Food Multiplied at a Prison Outreach by "OM"

(AP Images/Dario Lopez-Mills)

This amazing and interesting article was reported in “Charisma news” about the ministry of Operation Mobilization Mexico’s July Outreach. I thought it would bless you to read about it here.

God Miraculously Multiplies Food at Prison Outreach

They had only prepared food for 70 people.  But once the service in the prison in Pochutla had started, more and more men joined in. During Operation Mobilization Mexico’s July outreach in the state of Oaxaca, a group of volunteers organized a program for the inmates of the detention center.

They began with songs of praise and worship, and a former drug addict gave his testimony.

They performed a drama and preached from the Word of God, challenging the inmates. Several men were touched by the message and tears ran down their cheeks. “This filled our hearts with joy,” says Tami, coordinator of the program.

As soon as the service finished, it was time to pass out the food. “We prayed for God to multiply the food,” says Tami. “By the end of the service there were 200 men attending.”

Their prayer was answered. “I could hardly believe it, but it happened. As we were handing the food out to the inmates, it didn’t run out. We even had enough plates and spoons for 200 men!”

Tami and her team were amazed by this miracle. “When we gave food to the last person in line, it finally ran out. God’s name be praised!”

God is still the God of Miracles.  If He has done it before - - He can do it again!

Pocket Full of Candy



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This story is a re-post, because Billy’s awesome story reminded me of my Dad and I thought you would enjoy how Dad give up cigarettes.  Please follow this link for Billy’s amazing story of giving up his poison. http://www.billycoffey.com/2011/10/picking-your-poison/

Also my husband's blog has an interesting post today on Food.  View him at: http://musingsbyrobert.blogspot.com/

Pocket Full of Candy

My Dad’s favorite place to hide and smoke was under the back porch! He was only nine years old then, but continued to smoke most of his adult life.

A person doesn’t develop a habit from smoking one or two cigarettes! It is continual repetition that trains the mind to call out, “I must have another cigarette.” In no time at all, bondage occurs and smoking becomes a strong addiction.

As a child, I can remember our house filled with smoke and my eyes burning, and I told myself, “I will never marry a man who smokes!”

Years later, my dad contracted a terrible case of Pneumonia. When he could not walk from one room to the next for lack of breath, his thoughts were that he was not long for this world.

My brother, Allen, came to visit him, and they discussed his smoking. My Dad declared that he was ready to give up cigarettes. Allen laid his hands on Daddy’s chest and prayed a strong, powerful prayer for deliverance from the infection, and also from cigarettes.

Almost immediately there was a change in our dad’s breathing and he was able to get up and take a few steps. Daily strength was gained as his solid determination to stay free from tobacco also grew.

Amazingly, the desire for cigarettes had left him, but another interesting phenomenon lingered. His hand automatically reached into the pocket where his pack of cigarettes had been kept. Apparently his hand was still in bondage to the habit of reaching!

Since my dad was a thinker, he arrived at a solution that worked for him. He chose to keep small candies in his shirt pocket so that when his hand wanted to reach for a cigarette there was a sweet substitute for him to enjoy instead.

Often, his pocket filled with small kisses, Dad delighted in sharing these candies with the children at church. Usually he would also offer a kind word, and our children remember feeling so special for Grandpa’s “sweet” attention and encouraging words.

Let me I urge you not to fall back into old ways. Don’t go back to that from which you have been set free! Do not be like the dog who returns to his vomit, but keep yourself free and clean.

Many have employed various methods to enable themselves to break certain habits. That is only half the battle!  Determination and a new direction are needed!

How does this occur? You will need to reach for God’s Word and put it in your mouth!    Then share your victory with others.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

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 on Friday at: 

http://www.beholdingglory.com/1/post/2011/10/brag-on-god-friday15.html

Cut the Apron Strings

 


The announcement by our young son that he wanted to purchase a motorcycle touched a spark in me that caused my hair to stand on end.

Although he was old enough to drive one, I refused to even consider the thought. I suppose I was a domineering Mom and I was also a bit strict.

But mom, I already have a job lined up to deliver packages for a courier service - - and this cycle belonged to the lady who had this job before. She is asking a very good price for it and it will be a safe bike.

About that time, my husband entered the room having heard the conversation. He gently came along side me and whispered in my ear,

“Hazel it is time to cut the apron strings!” 

That remark was like cold water thrown on my face, and it did wake me up.

“All-right,” I told our son, “but let Dad go with you and if he thinks it is a good buy, you can go ahead with your plans.” A Happy boy purchased his cycle and he also got the job.

He did enjoy the money that this after school job gave him, and I noticed that he had purchased an extra helmet.

One day, here he came, with one of the girls from our church perched on the back of the cycle, both as happy as jay birds. He was observing all the rules of safety and also enjoying the prestige that this small cycle gave him.

Children do grow up, and when they are responsible and hopefully wise - - it is time to allow them to make adult choices.

As our children reached adulthood, there have been times that I have had to say, “Well I don’t approve, but you are old enough to know right from wrong, so I thank you for at least telling me what you plan to do.”

I have learned to cut the strings even when it is painful. The worse part is that cutting the apron strings can hurt the mother and sometimes also the child as she releases her hold on her babies.

I am reminded that God has cut the apron strings on us and permits us to make decisions.

Not all choices are so good for us, but God allows us to make our own mistakes.

At other times, the Lord is pleased with us as he sees us “happy as jay birds” enjoying the pleasures of riding (or walking) on the path he has laid out for us.

Although I do not consider the Holy Spirit to be apron strings, I do appreciate that He walks along side me and whispers in my ear – I am with you always; where ever you go.

 

Locked Jaw





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A recent post by a Blogger friend at: http://bit.ly/s3piQm  shared “The day her face fell.” A trip to the Doctor diagnosed her with Bell's palsy, for many only a temporary problem, but for others a long lasting disability. Her Doctor’s confirmation that this will probably get worse and might go away after some time was not a happy note.

Gratefully she accepted the steroids he gave her and went home to rest and pray. Friends sent up prayers and in a few days her Doctor was amazed to find that she was back to normal.

I do believe in prayer and I know God works miracles and praise is in order to the Healer who also uses various methods.  Doctors provide help for they have much information at their finger tips to aid us.

There are times we need to go a step further and seek out other good information to help us.

Do you suppose that as we experience stress and anxiety that we lock our muscles and that our nerves get a message to tense up, preventing blood flow and messages from the brain to relax us ??

Thinking back I was reminded of a time a few years ago when my jaw locked.  I had trouble opening my mouth to eat and chew. There was another annoying symptom of a clicking that went up to my ear as I tried to open my mouth.

Making a trip to my chiropractor, I discovered that he also had a clicking in his jaw. His treatment to me that day did not help.

I was desperate. Next I considered finding a massage therapist who was able to do head and facial massage.

A telephone call was made to a RN nurse who also did massage. After hearing my problem, she told me of a little old retired chiropractor who did different types of treatments and suggested that I visit her at the assisted living where she was staying. A quick phone call and an appointment was made.

The elderly lady received me in her small room, and asked me to resist as she applied pressure to my outstretched arms. This was a method to “balance” my system.

As I think back to what she actually did that helped my problem, I believe it was this:

She asked me to curl my tongue to the roof of my mouth and press hard and hold it there.  This is an exercise that helps strengthen the jaw.

She had me touch parts of my body with one hand while keeping contact with the other hand.  Keeping contact seemed to be necessary. The next step was as amazing as it was weird, at least to me!!

She explained that our body with all its cells is an electrical system, and sometimes our brain gets lazy and tired and needs help getting awake.

Her instructions were to place my thumbs next to my ear at the point where the jaw opens and closes; while holding my thumbs at the joint, to begin to use my fingers to tap lightly on my head as far as I could reach.

By moving the fingers backward and forward for a few minutes the tapping continued. She explained that this exercise will help wake up the brain so it can give directions to the nerves of the face and jaws.
As I left that day, I was able to open my mouth and the clicking was also gone.

Who healed me? The answer is always the creator who made us, and we realize that He also gives wisdom to those who study and seek to help others that suffer with physical and psychological problems.

Searching for self help, I found this interesting demonstration on YouTube: It was the closest video to what my lady did for me.  However please remember to keep contact with your thumbs while tapping on your head.   http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-give-yourself-an-energizing-facial-massage


This post was linked today with L.L. Barkat’s “In and Around Mondays” at: http://seedlingsinstone.blogspot.com/

Also linked to Laura's PlayDates http://www.lauraboggess.com/2011/10/playdates-this-moment.html
Do visit these sites for some awesome words posted there.

Don’t Loose Your Patience !

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Continuing with gleanings from our Pastor’s sermons on the Fruit of the Spirit, we consider the fruit, Patience.

Probably the most difficult of the fruit to obtain is Patience. Then we remember that:

Love is Patient
Jesus is Patient
God is Patient

We all desire to become more patient and so we must understand that this is a Godly trait.  We are placed into Christ where all the gifts and fruit abide.  He is in us and we are in Him.  The fruit is already in us when we receive Jesus, but it must develop and sometimes that is a slow process.

Rolled up into Patience is, Waiting, Hope, and Faith.  

In Life, there are many times we are required to wait.

At the Doctors office, we wait until we are called.

On the telephone we are placed on hold and given music to listen to.

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We do not enjoy waiting. In our human frailness we often say, “I want it, and I want it NOW.” We lose our patience.

In the Old Testament the word patience was revealed as endurance, long suffering, and keep on trying.

In the New Testament, many times the word was applied to those who suffered for the Gospel’s sake.

Winston Churchill was once scheduled to visit a grammar school. The children were nicely dressed and were waiting patiently for his profound speech. He went to the front and in his gruff voice said, “Never Quit, Never, Never Quit.”

The Faith Chapter, Hebrews 11 reveals the Hall of Fame as to those who refused to quit.  Many were faithful unto death. Today they are our witnesses cheering us on.

We have patience fueled by the knowledge that there is a living certainty and a promise of an eternal future waiting for us.

Understand that fruit does not grow over night, but must be developed.

We are a work in progress and God is not finished with us yet.

Oh, Lord, teach me to keep my patience when it is exhausted.

Thank you God for your continual patience that you show to me!


Linked up today at Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday. Please visit at: http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/10/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday-see.html


Also linked to Sundays in My city: Do visit there as well!  http://www.unknownmami.com/2011/10/sundays-in-my-city-118.html

Cabbage Soup and Diet

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Although I thought her to be a bit strange, I really liked my co-worker who shared the space next to me at work.

One day she announced that she was going on one of those fad diets and by the end of 10 days she should have lost a lot of weight.

That caused my ears to prick up and listen and finally ask for the recipe. We like cabbage at our house, and we also enjoy a nice hearty vegetable soup, so why not try this!

At the end of the 10 days, she was no thinner, reason being that she does not follow through very well, and also she was cheating during break time. Those were the days that I brought to work “Home made Nut bread.” After all, who could resist my nut bread?

Anyway, they tell me the diet is fine, but that you should ask your Doctor first before going on one of these fad diets. The soup is good anytime you desire a lovely soup!

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to make this soup, since I had a beautiful head of cabbage, and also the other ingredients. The soup was delicious. Although I did not follow the rest of the rules, to loose the weight, I did loose a couple pounds (but probably have it back by now.)

If you crave a delicious vegetable soup and want to give this a try, I share with you the recipe along with the diet suggestions:

The Cabbage Soup Diet

Also called "The Dolly Parton diet," for reasons that are shrouded in mystery, this 7-day diet really does work--in the short term, anyway. And there's a great purity to it--especially in the summertime when it's wonderfully refreshing served ice cold. Ingredient proportions can be varied according to your likes and dislikes.

Okay, are you ready? Here we go:

• 1 head cabbage, shredded or chopped

• 2 large onions, chopped

• 16-28 ounces canned tomatoes, chopped

• 2 green peppers chopped

• 4 stalks celery

• 2 packages Lipton onion soup mix, or any dry onion or vegetable soup mix

• Dash of black pepper

• any fresh herb(s) of your choice, chopped (I used dried parsley and dried Italian seasoning

• 6 carrots, sliced

• 1/2 pound green beans, sliced on diagonal

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (optional) (I used apple cider vinegar

Put all vegetables in a big pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, stir in the soup mix (if desired), and boil gently for 10 minutes. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until all the vegetables are soft. Stir in the black pepper and chopped herbs (saving some for garnish). Here I added a can of chicken broth and blended it in.
It seemed to need something else, so I added one tablespoon of sugar!

Eat as much of the soup as you like, as often as you like. Drink as much water as you like and non-caloric drinks including coffee, tea, and herbal teas.

Here's what else you can also eat along with your soup, and when:

DAY 1: All fruits except bananas.

DAY 2: All vegetables, raw or cooked. This includes baked potato with a LITTLE butter.

DAY 3: Fruits and vegetables, but no potatoes or bananas.

DAY 4: Bananas and skim milk--eat as many as 8 bananas and drink as many as 8 glasses of skim milk.

DAY 5: Beef, skinless chicken, and/or fish--as much as 20 ounces, total. You can also eat 6 tomatoes. And you must drink 8 glasses of water. Don't forget at least one bowl of soup.

DAY 6: Beef, skinless chicken, or fish and vegetables. Drink 8 glasses of water and eat at least one bowl of soup.

DAY 7: Brown rice, vegetables, and unsweetened fruit juice.

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.

Take a Deep Breath !!



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My husband tells the story about when he was a very young boy and he and his brother were both living with their mom and dad.

It was dark, and dusty shadows fluttered across the room as the boys lay in their bed. In the next room, mom and dad were arguing. Perhaps Mom was nagging and fussing would be a better term. Dad told her to please be quiet and get some sleep. Mom was known as a chatter box and keeping quiet was not her style, so she continued on and on... Yak Yakity Yak.

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Dad gave a final warning, be quiet or else, but the warning went unheeded. All this time both boys lay trembling in their beds, waiting for the next shoe to drop. It was not a shoe, for dad had a gun under his pillow (why I don’t know) and suddenly there was a LOUD BANG.

Abruptly all was quiet – not a sound anywhere. Both boys held their breath until at last they were forced to release all the air and try to breathe normal again. They dared not move or get out of bed to see what they could see.

It took a long while before the boys eventually drifted off to a restless sleep.

The next morning, there was mom smiling and frying bacon and eggs while dad sipped his coffee as he read the news-paper.

Fast forward many years later, Fact: my husband stops breathing in his sleep. He subconsciously holds his breath until he gasps and comes up for air, which usually wakes him up.

Science has termed this “Sleep Apnea,” and documents that this is wide spread.

Doctors have all kinds of reasons as to why this happens, and they are probably right, but I have always wondered if it had anything to do with the frightened reflex of that night during childhood.

My husband says he has forgiven his long deceased dad for scaring the living daylights out of him, but the panic attacks still continue to come on at times.

A few years ago, my husband and I went to a class at our HMO about getting some relief from his panic attacks. The doctor asked the class how they breathed. He instructed to place your hand under your rib cage and breathe normally. For most their hand did not move. All but one said they took shallow breaths.

As a guest to the class, I was the only one who breathed from my diaphragm. (Pat on back) A teacher in grade school taught us to breathe that way, and maybe that is why I do it.

Taking deep breaths on purpose can relieve stress. I must remember to do this too, as things do pile up even when you are "retired."

I am reminded that God breathed the breath of life into Adam.

May you and I be God breathed when stress comes our way and we panic at the anxiety and pressures of life.

Take a big deep breath now – It will do you good!!

Don't worry or be anxious about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

This post linked today to GRACE CAFE, Please visit there for exciting good words !! - - -And why not link your post to Joan's awesome new blog hop?

http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/2011/10/big-fish-little-fish-guest-post-by-sharon-kirby/ 

Resolution to Think - - Before You Bite!

Resolution to Think - - Before You Bite!

Our two boys were mischievous and our youngest daughter was gullible.

On the ledge at the rear of our yard, I had planted several types of pepper plants. One plant was like a tree and the little, shiny red peppers were getting ripe.

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“Come over here,” the boys said to Judie. “This is a candy tree. Pick one - - and take a big bite and you will really like it.”

Those boys knew better, and yet they were having a playfully, roguish time. The pretty plant with red peppers did look inviting, so - - - Judie happily picked one and plopped it into her mouth. The joy did not last even a few seconds until a loud cry for mercy bellowed from our baby.

The boys deserved, and received, some major time-out behind the kitchen door. This was our form of punishment as the boys got older.

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They had to sit with their faces in the corner between the door and wall for five minutes, while thinking about their sin. I even had a timer to make sure they served the entire time-out. Then there was a mandatory apology to Judie, but by that time, she had already forgotten about the event and was contentedly playing with her toys.


How often are we tempted by something that looks good on the surface, but after one big bite, we discover that we have entered into great pain?

“Can hell really be this hot?” we think to ourselves as we wallow in our misery and wretchedness.

We might find ourselves in a “time-out” that seems to stretch into an eon, but it is actually only a short moment as far as God is concerned. God’s time is not like ours. His timing and His plans are best in the long run!

Why are we, at some phase in life, so dense and unwise? I wonder - - -

When we finally come to our senses, and rush to the place of repentance, we discover that God is already loving on us with His mercy and grace, and has forgotten about our sin.

Next time you are offered something that looks sweet and appealing;

Make a resolution now to - - - THINK BEFORE YOU BITE!

This post has been linked to:  “Changing the World One Word at a Time”  Please visit and check out the other great stories at:  http://peterpollock.com/

Also linked to A Pause on the Path at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/10/desire-granted.html?showComment=1319562917909#c5190815864001778950

Shanda just returned from a mission trip to Thailand - you will enjoy her report.

and one more: Joan at Grace Cafe: http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/2011/10/big-fish-little-fish-guest-post-by-sharon-kirby/

Keeping your Peace

“Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. “ Psalms 34:14

Continuing his series on the Fruit of the Spirit, our pastor’s topic of the day was Keeping your Peace.

Entered here are some gleanings from his sermon.

The third fruit of the spirit is Peace. All fruit comes from the tree or vine, and all the fruit of the Spirit is found in Jesus. It is impossible to separate the 9 fruit because they are all in ONE yet they are all different. Jesus is all in all and ever perfect.

Jesus taught in John 15:4, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

Peace is often difficult to describe. “Peace passes all understanding.” “We see through a glass darkly.”

Pastor mentioned three types of Peace:

1. Peace with God
2. Peace with our fellowman
3. Peace within our selves.

Simeon the Priest stated that He had seen God’s Peace and God’s Salvation when he viewed the baby Jesus. Salvation brings us peace with God.

Jesus taught, “Love One Another” and this will bring us peace with our brethren.

“Peace I give you, not as the world gives.” We have peace through our faith and trust in Jesus which brings us inner peace. His peace.

2Corinthians 5:19 God was IN Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Paul began all his letters with Peace be unto you, Jesus said to the storm, Peace be still, Jesus appeared unto His disciples after his resurrection and said, “Peace be with you.”

The cross won our victory. Some one has said, about our sins, that God has perfect amnesia, and remembers our sins no more. Your sins were wiped away; we now have Love, Joy, and Peace. Sow to the spirit and reap everlasting life and the Peace of God.

The Hebrew word Shalom is understood around the world to mean "peace." "Shalom" is used to both greet people and to bid them farewell, and it means much more than "peace, hello or goodbye".... Shalom also means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfect ness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full.

(Jesus) Yeshua is called Sar shalom, Prince of Peace, which perfectly describes the ministry and personality of our Messiah (Isaiah 9:6).

In other words, the word shalom is a mighty blessing!

Shalom!!   Peace be with you!

This post is linked to: Michelle's Graceful site - - Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday at: http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/10/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday_17.html

Prepare to Live

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Understandable when a woman is 99 and almost 100, and failing daily, that Hospice would be set up for her. That is what the care home is preparing for my 99 year old mother.

It is another thing when a woman in her late 60’s has a pain in her stomach that is so bad she goes to emergency. The Doctors there take x-rays and discover an inoperable growth that has twisted around other near by organs and the prognosis was; Prepare to die.

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They offered chemo, and radiation, but stated that neither would prolong life, and instead she would suffer very angry side affects.

Being a Christian, she made some quick choices and plans. First she decided, No Chemo and No radiation. Then a speedy trip across country to visit her children, and their families to say good bye. Still strong in body and spirit, she was able to listen as her daughters suggested a special diet to build up her immune system, and juices that have been known to assist cancer patients and “cure some.”
At home she put these diets into practice and also began to listen to a CD that a friend had sent to her with the Healing Scriptures set to music.

Honestly I have known of some amazing healings of incurable diseases by God, including cancer, but for some people it seems they believe in their head but not in their spirit. They know God can, but not if God will in their case. I do not condemn this lady, because she knows she can trust God. She is following what she believes is best for her.

Other family members, who live close by, visit and she is able to chat and play games with them. It appears that she has resigned herself to an accepted factor that death is soon to knock at her door.

Her doctor is a practical person, so he has set up hospice in her home. She is already receiving visits from a nurse and other care givers. The medicines her doctor has prescribed, give her pain management during the day, and a good night’s sleep each evening.

One thing I do know is that this sweet lady has parents and others once dear to her that stand waiting to receive her, and most of all, the arms of the Savior beckon to her.   

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I think about this, - - and am glad that I have not been given a DATE to die. Yes, we all know that death is inevitable, but just not today please.

Quite a long time ago, I did make my choice to assure my eternal abode “Heaven.” That being said; for now, I will live out my life here on earth serving Jesus one day at a time.

My hope is that I can softly encourage others to receive Jesus and His Eternal life.

May we all prepare to Live. Yes, prepare to live and not die.