The Beatitudes...series..."Pharisaism Still Prevalent"

Today is another installment from the Taylor G. Bunch book - "The Beatitudes" 

 Pharisaism Still Prevalent 

That this beatitude is still up to date is evident from Christ's description of the church in the last, or remnant, phase of its existence, as described in Revelation 3:14-17. The spirit of pharisaism is the spirit of human nature, and is just as prevalent now as in the days when Jesus was among men. The church in its present condition is proud in spirit. Its members do not recognize their spiritual condition. They even boast of their spiritually "rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing," when in reality they are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." 

The message that describes the spiritual pride of the last-day church also provides a complete remedy. A vision of the spotless purity of the character of Christ will completely change the situation. Spiritual pride cannot flourish in those who behold Jesus. The more we esteem Him the less we shall esteem ourselves. Just as soon as the modern church changes its attitude toward its own condition and needs, Jesus will abundantly supply His people with the pure gold of faith, love, a nd truth, the robe of His spotless righteousness, and the anointing with spiritual eye salve that will restore spiritual vision. 

There is a poverty that makes rich. Spiritual wealth awaits those who feel poverty stricken in spirit. TO the persecuted church of Smyrna, Jesus said, "I know... thy poverty, (but thou art rich)." Rev. 2:9. Many of the poorest in earthly possessions are spiritually wealthy; and many of the richest are moral paupers and spiritual bankrupts. True riches are the heritage of those only who recognize their spiritual needs. "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" James 2:5. 

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Next week we will begin the chapter titled "Comforting The Mourners" Hope to see you come to read it. :O) 

I Could Wear That!

Well lucky for me - this photo was something I had shared on Facebook so was able to get it for this post. :o)

So I am not really the tee-shirt wearing girl, but when I saw this on an advertisement on Facebook - I thought I might just have to get me one of those! 

"Legalize Freedom" 

Over the last year we have truly lost a whole lot of freedoms. Some have tried to argue with me that we have not, but that doesn't make them right. 

The sad thing is that we are headed in the wrong direction- the direction of losing freedoms that many of us have taken for granted. We need to to remember this when we can own a Bible and read it, when we can worship with our fellow believers. This may not always be the case. Sad but true. 

(photo from an advertisement on Facebook)

Hit a Snag

 So I have a whole lot of stuff going on around here. There is a lot of things to do to get ready for my garden. I have my little plants growing so nicely and some are almost ready to be planted. A few others will be graduating to a larger solo cup - probably tomorrow. 

As I have been working - I have had a few little surprises around here and I can't wait to share them with you, but for some reason when I send my photos to my email address - to get access to them for my blog - I am not able to open the photos. So I will have to have my husband help me with that. Not sure when that will happen. So it looks like I will be taking a few days off. I do have a great sermon to share with you. And hopefully I can get somethings for my Freebie Friday and Best Deal posts, we shall see. 

Hope you all are doing well and staying safe. See you soon. :O) 

My Best Deal

So this week I don't have much to share in the ways of best deals. But here it is. 

I went to HEB early one morning this week and this 2.2lb bag of laundry detergent was on the clearance rack. Normally it sells for $1.97 

 I paid 49 cents! 

It says it gets laundry whiter. 

I have never tried it before but for 49 cents it was worth trying. 

Hopefully next weeks best deal is more exciting. lol :) 

Lessons About Boats - Sermon

Happy Sabbath to you all. I hope that you all are doing well and thriving. 

Today I wanted to share a sermon about lessons learned from Boats. I thought it was quite interesting the many lessons. Hope you are blessed :O) 

Freebie Friday!

I am kind of glad that I did not get a post done last week because this week has been very busy and so it was nice to have something to post about for Freebie Friday. 

 Last week I went to my favorite little thrift store nearby and in their free box out front I found this cut jar/piggy bank. It is 9 inches tall. You can see where the money goes in there at the right side of the jar. It originally came with a large cork in the top of it. Sadly, the cork was not with it when I got it. But it is still a very useful jar and cute as well. 

This jar was from the Crock Shop in Santa Ana, CA. The stamp on the bottom of my jar is about totally gone- but when I looked these up on Ebay - I saw a bottom stamp that was still showing up on one of the jars- and I could tell it was what had been on mine. You can find all sorts of cool things from the Crock Shop - on Ebay. Even a few of these Tax Money jars. There is one "Thyme for Saving" jar that I think is really cute. 

Anyway - that is it for our Freebie Friday post. I hope you all are doing well and thriving! :O) 

Hardening Off

One of the many activates that I have going this week is something important to do when you start seeds inside. And thankfully for a gardening group I am a part of on Facebook - I did not make a big mistake last week. 

My Kale and Swiss Chard plants were looking leggy and leaning over. I had thought I better get them planted out in the garden - then they will thrive. But thankfully before I did I noticed someone ask a question about plants needing to be hardened off ...I believe is how they phrased it. Anyway the answers were that it is very important to slowly get your plants used to being outside and in the elements before planting them into the garden. It would have been tough on my little plants to go from the comfort of my sunroom - to the elements -with out any warning. Hardening the plants - is a way of warning them of what is to come and to help them get stronger and more able to handle the changing elements that are uncontrollably outside. 

 So I am taking my plants outside every day for a few hours- the idea is to increase the time each day so that they do better and better and spend more time - then it will be time to transplant them into the ground. I will miss them being inside. It is quite easy to care for them as they sit on my shelve in the sunroom. I can go check on them easily as well.  

So thankful for the wisdom that God sends my way. 

So I may have shared this last week - if I did - sorry. But the same day that I had planned on putting my plants out in the garden- I got a text from my mom - in our conversation she told me about the possibility of strong winds over the next 24 hours or so. Another BIG negative to putting my plants out. So on the same day that I was going to just go put my plants out in the ground - not only did God send the message that I needed to harden them off - He also saved my plants from being put out in winds that blew my windmill down and also blew one of our wooden fence panels half way over! 

Praising God for the wisdom He gives. But remember - there needs to be some calm and quiet time for Him to have the ability to communicate with you. When we are in a rush all the time -it pushes Him out of the picture. He will give the wisdom - we just need to be willing to listen. 

The Beatitudes...series...Jesus' Example

It is time for another installment of our book - The Beatitudes by Taylor G. Bunch.. 

 Jesus' Example 

While Jesus had no sins of His own to repent of or to destroy His peace, He was the great sin bearer; and being made to be sin for us, He constantly recognized His spiritual needs. HE was truly poor in spirit. He said, "I can of Mine own self do nothing." John 5:30. He spent long hours and even nights in prayer for spiritual strength and vitality. This was the secret of the continual outpouring of the blessings of heaven under which He lived and labored. Nothwithstanding the fact that Jesus was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief," He was a happy man. Heb. 12:2. He could not be otherwise than happy, for 'He knew no sin," and sin alone is the joy-killer. Jesus, though He bore the burden of our sins, had a glad heart. The sunshine of His countenance always radiated calmness, peace and happiness to a greater extent than that of any other man since the fall of the first Adam. His smiling countenance attracted children to Him. 

Jesus might have stated the fist beatitude in the negative: "Unhappy are the proud in spirit." Of all people the poor in spirit are the most happy and the proud-spirited  the most miserable. The proud in spirit are very sensitive to every little slight and wrong, real or imagined. A proud spirit, like proud flesh, is exceedingly sensitive. The least little things causes pain and discomfort. The proud in spirit are touchy, and easily offended. They are miserable day and night because of hurt feelings. They are too selfish to be happy. They only remedy for spiritual pride is the crucifixion of the proud and sinful flesh. Those who are dead to sin do not become offended. Dead people are never sensitive. "Great peace have they which love Thy law; and nothing shall offend them." Ps. 119;165. 

Offense naturally thrives where sin abounds. It was a proud and sensitive angel who committed the first sin, and the more he sinned the more sensitive he became. The whole world is suffering with proud flesh, for sinful flesh is always proud. IT was impossible for Jesus to keep from offending His hearers, because they were so proud spirited and sensitive. At the close of one of His sermons, many of His disciples were so hurt that they "went back, and walked no more with Him." The Pharisees were always offended at His teachings, and even the disciples were often grieved. Truth always offends those in error, and sinners resent having their shortcomings pointed out. Only the poor in spirit can be corrected and blessed. 

IN a later sermon Jesus illustrated the contrast between the poor in spirit and the proud in spirit by the parable of the two worshipers, - the Pharisee and the publican. The prayer of the Pharisee was no prayer at all; it was only a boast of his inborn and acquired righteousness. He did not even make a request. He thanked God that he was everything he should be and had everything he needed. He was grateful that he was different from other men, and especially from the poor publican. The publican was poor in spirit; and, recognizing his spiritual poverty, cried out, "God be merciful to me a sinner." Luke 18:13. He alone was justified, and justification is the road to happiness. "Therefor being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1. 

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Next week "Pharisaism Still Prevalent" 

Garden Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner

Since I have been spending a lot of time gardening lately I thought I would share another very helpful gardening video. Happy Gardening :O) 

Transplanting Station and More

Sorry for not getting my Friday post put up. I did get a great freebie last week that I cannot wait to share with you. I will be sharing about it on Friday since I did not have time to get a post put up last week, so be watching for that. 

Today I want to share just a bit of what has had me so busy lately.   

As you probably know in May I had to give up a volunteering job that I loved because I value breathing fresh air. It was difficult at first but I am so glad that since that time God has led me to try and do things I may not have tried had I been busy volunteering. When doors close, God has some special doors just waiting. Up potted some tomato plants today. I have never started seeds early and inside before. Most of the time I have bought plants and gone from there. This year I have thoroughly enjoyed watching my little plants grow. God is amazing in how He created things- you can see His handiwork in all of His creation!

This year I started quite a bit of things from seeds. I started with these awesome 6 pack planters - they came with a plastic cover like a mini greenhouse. This week I had some of plants getting big enough that it was time to up pot them. So I got some solo cups. My husband drilled some holes on the bottom of them. It is a fun quick job - when you turn the stack over and drill a good amount at a time - depending on how long your drill bit is. This was a great tip I got from a youtuber. One of the many reasons I love watching youtube video's the potential to learn so much! 

Here are some of my beautiful cucumbers! 

And my tomatoes! 

Something cool I have noticed when a lot of plants come up they have 2 little leaf's and if you give them a little more time and keep watching them you will notice that they begin to get their true leaves. It has been so fun to watch them grow. 

So here is a tomato plant up potted into a solo cup. 

Something else I have learned that I would like to share with you another tip that I have learned - it is a great idea to water from the bottom - once the plant begins to grow. It helps protect the plant from getting damaged by the water and it also helps draw the roots down. 

Here is a bit of my transplanting station in my sun room. It is the desk that I had thought I would be getting rid of but where it sits - it is perfect for all sorts of jobs. I am SO very thankful that I did not rush to get rid of it. 

I don't know if you can see them - but I had some chickens watching me through the window. 

My chickens have really enjoyed having more space in the yard. And their original chicken yard - seems like it might actually grow some grass this year!! It was bare last year. We had a drought and then the chickens ate it before it could grow very much. But now they have a larger section of our yard so they have plenty of grass to eat and bugs to find! They are so much happier now and laying better as well. Bonus for us! :O) 

So this week I will begin the job of hardening off my plants. So if you start seeds inside - it is not wise to just take them directly out to greenhouse or even directly plant them into the garden without hardening them off. So you can look up the proceedure - but basically it is taking your plants to the greenhouse for 2 hours the first day, then 4 hours the next day. And if you are planning on planting them in the garden - then you will want to take the plants outside for a couple of hours the first day and then 4 hours the next day and so forth. So you are giving the little plants time to get used to their new environment. I am so very thankful that I got an email from Farmers Almanac and that was one of the articles that the email was telling about - I am thankful for the reminder. 

I want to be successful in growing my plants and I am so thankful for all of the awesome resources - youtube videos, websites, emails, and books. Gardening is a trial and error thing for sure - but it is very helpful to learn from others. They have tried things and share what worked for them or what did not. All this information is very useful. I hope that you are able to learn something from me as I share little tidbits hear and there that I have learned. Don't let gardening overwhelm you. There is SO much to learn, but you won't learn if you are not willing to try. 

Plants are another blessing from our Creator. And it is amazing to watch them grow! 

Be blessed! :O)  

 

A Twofer Post

 Today is a twofer post - that is a two for one post. I am combining a Best Deal Post - with a What I Learned in the Great Snow Event of 2021! 

As you all know almost a month ago - we went through a week and a half of pretty frigid temps, snow and such. Along with all of this - we also had some power outages. Some of them were planned and done on purpose some were not, like the time the power went off for 3 plus hours one evening. During this time period we learned a few things to have on hand. 

When the power goes out - especially in the evening or at night - you will want light. Flash lights are nice to have but in addition to flash light- these handy candle holders are great to have on hand!! We lit these and enjoyed the lovely light that they put out! 

 

Another great thing to have on hand are oil lamps. This is the newest one that we have - it was only $10.00 at Walmart - felt kind of cheap - especially when compared to the glass counterparts. But surprisingly it did very well!! I was very happy with it!  

So if you are going to keep some oil lamps on hand - be sure and have some "Klean-Heat" this stuff is very nice. It does not put off a stinky smell like some of the other oils do. In fact, my glass oil lamps were set up and we used them a bit several years ago - but the sticky smell that they produced made me think that I might rather be in the dark than have my house stink like that. But thankfully I have learned of this awesome stuff over the last year. And bonus - you can add essential oils to this and have a lovely scent. That is what I have heard - we have not tried it yet. 

So on to my Best Deal part of this post. I found a couple of useful things to have on hand. 

I found this adorable candle with the cute heart cover and a cute candle snuffer, that also has hearts on it, at a local thrift store! The candle was in brand new condition and smells of cinnamon. 

Candle ~ $1.50 

Snuffer~ $1.00 

"Christian Enemy #1"

Happy Sabbath!! 

Some important information for all Christians to consider! :O) 

 "A discouraged little girl named Ellen Harmon once had a dream of seeing the face of Jesus. The Lord was seeking to impress upon her heart the loving character of her Savior, to bring peace and to give her courage.

She later recounted that this dream “gave [her] hope” (CET 28.1). Particularly, it was the smile, the closeness, and the caring touch of Jesus that so comforted her:

He drew near with a smile, and laying His hand upon my head, said, “Fear not.” The sound of His sweet voice thrilled my heart with a happiness it had never before experienced. I was too joyful to utter a word, but, overcome with emotion, sank prostrate at His feet... His smile filled my soul with gladness. His presence awoke in me a holy reverence and an inexpressible love. {CET 27.1}

It was his “presence.” His touch. His non-muffled voice; His clear and lovely words.

“He drew near.”

And perhaps most important of all, repeated twice, it was His smile that so “filled her soul with gladness” and won her heart.

When Jesus walked this earth 2000 years ago it was the same; the children “loved to climb upon His knees and gaze into the pensive face, benignant with love” {SC 11.2}. And it goes without saying that it’s not just children that need smiles and physical touch. We all do.

Christ’s method alone is worthy of our highest devotion.

Only heaven can quantify the extent to which Jesus’ soul-winning effect would have been reduced if He, based on the recommendations of secular medical ‘authorities,’ would have covered his face in public and practiced social distancing in an effort to mitigate the hypothetical danger of His being a possible asymptomatic carrier of and vector for virus transmission."

The above came from a larger article - but this section of it is important enough to share. This is something very important for us to consider.

It seemed that some of the people in my age group or a little older than I ended up with a bit of a bad attitude about Ellen White. I didn't have a bad attitude, I just didn't know what to think. Well one night about 10 years ago I had a dream. In this dream I felt like I was lost and ended at someone's door. Mrs White answered and with a very kind smile on her face invited me in and to her kitchen where she served me cookies and a drink. I felt a closeness and love as if it were one of my grandmothers. I truly believe that smiles and closeness speaks volumes that words can't always convey.

I am very thankful that I had this dream, because after this I decided to read some of Ellen G. Whites writings for myself to see what I thought and I was totally blessed by them. She is in my top three authors along with Morris Venden and Taylor G. Bunch. I highly recommend them to anyone!!!

The Mrs. White that I had the dream about is the same Ellen that was spoken of in the first part of this post. :O)

The Beatitudes...series.... A Contrite, Humble Spirit

 

The Beatitudes 

By Taylor G. Bunch 

A Contrite, Humble Spirit 

To be poor in spirit does not mean to be poor-spirited. Jesus does not pronounce a blessing on a person with a bad spirit, a poor disposition. A poor-spirited person cannot be happy; he is too selfish.  In such the very source of happiness is contaminated. Another has interpreted the true meaning of this text in the following statement: "Happy are they who recognize their spiritual poverty, and feel their need of redemption." It is the opposite of spiritual pride and self-satisfaction. 

While this beatitude sounded new and strange to the Jews, it was not new. It was a restatement of an old truth that had been lost sight of because of the spiritual pride and self satisfaction of Israel. Through Israel the Lord had declared that although He is "the high and lofty One that in habiteth eternity, whose name is Holy," He also dwells with him "that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isaiah 57:15. He also said: "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word." Isaiah 66:2. As soon as Job obtained a vision of his spiritual poverty, he stopped arguing to justify himself, and his misery and wretchedness cam to an end, his captivity being turned into victory. He experienced a happiness such as he had never before known. 

When, as the result of a vision of God, the prophet Isaiah recognized his spiritual poverty, he cried out, "Woe is me! for I am undone." Isaiah 6:5. He sensed his imperfection, which now appeared to him in a new and hideous light. This changed attitude made it possible for the Lord to cleanse him from sin, and use him as His spokesman to others. The woe gave place to the blessedness of heaven. When proud-spirited Simon Peter fell at the feet of Jesus and said, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord," the Master immediately commissioned him to be a fisher of men. (See Luke 5:8-10) Paul was elevated to become the chief of the apostles when he acknowledged himself to be the chief of sinners. What a chance in attitude from that of the proud and haughty Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus. 

A recognition of our spiritual condition and needs is the first step in the beatitude ladder of spiritual progress which leads into the kingdom of heaven. The proud in spirit have not taken the first step toward the heavenly kingdom. A recognition of sin and a cry for pardon and cleansing are the beginning of the pathway to Zion and to happiness. There can be no blessed state where there is unconfessed and unforgiven sin. "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." Isaiah 48:22. A contrite and penitent spirit is therefor the first qualification for citizenship in the kingdom of God, and for service in the cause of righteousness. 

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Next week we will look at Jesus' Example 

5 Things They Don't Tell New Gardeners

Today I would like to share a gardening video. This is a very helpful video, especially if you are just thinking about getting into gardening. But it would be helped to anyone who enjoys gardening. This is a gardener from South Texas and I have really been appreciating his videos. I hope you enjoy this one as well. :O) 

I think my husband enjoyed his breakfast this week!

 Years ago when I worked for my Mother-in-law at her bakery - she would make kolaches. We made a special dough and we would roll the pieces of dough big enough to fit the little link in the middle- some of them we would add cheese. Then we would roll them up nice and tight so that the cheese wouldn't leak out. Well last week we had some crescent rolls in the fridge that needed to get used up so I decided to use some of our hot dogs and make up some kolaches. And I think they turned out pretty good. My husband has taken  a couple to work each day for his breakfast. Anyway I thought it was a pretty good idea and wanted to share what new thing I tried this week. Enjoy! :O) 

My Best Deal

 This weeks best deal is something that I have seen before at the thrift store and had been tempted to get them but just did not know if it was something that would work in my closet. So I had not bought them last time I saw some, but I did go home and look at the shelf in my closet to see if it would work- yes - it probably would - but when I went back to that thrift store the next week - the dividers were gone. 

But last week went I went to a favorite thrift store - they had 3 of them! 

I sure hope you can see these. They are clear plastic. 

The brand new tags on them were $3.98 for each. 

I paid 50 cents each. 

I thought that was a great deal! 

"Proving the Prophets"

Happy Sabbath! Today I wanted to share another great sermon. I hope you are all each blessed in a special way!! :O) 

please watch the first little section - it has a great point at the very end - when he shows fish. Please don't be like those fish. Then it you would like you can fast forward to about the 25 minute mark when preparing for the sermon. Be blessed :O) 

Freebie Friday

This week's Freebie Friday has a variety of things. First I will share a couple of things that I pulled out of the free box at the thrift store this week. 

I thought maybe my 2 granddaughters would enjoy making some clothespin dolls. I will be looking for the clothes pins and see what all supplies we can gather for them to be creative! And if they are not interested ... nothing lost since the book was FREE!! 

This next little book was something I thought would be interesting to have. It says "The U.S. Constitution and Fascinating Facts About It" I might just have to share some of these facts in a series. In a world where I constitutions seems to be being destroyed it will be interesting to learn more about it and about our founding fathers. Stay tuned. 

So Wednesday morning I had to be at my son's house at 5am so that our daughter-in-law could get to work. After my son got home and after we visited a bit- I headed to HEB. First I decided to top off my gas tank. My son had said that the prices of gas at another gas station had jumped almost 20 cents over night. The gas price was $2.39 when I got gas- several hours later I checked Gas Buddy and found out that the gas price had jumped to $2.57. I am SO glad that I decided to fill up. So just in case gas prices have not jumped up again in your area- you may want to fill up. By the way - I would love to hear what state you live in and what your current gas prices are. As you know I live in Texas. 

While I was shopping - I found a great deal! Now I don't usually buy bread flour but this deal was too good to pass up. So if you bought this #5 pound  bag of bread flour - which costs $2.98 ....

You would get this 16 ounce thing of yeast!!! 

And as you all know that last year about this time we went through a period of time where you could not find yeast at the stores! Now - I was good because I always have at least a 4 ounce thing of yeast in my fridge. I was SO thankful that I had that yeast and I have made the decision to make sure I have a little more stashed away. Things are so uncertain at this time so it is best to be prepared.  

Well that is all for my freebie Friday post. Free is my favorite price and I love sharing what ever blessings that I have had. 

Please leave a comment about your gas prices. I would sure love to hear what the prices are where you live. :O) 

 

Just a Taste

 Last night I had a dream in which someone said to me, "I love you completely ." What a wonderful feeling to be completely loved. When I woke up and was thinking about it, I realized that it would have to be Jesus saying this to me, because in our sinful world it is hard to find that kind of love.

You know how wonderful it feels when you first fall in love, you know before the pet peeves are apparent and all. Well a couple of months ago I was inspired by the thought that the new love experience is just a taste of what it will be like when we get to heaven. Just to know we are there with the One who loves us best!!

The Beatitudes...series.. Poverty That Makes Rich

Today we begin the chapter titled: Poverty That Makes Rich 

 The Beatitudes 

by Taylor G. Bunch 

Poverty That Makes Rich 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This is the opening sentence of the master sermon. It is a strange statement, a paradox. To Christ's hearers it sounded absurd and self-contradictory. It was a disappointment to the majority of His audience because it was so contrary to their expectations and ambitious hopes of kingly power and worldly greatness. they had expected an announcement of the setting up of an earthly kingdom in which they would be favored citizens. 

Christ's hearers felt that happiness was impossible as long as they were a subject people under the galling yoke of a foreign power. In this puzzling statement the Blessed One gives the true source of happiness. It is no dependent on outward circumstances. it does not control the inside from without; it controls the outside from within. The heart is the fountain of happiness. Happiness is not the result of what we possess, or of what we do, but rather of what we are. While the first beatitude sounded absurd to the proud Romans soldiers who were present at every large gathering of the Jews, it sounded more ridiculous still to the Pharisees, who were yet more proud and haughty than the Romans. It sounds impossible also to modern men who are selfish and carnal-minded. 

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Next week we will be reading the section titled: A Contrite, Humble Spirit  

Garden Planning Advice

Today I would like to share another favorite youtuber of mine! If you are new to gardening or feeling a little overwhelmed this video might just be for you! It takes a few minutes to get into the theme of the video so just hang on for the first little bit of the video.  Enjoy! :O) 

Addressing Something Important

 Today I am taking a break from our study on faith and perseverance to address something that I think is very important. 

For those of us that live in the lone star state - Texas - last week our governor announced lifting all the the mandates and restrictions. For anyone who knows me, knows that this made me VERY happy!!! I have felt for a long time that the restrictions were actually making things worse - rather than better. 

Although there are those who, like me are very happy that this will finally be happening- there are those who are not happy at all. It is like they do not realize that they will still be free to wear a mask and social distance and what ever else they feel they need to do to keep themselves safe. 

I have noticed something interesting- it seems to me that those who aren't that into wearing masks and all - are totally ok with those who choose to wear a mask. We feel it is a free country and we all should have the freedom to make our own choices. But many of those who want to continue wearing masks feel the need to force everyone else to wear a mask. So I wanted to take a few minutes just to share a few things and hope that this will help anyone who wants to continue to wear a mask - understand that they are totally free to do so. Make the choice that is best for you. But please give those around you the freedom to make their own choices as well. 

As many of you know - 7 years ago - I had to go through 6 sessions of a combo of 2 chemo drugs. About a week after each of these 5-6 hour sessions my immune system would be at it's lowest. I was told to be careful during these times. And I would. I choose to drink Emergan C packets - 2-3 times a day. I would drink fruit smoothies. I did these things to help my immune system. I did not, however, expect everyone around me to stay away from me - or wear masks- I did NOT wear a mask either. If I went to the store - I would wash may hands or use hand sanitizer when I got to the car. Or wipe off the buggy handles. I did things to protect my health. I did NOT expect others to do this for me. And I think it is sad that our country has been manipulated into thinking it it everyone else responsibility. If you are sick then stay home - this is what I do. I went through a rough time - each chemo session brings your immune system down and toward the end if you are not careful you could be in bad shape. Each time I went in - I had to have blood taken and tested to see if my system was strong enough to do the next session of chemo drugs. And praise be to God for giving me wisdom to know how to take care of me - my numbers stayed within the normal -range - although towards the end it was getting to the low end. At one or more of my visits my Dr said "what every you are doing - keep doing it" and "I wish more of my patients would do what you are doing." 

I read the paperwork and at one place it was saying not to eat fruits and veggies - I guess because if you don't clean them then you can get sick. Well I know that fruits and veggies have very important nutritional benefits and I was NOT going to stop eating the things that God provided for my health. And it was the right choice. I am thankful that I kept getting out into the fresh air and sunshine and would get walks in when I could. These things help keep your immune system strong. 

All of this to say - I understand that the media had manipulated people into being very fearful - but fear and stress lower the immune system so the best thing you can do for yourself is to let go of the fear and work through the stress. And look for all the natural things you can do to boost your immune system. Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest and put your trust in God - along with the other things I have mentioned here. Lots of great information I have shared of things you can do to strengthen your immune system. God blessed us with these wonderful bodies and we need to recognize that and praise Him for it. 

And please allow those that choose not to wear a mask to do so in peace. You still have the freedom to wear one and it is perfectly ok if you choose to wear one. Do what is best for you and give others the same freedom as well. It is what Jesus would do. Just look through the Bible at His interaction with the sick. You might be surprised! :O)   

My Best Deal

 This week's best deal comes from Dollar General! I have been finding that they have some pretty good deals and it is a really good idea to go there and look around ever so often! 

So again - I found out about this item from a youtuber. I just love it when people share great things they have found. I might have never noticed this great find had it not been mentioned. 

Ever since I saw it during my 9 days home because of major weather here in Texas - I have wanted one. And once we could get out - I would check out some of the stores we went to - to see if I could find something similar and I just couldn't. So I stopped by Dollar General one day last week and bought myself one!! 

When I made it to DG - they only had 4 left - 3 green and 1 blue. So they may have other colors - I don't know. But I love it. You pump it - 5 - 10 times and it has a gently mist! And you can move the little thing on the handle so you don't have to hold it down - and it easily pulls back to release. This best deal - is only $5.00!!! 

On Thursday when I was at Walmart I saw that they had something similiar but did not have the price marked - theirs was larger so I am sure it could cost more. I love the size of this one - especially with my seed starts - that I finally got planted this week! And I plan on using it to water my plants. I may have to get a second one so I can have one in the house and one in the green house! We shall see! 

Anyway sometimes my best deals are at thrift stores and sometimes at store. But to me it doesn't matter where as long as I can find some great things at great prices!! 

Have you gotten any great deals lately? I would love to hear about it! :O) 

God's Blueprint of Salvation (Sermon)

I am really loving how some of the sermons I am finding go so nicely with the Beatitude study that I am doing and sharing with you all. This is another great sermon and be sure to listen closely to the last half of this sermon - where you will see it tie in a beatitude and also a great illustration. I would say more but I don't want to ruin for you. It sure touched my heart. May you be blessed. Happy Sabbath! :O) 

Freebie Friday

This week's Freebie Friday is a special one. No - I am getting no benefit from sharing the information in this blog - that is NOT what my blog is about! This is just a great company that I have done business with recently and I felt like they went above and beyond and I wanted to share a bit of the information with you just in case you have ever been interested in this type of thing. 

So a couple of months ago, I was watching a youtube video where a gardener shared about her GreenStalk vertical planters. I thought the concept was awesome and was able to catch a sale on them and order 2 of the original ones - I choose the terra cotta for those. Once I got the order I realized that the company sent a free thing of bush green beans for each planter and several great stickers as well!! I love the stickers!!!  

Then came Valentine's Day and we were stuck at home because of the weather conditions and at that point had NO idea of when we would be getting out- and my sweet husband suggested I order some of the "leaf" planters - he knew I had had my eyes on getting some of them sometime. 

This company is awesome - no only do they send free seeds and stickers - but you get your order pretty quickly. I would say about a week or so- I think that is amazing considering we had to wait months for something my husband ordered. 

Here is a link that you can go check them out. There is plenty of information on the site. Fyi- I only bought the planters - no accessories with them, although there are other things you can buy. 

 GreenStalk vertical planters 

Just wanted to include a photo so you could see the planters. Yes - the wind blew my windmill over and a couple of the anchors are missing so I am waiting till I can find them before I set it up - don't want it to fall on anything and damage it. 

I am happy that my oregano made it through the frigid temps. I am hoping that my parsley, rosemary and sage did as well!! 

A Learning Experience

 The weather here and Texas has been gorgeous lately and we have been getting out and working towards getting things done around here. There is a long list to be sure! An important thing that needed to get done was to get a fence up to fence off the garden part of our yard. This is to keep the chickens out of the garden. They will be allowed to be in that area during the parts of the year that there is no garden going but for now - it is time to get them out of my garden so I can get stuff planted out there. 

I finally got some seeds planted and growing in my sunroom for now. I am really late on getting some of them planted but I have high hopes for them to do well. If not - plan b will be to buy plants and use them this year and continue to work towards being able to start seed and grow my own plants. 

I am learning that gardening is a learning experience. You don't know everything automatically. You have to do in order to learn. And you have to go into it with the idea that you may fail- but you can not give up. Each "failure" is just opportunities to learn new things. And I am happy to be on this journey. :O) 

The Beatitudes...series... The Beatitude Ladder

 The Beatitude Ladder 

The eight beatitudes constitute a spiritual ladder containing the natural and logical steps in spiritual growth and development which take us into the kingdom of God. 

The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatus, or beati, as it is used in the Latin Vulgate. It means blessed or happy. The beatitude ladder is therefore a blessed ladder, because these steps, or degrees, in spiritual development represent a blessed experience. "Blessed" is synonymous with "consecrated," "hallowed," "happy," "sacred," and "holy." it is defined as "the state of being happy, joyful, and peaceful, as the result of the full enjoyment of the divine favor; unalloyed prosperity and contentment in heart and life." For what more could any one desire or ask? 

only consecrated and holy people can enter the kingdom of heaven; and the journey must be made by way of the beatitude ladder. It is a blessed and hallowed pathway. It is "the way of holiness" that leads to Zion. as described in Isaiah 35:8-10. Those who travel it will "obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." It is "the narrow way" which leads to eternal life, and which Jesus said is so strait that it excludes all evil and evildoers. It is "the path of the just" that shines with ever- increasing illumination until those who walk in it reach "the perfect day" of spiritual light and experience. 

"Blessed," as used by Jesus  in the sermon on the mount, does not refer alone to the joy and happiness that come as the result of outward circumstances, but rather to that higher joy which is the result of divine favor.  It is something infinitely better and higher than mere earthly happiness. It is the peace and joy that Jesus promised to all who would come to Him, and in whose hearts He is permitted to dwell and reign. "Shaking itself loose from all thoughts of outward good, 'blessed' becomes the express symbol of a happiness intensified with pure character. Behind it lies the clear recognition of sin as the foundation of all misery, and of holiness as the final and effectual cure for every woe. " - Vincent. Happiness drawn from earthly sources is as changeable and varying as the circumstances themselves. In the beatitudes Jesus made it clear that true happiness is the result of a holy character rather than of outward conditions and circumstances. It was of this happy experience that the prophet wrote: "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." Isaiah 32:17,18. 

The Beatitudes by Taylor G. Bunch 

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Next week we will start the chapter on the first beatitude- you won't want to miss it, so please come back! :O) 

Make Your Own Yarn Needle Threader

So last week I shared a video about darning socks. I really appreciate people taking their time to make these awesome kind of videos to help teach things they know. This is a video that shows how to make your own yarn needle threader- to make it easier to darn your socks. :O) 

Weightier Matters

 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment*, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

 Matthew 23:23 

"Jesus was not abolishing the practice of giving one-tenth of ones' income to God. Just the opposite, Jesus' comments reaffirm the permanency of the law of tithing and place it in perspective in relation to what is still more important(weightier): justice, mercy and faith. 

The scribes and Pharisees had extended the law of tithing on the produce of the land (Lev 27:30; Deut 14:22-33) to the smallest herbs such as mint, anise, and cummin (spices that were indigenous to that region of the world.) Jesus affirmed this practice. But He condemned the hypocrisy of keeping the letter of the law in small matters while engaging in the exploitation and oppression that the prophets railed against. (Isaiah 1:16-18; Hos. 6:6; Micah 6:8)" 

Quote from my Andrews Study Bible notes 

Justice, Mercy, and Faith