of Oakland and they did work in all the neighboring cities. If he had a job in downtown Oakland, I would often meet him for lunch.

He had three favorite Chinese restaurants; one was called the Economy Cafe. The food was excellent, and reasonable, but the place was very small. So small in fact that there was a need to SHARE tables with other customers. Regular patrons were okay with this, and they expected to have company join with them at their table.

Another restaurant was owned by a family, and you could watch their children in the back room playing, while their parents worked the front. I remember seeing a play pen with a small baby on one occasion.

The third restaurant was very different. There was no menu, because the waiter would come by with a cart loaded with delicious looking foods, and you could select the dish you wanted. Each entree was added to your bill and everything was so inviting it was difficult to choose.

Our family liked occasional Chinese food so, I decided to create my own recipe for Chow Mein. On our budget I often used a can of Spam sliced into small pieces to make Pork Chow Mien. Naturally you can use beef or chicken either of which makes a lovely dish. This recipe is simple and easy to make.

Chinese Chow Mein

1 small bunch Bok Choy chopped
1 small chopped onion
3 Ribs fresh celery (sliced)
1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 (4 ounce) can mushroom pieces, drained
1 (7 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
2 cups cut up cooked chicken
3 Tablespoons cornstarch (level)
1/4 cup water
1 (10 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 pound cooked vermicelli noodles
(I used the Chinese thin noodles and boiled until tender)

Directions:
In a large pot, sauté celery, onion and Bok Choy in oil for about 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add bean sprouts, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and chicken.

In a large bowl, blend cornstarch with water. When smooth, add chicken broth and soy sauce to bowl. Mix well and pour over meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil, stirring until sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Serve over hot, boiled Chinese noodles, cooked rice, or Crisp chow mien noodles.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays
(Recipies and stories about food)

And with Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday
(to Sacrifice drink money for those needing clean water)

Hope Chest

2012-02-22T18:32:00.003-08:00

Hope Chest

When I was growing up, we had food, clothing and shelter, but not much of the “extra things. “ Our family lived on a budget, but as children we were happy and well cared for.

As I approached my mid teens, I knew that a “hope chest” was not a budget item, but it did not deter me from beginning to collect little things and keeping them in a box.

My mother taught me how to crochet an edging on pillow cases, and how to embroider. She showed me how to iron on a print that I wanted on my pillow cases, and all the different stitches that would look nice on them.

If I had a hope chest, the hand made quilt that my mother gave me would have gone into it.

Fast forward 20 years - - and our daughter Becky and our foster daughter Nancy were about to graduate from High School.

Nancy had lived with us for five years, and she was and is still a part of our family. I wanted these girls to each have a nice hope chest, for their graduation gift, so off we went down town to the Furniture store.

There we viewed some Lane cedar lined Hope Chests that were in our price range. Oh how nice that cedar smelled. Each girl selected the chest that they liked best, and I paid for them, and made arrangements for delivery.

When the chests arrived at our home they were placed at the foot of each of their beds, and items that they had been saving were placed inside.

Both girls were “Hoping and a Praying” for a good Christian man to go with each hope chest. In time, those prayers were answered, but not without delays and stories to tell.

The Bible tells us to put our Hope is in Jesus Christ, for He is to be our spiritual Bridegroom.

We look forward to that day of the Marriage supper of the Lamb.

Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
And with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences

Not as Good AS - - Feeling Disappointed?

2012-02-21T16:40:00.004-08:00

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After reading some of the artful, lovely posts by those who seem to flow in flowery language, we often weigh ourselves against them and think less or our own endeavors.

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Our thoughts tell us to be disappointed in ourselves and to crawl off somewhere and hibernate.

Yes, we often feel small and discouraged because we compare ourselves with others.

That includes me too, but then - - I remind myself that we are all DIFFERENT, and our ministry is not the same as theirs or others. We must remember that we are individuals and no two of us are alike.

Each of us will reach those who God allows us to touch. Our earthy attempts may not seem as perfect as some, (or even to us) - - but to that right person, it will strike a cord that will encourage, challenge and bless.

We hear those words of disappointment, failure, inferiority often only in our own mind!

Some heard it audibly when they were a child from unthinking persons who themselves found it necessary to feel BIG by causing others to consider themselves SMALL.

The thing we must remember is that that the Father of liars, old Satan himself tells us lies through others, and even by input into our thinking. We need to catch that lie and understand it for what it is. NOT TRUE, and replace that lie with God’s word – the truth.

We must at all times remember that Truth is in God’s word, and He always says that we are chosen, we are forgiven, we are loved, we are special, and we are a success In Him.

We have got to depend on the Lord for our inspiration, and allow Him to give us thoughts and memories to share our stories with others. Then do not fear, but in boldness speak and write and set out to BE what God tells you that you are.

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When Jesus gave the directions to BE disciples in all the land, he did not say DO discipleship. We are called to BE, and you are the only one who can act out what God calls YOU to be. So just BE you and forget that you feel naked or vulnerable at times.

Just go with God and BE what he says to BE. Forget about those who receive your words as they travel out to your audience, and let the chips fly and land where they may.

God knows what he is doing through you, and you are only the messenger.

One thing to remember is that God is NOT disappointed in you. He believes in YOU.

This post is linked to: Peter Pollocks One Word Carnival
(The Word for the carnival is Disappoint)

Also with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty Monday
And with Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday

Waiting is Often Difficult

2012-02-19T23:34:00.000-08:00

The Return of Jesus
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Our Pastor Carl was not well, and I was asked to be a stand in on Sunday. I was happy to accept even though I was sad that Pastor was having physical problems. This is a portion of the message that I ministered on Sunday.

Reading from several scriptures that encourage us to Wait on the Lord.

Psalms 27:14 WAIT on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: WAIT, I say, on the Lord.

Psalms 37:7 Rest in the Lord, and WAIT patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.

Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but WAIT on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that WAIT upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The Bible has a lot to say about waiting - - - I selected a few examples - -

Adam and Eve because of their disobedience had to leave behind all the wonders that were in the garden, but they were promised a savior. The WAIT was something their descendants would only discover many decades later.

The children of Israel because they refused to believe God, and enter into Canaan, found it necessary to WAIT 40 years before their children could enter the Promised Land.

David WAITED patiently for God’s timing until he was anointed King over Israel.

Samson WAITED until his hair grew back and his strength returned so that he could achieve a final act of deliverance over the Philistines.

Queen Esther WAITED until her people had fasted and prayed for three days and nights before she was brave enough to come before the King to plead for the lives of her people.

Jesus WAITED thirty years before He began His earthly ministry.

In the Garden Jesus WAITED and prayed asking the Father if there was another way that salvation could come about. His final plea was Not my will but thine be done.

We know the story how Jesus was taken and crucified by cruel men, and then was laid in a tomb with soldiers guarding it, to make sure no one would steal the body and falsely declare that he had risen.

The three days of WAITING after Jesus was placed in the tomb, was three days of grief and confusion. The disciples asked “How can this be?” We thought he was going to set up His kingdom now! For they misunderstood all that had happened.

When Jesus appeared to his followers after his resurrection, they still did not understand even after he had spent 40 days teaching them from the Old Testament.

Acts 1: 6-8 So when [the disciples of Jesus] met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

As Jesus stood on the mountain giving them the great commission, “Go teach and preach, and I give you authority to do so,” he ended his proclamation by saying, “Lo I am with you always even until the end of the age. “

Oh yes, some of them thought, (with misunderstanding) Jesus just said He will never leave us. He just told us that He will be with us always, so He must be going to help us set up His kingdom. They just did not get it!

Jesus instructed them to return to Jerusalem and WAIT for the promise that would give them the authority and the power that they needed.

Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but WAIT for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

As Jesus stood on that mountain, the crowd was amazed as He began to rise in the air and a cloud received Him out of their sight. The people began to tremble and were frightened beyond belief, but what happened next caused them to understand that something bigger than they had ever thought was about to take place.

Two angels appeared to His disciples and said to them, "Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

And so we WAIT !

The book of Acts records the beginning of the Church and how the disciples went forth proclaiming the Good news. They told how Jesus was the Lamb of God who was slain so that all who believe and receive Him will be ready for heaven when He returns again.

We are waiting for His return, but we must not be idle as we WAIT. We are to be about the Father’s business.

Searching the scriptures and learning about Jesus is one thing, but we must not just know about Him, but we must Know Him in our hearts.

Some false prophets, have set dates for the Lord’s return. There have been many embarrassed and red faces by those who predict such things.

The Bible warns us that no man knows the day or the hour because it is our Father God who will give the signal for Gabriel to blow his trumpet.

Jesus desires us to WAIT patiently for His return but he also needs us to be actively going about our day serving Him to the best of our ability.

Galatians 5:5 Until then we through the Spirit WAIT for the hope of righteousness by faith.

This post is linked to:
Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem
And to: Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday

Spaghetti Dinner

2012-02-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

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The telephone rang and pulled me away from my computer. It was my daughter who wanted to know if it was too late to add another ticket for tonight to the annual spaghetti dinner at my church. My granddaughter Ashley’s boyfriend was in town this week-end and he would very much like to attend with us. I told Becky I would call her back after I found out for sure.

Our town has events that are attended by sometimes large crowds. Tonight would be one of those occasions. There were times when the tickets had been sold out and I hoped that this was not the case for tonight. I called one of our ladies and she assured me that they would set another place at our table. One year a chef from a local restaurant made the sauce, and I was hoping this year the spaghetti dinner would be another hit.

When our children were growing up, I fixed home made spaghetti at least once a week. I browned half a pound of hamburger with my onions and drained the grease. Another thing I added that was unusual was a small can of whole kernel corn to the sauce. I know that sounds crazy, but my family loved it. The idea of the corn came from a recipe in a free cook book that I received when we purchased our marriage license for two dollars many long years ago.

Looking through my files, I could not find my spaghetti recipe so a quick look on the internet revealed one that was very close to mine. This one is simple and easy.

HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI/PASTA SAUCE

Ingredients

• 1 chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (pulse in the blender if they are whole tomatoes)
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• Add enough water to Fill the tomato paste can
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 tablespoons red wine or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian dry seasoning
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes -(optional 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper or dash of Tabasco)

Directions

In a large skillet gently brown the onion with the olive oil, add the crushed garlic and brown gently. Combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, garlic, sugar, vinegar, oregano and red pepper flakes. Stir all together and simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes (for the best flavor). Stir frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent burning. Metal spoons can leave a taste of metal in your sauce and you don't want that. I like to add hamburger to my sauce but that is optional.

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.
Anything about food is welcome if you would like to enter her blog hop.

Hair Styles

2012-02-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

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For many years I had worn my blond hair in a sort of school girl Dutch Bob. It was a simple style and easy to care for.

Then several years ago now, my husband suggested that I might enjoy a very short hair style. He took me to his lady barber who cut hair for both men and women. Many of the women were senior citizens in our area.

"Short real short," is what my husband told her. When the barber finished, I wondered if that was really me.

The girls at work told me they did not like my new look.

"You will get used to it and then you will like it," I told them. It certainly was easy to care for. No curlers or hot iron needed. Simply wash - dry and that was it.

If my husband is happy with my hair, then I too am pleased.

As far as God is concerned - - God could care less about my hair, because He only looks at my heart.

You will enjoy these two posts below on Hair

Sheila at God Spotting with Sheila wrote on her recent hair cut.
To enjoy her post “The Hair Cut: click here.

Also don’t miss the post "My Hair my life"
by Deidra Riggs click here

Please leave them a comment and tell them you saw this here at Joyful Noise!

Pride and Confidence?

2012-02-17T00:16:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 10:35-36 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
I believe that a truly Born Again Christian can mistake CONFIDENCE and think that it is Pride.

When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He included his Authority along with the GO ye and preach and teach. We should not to be afraid to use what he has equipped us to use.

The Bible instructs us to Fear NOT and to be bold in the Lord. Although humility is also a walk, boldness truly means that IN Christ I can do all things through Him, but without Him I am nothing.

Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Proverbs 28:1 Amplified Bible The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion.

As a garment we put on HIS righteousness, (not our own) we can then stand PROUD in God and act out what He is telling us to do.

I am reminded of the little kindergarten children who receive their diplomas. They stand so proud, not arrogant, but pleased that they have passed every test. Also they are happy that their parents are proud of them!!

Be confident in the assurance that God is proud of YOU!

Does that not please you?

This post is linked to Faith Barista Jam Thursdays
and to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

Insider Information

2012-02-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

Sharing today a Devotional by Beth Jones

Insider Information

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." John 16:13, NKJV
________________________________________

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible! I love this promise about the Holy Spirit. We have "insider information" by virtue of the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us! I hope you are encouraged today as you consider two amazing pieces of "insider" info the Holy Spirit gives.

He will guide us into all truth: We have the best Guide in the entire world! Ever been on a guided trip? Perhaps four-wheeling, rafting, snorkeling or hiking? Isn't it great to have a guide who knows the ropes? A guide who knows all the things you must see and all the places to avoid? A guide who keeps you safe while taking you on a memorable trip? All we have to do is follow the leader and he will guide us!

The Holy Spirit is the quintessential Guide! He knows the truth about every turn, bump and curve in the road and He will guide us all along the way. He knows all the things we must see and all the things we need to avoid. He keeps us safe while guiding us on a truth-loaded, faith-filled adventure. Our job is to listen to the Guide and follow His lead.

He will tell us things to come: This may be one of the best promises in the Bible! The God who knows everything about the future lives on the inside of us. Talk about "insider information." Think about it. No one else in all of creation knows the future; the only Person who really knows what the future holds is the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Holy Spirit wouldn't just keep it to Himself, but He would tell us the things to come. You can take that promise to the bank.

You can rest assured that when you seek the Lord, anything that you need to know about your future – the Holy Spirit will show you. He will give you an inclination, a "sense" of what is coming, a knowing and the insider information you need for the circumstances and decisions that affect your life.

Take a moment to read the way the Amplified Bible spells it out…

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. (John 16:13, AMP)

Today, lean on the Holy Spirit…

Say this prayer and make it yours:
"Father, thank You for the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit, I want to know You better. I want to stay in step and follow You as the Guide of my life. I want to hear Your voice and pick up Your signals as You show me things to come. Thank You for all the 'insider information' I need. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Jeff and Beth Jones Ministries

P.O. Box 745 - Portage, MI 49081

http://www.jeffandbethjones.org/

Patience is a Virtue Learned

2012-02-15T16:24:00.001-08:00

Waiting - Waiting
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One of my male Blogger friends reminded me after yesterdays post - - That Life, work, and testosterone get in the way of a MAN’s spirit sometimes, and yes men do at times get irritated at their wives. Each spouse has different takes on the event. He feels lack of respect and she feels a bit less than love shown. In the end forgiveness is the key to peace.

My own memory was jogged a bit as I considered my own selfishness and loosing my own patience many times. Here follows a true story that you may identify with. We all are able to learn if we have a teachable spirit and are able to become quick to apply truth.

Patience is a Virtue Learned

Many years ago, we had moved to a new house on the hill that was about four miles from out church. Our children were in their late teens and early 20s, and our two daughters still living at home with us, had their own jobs and transportation.

My husband and I had gone to the Wednesday night service at our church, just the two of us. The service was over and I was talking to one of our friends because we were planning an event soon to happen. Robert said to me, “Come on I need to go home.”

I replied, “Give me another minute.” - - I should have understood that tomorrow was a big day at work for him, and he needed his sleep, but I was busy talking.

I love my husband dearly and he is a wonderful man, but there is one virtue that he did not have, and that was “Waiting.” He to this day still hates to wait in line at the store, and if the line is too long, I have known him to leave without purchasing anything.

Patience was not my husband’s best attribute, but that night he learned a lesson by experience. Some times you can learn by being instructed, but other times you learn by experience. Perhaps I needed to learn a lesson too.

Anyway, there were several couples still at the church, and my husband thought to himself, “I am sure that someone will give her a ride home,” so he jumped in our car and took off without me. Now this was not the first time he had left me somewhere, and as soon as I understood what had happened, I decided that this would be the last time.

Most everyone at church had left, and my friend and I finished our planning. I gathered my things and started to leave the church. One of the fellows realizing what had occurred said, “Hey, let me give you a ride home.” I was a bit angry at that point, so I blurted out ”No thank you, he must have want me to walk home, so walk home I am going to do.”

image courtesy photobucket.com

One of my faults is that I am a manipulator, and that night I had a plan. There is always a short way and a long way, and that night I decided to take the long approach home. I would walk up the hill to our son and his wife’s cottage because I knew they were on a mini vacation. In my purse was a set of their keys so that was not a problem, once there I would take a short nap.

Arriving at their place, I let myself in, and rested for probably thirty minutes, then I decided it was time to go home. Taking the trail along the freeway, I hiked back to our overpass that would take me home.

Very quietly I readied for bed and slipped carefully under the covers. Strong arms entwined around me and a soft voice said, “How did you get home?” I replied, “I walked home, isn’t that what you wanted me to do when you left me.” His soft voice continued, “I will never leave you again.” “Do you promise?” I asked. His reply was, “Yes I promise,”

We never spoke of this again, but - - My lesson was to be ready when he says, “Let’s go.”

His lesson was arrived at by an experience, and true to his word, he has never left me again.

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
With Wednesday with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences

and Linked to Joy in this Journey

Wife Abuse repost

2012-02-14T00:54:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

It wasn’t because I felt threatened, because that wasn’t the case. My thought was; to be forewarned was to be forearmed.

I don’t remember how the conversation came around, but it probably had something to do with the news paper, about a wife being beaten by her husband.

At the time, we were engaged to be married, and this seemed like the appropriate opportunity to make my statement.

It was short and sweet. “I don’t expect you to ever hit me, but if you ever do, the first time will be the last time, because I will be gone before you can hit me again.”

We never spoke of this after that, and through the years, there may have been a time or two that he wished he could hit me; like the time he hit the wall instead, and made a hole that needed to be patched. - - But physically hit me; NO he never did.

He has been a kind and loving husband - - most of the time. We do not argue or fignt but there are times we may get a bit angry with one another! But we have learned to walk in forgiveness.

Besides physical abuse, there are other ways to hurt your spouse, and that includes verbal abuse, and the silent treatment. Oh no, that silent treatment is not good.

One day, I was at my computer with my wallet open and my credit cards visible. I was printing a receipt for a charity gift I had just made on the internet.

Behind me, I heard a voice, “What are you doing now?” my husband barked at me, as his blood pressure went up several decimals. I won’t include all the rest of his speech, but it lasted about 5 minutes, as to why I shouldn’t do this because of all the scams, and how we are on a budget and we need to pinch every penny.

Talking about the wind being knocked out of your sails - - that was me. I explained to my husband that it was for a good cause, and I was depending on those persons involved who I trusted, that it was a legitimate charity.

I was reminded about the story of Abigail in the Bible, (1 Samuel 25,) who brought King David food, but she did not tell her husband right away. Her husband had refused to contribute provisions to King David, and she knew this was not right. In fact she was troubled for the safely of her household due to her husbands selfishness. So she decided to take matters into her own hands. She did what she knew had to be done, even though she knew her husband did NOT approve!

The next day, after delivering her bounty to the King, she told her husband what she had done. What happened next was shocking to say the least.

Her husband was so angry, that his blood pressure hit sky high, and because of that he suffered a stroke, and fell over dead.

This Bible story illustrated to me, that there may be occasions when it is better at times to hold off sharing with your husband, your small gifts to charity, at least until a better day.

Timing is crucial, if you value keeping him alive.

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

Authority and Power Given

2012-02-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

Matthew 28:18 NKJV And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Paraphrased) and now I commission you with that same authority and power to go forth and make disciples of all nations and be assured that Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the age.

This post is gleaned from Pastor Carl’s sermon on Sunday as he shared on the Authority of Jesus. When Jesus did miracles and instructed the crowds, they were amazed because he ministered with authority and power.

Jesus taught with authority and power because he had spent time with his Father, and he was full of the Holy Spirit. He told it like it really was and that upset some of the people. They complained and criticized Jesus for they said “He speaks blasphemy.”

We don’t like it when people complain, gripe and find fault, especially if it is with other people (or with us.)

Matthew 9 “They brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” Immediately some of the Scribes said within them-selves, “This Man blasphemes! For who but God can forgive sins?” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house. Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.

Pastor reminded us that when we partake of communion, that in our time of meditation, we have asked forgiveness of our sins, and as the Pastor says, this is the blood and body of Christ – we are to believe that our sins are forgiven and are gone.

Jesus was led as a lamb to the slaughter and he was silent and opened not his mouth. Pilot told him, “Don’t you know that I have authority and power to release you or condemn you to death?” Jesus answered and said, “You have no power except that which God has given.”

Jesus died but in three days He rose from the dead and showed himself to his disciples, and to many others for a 40 day period of time. His final commandment was “So send I you, and I give you power and authority to minister and share the Truth of the Gospel.

Not authority to crush and put down, but power to lift up, to encourage, to heal the broken hearted, to redeem men from their sins and to let them know that there is a better way to live.

This is an astounding and breathtaking claim, and it is the Great Commission assuring us that we can move in the Power and Authority as Jesus did. We can minister boldly knowing that we are not alone, but that He is with us always.

Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday
and Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

The Three Partitioned Plate

2012-02-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

In the early 1930’s there was the popular Depression glass plates, bowls, and goblets of yellow, green and pink colors that were all the rage. Perhaps they were inside of Oatmeal boxes or other products.

My husband mentioned to me that during this time, the movie houses, certain stores and gas stations gave away dishes of various types as an incentive to entice customers to come into their establishment.

Although my mother tried to treat all three of us children equally, as I think back in time, she did many special things for me that the other children did not receive. Perhaps it was because I was the oldest.

When it was dinner time, I fussed because I did not want any of my food to touch the other items on my plate. My dad gruffly remarked, “What difference does it make; it all gets mixed in your stomach?” That remark did not satisfy me and I was particular if not peculiar.

Where Mother got it I am not certain, but somehow she was able to find a dinner plate that had three divisions. To my surprise she presented me with this marvelous dish.

Delighted was not the only word, I was ecstatic with joy to receive such a glorious plate.

Happily and with care, I piled my mashed potatoes, green beans and meat loaf into each area. It was my duty to gently wash my dish after each meal and it was then placed into a safe area away from our everyday dishes.

As time went by, I outgrew the need for my plate, and although I kept it - - eventually I passed on my precious plate to my daughter.

I am reminded that the Children of Israel were to “pass on” to their children the laws and traditions that had been given to Moses on the mountain. They were told to write them down so that their children could read and remember them.

God tells us to hide God’s word in our heart by memorizing it and by continually reading and studying the Bible. When God’s word is a part of us, it is easy then to share the Good News with others who are hungry for truth.

Fill your plate with the meat, bread and milk of the Word, and then liberally share with others.

This post is linked to:
Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays
And to Brag on God Friday with Laura

Aunt Hazel’s Mating Game Advice (Repost)

2012-02-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy photobucket.com

Are you serious about desiring a mate? The first item on your list should be to pray and ask the Lord to send that special someone across your path.

Church is usually the perfect place to find a Christian mate, but don’t discount other places or ways for this to happen. After all, not every good prospect attends YOUR church!

Small-groups in your church are a good place to find eligible men or women! Do join one! Of course, do not fail to participate in the discussions at a Bible study. Men like a woman who speaks out, but watch out! The ladies who want to argue or talk non-stop will cause a man to lose interest quickly!

Men also do not like grouchy, complaining women, so put on a joyful face and watch your words. Public grumbling is so unbecoming!

Women want a man who will open up and talk to them, and at least tell them they look nice, and they are pretty or beautiful. If he can cook, that helps too. :-)

What about qualities? I had a friend who made a list of the traits she wanted in a husband. Each night she would pray as she went over her list, and she would tell the Lord that she believed He was bringing this type of person into her life. As I recall, most of the qualities were there when she did find a good husband.

I do not believe she settled for less. The simple fact is that no one is completely perfect and her expectations were very high. Of course, now she knows that there are always compromises in a marriage - especially if one desires peace in the household. Treating each other with kindness and respect is vital to any relationship. Not always wanting the “last word,” can save a marriage!

Not necessarily suggested, but one of my daughters found her wonderful husband through a Christian dating service, so pray and investigate. There is an internet site that reviews Christian dating services: http://www.christiandatingservice.com/ interestingly enough, they do NOT recommend some of the more popular companies such as e-Harmony.

Some friends of mine have found they are happy to remain single; and there are many reasons for this, too.

The Bible tells us above all, to learn to be content! Do not be afraid to enjoy life, in whatever station in which you find yourself.

Proverbs 18:22 Who ever finds a wife (or husband) finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD.

This post has been linked to One Word Carnival. The Word this week is Romance

Also Linking with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

And with Women in the Word Wednesday

Shoes that sparkle

2012-02-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Feet Bringing Good News !!

You have seen them, those tennis shoes that light up with each step as you walk.

image courtesy photobucket.com

When my granddaughter was a tiny little thing my daughter purchased for her some red glittering Mary Jane Sunday shoes. (I believe they were a take on Judy Garland’s red shoes in the Wizard of Oz.)

image courtesy photobucket.com

Later she was also given a pair of those sparkling tennis shoes that light up with each step you take. Oh what fun she had wearing those shoes, and if she wandered off it was easy to find her in a crowd.

While I was growing up we didn’t have shoes like these, even my own children were deprived of luminous shoes. No one had thought to invent them at that time.

The Bible speaks of shoes and feet in many places.

Psalms 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

If you are sharing the Good news of Jesus with others, the Bible says you have beautiful feet.

image courtesy photobucket.com

Ephesians 6:15 tells us, “Have your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

Good sturdy Gospel of Peace shoes will keep us standing on our feet when problems come our way!

Psalms 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

We are also urged to shine! Isaiah 60:1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”

Shining is NOT something you turn off and on. When you have been in the presence of the Lord, for a length of time, you will shine with a light that He places within you.

I am reminded of Moses when he was with God for 40 days on the mountain. His face shone so brightly that the people could not look at him. He found it necessary to wear a veil over his face until the shine wore off.

Can’t you just imagine us all putting on our gleaming shoes of the Gospel of Peace and our faces shining and glistening for the Lord as He watches over us?

No, we will not get lost in the crowd, because God is watching over his sparkling children.

Each step I take, God is watching as he orders the steps of my walk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZpdeo6iMXk

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty
And with Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday

Ho, Every One That Thirsts Come

2012-02-06T00:12:00.000-08:00

Ho, Every One That Thirsts Come

Taking notes from Pastor Carl’s Sunday message I share with you some gleanings.

You have heard it said that there is No FREE Lunch. Yet the Prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

The Bible has a lot to say about Water. Genesis chapter 1 stated that the world was without form and was void, there was water everywhere. God spoke and divided the water and the land.

The book of Revelation says there was water everywhere. 70% of the earth’s surface is water, and our bodies are mostly water. Cool clear water.

Rime of the Ancient Mariner states, “Water, water everywhere but nor a drop to drink.”
Some have affirmed that water is a cure all.

David was hiding from King Saul and told his men, Oh that I might have a drink from the cool clear water from the well in Bethlehem. The word Bethlehem means bread.

Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

"The heavens declare the glory of God," but in these last days God speaks to us through His Son Jesus.

Jesus gave many teachings, and with most he began with these word, “Truly, Truly I say unto you." Or "Verily, verily I say unto you." Jesus is the way the TRUTH and the Life.

Jesus is watching over us, praying for us and has promised to never leave or forsake us. He is here with us today as you read this. His invitation is “Come eat and drink."

Jesus is our living memorial. He says, “This is my body that was broken for you, and my blood that was shed for your salvation.” Do this in remembrance of me until I return.

The Communion or Lords supper is a feast of victory over death. Through Jesus we are transformed, He offers to us His eternal life. We are his church, his family his children. His mission is salvation to all who will come. Search the scriptures, meditate on his Word, and seek Christ the savior.

The Bride and the Lamb say come. Come and bring your appetite with you.

This post is Linked up with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday
And also linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem

No Greater Love

2012-02-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

No Greater Love

There's no greater love than the love of Jesus.

There's no love that's wiser,

that's stronger, that lasts longer,

that's more willing or thrilling.

There's no love more beautiful, more bountiful,

more bold, more basic and unbiased.

There's no love more caring, more sharing,

more daring to risk all in danger for sinner and stranger.

There's no love more gracious, more giving, more living,

more sacred, more selfless, more soul-satisfying,

more pure and undying.

There's no love more verifiable, more valuable,

more validating, more victorious, more glorious.

This lovely poem has been Shared from Day Spring

Permission given to Share the No Greater Love Than Jesus message for witness and encouragement.

Also Free E-Cards from Day Spring are available at:
http://ecards.dayspring.com/ecards/

Kindle Cover - Guest Post by Terry Moon

2012-02-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

Guest post by Terry Moon my favorite sister-in-law

Terry reports:

When we heard that Amazon sold 6 million Kindles for the holidays, my husband suggested I make covers. He bought me one for Christmas so I was able to make a template.

If you purchased one of these readers, you might also like to consider a protection cover and I welcome your visit to my Etsy site.

Here’s the link:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/moonlight55

Sample Kindle Cover

View my Kindle Cover eReader Sleeve on Etsy. I show a sample here.

Here's what I've been working on for my Etsy shop.

I have designed padded covers that will fit the Kindle Fire, Original Kindle and Kindle Touch. Protect your eRead from scratches. I have many more listed in my shop in a variety of fabric choices.

Please stop by.

The Kindle Cover is padded and will protect your eReader from scratches. Slide your Amazon Kindle into this beautiful 100% cotton cover to store or to transport.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92222452/kindle-cover-ereader-sleeve

I welcome your visit and please share with a friend!! Terry

Submissive – Who me?

2012-02-03T23:42:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

Usually I am very submissive to my husband. If we are shopping and in the middle of our excursion, and he says, let’s go home, I know he is experiencing some weakness so without hesitation we head for home.

I have learned not to question, when he makes a decision, and I go along with it, even when I prefer to do something else. Talking back has never got me anywhere, and it is not worth the hassle of having an upset husband - - - But there were a few occasions when I needed to speak up and I refused to be submissive, this story is about one of those times..

My sweet husband and I had gotten up very early that morning to travel the 75 miles to the HMO where he was to have a procedure down his throat to see if there was something out of sorts. The nurse sprayed a liquid down his throat that Robert said tasted awful. They also hooked him up to an IV and told him that they were giving him a mild sedative that would not put him out, but would take the edge off the examination.

The process went well, and they determined a small pocket was at times catching food but he could live with it and there was no cancer or other problems.

After a time of rest, the nurse said he could get dressed, and she gave him some instructions.

She said that due to the fact that in his system there remained enough medication that could be recognized as DUI. She told him, “You are NOT to drive for 24 hours - - do you promise me that you will not drive?” He was not listening well !!

I was there and heard the entire set of directions that she gave him.

Robert put his clothes back on, and the hospital required that you must be escorted to your car in a wheel chair, so that is what we did, then we were ready to leave.

On the way home, we stopped at Jack in the box for a quick lunch. Across the way there was a Starbucks, so I told my husband that I would walk over and get us a Frappe-chino to share. Then he asked for his keys so he could sit in the car and wait for me.

I stepped over to Starbucks, gave the cashier my order and waited. for our drinks.

Now you must understand that I often hear from the Lord. Not out loud mind you, but in my spirit.

God began to tell me that when I returned to the car, that my husband would tell me he was going to drive home. (Usually I would submit and say Okay) Then God said, “If you allow him to drive, he will place his life and yours in jeopardy, so do not permit him to drive.”

I left the store and I could see my husband standing by the driver’s door. Sure enough he said, “I am fine and I will drive us home.” Immediately, I spoke up, “I am sorry, but I cannot allow you to drive, do you remember that the nurse told you not to drive for 24 hours?” His reply was, “I don’t remember her saying that,” but he calmly walked to the passenger side and got in.

As we continued our drive, Robert settled down, and slept most of the way home.

There is a time to submit to your husband but it is always better to submit to the voice of God.

Ephesians 5:21 (NIV) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

This post is linked to Faith Barista Jam Thursdays
Also linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Friday

Communion and Pass Over

2012-02-02T22:38:00.000-08:00

Communion

The E-mail came requesting suggestions on how to pray for God to bless the house that a family was moving to. She asked me if I remembered mentioning the Lamb of God in the prayer.

Thinking back years ago, I can remember giving a short talk about Blessing your house when you move to a new place. My friend was referring to the basic core of this message.

I asked her if she remembered in the book of Exodus when the Children of Israel left Egypt they were instructed to kill a lamb and save the blood into a basin? They were to sprinkle the blood on the top and sides of the door posts of each home so that they would be protected from the Death Angel. They were then to eat the lamb and unleavened bread. All who remained in the house were protected and blessed.

This Passover celebration was carried over into the New Testament and at the Last Supper, Jesus instructed His disciples to do this in remembrance of Him until He returns.

Symbolically when we take communion, we eat the bread and drink the wine or juice in remembrance of Jesus’ broken body and His blood that was shed for us.

I suggested that she remember one thing when you pray a over a house and that is to keep it a simple dedication that the persons who live there will be blessed and protected.

My friend wanted to pray that all who entered this house would be saved, but I suggested that you cannot ask God to cause people to do anything against their will. For instance if you ask that all persons who enter the house will get saved - - then you are asking God to force them to get saved. However you can pray that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of all who enter the house and cause them to realize that God is in this place.

My friend wanted to use olive oil and place it on the doors. While that is not typically wrong, we should want to avoid getting weird or mystical. The oil is probably not needed for a house blessing. Oil is for anointing and for those who are sick.

Instead I suggested that she carry her Bible and use it to touch the door post and the top of the door. This could be a symbol of the blood using the Passover as an example. Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away our sins.

Pleading the Blood of Jesus can be done symbolically as you use your Bible to touch each door. If using your Bible in this manner seems strange to you, then just read from the scriptures and pray a prayer of blessing and protection over the house and its occupants.

My friend has a friend who wanted her to come bless a house they planned to look at and purchase. I suggested that this might not be a good idea because if it is NOT God’s will for them to have this particular house you do not want to ask God to give it to them anyway.

We must not treat the Blood of Jesus lightly and we also must remember that there is power in His Blood, power in God’s Word and power in prayer. Perhaps we need to unloose our boldness and to step out and make more declarations as we pray.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays . Today I write on communion
Also linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

Tropical Fish habits

2012-02-01T23:34:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket

When our Children were just starting grade school, we decided to purchase a tropical fish aquarium. It came with a pump and filter and some decorations so the environment for the fish would look natural.

image courtesy photobucket

Wanting a nice variety of fish we selected some Angel Fish, Zebra fish, some Black Molly fish and a Plecostomus. Ugly as he was, he would help clean the sides of our tank. Our children would stare at these fish for hours it seemed, and just watching them was relaxing even for me.

As I watched these fish I noticed something interesting. Each variety of fish would swim together. Although they were friendly to one another, the Black Molly fish and the Angel fish, and the Zebra fish each kept to their own type. There was no interbreeding or mixing of the fish. They each seemed to be proud of their own kind.

In the Bible, God forbid his children of Israel to give their sons and daughters unto other nations. They were to keep their race pure. That was plan A.

Now don’t get me wrong, because God loves all races, and that was evident when He included Ruth the Moabite woman to be in the linage of Jesus along with some others of questionable reputation. In fact God became very angry at Miriam when she criticized Moses, her brother’s Ethiopian (black) wife.

God always has plan A which is his perfect will. Then there is plan B which is his acceptable will, and plan C which is his good will. God will even go with you all the way to Z if you are that rebellious.

I said all that to say this: Our youth leaders at our church, invited a young girl from a neighboring Black church to work with our youth. She was Caucasian, fun loving, very outgoing and the youth all liked her.

One day she confessed to our daughter that she was pregnant by one of the black brothers in her church and they were going to get married. My daughter came to me very upset, because this girl was an example to our children and they all looked up to her.

By the next Sunday the girl had resigned and returned to her Black church.

If you are wondering, yes I phoned our Pastor and told him the situation and he took charge after that.

Did my children need protecting? Probably not, because often our children know more about life than we did at their age.

However it is up to parents to attend the PTA meetings and to know what is going on at school, and also to be aware of what is being taught to your children at church.

I am not pregidous, but I am opinionated, and it is my strong opinion that a marriage will be off to a rocky start if it is a “mixed marriage.”

When I say mixed, in addition to race, I mean by a Christian and an unbeliever, by culture, church denomination, political affiliation and background in general. Marriage is difficult enough without a road block in it's beginning.

I know you are ready to point out some of your friends who are very happy and never quarrel over doctrine, or are never shunned by friends because of their choice in a mate. Be happy for them and also pray for them, because they probably need your prayers.

Thinking back to my fish aquarium, I am reminded that my fish were friendly with everyone in their environment. They played nice and got along well with others.

It would be good if we all could do the same.

Linking with Jennifer at God Bumps and Incidences Wednesdays

Jack Armstrong’s Decoder Ring

2012-01-31T17:52:00.000-08:00

Jack Armstrong Decoder Ring

Rushing home after school so that I could listen to my favorite fifteen minute programs on the radio was an exciting time in my young life. There was Little Orphan Annie, Jack Armstrong the All American Boy, and Captain Midnight, to name a few.

Each week Jack Armstrong would give a coded secret message and only those listeners who owned the special ring could discover what it was.

Oh Me !!
image courtesy photobucket

I did not have the ring.

To obtain the ring, you needed four Wheaties cereal box tops and a few coins.

At our house the cereal Wheaties, “The Breakfast of Champions,” was not our favorite, so it looked as if I was not to be part of the secret circle.

The radio announcer would tell you to set your ring at a certain number and then you could find the answer to the puzzle.

My girl friend Delores had one of the special rings and I was extremely jealous and told my mother that I needed one of those rings.

Mother advised me that I must eat four boxes of Wheaties if she were to purchase them, and that I did not want to do. I was willing to eat Cheerios and Rice Chex also made by the General Foods Company, just not the Wheaties.

Mother was always creative and she arrived at a plan to discover the secret of the rings. When the next puzzle was aired over the radio, she took down the numbers and gave each letter of the alphabet a number. It was not a simple task, but finally she figured out the message.

It was usually “Buy War Bonds,” or Obey your parents”, or something that was not prophetic. Soon the magic wore off, and I was not jealous of Delores anymore, or even cared about the ring with its secret message.

Now it was the Little Orphan Annie Ovaltine Shake-up Mug that I must have!

Isn’t that the way it is as we grow older. There are things that we though we simply could not do without, but then the glitter falls away and now there is something new that we think we need.

When it comes to the things of God, salvation is offered freely, but there is much more that he is willing to give.

He desires us to be filled with His Holy Spirit and to receive the power needed to minister and live for Him. God longs to reveal New treasures that you never even thought you might desire or require.

He does not request cereal box tops or coins, only come boldly and freely receive.

Offer Jesus your life and he will give you His Life. That is the great exchange.

Linked to Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday
and with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

Humpty Dumpty

2012-01-29T23:14:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

Gleaning from Pastor Carl’s Sermon on Sunday, he stated that the innocent egg took a terrible tumble, and no one could repair, and put him back together again.

This childhood poem began years ago as a riddle; "What is it when broken can never be repaired, even by the King and all his wise men? The answer was: the egg.”

God’s creation took a tragic fall when Adam and Eve sinned. Their first child was a murderer and their second child was the victim.

Jealousy, envy, evil of every description has entered our world and the creation has never been the same.

Broken promises, broken hearts, broken dreams, broken sinners, shattered into many pieces, and no man can put them together again.

We are carriers of the original sin, we are a chip off the old block, our DNA is from Adam. We are all as it were, broken eggs.

We can’t glue, repair or fix ourselves no matter how hard we try. The answer lies in Christ Jesus.

Adam brought death into this world and Jesus Christ brings life for all who accept Him.

We can never earn, merit or deserve his perfect sacrifice. God is not impressed by our good report card even if it full of A+ marks.

The bad news is we are a broken people, but the good news is Jesus heals the broken hearts. His grace is greater than all our sin. Much More!

He restores my soul, and renews me. In Him I am a New Creation. He has smashed to smithereens, anything that would attempt to separate us from His love.

Where sin did abound, Grace did Much More abound. The Love of God fills our hearts and minds, with the joy of His Salvation, and we are restored to fellowship with Him.

How much more was his sacrifice? His Love, Mercy, His Grace is higher than the heavens, and his salvation was so freely given.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty
And with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Hog It

2012-01-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

When my son was about three years old, I would sing him a song each night as he went to bed. One evening he requested that I sing - - "Hog it."

I asked him again, “Which song?” and he repeated; “HOG IT.” Tell me a bit more please. "You know mama, the song we sing at church “When we Hog it to heaven."

Yes, I did sing his favorite song that night and I also wrote about this in his baby book.

As a child I remember hearing the song “There’s an all seeing eye watching you.” In my imagination I envisioned a BIG EYE watching me with no face or body and it scared the living daylights out of me.

Children aren’t the only ones who misunderstand when something is said, and often some of the Christian songs we sing seem strange to those who are new to the faith.

image courtesy photobucket

My husband was 18 when he received the Lord and began to attend church. He knew very little about the Bible or Christian language. The word “Saved” was something you did to help a drowning person. To him Calvary meant the ARMY on HORSE BACK, but before long he came to appreciate that Calvary was where Jesus died and gave his life for you and me. His understanding has improved greatly with study and teaching.

I am actually very happy for the modern Bible translations where a non-believer can read about Jesus in everyday language.

My New King James Translation has all the words “thee and thou” and other out of date words changed to help with understanding, and is perhaps my favorite Bible.

What ever Bible is your favorite, it is always good to check with the Message Bible or other versions found at Bible Gateway It is there you will discover several translations so that you can compare scripture for enlightenment.

If you are preparing a Bible Study, it will be helpful to view this or other sites that offer information so that your hearers will leave understanding exactly what you told them.

Thinking back to a class we took on how to prepare a sermon, the simple outline is this:

1. Tell them what you are going to tell them.
2. Tell them!
3. Tell them what you told them!

Keeping it simple, one thing I always want to remember is that when we HOG IT - - To Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVh687Kcnbo

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem

Run its Course

2012-01-27T14:49:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

With a bad cold, the flue or some of these virus that seem to be going around - - it seems that they just need to “Run their course.”

Using all available means I try to stop it and cause it to leave early, but to no avail. It is determined and “Must run its course.”

image courtesy photobucket.com

My husband gathered a handful of our small lemons, and carefully squeezed them, added hot water and a tablespoon of honey making us both such a comforting hot drink. It soothed our sore throats!

Usually on Sunday I take notes on my pastor’s sermon, and create a report for Monday. However this virus hit me hard last Saturday, and I ended up in bed for two days, with chills, runny eyes, nose and a cough.

For three days, I searched my oldest archives and reposted some of my earlier stories, because I did not have it in me to create.

My husband says he must have given this to me, (Thanks a lot) and he says he caught it from our hospital follow-up Doctor’s visit. Robert’s doctor declared that he was sick and only came in because the other Doctor was out with the virus. That is where it all started with us.

I thought it was going to miss me this year, and I hoped as much but when it did, I pulled out the Alka-Seltzer–cold plus, the aspirin, lemons, extra vitamin C, juices and was prepared to fight.

I rebuked, prayed, told it to leave, but it was strong and it seemed that it needed to "Finish its course."

image courtesy photobucket.com

I am reminded that St. Paul believed that no matter what happened to him, it was important to “Finish his course” that God had given him to run.

Each of us has a different “Race track” laid out for us, and we are called to complete it to the best of our ability.

Run with joy and stop for those hot lemon-aid comfort drinks,

but most important - - “Finish your course.”

Act 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

This post is linked to Faith Barista Jam Thursdays
Linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays
And also linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Friday

I was a First Grade Plagiarist!

2012-01-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

Young Writer
image courtesy photobucket.com

Can a child of six or seven be a sinner? You betcha, not all, but some are.

I know I was !!

Our local newspaper had a weekly children’s section with a segment called Aunt Elsie’s page. Children were invited to send in their drawings of a certain size, their poems and stories. A prize was offered for the best work and honorable mention was given if you did not receive a prize.

Although I can draw I must admit that I am not a talented artist, and my artwork did not get published, but my name was entered on the honor roll.

Mother suggested that I try to write a story or a poem and that sounded like something I could do. However I was lazy and I had another plan.

Our First Grade reader at school had a lovely short poem in the front of our book, and I made a decision to copy the poem and send it to “Aunt Elsie.”

Off went the poem in the mail and a few days later I received a letter telling me that the poem would be printed and no prize but to keep trying again and perhaps a prize next time.

The day came when the poem was published and Mother was so proud, but there was a black cloud hanging over my head. I felt so guilty, because the work was not really mine since I had stolen it, and I knew that I had sinned.

The next morning my friend stopped by to walk to school with me, and mother proud as she was - - she just had to show my friend the poem. “Did you see Hazel’s Poem on the Aunt Elsie page?” mother asked my friend.

My friend took one look and without hesitation she made the stinging statement, “Isn’t that the poem that is in our reader book at school?”

I could not look at my mother, but I knew that when I came home for lunch at noon that I would receive a big talking to or worse. I didn’t need to wait until noon, because uncalled for the tears began to flow and I told mother that I was sorry, and that I would never steal a poem again.

Being of a tender heart, my mother said, “Well I am glad you are sorry and also happy that you did not get a prize for it, or we would have needed to return it.”

I began to write short stories about my cat and our chickens, and many were published and I did receive some nice prizes. I can remember a vinyl covered pencil box full of colored pencils, some paints, and a photo album, but the glory was to be published.

Mother’s favorite Scripture verse for me was always; “Be sure your sin will find you out!”

And you know that is so true - - for it always did!

This post has been linked to Joan’s Grace Café

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

Also linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

Field Day

2012-01-24T18:40:00.000-08:00

Marching Band Forming Letters at LSU
image courtesy photobucket.com

Although it might have been an annual event, I can only remember participating once in the Field day at our Junior High School. At that time our school was grades 7 through 9, and I was a 9th grader. After all these years it is now a Middle school, such is progress.

Dressed in our blue gym clothes, we practiced for weeks learning to march properly. Prior to actually starting to march we were given lectures on how to turn the corner with 3 girls marching shoulder to shoulder.

The girl at the corner point was to march in place, the next girl was to take very short steps, and the final girl taking the largest steps in order to round that point. The row was not supposed to bend as we executed that curve. Each girl was to work in tandem to keep their row straight at all times. It did take practice, but we soon got the hang of it.

The difficult part was at the end of our march. The playground was large enough for us to carefully spell out the name of our School; Frick Jr. High. Chalk dust had marked prompt lines for each letter, and we did splendidly.

The Oakland Tribune was there to take our picture, and a write up followed the next day in the paper.

Practicing had been tough but we had done well, and also in our performance. Yes we were proud of that fact and of our school.

A job well done is worth being pleased with. There is a difference between a prideful spirit and just bursting with pride and happiness for a completed project.

In our Christian walk, there are times when we can feel honest pride as a Mother Hen does over her chicks.

Have you even observed a hen cluck and her chicks as they all get in line to march to her tune?

Some people today march to the World and for us we have a Drummer who beats out the steps that please the Lord. We have been practicing for awhile and soon it will be time for the final performance.

Hup two, three four! Stay in line please!

This post is linked to: Peter Pollocks One Word Carnival

Linked with Good Morning Girls Wednesday

and Linking with Jennifer at God-Bumps and God-Incidences Wednesdays

Blood Donor Repost

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Sorry, but we can’t use your blood, it is just not acceptable,” were the words I heard on the other end of the telephone line.

The news was on and I had just heard an appeal for blood. Seriously injured, a young motor cycle rider had lost a great deal of blood. The news continued with a telephone number to call to become a volunteer. Hastily I phoned the number and was ready to offer my blood for this young man.

The lady at the call center told me that first she needed to ask me some questions. She inquired if I had ever had a life threatening ailment and I answered,” Yes”.

I told her that when I was 12 years old I suffered a very bad case of jaundice. Her concern was that it might have been a form of hepatitis which would eliminate me from being a donor. She thanked me for calling but told me that they just could not use my blood because it was not suitable.

I felt rebuffed and rejected when I realized that NO one wanted my blood!

A short letter to the boy was quickly composed. I conveyed my earnest desire to help, and that I was so sorry that I could not, because the fact was - - my blood was not good enough.

Then I told him how the blood of Jesus was also not wanted by so many. Briefly, I explained how Jesus was rejected but that we can choose to accept Him. The blood of Jesus will wash away our sins, and we can become a believer in Christ.

There are religious organizations today that do not want the Blood of Jesus mentioned in their sermons, their songs, or in their literature. They are repulsed by the suggestion that a blood sacrifice was necessary to pay for our salvation. It is sad, but true, that His blood is still being rejected today by some.

image courtesy photobucket.com

Each time we receive communion, let us always remember that His body was broken for us, and that His blood was shed for our salvation.

The total sum of human blood on earth would not be enough to reconcile us to God. Only His precious blood will do - - - ours isn’t good enough!

Jesus spoke in the book of; Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Suggested Books you might be interested in:

The Power of the Blood (paperback) by H.A. Whyte
The Hidden Power of the Blood of Jesus (Paperback) by Mahesh Chavda
The Power of The Blood of Christ by Andrew Murray

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty
And with Jen’s Soli Deo Gloria

Absolutely NOT (Repost)

2012-01-23T11:36:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

One of my former Pastors thought I was too assertive, and at one time he told me I was rebellious.

I believe this was because, each time he finished his Sunday sermon, and he shook hands with members as we left, I would give him something else to think about on his subject. He would retreat to his study books and come out usually glowing, and sometimes growling.

One mother’s day, he preached about women in the Bible, and according to what he implied, he forcefully put women “In their PLACE.” As I left that day and shook his hand, I told him that I could hardly wait for Father’s day to see what he would come up to set all the men down. It was about that time he said I was rebellious.

One morning after our women’s missionary meeting, I sat in his office with him and his wife, and he asked me if I ever had doubts that I might not make it into heaven.

I sat up straight, looked him in the eye, and with an emphatic voice, I told him, “Absolutely NONE!” NO Doubts What-so-ever!!

Puzzled a bit, but I wondered; why would he ask me such a question unless he had doubts about his own salvation?

I honestly believe he read more books, and study books instead of the Bible, and he wondered if he sinned every day like some say we all do.

If you read your Bible, and study along as you are reading it, you will discover that if you are walking in the Light of His Word, with the precious Holy Spirit guiding you - - then you do not have to worry that you need to balance short accounts at the end of the day.

Keep your mind on the Lord, and your feet planted and it is not necessary to sin each day as some say we all do.

There is a song that says, I have decided to follow Jesus, NO turning back. I found it on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAIplRcxM4E

Once you have made that quality decision, your job is to stay on track, and not make provision to fall away. If you do fall and you realize it, then quickly get up repent and go on.

Don’t wait for night to do your catching up!

God’s part is to keep you safe in His hand, and to provide you with daily instructions from the Holy Spirit.

Listen to that still small voice and obey. Then you will be able to say with me;

"I have NO doubts that I will make it in. I have No fears, and No doubts - - Absolutely NONE."

This post is linked to: Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday
Also linked with Laura’s Play dates with God

A Good Book Can Help (Repost)

2012-01-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

Besides the Good Book, (The Bible,) I have enjoyed magazines and books with parenting helps. When my children were just babies, I subscribed to Parent’s Magazine. I gleaned many tips and ideas that were of tremendous help to me in those early years.

As time passed, I found a special book - - probably at a Thrift Store or at a Garage sale; but I discovered it to be a wonderful book on raising children.

Here was an outstanding book that incorporated answers to all sorts of behavior problems. Included were fact-filled chapters covering various ages through the teenage years, along with suggestions on how to cope with different and difficult problems.

During that time, we had five teenagers in our household! Yes, I said five! Disturbing emotional problems plagued one of our daughters!. Some would say she needed therapy. I was prompted to give special attention to her each evening. It was ten minutes with no preaching, but rather just talking and listening. What wonderful therapy there is for others if a person can just be a good listener.

Before entering her room, I reviewed a current chapter in the book, and prayed asking the Lord how this would apply to her. Certain lines from the book seemed to stand out, and were to become the answer for that evening.

Just a sentence or two, and the Lord’s direction on what else to say next, the answer was provided for her need each evening.

Today, with children, and even with friends, using a few moments of quality time, can work wonders! Share an encouraging thought that will bring them confidence and will show your support!

At times, it might be a line from something you have picked up from a book; a magazine or possibly the internet; that will carry enough weight to bless your child or your friend.

Of course do not forget to utilize the Bible!

Ask the Lord, “What do I say next?” He may direct you to a Scripture verse that can complement, and then completely cement the thoughts for you to share.

Proverbs 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem

Don’t Look down my back!

2012-01-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket

It was the summer between Kindergarten and first grade. Our cousins had just moved to our city and were staying with us until they found housing.

Not far away and without crossing any streets was the grammar school that we attended, and there were summer activities there to keep children occupied. My cousins and I decided to sign up for the pastime for something to do.

image courtesy photobucket

The teacher lined up all the children and as each child came forward we stuck out our tongue and they looked at our fingernails, then at our hair and finally they took a peek down the back and front of our dress.

Even at this young age, it was very embarrassing to me as a child for this bold examination of my body.

We went home and told our parents.

The next day mother went with us and asked our teacher about the personal inspection given to the children - - -

The teacher explained that it was a health exam and rather than expose the other children to possible disease such as chicken pox or measles or even lice they were taking this as a safety precaution.

image courtesy photobucket

Her explanation satisfied mother, and after Mom make clear the reason to us, we decided to participate if we wanted to have our play time which included milk and a cookie.

Sometimes in life there comes a time when we must decide if we want something bad enough!

Are we willing to go through the process of passing the test in order to get what is desired?

Many jobs offered in the work place require the taking of a test and receiving a qualifying score. There are books available that help us identify which questions might be asked in a test and how best to answer.

No test of itself is desirous, and some are down right embarrassing. Especially when it is a test ordered by our doctor to discover what might be ailing us.

Thinking back to a time when I walked to the front of our church to make a commitment to Jesus, and at that time, I really did not care who was looking at me.

From that day forward I moved and walked in Jesus, and am not ashamed of His true Gospel.

When eyes stare and tongues wag, and it feels like others are taking me apart, it simply does not matter.

Why?” you might ask, “Does it not bother you? My answer, "Not really!"

All the exams in life will make everything worth it all!

The reason is because at the end of our play time, God will be serving Milk and cookies !!

This post has been linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Fridays

Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays.

And also linked to Joan’s Grace Café.

Beer Cake

2012-01-19T23:27:00.000-08:00

If you looked in my refrigerator you would find a can of Budweiser Beer tucked way in the back.

Don’t get me wrong, and think that we are drunks here at our home. We do use wine for marinating some meats, but we never drink beer or alcoholic beverages.

I was enjoying Sheila’s post at God Spotting with Sheila about how people can get the wrong impression about others if they jump to conclusions too quickly. Her post reminded me of my can of beer and I share that story with you now!

image courtesy photobucket.com

This can of beer was obtained on one of my “Mystery shopping” excursions, with the thought in mind that I would use it in a recipe for Beer Bread, so I accepted the project.

My mini-market assignment required me to check the cleanliness of the store, note any finger prints on the glass doors, report on how clean was the bathroom, see if the food, coffee and drink area was clean and fresh, purchase a can of Budweiser Beer, and notice if the cashier asked me for my ID to verify if I was old enough to purchase the beer.

I was not to reveal that I was a Mystery Shopper!!

The cashier cheerfully asked me, “And how old are you today?” My reply was simple, “Old enough to know better,” then we both laughed. I told her I was going to bake some beer bread, and she asked me to let her know how it turns out. I must confess I have not gotten around to baking the beer bread as we are not eating much bread lately. So there it sits in my fridge - - - way in the back.

The cashier forgot to give me a receipt and I needed to ask for one. “Here you go,” she said and “Have a nice day.” Unless I turn in a receipt to prove that I did the shop, I will not get paid. Most shops pay a modest fee plus the reimbursement if you are required to make a purchase.

image courtesy photobucket.com

For the past five years I have been a “Secret or Mystery Shopper.” It is fun at times, and often there is a free lunch - - well almost free. I do need to work for the lunch by writing up a report on the quality of food, and how I was treated by the establishment.

I have Secret shopped at many restaurants including Applebee’s, Denny’s, McDonalds, Burger King to mention a few, and usually there is a small bonus along with the free lunch.

I have also Mystery shopped at Jewelry stores, Banks, Telephone stores, Gas stations, Apartments, Pet supplies, Grocery and Department stores, to list a few so that you get the idea, and our last shop was to receive a free oil change.

NOW that you understand where my can of beer came from - - does anyone know how I can use up my can of beer without ACTUALLY drinking it?

Never mind, I found a simple Beer Cake recipe made with a yellow cake mix, plus 1 small package of instant vanilla pudding mix, 4 eggs, 1/4 cup oil and 1 cup beer. Optional add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts and 1 tsp cinnamon. Mix well and Bake 55 minutes in a greased and floured bunt pan at 350 degrees. Let cool 10 minutes and invert and enjoy.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s Food on Friday- - do visit there and find stories about food and some great recipes!

Sick days

2012-01-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

All the childhood diseases seemed to come my way, if it were chickenpox, measles or a very bad cold they found me!

I can remember staying home from school because I was sick.

Mama would put me in her big bed so she could easily tend to me, and at night I would return upstairs to my own smaller bed.

Mother also allowed Blackie my cat to visit for a short time and purr along side of me.

In those days there was no TV, so for entertainment, mother would bring our small radio and set it on my bed where I could follow the old radio soap opera programs.

For lunch Mother would give me hot soup and juice in between meal times.

Our kind neighbor sent over some children’s magazines, and Mother brought me a coloring book with puzzles to while away the time.

image courtesy photobucket.com

I remember one day she brought me a daffodil from our garden and placed it in a small vase. As I rested I stared at that beautiful flower examining the trumpet, and the manner in which it was created.

When I was feeling better but still not well, I could sit up and cut out paper dolls. I remember one book she brought me was paper dolls of the Dionne quintuplets.

These cute girls were a few years younger than me and were very popular. Their lives were a tragedy because the Canadian Government took them away from their parents under the guise that the girls needed protection. It is reported that the Canadian Government earned over one half billion dollars from exhibiting them and from the endorsements from soap, special spoons, and dolls to paper dolls. That is a story all in itself.

Back then, to me these girls were just paper dolls and I had fun cutting out the paper clothes to dress them. Playing with these dolls gave me hours of pleasure while I was getting well. Mother also gave me a cardboard doll flocked with a flannel front. With the doll came felt clothing to cut out that would stick like magic to the doll.

When I was almost well, mother allowed me to dress warmly, and gently swing in our outdoor swing. That too was comforting and it was lovely to be out doors again.

These days it is very rare that I am sick, and I am thankful for good health at my age. Yes, my knees creek at times, but like I say – for my age not too bad.

God gives us entertainment too. Call it entertainment or a glorious walk with God. Just being outdoors for a stroll, our three dogs join in and follow while they sniff and bark. We can see squirrels run up a tree as we approach. Viewing our plants and bushes as they begin to bud out brings me joy. Listening to the birds sing praise to the Lord causes me to rejoice along with God’s creation.

God has promised that one of these days, He will put away all sickness, pain, suffering and even death, and we will be entertained and even join in with God’s Angelic Choir.

Linking with Jennifer at God Bumps & Incidences Wednesdays
Also with Good Morning Girls Wednesday

The Man Cheated Me

2012-01-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

Cutting a neighbors lawn each week, and taking turns, my brother and I were paid 50 cents one week and 75 cents the next week. Eventually my brother got tired and quit leaving the lawn job to me.

One hot Saturday, I had worked very hard and completed the lawn. As I rang the door bell the man opened the door and asked me, “How much is it this week? I was embarrassed to tell him it was 75 cents, and he made the decision to only give me 50 cents. I never went back because he had cheated me.

Have you ever been cheated or tricked and deceived? Different folks and different strokes, but I have been a victim in many an instance.

I have been lied to by the experts and every time I foolishly believed them. Several of these escapades have cost me a lot more than 50 cents. Eventually after my embarrassment healed, I became much wiser.

I actually made myself a vow that I would never again get involved in certain matters. No more multi-level programs, get rich schemes, chain letters or anything that even faintly smelled of such.

image courtesy photobucket.com

You would think that we would learn more quickly, but that is the way it is with us human people. We want to believe in others and trust them, but when that just doesn’t happen we are hurt deeply in our psyche.

Then there is the part about trusting God. Some have found that they are angry at God, because of something that happened perhaps even of their own doing. They blame God instead of examining their own actions.

Our mouth gets too big for itself at times, and we say and do things that we know that are not true or right.

After a broken relationship, one young man told his friend, I don’t believe in God anymore - - yet today he is married to a fine Christian girl and he attends church, prays and reads his Bible.

Perhaps we should not believe everything we hear and only half of what we see. I now try to give people the benefit of the doubt. Meaning; I allow what they say to go over my head and accept them for who I believe that they truly are.

One thing I do know is that if I place my Faith and Hope Fully in the Lord, He will never tell me lies or cheat me!

His dividends and Bonds in Trust will be exceptionally good too when it is time to cash them in!

Post is linked with Laura’s “Play dates with God.”
With Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty
And Jen’s site SoloGloria

Come and See

2012-01-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

Once a year, our church participates in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The Week of Prayer enters into various congregations and parishes all over the world. Pulpits are exchanged, and special ecumenical worship services are arranged. This Sunday our church participated in the annual pulpit exchange.

Through out the year, our local group of churches also share at special monthly meetings, and events, such as the Easter Sunrise Service.

For the pulpit exchange our guest speaker was Father David from St Paul’s Episcopal Church, the announced title for his message was, “Come and see.”
I present here gleanings from his sermon.

He read from John, where Nathaniel said, “Can any good come out of Nazareth?”

The answer was “Come and See.” Jesus told him that he would see even greater things than this.

The minister asked, “Can any good come out of our city, our church, and our congregation?

Who draws the line of which way is correct? What pulls us together when we disagree such as on how to baptize? Do we dunk, sprinkle, pour or dip? Jesus must be at the center, and all other options fall into place.

The world that Jesus lived in was in some ways similar to our day. There were many kinds of religions and philosophies then as there is now. There was and is lots of poverty and it seems to be getting worse.

We see broken relationships, a culture of emergencies, a nation of consumers, then and now. People strive to take care of them-selves, and are not desirous to give to others...

Nothing seems to be working. How do we live in peace? What makes a good person or a good church? The message is simple; “Come and See.”

Look around, the world desperately needs to encounter Christ Jesus. We don’t need another social program, another service organization another rehabilitation center. It is Jesus who is needed.

Can anything good come out of the Church? When Jesus is the center of our Unity and we all point others to the Lamb of God, it is then that we will find our unity.

Jesus is what it is all about!

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem
and to Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday

Be Still my Soul

2012-01-14T16:35:00.000-08:00

Be Still my Soul, and Know that He is God!

I was awakened the other morning hearing the angels sing - - Not with my "ears" but in my spirit I heard repeated over and over again - -

'Be still O' my soul, and know that He is God! Be still O' my soul, and know that He lives within my heart.'

Not being a song writer and not much of a singer either, this was a new experience for me. I rejoiced as the anthem rolled and flowed over my spirit.

As a child I remember asking my mother, “Why does our church spend so much time praising God?” She replied, “When we get to heaven we will do a good deal of praising, so we might as well get in practice now by worshiping the Lord with our mouth”

I can imagine the angel choir singing praises to God, and one day we will join with them in song when we reach heaven. However Mother’s suggestion is a good one, begin NOW to get in practice with your praise.

Through out the day I discover my lips saying, “Thank you Jesus.” I am reminded of the verse, “Bless the Lord O’ my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

There are many reasons to Praise God!

1. First and foremost we are grateful that God sent His only begotten son Jesus, to die for us so that we might be saved from destruction.

2. We praise Jesus for being willing to leave heaven’s glory, to lay down his life, and to become the supreme sacrifice so that we might inherit eternal life.

3. We give thanks to the Holy Spirit for filling us, and coming along side us to be our guide comforter, and teacher.

4. On the earthly and material level we then give thanks for everything and anything that brings us pleasure and joy, and for which we can be grateful.

List making is not my forte and never has been, (except for an occasional grocery list.)

However there are many who join with Ann Voskamp taking their Inventory of One Thousand Gifts to be thankful for. Her book by that name has been a best seller and also has been translated into six languages. Amazing isn’t it? Click on her name above to visit her site. :-)

Ann’s record taking is of simple things that most of us overlook. Might we begin to be thankful for a delicate flower discovered in the path, a smile or a giggle from a child, or an unexpected hug from a friend?

In our hurry and scurry to get things done and finish the tasks that we have put on our “To Do list,” may we somewhere in that rush - - STOP and take time to BE STILL and reflect on God, and give Him the praise that is due Him.

'Be still Oh' my soul, and know that He is God!

This post has been linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Fridays

Turkey Chili

2012-01-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

Chili topped with a dab of low fat sour cream

Making New Years resolutions often includes a change in diet and a hope to loose weight. At least it was at our house!!

We had purchased an extra turkey when they were on sale at Thanksgiving time and placed it in the freezer. Last week we decided to roast it.

Neither of us is fond of the dark meat, so we saved the dark for our dogs. They are getting a chopped handful on top of their regular dry food and are very happy with it. Woof Woof !!

The rest of the white meat was packaged into meal size portions and most of it went back into the freezer. We have enjoyed turkey stew, turkey on top of a green salad, turkey soup.

Today I made Swiss Turkey Enchiladas. Click to view my old post and get the recipe for the Enchiladas.

Our HMO sent us a delicious recipe for Turkey Chili which my husband made yesterday and I must say it is scrumptious. You could use chicken, or ground beef.

This chili is even better the next day!

Turkey Chili (Serves 8)

1 tablespoon canola or olive oil

2 onions, diced

6 cloves garlic, chopped (we used 3T chopped from a jar we have)

1 jalapeños, seeded and chopped (or substitute a small can chopped green chilies)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons chili powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 heaping teaspoon dried oregano (we used Italian seasoning)

1 1/2 pounds leftover turkey, cut into pieces (try 1 pound white meat and ½ pound dark meat), or ground turkey sautéed until no longer pink

4 cups turkey stock or home-made chicken broth

1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (we used two 15 oz cans)

1/4 cup farro or pearl barley (we used 1/2 cup dry brown rice cooked separately in 1 1/2 cups water for 30 minutes)

2 15-ounce cans chili beans, or beans of your choice

1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro, chopped. Salt to taste

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over a low flame. Add the onions, garlic, and jalapeños, and cook them until the onions soften, about 10 minutes. Stir in the cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and oregano. Stir in the turkey. Add the stock or broth, tomatoes, rice, and beans. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for about an hour. Stir in the chopped cilantro near the end of the cooking time. Season with salt to taste.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays
Do visit her site and gather up some delicious recipes.

The little boy next door

2012-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

In my young opinion he was just a little monster.

What a spoiled brat of about 5 years old, was the boy next door to where I lived. From what I could tell, he never obeyed his mother.

More than once I saw him stand in the middle of the street, and play policeman. He would stretch out his arms and the car would stop, then he would laugh and run into the house.

One day he waited longer than usual to run out in the street to stop a car. The car was going the speed limit, but the driver was caught off guard when the child ran in front of him with his arms out stretched.

I remember the car bouncing as the driver slammed on his brakes trying to prevent hitting the lad.

However there was no avoiding the boy and the child was struck and knocked to the ground. Fortunately the driver quickly hitting his brakes had lessened the impact, and the boy was not badly hurt. For one thing it sure did knock some sense into him.

Because I was a witness so when the police came they asked my mother if they could speak to me. She quickly agreed. I told them the truth that the boy was in the habit of playing a game with the cars, and this time he ran right out in front of the car, and the man tried very hard to stop.

Soon after that the family moved away, and I doubt that the police did anything more than just lecture the parents.

As I think about that event, I wonder how many times in life, we rush right out in front of something and then dare it not to smash into us. I am not referring to a literal car, or bus, but simply things in life.

image courtesy photobucket.com

Often there are changes in our lives, and it is expedient that we ask God what to do next.

If we jump out too quickly without Guidance from the Lord, we can end up in a collision of sorts.

Through prayer, and searching the scriptures we repeatedly will discover answers to which path to take and what turn off is the best one.

May we be wise as serpents and gentle as doves! Guide me gentle savior.

Please visit these linked sites for more good words!

Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

And at: Laurie’s Thankful Thursdays

Lest We Forget God

2012-01-11T15:31:00.000-08:00

Again I am reading my Bible through for this year, and I am now in the book of Exodus.

It always amazes me how the Old Testament Children of Israel, forgot about God so quickly.

I get so angry at them and want to give them a good tongue lashing or some time out! No wonder God was angry at times with them!!

How could they be so ignorant and "stupid" to change their faith so quickly? They witnessed first hand many marvelous miracles and provision from the Lord. Then all the complaining and rebellion started when their flesh acted up.

As I look around and see some of our good brothers and sisters in Christ I am so embarrassed. Many ministers are also in the crowd of the fallen. How does this happen? Where is their thinking? That's the answer - It was their thinking!

We cannot afford to place our faith in man for they will surely fail. Our eyes must stay on Jesus!

The heart is simply deceitful and utterly wicked and that is why we ourselves need to stay in fellowship with other believers, to keep daily in the Word, and stay filled with the Holy Spirit.

While considering that Christians are not perfect, I must also look in my own mirror and observe that on occasion, my face is crimson red.

Our thought life continually needs to be monitored and any thinking that is not pleasing to God, immediately needs to be pulled down and tossed out.

May we keep Philippians 4:8 ever before us. New Life Version (NLV) Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things.

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
And with Lori’s Wednesday Internet Cafe Devotions

Fresh Wind

2012-01-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

Wind of the Spirit
image courtesy photobucket.com

My husband had been ill, and it had been some time that we were not attending a church. Instead we watched some excellent Christian TV broadcasts that fed our spirits.

Then our long time friends moved from Southern California to live in our city. While they were house hunting they stayed with us, and it was nice for them to be there.

My friend wanted to find a church, so I told her I would go with her to visit churches in our town until we found one she liked. Each church seemed to have a personality. At some we were warmly welcomed, and other churches looked at us as if we were intruders.

There was one church my friend liked and she told me that she wanted to attend there. She and her husband became members of that church, and I returned home to watch TV.

My friend is very outgoing and one day at a craft fair in our down town plaza, she met a Christian lady, who told her that she and her husband were thinking of starting a church here in our city. “Oh,” my friend volunteered, “You must call my friend Hazel and she will help you.”

To make a long story short, they did contact me and I suggested a place that would be reasonable to rent Sundays mornings for a beginning. “What will you be calling your church.” I asked. The Pastors wife replied, “We already have a name and it will be called FRESH WIND. This church will bring a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit to this city.”

The first Sunday there was nine of us in attendance, and before long others joined and our ranks grew.

A year quickly went by and our Pastor had heard of a building that had recently been occupied by another church, and it was available full time. We moved. The new place was soon filled, services were good, and new people were being added.

One Sunday shortly after we were settled in, some visitors came bringing with them a framed and neatly typed prophesy about God sending a Fresh Wind of the Holy Spirit to our city, and how the Glory of the Lord would bless the efforts of the congregation. Our Pastor graciously hung it on the church wall.

When someone gives you a “WORD from the Lord,” it is best to receive it politely and then patiently wait and see if it comes to pass. While our Pastors were there, blessings, salvations, re-dedications, healings, and excellent ministry did occur.

Time went by and one Sunday our Pastor announced that he and his wife were moving to Oregon to live near their daughter. His wife had lost her job, his heart was giving him problems, and they felt God was leading them. He stated that the next week a new Pastor would be arriving.

The people were shocked and complaints were heard, but I spoke up and told the Pastor how much we loved them, and also appreciated the fact that they would not leave us without a shepherd.

image courtesy photobucket.com

The new man arrived, and the first thing he did was to change the name of the church. Although I stayed for two more years and assisted him by teaching the children and what ever else I could do, it was evident that the lovely Fresh Wind had blown in and blown out again.

It is sad when the Glory lifts, but when it does - - it is time to move on. It was my time.

The very next Sunday I visited one of the long established churches in town and was welcomed with opened arms.

I was ready for a FRESH start and so it was!

This post is linked to: One Word Carnival The Word is Fresh

In the Fullness of TIME

2012-01-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

“In the Fullness of Time” was the Title of Pastor Carl’s sermon on Sunday. Taken from Galatians 4:2-6 where Paul was speaking of the minor child although an heir was under the care of guardians and stewards until the time appointed by his father.

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Gleaning from Pastors message, through Jesus, we inherit a kingdom that is not shaken. Other kingdoms come and go, they rise and fall, but His kingdom shall stand forever.

God is greater than the universe that He created. Heaven and Earth may pass away but His Word will not pass away.

Our Timeless God placed the sun, moon and all the millions of stars in place and holds them together by His word. He appointed the seasons, causes the birds to fly, and the ground to bring forth.

God created man and we are wonderfully made, and in Him we live and move and have our being.

God created TIME. Then God himself stepped into time. Jesus took the giant step into the darkness which included death and opened the doors to bring us light and eternal life.

Jesus stepped down to gather us up, from the lowest to the highest, taking our shame and sin upon himself. He walked our lives, and understands our temptations and brokenness.

The ancients told time by shadows and sundials, we have a stop watch, an egg timer and a rooster to crow.

There is an Appropriate Time, “When the griddle is hot," "When the fruit is ripe.”

It is of great sorrow and a tragic moment when we allow our golden chance to pass. Harken to God’s voice and act on your opportunities. Don’t allow them to slip needlessly by.

Time is relentless and limited. How many breaths, how long do we have left? Work while it is yet day, while there is yet time.

Jesus calls to us out of his great love and urges us to redeem the Time for it is short.

Take my life and let it be fully consecrated unto Thee.

Enjoy this beautiful song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Byp7aK2DA

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem

And to Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday

Zesty Lemon Bars

2012-01-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

Last year my lemon harvest was amazing, but this year I feared that my lemons would be few and far between.

photo by Hazel

What a nice surprise to see that when I thought there was none – here and there I can now see a few ripe lemons.

Can you see them peeking through the leaves?

There is enough and more to make these wonderful Zesty Lemon Bars that a friend of mine thought I would like.

She obtained the recipe from: Martha and Amy Scherber, of Manhattan bakery Amy's Bread, and these Lemon Bars are a best seller at their bakery.

I almost laughed as they offered precise amounts with extra pieces or extra measurements on some of the ingredients. There is a reason, but it just struck me as funny!

It takes some effort, but it is worth it -- Hope you enjoy these lovely Lemon Bars

Zesty Lemon Bars

Ingredients

• FOR THE CRUST

• 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces, plus more for pan
• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

• FOR THE TOPPING

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons plus 3/4 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees with a rack in the center of oven. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

2. To make crust: In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, and salt; process to combine. Add butter to processor and process until mixture is pale yellow and resembles a coarse meal, about 10 seconds. If you don't have a food processor, whisk together flour, confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. Add butter and work into flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers.

3. Pour crust mixture into prepared baking dish, pressing down with your fingers to create a 1/4-inch-thick layer along the bottom and 1/2-inch up the sides, pressing firmly at the edges to seal. Transfer pan to freezer and freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer to oven and bake, rotating pan once during baking, until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, make the topping: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and flour; stir in lemon juice, milk, and salt until well combined.

5. Remove baking pan from oven. Stir topping and pour into warm crust. Return pan to oven and continue baking until topping is just set but not browned, about 20 minutes.

6. Transfer baking pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 20 squares. Serve immediately or wrap each bar tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Rock N Roll

2012-01-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

My husband must have seen one of these apparatus at the park, similar to the one he was building in our back yard for our children. The equipment at the park was made from metal pipe, and he had to discover a different way to create one for us.

He carefully cut two identical half circles for the rockers from a large piece of plywood with a height of about 15 inches off from the ground. Then he attached a piece of plywood across them making a solid platform and then he nailed it securely.

Finally in the middle, he fastened two handle bars spaced a foot or so apart for us to hold on to ffor balance. Putting one foot behind us the thing would swing and sway nicely.

This contraption could rock with two to four persons, or even one. It was fun, a safe and relaxing piece of equipment with its soothing motion for the children and also for me.

At that time, I was a very young inexperienced mother, and the stress of life with three young children would often get to me. While the children were napping, I would retreat to the rocking platform and sing, pray and sway the blues away.

If you own a rocking chair, or a porch swing, that would probably be a good substitute.

There is just something about the rocking back and forth that is comforting and calming.

image courtesy photobucket

My thoughts are drawn to my mother gently rocking me when I was a very young child.

We have seen pictures of Jesus holding a child in His arms. And I wonder if he isn’t soothingly and quietly rocking those babies.

image courtesy photobucket

In the coming days if I feel stressed or tired, I am going to use my Spiritual imagination and see myself in the arms of Jesus as he gently and peacefully holds me

Do you wonder that God might have a rocking chair in Heaven?

Do visit the links below to discover other good words
This post has been linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Fridays
At Woman taking a stand: Thankful Thursdays

And with Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

Gracie my Best Friend

2012-01-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

“Yes one of these days I need to go visit my old friend, Gracie from school days,” I kept telling myself.

Gracie and I had lived down the street from each other, and we were best friends. We had fun, sold lemonade, swam in the local pool, got into trouble together, and were just happy kids. She often visited my church, and had received Jesus as her savior, but she did not grow up in the Lord, and remained I suppose you could call it “A baby Christian.”

We grew up - - we married our high school sweethearts and exchanged Christmas cards.

Many years went by and I had been thinking about her, so I asked my husband if he would take me the 150 miles to visit my friend. I think he did not want to be a party to girl talk, and he considered my request to be unreasonable and so he said, ‘Why don’t you get your mother to go with you?” I was very quiet, and did not say a word. One thing I did not want to do was to "upset the apple cart."

So I simply said to myself in my heart: “Forget it.” And so I did.

The truth was that I was healthy enough and could have made that drive by myself, but sometime back I had told my husband I would not leave him again, and he should always go with me.

The reference of leaving him was the time I had made plans to fly alone to Peru to participate in a Women’s conference. He was very upset about my trip and did not want me to go. I told him “This is something that I MUST do.” And I did.

When I returned from Peru he told me that while I was gone he had visited his doctor and the Doc asked him what was bothering him. He volunteered that he was angry with me for going off to Peru. His Doc said, “Next time you go with her.”

After Robert had told me about his Doctors visit, I answered him that I would not travel again with out him.

Remembering that comment caused me not to visit Gracie. Actually my husband was not holding me to a promise, because he simply meant for me not to be a world traveler without his agreement. It was my own misunderstanding not to go off by myself to visit my friend.

That Christmas I sent Gracie a Christmas card, and included my telephone number.

A few days later Robert and I had been out shopping and when we returned, there was a message from Gracie’s daughter that a couple months before, Gracie had suddenly passed away. I would have had time to see her if only I had acted on that gentle prodding from the Lord. I did not blame Robert - - I blamed myself for not being obedient to the urge!

There are thoughts that we receive that are nudges from the Holy Spirit, and when they occur it is not time to cast them off, but it is important to act on them.

There are many excuses that we can find to put off doing what we know should be done.

If you are ever urged in your spirit to visit an old friend, DO it. They may just need you!

Or you may truly just need to see them!

This post is linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
Linking with Jennifer at: God Bumps and Incidences:
Linked to the Mama Zone at Friends Day Wednesday

Give it Another Year!

2012-01-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

Sunday is the day I usually take notes of my Pastor’s sermon - - but I was not in church that day.

It went like this; I did stop by my church to pick up a bulletin, and tell one of our dear ladies that I would not be there, as I was on my way to drive the 150 mile round trip to pick up my husband from the hospital. His pneumonia was in check, and the staff worked him over pretty good for three days. Sunday they released him, and told him to return to see his Doctor for a follow up in ten days. (He was very happy to be home.)

The bulletin I had grabbed from my church stated that the Pastors sermon was from Luke 13: 6-9. This scripture portion is about Jesus telling the story of the fig tree and the farmer who asked his workers to cut it down because it was not producing fruit. His gardener requested, “Please give the tree another year. I’ll dig around it, fertilize it, and maybe it will produce next year; if it doesn't, then chop it down.”

During this past year, I have followed and read after several well known bloggers. Some have written books, newspaper columns, and devotionals that knock your socks off. Yet underlying I have also noticed at times a hint of fear, thinking they are not good enough, and real doubt that they are even making a difference.

On some days, this might include all of us!!

Perhaps at times we all feel discouraged, and we wonder if we are like that fig tree who is being given another chance to revive, to pick up and begin again and to reach out in our ministry with faith and fervor.

Might I be so bold to say, to come alive with a renewed Spirit Filled Anointing that will actually make a difference in the lives we touch.

May we continually be reminded that each of us is unique? We are all different with our varied writing and ministry skills, but that is what causes us to each be distinctive and only one of a kind special in God’s eyes.

image courtesy photobucket.com

The Bible story of this fig tree does not tell us what happened at the end of the year, but I can only surmise that at the finish of the year that all that pruning, digging, compost, and nourishment was able to cause that tree to produce much fruit.

Here we are resting on the doorstep of a New Year – a new beginning of sorts.

Let us determine to keep our thoughts full of faith, and positive - -.

To expect, and to anticipate miracles. May we use our imagination to envision fertile ground, and an abundant harvest ahead!

At this time I am asking our God to dig deep into each of us, to stir us up, saturate us with the fire of the Holy Spirit and sprinkle us with some of His “Miracle Grow,” that we may produce much fruit - - all after our own kind.

This post has been Linked with Joan Davis at Sharing His Beauty
And with Deidra at Sunday Tandem
and also with Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday

If you are not already a follower of Ann's site: "a Holy Experience" you might enjoy her post for the New Year! http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/01/what-the-new-year-needs-most/

Watchnight Services of the Past

2011-12-31T20:03:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

When I was growing up our church held a Watchnight Service on New Years Eve.

The evening usually began with a pot luck dinner starting around 7:00 o’clock. When all was put away and the kitchen was cleaned up, we would retreat to the main sanctuary

There the service consisted of hymn singing, special music, testimonies, and short sermons by the church staff.

It was a time of thanksgiving, praise, worship and renewed commitments.

Our pastor suggested that we revive our commitment to the Lord and endeavor to support the church with our presence at every service. He also asked us to be willing to support the work of the church with our tithes and to willingly volunteer to help where we could.

Special prayer was offered for those who desired to come forward for the laying on of hands. This scriptural ceremony was a renewing in body and soul for many.

Towards the end of the service; communion was served to seal our resolutions.

As children, to our young bodies, the service seemed very long, but we tried with difficulty to stay awake and receive all that was from God.

I remember the final portion of the service was to come to the front and kneel either at the alter or in the first few rows, and to be in prayer as the New Year arrived.

From the sounds of horns honking and fireworks from the neighbors, we knew that we had passed from one year into the next.

Oh what joy it is to put old things behind us and to begin again afresh with the new.

My Blessing for you this coming year - - -

May this New Year bring to you delights and even thrills as God performs his will in your life.

May doors that seemed closed – open and give you the opportunities you have been expecting and praying for.

May you anticipate and believe that our Lord will do NEW and Great things for you, IN you and through you, this coming year.

image courtesy photobucket.com

I thought you might enjoy this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x91rBzNKvlc&NR=1

Buen and Mal

2011-12-30T22:14:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

This is not my normal post, because things are bumpy on the road of life these days.

Today at Mom’s Assisted Living Home, we celebrated my mother’s 100th birthday along with some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren who traveled to be with us. Grandma Ruth enjoyed the cake but wondered who all these people were??

Our local TV station sent an interview person with a camera, and there was a short clip tonight on the 5 o’clock local news.

We returned to my daughter’s house and watched the TV report which was well done. Then we all went to our local café and I treated everyone to dinner, as we really did not want to cook.

Because this 100 year Birthday was a BIG day planned for all month, and my husband knew how busy I was, he informed me early this morning that he was running a fever between 102 and 104.

image courtesy photobucket

Robert had been up and down all night and was feeling pretty sick.

Already he had phoned our son-in-law who lives 4 miles from us, and asked if he could take him the 70 miles to our Kaiser Emergency Hospital.

All day they took tests and finally determined that he may have pneumonia. They plan on keeping him a couple of days for more observation. He phoned a few minutes ago and gave me a room number and he sounded pretty good.

Our son-in-law is spending the night in a hotel near by and with all the holiday bustle of traffic; we may need to play this by ear as far as my visits!

I have placed my husband in God’s hands, because I am helpless to do much of anything else. My trust is in the Lord.

As we look forward to the year 2012 there may possibly be a few bumpy roads ahead for some of us. For most of you, I trust your roads will be some what smooth.

Regardless, God is our shelter in the storm or our shade in the hot sun light.

Make me Some Gravy

2011-12-30T00:39:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket

"Bea make me some gravy," was the mournful cry coming from my young teen age brother in law. Bea was the name that my husband and all his brothers called their mother.

We lived a short distance from my in-laws and I often visited Bea and we were chatting, but as the whining continued it became too much for me to handle. He had fried some sausage and eggs, but now he wanted gravy. Bea was busy with her baby and did not want to make the gravy.

image courtesy photobucket

Finally I got up and went to the stove and asked for a bit of flour (about 2 tablespoons) and using 2 tablespoons of the sausage grease, I began to slowly brown the flour stirring it with a fork.

I asked him to watch me so next time he could do the gravy himself. Then I added some salt and pepper and slowly added about a cup of water to create a smooth brown gravy for him.

A person could use milk instead of water, and also add a few drops of soy or Worchestershire sauce for flavor and to make it extra brown.

My young brother in law must have been satisfied, for the complaining stopped and he finished his breakfast without any more outbursts.

His whining and fussing paid off for him, and then Bea and I went about our visit.

Thinking about how we must sound to God at times, I wonder if our prayers are more of a whine, fussing and complaining because we want something we think we deserve. I know my prayers have been that way at times.

Now I am endeavoring to come to the Lord and ask once and then thank Him that he is working on it.

Another thing that I have gathered is that in some situations, when I ask God for something - - He offers assistance but then tells me to learn to do it myself.

So next time you want some gravy, watch closely because next time, you might need to fix it yourself.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/

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

Christmas in By Gone Days

2011-12-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

Shirley Temple Doll (beyond our budget)
image courtesy photobucket.com

Years gone by when I was a child at Christmas, we usually received clothing that we needed and a few small surprise gifts. One special item that we had asked for was often there too.

image courtesy photobucket.com

I was about ten years old, and I had given my doll Tricksy away a couple years before. When I told my mother that I wanted a Shirley Temple doll, she said that particular doll was too expensive. Instead she took me down to Montgomery Wards and showed me a very pretty doll within her budget. Blond hair, brown eyes that opened and closed and she cried mama. Although I didn’t play with dolls much anymore, I loved that doll and kept her for many years.

It is true that our children spoil their kids (our grandchildren.) I think they must try to make up for their own meager Christmases when they were young. When you are on a tight budget, it is difficult to flood your children with an abundance of large expensive gadgets.

image courtesy photobucket.com

However when you have a "credit card," it seems easier.

WOW - - where did that credit card bill come from?

Yes, my husband and I use a credit card, but the bill is paid in full at the end of each month. That way we do not owe the high rates of interest.

Few of us would ever own a home if we found it necessary to pay cash for a house !! :-)

A mortgage on your home - - as long as you pay each monthly payment when it is due, is another way not to owe any man. The bill will be there each month whether it is for rent or a mortgage, just be sure to pay it on time. Just remember that after 30 years the house will be yours.

So if it is a doll you want – choose one within your budget. A car you need – shop around and get a sensible one. A home – select one you can afford!

Living beyond your means is the sad fact that can get you (and me) into big trouble.

This post has been linked to Joan’s Grace Café.

Also linked to Thought Provoking Thursday

Happy New Year to you all!

He Writes Like a Doctor

2011-12-28T14:58:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

The teacher of my son’s 3rd grade class was speaking, “I recommend that we keep him back a grade because his motor skill development is not there for his writing ability. His writing is not legible and honestly, he writes like a doctor.”

While it was true that my son was laboring to connect the letters, he was ahead in reading and his other subjects. The teacher gave her reasons: “If we hold him back then he will be older than the other children, and he will become a leader, plus his writing should improve by then as well.”

Then she admitted, “When I was in second grade, my school held me back a grade and it changed my life for the better. It caused me to become an achiever.”

I excused myself and made an appointment to visit the principal. I was very upset. Further more I felt that this teacher was targeting timid children with her own agenda to keep them back in hopes they would gain confidence. While it worked for her, each child is different. Holding my sensitive son back a grade would shatter his ego in my opinion and not help him.

image courtesy photobucket.com

The end of the story was that he was not held back and although his writing did improve somewhat, he still writes like a doctor.

By the way, her words were a prophesy because my son did eventually become a doctor. However that is another story!

Words spoken can be like daggers to cut and hurt, and become a negative prophesy if spoken in haste.

The sensitive emotions of a child take words personally and hold them dear in their memory. This is why it is important to guard what our children hear and how we speak to them.

We are reminded in the Scriptures to choose wisely what we say and to bless others with our lips.

Encouraging words are always in order. May God help us to be the person who creates support and confidence in our children by our speech.

Linking with Jennifer's Getting Down with Jesus
at: God Bumps and Incidences:

.

Recover, Restore, Renew

2011-12-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

Lost Coin Recovered

Our word for the One Word Carnival is Recover: I thought about several recovery situations.

If we get sick – it certainly is good to expect to recover our health.

If something gets lost – recovering it brings pure joy

After a financial loss we hope to recover!

If we have lost contact with an old friend, we may want to rediscover a friendship.

Remembering back many years ago; we lived in a home that had an upstairs bonus room across the front of the house. My daughter Becky, wanted this large area to be her bed room as it was the size of a small apartment. There was plenty of space for her bedroom furniture and on the other end a sitting area for a couch and television.

She purchased a lovely leather sofa that was extremely comfortable, especially for women with short legs. As time went by, she married and left the sofa with us.

By now the couch showed wear in fact the leather look was splitting and we either needed to consider the junk yard or to recover it. The frame was in excellent condition and the height and seat measurements were just perfect. Recover it was the decision!

My husband had at one time worked in an auto upholstery shop, so he knew something about covering seats. His staple gun would work well for our project.

courtesy photobucket.com

Shopping for the right fabric and a good color proved simple enough and within a few hours we had a new looking comfortable favorite sofa.

We still have that old couch, and by now it has been recovered twice more.

Consider how our bodies wear and change, and we do our best to recover parts that are worn. We fix our teeth, exercise for tone, color our hair, and generally try to recover what we can of our youth.

My thoughts keep vaunting to the day that the Lord will recover us all, body soul and Spirit, and He will give us as Christians, not a rebuilt but a brand new body.

For now, let us recover our thinking, enlarge our vision and cast out all doubt and fear while we press on toward the mark of the High Calling.

This post has been linked to: “Changing the World One Word at a Time”
Also linked with Laura’s “Play dates with God.”

Pondering in Our Heart

2011-12-26T18:05:00.000-08:00

Think About it !
image courtesy photobucket.com

Gleaning from Pastor Carl’s sermon on Sunday; he asked us all to have a very Merry (MARY) Christmas.

He reminded us that the angel came to the Virgin Mary, and announced that she was to bare a Child who would save His people from their sins. This proclamation caused Mary to be very troubled in her mind. The Angel sensing her fear told her to fear not, for this Holy Child was to be a miracle Birth from God almighty.

When Mary found her voice all she could do was agree to let this be so, and to praise and magnify the Lord.

Mary was one who thought before she spoke, which is something we also should consider doing more of. Mary pondered the things she saw and heard, in her heart.

Wanting to share her news with her cousin, Mary traveled to visit Elizabeth. At the sound of her voice, the babe, John in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy.

The world in general does not know how to enjoy a Merry Christmas. This season of the year there is much depression, loneliness, DUI arrests, and many accidents and deaths including suicide. It is aspirin time for so many.

The world sings Frosty the Snow Man, Jingle Bells, Dreaming of a White Christmas and few sing the meaningful carols that tell the true story of the savior’s birth.

It is tinsel, decorations, ribbons, bows, cookies and candy, and trees that fade and wilt away in a few days. The salutation, “Merry Christmas,” is for many politically incorrect. They substitute, “Seasons Greetings, or Happy Holliday.” Let us not be intimidated.

Christmas comes so slowly and it goes away quickly.

Pastor recommended that we Honor God in our hearts and by our actions. To be like Mary and to ponder the messages we hear preached and the words we study in our Bibles.

He suggested that we take a portion of the Bible and meditate on each word. The Lord’s Prayer is a good place to begin, but continue into the 91st Psalm and other passages.

Jesus said, “What so ever a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Paul advised that we should think on the things that are lovely and of a good report.

Allow Mary to be our example to ponder in our heart and to mutter to ourselves with our lips the Words of God that we hear and read.

May we all enjoy a continued very Merry MARY Christmas!

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem

Tricksy my Favorite Doll

2011-12-24T02:23:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

On my 5th Christmas, I received the doll I had especially asked for. She opened and closed her eyes, cried mama, had real hair, was dressed in a pretty dress, and was wearing white shoes. I named her Tricksy because she was so special. I loved that doll. As I got older I received other nice dolls but Tricksy remained a favorite.

I must have been about 8 years old and it was getting close to Christmas. Mother mentioned to me that there was a little girl about my age in our Sunday School who had never had a doll in her entire life. Oh that hurt my young heart and I said almost without thinking, “maybe I could give her one of my dolls.”

Mother asked me, “Which doll would you be wiling to give her? I though for a minute or two and said, “I will give her Tricksy. “

Now about this time you are thinking; “What a nice little girl to give up her favorite doll and bless a child who has none.” - - But let me tell you what happened next.

Mother asked me, “are you sure you want to do this?” About then I was feeling very Saintly, so I told her, “yes I am sure.”

Mother left the room and in just a minute she returned carrying a box. “Okay then I must show you something,” mother said, as she opened the box. Inside the box was a beautiful new doll dress and a bonnet that mother had been sewing for Tricksy. The hair on Tricksy had taken a beating over the years so the new bonnet would cover that defect.

My eyes opened wide as I saw the lovely new doll clothes - - and my heart sank. I had given my word, but now I was thinking some “Not so saintly” thoughts. Not only was I giving away my precious doll, but the little girl would also receive the pretty new doll outfits.

Was it envy? Maybe it was, but we gift wrapped the doll, clothes and all and delivered the doll to the girl in my class at Church.

The next Sunday, the little girl could not wait to tell me how much she loved the doll and thanked me for letting her have Tricksy. I mumbled some sort of “you are welcome and I am glad you like her,” but my heart was not in it.

Eventually I had to come to the place where I could forgive the girl for loving my doll.

It seems silly now but the truth is that we often do silly, stupid, ridiculous things.

Over the years, I have learned not to hold “material things” too tightly and to be willing to release them rather quickly if the Lord requests it of me.

Whether it is dolls, houses, jobs, people, resentments, unforgiveness or something else, there are times we must release it and let it go.

If there is something you have been holding on to - - Let it go - - or it will eat you alive!!

This post has been linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Fridays

With Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience
And with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

Date Nut Cookie Bars

2011-12-23T18:10:00.000-08:00

Razzle Dazzle was our annual Christmas luncheon and bazaar in September at our church. There were crafts, baked goods and other items to purchase as gifts or to enjoy. I knew from last year that there would probably be some delicious Fruit Cake baked by one of our ladies.

Sure enough there it was and I quickly purchased two one pound bricks. My husband and I rationed out the first cake just before Thanksgiving. Oh so good, a small slice with a cup of coffee. For our Holiday dinners I bake pumpkin pie and Apple Crisp, so Robert and I did not feel guilty in the least for devouring the fruit cake.

The second pound of cake - - just before Christmas disappeared in like manner as did the first.

A long time ago I tried to bake a fruit cake - - It turned out fine, but it was so time consuming and expensive that I decided once was enough.

This lovely Date Cookie Bar is close to a fruit cake and it is easy to make too.

Date Nut Cookie Bars

1 & 1/2 cups chopped dates
1 cup lemonade (tip: squeeze one half lemon into the cup of water)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt

In a sauce pan bring the above ingredients to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in nuts.

1/3 cup chopped walnuts or almonds.

In a bowl mix well the following

1 & 1/2 cups flour
1 & 1/2 cups Quick oats
1/2 cup Brown sugar
3/4 cup margarine or butter
1/4 tsp salt

Pat one half oat mixture into 9x9 pan. Spread evenly over the oat mixture the date mix.

Gently pat the remaining oat mix and press firmly. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool and cut into bars. Optional: Dust top with confection sugar.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Hands of Time

2011-12-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

Ruth Stanton's "Hands of Time" Painted by Barbara Stanton

Early in the summer of this year, I received a request to come to the Assisted Living Home where my 99 year old mother lives. They were down-sizing unnecessary items from Mothers closet and there were three large plastic bags of winter sweaters, dresses and clothing that they wished me to give to the Salvation Army.

Taking the large bags home, I first went through them, and noticed a red flannel scarf among the items. The scarf had been a Christmas gift last December from Sara one of the attendants who cares so much for Mother. I retrieved the scarf and took the rest of the items to the Salvation Army as requested.

The beautiful red scarf was returned to Sara with a suggestion that she give it to Mother again this Christmas. It will be new to Mother who suffers from a slight memory loss as she now approaches 100 in a few days.

Remembering back last year when we celebrated Mother’s 99th birthday, my Niece Barbara and her husband William had traveled from the Bay area to be at her party. Mother was wearing the red scarf from Sara, and we enjoyed cake and ice cream. Barbara took photos of mother and because she is a painter, she took a photo of Mother’s hands.

Barbara has actively painted miniature paintings for more than thirty years, some are no larger than a postage stamp. Often she presents us at Christmas time with a laser print of one of her paintings in the form of a magnet. This year was no exception, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover wrapped in the Christmas card she sent to us, her painting titled, “Hand’s of Time.”

The red scarf in the painting was an indication, that these were indeed my Mother’s hands. This was such a precious blessing and a lasting memento to treasure.

May I suggest that you enjoy a visit to Barbara’s site where she offers viewers a peek into her awesome works of art. Barbara has mastered her technique and continues to seek new challenges, teaching and lecturing while painting. She also offers Instructional Videos for sale on “How to Paint Miniature paintings” which may interest you.

Please visit her fascinating site at: http://www.barbarastanton.com/

Thank you Barbara for your lovely reminder that Mother’s hands now worn through time, have showered love and attention on many family, friends and loved ones.

Linked today with sites you will want to visit and view many good words there.

Joan’s Grace Café
Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday
Iris at Thankful Thursdays

What’s in a Name?

2011-12-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

My husband would often take our early teen age, son and my husband’s brother to work with him during the summer. Doug was 4 months older than our son, and he lived with us for a period of several years. Five early teens in one house was an interesting time.

image courtesy photobucket.com

The boys were given simple tasks to pick up the wrappings from the packs of shingles, and other non dangerous clean up jobs. If the job was Tar and Gravel, they had to stay home because this could be more hazardous.

Our roofing crew consisted mainly of family, a cousin, an uncle, and my husband’s step dad. At times we often employed an extra man.

Our Step-dad had a habit of calling our uncle, “Brother-in-law,” instead of his given name. Send up a bucket of hot tar - “Brother-in law.” Using the pulley, soon a bucket of the hot asphalt would reach the platform at the top of the roof.

One day we hired a young black boy as a helper. The men except for Uncle were all on the roof. Uncle was the kettle man and they needed another bucket of tar. The new black boy ambled over to the edge of the roof, and yelled, “Brother-in-law, send us up a bucket of tar.”

No one could hold a straight face after that, and they all laughed until their bellies hurt.

Realizing the joke was on him, our black friend laughed too. The fellows told him, Uncle's name is Ern, but “Brother-in-law” will get his attention better! As long as that young man worked for us, he continued to call our Uncle “Brother-in-law.”

Many of us have been given a pet name by someone we love. Be it honey, dear, sweetie, darling, lover, or something else nice. We had a friend that they called “Shortie,”one called “Red,’ for his hair and another was called “Gimp” because he limped a bit. Some kinds of nick names can be hurtful.

Amazing enough is the fact that God not only knows our names, but he knows all about us. He knew us even when we were still in our mother’s womb. Even the very hairs on our head are numbered.

The book of Revelation says that one day soon, we will receive a new Heavenly name.

I wonder if it will be similar as to the woman taking the man’s name at a marriage. After all there will be a marriage supper of the Lamb. What a thought!

I am reminded of the hymn, “There’s a New Name Written Down in Glory and it’s mine."

This post was inspired by some thoughts received when I read Floyd’s great post: Enjoy his story here: http://theregoi.com/finding-floyd/the-beginning-of-faith/

Linking today with Blog Hops you will want to view their sites
Joan Davis, Sharing His Beauty
Jen’s Finding Heaven, Solo Gloria

Prince of Peace

2011-12-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

Gleaning from his sermon, I took notes as Pastor Carl read from Luke chapter two, where Caesar Augustus had made a decree that all were to journey to their city of lineage to be taxed.

Mary and Joseph traveled from Galilee, and arrived at Bethlehem but there was NO room in the inn, however they were offered lodging in a stable, which they graciously accepted. Mary being great with child, and while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

600 years prior to this time, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the Savior would be born of a Virgin in the city of Bethlehem and that his name shall be called “The Prince of Peace.”

image courtesy photobucket.com

That starry night, the Angels sang; “Glory to God in the highest, Peace on Earth, Good Will to men.”

Shepherds tending their flocks saw and heard the angels and were extremely frightened. “Fear not,” the Angels told them, “for unto you this day is born a Savior in the city of David.”

These poor lowly shepherds gladly received this news and quickly left their flocks and went in search of the new born baby. Finding him, they bowed down and worshiped the Christ child Jesus.

One of our Christmas Carols we love to sing is: "Hark the herald angels sing; Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled"

About 40 days hence the child was taken to the temple in Jerusalem for a purification ceremony and was received by Simeon the High Priest who blessed the child and prophesied that he would be pierced as well as Mary's heart. Simeon said, "Now I can die in Peace for I have seen the salvation of the Lord."

The entire life of Jesus was one complete peace offering. He forgave sinners and told them to go in Peace. Jesus came as a servant and washed the feet of his disciples commanding them to do likewise and to serve one another. Jesus then told his disciples, “My peace I give unto you.”

Peace is a gift of God. Peace is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Peace was never intended to keep to ourselves. We are called to be Peace-Makers.

There are times we encounter “Trouble Makers,” in our friends, our family, our work place, and even in our church. There are six things God hates, and one of these is persons who sow discord and division. Hurtful words send forth dissension among the brethren.

We enjoy harmony and a peaceful atmosphere. It is good to be surrounded by those who care for us and are forgiving and able to overlook our faults. We need to love and be loved, to serve and be served, to forgive and be forgiven. To live in Peace, and plant seeds of peace.

It is true that we reap what we sow. What goes around - - comes around!

May we ever sow peace and follow after the Prince of Peace.

Linked up today with Hear it on Sunday

And with Evatt at: Beautiful Messy Mondays

Come Help Us!

2011-12-17T13:03:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

Our friends had telephoned us and begged us to come help them in their new church that they had started in Texas. A group of family and friends were their core group but they wanted another couple to assist them in their ministry. Possibly take Wednesday night services and set up a Sunday School program, and give a helping hand in their work.

I was so excited. These were our dear intercessory prayer partners that we had spent so many joyful times with, while we attended the Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. I was anxious to join with them in their ministry. “Let’s do it,” I told Robert.

BUT – my husband had already “COMMITTED” us to be a part of our local church as Christian Education Directors and to begin a Book store in the church. He was to be the Associate Pastor and assist when the Pastor was away for a few days.

My husband had given his word to our local pastor – and that was it. We could NOT go back on our agreement.

A wife is bound by Christian love to respect, honor, and follow her husband, so that is what I did. Casting aside what might have been, we settled down to minister where we were pledged and planted at this time.

In the Bible there were times when men gave their word, and it was their BOND. Often it was the cutting of blood to create a “COVENANT.”

When your word is given - - it must stand. There are many times in life when we give our word. The marriage vows come to mind, but there are other times too.

image courtesy photobucket.com

Joining a Church with a group of believers is a commitment. Joining the military, or a giving a promise to a cause. We agree to pay our mortgage, and our car payments, and we sign on the dotted line.

I am reminded when God gave His Word that He would send a deliverer to save us from our sins. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus.

At Christmas time, we celebrate that Jesus came to earth to be born of a Virgin. He grew up to become a man and to minister, working miracles and healing the sick. He died on a cross for us, and true to His WORD - - - He rose again on the third day.

After meeting with his friends and followers during forty days, Jesus gave His WORD again.
“I shall return and receive you unto myself and there you will be with me also. Wait for the Promise from the Father for the Holy Spirit will Give you Power to be my witnesses in your city – in the surrounding areas, and then into all the world.”

God is faithful and he always keeps His Committed Word!

May we ever follow the example of God, and when we make a commitment let us always keep our word.

You might enjoy this beautiful Song about our Comforter who comes along side TO HELP US!

May this song bless you - - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeP8R68p8uo&feature=related

This post has been linked with
Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays.

Deidra’s SundayJump Tandem

Sauerkraut

2011-12-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Breakfast was over and some of the Assisted Living residents were watching TV or waiting to have their Thursday morning shampoo and set.

I was a bit early and the representative from the the Railroad had not yet arrived. She was bringing a letter of congratulations from the Railroad Retirement Board for my mother as Mom will be 100 years old on December 30th.

I decided to step inside through the gated door to greet my mother. I had given instructions to curl her short hair and she looked so pretty with her curls. Mother’s eyes were closed as they often are and my kisses and voice could not awaken her, so I retreated back to the front desk to wait for the Railroad person. I had no longer seated myself when in walked my Mother’s Pastor and his wife.

Kurt the owner of the Home greeted them and we all sat to chat. I am not certain how the conversation turned to Sauerkraut, but it seems that Kurt’s German grandmother and also his mother always prepared their own from an old German recipe.

Kurt told us that his family would use a large crock to make their kraut and the vitamin C rich Sauerkraut was a staple in their diet.

I was intrigued because I am interested in Probiotic foods especially since I began to brew my own Kombucha tea which helps me to keep in better health. Probiotics are foods such as yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, some juices and soy beverages, and don’t forget sauerkraut. These go through a fermenting process that creates good bacteria that works with your body for good wellbeing.

Researching Sauerkraut I discovered several intricate and also some very simple recipes. Some added other vegetables such as a grated carrot, onions, garlic, seaweed, and greens, and herbs and spices (caraway seeds, dill seeds, celery seeds, and juniper berries are classic. Myself, I prefer plain!

image courtesy photobucket.com

The recipe that caught my attention was one that you might want to try using a standard quart mason jar. The author used 6 jars but you can try this with just one for fun.

Sauerkraut the Easy method

Cut your green or red cabbage in half and using a sharp knife, slice and chop enough cabbage to fit into your quart jar. Pack the cabbage tightly into the jar.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of Sea or Kosher salt on top of the cabbage.

Stick a table kitchen knife into the jar along side of the cabbage and slowly pour boiling water over cabbage. The boiling water will dissolve the honey and salt and distribute them in the jar.

Loosely place a lid on your jar until the fermenting is done. Set your jar in a pan or on newspaper in a dark, cool place to ferment. Check every couple days and press with a wooden spoon so that the cabbage is covered with the water. Just be warned, if any bloom starts to develop on top, scrape it off your kraut is still good. After fermentation takes place (2 to 3 weeks), tighten the lids on jar. Enjoy some every day!

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays Please visit there and enjoy!

A Few More Days

2011-12-15T18:12:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

Although her birthday to celebrate 100 years is a few days away, there was a special honor presentation today at the Assisted Living Home where mother resides.

The US Railroad Retirement board had sent a letter informing us that a representative Ms Elizabeth Morales would be arriving the morning of December 15 to present a congratulation letter to mother for reaching 100 years.

In attendance were mother’s long time Pastors, Rev. Gene and Beverly Smith of Oroville’s, First Assemblies of God church. Also present was Sherry Long a board member of the Assisted Living Corporation.

We found Mother seated in a wheel chair sleeping. She enjoyed a nap while we chatted. Kisses and back rubs did not awake her so while she rested, we visited.

Elizabeth told us of my dad’s excellent work record for the 35 years that he was employed at the Southern Pacific in Oakland, CA. She could tell from the work history that he was a hard worker providing for his family. I mentioned that when the family needed extra money, that Dad would go on the extra board. This was a system that allowed employees to work 8 hours on and 8 hours off for short periods of time. During World War II there was often a need for extra help so Dad was willing to do this.

I had given Sherry a write up about mother and her life in Oakland and also when she moved to Oroville.

One outstanding event was the time our City of Oroville was considering to change the name of our annual summer Fiesta Days to DAMN Days. (Just a note that we have the large Oroville Dam near by that is the main water source for a good portion of California.) That day the local newspaper was interviewing residents at the down town post office. Mother was one they asked for her opinion, “Shall we change the name from Fiesta Days to Damn Days?”

Mother boldly spoke up and let it be known, “My parents taught me never to use the Lord’s Name in vain and not to swear and use bad language. I would not approve of the name change.” Her photo and her remarks were printed in the paper. Needless to say, each year we celebrate FIESTA DAYS, and whether mother had anything to do with keeping the name, only God and the city knows for sure.

The Pastor’s wife was given a copy of Mother’s write up and she stated that she will make copies to enclose in Sundays church bulletin for all the church members.

Opening her eyes Mother finally decided she had enjoyed enough nap time. Sherry took a photo of mother, and one of Mom, Elizabeth and me using her photo phone.

One of the staff took mother back to the recreation room, and Sherry escorted us on a tour of the facility. Elizabeth was very impressed with the beauty of the décor and how clean the home is.

image courtesy photobucket.com

Only a few more days until Mother will arrive at 100.

Only a few more days and Christmas will be here.

Only a few more days - - - The King is coming! Are you ready?

Linked today with Joan’s Grace Café.
And with Michelle at Thought Provoking Thursday

Down to the Valley for Christmas

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

California Central Valley
image courtesy Photobucket.com

When we were children, we usually traveled as a family down to the San Joaquin Valley to spend Christmas with my mother’s parents.

Our tree at home was decorated and under it were gifts for each of us. Most often we would receive a new sweater, new pajamas, and other needed clothing at Christmas. Mother would sew a new doll dress for my old doll and wrap up the doll - - clothes and all for me to open. Nestled under the tree were several small surprise gifts that would keep us speculating.

“You must wait until we get back from our trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa before you can open your presents,” mother told us.

We begged, “Please,” but mother held fast to her decision. Finally she relented and said, “You may each select one gift to open, but ONLY one.”

I carefully inspected the presents, and tried to guess what each package might contain. One mysterious package was shaped like a long triangle and it intrigued me. I wondered what it could be. At last I made my choice and picked up the small triangular gift.

Carefully I opened my gift and to my disappointment it was a new “Rat tailed comb.” I had wanted something more exciting, and I told mother so. “You made your choice and it stands,” she let me know.

I am reminded in life that we often believe something looks good to our eyes but once we are able to view the inner core we are truly unhappy with the results. Sometimes it is a person, a friend, and other times it is something we think we need to purchase.

Did you even get your self in a pickle that looked exciting and discover to your sorrow and chagrin that disillusionment was your reward?

I suppose that if we would pray more before we leap, we would not fall quite so far!

Mark 14:38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

As Christmas time approaches, may you receive and also give many Gifts that will be long lasting. The gifts that will bless the longest in time are not purchased with gold and silver but are given and received with love shown by action.

This type of giving will not rust and decay but will continue to be enjoyed as long as the gift is kept active.

How about giving some compliments, and good words to those you love, for kind and loving words are always in season.

Good words will lift you up and never pull you down!

This post has been linked to:

“Changing the World One Word at a Time” The word is DOWN

and also with

Shanda’s On Your Heart
and with
With Evatt Messy Mondays

Prepare Ye the Way

2011-12-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

image courtesy photobucket.com

Be prepared; Get ready, the King is coming - - was the title of Sundays sermon by our Pastor Carl. I share here my notes as I gleaned from his message.

Pastor selected his scriptures from Isaiah 9:6-7 where the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the King would come, and the reading from Matthew 3, where John, the last Old Testament prophet declared saying, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is He that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

The crowds asked John if he was the Christ, but his answer was, “I am preparing the way, for one comes after me whose shoes I am not worthy to undo.” John’s message was Repent and Believe in order to be ready.

Advent is the season of preparation. We search our inward being and prepare our hearts.

Preparation always makes things better and easier.

A gardener prepares the soil prior to his planting.

A cook plans the menu and purchases the necessary ingredients before hand.

A teacher plans the lesson.

The traveler coordinates his schedule and route.

Spiritually we must plan ahead and get ready for the coming of our Lord.

We prepare for worship, opening our heart to receive the seed of the word. We come with a willing and teachable spirit, and a loving and generous attitude.

God is always well prepared. His wisdom has planned every last detail from Genesis to Revelation, announcing the coming of the King, arranging the census so that Bethlehem as prophesied would be the place of Christ’s birth. Even the life, death and resurrection of Jesus were all in God’s design. Jesus came back from death with new life.

The plan of salvation, secured for us eternal life and forgiveness of all our sins. On the cross, Jesus took all our sins upon himself so that we could be free from guilt and shame.

Jesus told his disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, there you can be also.” We have an eternal inheritance prepared for us. The question was asked, “How can we know the way?” Jesus replied, “I am the Way the truth and the Life, he that believes on me shall live.” When Jesus was baptized in water by John, a voice from heaven spoke and declared, “This is my beloved Son, hear ye him.”

Today, we are to cry out like David, “Have Mercy O Lord, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.”

May I ever be prepared to meet you, Oh Lord my King!

Linking today with: Michelle, Joan and Deidra.

Please visit to soak up good words you will discover at these lovely sites.

Michelle at Hear it on Sunday

Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty Hop

Deidra’s Sunday Jumptandem

Persimmon Bread

2011-12-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

Fuyus - courtesy Flicker by Outdoor

Unfortunately, if you have never tried a persimmon, you need to know that there are two popular varieties of persimmons.

Hachiya—shouldn’t be eaten until it is extremely ripe. Unless it has arrived at “soft,” it will have a taste like industrial-strength cleaner.

The other popular variety is Fuyus, which are short and squat; these are the variety to buy for eating fresh. The pointy-bottomed hachiyas are better for baking and are best when they are soft.

I discovered a magnificent recipe for Cranberry Persimmon Crisp at: Sweet Peony’s blog. I noticed that she used the Fuyus to make her Holiday crisp. Please check it out at: http://sweetpeonyblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/cranberry-persimmon-crisp.html

My mother’s mature Hachiya Persimmon tree produced immense quantities of this delicious fruit. We would naturally wait until they were quite soft and then scoop out the pulp and enjoy.

Some health researchers say that a persimmon a day may be better for your heart than an apple a day. Persimmons have significantly higher levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese than apples. It is good to vary your diet, but you may want to include Persimmons especially while they are in season.

I am so thankful for the many fruits that God has given us, each ripe and delicious in its season.

My mother’s Persimmon harvest was abundant so we would process much of the Persimmon pulp and freeze it in 2 cup - zip lock bags. Then we could defrost a bag when we wanted to enjoy a lovely snack, or use them for baking. Persimmon Nut bread is my favorite method to use the persimmons and I share it here with you. Be sure to add the soda to the pulp as instructed.

Persimmon Nut Bread

Mix 2 cups sugar, 4 eggs and 1 cup oil together in a bowl.

Sift together 3 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp salt.

To 2 cups persimmon pulp, add and mix well 2 tsp soda. Let set until gelled then add to the egg and oil mixture.

Add the dry flour mixture to the rest and mix with a wooden spoon.

Lastly add 1 cup chopped walnuts.

Pour into two regular size loaf bread pans. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

And also linked to Laura’s Brag on God Fridays. Please visit and view many good words there at: http://www.beholdingglory.com/

Puppies for Sale

2011-12-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

"Guilty" by Ashley

Turning off the main Highway unto a side road, we spied the farm house that we were looking for. A lady and her children were out in the yard and were expecting us.

“Is this the place that has the Blue Tick Puppies,” we asked. “Yes, you have found us, park here and come with us,” they replied.

One of the boys handed the mother an old plastic milk bottle that the top had been removed. It held about two cups of large dry dog food chunks. Holding it by the handle, she began to shake it with the chunks rattling inside. From the noise of the food, out from a rear yard rushed a pack of puppies all competing for their share of the food.

Their little tummies seemed flat and they were a hungry bunch. The lady tossed some of the food unto the drive way and the little buggers hurried to devour what they could.

My husband looked at one and then another. His inspection of each puppy was a sight to behold. Blue Tick Hounds are his favorite dog, but we could tell these were not pure bred Blue Ticks. The Mother was a mix of Plot hound and Blue Tick which would give the pups black and white spots but also some orange color around the face and ears.

Having been without a Blue Tick Hound for several months, my husband was still going through “withdrawals.” These puppies appeared to be our best bet for now. $100 was a lot to pay for a hound that was a mix, but as we looked at those hungry babies, we could envision that a trip to Wal-Mart for more dog food was probably in their plans for later that day.

We decided to make a contribution in exchange for a puppy.

A decision was difficult as they were all so cute, but finally a pick was made. Wrapping him in a large towel, I bonded with the pup all the way home. Arriving home, we fed him and he eagerly ate all we gave him. As a puppy his smoke colored coat did not have all the spots yet, so my husband named him Smoky.

To this day, old Smoke always licks his plate clean. You never need to tell him that it is time to eat, for he is always ready. I wondered if being so hungry as a puppy is the reason his appetite is so good?

When Smoky was still quite small, our daughter and granddaughter Ashley came for a visit. Ashley had brought her camera so she took a photo of him next to my husband’s old shoe. She entered her photo in a contest at school and won first prize for her entry.

It wasn’t long before we realized that little Smoky was lonesome, so we added to our menagerie a Black Lab that we purchased from some local people. They have been great pals ever since. There are times when I must often tell our Lab to eat his dog food, but what he doesn’t finish, Old Smoke is perfectly willing to help him out!

I often wonder if we as a people should be as hungry for God’s Word as Old Smoky is for his daily food?

This scripture is a good reminder for us: Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

This post has been linked to Joan’s Grace Café. Do visit there for other good words!

http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/2011/12/rahab-recognized-for-her-faith/

Also with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday. Please visit and view other great words you find there: http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/2011/12/winsome-wednesday-gods-favour.html

And Good Morning Girls Wednesday at: http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/2011/12/week-12-wiww-link-up-party/ This site has an ongoing Bible study especially for women.

Christmas Pageant Oakland, California

2011-12-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

She came to visit our first grade class, this beautiful lady with the bright red lipstick and dangling ear rings.

I remember how glamorous she appeared and there she was pointing to me and several other small blond girls.

Our teacher wrote down our names and gave us a permission slip to take home to our parents. We were to join with hundreds of other small girls from various Oakland schools who had also been selected to be the tiny snow fairies in the finalé of the Christmas Pageant held each year at the Oakland city auditorium.

There were many practices and instructions given which were very simple to follow. All we needed to do was put on our sparkly white princess costume and skip out to meet the solo dancer at a signal.

Later as years went by; our children were also selected to be a part in this wonderful traditional presentation.

This pageant was a gigantic rendition similar to the Nut Cracker Suite put on by Louise Jorgensen and the Recreation Department of the City of Oakland.

“As a staff member of the city’s recreation department, Ms Jorgensen would visit 50 schools a week to conduct a half-hour rehearsal in the last few months of the year. The Kaiser Convention Center hosted the pageant’s overflow crowds. (8,000 proud parents, says one source).”

Each school and every grade in our city had a part in the production. There were children dressed as dancing elves, candy canes, holly berries, penguins, polo bears, drummer boys, teams of reindeers with their lady drivers and scores of colorful toys.

The conclusion of the drama was a solo dance by our beautiful Spirit of Christmas lady, as the spot light revealed her twirling and spiraling across the auditorium floor. On cue, as her dance ended, all we little fairy snow princess skipped out to meet the snow queen. We gathered around her as she blessed us with her sweet kisses that she blew in our direction.

“For almost 70 years, from 1919 until the pageant's farewell performance in 1987, a one-woman powerhouse, Louise Jorgensen, transformed the thousands of other Oakland schoolchildren into dancing toys and ballerinas for two performances during the first weekend of December.”

“In 2006, nostalgic teachers organized The Winter Festival, an attempt to revive and secularize the pageant, but this may be one of those feats of the past that is impossible to replicate.”

May your celebration of Christmas include a manger scene, some angels and shepherds, and perhaps a wise man two or three.

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty Hop. Do visit and enjoy some wonderful words posted there.
http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/2011/12/unwrapping-gifts-of-advent-gift-of.html

Candle Ceremony Announces Advent.

2011-12-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

My cozy beautiful church has shone brightly the past two Sundays with added Christmas decorations each week. Next Sunday the members will bring poinsettias to place across the front of the church, each in honor of a loved one.

My childhood church memories are of Christmas programs where the children memorized poems about the Savior. The young adult members usually presented a play that told a message or depicted the Christmas story. Our church always had a large beautifully decorated Christmas tree with boxes of Christmas candy and an orange for each child after the program.

As a child our church did not celebrate Advent with candles.

My present church does celebrate Advent, and on an oak table are those slender purple candles, “Hope, Love, Joy” and one pink candle representing, “Peace” with a larger white candle representing Christ in the center. The ritual is lovely and I am enjoying the pageantry of it all. Although this church is different to me, my friends there are Saints and they accept me for who I am, even though I am a bit diverse in some ways.

In fact they are so much a part of me, that they welcome my stories as long as I keep them short and not too preachy. Although the members at my current church do not recognize it, the times that I share with my shortened and edited blog stories, they are receiving a Holy Spirit exhortation from the Lord. They ask me, why do your stories strike my heart as they do? Like an arrow that finds it mark they go where needed.

Some of my Charismatic friends have wondered why I would end up in a church that is so unlike my Pentecostal upbringing. There are several reasons, but the most important is that God sent me there, so it appears as if I am there to stay - - at least for now. God is teaching me to be patient, long suffering and respectful.

On Sunday our moderator announced that there is to be a Christmas Marriage ceremony at our church. The prospective couple came last Saturday to view our church and were so pleased with the decorations. All this will fit in beautifully with their Wedding plans as they come together to join two lives as one.

We are reminded that we join with our Lord to become one with Him as we prepare to celebrate His birthday! The Advent - - the arrival of the Messiah, the dawn of a new day.

image courtesy photobucket.com

This post has been entered on Shanda's Best of 2011 blog hop in light of her One Year Blogaversary at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/

Wonderful Counselor

2011-12-04T23:36:00.000-08:00

As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Pastor was reading today from Isaiah 9:6-7. Gleaning from his message there was a distinct contrast of darkness and light. The one prophesied to come would shatter the darkness.

The Old Testament was black with death and gloom yet the prophets proclaimed that light would surely arrive. After 600 years of tears, the New Testament plucked Light from the darkness.

A Virgin shall conceive and bring forth the Son of Righteousness. His name shall be called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, and our Prince of Peace.

As a young twelve year old boy, Jesus was about His Father’s business.

As Jesus entered His ministry, He was teaching, preaching and doing miracles. Jesus declared that He was the way, the truth and the Life; that He was the Light of the World and we would not need to walk in darkness. He gave of himself, his sweat, tears, blood and His very life.

He brought Good News to the sinner and to the poor a cheering illumination of salvation.

Sins forgiven, sickness healed, promises fulfilled, all met through Christ.

Jesus walked in the shadows of darkness and through death entered that blackness and swallowed up death in victory. He identified with us and was acquainted with grief. His life was freely given to bring us to His Father God.

All that Jesus did was not in a general way, but in a personal manner. He desires for us to declare, “Set up your throne in my heart and rule and reign over my life.”

Today He shines in our hearts because of that first star over Bethlehem. God was in Christ reconciling the World to Him-self. And now; Christ in us the Hope of Glory.

The Government shall be upon His shoulders and of His amazing Grace there shall be no end.

Sometimes we may sense that we are stumbling in the darkness, and stubbing our toes.

Yet we turn to Jesus, place our faith in Him, and He will illuminate the night and enable us to be filled with His Joy, Wonder and Light.

This post is linked to: “Hear it on Sunday, use it on Monday.” Do visit her site at:
http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/12/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday.html

Pumpkin Cake

2011-12-01T23:26:00.000-08:00

At our house we love pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin bars, and of course pumpkin cake.

If you have available a real pumpkin, cut it in half remove the seeds and bake it for one hour at 350 degrees. Then peel it and process the pumpkin meat in your food processor. Use the pulp in any recipe calling for pumpkin. Two cups equals 1 small can.

Or do it the easy way like I usually do. Simply purchase a couple of 15 oz cans of pumpkin.

For a different cake, you will enjoy this one that is popular at our table.

Pumpkin Cake

Combine and mix well:

1 large can 29 oz pumpkin (or 2 small 15 oz cans)
1 can evaporated milk
3 eggs beaten
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar

Mix well and pour into a 9x13 pan

Sprinkle over the top 1 package dry yellow cake mix

Pour 3/4 cup melted Margarine (or butter) over the dry cake mix.

Sprinkle 1 cup chopped walnuts on top of the butter and bake 50 minutes at 350 degrees or until the pumpkin is set. Remove and cool. Enjoy.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays do visit her site at” http://annkroeker.com/2011/12/01/food-on-fridays-dining-alone/