Mother helped me stuff my blond hair into a black stocking cap to which she had attached a black long pig tail made from some old nylon stockings.
She had sewed me a black and red pajama type costume to wear for Halloween, so I could be dressed as a Chinaman.
I knew no one would recognize me even without a mask, for I was truly disguised.
At school the teacher pretended she did not know who I was, and the parade at school was all in fun.
Later that evening at it turned dark, it was time for trick or treat. Dressed in my costume, my identity truly hidden, off I went to collect my goodies for the evening.
Some of our neighbors were gathered at the end of our block as I approached. I smiled, because I knew they would not know who I was. One of them exclaimed, “Who is that?”
I was happy!
One of the other neighbors said with a loud voice, “That is Hazel, even in the dark, I know it is her, because I can tell it is her - - by her walk.”
Isn’t that the way it is in life? Friends, family and loved ones are watching the way you walk. That is by your spiritual walk, your lifestyle, and your action.
Always remember that to some of your friends, “You are the best Christian that they know.”
Can people tell that you are following Jesus, as they observe your walk?
Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
John 8:12 Jesus spoke again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us that God is musical and He rejoices and sings over you. - - The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy; he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Change is Good
Before we were married, my husband always took his dress shirts to the Chinese laundry where they were washed starched, ironed and tied nicely with a blue paper ribbon.
I told my new husband, I will wash and iron your shirts and we can save the money!
Setting up my new ironing board and getting the iron good and ready, I proceeded to iron his clean shirt. My new iron did not have a heat control like the current models do, so the first thing I did was to scorch his shirt really good.
Of course it was an accident, but my husband did not see it that way. He hastily grabbed his shirt, and told me in no uncertain terms, that the Chinese laundry was going to be an important part in our budget.
And so, it was for many years, his shirts went each week to the Chinese laundry.
That was until they invented wash and wear clothing and dryers that had wash and wear cycles. I hated to iron anyway, and by now I have even forgotten how ironing must be done.
In this case, “Change was good.”
Is there anything that you have ever said, “I must include this in my budget?” Maybe it is a habit or something that you enjoy for special treats? I will not go into the matter of addictions but they could be included here in someone’s budget.
Perhaps “A Change might be good.”
Swinging to the Spiritual budget, there are things that are important to include in your financial plan. First and foremost it is your giving to the Lord’s Work. Add to that contribution’s to missionaries, or your favorite organization. Can you afford not to give?
Hebrews 7:2 Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace.
Then there are other items to include in your spiritual budget such as regular Bible reading and study, and a few minutes in prayer each day. Paul said he prayed without ceasing, and I believe he walked and talked with God all day as he went about his other tasks.
Good deeds and kindness to others should always be a part of your planning. Volunteer workers are needed at your church, your hospital, and your school.
If you are not sure what to include in your “spiritual budget” ask the Lord to help you discover what will best fit into your design for serving Him.
I will add here, that some things in your “budget” are not for ever, and others are. If God is telling you to back off from your volunteer work and find another method to serve him, be open to making a change.
As they say, “Change is good.”
I told my new husband, I will wash and iron your shirts and we can save the money!
Setting up my new ironing board and getting the iron good and ready, I proceeded to iron his clean shirt. My new iron did not have a heat control like the current models do, so the first thing I did was to scorch his shirt really good.
Of course it was an accident, but my husband did not see it that way. He hastily grabbed his shirt, and told me in no uncertain terms, that the Chinese laundry was going to be an important part in our budget.
And so, it was for many years, his shirts went each week to the Chinese laundry.
That was until they invented wash and wear clothing and dryers that had wash and wear cycles. I hated to iron anyway, and by now I have even forgotten how ironing must be done.
In this case, “Change was good.”
Is there anything that you have ever said, “I must include this in my budget?” Maybe it is a habit or something that you enjoy for special treats? I will not go into the matter of addictions but they could be included here in someone’s budget.
Perhaps “A Change might be good.”
Swinging to the Spiritual budget, there are things that are important to include in your financial plan. First and foremost it is your giving to the Lord’s Work. Add to that contribution’s to missionaries, or your favorite organization. Can you afford not to give?
Hebrews 7:2 Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace.
Then there are other items to include in your spiritual budget such as regular Bible reading and study, and a few minutes in prayer each day. Paul said he prayed without ceasing, and I believe he walked and talked with God all day as he went about his other tasks.
Good deeds and kindness to others should always be a part of your planning. Volunteer workers are needed at your church, your hospital, and your school.
If you are not sure what to include in your “spiritual budget” ask the Lord to help you discover what will best fit into your design for serving Him.
I will add here, that some things in your “budget” are not for ever, and others are. If God is telling you to back off from your volunteer work and find another method to serve him, be open to making a change.
As they say, “Change is good.”
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Tooth Fairies and Dreams
When our children were just beginning to loose their teeth, we showed them how to put their tooth under their pillow and to discover, what the next morning would bring in its place. Usually it was one penny for each year they were old.
In those days, we lived from pay check to pay check, when there was work. Saying that, you might understand that often after bills were paid, and a few groceries purchased, only a small amount of coins were left, if we were lucky.
One day a loose tooth was pulled, and happily placed under his pillow by our son. Now I was in a quandary, because it was one of those weeks I had mentioned before.
Not usually lost for ideas, I quickly arrived at a solution. The next morning, our son anxiously reached under his pillow to find nothing there. He came crying to me with his predicament. He was certain that the tooth fairy had forgotten him. I took his hand and walked with him back to his bedroom, and asked him if he had looked real good for his prize. He assured me that he had done so.
Well, I asked him, “Did you look under the bed?” He looked at me quizzically as he said, “No,” while he bent down to peer under his bed.
There to his surprise he spied six empty soda pop bottles, which was more than he expected in cash. I told him, “Maybe the tooth fairy had a bad week, and decided to have you turn in the bottles for your reward.” He was satisfied with my answer and was ready to submit his plunder to get his money back. Together we walked to the corner store to turn in his prize.
This time, our son had to wait for his expectation, and in a way, he also must work for it.
Many times in life, we look under our pillow (so to speak) and expect our dreams and ambitions to be fulfilled at once. We have it all figured out exactly what will be there when we lift our pillow.
May I warn you now, so you will not be surprised? You may not discover the exact answer you thought you were anticipating. Instead there may be a detour or another method of arriving at the prize you expected.
God does not always give us instant answers, and many times it is certainly not the solution that we wanted him to give us.
How wonderful it would be if we received $200 every time we passed GO, but life does not usually work that way.
Often, you must wait for His timing, and on other occasions, you must simply work for what you are reaching for.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights - -
In those days, we lived from pay check to pay check, when there was work. Saying that, you might understand that often after bills were paid, and a few groceries purchased, only a small amount of coins were left, if we were lucky.
One day a loose tooth was pulled, and happily placed under his pillow by our son. Now I was in a quandary, because it was one of those weeks I had mentioned before.
Not usually lost for ideas, I quickly arrived at a solution. The next morning, our son anxiously reached under his pillow to find nothing there. He came crying to me with his predicament. He was certain that the tooth fairy had forgotten him. I took his hand and walked with him back to his bedroom, and asked him if he had looked real good for his prize. He assured me that he had done so.
Well, I asked him, “Did you look under the bed?” He looked at me quizzically as he said, “No,” while he bent down to peer under his bed.
There to his surprise he spied six empty soda pop bottles, which was more than he expected in cash. I told him, “Maybe the tooth fairy had a bad week, and decided to have you turn in the bottles for your reward.” He was satisfied with my answer and was ready to submit his plunder to get his money back. Together we walked to the corner store to turn in his prize.
This time, our son had to wait for his expectation, and in a way, he also must work for it.
Many times in life, we look under our pillow (so to speak) and expect our dreams and ambitions to be fulfilled at once. We have it all figured out exactly what will be there when we lift our pillow.
May I warn you now, so you will not be surprised? You may not discover the exact answer you thought you were anticipating. Instead there may be a detour or another method of arriving at the prize you expected.
God does not always give us instant answers, and many times it is certainly not the solution that we wanted him to give us.
How wonderful it would be if we received $200 every time we passed GO, but life does not usually work that way.
Often, you must wait for His timing, and on other occasions, you must simply work for what you are reaching for.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights - -
Friday, October 22, 2010
Left Overs by Hazel
Do you ever consider yourself as a second choice? A cast off from the clearance rack? Or like left overs in the fridge from the day before?
It is so easy to think of ourselves of less worth and value than what we actually are. We stammer when asked a question, and turn red as we share in a class room situation.
Feelings of inadequacy are understood by me, for many similar thoughts raced through my mind as an elementary school student, when it was my turn to stand before the class and recite.
Finding a place to hide was uppermost in my mind.
The only thing that saved me was in knowing it would soon be over, and I could retreat to my spot and disappear again in the crowd.
The acclaimed author Joyce Meyer has said, in her book of the same title: “Do It Afraid.” To defeat your fear her recommendation was to do it afraid.
To me, that was excellent advice, so now when I speak, or write; it is without hesitation, and I go forward with an attitude of; “So what? Here goes anyway.” No fear!
If you find yourself with similar feelings of helplessness and fear of failure; just go ahead and do it afraid. March on, because someone needs to hear or read what you have to say!
Please find my contribution to the Food on Fridays Carnival at http://annkroeker.com/
Turkey Croquettes: An excellent method to use your Left Over Turkey
Make a white sauce from: 3 Tb butter, ¼ cup flour 1 cup milk.
Add to the cooked white sauce: ½ cup chopped onion, ¾ tsp salt, ¼ tsp celery salt, 1 Tb parsley, and 2 cups chopped cooked turkey, mixing well and chill.
In a separate pan, place 2 cups crushed or rolled soda crackers or crushed bread crumbs.
In another pan, beat 1 egg with 2 Tb milk.
Shape the meat mixture into 10 cone shaped croquettes and roll in crumbs then into egg mixture, then in crumbs again. Fry in deep fat 360 degrees until brown.
It is so easy to think of ourselves of less worth and value than what we actually are. We stammer when asked a question, and turn red as we share in a class room situation.
Feelings of inadequacy are understood by me, for many similar thoughts raced through my mind as an elementary school student, when it was my turn to stand before the class and recite.
Finding a place to hide was uppermost in my mind.
The only thing that saved me was in knowing it would soon be over, and I could retreat to my spot and disappear again in the crowd.
The acclaimed author Joyce Meyer has said, in her book of the same title: “Do It Afraid.” To defeat your fear her recommendation was to do it afraid.
To me, that was excellent advice, so now when I speak, or write; it is without hesitation, and I go forward with an attitude of; “So what? Here goes anyway.” No fear!
If you find yourself with similar feelings of helplessness and fear of failure; just go ahead and do it afraid. March on, because someone needs to hear or read what you have to say!
Please find my contribution to the Food on Fridays Carnival at http://annkroeker.com/
Turkey Croquettes: An excellent method to use your Left Over Turkey
Make a white sauce from: 3 Tb butter, ¼ cup flour 1 cup milk.
Add to the cooked white sauce: ½ cup chopped onion, ¾ tsp salt, ¼ tsp celery salt, 1 Tb parsley, and 2 cups chopped cooked turkey, mixing well and chill.
In a separate pan, place 2 cups crushed or rolled soda crackers or crushed bread crumbs.
In another pan, beat 1 egg with 2 Tb milk.
Shape the meat mixture into 10 cone shaped croquettes and roll in crumbs then into egg mixture, then in crumbs again. Fry in deep fat 360 degrees until brown.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Trick or Treat
An empty pillow case was our container to collect our goodies as we trudged door to door in search of treasure that Halloween night.
The three of us kids were dressed for the occasion, and it was an evening of fun and delight.
The last house we ventured to, would not answer the door bell. Perhaps they did not hear us! Ringing the bell again did not bring a response. We peered inside the front window and could see a man sitting at his easy chair reading the newspaper. He ignored us completely.
My brother suggested that we should trick this household because they refused to treat us.
I had just enough meanness in me to agree to his idea. “What shall we do?” I asked my brother.
“Follow me,” he replied, as he started down the side of their house. There we discovered a fuse box and opening it, my brother pulled down a switch that turned off all the lights in the house. Darkness enveloped their abode, and my heart felt that darkness too!
Running away as fast as our legs would carry us, we arrived breathless at home. Nary was a word spoken, and we dared not share this event of trickery with mother.
Has anyone played tricks on you lately? There are times when the brightness in our life turns to shadows and darkness. Perhaps someone has pulled the switch or pressed the button, or you did it yourself. changing where there once was light, into gloom and night.
In times like these, I turn to my Bible to find solace, for I discover many others who were tricked, betrayed, and deceived but they refused to sit in their ashes of misery. David in the Bible, could find no one to encourage him, so he said these famous words, “I will encourage myself in the Lord.”
Jesus spoke and told us that He is the Light of the World, and those who follow him shall NOT walk in darkness. He was beaten, his closes friends were disloyal and yet, he forgave even his tormenters, and those who were ending his physical life.
The good news is that Jesus rose from the dead, and He now makes it possible for each of us, who will receive it, to enjoy His Light and Life within our very being.
Do not allow the temper to trick you by turning out your light, but instead turn to Jesus who brings His light onto your existence.
Trick or Treat? You decide!
The three of us kids were dressed for the occasion, and it was an evening of fun and delight.
The last house we ventured to, would not answer the door bell. Perhaps they did not hear us! Ringing the bell again did not bring a response. We peered inside the front window and could see a man sitting at his easy chair reading the newspaper. He ignored us completely.
My brother suggested that we should trick this household because they refused to treat us.
I had just enough meanness in me to agree to his idea. “What shall we do?” I asked my brother.
“Follow me,” he replied, as he started down the side of their house. There we discovered a fuse box and opening it, my brother pulled down a switch that turned off all the lights in the house. Darkness enveloped their abode, and my heart felt that darkness too!
Running away as fast as our legs would carry us, we arrived breathless at home. Nary was a word spoken, and we dared not share this event of trickery with mother.
Has anyone played tricks on you lately? There are times when the brightness in our life turns to shadows and darkness. Perhaps someone has pulled the switch or pressed the button, or you did it yourself. changing where there once was light, into gloom and night.
In times like these, I turn to my Bible to find solace, for I discover many others who were tricked, betrayed, and deceived but they refused to sit in their ashes of misery. David in the Bible, could find no one to encourage him, so he said these famous words, “I will encourage myself in the Lord.”
Jesus spoke and told us that He is the Light of the World, and those who follow him shall NOT walk in darkness. He was beaten, his closes friends were disloyal and yet, he forgave even his tormenters, and those who were ending his physical life.
The good news is that Jesus rose from the dead, and He now makes it possible for each of us, who will receive it, to enjoy His Light and Life within our very being.
Do not allow the temper to trick you by turning out your light, but instead turn to Jesus who brings His light onto your existence.
Trick or Treat? You decide!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Knock Knock – Who’s There?
As a very young house wife, with three small children, I was appallingly annoyed when door to door sales persons would arrive and knock on my door.
To add to that, I was also watching a forth child for my friend who worked, and I did not take kindly to interruptions.
One eventful day, two young men knocked on my door, and I hesitantly opened it to find them smiling, and seemingly happy to see me. They offered to enroll me in a free Bible course, and suggested that I might also want to purchase a nice Bible for an excellent price.
In those days, I was still learning how to be polite, but on that particular day, I decided I had to get rid of these gentlemen quickly. Honestly, I must admit that I was rude, and I told them I was not interested, and not to come back anymore. I quickly shut the door.
“Good riddance,” I whispered to myself.
Within a few seconds, a gentle knock was again at my door. I reluctantly opened the door to find these same gentlemen still standing there. One of them asked me if I had a Bible in the house. I snapped at him, “Yes I certainly did.” He then asked me to do him a favor after I closed the door, and to go and read a certain scripture. I promised that I would do that.
He handed me a scripture reference, written on a small slip of paper, and said, “Thank you and good by.”
Shutting the door, I found my Bible and opened to:
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Guilt, embarrassment, shame, remorse, self condemnation flooded over my soul, like waves dashing on the rocks below.
I knew those men were not angels, or were they?
Regardless, of who they were, I had not treated them civilly. I had been discourteous and bad-mannered.
Like a slap of cold water to my face, this was a simple lesson learned, to treat others, even sales persons with respect.
I now live in the woods, so no one knocks on my door, but I receive many telephone calls wanting me to do a survey or purchase something.
This is what I tell them; “I want to thank you for calling and giving me the opportunity to do this, but I must decline. Thank you again, and have a nice day.”
If it works for me it will work for you, and it will save you condemnation over slamming down the receiver!!
This story was entered in "One Word at a Time" tag Condemnation. Please check out this lovely site: http://www.bridgetchumbley.com/
To add to that, I was also watching a forth child for my friend who worked, and I did not take kindly to interruptions.
One eventful day, two young men knocked on my door, and I hesitantly opened it to find them smiling, and seemingly happy to see me. They offered to enroll me in a free Bible course, and suggested that I might also want to purchase a nice Bible for an excellent price.
In those days, I was still learning how to be polite, but on that particular day, I decided I had to get rid of these gentlemen quickly. Honestly, I must admit that I was rude, and I told them I was not interested, and not to come back anymore. I quickly shut the door.
“Good riddance,” I whispered to myself.
Within a few seconds, a gentle knock was again at my door. I reluctantly opened the door to find these same gentlemen still standing there. One of them asked me if I had a Bible in the house. I snapped at him, “Yes I certainly did.” He then asked me to do him a favor after I closed the door, and to go and read a certain scripture. I promised that I would do that.
He handed me a scripture reference, written on a small slip of paper, and said, “Thank you and good by.”
Shutting the door, I found my Bible and opened to:
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Guilt, embarrassment, shame, remorse, self condemnation flooded over my soul, like waves dashing on the rocks below.
I knew those men were not angels, or were they?
Regardless, of who they were, I had not treated them civilly. I had been discourteous and bad-mannered.
Like a slap of cold water to my face, this was a simple lesson learned, to treat others, even sales persons with respect.
I now live in the woods, so no one knocks on my door, but I receive many telephone calls wanting me to do a survey or purchase something.
This is what I tell them; “I want to thank you for calling and giving me the opportunity to do this, but I must decline. Thank you again, and have a nice day.”
If it works for me it will work for you, and it will save you condemnation over slamming down the receiver!!
This story was entered in "One Word at a Time" tag Condemnation. Please check out this lovely site: http://www.bridgetchumbley.com/
Monday, October 18, 2010
Little Things That Make me Happy
Some silly little things still give me a thrill, for instance when I finally balance my check book, hurrah!!
Or observing the flowers I planted peek through, and begin to bud and bloom.
Working at my computer is of great satisfaction to me - - and to relax, I benefit from some of the online games, because they cause me to think and to exercise my mind.
Finding a genuine bargain, if at a local store, online, or at a yard sale is exciting to me.
I especially enjoy my dogs as they play, and they beg me to join in with a game of fetch.
My husband still enchantments me as I see him each day. He remains to me as the 20 year old man that I married 60 years ago, with only a few physical changes here and there.
A friend of mine has a list of over 100 things that bring her joy. From the sun rise, to the sun set, viewing the moon and the stars, and the first gentle rain. A babies smile, the smell of fresh bread baking. Her list goes on and on.
My mother would call this counting our blessings. Putting on paper the things that we are thankful for, that bring us a reason for happiness. It is also good to verbally share with others how much you love and appreciate them. Your voice of affection will cause them to be happy!
Happiness is a decision. We make a choice to find pleasure in all that we do and accomplish, even the chores of keeping a household together. Finding contentment and satisfaction in our work, rejoicing in our friends and family brings health to our bones!
Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.
If you have been guilty of complaining or grumbling about your daily activities, it would make life easier if you begin to view each day, as a blessing.
“This is the Day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Lest I forget, there is one more thing that delights and makes me happy, and that is when you lead a little child in the sinner’s prayer, and they receive Jesus into their heart.
Vicariously you experience their spark of new life and it is almost like you yourself are being born again at the same time as they encounter God.
Yes, serving Jesus makes me happy, and He brings me joy and pleasure in my day.
Psalms 144:15 Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
Or observing the flowers I planted peek through, and begin to bud and bloom.
Working at my computer is of great satisfaction to me - - and to relax, I benefit from some of the online games, because they cause me to think and to exercise my mind.
Finding a genuine bargain, if at a local store, online, or at a yard sale is exciting to me.
I especially enjoy my dogs as they play, and they beg me to join in with a game of fetch.
My husband still enchantments me as I see him each day. He remains to me as the 20 year old man that I married 60 years ago, with only a few physical changes here and there.
A friend of mine has a list of over 100 things that bring her joy. From the sun rise, to the sun set, viewing the moon and the stars, and the first gentle rain. A babies smile, the smell of fresh bread baking. Her list goes on and on.
My mother would call this counting our blessings. Putting on paper the things that we are thankful for, that bring us a reason for happiness. It is also good to verbally share with others how much you love and appreciate them. Your voice of affection will cause them to be happy!
Happiness is a decision. We make a choice to find pleasure in all that we do and accomplish, even the chores of keeping a household together. Finding contentment and satisfaction in our work, rejoicing in our friends and family brings health to our bones!
Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.
If you have been guilty of complaining or grumbling about your daily activities, it would make life easier if you begin to view each day, as a blessing.
“This is the Day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Lest I forget, there is one more thing that delights and makes me happy, and that is when you lead a little child in the sinner’s prayer, and they receive Jesus into their heart.
Vicariously you experience their spark of new life and it is almost like you yourself are being born again at the same time as they encounter God.
Yes, serving Jesus makes me happy, and He brings me joy and pleasure in my day.
Psalms 144:15 Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Pumpkin Nut Bread - Hazel
"Could you please bake a loaf of nut bread for Church for next Sunday?" the new Pastors wife asked me. The bread was to be enjoyed during the fellowship time with the members.
My apple tree was producing so, checking my file of recipes I found a perfect quick bread that called for pumpkin, but could be varied with apples or zucchini.
As the church grew, 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!
About that time, I had applied for a job with the County and was hired.
Since I was already in the habit of baking nut bread each week, I began to bring various nut breads to work with me each Monday.
Each Monday, the bread was expected and enjoyed. The staff even dubbed the bread, “Hazel Bread.” 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 truly 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. - - - I am that bread of life.
PUMPKIN NUT BREAD (Makes 2 loaves)
Adapt this recipe with zucchini, apples or blue berries.
Place into your sifter:
3 cups flour, 1 tsp soda, 1 tsp salt, 3 level tsps cinnamon, 1 ½ cups sugar.
Mix in a large separate bowl,
4 beaten eggs, 2 cups pumpkin (or other fruit) 1 cup vegetable oil.
Sift the dry ingredients into the liquid and stir well. Add ½ cup chopped walnuts and gently mix all together.
Pour into two loaf pans and bake at 350 one hour. Let cool on a rack. Serve warm or cold.
Wrap the second loaf with plastic wrap, put it into a freezer bag and freeze.
This post was shared at "FOOD ON FRIDAYS" at: http://annkroeker.com/ Please check out Ann's site. Also shared at: Simply Sweet Creations:
My apple tree was producing so, checking my file of recipes I found a perfect quick bread that called for pumpkin, but could be varied with apples or zucchini.
As the church grew, 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!
About that time, I had applied for a job with the County and was hired.
Since I was already in the habit of baking nut bread each week, I began to bring various nut breads to work with me each Monday.
Each Monday, the bread was expected and enjoyed. The staff even dubbed the bread, “Hazel Bread.” 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 truly 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. - - - I am that bread of life.
PUMPKIN NUT BREAD (Makes 2 loaves)
Adapt this recipe with zucchini, apples or blue berries.
Place into your sifter:
3 cups flour, 1 tsp soda, 1 tsp salt, 3 level tsps cinnamon, 1 ½ cups sugar.
Mix in a large separate bowl,
4 beaten eggs, 2 cups pumpkin (or other fruit) 1 cup vegetable oil.
Sift the dry ingredients into the liquid and stir well. Add ½ cup chopped walnuts and gently mix all together.
Pour into two loaf pans and bake at 350 one hour. Let cool on a rack. Serve warm or cold.
Wrap the second loaf with plastic wrap, put it into a freezer bag and freeze.
This post was shared at "FOOD ON FRIDAYS" at: http://annkroeker.com/ Please check out Ann's site. Also shared at: Simply Sweet Creations:
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Children are quick to Believe
Thinking back to when I was very young, perhaps 3 or 4 years old, I was willing to believe the older neighbor boys who offered me candy. They were full of mischief and mean little critters.
“Close your eyes, and open your mouth and we will give you some candy,” they excitedly told me.
Naive and believing as I was, I did as I was told, and received a mouthful of dirt!
Sobbing loudly and calling out Mama, Mama, I ran for home and was soon cleaned up.
That incident did not cure me of trust, for I continued to believe what I was told by others, but as time went on, I also learned to study and seek out what is truth.
Jesus chose a mottled group for his 12 closest followers. Most were unlearned men.
Why would the Christ select such simple ignorant men of unrenowned fame?
Why would Jesus state that we must come to him as a little child?
A child will believe and accept as truth even before they see it.
Many argue that there are difficult truths in the Bible that are hard to accept, such as speaking in other tongues, and the spiritual gifts spoken of in God’s word.
If instead of squabbling and disputing God’s gifts, perhaps we should as little children, come and receive the MORE that God offers to us as believers.
“Ye shall receive Power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you,” were the words of Jesus.
Yes, all believers have the Holy Spirit when they acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but the infilling of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct experience.
The most widely gift not accepted by the sophisticated and prideful, is the gift of tongues.
There are several excellent reasons to receive the gift of tongues.
First it is the initial evidence that you have received the Holy Spirit Baptism.
Second it a prayer language between you and God. You may not understand the language, but you will have a general idea what you are praying for. The wonderful thing is that other spiritual powers trying to hinder your prayers will not be able to interfere with your direct line to God.
Thirdly you yourself are edified and built up when you worship God while praying in other tongues.
Fourth this is a gift to be used when accepted by the church that may proceed a second gift called the gift of interpretation. These two gifts will bless and encourage believers.
Paul said, Do NOT forbid to speak in tongues, and then he said, “I speak in tongues more than you all.” He referred to his spiritual praying to God using his powerful gift.
This very gift enabled Paul to follow his course until the end.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
He Prayed with His Head in a Box
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In the year 1905 a humble non-educated African American preacher, journeyed by train from Houston to Los Angeles.
There he was only to be locked out of the church that had sent for him. His message was too wild for the majority of the sophisticated and prideful leaders of the group.
Rev William Seymour turned to God in prayer along with a small following of believers, as they prayed diligently to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
On April 9, 1906, at a prayer meeting in a modest home on Bonnie Brae Street in Los Angeles, a few men and women spoke in other tongues. They had been meeting to pray for "an outpouring" of the Holy Spirit. The tongues speech convinced them that they had "broken through."
Soon the small house where they held meetings could not contain the large crowds that began to gather. An old warehouse that had at one time been a church became their meeting place. This setting was the beginning of a spiritual Revival known as the Azusa Street Revival. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Street_Revival
The church building was sparse in its furnishing, with benches that had no back, and no pulpit. Rev Seymour sat behind two empty shoe boxes stacked on top of one another.
Rev Seymour would put his head inside the top box and pray until it was time for him to preach.
This was his way to escape from the distractions around him, and to be alone with God!
The intermingling of races and the group's encouragement of women in leadership was remarkable. The rich, the poor, and all denominations came to seek God and were blessed to overflowing. Mighty healings occurred, and prayers in other tongues were offered for missionaries, and for the many prayer requests that were brought in.
Over 50 nations were influenced as ministers traveled from other countries, and they along with new missionaries went forth to preach and teach what became known as the Full Gospel message.
Doctrinal differences abounded, and many separate organizations and denominations sprung from the initial revivals. The Church of God in Christ was formed in 1907, the Assemblies of God and United Pentecostal Church were formed in 1914, and the Pentecostal Church of God was formed in 1919 at the Sharon Bible School.
Today, there are more than 500 million Pentecostal and charismatic believers across the globe. The Pentecostal denomination is currently second in size behind the Roman Catholic Church and is the fastest-growing form of Christianity today.
Perhaps it is the hour that more of us should put our head in a box as we pray for a Supernatural and powerful move from the Lord.
In the year 1905 a humble non-educated African American preacher, journeyed by train from Houston to Los Angeles.
There he was only to be locked out of the church that had sent for him. His message was too wild for the majority of the sophisticated and prideful leaders of the group.
Rev William Seymour turned to God in prayer along with a small following of believers, as they prayed diligently to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
On April 9, 1906, at a prayer meeting in a modest home on Bonnie Brae Street in Los Angeles, a few men and women spoke in other tongues. They had been meeting to pray for "an outpouring" of the Holy Spirit. The tongues speech convinced them that they had "broken through."
Soon the small house where they held meetings could not contain the large crowds that began to gather. An old warehouse that had at one time been a church became their meeting place. This setting was the beginning of a spiritual Revival known as the Azusa Street Revival. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Street_Revival
The church building was sparse in its furnishing, with benches that had no back, and no pulpit. Rev Seymour sat behind two empty shoe boxes stacked on top of one another.
Rev Seymour would put his head inside the top box and pray until it was time for him to preach.
This was his way to escape from the distractions around him, and to be alone with God!
The intermingling of races and the group's encouragement of women in leadership was remarkable. The rich, the poor, and all denominations came to seek God and were blessed to overflowing. Mighty healings occurred, and prayers in other tongues were offered for missionaries, and for the many prayer requests that were brought in.
Over 50 nations were influenced as ministers traveled from other countries, and they along with new missionaries went forth to preach and teach what became known as the Full Gospel message.
Doctrinal differences abounded, and many separate organizations and denominations sprung from the initial revivals. The Church of God in Christ was formed in 1907, the Assemblies of God and United Pentecostal Church were formed in 1914, and the Pentecostal Church of God was formed in 1919 at the Sharon Bible School.
Today, there are more than 500 million Pentecostal and charismatic believers across the globe. The Pentecostal denomination is currently second in size behind the Roman Catholic Church and is the fastest-growing form of Christianity today.
Perhaps it is the hour that more of us should put our head in a box as we pray for a Supernatural and powerful move from the Lord.
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