For Donna: Take comfort in the Word, Sis.
22. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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Monday, July 30, 2007
Vanilla Cream Puffs
Wonder how many of these I have made through the years? Donna, remember the mini cream puffs?
Ingredients:1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1/3 teaspoon salt
1 cup flour
4 eggs
Filling:
1 1/2 cups milk1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups whipping cream, whipped
Chocolate Glaze:
6 tablespoons chocolate chips
1 1/2 teaspoons shortening
3/4 teaspoon corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions: In a large saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny.
Drop by 1/4 cupfuls 3 inches apart onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack. Immediately split puffs open; remove tops and set aside. Discard soft dough inside. Cool puffs.
In a mixing bowl, beat the mlk, pudding mix, and extract on low speed for 2 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Fold in whipped cream. Fill cream puffs; replace tops.
In a heavy saucepan, combine glaze ingredients. Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Drizzle over cream puffs. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: One dozen.
Two Handles
Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it by the handle of anxiety, or by the handle of faith. ~Author Unknown
Faith
Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. - Author Unknown
How Big is God?
Two men went fishing. One man was an experienced fisherman, the other wasn't. Every time the experienced fisherman caught a big fish, he put itin his ice chest to keep it fresh. Whenever the inexperienced fisherman caught a big fish, he threw it back.
The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day and finally got tired of seeing this man waste good fish. "Why do you keep throwing back all the big fish you catch?" he asked.The inexperienced fisherman replied, "I only have a small frying pan."
Sometimes, like that fisherman, we throw back the big plans, big dreams, big jobs, big opportunities that God gives us. Our faith is too small. We laugh at that fisherman who didn't figure out that all he needed was a bigger frying pan; yet how ready are we to increase the size of our faith?
Whether it's a problem or a possibility, God will never give you anything bigger than you can handle. That means we can confidently walk into anything God brings our way.You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). Nothing is too big for God. Stop telling God you've got big problems, but instead tell your problems to a big God!
The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day and finally got tired of seeing this man waste good fish. "Why do you keep throwing back all the big fish you catch?" he asked.The inexperienced fisherman replied, "I only have a small frying pan."
Sometimes, like that fisherman, we throw back the big plans, big dreams, big jobs, big opportunities that God gives us. Our faith is too small. We laugh at that fisherman who didn't figure out that all he needed was a bigger frying pan; yet how ready are we to increase the size of our faith?
Whether it's a problem or a possibility, God will never give you anything bigger than you can handle. That means we can confidently walk into anything God brings our way.You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). Nothing is too big for God. Stop telling God you've got big problems, but instead tell your problems to a big God!
Angels in the Classroom
A pastor read a letter from an elementary school teacher who attends East Hill Church.
The gist of the letter was as follows:
Last school year, her classroom was made up of little third graders, every one of which came from either a single parent family, or a dysfunctional family, was undernourished and/or uncared for, lived in an abusive home and was either beaten, bruised, or raped by other family members; one little girl's dad died of AIDS, and the list goes on. Her heart bled for these kids.
Before the '99-2000 school year started, she and her husband went to her classroom and prayed over each desk in the room. They prayed that God would place an angel behind each and every child throughout the coming year to watch over them and protect them.
A month or so after the year had started she gave the kids an assignment to write about what they would like to be when they grew up. Everyone was busy with his or her assignment, when "Andrew" raised his hand.
When she asked him what he needed, he asked how to spell ‘mighty’. After telling him how to spell mighty, she asked him why he needed to know. Andrew said it was because when he grew up he wanted to be a "mighty man of God."
When he said this, little "Mark" sitting next to him asked, "So, what's a mighty man of God?" The teacher, swallowing back her tears, and knowing she could not say anything in the classroom, told Andrew to go ahead and tell Mark what it was. So Andrew says, "It's a man who puts on the armor of God and is a soldier for God."
After observing some conversation between Andrew and Mark, the teacher, with a lump in her throat, started to walk away when Andrew motioned with his little forefinger for her to come closer. He whispered to her, asking if she believed in angels. She told him yes, she did. Then he asked her if she thought people could see angels, and she said she thought some people probably could. Andrew said that he did, and he could see an angel standing behind each kid in the room...
I don't think there was a dry eye in the church that night! We need to remember to pray for all of the teachers, that although there is no prayer in school, that they are dedicated enough to pray for the protection of God's angels over the lives of their students. Maybe it wouldn't hurt, even at work. Author Unknown
The gist of the letter was as follows:
Last school year, her classroom was made up of little third graders, every one of which came from either a single parent family, or a dysfunctional family, was undernourished and/or uncared for, lived in an abusive home and was either beaten, bruised, or raped by other family members; one little girl's dad died of AIDS, and the list goes on. Her heart bled for these kids.
Before the '99-2000 school year started, she and her husband went to her classroom and prayed over each desk in the room. They prayed that God would place an angel behind each and every child throughout the coming year to watch over them and protect them.
A month or so after the year had started she gave the kids an assignment to write about what they would like to be when they grew up. Everyone was busy with his or her assignment, when "Andrew" raised his hand.
When she asked him what he needed, he asked how to spell ‘mighty’. After telling him how to spell mighty, she asked him why he needed to know. Andrew said it was because when he grew up he wanted to be a "mighty man of God."
When he said this, little "Mark" sitting next to him asked, "So, what's a mighty man of God?" The teacher, swallowing back her tears, and knowing she could not say anything in the classroom, told Andrew to go ahead and tell Mark what it was. So Andrew says, "It's a man who puts on the armor of God and is a soldier for God."
After observing some conversation between Andrew and Mark, the teacher, with a lump in her throat, started to walk away when Andrew motioned with his little forefinger for her to come closer. He whispered to her, asking if she believed in angels. She told him yes, she did. Then he asked her if she thought people could see angels, and she said she thought some people probably could. Andrew said that he did, and he could see an angel standing behind each kid in the room...
I don't think there was a dry eye in the church that night! We need to remember to pray for all of the teachers, that although there is no prayer in school, that they are dedicated enough to pray for the protection of God's angels over the lives of their students. Maybe it wouldn't hurt, even at work. Author Unknown
Friday, July 27, 2007
Deviled Eggs
Every time I see a recipe for deviled eggs I think of Jerry's Mom. Her eggs were the best and I never discovered her secret!6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and cut lengthwise
¼ cup Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing
½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
½ teaspoon white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Paprika for garnish
Directions: Pop out (remove) the egg yolks to a small bowl and mash with a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard powder, vinegar, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Fill the empty egg white shells with the mixture and sprinkle lightly with paprika.
Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one day before serving.
Berry Dump Cake
Marge, I know you and Paul like cobblers. This looks more like a fruit crisp. Doesn't it look good?
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
4 tablespoons white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups butter
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, gently toss together blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and white sugar; set aside. In a separate large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press half of mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Cover with berries. Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture over the berries. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until fruit is bubbly and topping is golden brown.
Do It
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. - Eleanor Roosevelt
Courage
It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt
Daily Refreshing
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.’ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:22-25).
More Than Mere Words
I will give you the sure mercies of David. (Acts 13:34)
Nothing of man is sure; but everything of God is so. Especially are covenant mercies sure mercies, even as David said "an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure." We are sure that the Lord meant His mercy. He did not speak mere words: there is substance and truth in every one of His promises. His mercies are mercies indeed. The good Lord will make good His word.
We are sure that the Lord will bestow promised mercies on all His covenanted ones. They shall come in due course to all the chosen of the Lord. They are sure to all the seed, from the least of them unto the greatest of them. We are sure that the Lord will continue His mercies to His own people.
He does not give and take. What He has granted us is the token of much more. That which we have not yet received is as sure as that which has already come; therefore, let us wait before the Lord and be still. There is no justifiable reason for the least doubt. God's love, and word, and faithfulness are sure. Many things are questionable, but of the Lord we sing— For his mercies shall endure ever faithful, ever sure.
Nothing of man is sure; but everything of God is so. Especially are covenant mercies sure mercies, even as David said "an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure." We are sure that the Lord meant His mercy. He did not speak mere words: there is substance and truth in every one of His promises. His mercies are mercies indeed. The good Lord will make good His word.
We are sure that the Lord will bestow promised mercies on all His covenanted ones. They shall come in due course to all the chosen of the Lord. They are sure to all the seed, from the least of them unto the greatest of them. We are sure that the Lord will continue His mercies to His own people.
He does not give and take. What He has granted us is the token of much more. That which we have not yet received is as sure as that which has already come; therefore, let us wait before the Lord and be still. There is no justifiable reason for the least doubt. God's love, and word, and faithfulness are sure. Many things are questionable, but of the Lord we sing— For his mercies shall endure ever faithful, ever sure.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Fly?
"When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” - Paul Overton
Capabilities
by Charles R. Swindoll - 1 Corinthians 12—slowly and aloud!
Have you ever noticed how uniquely adapted each animal is to its environment and its way of life? On land, a duck waddles along ungainly on its webbed feet. In the water, it glides along smooth as glass. The rabbit runs with ease and great bursts of speed, but I’ve never seen one swimming laps. The squirrel climbs anything in sight but cannot fly (unless you count great airborne leaps from limb to limb), while the eagle soars to mountaintops.
What’s true of creatures in the forest is true of Christians in the family. God has not made us all the same. He never intended to. He planned that there be differences, unique capabilities, variations in the Body. So concerned was He that we realize this, He spelled it out several times in His Word. I charge you to take the time to read 1 Corinthians 12 slowly and aloud. Those thirty-one verses tell us about His desires and designs—which are more attractive than any thirty-one flavors!
The subject is commonly called “spiritual gifts,” and it is as helpful as any truth the believer can ever know. In a nutshell, here’s the scoop.
God has placed you in His family and given you a certain mixture that makes you unique. No mixture is insignificant! That mix pleases Him completely. Nobody else is exactly like you. That should bring you pleasure, too.
When you operate in your realm of capabilities, you will excel and the whole Body will benefit . . . and you will experience incredible satisfaction. When others operate in their realm, then balance, unity, and health automatically occur in the Body. It’s amazing!
But when you compare . . . or force . . . or entertain expectations that reach beyond your or others’ God-given capabilities, then you can expect frustration, discouragement, mediocrity, and, in the long run, defeat.
If God made you a duck saint—you’re a duck, friend. Swim like mad but don’t get bent out of shape because you wobble when you run. Furthermore, if you’re an eagle saint, stop expecting squirrel saints to soar . . . or rabbit saints to build the same kind of nests you do.
Accept your spiritual species. Cultivate your capabilities. Stop comparing. Enjoy being you!
No one else is exactly like you. Cultivate your capabilities. Refuse to compare or control.
Have you ever noticed how uniquely adapted each animal is to its environment and its way of life? On land, a duck waddles along ungainly on its webbed feet. In the water, it glides along smooth as glass. The rabbit runs with ease and great bursts of speed, but I’ve never seen one swimming laps. The squirrel climbs anything in sight but cannot fly (unless you count great airborne leaps from limb to limb), while the eagle soars to mountaintops.
What’s true of creatures in the forest is true of Christians in the family. God has not made us all the same. He never intended to. He planned that there be differences, unique capabilities, variations in the Body. So concerned was He that we realize this, He spelled it out several times in His Word. I charge you to take the time to read 1 Corinthians 12 slowly and aloud. Those thirty-one verses tell us about His desires and designs—which are more attractive than any thirty-one flavors!
The subject is commonly called “spiritual gifts,” and it is as helpful as any truth the believer can ever know. In a nutshell, here’s the scoop.
God has placed you in His family and given you a certain mixture that makes you unique. No mixture is insignificant! That mix pleases Him completely. Nobody else is exactly like you. That should bring you pleasure, too.
When you operate in your realm of capabilities, you will excel and the whole Body will benefit . . . and you will experience incredible satisfaction. When others operate in their realm, then balance, unity, and health automatically occur in the Body. It’s amazing!
But when you compare . . . or force . . . or entertain expectations that reach beyond your or others’ God-given capabilities, then you can expect frustration, discouragement, mediocrity, and, in the long run, defeat.
If God made you a duck saint—you’re a duck, friend. Swim like mad but don’t get bent out of shape because you wobble when you run. Furthermore, if you’re an eagle saint, stop expecting squirrel saints to soar . . . or rabbit saints to build the same kind of nests you do.
Accept your spiritual species. Cultivate your capabilities. Stop comparing. Enjoy being you!
No one else is exactly like you. Cultivate your capabilities. Refuse to compare or control.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tunnel of Fudge Cake
This recipe, arguably the recipe most closely identified with the Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest, mysteriously develops a "tunnel of fudge" filling as it bakes. Don't scrimp on the nuts, or it won't work!
Cake
1 ¾ cups sugar
1 ¾ cups margarine or butter, softened
6 eggs
2 cups powdered sugar
2 ¼ cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose or Unbleached Flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups chopped walnuts*
Glaze
¾ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
4 to 6 teaspoons milk
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 12-cup fluted tube cake pan or 10-inch tube pan. In large bowl, combine sugar and margarine; beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar; blend well. By hand, stir in flour and remaining cake ingredients until well blended. Spoon batter into greased and floured pan; spread evenly.
Bake at 350°F. for 45 to 50 minutes or until top is set and edges are beginning to pull away from sides of pan.** Cool upright in pan on wire rack 1 1/2 hours. Invert onto serving plate; cool at least 2 hours.
In small bowl, combine all glaze ingredients, adding enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Spoon over top of cake, allowing some to run down sides. Store tightly covered. Makes: 16 servings
Cake
1 ¾ cups sugar
1 ¾ cups margarine or butter, softened
6 eggs
2 cups powdered sugar
2 ¼ cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose or Unbleached Flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups chopped walnuts*
Glaze
¾ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
4 to 6 teaspoons milk
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 12-cup fluted tube cake pan or 10-inch tube pan. In large bowl, combine sugar and margarine; beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar; blend well. By hand, stir in flour and remaining cake ingredients until well blended. Spoon batter into greased and floured pan; spread evenly.
Bake at 350°F. for 45 to 50 minutes or until top is set and edges are beginning to pull away from sides of pan.** Cool upright in pan on wire rack 1 1/2 hours. Invert onto serving plate; cool at least 2 hours.
In small bowl, combine all glaze ingredients, adding enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Spoon over top of cake, allowing some to run down sides. Store tightly covered. Makes: 16 servings
Orange Julius
Marge, I thought this might be refreshing for you. Didn't you buy these when you were first married? Ingredients:
6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar or use sugar substitute
1 tsp. vanilla extract
8-9 ice cubes
Directions: Combine all ingredients except ice cubes in blender.
Blend for about 1-2 minutes, adding ice cubes one at a time.
In the Shelter of His Arms
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27
When my soul was disturbed with sorrow,
When my heart was burdened with sin;
Jesus opened His arms of mercy,
And He tenderly took me in.
There is peace in the time of trouble,
There is peace in the midst of a storm;
There is peace though the world be raging,
In the shelter of His arms.
There are storms that we all encounter,
Do not fear they will do you no harm;
In the Lord you will find protection,
In the shelter of His arms.
When my soul was disturbed with sorrow,
When my heart was burdened with sin;
Jesus opened His arms of mercy,
And He tenderly took me in.
There is peace in the time of trouble,
There is peace in the midst of a storm;
There is peace though the world be raging,
In the shelter of His arms.
There are storms that we all encounter,
Do not fear they will do you no harm;
In the Lord you will find protection,
In the shelter of His arms.
All is Well
"I’ve read the last page of the Bible. It’s all going to turn out all right." ~Billy Granham
God's Embroidery
Trust in the Lord - Psalm 4:5. "In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid."
Psalm 56:11
When I was a little boy, my mother used to embroider a great deal.
I would sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering.
I told her that it looked like a mess from where I was. As from the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat. She would smile at me, look down and gently say, "My son, you go about your playing for awhile, and when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side."
I would wonder why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my View. A few minutes would pass and then I would hear Mother's voice say, "Son, come and sit on my knee." This I did only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or a sunset. I could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy.
Then Mother would say to me, "My son, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a pre-drawn plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing."
Many times through the years I have looked up to my Heavenly Father and said, "Father, what are You doing?" He has answered, "I am embroidering your life." I say, "But it looks like a mess to me. It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark." The Father seems to tell me, "'My child, you go about your business of doing My business, and one day I will bring you to Heaven and put you on My knee and you will see the plan from My side.
--Author: Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
"For I know the plans I have for you",declares the Lord "plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 56:11
When I was a little boy, my mother used to embroider a great deal.
I would sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering.
I told her that it looked like a mess from where I was. As from the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat. She would smile at me, look down and gently say, "My son, you go about your playing for awhile, and when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side."
I would wonder why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my View. A few minutes would pass and then I would hear Mother's voice say, "Son, come and sit on my knee." This I did only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or a sunset. I could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy.
Then Mother would say to me, "My son, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a pre-drawn plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing."
Many times through the years I have looked up to my Heavenly Father and said, "Father, what are You doing?" He has answered, "I am embroidering your life." I say, "But it looks like a mess to me. It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark." The Father seems to tell me, "'My child, you go about your business of doing My business, and one day I will bring you to Heaven and put you on My knee and you will see the plan from My side.
--Author: Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
"For I know the plans I have for you",declares the Lord "plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Doesn't It Feel Good?
Falling in love.
Laughing so hard your face hurts.
A hot shower.
Getting mail.
Taking a drive on a pretty road.
Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
Hot towels out of the dryer.
A Chocolate Milkshake. (or vanilla!)
A bubble bath.
Giggling.
A good conversation.
The beach.
Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.
Laughing at yourself.
Running through sprinklers.
Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
Laughing at an inside joke.
Friends.
Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
Playing with a new puppy.
Sweet dreams.
Hot chocolate with Marshmallows.
Road trips with friends.
Swinging on swings..
Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid.
Going to a really good concert.
Making chocolate chip cookies.
Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
Holding hands with someone you care about.
Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
Watching the sunrise.
Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day.
Laughing so hard your face hurts.
A hot shower.
Getting mail.
Taking a drive on a pretty road.
Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
Hot towels out of the dryer.
A Chocolate Milkshake. (or vanilla!)
A bubble bath.
Giggling.
A good conversation.
The beach.
Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.
Laughing at yourself.
Running through sprinklers.
Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
Laughing at an inside joke.
Friends.
Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
Playing with a new puppy.
Sweet dreams.
Hot chocolate with Marshmallows.
Road trips with friends.
Swinging on swings..
Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid.
Going to a really good concert.
Making chocolate chip cookies.
Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
Holding hands with someone you care about.
Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
Watching the sunrise.
Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day.
Power of Laughter
A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, Overflows, and bubbles all around.” - Carolyn Birmingham
Luscious Lemon Layer Pie
Pie Crust Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
3 to 4 tablespoons cold water
Bottom Layer Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup cold water
3 egg yolks, well beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
3 drops yellow food coloring
Second Layer Ingredients:
1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups cold whole milk
2 packages instant lemon pudding
Top Layer Ingredients:
1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
16 ounces whipped cream or dessert topping
Pie Crust:
Whisk flour with a fork while still in the bag or canister. Gently spoon out flour into measuring cups. (This reduces flour by as much as 1/8 to 1/4 cup).
Then sift flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add shortening and cut into pea sized bits with pastry blender. Add cold water gradually until just dampened. Place on waxed paper and gather into ball from the outside corners. Press dough into a 6-inch pancake shape. Wrap with plastic wrap.
Chill at least 30 minutes and then roll out between 2 large pieces of plastic wrap. Remove 1 side of plastic wrap, lightly flour, if necessary, and place into a 9-inch clear glass deep dish pan.
Remove plastic wrap and flute edges. Prick bottom and sides with a fork. Chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Use extra pastry for cut-outs in the shapes of lemons, stars, etc. for decoration.
Bottom Layer:
In saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix with wire whisk; blend in lemon juice and cold water; then add egg yolks and blend until smooth. Add butter and gradually stir in boiling water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; boil 2 minutes; remove from heat and add lemon extract, zest/peel, and food coloring. Partially cool for 30 minutes, and pour into the baked pie shell. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before adding second layer.
Second Layer:
In a small bowl, cream sugar and cream cheese with spatula until smooth. Add milk and stir until well blended. Add pudding and beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes until thickened. Pour on bottom layer. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Top Layer:
Cream together the sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the whipped dessert topping and spread on top of cooled lemon pudding. Garnish with extra pastry cutouts, citrus or mint leaves. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.
TAKE TIME…
Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the Gods.
Take time to share, life is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, laughter is the music of the soul.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the Gods.
Take time to share, life is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, laughter is the music of the soul.
Listen
“Prayer is not a way of making use of God; prayer is a way of offering ourselves to God in order that He should be able to make use of us. It may be that one of our great faults in prayer is that we talk too much and listen too little. When prayer is at its highest we wait in silence for God's voice to us; we linger in His presence for His peace and His power to flow over us and around us; we lean back in His everlasting arms and feel the serenity of perfect security in Him.” - William Barclay
The Power of Silence
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10).
Is there any note of music in all the chorus as mighty as the emphatic pause? Is there any word in all the Psalter more eloquent than that one word, Selah (Pause)? Is there anything more thrilling and awful than the hush that comes before the bursting of the tempest and the strange quiet that seems to fall upon all nature before some preternatural phenomenon or convulsion? Is there anything that can touch our hearts as the power of stillness?
There is for the heart that will cease from itself, "the peace of God that passeth all
understanding," a "quietness and confidence"which is the source of all strength, a sweet
peace "which nothing can offend," a deep rest which the world can neither give nor take away. There is in the deepest center of the soul a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His still, small voice.
There is in the swiftest wheel that revolves upon its axis a place in the very center, where there is no movement at all; and so in the busiest life there may be a place where we dwell alone with God, in eternal stillness, There is only one way to know God. "Be still, and know." "God is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him." --Selected
"All-loving Father, sometimes we have walked under starless skies that dripped darkness like drenching rain. We despaired of star shine or moonlight or sunrise. The sullen blackness gloomed above us as if it would last forever. And out of the dark there spoke no soothing voice to mend our broken hearts. We would gladly have welcomed some wild thunder peal to break the torturing stillness of that over-brooding night.
"But Thy winsome whisper of eternal love spoke more sweetly to our bruised and bleeding souls than any winds that breathe across Aeolian harps. It was Thy 'still small voice' that spoke to us. We were listening and we heard. We looked and saw Thy face radiant with the light of love. And when we heard Thy voice and saw Thy face, new life came back to us as life comes back to withered blooms that drink the summer rain."
Is there any note of music in all the chorus as mighty as the emphatic pause? Is there any word in all the Psalter more eloquent than that one word, Selah (Pause)? Is there anything more thrilling and awful than the hush that comes before the bursting of the tempest and the strange quiet that seems to fall upon all nature before some preternatural phenomenon or convulsion? Is there anything that can touch our hearts as the power of stillness?
There is for the heart that will cease from itself, "the peace of God that passeth all
understanding," a "quietness and confidence"which is the source of all strength, a sweet
peace "which nothing can offend," a deep rest which the world can neither give nor take away. There is in the deepest center of the soul a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His still, small voice.
There is in the swiftest wheel that revolves upon its axis a place in the very center, where there is no movement at all; and so in the busiest life there may be a place where we dwell alone with God, in eternal stillness, There is only one way to know God. "Be still, and know." "God is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him." --Selected
"All-loving Father, sometimes we have walked under starless skies that dripped darkness like drenching rain. We despaired of star shine or moonlight or sunrise. The sullen blackness gloomed above us as if it would last forever. And out of the dark there spoke no soothing voice to mend our broken hearts. We would gladly have welcomed some wild thunder peal to break the torturing stillness of that over-brooding night.
"But Thy winsome whisper of eternal love spoke more sweetly to our bruised and bleeding souls than any winds that breathe across Aeolian harps. It was Thy 'still small voice' that spoke to us. We were listening and we heard. We looked and saw Thy face radiant with the light of love. And when we heard Thy voice and saw Thy face, new life came back to us as life comes back to withered blooms that drink the summer rain."
Monday, July 23, 2007
Hope
I love hydrangeas and they looked beautiful last night!Where flowers bloom so does hope. - Lady Bird Johnson
Spinach Salad with Sugared Walnuts and Pears
Last night, for our anniversary, we ate at the Bayard House. I ordered the spinach salad, and it was incredible! The ingredients in this recipe look very similar to the salad I had last night. Give it a try, it was delicious!
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh raspberries
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (6 ounce) package fresh baby spinach
1 small red onion, thinly sliced, pulled into rings
1 pear, sliced thinly
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, bring raspberries and sugar to a boil. Cook for 1 minute. Strain and discard pulp. In a blender, combine the raspberry juice, oil, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce if desired; covered and process until smooth.
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (6 ounce) package fresh baby spinach
1 small red onion, thinly sliced, pulled into rings
1 pear, sliced thinly
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, bring raspberries and sugar to a boil. Cook for 1 minute. Strain and discard pulp. In a blender, combine the raspberry juice, oil, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce if desired; covered and process until smooth.
In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, onion, cheese and walnuts. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate any remaining dressing.
Expectations
"Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!" - Andrew Murray
Value of Prayer
"You know the value of prayer: it is precious beyond all price. Never, never neglect it." - Sir Thomas Buxton
Praying to Your Friend
Matthew 6:7-13
Francois Fenelon, a seventeenth-century Roman Catholic Frenchman, said this about prayer:
Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one’s heart, its pleasures and its pain, to a dear friend.
Tell Him your troubles, that He may comfort you; tell Him your joys, that He may sober them; tell Him your longings, that He may purify them; tell Him your dislikes, that He may help you to conquer them; talk to Him of your temptations, that He may shield you from them; show Him the wounds of your heart, that He may heal them; lay bare your indifference to good, your depraved tastes for evil, your instability.
Tell Him how self-love makes you unjust to others, how vanity tempts you to be insincere, how pride disguises you to yourself and others.
If you thus pour out all your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say. You will never exhaust the subject. It is continually being renewed.
People who have no secrets from each other never want for subject of conversation. They do not weigh their words, for there is nothing to be held back; neither do they seek for something to say.
They talk out of the abundance of the heart, without consideration they say just what they think.
Blessed are they who attain to familiar, unreserved prayer with God. - Charles R. Swindoll
Francois Fenelon, a seventeenth-century Roman Catholic Frenchman, said this about prayer:
Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one’s heart, its pleasures and its pain, to a dear friend.
Tell Him your troubles, that He may comfort you; tell Him your joys, that He may sober them; tell Him your longings, that He may purify them; tell Him your dislikes, that He may help you to conquer them; talk to Him of your temptations, that He may shield you from them; show Him the wounds of your heart, that He may heal them; lay bare your indifference to good, your depraved tastes for evil, your instability.
Tell Him how self-love makes you unjust to others, how vanity tempts you to be insincere, how pride disguises you to yourself and others.
If you thus pour out all your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say. You will never exhaust the subject. It is continually being renewed.
People who have no secrets from each other never want for subject of conversation. They do not weigh their words, for there is nothing to be held back; neither do they seek for something to say.
They talk out of the abundance of the heart, without consideration they say just what they think.
Blessed are they who attain to familiar, unreserved prayer with God. - Charles R. Swindoll
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Turtle Cake
Sisters, I made this recipe many, many years ago. Elsie used to make this and shared the recipe with me. This cake tastes just like candy turtles.
INGREDIENTS:
One 18-1/4 ounce German Chocolate Cake mix
One 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup butter, divided
One 14 ounce package of caramels
1 cup sugar
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoon flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
1-1/2 cups chopped and lightly toasted walnuts or pecans
PREPARATION:
Mix cake mix according to directions. Divide in half. To the first half add 1/2 stick melted butter and 1/2 can condensed milk. Bake in 9 x 13 pan at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Melt caramels and 1/2 cup butter and rest of condensed milk.
Pour over baked layer and then top with remainder of batter. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. Yes, you can bake twice.
For the topping, cook last set of ingredients (except nuts) over medium heat until thick. Add the nuts. Pour hot mixture over cake.
Home-Style Chicken Dinner
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 1/4 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, if desired
3/4 cup water
1 envelope (0.87 ounce) chicken gravy mix
1 bag (14 ounces) frozen baby whole potatoes, broccoli, carrots, baby corn and red pepper strips
1 jar (4.5 ounces) Green Giant® sliced mushrooms, drained
Chopped fresh chives or parsley, if desired
1. Melt butter in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken in butter 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until juice is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Remove chicken from skillet; keep warm.
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 1/4 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, if desired
3/4 cup water
1 envelope (0.87 ounce) chicken gravy mix
1 bag (14 ounces) frozen baby whole potatoes, broccoli, carrots, baby corn and red pepper strips
1 jar (4.5 ounces) Green Giant® sliced mushrooms, drained
Chopped fresh chives or parsley, if desired
1. Melt butter in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken in butter 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until juice is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Remove chicken from skillet; keep warm.
2. Mix water and gravy mix (dry) in small bowl; pour into same skillet. Stir in frozen vegetables and mushrooms. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until largest pieces of potatoes are hot. Add chicken; cover and simmer about 2 minutes or until chicken is heated through.
3. Serve vegetable and gravy mixture over chicken. Sprinkle with chives.
Smell
Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.- Helen Keller -
The Fiery Furnace
"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2:14).
God gets His greatest victories out of apparent defeats. Very often the enemy seems to triumph for a little, and God lets it be so; but then He comes in and upsets all the work of the enemy, overthrows the apparent victory, and as the Bible says, "turns the way of the wicked upside down." Thus He gives a great deal larger victory than we would have known if He had not allowed the enemy, seemingly, to triumph in the first place.
The story of the three Hebrew children being cast into the fiery furnace is a familiar one. Here was an apparent victory for the enemy. It looked as if the servants of the living God were going to have a terrible defeat.
We have all been in places where it seemed as though we were defeated, and the enemy rejoiced. We can imagine what a complete defeat this looked to be. They fell down into the flames, and their enemies watched them to see them burn up in that awful fire, but were greatly astonished to see them walking around in the fire enjoying themselves. Nebuchadnezzar told them to "come forth out of the midst of the fire." Not even a hair was singed, nor was the smell of fire on their garments, "because there is no other god that can deliver after this sort."
This apparent defeat resulted in a marvelous victory.
Suppose that these three men had lost their faith and courage, and had complained, saying, "Why did not God keep us out of the furnace!" They would have been burned, and God would not have been glorified.
If there is a great trial in your life today, do not own it as a defeat, but continue, by faith, to claim the victory through Him who is able to make you more than conqueror, and a glorious victory will soon be apparent. Let us learn that in all the hard places God brings us into, He is making opportunities for us to exercise such faith in Him as will bring about blessed results and greatly glorify His name. --Life of Praise
"Defeat may serve as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out. When the great oak is straining in the wind, the boughs drink in new beauty, and the trunk sends down a deeper root on the windward side. Only the soul that knows the mighty grief can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come to stretch out spaces in the heart for joy."
God gets His greatest victories out of apparent defeats. Very often the enemy seems to triumph for a little, and God lets it be so; but then He comes in and upsets all the work of the enemy, overthrows the apparent victory, and as the Bible says, "turns the way of the wicked upside down." Thus He gives a great deal larger victory than we would have known if He had not allowed the enemy, seemingly, to triumph in the first place.
The story of the three Hebrew children being cast into the fiery furnace is a familiar one. Here was an apparent victory for the enemy. It looked as if the servants of the living God were going to have a terrible defeat.
We have all been in places where it seemed as though we were defeated, and the enemy rejoiced. We can imagine what a complete defeat this looked to be. They fell down into the flames, and their enemies watched them to see them burn up in that awful fire, but were greatly astonished to see them walking around in the fire enjoying themselves. Nebuchadnezzar told them to "come forth out of the midst of the fire." Not even a hair was singed, nor was the smell of fire on their garments, "because there is no other god that can deliver after this sort."
This apparent defeat resulted in a marvelous victory.
Suppose that these three men had lost their faith and courage, and had complained, saying, "Why did not God keep us out of the furnace!" They would have been burned, and God would not have been glorified.
If there is a great trial in your life today, do not own it as a defeat, but continue, by faith, to claim the victory through Him who is able to make you more than conqueror, and a glorious victory will soon be apparent. Let us learn that in all the hard places God brings us into, He is making opportunities for us to exercise such faith in Him as will bring about blessed results and greatly glorify His name. --Life of Praise
"Defeat may serve as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out. When the great oak is straining in the wind, the boughs drink in new beauty, and the trunk sends down a deeper root on the windward side. Only the soul that knows the mighty grief can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come to stretch out spaces in the heart for joy."
Saturday, July 21, 2007
BBQ Beef Cups
Kids love this recipe. They can just grab and go!
Ingredients:
3/4 pound ground beef
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
4 teaspoons brown sugar
1 (12 ounce) package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
In a skillet, brown beef; drain. Add barbecue sauce, onion and brown sugar; set aside.
Separate dough into 10 biscuits; flatten into 5-in. circles. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of greased muffin cups. Spoon 2 tablespoons of beef mixture into each cup; sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until biscuits are golden and cheese is melted.
Taco Salad
Marge, I thought you might want to try this recipe. It is made with ground turkey and low fat ingredients.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 envelope (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix
3/4 cup water
4 prepackaged tortilla bowls*
1 can (16 ounces) fat-free refried beans
1 package (12 ounces) mixed salad greens (about 8 cups)
2 green onions, chopped
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1 can (2.25 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
Bottled salsa for garnish (optional)
Reduced fat sour cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook ground chicken 8 to 10 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink, breaking up meat into crumbles. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Cook, stirring occasionally until most of liquid is absorbed. Drain.
Meanwhile, bake tortilla bowls for 3 to 5 minutes until golden. Warm refried beans in microwave or heat on stove until heated through.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook ground chicken 8 to 10 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink, breaking up meat into crumbles. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Cook, stirring occasionally until most of liquid is absorbed. Drain.
Meanwhile, bake tortilla bowls for 3 to 5 minutes until golden. Warm refried beans in microwave or heat on stove until heated through.
In a large bowl, combine salad greens, green onions, tomatoes and olives.
Spoon refried beans then salad greens evenly into tortilla bowls. Top with cooked chicken mixture and cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream, if desired.
Note: Prepackaged tortilla bowls can be found in the Mexican foods section of the grocery store.
To make your own tortilla bowls: Lightly brush four 9 or 10-inch flour tortillas with a small amount of cooking oil, or spray nonstick coating onto 1 side of each tortilla. Spray nonstick coating into four taco salad molds or small oven-safe bowls.
Press tortillas, coated sides up, into molds or bowls. Place a ball of foil in each tortilla cup.
Bake in a 350° F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until light brown. Remove the foil. Cool. Remove tortilla bowls from the molds.
Strawberry Swirl
4 eggs, separated
2/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cartons (8 ounces each) spreadable strawberry cream cheese
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided
Directions: Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line a greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch pan with waxed paper and grease the paper; set aside.
Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Beat in vanilla. Add dry ingredients; mix well.
2/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cartons (8 ounces each) spreadable strawberry cream cheese
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided
Directions: Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line a greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch pan with waxed paper and grease the paper; set aside.
Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Beat in vanilla. Add dry ingredients; mix well.
In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, until stiff peaks form. Fold a fourth of the egg whites into the batter; fold in remaining whites.
Spoon into prepared pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes. Turn cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with confectioners' sugar. Gently peel off waxed paper. Roll up cake in the towel, starting with a short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.
In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme. Unroll cake; spread cream cheese mixture to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top with 2 1/2 cups strawberries. Roll up again. Place seam side down on a platter. Garnish with strawberries.
Running the Race
Michael L. Flemming
Hebrews 12:1-2, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (KJV)
* * *
Rhythm of Life
I treasure you every day.
My precious one,
Consider the seasons. Winter, with its new-fallen snow, covers the seeds of new life in its frozen depths. Spring, with its blossoms and trees, soon turns into summer’s warm, long days. Then, before winter sets in again, autumn arrives with its dazzling show of color.
The rhythm of your life is like that, beloved. Your beauty in Me, your acts of love for others, your servant’s heart, and your sacrifice of prayer will grow and change with each season of your life. There is glorious expectancy in such a plan. No season is more beautiful than another, but each is part of the life cycle I designed.
With you in your tomorrows,
The Lord God
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NRSV
* * *
God makes everything happen at the right time. Yet none of us can ever fully understand all He has done, and He puts questions in our minds about the past and the future.
I know the best thing we can do is to always enjoy life, because God’s gift to us is the happiness we get from our food and drink and from the work we do.Ecclesiastes 3:11-12
Patterns. Rhythms. Seasons. None more beautiful than another — but each part of our Creator’s design. I don’t know about you, but I understand the glorious expectancy and comfort (!) that comes with belonging to the One who created us with a plan — no matter what season of life we’re in.
There is nothing haphazard about his Creation, whether our seasons or the earth’s. There is nothing haphazard about our life journey when we walk beside him. I can’t wait to see what happens next! - Author Unknown
Twenty Truths
Faith is the ability to not panic.
If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
Do the math. Count your blessings.
God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
The most important things in your home are the people.
Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.
It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
Do the math. Count your blessings.
God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
The most important things in your home are the people.
Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.
It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Warrior is a Child
Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears
They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
Unafraid because his armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet
I drop my sword and look up for His smile
Because deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
The Warrior is a Child
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears
They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
Unafraid because his armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet
I drop my sword and look up for His smile
Because deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
The Warrior is a Child
Clutter
Forget the useless and unhealthy things of your past that clutter your mind so that you can live a life that is alive and vibrant.
Lord, help me to discard all that clouds my day so that I am able to live the life that You intend me to live.
Lord, help me to discard all that clouds my day so that I am able to live the life that You intend me to live.
The Armor of God - Ephesians 6:14-17
14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Request for Transfer
TO: Commander-in-Chief Spiritual Armed Forces, Jesus Christ
Dear Lord: I am writing this to you to request a transfer to a desk job. I herewith present my reasons: I began my career as a private, but because of the intensity of the battle you have quickly moved me up in the ranks. You have made me an officer and given me a tremendous amount of responsibility. There are many soldiers and recruits under my charge. I am constantly being called upon to dispense wisdom, make judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. You have placed me in a position to function as an officer, when in my heart I know I have only the skills of a private.
I realize that you have promised to supply all I would need for the battle. But Sir, I must present you a realistic picture of my situation. My uniform, once so crisp and starched, is now stained with tears and blood of those I have tried to assist. The soles of my boots are cracked and worn from the miles I have walked trying to enlist, encourage, and instruct the troops. My weapons are marred, tarnished and chipped from constant battle against the enemy. Even the Book of Regulations I was issued has been torn and tattered from endless use.
The words are now smeared. You have promised you would be with me throughout, but when the noise of the battle is so loud and the confusion is so great, I can neither see nor hear You. I feel so alone. I'm tired. I'm discouraged. I have Battle Fatigue. I would never ask you for a discharge. I love being in your service. But I humbly request a demotion and transfer. I'll file papers or clean latrines. Just get me out of the battle -- please, Sir.
Your Faithful, but tired,
Warrior.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TO: Faithful, but tired, Soldier, Spiritual Armed Forces
LOCATION: The Battlefield
SUBJECT: Transfer
Dear Soldier: Your request for transfer has been denied. I herewith present my reasons: You are needed in this battle. I have selected you, and I will keep my word to supply your needs. You do not need a demotion and transfer. Besides, you'd never cut it on latrine duty anyway. You need a period of "R & R" (Renewal and Rekindling). I am setting aside a place on the battlefield that is insulated and fully protected from the enemy. I will meet you there and I will give you rest. I will remove your old equipment and "make all things new."
You have been wounded in the battle, my soldier. Your wounds are not visible, but you have received grave internal injuries. You need to be healed. I will heal you. Also, you have been weakened in the battle. You need to be strengthened. I will strengthen you and be your strength. I will instill in you confidence and ability. My words will be rekindled within you, giving you renewed love, zeal and enthusiasm. Report to me tattered and empty. I will replenish you.
Compassionately,
Your Commander-in-Chief,
Jesus Christ
Dear Lord: I am writing this to you to request a transfer to a desk job. I herewith present my reasons: I began my career as a private, but because of the intensity of the battle you have quickly moved me up in the ranks. You have made me an officer and given me a tremendous amount of responsibility. There are many soldiers and recruits under my charge. I am constantly being called upon to dispense wisdom, make judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. You have placed me in a position to function as an officer, when in my heart I know I have only the skills of a private.
I realize that you have promised to supply all I would need for the battle. But Sir, I must present you a realistic picture of my situation. My uniform, once so crisp and starched, is now stained with tears and blood of those I have tried to assist. The soles of my boots are cracked and worn from the miles I have walked trying to enlist, encourage, and instruct the troops. My weapons are marred, tarnished and chipped from constant battle against the enemy. Even the Book of Regulations I was issued has been torn and tattered from endless use.
The words are now smeared. You have promised you would be with me throughout, but when the noise of the battle is so loud and the confusion is so great, I can neither see nor hear You. I feel so alone. I'm tired. I'm discouraged. I have Battle Fatigue. I would never ask you for a discharge. I love being in your service. But I humbly request a demotion and transfer. I'll file papers or clean latrines. Just get me out of the battle -- please, Sir.
Your Faithful, but tired,
Warrior.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TO: Faithful, but tired, Soldier, Spiritual Armed Forces
LOCATION: The Battlefield
SUBJECT: Transfer
Dear Soldier: Your request for transfer has been denied. I herewith present my reasons: You are needed in this battle. I have selected you, and I will keep my word to supply your needs. You do not need a demotion and transfer. Besides, you'd never cut it on latrine duty anyway. You need a period of "R & R" (Renewal and Rekindling). I am setting aside a place on the battlefield that is insulated and fully protected from the enemy. I will meet you there and I will give you rest. I will remove your old equipment and "make all things new."
You have been wounded in the battle, my soldier. Your wounds are not visible, but you have received grave internal injuries. You need to be healed. I will heal you. Also, you have been weakened in the battle. You need to be strengthened. I will strengthen you and be your strength. I will instill in you confidence and ability. My words will be rekindled within you, giving you renewed love, zeal and enthusiasm. Report to me tattered and empty. I will replenish you.
Compassionately,
Your Commander-in-Chief,
Jesus Christ
There is a Fountain
By request for Donna.
There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save,
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave, lies silent in the grave;
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, unworthy though I be,
For me a blood bought free reward, a golden harp for me!’
Tis strung and tuned for endless years, and formed by power divine,
To sound in God the Father’s ears no other name but Thine.
There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save,
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave, lies silent in the grave;
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, unworthy though I be,
For me a blood bought free reward, a golden harp for me!’
Tis strung and tuned for endless years, and formed by power divine,
To sound in God the Father’s ears no other name but Thine.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Village Blacksmith
This was one of my Dad's favorite poems. Please remember him in prayer. He faces very serious surgery in August.UNDER a spreading chestnut-tree
The village smithy stands;
The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawny arms
Are strong as iron bands.
His hair is crisp, and black, and long,
His face is like the tan;
His brow is wet with honest sweat,
He earns whate'er he can,
And looks the whole world in the face,
For he owes not any man.
Week in, week out, from morn till night,
You can hear his bellows blow;
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,
With measured beat and slow,
Like a sexton ringing the village bell,
When the evening sun is low.
He goes on Sunday to the church,
And sits among his boys;
He hears the parson pray and preach,
He hears his daughter's voice,
Singing in the village choir,
And it makes his heart rejoice.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Margie, I believe these are your specialty, right?
Ingredients:
4 large baking potatoes
8 slices bacon
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 slices bacon
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
8 green onions, sliced, divided
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
8 green onions, sliced, divided
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake potatoes in preheated oven for 1 hour. Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
When potatoes are done allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large bowl; save skins. To the potato flesh add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 the green onions. Mix with a hand mixer until well blended and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the potato skins. Top each with remaining cheese, green onions and bacon.
Bake for another 15 minutes
The Bread of Life
John 6:35: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
When we allow Jesus Christ into our lives we become different people. We become more Christ-like in our attitude and behavior.
According to German folklore there once was a wicked man who wore the mask of a saint to woo and win the saintly girl he loved. Years later when a castoff girl friend discovered the deception, she challenged him to take off the mask in front of his beloved and show his face for the sorry thing he was. He did what he was told only to discover that underneath the saint's mask, his face had become the face of a saint.
The food Jesus offers us is the eternal food, the food that will change us. Jesus said, "The one who eats this bread will live forever."
God of all things, thank you for sending the bread of life for me. - Ron Newhouse
When we allow Jesus Christ into our lives we become different people. We become more Christ-like in our attitude and behavior.
According to German folklore there once was a wicked man who wore the mask of a saint to woo and win the saintly girl he loved. Years later when a castoff girl friend discovered the deception, she challenged him to take off the mask in front of his beloved and show his face for the sorry thing he was. He did what he was told only to discover that underneath the saint's mask, his face had become the face of a saint.
The food Jesus offers us is the eternal food, the food that will change us. Jesus said, "The one who eats this bread will live forever."
God of all things, thank you for sending the bread of life for me. - Ron Newhouse
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen. For the cupcakes:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish
For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.
Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.
Cook's Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.
Feet of the Traveler
By Tommy and Wanda Collins
How beautiful are the feet of the traveler
Who brings us the gospel of peace
His message is pure inspired by the maker
He tells how we all can be free
He speaks as it's written in the great book of life
He tells how our Saviour has born all our strife
How beautiful are the feet of the traveler
Who praises the giver of life
How would we know without one to teach us
Of the wonderful grace of our king
He is called to proclaim the plan of salvation
Glad tidings of good things he brings
He speaks as it's written in the great book of life...
How beautiful are the feet of the traveler
Who brings us the gospel of peace
His message is pure inspired by the maker
He tells how we all can be free
He speaks as it's written in the great book of life
He tells how our Saviour has born all our strife
How beautiful are the feet of the traveler
Who praises the giver of life
How would we know without one to teach us
Of the wonderful grace of our king
He is called to proclaim the plan of salvation
Glad tidings of good things he brings
He speaks as it's written in the great book of life...
Heavy Duty Shoes
Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. (Deuteronomy 33:25)
Here are two things provided for the pilgrim: shoes and strength.
As for the shoes: they are very needful for traveling along rough ways and for trampling upon deadly foes. We shall not go barefoot—this would not be suitable for princes of the blood royal. Our shoes shall not be at all of the common sort, for they shall have soles of durable metal, which will not wear out even if the journey be long and difficult. We shall have protection proportionate to the necessities of the road and the battle. Wherefore let us march boldly on, fearing no harm even though we tread on serpents or set our foot upon the dragon himself.
As for the strength: it shall be continued as long as our days shall continue, and it shall be proportioned to the stress and burden of those days. The words are few, "as thy days thy strength," but the meaning is full.
This day we may look for trial, and for work which will require energy, but we may just as confidently look for equal strength. This word given to Asher is given to us also who have faith wherewith to appropriate it. Let us rise to the holy boldness which it is calculated to create within the believing heart. - C. H. Spurgeon
Here are two things provided for the pilgrim: shoes and strength.
As for the shoes: they are very needful for traveling along rough ways and for trampling upon deadly foes. We shall not go barefoot—this would not be suitable for princes of the blood royal. Our shoes shall not be at all of the common sort, for they shall have soles of durable metal, which will not wear out even if the journey be long and difficult. We shall have protection proportionate to the necessities of the road and the battle. Wherefore let us march boldly on, fearing no harm even though we tread on serpents or set our foot upon the dragon himself.
As for the strength: it shall be continued as long as our days shall continue, and it shall be proportioned to the stress and burden of those days. The words are few, "as thy days thy strength," but the meaning is full.
This day we may look for trial, and for work which will require energy, but we may just as confidently look for equal strength. This word given to Asher is given to us also who have faith wherewith to appropriate it. Let us rise to the holy boldness which it is calculated to create within the believing heart. - C. H. Spurgeon
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Something Beautiful
(Donna, this is for you, today! How many times we've played this song!)
Something beautiful, something good
All my confusion
He understood
All I had to offer
Him was brokenness and strife
But he made something beautiful of my life
If there ever were dreams
That were lofty and noble
They were my dreams at the start
And the hope for life's best were the hopes
That I harbored down deep in my heart
But my dreams turned to ashes
And my castles all crumbled, my fortune turned to loss
So I wrapped it all in the rags of life
And laid it at the cross.
Something beautiful, something good
All my confusion
He understood
All I had to offer
Him was brokenness and strife
But he made something beautiful of my life
If there ever were dreams
That were lofty and noble
They were my dreams at the start
And the hope for life's best were the hopes
That I harbored down deep in my heart
But my dreams turned to ashes
And my castles all crumbled, my fortune turned to loss
So I wrapped it all in the rags of life
And laid it at the cross.
Talents
Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang the best. – Henry Van Dyke
Cream Cheese Brownies
1 (4 oz.) pkg. sweet Baker's chocolate5 tbsp. butter
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. coarsely chopped nuts
1 tsp. vanilla
Directions: Melt chocolate and 3 tablespoons of the butter in a small saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly. Cool. Blend remaining butter with cheese until softened. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating well. Blend in 1 egg, 1 tablespoon flour and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside.
Beat 2 eggs until thick and light in color. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, beating until thickened. Add baking powder, salt and 1/2 cup flour.
Blend in cooled chocolate mixture, nuts, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Spread about half of the chocolate batter in greased 8 or 9 inch square pan. Add cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Top with tablespoonfuls of remaining chocolate batter. Zigzag a spatula through batter to marble.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool before cutting.
He Leadeth Me
He leadeth me, O blessèd thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.
Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.
Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
Gentle Leading
"I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure" (Gen. 33:14).
What a beautiful picture of Jacob's thoughtfulness for the cattle and the children! He would not allow them to be overdriven even for one day. He would not lead on according to what a strong man like Esau could do and expected them to do, but only according to what they were able to endure. He knew exactly how far they could go in a day; and he made that his only consideration in arranging the marches. He had gone the same wilderness journey years before, and knew all about its roughness and heat and length, by personal experience. And so he said, "I will lead on softly." "For ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Joshua 3:4.).
We have not passed this way heretofore, but the Lord Jesus has. It is all untrodden and unknown ground to us, but He knows it all by personal experience. The steep bits that take away our breath, the stony bits that make our feet ache so, the hot shadeless stretches that make us feel so exhausted, the rushing rivers that we have to pass through--Jesus has gone through it all before us. "He was wearied with his journey." Not some, but all the many waters went over Him, and yet did not quench His love. He was made a perfect Leader by the things which He suffered.
"He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Think of that when you are tempted to question the gentleness of His leading. He is remembering all the time; and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure. Never mind if you think it will not be able for the step that seems to come next; either He will so strengthen it that it shall be able, or He will call a sudden halt, and you shall not have to take it at all. --Frances Ridley Havergal
What a beautiful picture of Jacob's thoughtfulness for the cattle and the children! He would not allow them to be overdriven even for one day. He would not lead on according to what a strong man like Esau could do and expected them to do, but only according to what they were able to endure. He knew exactly how far they could go in a day; and he made that his only consideration in arranging the marches. He had gone the same wilderness journey years before, and knew all about its roughness and heat and length, by personal experience. And so he said, "I will lead on softly." "For ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Joshua 3:4.).
We have not passed this way heretofore, but the Lord Jesus has. It is all untrodden and unknown ground to us, but He knows it all by personal experience. The steep bits that take away our breath, the stony bits that make our feet ache so, the hot shadeless stretches that make us feel so exhausted, the rushing rivers that we have to pass through--Jesus has gone through it all before us. "He was wearied with his journey." Not some, but all the many waters went over Him, and yet did not quench His love. He was made a perfect Leader by the things which He suffered.
"He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Think of that when you are tempted to question the gentleness of His leading. He is remembering all the time; and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure. Never mind if you think it will not be able for the step that seems to come next; either He will so strengthen it that it shall be able, or He will call a sudden halt, and you shall not have to take it at all. --Frances Ridley Havergal
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Paula Deen's White Texas Sheet Cake
2 cups flour2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter
1 cup water
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine butter and water; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Add to flour mixture, stirring to combine. Stir in sour cream, eggs, and almond extract. Pour into prepared pan and bake 22 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Spread warm cake with Butter Frosting. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. cut into squares to serve.
Butter Frosting
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups confectioners' sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine butter and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Whisk in almond extract. Gradually whisk in confectioners' sugar until smooth.
Hold on My Child
Psalm 30:5
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Isn’t it amazing how that when we yield to the Master's hands and allow Him to fill us and pour us out into the lives of others, abundance pours onto us as well, and we are blessed?
God is Awesome.
The weeping may be of long duration with no end in sight, but joy comes, no matter what the situation or circumstances may dictate. No matter how it looks, or how bad it hurts, or how it may feel, joy comes.
Now, the darkness may have lasted a long time, and the pain may seem unending. Tears may be falling for what seems like forever, but joy comes! Child of God, look up, it’s almost MORNING!
Keep on fighting, for the battle is already over in the spirit realm. Keep pushing the enemy back. Keep using the word of God to defeat him. Keep trusting in our God.
He will not fail you. He has not left you. He cares about you and everything that pertains to you. You can depend on God! "God is good and his mercy (favor, clemency, love, grace, concern) endureth forever!"
You may be at your midnight. But remember, midnight is the point between darkness and light, bondage and freedom, poverty and lack.
He who sows in tears shall reap in joy! Don't be weary in well doing, for in due season, you will reap the harvest if you faint not. Author: Dyanner
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Isn’t it amazing how that when we yield to the Master's hands and allow Him to fill us and pour us out into the lives of others, abundance pours onto us as well, and we are blessed?
God is Awesome.
The weeping may be of long duration with no end in sight, but joy comes, no matter what the situation or circumstances may dictate. No matter how it looks, or how bad it hurts, or how it may feel, joy comes.
Now, the darkness may have lasted a long time, and the pain may seem unending. Tears may be falling for what seems like forever, but joy comes! Child of God, look up, it’s almost MORNING!
Keep on fighting, for the battle is already over in the spirit realm. Keep pushing the enemy back. Keep using the word of God to defeat him. Keep trusting in our God.
He will not fail you. He has not left you. He cares about you and everything that pertains to you. You can depend on God! "God is good and his mercy (favor, clemency, love, grace, concern) endureth forever!"
You may be at your midnight. But remember, midnight is the point between darkness and light, bondage and freedom, poverty and lack.
He who sows in tears shall reap in joy! Don't be weary in well doing, for in due season, you will reap the harvest if you faint not. Author: Dyanner
Joy Comes in the Morning
If you've knelt beside the rubble of an aching, broken heart,
When the things you gave your life to fell apart;
You're not the first to be acquainted with sorrow, grief or pain,
But the Master promised sunshine after the rain.
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
Weeping only lasts for the night;
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.
To invest your seed of trust in God in mountains you can't move,
You have risked your life on things you cannot prove;
But to give the things you cannot keep for what you cannot lose,
Is the way to find the joy God has for you.
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
Weeping only lasts for the night;
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.Just in sight!
When the things you gave your life to fell apart;
You're not the first to be acquainted with sorrow, grief or pain,
But the Master promised sunshine after the rain.
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
Weeping only lasts for the night;
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.
To invest your seed of trust in God in mountains you can't move,
You have risked your life on things you cannot prove;
But to give the things you cannot keep for what you cannot lose,
Is the way to find the joy God has for you.
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
Weeping only lasts for the night;
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.Just in sight!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Waiting on Him
Isaiah 40:31 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.
They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary;
They will walk and not faint.
Teach me, Lord; teach me, Lord, to wait.
Teach me, Lord, to wait down on my knees
Till in your own good time you answer my pleas.
Teach me not to rely on what others do
But to wait in prayer for the answer from you.
Teach me, Lord, to wait while hearts are a flame.
Help me humble myself and call on Your name.
Keep my faith renewed my eyes on Thee.
Help me be on this earth what You want me to be.
They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary;
They will walk and not faint.
Teach me, Lord; teach me, Lord, to wait.
Teach me, Lord, to wait down on my knees
Till in your own good time you answer my pleas.
Teach me not to rely on what others do
But to wait in prayer for the answer from you.
Teach me, Lord, to wait while hearts are a flame.
Help me humble myself and call on Your name.
Keep my faith renewed my eyes on Thee.
Help me be on this earth what You want me to be.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Peanut Butter and Milk Chocolate Chip Tassies
Donna suggested this recipe for today!
Ingredients:
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Chips, divided
1 cup REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips, divided
2 teaspoons shortening(do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil)
Directions:
Beat 3/4 cup butter and cream cheese in medium bowl; add flour and 1/4 cup sugar, beating until well blended. Cover; refrigerate about one hour or until dough is firm. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; press each ball onto bottom and up sides of about 36 small muffin cups (1-3/4 inches in diameter).
Heat oven to 350°F. Combine egg, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter, lemon juice and vanilla in small bowl; stir until smooth. Stir together milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Set aside 1/3 cup chip mixture; add remaining chips to egg mixture.
Evenly fill muffin cups with chip mixture. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until filling is set and lightly browned. Cool completely; remove from pan to wire rack.4. Combine remaining 1/3 cup chip mixture and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave at HIGH (100%) 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Drizzle over tops of tassies. 3 dozen cookies
Think It Over
by Charles R. Swindoll
Can’t seem to get where you want to go fast enough?
Leave it to God.
Worried about your kids?
Leave it to God.
Living in a place you’d rather not be?
Leave it to God.
Looks like you won’t graduate with honors?
Leave it to God.
No matter how hard you try, your life's partner simply is not responding?
Leave it to God
A mid-career change seems scary?
Leave it to God.
You did the job but someone else got the credit?Leave it to God.
Getting older, alone?Leave it to God.
Can’t seem to get where you want to go fast enough?
Leave it to God.
Worried about your kids?
Leave it to God.
Living in a place you’d rather not be?
Leave it to God.
Looks like you won’t graduate with honors?
Leave it to God.
No matter how hard you try, your life's partner simply is not responding?
Leave it to God
A mid-career change seems scary?
Leave it to God.
You did the job but someone else got the credit?Leave it to God.
Getting older, alone?Leave it to God.
Under His Wings
After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings.
The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.
She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had singed her small body, the mother remained steadfast. She had been willing to die so those under the cover of her wings would live.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4
The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.
She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had singed her small body, the mother remained steadfast. She had been willing to die so those under the cover of her wings would live.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4
Prayer Request
Again I say to you, that if two or more of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask,it shall be done for them by my Father who is in Heaven." Matthew 18:19
Please remember my Dad and my sister, Margie, in prayer. They are both battling serious illnesses and we covet your prayers that God will strengthen them and carry them through this time of storm.
Please remember my Dad and my sister, Margie, in prayer. They are both battling serious illnesses and we covet your prayers that God will strengthen them and carry them through this time of storm.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Peg 'O My Heart!
Peggy, I came across this picture and I thought you looked so pretty in this outfit! Always a lady, Peggy! I miss seeing your smiling face at the end of my aisle every day, but I am sure Joe is happy to have you at home with him!
Sonoma Chicken Salad
A classic selection, this salad is loved nationwide. Tender chicken breast, crunchy pecans and the juicy burst of sweet ripe grapes are a winning combination. A honey-sweetened mayonnaise dressing accented with poppy seeds adds the finishing touch.Serves 6
Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
4 tsp apple cider vinegar
5 tsp honey
2 tsp poppy seeds
sea salt, to taste
ground pepper, to taste
Salad
2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup pecan pieces, toasted
2 cups red seedless grapes
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, quartered
Mixed Greens
Romaine Lettuce
Dried cranberries
Directions: Prepare the dressing by thoroughly mixing together all dressing ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to dress the salad. (Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead.)
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the chicken breasts in one layer in a baking dish with 1/2 cup water. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes until completely cooked through. Remove cooked chicken breasts from baking pan, cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then cover and refrigerate.
When the breasts are completely chilled (at least 2 hours refrigerated), slice and layer over salad mixture of pecans, mixed greens, romaine lettuce, dried cranberries, grapes, and celery. Serve dressing on the side.
Try a Little Kindness
We never know when some small kindness will forever make a difference in the lives of total strangers. Continuously performing good deeds ... even without recognition ... will create a trail of miracles in our wake.— Chelle Thompson
It is one of those beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.— Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is one of those beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler
Donna requested a recipe for rhubarb cobbler. I hope this one will do!
Fruit Mixture
4 1/2 cups rhubarb stalks cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tablespoons of quick cooking tapioca
1 teaspoon of grated orange peel
Cobbler Crust
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the rhubarb and the strawberries with the sugar, tapioca, and orange zest. Let sit to macerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
In a medium bowl, combine 2 Tablespoons of sugar, the flour, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter in with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and egg until just moistened.
Pour fruit into a 2-quart casserole dish. Drop the batter on the fruit. Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 minutes until cobbler crust is golden brown. Serves 6. Serve with whipped cream (optional).
Fruit Mixture
4 1/2 cups rhubarb stalks cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tablespoons of quick cooking tapioca
1 teaspoon of grated orange peel
Cobbler Crust
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the rhubarb and the strawberries with the sugar, tapioca, and orange zest. Let sit to macerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
In a medium bowl, combine 2 Tablespoons of sugar, the flour, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter in with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and egg until just moistened.
Pour fruit into a 2-quart casserole dish. Drop the batter on the fruit. Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 minutes until cobbler crust is golden brown. Serves 6. Serve with whipped cream (optional).
Angel Lush with Pineapple Cake
This looks like a quick and easy dessert, especially if you have unexpected guests!Ingredients:
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 can (20 oz.) DOLE Crushed Pineapple in Juice, undrained
1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
1 pkg. (10 oz.) round angel food cake
10 small fresh strawberries
Directions: MIX dry pudding mix and pineapple with juice in medium bowl. Gently stir in whipped topping.
CUT cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place bottom cake layer, cut side up, on serving plate; top with 1-1/3 cups of the pudding mixture. Cover with middle cake layer and additional 1 cup of the remaining pudding mixture. Top with remaining cake layer; spread top with the remaining pudding mixture.
REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour. Top with strawberries just before serving. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator. Great Substitute Prepare as directed, using JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie Filling and COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping.
How To Cut the Angel Food Cake: Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to easily cut the angel food cake.
Patience
Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come. - Robert H. Schuller
Patience to Wait for the Wisdom
Patience is not the same as indifference; patience conveys the idea of someone who is tremendously strong and able to withstand all assaults. Having the vision of God is the source of patience because it gives us God’s true and proper inspiration.
Moses endured, not because of his devotion to his principles of what was right, nor because of his sense of duty to God, but because he had a vision of God. ". . . he endured as seeing Him who is invisible"Hebrews 11:27.
A person who has the vision of God is not devoted to a cause or to any particular issue— he is devoted to God Himself. You always know when the vision is of God because of the inspiration that comes with it.
Things come to you with greatness and add vitality to your life because everything is energized by God. He may give you a time spiritually, with no word from Himself at all, just as His Son experienced during His time of temptation in the wilderness. When God does that, simply endure, and the power to endure will be there because you see God. - Oswald Chambers
Patience to Wait for the Wisdom
Patience is not the same as indifference; patience conveys the idea of someone who is tremendously strong and able to withstand all assaults. Having the vision of God is the source of patience because it gives us God’s true and proper inspiration.
Moses endured, not because of his devotion to his principles of what was right, nor because of his sense of duty to God, but because he had a vision of God. ". . . he endured as seeing Him who is invisible"Hebrews 11:27.
A person who has the vision of God is not devoted to a cause or to any particular issue— he is devoted to God Himself. You always know when the vision is of God because of the inspiration that comes with it.
Things come to you with greatness and add vitality to your life because everything is energized by God. He may give you a time spiritually, with no word from Himself at all, just as His Son experienced during His time of temptation in the wilderness. When God does that, simply endure, and the power to endure will be there because you see God. - Oswald Chambers
All of Him
An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others. - A. W. Tozer
Ten Guidelines From God
Margie sent this to me yesterday. This is truly worth reading!
Effective Immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of.
Please, follow these 10 guidelines:
Quit Worrying:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you?Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?
Put It On the List:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.
Trust Me:
Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.
Leave It Alone:
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started?Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.
Talk to Me:
I want you to forget a lot of things.Forget what was making you crazy.Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.
Have Faith:
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
Share:
You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.
Be Patient:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.
Be Kind:
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.
Love Yourself:
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget......
Effective Immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of.
Please, follow these 10 guidelines:
Quit Worrying:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you?Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?
Put It On the List:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.
Trust Me:
Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.
Leave It Alone:
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started?Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.
Talk to Me:
I want you to forget a lot of things.Forget what was making you crazy.Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.
Have Faith:
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
Share:
You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.
Be Patient:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.
Be Kind:
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.
Love Yourself:
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget......
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