Journeying to the Real Me

Heavenly truth must draw....

2012-03-01T08:55:00.000-06:00

"The King of glory stooped low to take humanity. Rude and forbidding were his earthly surroundings. His glory was veiled, that the majesty of His outward form might not become an object of attraction. He shunned all outward display. Riches, worldly honor, and human greatness can never save a soul from death; Jesus purposed that no attraction of a earthly nature should call men to His side. Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word of God." DA 43

Update on The Reading Corner

2012-02-29T06:53:00.001-06:00

Over the week-end, I finished reading the 2nd book in this series- "Prophets and Kings". And I started book number 3 - "The Desire of Ages." I am only on about page 60 by now- but wow! This book is awesome!

Sorry for the blurriness of the photos. As you can probably tell by these photos it will take me longer than the month that it took me to read "Prophets and Kings." In the photo above you can see that there is so much more packed onto each page - and this book is over 800 pages. But I am sure it will be well worth the time to read it. As I read through these books - I am drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. I am understanding more and more His love for us all. And at the same time I am also learning how badly Satan wants to destroy us.

"Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race." DA 37

"Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God's command." DA 48

Does It Really Save Money?

2012-02-28T06:36:00.001-06:00

On my last thrifty post I was asked if I thought that it would be cheaper to use home made laundry detergent. In the long run - I really do think it will be cheaper. I ended up paying a bit over $3.00 for each of the washing soda and the borax. And with each batch of laundry detergent calling for just one cup of each of these - I think that the boxes will end up making at least 4-5 batches. And with the bar of soap - if you really want to save more money you can always invest in a multi pack of Ivory soap(I used a coupon when I bought my pack-even though I did not use Ivory soap with my first batch of soap-I bought a bar of the Fels naptha stuff.) So once you invest in this stuff it will be a good amount of time before you have to replace things. Also you are only using 1 - 2 Tablespoons of soap per load. So it really does last for a good amount of time.

I had an old Tupperware canister and I put my home made soap into it and put a spoon into the canister. So not only does it save money, it is easy to use. So Yes - I believe that it will save money in the end.

Home Made Laundry Detergent and Other Thing

2012-02-27T06:47:00.001-06:00

I shared on Friday how I had bought most of the supplies to make homemade laundry detergent. Well I was able to find the Arm and Hammer Washing Soda and so I finished up my soap. On Friday when I did laundry I used my new home made soap and I have to say I was very pleased with it. I used a old large spoon - not a serving spoon but more like a tablespoon sized spoon - don't think it actually dips out a tablespoon of stuff though. I am using 2 of those spoons of the soap per load. I do have a front loader washer. I had read that it is good to use about 1 - 2 T. per load. And if it is a large load or heavily soiled you'd want to use the 2 T. or a bit more. The next time I do laundry I may use just one and see how that works. I just wanted to make sure that the clothes came out clean. And sure enough with using the 2 spoons of it worked good.
It is nice to find things that not only save money but that work really well too!

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Speaking of things to do in order to save money - I have mentioned how I had read about using the foam insulating things under the outlet covers on a previous post about saving money. I had read about these on the Budgeting with the Bushman's blog. Well I have looked at my local Lowes and Home Depot and have had no luck finding them. I have obviously not had any luck with anyone willing to help me either. I had wanted to find them in person so I could really look them over but it looks as if I will have to resort to looking on Amazon - which is what I think she said she did. Anyway - while at Lowes, I did pick up some caulking that I am going to use to go around some windows that seem like they are allowing some air in around them. I also got some caulking to use around the base of the back splash of my kitchen cabinets. Some of it is no longer there - so I will be working on that this week.

It Is Worth It

2012-02-26T06:14:00.000-06:00

Job had surrendered his life to Jesus.

Satan accused him of only following God because of the blessings that God had blessed him with.
God said, "Behold all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person."

Satan unleashed all sorts of havoc in Jobs life. His oxen and camel were stolen, his servants killed, his sheep burnt and he lost all 10 of his children - ALL in one day.

Job was sad and was discouraged. He could not understand why all of this was happening to him. He even questioned God. But he held true to God.

"But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me, I shall
come forth as gold."
Job 23:10

Satan is still at work today. He is still trying to convince people that it is not worth it to surrender your life to Jesus and to live for Him.

Oh - but I forgot to share an important part of this story with you all - " Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning: for he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. 13. He also had 7 sons and 3 daughter. .... After this Job lived 14o years, and saw his children and his grandchildren for 4 generations."
Job 42:12-13,16

How amazing is that?!

When you are struggling through trials and temptations, just remember, "Be still, and know that I am God;" Psalms 46:10a

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3

We may go through trials and temptations but we have Hope.

"He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved." Psalms 62:6

Sabbath Praise

2012-02-25T09:03:00.001-06:00

If you have never heard this song before - please take the time to listen to it. Even if you have heard it - You WILL be blessed! I know I was. :o)

Choosing to be More Thrifty

2012-02-24T06:07:00.001-06:00

Well after reading about people making their own laundry detergent - I decided I would finally try it. About 6-8 months ago I had bought the Fels naptha soap and a box of borax. The store did not have any washing soda - so I waited. Well this past Friday when I went to the store - I looked for some washing soda- they were out. Shoot... Well I decided that I would at least start getting the soap ready -so I grated the bar of soap. I have a question for anyone who uses the Fels naptha - is it yellow? I had seen someones picture post about making soap and their soap flakes were white - I am guessing that they were using Ivory soap but I thought I would ask just in case my bar of soap might have just changed colors over the time period of sitting in my cabinet.
When I was grating the soap - I notice it was pretty hard soap -so my question is -is it normally hard or is this maybe another thing that happened while sitting in the cabinet?

Right now I have my soap grated in a bowl along with some borax. This week I will be buying the washing soda! I am looking forward to trying the soap and seeing how it works. I am also thankful to have options to be able to make my own and therefore save some money. Once your initial investment of the products - it actually will last a long time - since you just use one cup of borax and one cup of washing soda - and the boxes are pretty big for just about $3.00 per box.

I have also decided not to do laundry as often. I had gotten into the habit of washing my clothes too often. Not waiting till there was a good sized load. We have large capacity - well probably extra large capacity washer and dryer. So that is another change that I have decided to make around here. I don't think it is a good idea to wait all week long and have many, many loads on one day but I do think it is a good idea to wait till you have a good sized load before you do laundry.

Some people may prefer to wait and do all their laundry all on one day - and that is fine if it works for you. I just prefer not to. When I have done it that way, it is just a pain trying to match up all of the sock and such. I am thinking that it will work out that I will do my laundry 2 times a week. But we will see.

There is an important thing to remember having to do with your dryer. It is a good idea to clean your lint catcher(can't think of anything else to call it at the moment) the thing that you pull out of your dryer to take the lint off, after each load. I believe it will help the dryer to work a lot more efficiently and will also help prevent fires. Lots of stuff gets stuck in those little tiny holes and it is actually a good idea to wash them periodically. And also - just in case you haven't figured it out - it is also best to remove the lint after each use. I am sure you all know that but just wanted to add it - just in case.

Well that's about it for today. Looking forward to what other changes I can make around here. What ideas do you have? :o)

Grace - Is It a Free Pass?

2012-02-23T06:16:00.001-06:00

I was so happy today when I heard a speaker on a Christian radio station say that he was not very happy with a new idea going around that basically says that since there is grace then we can do what ever we want. And it is just not like that. Well this is something that I have been NOT too pleased about hearing from some other speakers on the same radio station. It is way to close to the idea of ~if it feels good do it.

It's like people think that God has not expectations of His people. Have they not studied through the old testament? It does not take very long at all to realize that God asked His people to keep His commandments - yep - the same commandments that were written by the finger of God on stone tablets. That sounds pretty important and pretty permanent to me.

God asked His people to repent of their sins and to follow Him. And when they did this, they were blessed. There were battles after battles that were won because God fought for them. As the people surrendered their lives to God and made Him king in their lives He could bless them. But oh so sad were the many, many times that the people started to worship the idols of the heathen nations around them.

Back and forth the children of Israel went- serving God - being blessed - then they would fall into worshiping idols. And it seemed that each time they chose the idols over God it became easier and easier for them to be tempted. And finally God's mercy ran out - He had tried and tried so many time - over and over and over - and the people just would not listen. And because our God is a God of Justice - He had to allow the consequences of their actions. And God allowed their nation to be taken over by the Babylons.

So I don't know why we would be so foolish to think now - that God does not expect anything out of us. By the way - over and over in the New Testament he also said Keep My Commandments.

Here are just a few:
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." John 15:10

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.4. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:3-4

"Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:19

And one of my favorites:
"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city." Revelations 22:14

Anyway I will get off of my soap box- I just don't want people to be fooled - Satan likes to use a little error with a lot of truth -that way he can fool people. Study your Bibles for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern truth. May you be blessed as you study the Word of God! :O)

Growth - Even in Undesirable Circumstances

2012-02-22T06:55:00.002-06:00

I have a friend who has golden retriever dogs. These dogs are like children to her and her husband. One of her dogs, Jenny, got very sick a couple of week ago- and the prognosis was not good. In the mean time, a couple were going through a really rough situation. The wife has cancer and has been being hospitalized more and more. This couple had a pure breed golden retriever, Amos is his name, who is about 1 1/2 years old and they wanted to find a good home for him - not just any home would do. They wanted someone who would love him as much as they did. And God worked it out that these two couples would cross each others path. And now Amos has a new home with my friend. About a week or so later Jenny died. This provision of God's was such a testament of how much he loves us.

Yesterday, as I was talking with my friend, I asked her if it was wrong of me to really want something like that to happen in my life. Lately I have been going through one of the valleys of life - it has been painful. Feeling rejection from those that are suppose to love you hurts. Anyway I was serious when I told her I wanted God to make His presence in my life real and tangible. She told me to pray and ask God for that and I did.

Yesterday afternoon, I was out in the backyard taking care of my chickens and filling up the bird feeders when I noticed something....

Before we get to that part of the story, I have to add a bit of back ground.

A lady at my husband's work had sent a bag of daffodil bulbs home with him. It was a large bag of them. I had been overwhelmed with lots going on and instead of going through the process in order to store them until it was time to plant them - I had just set the bag here and then it was in the way so I moved it out to the back porch.

Well today I noticed that there were green shoots coming out of the bulbs! Even in undesirable circumstances they were growing and as I thought of that I realized that I am too. God is working in my live - even through this valley in my life -He is working.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:6-9

Where I got the above photo!

Peace While Facing Giants

2012-02-21T07:04:00.002-06:00

There are many people that I know that are facing giants right now. And when I say facing giants, I mean facing problems that seem like Giants. David faced a giant. He had faith in God. I need David's kind of faith right now.

David knew something that I am trying to learn and that is that the fight was not his fight but was God's.

"...for the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:15b

The battle is not ours. And truthfully half the time that real battle is not really the actual battle because the battle is really being fought behind the scenes.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

We get into trouble when we think that we can fight these Giants of battle on our own. We were never meant to do so. This is great news to me because a few years ago I figured out, and daily am reminded, that I can't do it on my own.

God tells us:
"Be still, and know that I am God;" Psalms 46:10a

This verse has been a comfort to me for a long time now. For me - to be still and KNOW that God is God is like peace in the mist of a storm.

"The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:14

David knew that the battle was the Lords. And he took courage and faced the giant in his life.

"Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth." 1 Samuel 17:49

We can have the courage and peace to face our giants. And that peace come from Jesus Christ. Are you in the middle of what feels like a losing battle? Do you feel overwhelmed? If so, Be still. Right now, just stop everything that you are doing - even take a break from reading this and just take a deep breath and close your eyes and feel God's presence. And if you don't feel it ask Him for the peace that only He can give us. Turn your battles over to Him. The battle is the Lords! He will fight for you! Be still and KNOW that HE is God. Have a blessed day! :o)

(This is a repost- but a very timely one since I and many that I know are facing giants right now)

Condiments - In the Kitchen

2012-02-20T06:26:00.000-06:00

Cashew Mayonnaise

1 C raw cashews
1/2 - 3/4 C water
1 T onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
3 T lemon juice

Place all ingredients in blender, and blend for at least a minute until silky smooth.

Ketchup

1 small can tomato paste
1 can water
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp basil
1 T lemon juice
1 T honey

Stir together. Keeps in refrigerator 1 week. May freeze. Adjust to your taste.

A few more recipes. If you have better recipes for these things - please share. :o)

In the Sewing Room - Some Questions for You

2012-02-19T07:47:00.002-06:00

I can't remember if I already shared a photo of these blocks - I am sure I did but just in case here there are. I finished these blocks well about 5-6 months ago. And I think I have finally decided how I am going to put them together. I have not bought the fabric for it yet but I did buy a fat quarter of the fabric that I think I am going to sash the quilt with:
The blocks are so bright already and busy that I knew that they would look best to just use a single color. And when I saw this awesome fabric with the flowers- I thought it was so cute. I bought this fat quarter for another project that I am working on but as I was looking a my finished blocks and then this fabric- it all clicked.

When I was showing my husband what I was thinking of doing - he seemed to think that maybe the blocks would get lost with such plain sashing. What do you think? Do I need color?

Well I took photos of two fabrics that I am trying to decide between for the border for this quilt.
This middle one:

And the white with different colored flowers. Or the green with different colored flowers.

What do ya'll think? Which fabric do you think would look the best with these blocks? Can't wait to hear what you think. :o)

Sabbath Praise

2012-02-18T09:04:00.000-06:00

Be Doers of the WORD

2012-02-17T19:10:00.000-06:00

This is a rerun - but it is something that I really think is important.

Have you ever been studying the Bible and as you study- you are checking out the references and such and realize - this was something very serious that God wants us to do? Well that is what happened this morning. I was studying in James 1:22-25.

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:22-25

It is very important for u not only to study the Bible but to put into practice that which we learn. I could try to write out what I have learned but I think the Bible does such a better job of stating the facts so here it goes- some great verses and great reminders.

"(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Romans 2:13

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matt. 7:21

"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous." 1 John 3:7

"Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:" Luke 6:47

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:17

So if any of us had any doubts about the value of the contents of the Bible and the relevancy that it has for us today, I don't think we have those doubts any more. As we spend time with Jesus in His Word - we become changed - and that is the best kind of changing to do. May God bless each of you in a very special way today. :o)

Choosing to be More Thrifty

2012-02-17T07:06:00.000-06:00

As I was checking out blogs the other day- I came across a very interesting blog -it is called Budgeting with the Bushman's. This blog gives a lot of cool ideas of how to save money. As I was reading over some older posts - one of the post was talking about the top 5 energy users in the home - and the dishwasher was in that list. As I was thinking about my usage of my dishwasher, I realized that I had not been being thrifty. Too many times, I would run it before it was even full- just to get it done. Well I decided that day to stop using it so much - that was on February 9th. And since then I have not used it at all.

I did not like using a dish drainer so many year ago I got rid of ours. It actually seemed like it just added one more thing to clean and more clutter. So what I started doing was just to lay a towel in that area to lay the wet dishes on. This works great. And for clean up all you have to do it throw it into the washer and get another towel.

As I began on my journey of using the dishwasher less, I realized that my towel would not always give me enough room. Sometimes I just lay another towel out for more room. Then I realized that since my dishwasher is right next to the sink -all I really have to do is open my dishwasher and set the dishes in it to dry. What a great set up! And I have plenty of room. I still have my towel on the counter - that way I can put things on it that are not as easily put in the dishwasher.

I look forward to seeing our next electric bill.

And speaking of electric bills. This months electric bill was $100.00 less than this month last year. That tells you how much more mild of a winter we have had. Oh I am praying that our summer is much more milder than last year - last year summer was a tough one. Toughest one in a long, long time. I lost my favorite oak tree in my back yard. The one that I have several bird feeders on. And during the summer we lost so much grass. Well once we started getting some rain - guess what came up in the place of the grass - weeds - the big, ugly, prickly weeds.

Anyway - now I am trying to be more thrifty in other things as well. Waiting till I have a full load of laundry instead of just washing stuff just to get it done. Another great idea that I got from the link above is electrical outlet foam insulation. I am hoping to get some of these and install them. Every little bit helps.

What good ideas do you have for helping save money for your family? :o)

In God's Word

2012-02-16T09:03:00.000-06:00

22 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
24 "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!"
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:22-26

Seasonings - In the Kitchen

2012-02-16T06:49:00.001-06:00

Chicken Style Seasoning

1 1/3 C. yeast flakes (nutritional yeast)
3 T. onion powder
2 T. salt
1 1/2 . basil
1 T. garlic powder
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. turmeric, for color

Blend in bender and store in covered container. I like to save old seasoning bottles - like what my onion powder or garlic powder comes in - and I then I can use them to store other things in. I just remove the label and label with what ever is inside.

Non-irritating Curry Powder

3 T. cumin
2 tsp coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp fenugreek
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cardamom

Mix or blend in blender all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Just a few more recipes that I got from the seminar put on by Wellness Secrets.

In the Kitchen

2012-02-15T12:38:00.002-06:00

Flaxseed Bars OR Happy Bars

1 C. peanut butter
1 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C honey
1 T. vanilla
4 C. flax seeds

Blend 1 C. seeds at a time, to a fine consistency. Mix all items gradually, adding the ground seeds. Place onto 11x15 sprayed cookie sheet. Roll smooth or use hands to press. Score into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Bake at 300 for 20 minutes. Keep in fridge., can freeze.

This is one of the recipes that I got from the health seminar that I went to last week. I was very surprised at how good these were. And they are very good for you as well. Flax seed is good to help lower cholesterol.

Also I need to add this information - if you get flax seeds already ground then you will need like 7 cups. Apparently when you blend up the flax seeds they really expand.
Also if you do not want to make such a large amount of them - you can always cut the recipe in half, just use a smaller pan.

In the Sewing Room

2012-02-14T18:32:00.000-06:00

Several years ago I found a great pattern/directions to make this great "Joy" banner. This one pictured is not finished - sorry but this is the only photo that I could find right now. Anyway you will just have to use your imagination of how pretty it is once it is finished.

Anyway so I have made this "Joy" Banner for some family members and also for some friends. Several months ago, I started thinking how cool it would be to use this same pattern to make a banner for Valentine's Day. I already had a lot of red and white fabric so I just needed to get busy. It was fun planning it and working out the details. And I am quite pleased with the results:
Now I want to figure out what fabrics and all I should use for a "Hope" banner! Any suggestions of color combinations?

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T09:40:00.002-06:00

This is just a photo that has been floating around Facebook for the past week or so. I do not know where credit for this photo should go. But who ever put it together did a great job.

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day and remember that God loves you so very much - today and everyday! :o)

I'll be back....

2012-02-13T22:17:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow! See ya then :o)

Sabbath Praise

2012-02-11T08:27:00.000-06:00

Link to Healthy Information

2012-02-07T06:45:00.000-06:00

This is a link to a site that has some awesome "Counseling Sheets" There is such a long list - you are sure to find something that you are interested in. To find the list - click on "List All" and it will take you to the long list. There are sheets on vitamins, diseases, cancer, herbs, and much more. I hope this is helpful. :O)

In The Sewing Room

2012-02-06T06:31:00.001-06:00

Ever so often I like to take photo while working on my block of the month. And this month that is exactly what I did!
Last month was such a busy month that I ended up having to make the block the night before Block of the Month. I do not like to do that. I would much rather cut out the fabric and then put the block together at my leisure.

So this time I decided to start my block early this month. So this week-end I cut out the fabric.

I did not think about taking photos to blog about this block till I was cutting out my last fabric.

The next step that I always take is to lay the fabric down where they belong.
Then I start sewing the fabrics together in sections. It does not always work like this. So once the fabric is laid out where it belongs - it is a really good idea to take a few moment to figure out the best way to sew it together.

Here is the finished project:

Oh by the way~I have also worked on another project lately. If you did not notice - in the first two photos- the paper has been laid on top of the other project so you can have a sneak peak. I will be sharing about it later.

********************
Oh and I have not forgotten that I said I would share about my new cookbook. Except that I have kept forgetting to run a test - by cooking a pot a beans in my slow cooker to find out -what speed my slow cooker cooks at. Once I find that out, I will be able to start trying recipes and then I can share about the cookbook.

Help From the Kitchen

2012-02-05T13:50:00.003-06:00

Today my church had some ladies from "Wellness Secrets" come and do a seminar for us. In fact, they will be there all week. Monday - Friday evenings we will have meetings from 7pm - 8:30pm. I look forward to all of the meetings.
Here are some of the notes that I took today. There is some really cool information. I hope it is helpful to you.

Cabbage ~good for peptic ulcers - juice a cabbage - drink about 1/2 cup a day till symptoms have calmed
good for arthritis pains - take a leaf - pound it to bring juices up and then place over area that is hurting and keep there for a bit till pain calms
it can also be used for dental abscesses- place the pounded cabbage leaf over jaw area that is painful

Potatoes ~excellent for burns - just cut a potato and place on burn site - it also will help it not to blister as bad
helps with swelling - you can either slice a potato and place on swelling or you can shred potato and use it that way on an area that is swollen

Ginger ~ upset stomach, morning sickness, motion sickness
use about 1 inch of ginger boiled in water about a cup or two and drink broth

Carrots ~ good for swelling
part of cancer regime - juicing carrots

Garlic ~ antibiotic, anti fungal, antiviral
Garlic tea - 1 clove of garlic 1 cup of water
For lung infections - add 1 tsp of Thyme to the garlic tea
and you can add 1 tsp of oregano - it is also an antibiotic
(dried herbs are fine to use)
A good use of garlic is to steam it in a metal steamer _ or what ever - to help with blood pressure problems

For earaches - garlic oil - dropping a drop in the ear - put a cotton ball and then place a warm water bottle over ear.
Another thing for ear aches - cut an onion in half and get it hot and place it over the ear

If a person has been sick and needs electrolytes - cook potato, onion, garlic, carrot, celery - have them drink broth - if they are feeling up to it you could blend this up and have them drink that

When someone has a fever - cut sliced onions on feet -even left on over night helps bring fever down.

For cough and congestion - put equal parts of lemon juice and honey - you can also include some grated onion into them.
OR - lemon/honey and a drop of peppermint oil or eucalyptus

Celery~ 3 -5 stalks - really help someone with high blood pressure - you can either eat them or juice them - they recommend the 3-5 every day

Great food for Diabetic - Cucumbers and string beans

Flaxseed ~ 1 T. a day - helps prevent constipations - lowers cholesterol- good for depression - to get the most benefits of flaxseed- it is best to buy flaxseeds and grind them in a coffee grinder daily. When not using store in the fridge or freezer - it goes rancid quickly.
when used in a poultice - it helps with swelling

Salt ~ Salt is good to use as a Salt friction - put salt, water and a bit of oil together to make it pliable enough to make a ball or something out of it - then put it on your skin and rub it around - then rinse off - this will leave your skin babies butt soft!

Cure for Deception...

2012-02-04T14:03:00.003-06:00

There is one who would love to see you deceived- sad thing is- many are deceived and don't even know it... Here is help to protect yourself from being deceived! :o)
Today I have been blessed by seeing some great sermons! If you have Dish you can find the channel that I have been watching by going to channel 9393. Or you can go to 3ABN and go under "Media" you can watch it online. I have sure been blessed with a lot of the programs on this channel. I hope it blesses you as well. :o)

Encouraging Words

2012-02-02T08:45:00.001-06:00

This morning I read a couple of chapters in Prophets and Kings ( the book I am on now) and I came across some awesome quotes that I wanted to share today. These chapters were awesome and if you have a chance - read the whole chapters they are so encouraging. "From Jezreel to Horeb" and "What Doest Thou Here?" Excellent chapters!

"Into the experience of all there come times of keen disappointment and utter discouragement_ days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earthborn children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life. It is then that many lose their hold on God and are brought into slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of Gods providences we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more firm than the everlasting hills, and new faith, new life, would spring into being." PK 162

"Hope and courage are essential to perfect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable. God is able and willing "more abundantly"(Hebrews 6:17) to bestow upon His servants the strength they need for test and trial. The plans of the enemies of His work may seem to be well laid and firmly established, but God can overthrown the strongest of these. And this He does in His own time and way, when He sees that the faith of His servants has been sufficiently tested.
For the disheartened there is a sure remedy- faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. Are you tempted to give way to feelings of anxious foreboding or utter despondency? In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power, His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. The apostle Paul has testified: "He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for these: for My strength is made perfect in weakness....Therefor I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9,10
Did God forsake Elijah in his hour of trial? Oh, no! He loved His servant no less when Elijah felt himself forsaken of God and man than when, in answer to his prayer fire flashed from heaven and illuminated the mountaintops...." PK 164-166

"Fellow Christian, Satan knows your weakness: therefore cling to Jesus. Abiding in God's love, you may stand every test. The righteousness of Christ alone can give you power to stem the tide of evil that is sweeping over the world. Bring faith into your experience. Faith lightens every burden, relieves every weariness. Providences that are now mysterious you may solve by continues trust in God. Walk by faith in the path He marks out. trials will come, but go forward. This will strengthen your faith and fit you for service. The records of history are written, not merely that we may read and wonder, but that the same faith which wrought in God's servants of old may work in us. In no less marked manner will the Lord work now, wherever there are hearts of faith to be channels of His power.
To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for these, that thy faith fail not." Luke 22:31 Christ will never abandon those for whom He has died...
Could our spiritual vision be quickened, we should see souls bowed under oppression and burdened with grief, pressed as a cart beneath sheaves, and ready to die in discouragement. We should see angels flying quickly to the aid of these tempted ones, forcing back the host of evil that encompass them, and placing their feet on the sure foundation. The battles waging between the two armies are as real as those fought by the armies of this world, and on the issue of the spiritual conflict eternal destinies depend." PK 175-176

"Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on God." PK 175

There was so much more- but what blessings these words were to my heart - I am hoping they are a blessing to your heart as well. :o)

In The Kitchen

2012-02-01T07:29:00.001-06:00

Today our recipe comes from:

Cashew Nut Casserole

1/2 c. chopped onions

1/2 c. chopped celery

1 can mushroom soup

1 can water

2 c raw chopped cashews

3/4 large can dry chow mein noodle

Saute onions and celery. Mix mushroom soup and water. Lightly mix cashews with chow mein noodles. Add the sauteed vegetables and the mushroom soup to the cashew mixture and bend. Place in greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the rest of chow mein noodles on top. Bake at 350* for one hour.

I have actually made this several times now. It is very good. I love it. I hope you like it as well. :o)

Another Finished Project!

2012-01-31T19:17:00.002-06:00

A couple of years ago, my oldest son picked out about 20 fat quarters and had planned on making a quilt - a Turning Twenty's quilt . Then life got in the way and the fabric, in a bag, sat on a shelf for while. Then my son asked nicely if I would make the quilt for him.
There were a couple of the fabrics that I just did not think went with the others so I replaced those fat quarters. I began working on it. I finally finished it. My Mom quilted it for me and then it sat and waited for a while since my schedule got to very busy.

Then last week I finally decided it was time to finish this quilt. So I worked at it and on Sunday I finally finished sewing the binding on by hand. I washed it and then I hung it on the line so I could get a couple of photos of it - so I could share them with you all. I think it turned out quiet nice. I picked out the border fabric and the binding fabric as well. Yesterday I gave the quilt to my son. He was happy to have it and I am hoping that it will be a nice addition to his bedroom!

I love finishing projects. Now it is time to get my Block of the Month block made up. I will have BOM on Friday morning and I need to have that block done for sure by then. Usually I already have it made by this time - but with the way January has been - I am lucky to have finished the projects I have finished. :O)

One-fifth of the Way Done!

2012-01-30T08:23:00.004-06:00

This week-end, I finished reading my current book - "Patriarchs and Prophets"

So as you can see from photo- I am 1/5th the way done with this great series of books. I know I have told you all several times already how very blessed I have been by this book - and I can not stress enough how much of a blessing it has been to me to read these books.

I have also already started reading "Prophet and Kings" and I am sure that I will continue to be blessed.

But before I move on to the next book in the "Conflict of the Ages" series - I have a quote that I would like to share with you:

"No stronger evidence can be given of Satan's delusive power than that many who are thus led by him deceive themselves with the belief that they are in the service of God." PP 635

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

This week-end I also finished another project and I will be posting about it - probably tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a great day! :o)

I'm Back!

2012-01-25T16:24:00.003-06:00

Well I am back to my normal schedule. The schedule that I enjoy much more than the super early hours I was having to be up. During the last 3 - 4 weeks I have no had the chance to keep up with every one's blogs like I would have liked to. I am hoping to be able to get back to being able to somewhat keep up with them again. We will see.

I am so glad to be back to my schedule. I had built up a list of things that I needed/wanted to do - that I had to put off because I did not have time or energy.

One of the best things about getting back to my schedule is that I am able to spend my quiet time- not very long after I wake up. I have to feed cats or the will harass me. lol And if it is light - I usually feed and let my chickens out. I drink my water with lemon and then it is usually my quiet time. I love this time of day. It is such a blessing to be able to spend time in God's word. I think it is important to spend time in God's word every day. This is a very important thing for us to be able to develop a closer relationship with Jesus. By beholding - we become changed. And what better to be changed into but into the image of Jesus!
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One of the things that I wanted to do was make bread - so yesterday - I was able to make up 2 loaves of bread. It felt so good to knead the bread. And it as wonderful to smell it as it cooked. And of course, it was fantastic as I enjoyed a couple of slices for supper and then a couple of slices again for breakfast. I love home made bread!! I got a new slow cooker cookbook today - I will be checking it out and then I will be sharing it with you all. I think it will be an asset to my collection of cookbooks. What I love so far about it is that it gives all sorts of important information about using slow cookers. Plus the recipes give a smaller or larger recipe - so you get to chose what size you would like to make. I will share more - by next week - if not sooner.

I do hope that you all are doing well. :O)

Where to Cast Your Burdens

2012-01-24T15:37:00.002-06:00

"The burden which she could share with no earthly friend she cast upon God."

PP 570

The above quote is from the book I am still reading. I started reading it November 21st of last year. The book - "Patriarchs and Prophets." I have gotten such a blessing reading it.

This quote really struck a cord with me. I know what it feels like to carry a burden that you do not feel like you can share with anyone. And I am sure that there are some of you reading this that can totally relate.

This quote was in the chapter titled "The Child Samuel." Elkanah and Hannah his wife tried to have a child and it just was not happening. So because Elkanah wanted to perpetuate his name - he took another wife, Peninnah. She was jealous of Hannah and did not treat her well. And she began to have children. This was all very hard for Hannah to deal with. And so she took her burden to the Lord.

I think that Hannah is a very good example for us. When we have burdens that are so heavy and so painful that we do not feel that we can share with anyone, we need to cast those burden down at Jesus' feet.

If you want to read more of the story about Hannah and the blessing that she received you will find the story beginning in 1 Samuel 1. If you would like to read the chapter "The Child Samuel" that I read in Patriarchs and Prophets - click Here.

"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

"Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalms 55:22

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16

Of Excellent Movies...

2012-01-22T13:02:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday, amid my super busy schedule, I had the opportunity to stop by Wal-Mart. I was thrilled because it was the very day that the new movie "Courageous" came out on DVD. Well since I have been so busy - did not get a chance to actually watch it for the first time till last night. Wow! What a blessing it was to watch! I absolutely love movies that uphold God's standards! There are way too many people trying to water down the truth- or simply ignore the truth - so it is so refreshing to see God's standards upheld. Anyway - if you have not seen this movie -or any of the other three movies that they have made: Flywheel, Facing the Giants, or Fireproof - it would be well worth your time to watch them. They have all blessed me in a special way and I hope they do the same for you. :O)

Do Everything

2012-01-19T10:05:00.000-06:00

Saying Thank You

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

I think way too often we get to busy with our lives to let the people around us know how much we appreciate them. I think some times we get too self centered - just concerned with our own problems to to tell those around us, that help us Thank You.

The words "Thank You" are very important- not only to the person saying them but to the person hearing them. I know from experience. I guess it is the people pleaser in me - but this week I have struggled with something. I am a bit ashamed of it but I am going to share it -hoping it can help someone else.

You all know by now about the hours that I am having to work lately. It has been so hard on me. I think that if I was able to not only get to bed at a decent hour but have a quiet house and no interruptions - I would be handling it better. But my husband and son really do not want to go to bed at 8pm - so I have to go on to bed with everyone else awake. So I am usually disturbed at least a time or two per night and that makes it hard to get that really good, restful sleep.

Ok back to my point. So I have been struggling with not feeling appreciated. I have - actually my family and I have been going above and beyond trying to keep everything running smoothly at the store and the last couple of days I have felt as if it was not appreciated at all.

I had really felt unappreciated on Tuesday evening - when I was exhausted by about 7-7:30pm. And while I was getting ready for bed - God brought an awesome song to my mind- "Do Everything."

Well Wednesday I was on my way to work and I flipped around the stations that I like to listen to - and decided to stop at one of the stations. Well the very next song that came on was.......Yep! You guessed it! "Do Everything" It meant so very much to me - I knew that God had planned - not only that the song would be played but He knew that I would be leaving for work about 10 minutes later than I had been - and He planned it just right. I was so touched - that I cried.

Wednesday afternoon- my MIL who had been at the store doing bookwork (easing her self back into work slowly) was there and she was able to go home. And I was just blown away cause she said that she really appreciate what me and the boys were doing! Wow- this is very unusual for her. I told the boys later - because like they said she would not tell them. Well truthfully I was shocked she told me- she just is not really into telling people thank you and that she appreciate what they do for her - even though she has a lot of people that do for her.

To say the least - I was thrilled hearing these special words. And as I thought about it, I thought that it was probably a really good idea that I write a post about saying Thank You. I think that it is important not only to tell people who are doing you a favor or such Thank You, but we need to tell those people in our lives Thank You for the nice things that they do for us. Maybe it is things that they always do for us- but it is still very important for us to take the time to tell them how much we appreciate them.

It would be much better to err on the side of saying Thank You too often then not enough. That way those around you know how much you appreciate them and what they do. Plus it makes it SO much easier for them to continue to do what they do for you. I know that when I heard that my MIL appreciated me - it renewed my energy and helped me realize that I could make it through the next week or more that I will have to do this schedule. Just by her taking just a minute out of her time to say that she appreciated me.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Wild, Crazy Schedule

2012-01-17T19:38:00.002-06:00

It is 7:39pm - and I am SO tired. I am waiting for my husband to get out of the shower then I am going to bed. This schedule is for the birds. Don't know how anyone does this long term. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks and it feels like forever. It does not help that today I found out that I will be doing it for at least one more week and the fact that my MIL is not hardly doing anything physical at the store tells me she probably won't be able to jump in and take over. It was disappointing to find out that I have another week of this schedule. Anyway I am trying to trust God is in control and that He will continue to give me the strength that I need to make it through this. But I am telling you it is sad that I am so tired that I want to go to bed now.
That is all I have tonight. Hoping that I will be back to some half way interesting posts soon and not just complaining about this wild, crazy schedule that I have. Hope you are all doing fine. :o)

Emotions on a Roller Coaster Ride

2012-01-15T12:44:00.002-06:00

Friday was a bit of a roller coaster ride to my emotions. My Mother-in-law went in to have a procedure done. We had thought that they were going to just change out the pump and that she would have to go again next week to have the wound closed up. But Praise the Lord! The wound was healed enough for the Dr to close up the wound.

So you are thinking - I should be happy at this point - right? Well I was - in fact was thrilled. I knew she was getting tired of having to keep going in and having the thing changed out. And a couple of weeks ago - I was worried that it might not heal - ever. But I got too happy, I started thinking that there would be a good chance of her being back to work on Monday. Why would I think that? Because at the first of January she had procedure done on a Friday - she was SO stubborn that she was at work the next morning- even though the day would be covered. And had she stayed home- she would have had till Monday off. But no - she was at work. So I thought - well if she has the wound closed up - then she will probably be back to work on Monday. Yay! No more waking up at 3:30am!!!

Within an hour, when I talked to my husband, those hopes were dashed. She could not drive for a week. What a let down. That meant at least one more week of waking up way before the crack of dawn. She does not go back to see the Dr for 2 weeks so who knows - I could have to do it for 2 more weeks.

In situations like this, I am so thrilled to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Because I know that if He gives me jobs to do - He will give me the strength that I need.

On Friday, I shared the following verse:

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

I had said that I was claiming this verse. The day went much more smoothly than I had thought it would go. God gave me wisdom to deal with a few situations that I had been concerned about. I really need to learn to trust Him more. If He takes you to it - He will get you through it. Praise the Lord!

So I will continue to claim this verse as I go through this new week. And I will do my best to depend on His wisdom and strength in all that I face.

Sabbath Praise

2012-01-14T07:13:00.001-06:00

Friday - Thank Goodness It's Friday!!

2012-01-13T10:29:00.004-06:00

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Isaiah 40:31

This a verse that I am claiming today. I just wish that I understood how I am to "wait upon the Lord"? The last week and a half I have been pushed outside of my comfort zone much more that I really like. Trying to figure out some problems -and I only see half of the picture. It is hard to step in and do other peoples jobs when they have not really allowed you to know much about what they do. So it is like walking in the dark - quick - I need some light.

Ok - I am off to work again. I am SO glad that it is getting close to the week-end. Oh and my MIL is having another proceedure done toay so I will find out later this afternoon what is going on - and at least have an idea of about how much longer I will be playing this role.

I hope you all are doing good. :O)

Long Day and Praying For You..

2012-01-11T18:38:00.003-06:00

It has been the longest day. I am very tired. I just got home a little after 6pm. I left for work at 3:50am. And came home from 8:45am- 10:30am - and then had been outof the house till after 6pm. That is hard on this girl who really loves to be home. This having to be at work at 4am - will probably go on for at least one more week from now- maybe more. Let me tell you - I am looking forward to the week-end. Thankful for the week-ends.

By the way - I would like to let you all know that I appreciate you all praying for me earlier in the week when I requested prayers. Prayers are always appreciated. I really think that is something that we need to be doing more of - praying- lifting each other up in prayer. So I would like to let you all know if there is anything that I could pray for you about - just let me know. There are some of you that I do my best to keep you and your families in my prayers. Just know that if you read my blog- I will be praying for you - I may not know who you are but God does and He knows your needs.

Ok - I really would like to do a few things before I will happily go to bed early. :o)

Have a "Garbage-Free" Day...

2012-01-09T06:04:00.000-06:00

Someone posted this to facebook and I thought it was very wise information and wanted to pass it along. And I hope I can remember it when people dump their garbage on me.
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One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.' He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it, and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it! Have a garbage-free day!

Prayer Request

2012-01-08T18:20:00.000-06:00

Ok - I am a bit discouraged this evening and I wanted to pop in here for a bit and ask for prayers. I can only share a couple of the things. First of all I am feeling bad because my son is discouraged. He has not found another job yet and this is just a tough time to find a job. I really feel that the reason he has not found a job yet is because he is needed to help out at my MIL's store while she is out. It would be VERY hard to be running the store without him. So I feel that God has waited on another job for him on purpose. And once my MIL is able to come back - that is when I think he will find a job. But my son is discouraged because he is having to scrap money together to be able to pay his vehicle payment and does not have extra money and he has a few things he would like to get. Life is tough and it is really hard to handle - especially when you do not realize that God will take care of you. This is something I am learning now- and it is a hard lesson to learn because there seems to be so many times of having to learn this lesson.
Another thing that I am discouraged about is that tomorrow will start up my super early mornings again. I have to be at work by 4am - since I have a lot to do and I have to have the kolaches ready to go into the proofer by 5am. So what I am discourage about is that this week I will have to do it 5 times. Oh and to top that off the next two mornings it will more than likely be raining on my way to work and so it will be dark and raining and as they are talking -it will be raining hard. We have a few spots that flood on the roads between here and there and at night when it rains hard - it is hard to see and you have to drive slow. Anyway - i know it sounds like a lot of whining to some of you I am sure but I guess it is a combination of all the things going on right now that is really stressing me out. There is a lot of things at work that I am responsible for that I am not usually responsible for and so it is just challenging. Oh - so we are also really low on our hamburger patties so tomorrow we have to come up with an order and call it in and see if someone can come by their business to pick up at least one box of meat so that we don't run out. And the person that usually picks the stuff up when it is needed had a surgery on Friday too. So we are down 2 people and so much to do. I am sure it will all work out but it just really stresses me. Anyway I would really appreciate prayers- not only for me but for my son and for my MIL that she will continue to heal. Thanks so much! :o)

Forced on Course

2012-01-08T09:40:00.000-06:00

I just had to laugh when it occurred to me that I had been forced on course. When I went to the Seminar a little over a year ago - Dr. B had explained why it was important to get to bed at a decent time. There is a hormone or something like that - that is released at 10pm - so it is best to be asleep by 10pm. So I had tried to get to bed by 9:30pm so I could be asleep by then. Well over the last 6 months or so life had gotten in the way.

When it came time for New Year's Resolutions-I even had written out a list of resolutions that I wanted to work towards this year. One of them being - to get back to my healthy way of living. But again - life got into the way. So when Tuesday got here and we found out that my MIL would have to have a surgery - again- I realized that I was going to have to get up super early and make breakfast stuff. So Wednesday morning rolled around and I was at work at 4:10am. I was thankful that I was able to have her show me at least the first hour of doing stuff that morning. I have never had to cover for her for breakfast before- so everything was new to me. Anyway so I had to continue doing that through the rest of the week. So I was smart and worked really hard to get to bed early. Well when we wake up at 3:30am - believe me - you are tired and it is not so hard to get to bed on time.

Except I had another problem - sleeping. I just did not sleep good the first two nights I had the worse time sleeping - there were a couple of reasons but the one that I could do something about was the fact that we had flannel sheets on our bed. Well that is fine and works great when the temps drop to the freezing point at night - but on nights that it does not get so cold - I just don't do so well with them. I had forgotten about this factor. So we finally figured that out and changed sheets and I have slept much better since then.

I was so happy to see the week end roll around because I did not have to get up SO early and just being able to sleep those couple of extra hours felt so good. I have done pretty good to still try to get to bed at a decent time - last night I got to bed at about 10pm - later than I wanted to but I am trying. Tonight I WILL get to bed at a decent= early time - because tomorrow morning I will have to get to work by 4am.

So now you see how I was forced on course. When we are not doing what God is leading us to do - sometimes circumstances will change and push us into doing what we knew was right all along. I sure hope that I will be more willing to follow the leading of God. :o)

Sabbath Praise

2012-01-07T21:12:00.000-06:00

This was scheduled to post at about 8am - and for some reason it did not. I am just now figuring that out so I am going to see if I can post it now - even though the Sabbath is officially over but - the song is great and I would like any of you that have not had a chance to hear it to be able to.

This month I will be posting the songs that are like my theme songs for this year. They will be reruns but they are very important songs with great messages. Please take the time to listen:

If you have never heard this song - Please take the 5 minutes to listen to it. You will be blessed. :o)

Something to Think About...

2012-01-06T05:50:00.000-06:00

$3 Worth of God

"I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.

Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine.

I don't want enough of Him to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant.

I want ecstasy, not transformation.

I want the warmth of the womb not a new birth.

I want about a pound of the eternal in a paper sack.

I'd like to buy $3 worth of God, please."
Wilbur Reese

I heard this quote on the radio today and thought I would share. It sure gives you alot to think about. I think that too many times we as Christians act just like this. When the doors of church open we may be there but our lives are not changed by what we hear. We do not put into action that which we learn. We just want enough of God in order to feel good - not to transform our lives. If we will allow Him to- He will transform our lives. That is my wish for my life and for your life as well. May God bless you and draw you closer to Him. And may you hunger and thirst for Jesus in your life. :O)

In The Kitchen

2012-01-05T07:31:00.001-06:00

Sunflower Seed Roast

from the "Cooking By The Book" Cookbook - shown above.

1 C. ground walnuts

1/2 C. bread crumbs

1/2 C. grated potato

1 C. Milk

3 T. grated onion

1/2 C. ground sunflower seeds

1 T. oil

1 t. salt

Combine all ingredients. Mix ell. Pour into casserole(I used an 8x8 glass dish) Cover and let stand for 1/2 hour. Bake at 350* for 1 hour. Serves 6

I tried this recipe earlier this week and I really like it and wanted to share with you all. Actually this cookbook has a lot of great recipes in it. :o)

Update

2012-01-04T15:58:00.001-06:00

It looks like they will be keeping my MIL in the hospital for a week. It is a pretty serious infection. And I just pray that after 11 months of her dealing with this that they will be able to get it under control before more damage is done. I would really appreciate your prayers for this matter. Thanks a lot! :o)

Way Before the Crack of Dawn....

2012-01-04T08:32:00.002-06:00

Good Morning~ Well one of the things that I have been worried about came true. My MIL had a surgery on Friday - well they let her go home that evening. Well she ended up over doing it so this morning - actually right now they are doing another surgery - this time more invasive. So what had I been worried about? Having to go in at 4am to make the breakfast stuff. I met her at the store at about 4am and she talked me through the first half of the routine in the morning and showed me a few things. Then I finished up on my own- since she left at about 5am. It looks as if I will be doing this at least through the rest of this week.
I am tired. I did not sleep good last night - I guess I was worried about if I would wake up on time and then the whole -she has been doing the stuff for like 19 years and this would be my first time to do it and I did not know how good I could do - especially with the pro standing right there watching me. I was happy with how things turned out. Better than I expected.
I am home for a bit - to get my shower and cleaned up. Then I have an appointment to get my haircut- that will be nice. Then I have to get to the store cause I will have to also help with the grill today and do bookwork.
Tomorrow my day will start at about 3:30am again- with making breakfast, helping with the grill, bookwork, and then doing my normal job of making cookies.
I am sure hoping that I sleep better tonight than I did last night. I hope everyone is doing good. I do have a couple of post that I would like to do so hopefully I will have a bit of time to work on them to get them posted. :o)

Armor of God

2012-01-02T07:25:00.000-06:00

As we enter this new year - I think it is very important that we use our Armor of God.

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints"
Ephesians 6:11-18

Here is a link to a really cool little book that you can read on-line that goes more in depth about the Armor of God. I hope you enjoy! :o)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

"If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 1 Chronicles 7:14

Important Lessons to Remember as We Get Ready for a New Year

2011-12-31T08:13:00.004-06:00

The following was sent in an e-mail to a friend of mine and it has so much wisdom that I had to share:

Remember, the pencil maker taught pencil 5 important lessons, of which I pray that it will be your lesson too in the Year 2012;

1. Everything you do will always leave a mark behind,
2. You can always correct the mistake you make,
3. What is most important is what is inside of you,
4. In life you will undergo very painful sharpening lessons which will make you a better pencil,
5. To be the best pencil you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you.

My dear friend, let the hand of God hold and guide you through-out the year 2012 and you will fulfill your dreams. Remember, when people saw a barren woman in Sarah, God saw a mother of great nations, when people saw a poor Shepherd in David, God saw a mighty King of Israel, when people saw a poor prisoner in Joseph, God saw a powerful prime minister of Egypt, when people saw a poor coward man in Gideon, God saw a mighty warrior!

My friend, people see in you, different things, but, you are a great person in the eyes of the Lord.

YOU - Are Very Unique and Special

2011-12-30T17:52:00.000-06:00

Did you know that you are unique and very special? Well you are and if you need some reminding - read the devotion below. I am hoping that it will be big enough to read - if any of you have a problem reading it - just let me know and I will type it out.
And this is the book that the above devotional came from:

Small Words - Big Meanings

2011-12-29T21:36:00.003-06:00

I love how small words can have such a big meaning in a Bible verse. I have written a post in the past talking about The Lords Prayer and how it as the word As - when referring to forgiving us AS we have forgiven others. Well here is another verse that have different small word but it has a lot of meaning.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

I love how this verse has the word "let" your light so shine... we only have to allow God to work through us to allow that light to shine. :o)

...A Never-Failing Fountain of Grace and Strength...

2011-12-28T09:39:00.003-06:00

"He in whom Christ is abiding has within him a never-failing fountain of grace and strength. Jesus cheers the life and brightens the path of all who truly seek Him. His love, received into the heart, will spring up in good works unto eternal life. And not only does it bless the soul in which it springs, but the living stream will flow out in words and deeds of righteousness, to refresh the thirsting around him." PP 412

Just a wonderful promise from the book that I am reading that I wanted to share. Yay- I am a little more than half way through this -the first of the 5 books that I plan to read. I have really enjoying this book. I hope you all are well and having a good week! :O)

Which Plan Will You Choose?

2011-12-27T18:39:00.002-06:00

A lot of think about... And oh SO true. See we are even warned about this:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Whose plan will you choose? I choose Jesus! :O)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T07:35:00.000-06:00

Sabbath Praise

2011-12-24T13:49:00.001-06:00

The Reason....

2011-12-23T09:47:00.000-06:00

Christian Lingo

2011-12-22T06:59:00.000-06:00

A couple of years ago, I started going to some 12 step type meetings at my church. I have shared with you all - that there is a couple that used to have a very worldly lifestyle with drugs and alcohol being at the center of their lives. When they got cleaned up and then later came to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior - they decided to do their part to help other people.

I remember sitting in those meetings for the longest time - thinking that they really know this program. And I thought there is no way that I am ever going to know this program as good as they do.

Well I have finally gotten to the point of accepting that everyone is different. And knowing the program in order to be able to quote different quotes and such - is not what is important to me. What is much more important to me is to develop a better relationship with Jesus Christ.

In real life, I think we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking because we know all the Christian lingo that we have it altogether. And in the meantime we are neglecting the most important thing and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. :o)

Just Checking In

2011-12-21T09:50:00.003-06:00

Well this week, I have been reminded that it is a good idea to hold loosely to your plans. Yesterday morning, my oldest son woke up sick. He thought it was a migraine, but as the day went by and he continued to be sick and got to feeling achy and kept throwing up, we then realized that he had the flu. We are all hoping that he did not give it to us before he got sick. Right now is not a good time for anyone to get sick - at the store we do not have a lot of extra workers. Anyway because of this - I have ended up having to work the grill. And I will have to do it today too.
I am thankful that our bakery orders have been spread out over the month. We had like 34 pies ordered for last Friday. And then 2 and 3 pies here and there. And then this Friday we have quite a bit - but not too much to do. God has been good to help it all be doable.
Well I just wanted to check in to say Hi and to say I hope you all are doing good and staying well. :o)

Proving it Every Day..In Many Ways

2011-12-20T07:16:00.000-06:00

What I would like to talk about today is something I have written about before; and that is that we need to act the way that Jesus would act, in everything that we do and say. We do not know when people are watching us and when we can be an influence for good or for bad. How we drive, how we treat the bagger at the grocery store, or how we treat our spouse are all ways that can show people our true colors. Are we behaving in a way that would cause others to want to know Jesus more? Or are our actions such that would cause others to not want to have anything to do with God or Christianity? What we do and say are very important and we must continuously turn our lives over to Jesus in order to allow Him to shine through us. May we be willing to submit our wills to God and allow Him to use us instead of us living in the flesh and in the process - turning people away from God. :o)

Praying Honestly

2011-12-19T07:14:00.001-06:00

I heard a pastor speaking about praying honestly and it brought back some of the times in my life that I prayed honestly - even though - what I had to say to God was not very nice. Life is hard and sometimes the pain seems to be just too much to handle. The disappointments really upset us. During these times - God already knows what is going on with us. So what good does it do to try pass off everything like it is OK? We can let God know of our disappointments. We can tell Him exactly how we feel. He loves us with an unconditional love and no matter what we say we can not make Him love us any less. Isn't that comforting to know? I thought so!

Securely Keeping Treasures

2011-12-18T07:15:00.000-06:00

When someone shares their heart with us - we should realize that this is a treasure that should be treated as such. What I am speaking of here is that when someone shares things with us - we should keep it as a treasure - not sharing it with other people. This is a lesson that I learned this week. I shared some information with someone and I had asked that this certain information not be shared. Well I don't know if the specific information was told to someone else but I do know that they shared some other thing that I had told them in the same conversation with a 3rd party. It really disappointed me and I felt violated(you would have to know the whole story to understand that.) Anyway that is when I realized how important it is to be a person that is trustworthy. When people share their heart with you - realize that it is information that you need to securely keep as a special treasure - that has been entrusted to your care. What a treasure you will be to your friends then?!

Between a Rock and a Hard Spot

2011-12-17T13:43:00.001-06:00

I feel like I am between a rock and a hard spot. I really don't want to go into a lot of detail but I can say that over the last couple of years I have been doing a lot of changing. I think I have shared with you about learning of my character defects. I had to come to terms with the fact that I had allowed life circumstance to cause me to work really hard at self preservation instead of depending on God to meet my needs. I thought I had to do what ever I could to meet those needs. This caused some problems in my extended family. What is sad, is that I had no idea that my need to feel like I was of value and loved - had caused another family member guilt and resentment towards me.
When I began to work through the negative responses that I had to certain situations in my family - the change in me- changed the dynamics in the family. And when something unrelated to this problem came up - all of a sudden all the resentment came out of this family member- her true feelings that she had held inside for so long -all came to the surface. I realized that I had(even though it was was unintentional) caused her grief by my behavior~my behaviors rooted in the need to be loved and valued. The little helpless girl inside had been screaming- "love me, please love me." And when I did not feel this love that I so desperately needed - I would point it out. Anyway, I realized that I owed this family member an apology. So I let her know how sorry I was for any harm I had caused her.

Things seem as if they are ok -we e-mail but that is it. Things are not ok and there is nothing I can do. The family member had resented me and felt like she had to walk on egg shells around me and now- I really don't know why there seems to be a problems. It is hard for me to understand the fact that if this person did not like me then- now that I have changed - why is it so hard to like me now.

At this point all I can do is realize that God is in control. And He knows what is best.

God lead the children of Israel to the Red Sea - and there they were between a rock and a hard place.

"And they said unto Moses, Because [there were] no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12 (Is] not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For [it had been] better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:11-14

This story recorded in the Bible(like all the rest) are there to help encourage us along our journey through life. And this story also helps me to realize that God is in control and I can trust Him.

"The path where God leads the way may be through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path." PP290

Of Time Lost

2011-12-15T10:41:00.002-06:00

Sorry I have not been around much this week, and truthfully I don't have but a few minutes right now to post. I did want to check in and at least touch base with you all.

Since returning home from my quick trip to Colorado- I have been doing a lot of thinking. My Grandma and Grandpa basically lived in Colorado their whole married life. And even though as a child - my family moved around a whole lot - we never lived in Colorado. This made it very difficult to get to see my grandparents very often. Now that I am a grandparent - I am realizing how very hard this must have been for my grandparents. I have also been thinking about what all I missed out on. What all stories and wisdom my grandparents could have shared with me. All the cool stories about our family in the past and the answers to questions that will never be answered now~ Like why did she and ALL of her 6 brothers and sisters go by their middle names instead of their first names. Last week, I found out for the first time that my Grandma's first name was actually Emma - not Eloise.

Anyway so that is just part of what has been going on with me. I hope you all are having a good week. :o)

We Made It Home

2011-12-11T10:52:00.002-06:00

Just a quick post to let you all know that we made it home safely. I am so very glad that I went. There were some people I had not seen in 30 years or so. I had not seen my Dad in about 11 years so it was very important for me to go. And I was able to see my Grandpa - he is not doing very well.
I hope everyone is doing well. Now I need to get off of here and get some things done that have been neglected for a few days. :o)

Just a Little Break - Taking a Trip

2011-12-08T06:12:00.000-06:00

Earlier this week my Grandmother passed away. I knew she was not in very good shape but it still came as a surprise.
We are comforted in the fact that the next time my Grandma opens her eyes she shall see Jesus coming in the clouds!

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16

My son and I will be driving to Colorado for the funeral - leaving this morning. My husband does not have any time so he can not take off, with him having so many health problems this year. Anyway - I am not really looking forward to this trip - not the driving part anyway. I will be very happy to see family that I have not seen in years. And when I say years - I mean YEARS. It has been over 10 years since I have seen my Dad. And it will be great to get to see him. Neither of us have had the time or money to make the trip to see each other. He lives a bit closer to me than my grandparents do. But he has a longer trip to my Grandparents house than I do. It will be about an all day drive for us.
If you would - I would really appreciate your prayers. :O)

The Importance of Being Still

2011-12-07T07:48:00.000-06:00

We live in a day and age in which we have every technological advantage, but I think that could be more of a negative if we do not use it properly.

We also live in a time period when so many people are busy; always having way more to do than we have time for. I think that Satan loves to keep us busy. When we are always busy, we do not have time to hear from God. That is why I think it is important to make time every day to be quiet and still. When we are quiet and still - we are more able to hear God speak to us.

There have been many times in my life when I have been quiet and as I watch my chickens, the birds, or squirrels that God whispers lessons into my ear. But if I was always busy, always noisy - I would have missed those lessons. There are many important lessons for us to learn- if we will just be still.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalms 46:10

And if you are going through a hard time right now, you can know that you can count of God to quiet your soul:

"The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Be sure and take some time every day - to be quiet and still. Study God's Word and be still - and listen for the things that He wants to share with you. :o)

Being Prepared ~ a Different Angle

2011-12-06T06:23:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday our power went out all of a sudden. I was so thankful that we had flashlights handy - and a lighter - so I lite candles throughout the house. Last week my husband and son had gotten a truck load of wood for our fire place. We had not have a chance to get it into the house, but my son went out to the truck and got a couple of loads for us. He started a fire and we spent the next hour and a half in the living room - where it was warm and cozy.

I was so thankful that we had the things we needed. I was also thankful for the sconces that I have on the wall in the main bathroom and in our bedroom. I lite those candles and we had just enough light in those rooms. The candles in those were burnt down and I was happy that they at least lasted through out power outage. I let the rest of them burn down and then I will be cleaning the scones out and putting a brand new candle in there. That way we are ready for the next time that they are needed.

Having flashlights with fresh batteries, candles and lighters are very important to have- especially this time of year. It makes situations that could be unpleasant - much more pleasant and enjoyable.

Of course, the power went out during the Cowboy game so my husband was not at all pleased, but he endured it.

I had made up a big pot of soup. The only problem was - I had not made up a pan of corn bread yet. It would have been fine to eat the soup without cornbread. But praise the Lord! the power came back on and I was able to get pan of cornbread going.

When you go without electricity for a period of time - you begin to be more thankful for things that you normally take for granted. Like your light bulb in the fridge. My son was wanting to make something - and I found him in the kitchen with a candle - looking around in the refrigerator.

This week I am going to try to make sure we have a good amount of fire wood in the house. And I also want to clean out the fire place so that it will be ready for the next usage. I will also be seeing what else needs to be done so that the next time something like this happens. We will have everything we need.

I hope you all are keeping warm and cozy. It is quite chilly here. There was a very good layer of ice on windshields this morning- I had bought one can of deIcer for my husband - but had not thought my son would have to leave for work so early - but he ended up having to go in at 5:50am. So a couple more cans of DeIcer are on my new list of things needed.
Have a wonderful day:o)

Blessings

2011-12-05T05:30:00.000-06:00

"Every ray of light that we shed upon others is reflected upon ourselves. Every kind and sympathizing word spoken to the sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed, and every gift to the needy, if prompted by a right motive, will result in blessings to the giver. PP 218

An interesting story to go along with this quote. The very day that I read this quote - I had a visitor stop by with these lovely flowers for me.

(yes - my Dewie was as excited about the flowers as was I!)

I had helped a friend out with something that they could not do - and these flowers were a "Thank you" gift. I thought it was so neat that the very day that I had been reading in my "Patriarchs and Prophets" book and found the above quote, and how the quote had stood out to me - that I would see it in action.

Truth be told - there are many times that I have done kind things and it seem as if there is no recognition but there are blessings all around us, if we will only take the time to recognize them.

Be kind to those around you. Allow God to bless those around you, through you. And maybe by your kindness you can draw people to Jesus Christ, the one who put the love in your heart to do for other. May we be a light shining in a dark and dreary world. :O)

My Reading Challenge

2011-12-04T07:15:00.000-06:00

Last year I read through the "Little House" books. It was fun, but not very edifying. It was entertaining and I was glad that I had done it. But I began to think that I wanted to be spending my extra reading time - reading things that were uplifting. That was about the time that I found the "special red box" with the "Steps to Christ" book. I began to read through it and was totally blessed. This will be a book that will be reread in the future. Well worth the time and very uplifting.

When I was reading "Steps to Christ" I was inspired to read through the "Conflict of the Ages" series. But before I began it - I had another book - "Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessings" and I thought since it was a little book - that I would read through it and so I did. It was another great book. Well worth the read!
Then it was time to start through the "Conflict of the Ages" books. This series basically starts in Genesis and works its way through the entire Bible - ending in Revelations -with the book "The Great Controversy."
I am so glad that I started with the smaller books, because these books have 600-700 pages in them. These books were written many years ago - from 1898 - 1917. It is a bit of a challenge to read them but as you read them - it becomes easier and easier.

I love to read books that draw me closer and closer into a relationship with Jesus Christ and that is exactly what these books do.

So this is my Reading Challenge - I will be reading through these books. I will be checking in ever so often to share gems that I have found or lessons learned. I will also share the progress that I am making as I move through these books. :O)

Why???...for your Testimony

2011-12-03T12:38:00.001-06:00

(a repost,worth sharing again)

Why???...for your Testimony
I love my morning walks. It is so quiet and there is not much going on. I feel so much closer to God when I am out in nature. It isn't any wonder though - He created nature. As I was walking I was thinking about how there are many times in our lives that things happen and we ask Why? Sometimes that "Why?" comes from an angry heart or it comes from a hurt heart. I am sure that God has heard that question a gazillion times. And all of a sudden I thought ~ it is for our testimony.

If our lives were easy and nothing bad ever happened then we would never have the chance to experience God's loving care for us in a real way. God wants to reveal Himself to us, but many times we are too busy to even notice.

This morning in my quiet time, I read about something that just blew me away. We all have probably heard about the time when the children of Israel were trapped with mountains on either side and the Red Sea was in front of them and the Egyptians were coming after them. And how God parted the waters for them to walk through on DRY land. Wow!
But did you realize that He did it again? After the 40 years of wandering around in the wilderness and the generation that had not have faith in God had passed away - it was time to go into the promise land. God led them to the Jordan River and He did it again. He parted the waters for them to get across. I thought this was amazing because God was revealing himself to His children. He was letting them know that He would guide and direct them and He would also take care of their needs. How awesome is that? So the next time you come to a place in your life when you are asking why? Remember that God has a plan for your life and if you will hold onto your faith in Him - You will have a story to tell of His goodness and mercy. :O)

If you would like to read about the children of Israel going across the Jordan River - you can read it below:

"9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
10 And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.
11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.
12 Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
14 And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;
15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
17 And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan."
Joshua 3:9-17

One More Verse...

2011-12-02T08:31:00.002-06:00

Thanks so much to Hilary for the comment and for sharing this important verse that goes so well with yesterdays post. I knew there were a couple more verses that I really wanted to add.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :O)

It's NOT all Smooth Sailing

2011-12-01T20:18:00.000-06:00

I think there is a lot of danger in the belief that once we become Christians, that it will be smooth sailing from then on. I also think that it is sad that there are some preachers out there preaching these lies. I mean - when Jesus came to the earth, was His life smooth sailing? Was everything hunky dory all the time? No... So why would we think that things would be for us?

"And there came a scribe, and said unto him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." Matthew 8:19-20

Does that sound like everything was roses and sunshine?
Several times in the Bible it warns of the suffering that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, will have:
"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." John 15:18-19

"but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:13

But there is good news!

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," 2 Corinthians 4:17

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

And one of my favorites:

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." 1 Peter 5:10

Isn't that awesome? We may have to suffer but God is using that suffering to mold us into what He wants us to be.

So please do not fall for the lies. Do not expect everything to be wonderful and certainly do not get discouraged when trouble and trials come your way. Because you can count on those things. If you are not in the middle of a trial, or have not just gotten out of a trial - you can about be certain the one will be in you future. But do not be dismayed. For when we love and follow Jesus Christ -He will use these things to perfect us and make us more and more like Himself.

Busy Here and Busy There

2011-11-30T09:14:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a full day at home. I love days like that. I was finally able to get the fish tank cleaned. I was also able to get my carpets cleaned - and when you have a light blue carpet(here when we moved in) you have to clean them 0r they get in pretty bad shape. I was able to get a few other odds and ends done - things that I had wanted to get done for a while - but with the holiday and working-I had ended up having to put those things off. I also ended up mowing 3/4th of our yard. I got the front yard all mowed - yay! And then started on the back yard and ran out of gas. And I would run out of sunlight before we got get to the gas station to buy more. So I will have to finish that up today. It was weird to me to be mowing - the end of November - in about 53 degree weather.
Today I have a lot of errands so will be gone at least part of the day. But it will feel good to get all those things done as well.
I hope you all are having a good week. :o)

Obeying God...All of the Time

2011-11-28T18:18:00.000-06:00

It never ceases to amaze me the way in which God chooses to teach me lessons. Today, it was through my black cat - Stewie: Doesn't he look innocent? Well after this story - you may not think so any more...

So I am making supper and Stewie keeps trying to drink my tea and I tell him NO. "No, you may not have any of my tea." This happened several times. A little later - I am sitting at my computer with my drink and I get up to go tell my son something. Well guess what happened? Yep - you guessed it - not only did Stewie get into my tea but he dumped it over... all over my desk.

I start cleaning up the mess. While I am cleaning the mess up, I am telling Stewie that when I tell him something I mean it and I want him to obey me ALL the time. The thought instantly came to my mind- like the Holy Spirit impressing it upon my mind, "I want you to obey me ALL of the time too" Wow- how many times have I read verses like - if you love me you will keep my commandments? I have realized that God wanted us to obey His laws, not out of meanness or anything but because God set up the Commandments - for our good.

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." John 14:21

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." 1 John 2:3

I am going to post the Ten Commandments just for review.

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17 NKJV)

1 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My Commandments.
3 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
4 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
5 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
6 “You shall not murder.
7 “You shall not commit adultery.
8 “You shall not steal.
9 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.”

I think from now on - this little lesson will help me to remember how very important it is to God that I obey Him. I love Him and I want to show it; therefore, I will obey His commandments.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Catching Up A Bit

2011-11-27T19:24:00.002-06:00

Well we were finally able to have our Thanksgiving Dinner. Since my MIL had hers on Thanksgiving and like at 3pm - kind of made it hard to have another dinner that day - and then I had to wait till everyone was off work and available. But it all turned out great. I was proud of how good the dressing turned out. My MIL gave me her recipe- but it is more like a base point - like it gives what to put in not really how much. Anyway I did alot of what she does but I also changed it up a bit to make it mine and we were very pleased with how it turned out.

I also made a pumpkin Roll for the first time. Man- I wish I had not let the recipe intimidate me for SO long. It called for a Jelly Roll pan - well I have looked and looked but could not find one. Well you DON'T have to have a special pan. I just found a pan that was the right dimensions - I think 10X15. Anyway - I was very pleased with how it turned out and think I will be making more in the future. Now I am thinking that I have seen a cool cake roll that had a strawberry filling or something like that. I will have to see what else I can find now that I know the basics to making a cake roll. My husband does not like pumpkin - so would not even try it. Disappointed me but oh well. I will keep looking for something that I think he would be more willing to eat.

Well look at this:

Looks like we actually have some fall type weather here. I love this kind of weather. It has been wonderful. The only weird thing is that my yard needs to be mowed. And it will just be weird to get out there the last week of November - or first week of December and mow -with chilly weather. But it really needs to be done.

Well I just wanted to touch base with you all. I hope that everyone had a wonderful week-end. :o)

Sabbath Praise

2011-11-26T08:59:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving is not just a Holiday, but a Choice

2011-11-25T13:27:00.002-06:00

Every year when Thanksgiving rolls around many people put more of a focus on what they are thankful for. What is sad is that to some people - this may be the only time that they think of those things that they are thankful for. We all have many things to be thankful for- many of the things that we take for granted of are things to thankful for. Examples of these things could be - running water, indoor toilet, electricity(heat and air), refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Many more things would make the list but these are things that many people take for granted. And so many times we find ourselves feeling sorry for ourselves - when in fact we have much to be grateful for.

I have really enjoyed the friends of mine who have chosen to write about what they are thankful for whether it be by blog or by facebook, I have really been blessed. And feel it is a good thing to get in the habit of doing. Not just for Thanksgiving either. I think that when we are discouraged and depressed - would be an excellent time to take a few moments and think about the things in our lives that we are thankful for.

It might even be a good idea to get a notebook and start a list of what you are thankful for - that way when you are down and having a hard time thinking of what you are thankful for - you can refer back to your notebook.

Another idea - which is something that I do- is have a prayer book. I have a book in which I record prayers - not the whole prayer but when I want to especially remember to pray for certain people and situations. In this book - the left side of the book -is my prayer list - and on the right side of the book - is where I put my praise items. I put a date next to my entries. Later I can come in and next to my prayer list items - when there has been an answer to prayer - I will write a TY - Thank You. And I usually add this as a praise on the other side of the book. It is a way that I can better keep track of prayers that have been answered.

Keeping track of these prayers and answers to prayers are great reminders for us when we are having a hard time. We can go back and see how God has taken care of us in the past and how he will continue to work on our behalf - when we have taken the time to pray about those things that weigh heavy on our hearts.

So even though Thanksgiving is but a memory, please continue to take time to focus on those things in your life that you can be thankful for.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17

The Will of God

2011-11-25T07:06:00.000-06:00

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Grace of God cannot keep you
Where the Arms of God cannot support you
Where the Riches of God cannot support your needs
Where the Power of God cannot endow you.

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you
Where the Wisdom of God cannot teach you
Where the Army of God cannot protect you
Where the Hands of God cannot mold you.

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Love of God cannot enfold you
Where the Mercies of God cannot sustain you
Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears
Where the Authority of God cannot overrule you.

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Comfort of God cannot dry your tears
Where the Word of God cannot feed you
Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

~ author unknown ~

Everything happens for a purpose,
We may not see the wisdom of it all now
but trust and believe in the Lord
that everything is for the best!

Happy Thanksgiving! :O)

2011-11-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

I am writing this on Thanksgiving Eve. Tonight I am thinking back to years past when the couple of days before Thanksgiving I would end up having to work 12 hours each day at the Bakery that I work at. Oh those were rough days. Those were days when you might find me crying because I knew how much we had to do and knew that it would be hard for the size of our bakery to keep up with all of those orders -without working almost nonstop. Tonight, I am so very thankful that this year was different. This year we actually finished up all of our orders by noon today. Yesterday we worked a longer day and got half of the stuff done, and today we only had to work till noon. It was great to leave work that early. I still had groceries to get, a stop at the bank and laundry and stuff here at home to do.

When I left work, the sun was out shining so brightly. Our temperatures got up to about 68 degrees or so. It was a gorgeous day!! The warmth from the sun was good for my soul as I traveled to the grocery store.

The grocery store was not as bad as I had thought it might be. I went in with a good attitude and just patiently gathered everything on my long list.

And now at the end of the day, I am thinking of all I have to be thankful for. There are many things. And I am so thankful that my thankful list - is way longer than my list of rough, tough things in my life to deal with. God is good. We might have rough things to deal with, but if we will hold our faith in God and keep our focus on Him - He will supply our needs and bless us with peace - not like the world gives - but true, perfect peace - even in the storms of life.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
What are you Thankful for? :o)

"Because of Love"

2011-11-23T15:33:00.001-06:00

An awesome story that my MIL sent in an e-mail today. Some of you may have already read this story, but I have not ever seen it before. It is an excellent story and well worth the time to read it.

Because of Love (Please read all the way to the end)

A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre- Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.

The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.

Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks "Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"

The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could use a pair of new boots.

His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love."

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley.

The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the peace of the love that filled their hearts?

So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.

And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand.

The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.

Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night light.

Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe.

At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new year’s crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife.

Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift---

Because of love. Only Because of love.

Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy... And again the peace of love filled their hearts.

This is a true story.

-----the greatest gift of all is Love!

Week-end Wrap-Up

2011-11-20T18:18:00.000-06:00

This morning when I woke up it was pretty warm. I was surprised at how warm it was. I had thought that it would get down to about 61 degrees. But it was no where near 61 degrees. When I got dressed - I put on a pair of capri's and a sleeveless shirt. I had looked at the forecast and it looked like it would be getting up to 80 degrees - so I thought I had picked weather appropriate clothes. I had a coupon for TSC for 10% off- I was so excited when I got the large postcard from TSC in the mail and especially when I saw the 10% off coupon. The problem was this morning when I had a chance to cut it out and look at it, I noticed that today was the last day I could use it. So I had to go get birdseed. I love to put birdseed out and my chickens love birdseed too - so it is something that I keep in a plastic bucket on my back porch. Well I had to get gas and when I checked my "Gasbuddy" app on my phone - well wouldn't you know it - I would need to drive to another town- to get gas - it was a big enough difference to drive to that town. Plus I had been really wanting pizza(my husband does not really like pizza so we rarely get it) and where I was getting gas was not too far from where we like to order our pizza from. Well from one town to the next the temperature gauge in my car went from 72(it has been closer to 77 when I got to TSC) and by the time I got to the gas station - it was down to 64 degrees. Well it was quite chilly standing outside getting gas.
So now it is about 52 degrees outside and I have made a pot of Tin Can soup (It had been called 8 Can Soup but We just changed what we call it. And have cornbread cooking right now. It is the perfect weather for a nice warm soup.
Today I also made up a healthy Chicken(fri-chik) Salad and I also made up a big bowl of "Bean Salad" . It looks like I have not posted the Chicken Salad yet. I will try to do that some time this week. I also baked up some sweet potatoes that I had bought on Friday. So I have plenty of healthy choices.

I wanted to have some healthy things cooked up so that I can have some healthy meals this week and that will make things go more smoothly. Last Friday - I had not eaten very much and I just can not handle going long periods of time with out eating. So I have some healthy, quick foods to get together for lunches and even for supper if I don't have time.

Well I hope you all are doing well and staying warm and dry. I have some ideas floating around in my head - just have not been able to take the time to sit down and get them on paper. See ya'll soon. :o)

A Long, Hard Week

2011-11-18T20:26:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone. Well this has been a long hard week for me. My husband has had to go in at 1:30am - two days in a row. And when he has to leave that early - it breaks up my night and I am even more tired in the morning. My son ended up getting sick which meant that I had extra responsibility at work- when my load was already very heavy. I really don't want to bore you with all my complaining- trust me there is so much more I could share, but I won't. What I will do is say that I am still a work in progress. Just when I think that I have improved in different areas of my life- then another test comes along and bam - I fall on my face- again. I am so very thankful for God's mercy and grace.

So this evening - as I think back over the week and especially this hard day- I will first ask God to forgive my short comings. Then I will ask God to guide me and direct me in the way He wants me to go. Today may have been a failure, but maybe just maybe I will pass the next test. Until then - I will go back to the owner's manual - my Bible and spend some much needed time with my Heavenly Father.

I hope you all have a great week-end. I am so very thankful that Sabbath is here- I am so very tired and worn out. :o)

"As" small Word BIG Meaning

2011-11-18T07:30:00.001-06:00

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
AS we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen

Sometimes it is not enough...

2011-11-17T07:12:00.003-06:00

This week is a very busy week for me, so I have been looking through some of my old post and some of them I have been re posting. Well this is one of them. I have changed up a bit of it. I hope everyone is doing well.
**********************
"Sometimes it is not enough to do our best; we must do what is required." Sir Winston Churchill

Several weeks ago I had went on the Internet looking for great quotes and I had copied a page worth down. And when I read this quote I was drawn to it but did not quite understand it. Because I often just take things at face value. If someone said they did their best then that should be enough.

Today I read some one's post on Facebook and then I totally understood this quote. I think that sometimes we are in denial. We think that we have done our best and we often times try to convince those around us that we have done everything we could, but in actuality's we are only fooling ourselves because we did not do what was required. Well maybe I need to rephrase that and say that maybe we are going by the wrong standards. Are we going by the worlds standards or God's standards? I think we get into the most trouble when we lower our standards from God's standards to the worlds standards. God knows what is best and that is why He inspired the Bible to be written so we would know the very best way to live. So my desire is to continue to turn my life and my will over to the care of God because He will not steer me wrong.

***********************

."..This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left." Isaiah 30:21b

Quote of the Day

2011-11-16T08:24:00.000-06:00

"Weave your beliefs into the very fabric of your day. When you do, God will honor your good works, & your good works will honor God." A.R. Bernard

A Dangerous Place to Be....

2011-11-15T07:20:00.001-06:00

Lately I have been thinking a lot about how when we are young - we think we have it all figured out. And then after we age some - we figure out that we really did not know everything.

Well it seems to me that sometimes even after we have grown up, we sometimes get to that same point again - thinking that we have everything figured out and that is when we find ourselves in a dangerous situation.

It is when we think we have everything figured out, that we no longer feel that we need God. And I don't know about you, but I would much rather not have everything figured out and have God. So no matter if you are young or old - we will all struggle with the idea of thinking we know everything - but d0 we? Usually not.

The Bible is packed full of so many different things to learn. We could spend our whole lives reading the Bible and studying it and still be learning new things.

Why not spend some time reading your Bible. Be sure and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you as you study the Bible and see what treasure you will find. :O)

Gray Dots or Golden Stars

2011-11-14T07:44:00.000-06:00

I have shared this before, but it is well worth the repost. I hope you are all blessed by reading it:

You Are Special
by Max Lucado

The Wemmicks were small wooden people. Each of the wooden people was carved by a woodworker named Eli. His workshop sat on a hill overlooking their village. Every Wemmick was different. Some had big noses, others had large eyes. Some were tall and others were short. Some wore hats, others wore coats. But all were made by the same carver and all lived in the village. And all day, every day, the Wemmicks did the same thing: They gave each other stickers. Each Wemmick had a box of golden star stickers and a box of gray dot stickers. Up and down the streets all over the city, people could be seen sticking stars or dots on one another.

The pretty ones, those with smooth wood and fine paint, always got stars. But if the wood was rough or the paint chipped, the Wemmicks gave dots. The talented ones got stars, too. Some could lift big sticks high above their heads or jump over tall boxes. Still others knew big words or could sing very pretty songs. Everyone gave them stars.

Some Wemmicks had stars all over them! Every time they got a star it made them feel so good that they did something else and got another star. Others, though, could do little. They got dots.

Punchinello was one of these. He tried to jump high like the others, but he always fell. And when he fell, the others would gather around and give him dots.

Sometimes when he fell, it would scar his wood, so the people would give him more dots. He would try to explain why he fell and say something silly, and the Wemmicks would give him more dots. After a while he had so many dots that he didn't want to go outside. He was afraid he would do something dumb such as forget his hat or step in the water, and then people would give him another dot. In fact, he had so many gray dots that some people would come up and give him one without reason. "He deserves lots of dots," the wooden people would agree with one another. "He's not a good wooden person."

After a while Punchinello believed them. "I'm not a good Wemmick," he would say. The few times he went outside, he hung around other Wemmicks who had a lot of dots. He felt better around them.

One day he met a Wemmick who was unlike any he'd ever met. She had no dots or stars. She was just wooden. Her name was Lucia. It wasn't that people didn't try to give her stickers; it's just that the stickers didn't stick. Some admired Lucia for having no dots, so they would run up and give her a star. But it would fall off. Some would look down on her for having no stars, so they would give her a dot. But it wouldn't stay either. 'That's the way I want to be,'thought Punchinello. 'I don't want anyone's marks.' So he asked the stickerless Wemmick how she did it. "It's easy," Lucia replied. "every day I go see Eli."

"Eli?" "Yes, Eli. The woodcarver. I sit in the workshop with him." "Why?" "Why don't you find out for yourself? Go up the hill. He's there."

And with that the Wemmick with no marks turned and skipped away. "But he won't want to see me!" Punchinello cried out. Lucia didn't hear. So Punchinello went home. He sat near a window and watched the wooden people as they scurried around giving each other stars and dots. "It's not right," he muttered to himself. And he resolved to go see Eli. He walked up the narrow path to the top of the hill and stepped into the big shop. His wooden eyes widened at the size of everything. The stool was as tall as he was. He had to stretch on his tiptoes to see the top of the workbench. A hammer was as long as his arm. Punchinello swallowed hard. "I'm not staying here!" and he turned to leave. Then he heard his name.

"Punchinello?" The voice was deep and strong. Punchinello stopped. "Punchinello! How good to see you. Come and let me have a look at you." Punchinello turned slowly and looked at the large bearded craftsman. "You know my name?" the little Wemmick asked.

"Of course I do. I made you." Eli stooped down and picked him up and set him on the bench. "Hmm," the maker spoke thoughtfully as he inspected the gray circles. "Looks like you've been given some bad marks." "I didn't mean to, Eli. I really tried hard." "Oh, you don't have to defend yourself to me, child. I don't care what the other Wemmicks think." "You don't?"

No, and you shouldn't either. Who are they to give stars or dots?

They're Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Punchinello. All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special."

Punchinello laughed. "Me, special? Why? I can't walk fast. I can't jump. My paint is peeling. Why do I matter to you?"

Eli looked at Punchinello, put his hands on those small wooden shoulders, and spoke very slowly. "Because you're mine. That's why you matter to me."

Punchinello had never had anyone look at him like this--much less his maker. He didn't know what to say.

"Every day I've been hoping you'd come," Eli explained.

"I came because I met someone who had no marks."

"I know. She told me about you."

"Why don't the stickers stay on her?"

"Because she has decided that what I think is more important than what they think. The stickers only stick if you let them."

"What?"

"The stickers only stick if they matter to you. The more you trust my love, the less you care about the stickers."

"I'm not sure I understand."

"You will, but it will take time. You've got a lot of marks. For now, just come to see me every day and let me remind you how much I care." Eli lifted Punchinello off the bench and set him on the ground. "Remember," Eli said as the Wemmick walked out the door. "You are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes."

Punchinello didn't stop, but in his heart he thought, "I think he really means it."

And when he did, a dot fell to the ground.

May all your dots fall silently to the ground, for if given by man, they matter only to other men, if given by the Gods, no one questions, the scars that make up our lives. (when given the choice, pass out stars, drop the dots in the trash.)

- Max Lucado

.

Your Influence

2011-11-13T07:10:00.002-06:00

"You cannot exert an influence that will transform others until your own heart has been humbled and refined and made tender by the grace of Christ. When this change has been wrought in you, it will be as natural for you to live to bless others as it is for a rosebush to yield its fragrant bloom or the vine its purple clusters." MB 128

Another excellent quote from the book that I am reading. There have been many underlined and stars in this book and so many blessings reading it and understanding God's Word more and more.

Hope everyone is having a great week end!

Unnecessary, but Lovingly Given - part 2

2011-11-12T12:36:00.000-06:00

I had meant to share this on the last post - the quotes that I shared were talking about this passage below. I included a little more of the passage because I felt like it was needed to get the whole idea. There is lots more good stuff before this passage and after so you may want to get your Bibles out and read the whole chapter of Matthew 6.

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:25-33

Red - because these were words of Christ himself!

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Adding this last verse just because I love it and want to share it again. Don't think we can ever hear it too much. Have a blessed day! :O)

Sabbath Praise

2011-11-12T07:23:00.000-06:00

Not sure if this one is going to work or not - giving me bit of a problem just trying to set this up. Sorry if it does not work. Have a great day! :O)

Unnecessary, but Lovingly Given

2011-11-11T07:30:00.001-06:00

Happy 11-11-11 - what a cool date that is! And can you believe we are just two weeks away from Thanksgiving.
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I find myself being drawn to books that uplift Jesus Christ, and that draw me into a closer relationship with Him. I had shared with you all that I had been reading the book "Steps to Christ" well now I am reading another great book " Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessings." This book has not let me down. Such an uplifting book it has been.
Well I came across some passages that I really wanted to share with you all. It all has to do with how much God loves us and wants our characters to reflect His character. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have:

"All that was needed for existence would have been yours without the flowers and the birds, but God was not content to provide what would be suffice for mere existence. He has filled earth and air and sky with glimpses of beauty to tell you of His loving thought for you. The beauty of all created things is but a gleam from the shining of His glory. If He has lavished such infinite skill upon the things of nature, for your happiness and joy, can you doubt that He will give you every needed blessing?"

"Through the flowers, God would call our attention to the loveliness of Christlike character. He who has given such beauty to the blossoms desires far more that the soul should be clothed with the beauty of the character of Christ."

"But when the life of God, hidden therein, unfolds at His call in the rain and the sunshine, men marvel at the vision of grace and loveliness. Even so will the life of God unfold in every human soul that will yield itself to the ministry of His grace, which, free as the rain and sunshine, comes with its benediction to all. It is the word of God that creates the flowers, and the same word will produce in you the grace of His Spirit."
MB 96-97

If you would like to check out this book and read more you may click HERE . Have a wonderful day and may you remember just how much God loves you!! :O)

Accepting Where I Am

2011-11-10T07:45:00.000-06:00

I have been doing a lot of reading lately. Reading things that are opening my eyes to our true mission in life ..winning souls for the Kingdom of God. And while I say that, I would like to add a bit of an explanations here, I do not believe that someone has to be a missionary or even out giving Bible studies to be winning souls. I think that as we allow our Heavenly Father to live His life through us - that by our kindness and our love we will have an impact on those around us. When we surrender our lives to God - and we allow His love to penetrate our very souls - then that love will over flow to those around us.

So as I have been learning this and then as I read through the "Abiding Woman" list, I got to number 8 - "She teaches her kids to be Godly" - I was convicted. I was a young mother who thought that she was doing such a good job and I taught my children to be good. But now - that I am older and my children are grown - I realize that I fell short in this area (and to be honest in many areas) And as I was talking to God I asked- why could I have not figured all this stuff out a long time ago - and all of a sudden I heard the truth. The truth is that IF I had figured it all out back then, before I learned the importance of surrendering my heart to God - The glory would not have gone to God. I would have thought that it was all because of me. See back then I was one of those people that thought that I could be good enough and that is totally wrong thinking - because without Jesus Christ there is no good in us. Only when we allow Jesus Christ to live in us -is there any good in us - and that is only through Jesus.

So even though I wish I were further along in my knowledge of Jesus Christ and even though I am disappointed in falling short -in the past and sometimes even now- I will just trust God that I am exactly where He wants me to be. And as long as I continue to surrender my life to Him - I will be exactly where He wants me to be. :o)

Pyramid Schemes are a Counterfeit To....

2011-11-09T07:45:00.001-06:00

Lately several people I know have gotten involved in pyramid schemes. And something that I noticed is that when they did - their entire attention was focused on making money. I have a very good friend who got involved in one- I don't think she realized that it was one when she signed up. Pyramid schemes sell themselves by telling you -that you will have your own business.

Well my friend had been very involved with ministry before she became involved with this company. Then she joined this company and paid her money to get started. Then she had to get t 10 people to buy into this product -all the while the proceeds of these 10 people went to the person who brought her into this company. Well she soon learned the reality of it all - once you get these 10 people on board, you have about exhausted your resources of people so it actually ends up costing you money rather than earning you money. Well my friend was very wise and she got out. Her focus is back on her ministry and what she can do for God.

Since several people I know have gotten involved in these pyramid schemes, I have given a lot of thought to the idea of making money at other people's expense. And how this just has to be wrong. Well this morning during my devotional time, I came across a paragraph that was talking about this Bible verse:

19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

"And at the final day, when the wealth of earth shall perish, he who has laid up treasure in heaven will behold that which his life has gained. If we have given heed to the words of Christ, then, as we gather around the great white throne, we shall see souls who have been saved through our agency, and shall know that one has saved others, and these still others - a large company brought into the haven of rest as the result of our labors, there to lay their crowns at Jesus' feet, and praise Him through the ceaseless ages of eternity." MB 90

And it dawned on me- pyramid scheme's are the counterfeit to what God really wants our focus to be -winning souls for the Kingdom of God.

I don't know about you, but the only pyramid that I want to be a part of is the one that is involved in bring people to Jesus.

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." Colossians 3:1

Godly Woman vs. the Counterfeit

2011-11-08T09:25:00.000-06:00

This morning a friend shared the below "wall photo" and as I read it, I thought wow - this is me. This is who I used to be and who God is creating me to be. Read through it and see which title you fall under. Up until just several years ago - maybe even a couple of years ago - I fell mostly - if not totally- yep - totally under being a Super Woman. Even now sometimes I find myself falling back into some of that old way of thinking and it is no fun. God has an excellent plan for our lives and if we will only allow Him - He will guide us every step of the way. :o)

(Photo above is from the "Teach Them Diligently Convention" Facebook page)

Thankful For Blessings

2011-11-07T20:17:00.000-06:00

This morning when I let my chickens out - I tossed out scraps like I always do. The chickens checked out what I threw out and then came running to me to see what else they could get. All of a sudden it hit me- isn't that the way we are as children of God. He throws out blessings on us and instead of being thankful for what he has bestowed on us - it's like we go running to Him to see what other blessings we can get.

So I am going to try to be more thankful for the blessings that He gives. And be satisfied with the things that He chooses to bless me with.
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So I will go ahead and share a few more things that I am thankful for:

I am really thankful for my pets - my cats and my chickens.
These chickens have taught me so many lessons - and I am thankful for that as well. That God uses these chickens to teach me lessons that I need to learn. I love to watch them - it is relaxing to watch them too.

I am thankful for my job.
It is not what I really thought I would be doing with my life at this point but it is a way for me to be able to make extra money and I am able to help my MIL. For those of you who do not know- I work at my MIL's bakery a couple of days a week. And we are entering into the time of year that I have ALOT more work. We put our order forms out today and we already had an order for 2 pies before I left work. Oh and here is something that I am praying about - my MIL has an infection and might have to have a surgery. I am praying that if she has to have the surgery that God will give me the strength and ability to get all the stuff done. Usually with the two us of we have a lot of work-sometimes more than we can really handle- but if she has to have the surgery - then I may be left to do it on my own. I know that God will not give me more than I can handle.

I am thankful for my Bibles.
There are people around the world who do not have a Bible and would give anything to be able to have on. How often we take for granted the fact that not only can we have a Bible we have the freedom to read it.

Just a few of the the things that I am thankful for. What are you Thankful for? :O)

Sabbath Praise

2011-11-05T13:40:00.001-05:00

Be sure and watch video - it will tell the story behind this song. It will give even deeper meeting to how God can provide all of our needs - even peace in the storms of life. :o)

Taking Time to be Thankful

2011-11-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

On Facebook and now on blogs I have noticed people posting each day of what they are thankful for. I have been a bit hesitant to get on board with this - why? You ask. Well there are a couple of reasons. Don't get me wrong, I think that it is very important for us to be thankful and to praise God for all of our blessings.

First of all, I do not want to take time just this month because it is Thanksgiving month to be thankful and then to just let that go altogether. And the other reason why I have been a little hesitant takes a bit longer to explain.

I know a lady that is in her upper 50's and she is all the time bragging about how she has not been to the Dr in years and years. No - she never had children. So she got pneumonia about 5 years ago and when she went to the hospital and had even bragged to the Dr about how it had been years and years since she had been to the Dr's. Well I know that this should not bother me - but I think because of the health problems that my husband has had and this year with him having problems and having to keep going and having things done -it just seems to rub me the wrong way when she is bragging. And to be honest - she may feel like she is just stating what she is thankful for. But to me - it comes across as bragging. So basically I don't mind sharing things that I am thankful for but do not want to come across to others as just bragging.

So now you understand the reason why I have not jumped on board before now. Well I do know of some ladies that take a day of the week and they list what they are thankful for and I may end up doing something like that. I don't know for sure yet.

Speaking of things I am thankful for - I think I would have to start out with what is the most important thing to me - my Jesus! I am so thankful for our creator and Father God. I am thankful for God's love for me - that He sent his only son -Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. And I am thankful for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has many rolls but I think that one of my favorites is that He helps me understand things as I read the Bible. The Bible tells us that he teaches us, comforts us, and it even says in Luke 12:12 that "the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."

I am thankful for my family and friends. I am most thankful for my family and friends who pray. That have held me and my family up in prayers many, many times. Things are not always perfect with the family and friends but I am learning that God uses these people in my life to work out character defects that I have. And I am thankful for them all.

I am thankful for the Ten Commandments.

"And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God." Exodus 31:18

Did you notice that the Ten Commandments were written by the finger of God on tablets of stone?

Today I am most thankful for the Sabbath Day! It has been a long day and I am tired and I am ready for a day of rest. God knew what he was doing when he created the world and made sure that he put day of rest in there.

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it." Exodus 20:8-11

Ok - I think that is full enough list for today.

This and That

2011-11-03T15:14:00.002-05:00

Wednesday the temperatures got up to about 80 degrees. Then by late afternoon a cold front started to blow into the area. And it seemed as if it went from 80 down to about 60 in about an hour or so. I really enjoyed the nice cool breeze as I worked on weed eating a pretty good sized area in my back yard. And I was glad to have that job done and be able to enjoy looking at how nice the back yard looks now.

Look at what our temperatures for the next week look like:
This is the kind of weather that I really enjoy. I love to be able to regulate the temps in the house by opening or closing windows. And not have to use very much energy for AC or Heat. This morning I had to run the Heat for a bit cause it was a bit chilly in our house. And we will probably have to run it a bit tonight as well. But it is so nice to have fresh air blowing through the house when it is cool. Summers here are long and the house gets stuffy- so once this weather gets here - we really enjoy it.

I am making Chicken and Dumplings for my family for supper. Then I need to make up a menu and a grocery list. Things just work so much better when I have a list of things that I would like to make and make sure I have all the ingredients for said list. Tomorrow I have to work because my son that has been working at the store since he lost his job - will have a meeting with HR tomorrow. Please keep this in your prayers - please pray that God will open the doors needed for my son to be able to get his job back. :o)