Accounting Error

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My friend called me and asked if I would like a temporary job where she worked. 

She said, “They need some simple research done, and with your math expertise, you would be a good choice.”

“Sure,” I told her, “Give me directions how to get there, and when to show up.”

This was a strange request, but I could understand that my friend was occupied doing her job and the Senior Accounts Payable person was busy and did not have time to research what they wanted me to do.

The Senior Accountant handed me last months account records, and told me the balance was off by ten cents, and I was hired to find it and correct it.

 

My question was, “Why not cover a ten cent error with an accounting adjustment and let it go?”

The accountant in no uncertain terms said, “We can’t do that.  You must find the error and fix it properly.”

 

 

I could see that I was dealing with a perfectionist, so there was no arguing about it. 

 

You can’t treat a business the same way we often treat our personal check book balances.

 

 

Carefully I set out to audit last months accounts, and I found them to be perfect.  I was told to go over them again until I found the error. 

 

After being there for four days, I finally made a request that I be given the account records for the previous month.

 

 

The accountant told me that she had already gone over past months, and they were fine. 

 

 

Almost begging her I asked, “Please let me have a look,” and she finally relented and retrieved the prior month’s records.

 

 

Whispering a prayer for help, I set out to find the error. 

God was gracious and it did not take me very long, and there it was - - big as you please, or should I say small as you please the ten cents worth of error.

In life there are times, when it is easier to sluff off the small stuff and let it go, and other times there is a need to search for the error and make a hard call to fix it right.

I am thankful that God has one book with our name in it, and all the other evidence against us has been washed away and our record has been made clean.

This post is shared at: Tell Me a Story

Also Shared with Nantawa Bennett at Happy Friday

 

 

Who’s IN and Who’s OUT?

Peter Preaches to the Gentiles
courtesy Google Search

 

Today I present gleanings from Pastor Jerry’s sermon.  He was reading from Acts 11:1-8 where Peter received a Vision three times. 

 

The bottom line was - - Do not call anyone unclean if God has made them clean.

Peter had been preaching to the choir so to speak.  The new Christians were encouraging one another, studying God’s word, and sharing the Gospel with other Jews many who received Christ as Lord.

God was ready to do a new thing, and to break “out of the box.”  A Centurion man named Cornelius received a visit from an angel, and was instructed to find Peter and bring him to his home. 

Meanwhile Peter had his own visitation where God made it clear that he was to go with the men who waited downstairs and share the gospel with a group of Gentiles.

Peter obeyed and as he spoke, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentile congregation and they began to speak in other tongues as did the Jews on the day of Pentecost.

Peter was amazed and recognized that God is no respecter of persons, and who ever believes in Jesus will be saved.  He then called for them to be baptized in water.

When Peter returned home, he had some explaining to do.  Up until now, the Jews had been able to decide who was IN and who was OUT. 

Others of the Jews wanted the new Gentile Christians to abide by all the strict, ridged Jewish laws and customs including the fact that they should be circumcised.

Peter had a word from the Lord and that was the commandment that Jesus gave us to Love the Lord God and to Love One another. 

 

The Jewish brethren agreed to write a letter to the Gentiles advising them to keep the simple law of Love, with four admonitions that are still good for us to consider even today.

Shun anything that has to do with false gods.

Shun all sexual sins

Shun eating meat that has been killed by strangling

Shun eating or drinking blood

Acts 15:20 Yet let us send them written instructions to abstain from things polluted by connection with idolatry, from fornication, from meat killed by strangling, and from blood.

Today there are many Denominations and splinter groups.  Many have their own man made laws, rules and regulations.  They decide who “is IN and who is OUT.”

Pastor reminded us that many churches will not allow woman to preach. It is interesting that recently a woman was ordained into the Priesthood by a radical Catholic group.

Other churches shut out those who are recovering from addictions, or are not dressed according to a certain code. 

 

May we always follow the Law of Love given to us by Jesus and allow Him to decide who is IN and who is OUT. 

John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

 

 

God of Creative Miracles



Irish Setter
courtesy photobucket.com

“Danny has a busted ear drum and we need to do some major surgery by going through the inside of his jaw and insert drainage tubes while we repair his ear drum.  Here is some medicine for the infection, take him home and return in 10 days for a follow up visit.”

 These were the words that my daughter, Becky’s Vet gave her as she could envision the dollar signs floating off into space.  But Danny was family, and what must be done, was to take care of him. 

Faithfully my daughter gave her beloved Red Irish Setter his medicine, and he seemed better so now it was time for a return visit to the Vet.

 

“Now let’s see the right ear. No it must be the left ear. No which ear is it? Said the Vet?

The Vet was in shock, as he announced that Danny had grown a new ear drum, and the dog was fine.  He stammered, “I am astonished and amazed, because I have NEVER seen anything like this before!”

 

I am reminded in the Bible that some were healed and others were made whole.  To be made whole was a creative miracle that restored like new that which was once crippled or non existent.

My mind continued to reflect, if God would heal a DOG, how much more does he love us as his children and desire to do for us what we are lacking, perhaps even lacking in faith.

I continued to consider, “If God can give a dog a new ear drum, He certainly can give me and you what we need.  Miracles are not out of our reach,  He is still the God of all creation. 

I am also reminded when Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, he said LAZARUS come forth.  If he had only said “Come forth,” no doubt all the dead would have walked out of the grave and breathed again.  It was important to use the specific name of Lazarus.

The scripture says: “If two or three agree together as touching anything on earth, it shall be done for them.”

Remember if God can give a dog a brand new ear drum, it would not be a problem for God to give you what you need.  If it is for someone else, it would be important to say their name, because  you wouldn’t want the wrong person to receive a miracle!  :-)  

What I ask of you is to SAY these words, aloud. 

“In Jesus name, I claim a new ______ for ______"

Notice that I do not ask you to pray again, but now to speak words of faith.  Any future prayers should now be a prayer of thanksgiving;

“Thank you Jesus that you are working to perform a miracle for ______"

 

This post has been shared with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

 Also Sharing with Rosilind at Wednesday R & R

Apple Nut Bread (Repost)

Nut Bread Courtesy photobucket.com

 

The times were exciting! A very small church close to where we lived had called a new Pastor.

 

The new Pastor had graduated from the same Bible Training Center that we had attended, and their plans were for the church to grow and multiply.  We decided to come along side and help them.

The Pastor’s wife asked me if I could bake a loaf of nut bread for the next Sunday, to be shared during the fellowship time with the members.  My apple tree was producing!  Checking my file of recipes, I found a perfect quick bread that called for apples. 

The church grew and moved to a larger location downtown.  Baking this bread became a ministry for me!  New members were being added and the Pastor asked my husband to teach a morning class.  We were happy to serve!

Later on, when the Holy Spirit indicated that it was time for us to move on, other doors began to open.  About that time, I had applied for a job with the County’s accounting department, and was hired.

Since I was already in the habit of baking nut bread each week, I began to bring apple bread to work with me each Monday.  (This was to encourage the employees to show up for work on Monday.)

For ten years, each Monday, the bread was expected and enjoyed. The staff even dubbed the bread, “Hazel Bread.”  

 

The name was because the bread changed week to week into pumpkin, banana, apple, or zucchini bread and this made it easier to identify.

Not only was this an act of love, but it also was a ministry.  Many times throughout the duration of my employment, I was also able to share about “The Bread that is from Heaven.”  What joy!

There is nothing too small for God to use.  Whatever your hand finds to do – do it! 

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the bread that will satisfy our Spiritual Hunger. 

John 6:35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. - - -

Matthew 5:6  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 This post was shared at Ann Kroeker’s site: Food on Friday. Enter a recipe or any story that pertains to food.

A Place of Refuge repost

This post has been shared at Friendship Friday with Joy 

The theme is “This Land is Mine.”  May we dwell on the Solid Rock!
 

His World
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Jesus is our Refuge and a shelter in the time of storm.

 

What is a refuge?  It might be a shelter, a sanctuary, a place of protection, a haven; these words come to mind when I think of a refuge, a place where it is completely safe.

During World War II there were many here in the United States, who built bomb shelters, some in their cellar, others in a specially built refuge in their yard.  England was famous for their bomb shelters.

My husband tells me of storm cellars, in the South used when news of a tornado warning came over the radio. 

In the Bible, Moses was instructed to build three entire cities and call them a “City of Refuge.”

If someone had accidentally killed someone, and the victim’s family was out for revenge, the person accused could run to the city of refuge and be safe. 

The only draw back was that he must remain in that city, live there and not depart for any reason.

If the person did leave the city, then he was fair game for the vengeful family, and his blood would be on his own head.

I am reminded of the song, “A Shelter in the time of storm.”  Jesus is that shelter.  He is our provider, our protection, and he understands our every need. 

Jesus can understand our trials and our emotional pain, because He was betrayed, abused, abandoned, despised, rejected of men, including his closest friends. 

 

Yet He was able to say, “Not my will be done, only your will, Oh My God.” 

His shelter was in knowing He was going His Father’s will.

In life we face many situations where we do not feel secure.  It may be time to run to that “Rock that is higher than I,” and find your shelter in Christ and in His life style for you.

There is a bottom line.  STAY there in that shelter, that place of safety, and do not leave for any reason; for if you do, you are a target for the Enemy (Satan) to attack you.

Psalms 4:8  I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for you, LORD, only cause me to dwell in safety.

Proverbs 18:10  The name of the LORD  is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and is safe.

 

 

 

 

 

We Will Wait

Waiting Patiently

We will wait, were the words spoken by my husband, who is usually not a person who enjoys waiting.

That morning, he told me, “We will go early and wait there at the hospital rather than wait here at home.” 

 

Our drive was two hours away to reach our destination, and often traffic is not so good.  We were an hour early for my appointment, but Robert likes to be there in plenty of time.

Parking was a problem, so Robert let me out to find my way to the Ultra sound Department and to check in.   (No I am not having a baby.)  My liver needed checking, but that is another story.

At the desk, the attendant, looked puzzled as she remarked, “I would very much like to help you, but your appointment is not until next week.” 

 

It was my turn to be perplexed, because I thought my Doctor told me, “I made an appointment for you on Tuesday,” and then he handed me a printed copy. 

I hadn’t bothered to read all the fine print, only the time, and did not catch the day, a week away.

The attendant spoke up, “You drove all the way here from Oroville?”  I answered “Yes we did.”  She said, “Wait here and I will see what I can do to help you.”

By then Robert had parked our van and arrived to be with me.  I motioned to him to come close, and I apologized that it was my fault that I had not read the date which was next week for my appointment. 

Soon the attendant returned to the counter.  She asked the usually questions, have you eaten anything today? Are you a diabetic?  And then she remarked, I can get you into the outpatient Ultra Sound over at the hospital, but you probably will need to wait up to four hours.”

It was either do this wait; or drive two hours home, and return on another day!  The options were not good.

Robert made a decision and said, “We will wait.” 

 

The attendant then gave us directions to the out patient department, so off we went.

We read magazines, and our wait turned out to only be two hours, which wasn’t too bad

My test went well, and I was told, “The x-ray technician will read the examination, and send a report to your doctor.  You should hear from him in a few days.”

I thanked her and we left.  By now it was dinner time, so Robert decided to take me to the buffet in town and we enjoyed a lovely meal.  Naturally we ate too much, but that is what you do at those places. 

 

I told Robert - - “Tomorrow, we fast.”  (Smile)

I am reminded that we are patiently waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus.  Are You?

Linked today with Jennifer Dukes Lee at: Tell His Story

and with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

 

Also shared at Wednesday Wanderings with JOY

 

Tongue Tied

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My Dad was concerned, but for me as a child, I had not noticed a thing.  My brother was 18 months younger than me, and he was ready to be enrolled in kindergarten.

Dad had noticed that certain words spoken by my brother had a lisp, and other words were difficult for him to pronounce.  My parents decided to take him to the doctor for an examination. 

The doctor determined that my brother was tongue tied.  His advice was that he clip the tiny piece of skin under the tongue that was causing the movement of my brother’s tongue to be restricted.

Within a very short while, my brother was speaking normally as any other five year old boy.  His tongue had been loosed and set free!

I am reminded of the Bible account of Lazarus who had been dead four days. Jesus commanded those watching to remove the stone from his tomb.

The audience argued that this was not a good idea, for by now he stinks.

Jesus paid the negative words no attention, and called in a loud voice, Lazarus come forth.

 

Out from the clutches of death stepped Lazarus moving very slowly for he was bound and tightly tied up.  Jesus commanded the followers to loose him and let him go.  Lazarus needed help for he could not free himself.

When new believers come to Jesus, they are often bound by old ways and habits.  They need instruction, prayer, and discipleship. 

They also may need someone to use their spiritual gifts of deliverance, and to speak positive words over this one who is still bound.

How about you?  Are you moving very slowly these days?  Do you feel uptight and bound? 

Are you tongue tied and find it difficult to witness for Jesus?

Perhaps you might find someone who you have confidence in, to council and pray with you, so that you may be loosed and let go.  Jesus will set you free!

This post is shared at: Tell Me a Story

Also shared at:

This post has been shared at Wednesday Wanderings with JOY

and with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday 

 

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd
courtesy photobucket.com

 

Daily we hear of tragedies, death and destruction. This week has been no exception. Evil men plot works of terror against good people.  - -

And - - Death and Taxes comes to us all.  Our church lost two elderly members in death this week and we believe they are with Jesus.

I took notes and digested his sermon as Pastor Jerry spoke of Jeremiah’s continual warning to return to the true God and avoid bad things happening

That is not to say that good people are exempt from misfortune and heartbreak. 

When we are rebellious and go our own way, we can get into trouble.  It is best to follow our good shepherd and listen to his voice.

Pastor began reading in John 10:22-30   It was the Feast of Dedication and as Jesus was in the temple, the people began to challenge Him to tell them plainly who he was. 

The truth was that Jesus was continually telling all who would listen that He was sent from his Father God and was the Christ, but they did not understand. 

 

They chose to live in the darkness and were blind to His teachings.

Jesus spoke of sheep that would follow the voice of the shepherd. The people understood sheep for many of them owned a flock of sheep and knew their ways.

Sheep listen for familiar sounds and they know their own shepherd when he calls.  They are smarter than some think they are and they also recognize faces, and know one another and who belongs in their flock.  A stranger they will not follow.

I am reminded of a friend who purchased four grown sheep.  They would not pay attention to the voice of their new owner, but somehow managed to escape and run off hoping to return to their former home.  Their new owners went after them and with great difficulty, and the help of their dog, were able to get them back to safety.  Change was not acceptable to these sheep. 

We are like sheep and at times have gone astray and turned everyone to our own way.  (But the Lord has laid our iniquity upon him.)

The good shepherd leads us into green pastures, but he also leads us through the dark valley of death and trouble.  His words are sometimes convicting and not always words of comfort.

The people of God are placed in a large pasture, (the world,) where there are many voices calling us such as:  Materialism, commercialism, entertainment and others. 

 

Come follow me they cry out.

Jesus calls his sheep to turn their backs on these other voices and seek Him only.  He will then guide and lead us to the green pastures, and safely through the valley of death.

Now is the time to trust.

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

 

 

 

Maria Woodworth-Etter (repost)

Marie Woodward-Etter
Courtesy Google Search

 

Who is this woman?” my friend asked me. 

I had just sent her an e-mail from a devotional by Maria Woodworth-Etter.                                                                                          

One of our favorite Bible teachers had given us a special assignment.  We were to read after some of the Saints of Old who had been mightily used of God.  Maria Woodworth-Etter was one of those selected for our research.

Marvelous testimonies of healing followed her ministry.  The power of the Holy Spirit was evident in her life. There were also some uncommon manifestations exhibited, such as dancing in the Spirit, along with speaking and singing in other tongues!  

Yes, there would be both praise and criticism of this dear saint when our class met again.

In many circles, women preachers are still often looked down upon.

Our Bible teacher suggested that God may have first called a man to do the job, but the man failed to answer.  - - -

So - - God called a woman instead and equipped her with a powerful anointing.

                                   
Maria Woodworth-Etter, born in 1844 in Lisbon, Ohio, is called the grandmother of the Pentecostal Movement.  She testified, "I heard the voice of Jesus calling me to go out in the highways and hedges and gather in the lost sheep."

We have to remember that when sister Etter was called by God, we, as a nation, did not allow women to vote, let alone preach from a pulpit.

She realized this and for several years she would not heed the call.

As she searched the scriptures she discovered that God used many women in the Bible to fulfill his destiny. 

After receiving a vision of God’s power, she finally said yes to His call.   In her later years, she was weak and frail, but men from her church carried her to services in a special chair. As soon as the chair touched the floor, she would receive strength and rise to minister mightily.

As you study about Maria Woodward-Etter and her ministry, your heart will be touched and your spirit will be stirred, but I say, - - “Let it be so.”

 

This post has been shared at Friendship Friday with Joy
The theme is Catharsis!  One definition is Emotional and Spiritual Experience !!

Salad Luncheon

Ladies Luncheon
Image courtesy photobucket.com

 

I was happily sleeping in, when the phone rang.  It was my daughter asking when I was going to pick her and Ashley up for the Salad Luncheon today at our church.

I told her, that is tomorrow, but when she insisted that today was the day, I could hardly believe it.  However I managed a soft, “Thank you, I will pick you up at 10:45”  

This week Robert and I visited our Doctor for appointments and somehow my days of the week were all turned around. 

Now it was hurry time, to make two salads that I had promised to bring.   Quickly boiling the water for the sugar free Jell-O, while I opened a can of pineapple chunks.  I drained out one cup juice and carefully cut the chunks into smaller pieces into a serving dish. 

Robert came in to the kitchen and confirmed the day for me, and offered to help.  I asked him, “Please feed the dogs, and then help me shred these five carrots.” 

In went two cups of boiling water into the two packs of Jell-O then one cup ice water along with the cup of pineapple juice.  Now to cool it in the refrigerator while fixing the rest.

Robert suggested that I save one cup of the shredded carrots for my broccoli salad, so I did.  Into the carrots I sprinkled one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and combined all into the Jell-O.  To make sure it would cool faster, into the freezer it went.

Next I washed two large clumps broccoli and drastically cut the stems near the broccoli blossoms.  Then I carefully pulled tiny pieces of broccoli into a large bowl along with half a sliced red onion. 

 

Last I added the cup of shredded carrots and some raisins that I had poured boiling water over them so they would be plumped up and soft.

My daughter is watching her diet because of liver problems, so I decided to eliminate the crisp bacon that usually goes into the broccoli salad.  In my rush to get this done, I forgot to add the cashew nuts I had planned to also use.

For the broccoli salad dressing, I poured one fourth cup olive oil in a bowl, added a small squeeze of prepared mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, a nice dash paprika, a teaspoon of Real Maple Syrup and a dash of pepper.  I was not happy with the dressing, so I added one half cup mayonnaise and mixed all together well.  It was just right so into the veggies it went. 

Now I just had time to throw on some clothes and rush to pick up my daughter and granddaughter. 

 

Our arrival at the church was just in time, and the ladies were already in line at the salad table.    Our salads hastily found a welcomed place at the table. 

“Go ahead and get in line and begin serving yourself,” I told my family members.

 

Even though I was rushed - - the day turned out to be a beautiful and satisfying day!

This post is shared at Ann’s Food on Friday site.