Candle Ceremony Announces Advent.

My cozy beautiful church has shone brightly the past two Sundays with added Christmas decorations each week. Next Sunday the members will bring poinsettias to place across the front of the church, each in honor of a loved one.

My childhood church memories are of Christmas programs where the children memorized poems about the Savior. The young adult members usually presented a play that told a message or depicted the Christmas story. Our church always had a large beautifully decorated Christmas tree with boxes of Christmas candy and an orange for each child after the program.

As a child our church did not celebrate Advent with candles.

My present church does celebrate Advent, and on an oak table are those slender purple candles, “Hope, Love, Joy” and one pink candle representing, “Peace” with a larger white candle representing Christ in the center. The ritual is lovely and I am enjoying the pageantry of it all.  Although this church is different to me, my friends there are Saints and they accept me for who I am, even though I am a bit diverse in some ways.

In fact they are so much a part of me, that they welcome my stories as long as I keep them short and not too preachy. Although the members at my current church do not recognize it, the times that I share with my shortened and edited blog stories, they are receiving a Holy Spirit exhortation from the Lord. They ask me, why do your stories strike my heart as they do? Like an arrow that finds it mark they go where needed.

Some of my Charismatic friends have wondered why I would end up in a church that is so unlike my Pentecostal upbringing. There are several reasons, but the most important is that God sent me there, so it appears as if I am there to stay - - at least for now. God is teaching me to be patient, long suffering and respectful.

On Sunday our moderator announced that there is to be a Christmas Marriage ceremony at our church. The prospective couple came last Saturday to view our church and were so pleased with the decorations. All this will fit in beautifully with their Wedding plans as they come together to join two lives as one.

We are reminded that we join with our Lord to become one with Him as we prepare to celebrate His birthday!  The Advent - - the arrival of the Messiah, the dawn of a new day.


image courtesy photobucket.com



This post has been entered on Shanda's Best of 2011 blog hop in light of her One Year Blogaversary at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/  

Wonderful Counselor

As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Pastor was reading today from Isaiah 9:6-7. Gleaning from his message there was a distinct contrast of darkness and light. The one prophesied to come would shatter the darkness.

The Old Testament was black with death and gloom yet the prophets proclaimed that light would surely arrive. After 600 years of tears, the New Testament plucked Light from the darkness.

A Virgin shall conceive and bring forth the Son of Righteousness. His name shall be called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, and our Prince of Peace.

As a young twelve year old boy, Jesus was about His Father’s business.

As Jesus entered His ministry, He was teaching, preaching and doing miracles. Jesus declared that He was the way, the truth and the Life; that He was the Light of the World and we would not need to walk in darkness. He gave of himself, his sweat, tears, blood and His very life.

He brought Good News to the sinner and to the poor a cheering illumination of salvation.

Sins forgiven, sickness healed, promises fulfilled, all met through Christ.

Jesus walked in the shadows of darkness and through death entered that blackness and swallowed up death in victory. He identified with us and was acquainted with grief. His life was freely given to bring us to His Father God.

All that Jesus did was not in a general way, but in a personal manner. He desires for us to declare, “Set up your throne in my heart and rule and reign over my life.”

Today He shines in our hearts because of that first star over Bethlehem. God was in Christ reconciling the World to Him-self.  And now; Christ in us the Hope of Glory.

The Government shall be upon His shoulders and of His amazing Grace there shall be no end.

Sometimes we may sense that we are stumbling in the darkness, and stubbing our toes.

Yet we turn to Jesus, place our faith in Him, and He will illuminate the night and enable us to be filled with His Joy, Wonder and Light.

This post is linked to: “Hear it on Sunday, use it on Monday.” Do visit her site at:
http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/12/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday.html

Pumpkin Cake

At our house we love pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin bars, and of course pumpkin cake.

If you have available a real pumpkin, cut it in half remove the seeds and bake it for one hour at 350 degrees. Then peel it and process the pumpkin meat in your food processor.  Use the pulp in any recipe calling for pumpkin. Two cups equals 1 small can.

Or do it the easy way like I usually do.  Simply purchase a couple of 15 oz cans of pumpkin.

For a different cake, you will enjoy this one that is popular at our table. 

Pumpkin Cake

Combine and mix well:

1 large can 29 oz pumpkin (or 2 small 15 oz cans)
1 can evaporated milk
3 eggs beaten
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar

Mix well and pour into a 9x13 pan

Sprinkle over the top 1 package dry yellow cake mix

Pour 3/4 cup melted Margarine (or butter) over the dry cake mix.

Sprinkle 1 cup chopped walnuts on top of the butter and bake 50 minutes at 350 degrees or until the pumpkin is set. Remove and cool.  Enjoy.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays do visit her site at” http://annkroeker.com/2011/12/01/food-on-fridays-dining-alone/

Mission Generation Bolivia

Sometimes you connect with a ministry that is doing a great work, and you can’t remember exactly how that first came about.

One of my many missionary newsletters must have mentioned Mission Generation Bolivia and I remember the impulse to check it out. http://www.missiongeneration.org/

The amazing thing is that Rocky and Joske are linked up with the Bolivian Congress to provide textbooks they have written, proclaiming Jesus Christ and a teaching of a good moral life to the class rooms of Bolivia and other South American nations. They also work with Feed the Children in a local feeding program where they live in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

I consider myself too old to sponsor just ONE child in Compassion or one of the other wonderful programs that help feed a child and their family and also provide schooling.

By working with Rocky and Joske I am blanketing my monthly contribution over many children not only in Bolivia but other countries where their life changing program is being offered.

I can’t go to Bolivia, or the many other mission fields but I can have a part in giving and by praying. If you are thinking about where to plant a portion of your seed into good ground, please consider Missions Generation Bolivia.

Do check out their site http://www.missiongeneration.org/  If interested: Click on "Who we are," then click on Founders, then Click on sponsor Rocky and Joske.

Quote from their Web Site:
“Miraculously, God has provided Mission Generation with an opportunity to proclaim Christ in the public school systems of Bolivia which has opened doors throughout Latin America. This is amazing because the curriculum that Mission Generation uses is Jesus centered and Biblically based.

In Bolivia, there are 2.7 million students in grades K-12. The Bolivian Congress has passed a resolution giving authorization for Mission Generation's curriculum to be used in the nation's public schools. While this does not dictate that the schools must use the Mission Generation's material, it certainly provides an opportunity for the Gospel to be proclaimed to millions of students through the Bolivian public schools which is our ultimate objective.


Why would a secular government endorse teaching Jesus Christ in their public school system? Governments have found that by using the Mission Generation curriculum, presented as an ethics and morals program, there has been a reduction in truancy, teen pregnancy, gang participation and drug/alcohol abuse. There has also been a recorded increase in graduation rates in schools that implement the Mission Generation material.


The Mission Generation textbooks have been accepted by Catholics, Evangelicals and government. While it is easy to dismiss this opportunity as too good to be true, it is literally open season in the public schools, the largest network in the country of Latin America to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. There is no need to buy property, build buildings or pay teachers.


This opportunity extends beyond the borders of Bolivia. Programs in Paraguay and Chile are operational and seventeen other Latin American and Caribbean countries have all expressed an interest in bringing Mission Generation's curriculum to their countries.”

If you like the Mission Generation program, share this post with others.

Linked today with Brag on God Friday at: http://www.beholdingglory.com/1/post/2011/12/brag-on-god-friday17.html

COME Just as You Are!

Many churches now days are more relaxed in their dress code.  Come as You are! All are welcome, many churches will say.

I was reminded of a time when I was in Junior High School.  Our group of campfire girls had decided to have a party and it was to be a “Come as you are party.”

The leader of our group was to telephone each girl and what ever they were wearing at the time of the call that was to be worn to the party.

Early on Saturday morning our telephone rang and someone at the other end asked for me. I realized this might be the call that I expected and rather hoped it was NOT.

I had just gotten out of bed, was still in my Pajamas, and slippers and my hair was not curled. I said to my-self, “This is a fine how do you do - - I am a mess !”

“Hello,” I said as I answered the phone. "Hi, this is Patsy, and we are calling everyone to let them know the party has been cancelled."

I was somewhat relieved, because I did not want to show up at a party dressed in my Pajamas. That would be terribly embarrassing!!

The Bible tells us that there is a time coming when Christ will return unannounced for His Saints. The trumpet will blow and all the believers will rise to meet the Lord Jesus.

This celebration will be a “COME AS YOU ARE” festivity.

For those who are not ready, there will NOT be time to change any spiritual clothing that may be dirty, soiled, torn or ugly. The Bible urges us to be prepared in our hearts because we do not know the day or the hour – Only the Father knows that time and it will be a surprise party.

The Holy Scriptures tell us to be clothed in the robe of His righteousness, the garment of Salvation, the garment of praise and to be living according to God’s plan for our lives.

These beautiful spiritual garments are what I desire to be wearing when Jesus returns.

How about you? When He calls and says, “COME just as you are,” will you be ready?

I truly hope so, and if not, now is the time to make those adjustments while it is yet day.

* * * * * * *

The invitation is out and Jesus says, "Come as You Are, and I will wash you in my blood that was shed for YOU, and I will make you clean.  You will not leave here the same way you came!"

 

Fruit of the Spirit is Self Control

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Gleaning from Pastor Carl’s Sunday’s sermon on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit - - Self Control.

Self Control is essential first of all to control our tongue. The tongue is difficult to control and James states that even though it is a little member, it is able to create much fire.

The Fruit of Self Control will enable us to control our words, our temper, our attitudes, our appetites, our eating and drinking.

Pastor, spoke about our love for God should always be first in our lives. Our soul is worth more than riches, honor, fame - - or anything else in this world.

Jesus died so that we might live. He is the vine and we are the branches. All the fruit of the Holy Spirit is first in him, and then in us as we discover who we are in Christ.

Jesus said, the Kingdom of God is within you. As He is so are we. Out of the heart proceeds all manner of living either evil or good. As a person thinks, so is that person. Let this mind be in you. God offers us a new heart, a renewed mind, a brave clean heart.

There is an old song, “Create in Me a Clean Heart.” You may enjoy it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYZibL9w2U8

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah spoke of a New Covenant, a New Testament, written in the blood of our Savior. It is a crimson tide that washes and changes us.

Paul spoke of the law not written on stones but now written on our Hearts.

All nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit is blended into one fruit and is to be activated by LOVE motivated from the inside to the outside.

Jesus said to abide in Him, and He is in us. As we give ourselves to Christ, he gives us all the fruit back.

May all the Fruit of the Holy Spirit Abound in YOU!

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem. Please visit to soak up good words you will discover there. http://www.jumptandem.net/2011/11/sunday_26.html

Also linked with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday. Please visit there as well at:
http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/11/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday_28.html

Black Friday

image courtesy photobucket.com

My daughter now lives close by, but a few years ago, she and her family resided several hundred miles away.

They had made the trip to come for Thanksgiving to our place.



image courtesy photobucket.com

 I was still working, and had requested a vacation day on Friday so my daughter and I could do some Christmas shopping on the Black Friday. 

Not too far from our home, there is a large mall with a variety of stores and small shops.

We had decided to visit the Sears store as they had advertised many good bargains including a sale of winter ladies Pajamas.  Regardless of being on sale, the variety of colors made it difficult to make our decisions.

Since we were so engrossed in gathering Pajamas for all the girls in our family we did not notice the photographers from the Local Newspaper in the store taking pictures.

Snap, snap and flashes went off.  Not a thought that it might be us in the photos; we were just happy that the crowd of shoppers were so jubilant.

Having enjoyed an eventful shopping excursion, and catching lunch at the Mall’s Food Court we headed for home to be with the rest of our family.

The week end was over, our loved ones returned home to their jobs, and on Monday I went back to work.

image courtesy photobucket.com

My supervisor met me as I entered the building and exclaimed, “It was a good thing that you took a Vacation day on Friday and did not call in sick, because we all saw your picture in Saturday’s newspaper.”

If I had been inventing a lie and pretending to be sick in order to take a day off work, I would have been caught dead to rights.  There would have been the proof there in black and white for all to see.

No, I was not sick, I was on vacation.

Yes, I had done the right thing and took one of my vacation days to shop and visit with my daughter.

Now I must admit that there have been times in the past, that I have manipulated events, but as far as lying, that would be inexcusable.

One of Sir Walter Scott famous quotes says, “Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive.”

How much simpler is it to tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may.

Proverbs 8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

If you went shopping on Black Friday, I do hope you told your supervisor the truth.

I also trust that you got some real bargains. We did!

Linked to Spiritual Sundays, do visit there at: http://bit.ly/s0pXd7

Pass the Mashed Potatoes Please

image courtesy Photobucket.com

He loved mashed potatoes! That is how I remember my brother Allen as we grew up.

One particular Thanksgiving dinner in days gone by, we were all gathered around mother and dad’s table.

Uncle Martin and his family had joined us as we were about to enjoy our turkey with all the trimmings.

Uncle Martin was not aware of my brother’s love for mashed potatoes, and he politely handed the large bowl to my brother first.

Our family secret was that we never allowed my brother to have the bowl of potatoes until everyone else had been served, but our uncle did not know this.

Allen took the bowl and without thinking he proceeded to empty all the potatoes onto his plate.

All eyes were on Allen, and Uncle Martin began to laugh, and his remark was, “Well should we pass the bowl around, or should we simply pass Allen’s plate?

Awakened from his stupor, Allen guiltily put most of the potatoes back in the bowl, and no more was said about this as we enjoyed our meal.

No doubt about it that mother took Allen aside privately and lectured him about being concerned for others at the table.

Today I am thankful that long ago Allen has learned to share his potatoes with others.  :-)

In this land of plenty, there is much to be thankful for. Even those who enjoyed a Fast Food or even a simple meal can still be grateful that they had food to eat.

While we know that there are many who are less fortunate, there are those of us who are discovering ways to share our potatoes with others.

Do you hear them? - - - They are saying, “Please pass the potatoes.”

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.

Also linked to Brag on God Fridays at Laura’s site. Do visit to find many good words there at: http://www.beholdingglory.com/1/post/2011/11/brag-on-god-friday16.html

We See Jesus

Today I share with you the Week Day Devotional by Beth Jones.  "WE SEE JESUS."  You might enjoy learning more about this beautiful couple who radiate the beauty of Jesus. 

Jeff and Beth Jones Ministries

Two Ten Resources

P.O. Box 745 - Portage, MI 49081

http://www.jeffandbethjones.org/

We See Jesus

"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us…." Psalm 90:17, NKJV
___________________________________

Have we considered the beauty of the Lord?

The psalmist must have known something about the beauty of the Lord. When he came into God's house, he was overwhelmed and hungered for Him.

"...One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple." (Psalm 27:4, AMP)

His beauty is also described as...His sweet attractiveness, delightful loveliness, pleasantness, approval and favor.

Have you seen Jesus in these ways? I am sure that many could use a refresher...myself included. Jesus has revealed Himself and the Father to us through His earthly life and ministry and through His Word. Let's look at how He has revealed Himself.

Today, may you meditate on Jesus and how He is revealed in His Word. Think on His beauty. His attractiveness. His loveliness. His pleasantness. His approval. His favor. These words will prime your pump.

Jesus is beautiful because He is...

• Merciful
• Loving
• Gracious
• Forgiving
• Accepting
• Favorable
• Kind
• Patient
• Faithful
• Strong
• Good
• Loving
• Compassionate
• Joyful
• Peaceful
• Gentle
• Mighty
• Tolerant
• All-wise
• All-knowing
• Righteous
• Perfect

Jesus is beautiful because He is our...

• Teacher
• Preacher
• Healer
• Brother
• Friend
• Light
• Shepherd
• Savior
• Redeemer

Jesus is beautiful because He is the...

• Way
• Truth
• Life
• Alpha
• Omega
• Author
• Finisher
• King of kings
• Lord of lords

Let's pray that we see Jesus afresh and that the beauty of the Lord may be upon us in a fresh way.

Say It: "Father, I thank You for a fresh revelation of the beauty of the Lord. May Your beauty be upon me in a fresh way. Open my eyes to see Jesus and His beauty, His attractiveness, His loveliness, His pleasantness, His approval and His favor. In Jesus' Name. Amen."



The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is Faithfulness

image courtesy photobucket.com

Gleaning from the message on Sunday as our Pastor began his teaching by reading the following scriptures.

1 Corinthians 1:9 (NASB) God is FAITHFUL, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV) Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found FAITHFUL.

Luke 16:10 (NKJV) He who is FAITHFUL in what is least is FAITHFUL also in much;

As believers we know and understand that our God is FAITHFUL and we wait to hear Him say of us,  "Well done thou good and FAITHFUL servant, enter into the Joys of the Lord.”

We are called to be FAITHFUL unto death and then we will receive our crown.

God is the owner of all things, and we are given stewardship to manage over what we claim as ours. We give back to God of what we have first been given.

image courtesy photobucket.com

We are stewards, co-workers, managers of His grace and gifts. Faithfulness demands obedience, and loyalty to God’s truth. Faithfulness is both an attitude and an action shown toward God and toward others.

God is generous in that He has bestowed upon us His grace and mercy. It is only by His doing that we live and breathe.

Pastor described a logo used by an Asian company. It was an image of a man standing on his word. We must be FAITHFUL to stand on our word. I am reminded of the Gospel Hymn titled, “Standing on the Promises of God.”

God stands on His word. All the promises of God find their final Amen in Jesus. Jesus came down from heaven to lift us up.

God’s word never passes away, and He is FAITHFUL to perform it. God calls us to faithfulness and to Keep the Faith that he has given us.

We are to be FAITHFUL stewards of the message of Good News that Jesus died so that we might live. “We have been bought with a price and if we confess our sins, He is FAITHFUL and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” May we all continue in our Faithfulness to God,

This post has been linked to Deidra's new Sunday Jump community. Please join with others at: http://www.jumptandem.net/2011/11/sunday_19.html

Also linked with Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday. Please visit there at: Graceful! http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/11/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday_21.html