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Friday, August 31, 2007
Blueberry Cream Cheese Tarts
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
12 vanilla wafers
1 (21-ounce) can blueberry filling, or other pie filling
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place a paper cupcake liner in each cup of a muffin pan.
Beat cream cheese with a handheld electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla, beating well.
Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Place a vanilla wafer, flat side down, in each muffin cup. Spoon cream cheese mixture over wafers.
Bake for 20 minutes. Allow tarts to cool completely. Serve with blueberry filling on top, or pie filling of your choice.
Georgia Pound Cake
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (you may use lemon or almond flavoring instead)
Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan. Do not preheat the oven. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add flour mixture and heavy cream to butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in flavoring.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Put into a cold oven and set the temperature to 325 degrees F. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes without opening the oven door. Bake for an additional 15 minutes if necessary. Remove from the oven and cool in pan for 15 minutes. Invert cake onto cake plate. For a real treat, serve yourself a slice while it's still warm.
I'd Rather Have Jesus
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I ’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I ’d rather be true to His holy name
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I ’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I ’d rather be true to His holy name
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead
A Boy's Race Prayer
My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to "dad." That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed. Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out.
The project began....
Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do. Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car. A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom). Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids' cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning," the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own.
Then the big night came. With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed. A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side, Gilbert had "mom."
As the race began it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest looking car there.As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old asked if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped. Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Heavenly Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, "Okay, I'm ready." As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car.
Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval. The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?"
To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help me beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I didn't cry if I lost."
Children seem to have a wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race, he didn't ask God to fix the out come, Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome. When Gilbert first saw the other cars he didn't cry out to God, "No fair, they had a fathers help." No, he went to his Father for strength.
Perhaps we spend to much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or to much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle."
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippines 4:13
Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else; he prayed that God supply the grace to lose with dignity.
Gilbert, by his stopping the race to speak to his Father also showed the crowd that he wasn't there without a "dad," but His Father was most definitely there with him. Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side.
The project began....
Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do. Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car. A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom). Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids' cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning," the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own.
Then the big night came. With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed. A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side, Gilbert had "mom."
As the race began it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest looking car there.As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old asked if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped. Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Heavenly Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, "Okay, I'm ready." As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car.
Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval. The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?"
To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help me beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I didn't cry if I lost."
Children seem to have a wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race, he didn't ask God to fix the out come, Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome. When Gilbert first saw the other cars he didn't cry out to God, "No fair, they had a fathers help." No, he went to his Father for strength.
Perhaps we spend to much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or to much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle."
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippines 4:13
Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else; he prayed that God supply the grace to lose with dignity.
Gilbert, by his stopping the race to speak to his Father also showed the crowd that he wasn't there without a "dad," but His Father was most definitely there with him. Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
How Big is Your Burden?
Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden. ~ Corrie Ten Boom
Tell Him Every Care
Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one's heart, its pleasures and its pains, to a dear friend. Tell God your troubles, that God may comfort you; tell God your joys, that God may sober them; tell God your longings, that God may purify them; tell God your dislikes, that God may help you conquer them; talk to God of your temptations, that God may shield you from them: show God the wounds of your heart, that God may heal them.
If you thus pour out all your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say. Talk out of the abundance of the heart, without consideration say just what you think. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God. --Francois Fenelon
If you thus pour out all your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say. Talk out of the abundance of the heart, without consideration say just what you think. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God. --Francois Fenelon
Fruit and Cheese Salad
Ingredients:2 cups sliced strawberries
2 cups cubed cantaloupe
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
2 cups cubed Havarti cheese
1/3 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp. oil
2 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. chopped basil leaves
2 cups cubed cantaloupe
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
2 cups cubed Havarti cheese
1/3 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp. oil
2 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. chopped basil leaves
Preparation:
Combine fruit and cheese in large bowl. Mix together orange juice, oil, honey, and basil in a small jar with tight fitting lid. Shake vigorously to combine. Pour over fruit and cheese and toss. 6 servings
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:2 cups finely crushed pretzels
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1-1/2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. milk
1 cup thawed whipped topping
2 cups boiling water
1 pkg. (8-serving size) strawberry gelatin
1-1/2 cups cold water
1 qt. (4 cups) strawberries, sliced
Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix pretzel crumbs, 1/4 cup of the sugar and the butter. Press onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake 10 min. Cool.
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1-1/2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. milk
1 cup thawed whipped topping
2 cups boiling water
1 pkg. (8-serving size) strawberry gelatin
1-1/2 cups cold water
1 qt. (4 cups) strawberries, sliced
Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix pretzel crumbs, 1/4 cup of the sugar and the butter. Press onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake 10 min. Cool.
Beat cream cheese, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the milk until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spread over crust. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Meanwhile, stir boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl at least 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Refrigerate 1-1/2 hours or until thickened (spoon drawn through leaves definite impression). Stir in strawberries. Spoon over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm. Cut into squares to serve. Store leftovers in refrigerator
Number 111
“You haven’t changed a bit,” I said as I pulled the old burgundy colored hymnbook from the shelf. I’m not in the habit of talking to books but it might be interesting if this particular hymnbook could talk back to me.
I have a collection of old hymnbooks that friends have given me or I have gathered from various places over the years but this hymnbook was special. The old hymnbook with an arched church window etched on the front and the words “Tabernacle Hymns” looked quite the same as it did the first time I saw it. An edge or two was frayed but it was still in good condition.
I opened it up and inside the cover was the date, 1957, so it would have been fairly new when it was given to me. I remembered this hymnbook well because it was the very first one that I had used as I learned to play the piano. Tucked away in the back of that old hymnbook I found the numbers that I had written down and titles that I had underlined as I learned to play those hymns.
I was just a little girl about eleven years old and I was just beginning to learn to play the piano when Willie Slocum, the Sunday School Superintendent, came up to me after church and asked me to accompany the congregation for the opening of Sunday school that next week. I thought the idea was exciting but really scary. I told him that I didn’t know very many songs yet but he assured me that it would be fine. He said that I would learn and he asked me what I could already play. Mostly I had played from my piano lesson books but I told him I could play number 111 in the hymnbook, At Calvary, pretty well because it was written in the key of C and had no flats or sharps. Without hesitation, Willie said that would be a great song to play next Sunday morning.
I immediately went home and began practicing number 111 all week long until my family probably heard it in their sleep. I practiced it slow, I practiced it fast; I practiced it while singing, and I practiced it while Momma or Daddy sang it for me so I could get the feel of accompanying someone else.
The next Sunday came and I played number 111 and got through it just fine. Willie seemed pleased and told me to write down a list of songs that I could play and he would choose from them when he picked the hymns for Sunday school opening.
As time went on, I worked hard to learn more hymns to add to the list. I knew number 111 well by then and so did the congregation!
By the time I was a teenager, I was often playing for the worship service as well as for Sunday school. I am thankful for Willie, a Sunday school Superintendent, who believed in a little girl who he had never heard play a note. It probably wasn’t so unusual for Willie who had lived by faith for many years. Although it was written in 1895, by William R. Newell, it’s melody and message is timeless and as needed today as much as ever. The refrain still plays in my mind as I often go back to number 111, back “At Calvary” where “mercy there was great and grace was free”. As Willie would say, “Take your hymnbooks and turn with me to Number 111.”
~ Pamela Perry Blaine ~
At Calvary
Years I spent in vanity and pride
Caring not my Lord was crucified
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary
Mercy there was great, and grace was free
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary.
By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.
Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary!
Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that bro’t it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!
Words and Music by William R Newell 1868-1956and Daniel B Towner 1850-1919 - Public Domain.
I have a collection of old hymnbooks that friends have given me or I have gathered from various places over the years but this hymnbook was special. The old hymnbook with an arched church window etched on the front and the words “Tabernacle Hymns” looked quite the same as it did the first time I saw it. An edge or two was frayed but it was still in good condition.
I opened it up and inside the cover was the date, 1957, so it would have been fairly new when it was given to me. I remembered this hymnbook well because it was the very first one that I had used as I learned to play the piano. Tucked away in the back of that old hymnbook I found the numbers that I had written down and titles that I had underlined as I learned to play those hymns.
I was just a little girl about eleven years old and I was just beginning to learn to play the piano when Willie Slocum, the Sunday School Superintendent, came up to me after church and asked me to accompany the congregation for the opening of Sunday school that next week. I thought the idea was exciting but really scary. I told him that I didn’t know very many songs yet but he assured me that it would be fine. He said that I would learn and he asked me what I could already play. Mostly I had played from my piano lesson books but I told him I could play number 111 in the hymnbook, At Calvary, pretty well because it was written in the key of C and had no flats or sharps. Without hesitation, Willie said that would be a great song to play next Sunday morning.
I immediately went home and began practicing number 111 all week long until my family probably heard it in their sleep. I practiced it slow, I practiced it fast; I practiced it while singing, and I practiced it while Momma or Daddy sang it for me so I could get the feel of accompanying someone else.
The next Sunday came and I played number 111 and got through it just fine. Willie seemed pleased and told me to write down a list of songs that I could play and he would choose from them when he picked the hymns for Sunday school opening.
As time went on, I worked hard to learn more hymns to add to the list. I knew number 111 well by then and so did the congregation!
By the time I was a teenager, I was often playing for the worship service as well as for Sunday school. I am thankful for Willie, a Sunday school Superintendent, who believed in a little girl who he had never heard play a note. It probably wasn’t so unusual for Willie who had lived by faith for many years. Although it was written in 1895, by William R. Newell, it’s melody and message is timeless and as needed today as much as ever. The refrain still plays in my mind as I often go back to number 111, back “At Calvary” where “mercy there was great and grace was free”. As Willie would say, “Take your hymnbooks and turn with me to Number 111.”
~ Pamela Perry Blaine ~
At Calvary
Years I spent in vanity and pride
Caring not my Lord was crucified
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary
Mercy there was great, and grace was free
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary.
By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.
Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary!
Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that bro’t it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!
Words and Music by William R Newell 1868-1956and Daniel B Towner 1850-1919 - Public Domain.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Mandarin Orange Cake
Cake1 can mandarin oranges
4 eggs
1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick butter (butter)
Combine ingredients and add juice drained from mandarin oranges and beat until fluffy. Add oranges; beat well.
Spread batter in greased 13"x9" pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done. When cake has cooled, frost with Pineapple Frosting.
Pineapple Frosting:
1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple
Directions: Mix pudding and pineapple until smooth, add Cool Whip. Beat until fluffy, frost cake.
Calico Beans
Ingredients:
8 ounces bacon, about 10 to 12 slices
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp. dry mustard
2 cans pork and beans
1 can lima beans or butter beans, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp. dry mustard
2 cans pork and beans
1 can lima beans or butter beans, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. vinegar
Preparation:
Brown bacon, ground beef, and chopped onions. Combine drained ground beef mixture in slow cooker with remaining ingredients; cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 5 hours.
Effective Prayer
"Effective prayer is prayer that attains what it seeks. It is prayer that moves God, effecting its end."Charles Finney
He's As Good As His Word
F. Duane Lindsey
After Ruth had met Boaz for the first time, she had returned home to report to Naomi all that had happened to her on that first day of gleaning (Ruth 2:18-22). How much more excited she was to report to her mother-in-law about the outcome of her night on the threshing floor!
Once again, Naomi was the one with the question: “How did it go, my daughter?” (3:16) Ruth’s full report left out no detail of the night, for “she told her everything Boaz had done for her” (v. 16), including the gift of barley, which seemed to be meant as a tangible assurance for Naomi that he would indeed be their kinsman-redeemer.
Naomi’s next statement indicated her insight into human nature, particularly when a couple is in love! Ruth needed to be patient and sit tight: “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens”; that is, when Boaz would meet the nearer kinsman. Boaz, on the other hand, would not rest until the matter was settled (v. 18). Naomi knew that Boaz was as good as his word.
This scene reminds us of the patience (Ruth) and impatience of love (Boaz), the providence of God (“what happens”) and the agency of man (“the man will not rest”). It ends with a tension—how will the matter be resolved?
There are times when we become impatient—very impatient, even with God. Like Ruth we need to “sit tight” and wait for action by our Kinsman-Redeemer who, like Boaz, is as good as His word. This does not mean that the Christian life is one of passivity. Ruth demonstrated active and knowledgeable obedience in her encounter with Boaz. Then it was time for her to rest patiently for what he would do for her.
Note carefully: As we read the Word of God and commit ourselves to obey it, God will give us the good sense to have a balance between activity and rest. Both require faith in Him and His promises to us.
After Ruth had met Boaz for the first time, she had returned home to report to Naomi all that had happened to her on that first day of gleaning (Ruth 2:18-22). How much more excited she was to report to her mother-in-law about the outcome of her night on the threshing floor!
Once again, Naomi was the one with the question: “How did it go, my daughter?” (3:16) Ruth’s full report left out no detail of the night, for “she told her everything Boaz had done for her” (v. 16), including the gift of barley, which seemed to be meant as a tangible assurance for Naomi that he would indeed be their kinsman-redeemer.
Naomi’s next statement indicated her insight into human nature, particularly when a couple is in love! Ruth needed to be patient and sit tight: “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens”; that is, when Boaz would meet the nearer kinsman. Boaz, on the other hand, would not rest until the matter was settled (v. 18). Naomi knew that Boaz was as good as his word.
This scene reminds us of the patience (Ruth) and impatience of love (Boaz), the providence of God (“what happens”) and the agency of man (“the man will not rest”). It ends with a tension—how will the matter be resolved?
There are times when we become impatient—very impatient, even with God. Like Ruth we need to “sit tight” and wait for action by our Kinsman-Redeemer who, like Boaz, is as good as His word. This does not mean that the Christian life is one of passivity. Ruth demonstrated active and knowledgeable obedience in her encounter with Boaz. Then it was time for her to rest patiently for what he would do for her.
Note carefully: As we read the Word of God and commit ourselves to obey it, God will give us the good sense to have a balance between activity and rest. Both require faith in Him and His promises to us.
Plentiful Refreshment
Their soul shall be as a watered garden. (Jeremiah 31:12)
Oh, to have one's soul under heavenly cultivation; no longer a wilderness but a garden of the Lord! Enclosed from the waste, walled around by grace, planted by instruction, visited by love, weeded by heavenly discipline, and guarded by divine power, one's favored soul is prepared to yield fruit unto the Lord.
But a garden may become parched for want of water, and then all its herbs decline and are ready to die. O my soul, how soon would this be the case were the Lord to leave thee! In the East, a garden without water soon ceases to be a garden at all: nothing can come to perfection, grow, or even live. When irrigation is kept up, the result is charming.
Oh, to have one's soul watered by the Holy Spirit uniformly—every part of the garden having its own stream; plentifully—a sufficient refreshment coming to every tree and herb, however thirsty by nature it may be; continually—each hour bringing not only its heat, but its refreshment; wisely—each plant receiving just what it needs.
In a garden you can see by the verdure where the water flows, and you can soon perceive when the Spirit of God comes.
O Lord, water me this day and cause me to yield Thee a full reward for Jesus' sake. Amen. C. H. Spurgeon
Oh, to have one's soul under heavenly cultivation; no longer a wilderness but a garden of the Lord! Enclosed from the waste, walled around by grace, planted by instruction, visited by love, weeded by heavenly discipline, and guarded by divine power, one's favored soul is prepared to yield fruit unto the Lord.
But a garden may become parched for want of water, and then all its herbs decline and are ready to die. O my soul, how soon would this be the case were the Lord to leave thee! In the East, a garden without water soon ceases to be a garden at all: nothing can come to perfection, grow, or even live. When irrigation is kept up, the result is charming.
Oh, to have one's soul watered by the Holy Spirit uniformly—every part of the garden having its own stream; plentifully—a sufficient refreshment coming to every tree and herb, however thirsty by nature it may be; continually—each hour bringing not only its heat, but its refreshment; wisely—each plant receiving just what it needs.
In a garden you can see by the verdure where the water flows, and you can soon perceive when the Spirit of God comes.
O Lord, water me this day and cause me to yield Thee a full reward for Jesus' sake. Amen. C. H. Spurgeon
Monday, August 27, 2007
Is Your Hut Burning?
Author Unknown
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhibited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.
"God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Remember, the next time your little hut is burning to the ground----it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it:
You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their Strength. (Isaiah 40:31)
You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John13:34)
You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalms 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (1Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don't have enough faith" God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhibited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.
"God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Remember, the next time your little hut is burning to the ground----it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it:
You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their Strength. (Isaiah 40:31)
You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John13:34)
You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalms 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (1Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don't have enough faith" God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
Sunday, August 26, 2007
A Shelter in the Time of Storm
The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
God Still Answers Prayer
Thank you to everyone that remembered my father in prayer. The Great Physician was certainly with him through the surgery, and now, in the recovery period. The doctors removed a growth and the latest lab reports show no cancer in the lymph nodes. Our God is an awesome God!
Releasing Impossibilities
by Charles R. Swindoll
When you face an impossibility, leave it in the hands of the Specialist! Refuse to calculate. Refuse to doubt. Refuse to work it out by yourself. Refuse to worry or encourage others to worry. Stand against that.
Instead, say, “Lord, I’m carrying around something I cannot handle. Because You are not only able but also willing, take this off my hands. It’s impossible to me, but is as nothing with You.” Persevering through the pressures of impossibilities calls for that kind of confidence.
Now, our problem is that we hold on to our problems. If your Swiss watch stops working, you don’t sit down at home with a screwdriver and start working on it yourself. You take it to a specialist.
The problem is that the Lord gets all the leftovers after we try to fix things ourselves. We make all the mistakes and get things tied into granny knots, then dump it in His lap and say, “Here, Lord.”
No! Right at first, say, “It’s impossible; I can’t handle it, Lord. Before I foul it up, it’s Yours.” He is able to handle it. But we don’t usually give God those chances to “fix” it. We are so totally (and sinfully) confident in ourselves that we don’t give God the chance to do what He is a real Specialist at doing.
If something is humanly impossible, then what in the world are we doing trying to pull it off?
When you face an impossibility, leave it in the hands of the Specialist! Refuse to calculate. Refuse to doubt. Refuse to work it out by yourself. Refuse to worry or encourage others to worry. Stand against that.
Instead, say, “Lord, I’m carrying around something I cannot handle. Because You are not only able but also willing, take this off my hands. It’s impossible to me, but is as nothing with You.” Persevering through the pressures of impossibilities calls for that kind of confidence.
Now, our problem is that we hold on to our problems. If your Swiss watch stops working, you don’t sit down at home with a screwdriver and start working on it yourself. You take it to a specialist.
The problem is that the Lord gets all the leftovers after we try to fix things ourselves. We make all the mistakes and get things tied into granny knots, then dump it in His lap and say, “Here, Lord.”
No! Right at first, say, “It’s impossible; I can’t handle it, Lord. Before I foul it up, it’s Yours.” He is able to handle it. But we don’t usually give God those chances to “fix” it. We are so totally (and sinfully) confident in ourselves that we don’t give God the chance to do what He is a real Specialist at doing.
If something is humanly impossible, then what in the world are we doing trying to pull it off?
Got Any Rivers?
Be of good courage God spoke unto Joshua
When o'er the river God pointed the way
Jordan uncrossable, things seemed impossible
Waters divide as they march and obey
Chorus
Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?
God specializes in things thought impossible
And does the things that others cannot do.
Battles to win they would meet with their obstacles
Jericho's walls too must, fall to the ground
God never failed He stood back of his promises
Walls had to crumble as they marched around
God is the same and His Word is dependable
He'll make a way through the water's for you
Life's situations by Him are amendable
Mountains and Hills He will part for you too
Matthew 6:25-34
25. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28. And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29. And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32. (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Go; Take Your Property
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 1:21)
There is a heritage of grace which we ought to be bold enough to win for our possession. All that one believer has gained is free to another. We may be strong in faith, fervent in love, and abundant in labor; there is nothing to prevent it; let us go up and take possession. The sweetest experience and the brightest grace are as much for us as for any of our brethren; Jehovah has set it before us; no one can deny our right; let us go up and possess it in His name.
The world also lies before us to be conquered for the Lord Jesus. We are not to leave any country or corner of it unsubdued. That slum near our house is before us, not to baffle our endeavors, but to yield to them. We have only to summon courage enough to go forward, and we shall win dark homes and hard hearts for Jesus.
Let us never leave the people in a lane or alley to die because we have not enough faith in Jesus and His gospel to go up and possess the land. No spot is too benighted, no person so profane as to be beyond the power of grace. Cowardice, begone! Faith marches to the conquest. - C. H. Spurgeon
There is a heritage of grace which we ought to be bold enough to win for our possession. All that one believer has gained is free to another. We may be strong in faith, fervent in love, and abundant in labor; there is nothing to prevent it; let us go up and take possession. The sweetest experience and the brightest grace are as much for us as for any of our brethren; Jehovah has set it before us; no one can deny our right; let us go up and possess it in His name.
The world also lies before us to be conquered for the Lord Jesus. We are not to leave any country or corner of it unsubdued. That slum near our house is before us, not to baffle our endeavors, but to yield to them. We have only to summon courage enough to go forward, and we shall win dark homes and hard hearts for Jesus.
Let us never leave the people in a lane or alley to die because we have not enough faith in Jesus and His gospel to go up and possess the land. No spot is too benighted, no person so profane as to be beyond the power of grace. Cowardice, begone! Faith marches to the conquest. - C. H. Spurgeon
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Only He Can Open and Close the Door
7. These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
8. I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
1 Samuel 12:16
Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.
Precious Promises
Matthew 18:19-20
19: Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
19: Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Thankful for Angels
by Charles R. Swindoll
Psalm 91
Have you counted your blessings lately? Let me suggest one you might have overlooked. Let’s be thankful for angels—those unseen guardians who work overtime, who never slumber or sleep.
Angels exist as supernatural creatures in and about heaven, and they are frequently dispatched to earth in human form to bring encouragement and assistance. If you have ever encountered the sudden appearance and/or departure of an angel after receiving one’s help, you are never quite the same.
Several years ago some high school fellas from the church I pastored in Southern California went on a mountain-climbing excursion, along with their youth leader. While taking in the breathtaking sights, however, the leader realized he had lost the trail. A heavy snowfall had completely covered the path, and he didn’t have a clue where they were or how they could get back to the main camp. Sundown was not far away, and they were not equipped to spend the night on the craggy, windblown slopes where the temperature would soon drop even lower.
While trudging through the snow, entertaining thoughts just this side of panic, they suddenly heard someone on the slopes above them yell down: “Hey—the trail is up here!” They glanced up and to their relief saw another climber in the distance. Without hesitation, they began to make their way up to the large boulder where the man was sitting. The climb was exhausting, but their relief in finding the way gave their adrenaline a rush.
Finally, they arrived . . . but to their surprise the man who had yelled at them was nowhere to be found. Furthermore, there were no traces in the snow that anyone had been sitting on the boulder, nor were there footprints around the rock. The trail, however, stretched out before them, leading them to safety. The boys not only learned a valuable lesson about the wilderness but also firmed up their belief in encountering “angels without knowing it.”
God’s special messengers are often invisible but never impotent. As the psalmist has written: “He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone” (Ps. 91:11-12).
Can you think of occasions in your own life when you had what you would consider “a close call”? How about one of your kids or friends? Can you remember a time or two when, through some incredible manner, they were shielded from harm or delivered from danger?
Psalm 91
Have you counted your blessings lately? Let me suggest one you might have overlooked. Let’s be thankful for angels—those unseen guardians who work overtime, who never slumber or sleep.
Angels exist as supernatural creatures in and about heaven, and they are frequently dispatched to earth in human form to bring encouragement and assistance. If you have ever encountered the sudden appearance and/or departure of an angel after receiving one’s help, you are never quite the same.
Several years ago some high school fellas from the church I pastored in Southern California went on a mountain-climbing excursion, along with their youth leader. While taking in the breathtaking sights, however, the leader realized he had lost the trail. A heavy snowfall had completely covered the path, and he didn’t have a clue where they were or how they could get back to the main camp. Sundown was not far away, and they were not equipped to spend the night on the craggy, windblown slopes where the temperature would soon drop even lower.
While trudging through the snow, entertaining thoughts just this side of panic, they suddenly heard someone on the slopes above them yell down: “Hey—the trail is up here!” They glanced up and to their relief saw another climber in the distance. Without hesitation, they began to make their way up to the large boulder where the man was sitting. The climb was exhausting, but their relief in finding the way gave their adrenaline a rush.
Finally, they arrived . . . but to their surprise the man who had yelled at them was nowhere to be found. Furthermore, there were no traces in the snow that anyone had been sitting on the boulder, nor were there footprints around the rock. The trail, however, stretched out before them, leading them to safety. The boys not only learned a valuable lesson about the wilderness but also firmed up their belief in encountering “angels without knowing it.”
God’s special messengers are often invisible but never impotent. As the psalmist has written: “He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone” (Ps. 91:11-12).
Can you think of occasions in your own life when you had what you would consider “a close call”? How about one of your kids or friends? Can you remember a time or two when, through some incredible manner, they were shielded from harm or delivered from danger?
Friday, August 3, 2007
Onion and Parmesan Tomatoes
A great accompaniment to grilled steak or chicken.Ingredients:
3 large tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt
Pepper
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions: Preheat broiler. Cut tomatoes in half crosswise. Place in an 8 x 10 glass baking dish. Brush tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil about 8 inches from heat for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through.
Meanwhile, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender but not brown. Place one sixth of onion mixture on each tomato half, sprinkle with thyme leaves and top with Parmesan cheese. Return to broiler until cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Serves 6
Bobby's Goulash
Courtesy of Paula Deen
Ingredients:
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound ground turkey
2 large onions, chopped
3 cups water
1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
3 bay leaves
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 cups dried elbow macaroni
Directions:In a Dutch oven, saute the ground beef and ground turkey over medium-high heat, until no pink remains. Break up meat while sauteing; spoon off any grease. Add the onions to the pot and saute until they are tender about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups water, along with the tomato sauce, tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, soy sauce, House Seasoning, and seasoned salt. Stir well. Place a lid on the pot and allow this to cook for 20 to 25 minutes.
Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, return the lid to the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves and allow the mixture to sit about 30 minutes more before serving.
House Seasoning: 1 cup salt 1/4 cup black pepper 1/4 cup garlic powder
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Ingredients:
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound ground turkey
2 large onions, chopped
3 cups water
1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
3 bay leaves
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 cups dried elbow macaroni
Directions:In a Dutch oven, saute the ground beef and ground turkey over medium-high heat, until no pink remains. Break up meat while sauteing; spoon off any grease. Add the onions to the pot and saute until they are tender about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups water, along with the tomato sauce, tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, soy sauce, House Seasoning, and seasoned salt. Stir well. Place a lid on the pot and allow this to cook for 20 to 25 minutes.
Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, return the lid to the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves and allow the mixture to sit about 30 minutes more before serving.
House Seasoning: 1 cup salt 1/4 cup black pepper 1/4 cup garlic powder
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Bring Your Heart Back
If the heart wanders or is distracted, bring it back to the point quite gently and replace it tenderly in its Master's presence.
And even if you did nothing during the whole of your hour but bring your heart back and place it again in our Lord's presence, though it went away every time you brought it back, your hour will be very well employed. ~ St.Francis de Sales
And even if you did nothing during the whole of your hour but bring your heart back and place it again in our Lord's presence, though it went away every time you brought it back, your hour will be very well employed. ~ St.Francis de Sales
Psalm 91
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Secret Place
There is a place where thou canst touch the eyes
Of blinded men to instant, perfect sight;
There is a place where thou canst say, "Arise"
To dying captives, bound in chains of night;
There is a place where thou canst reach the store
Of hoarded gold and free it for the Lord;
There is a place--upon some distant shore--
Where thou canst send the worker and the Word.
Where is that secret place--dost thou ask, "Where?"
O soul, it is the secret place of prayer! ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson ~
Of blinded men to instant, perfect sight;
There is a place where thou canst say, "Arise"
To dying captives, bound in chains of night;
There is a place where thou canst reach the store
Of hoarded gold and free it for the Lord;
There is a place--upon some distant shore--
Where thou canst send the worker and the Word.
Where is that secret place--dost thou ask, "Where?"
O soul, it is the secret place of prayer! ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson ~
Thursday, August 2, 2007
The Lady and Sons Peach Cobbler
Courtesy of Paula Deen
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1 cup milk
1 (28-ounce) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup, un-drained (use fresh peaches if available; see note*) Cinnamon, for sprinkling, optional
Vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream, for serving
*If they are available, by all means use fresh peaches.
Directions: In a saucepan, mix 2 cups fresh peach slices with one cup sugar and one cup water.
Cook's Note: The most important part of this dish is not stirring the mixture.
Put butter in a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish and place in the oven to melt. Stir sugar and flour together and mix well. Slowly add milk and continue stirring to prevent the batter from lumping.
Being careful not to burn yourself, remove hot baking dish containing melted butter from oven; pour batter directly over butter in baking dish. Do not stir.
Spoon fruit on top of batter, then gently pour syrup on top. Do not stir. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of batter, if using. The most important part of this dish is not stirring the mixture.
Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Your batter will rise above your fruit, producing the most wonderful of crusts. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
Heavenly Communication
--"Lord, Teach Us To Pray!" (Luke 11:1)
To cry to the Lord in prayer is something that should come naturally to every truly born-again child of God! God expects each of His children, those who really know Him, to personally make direct contact with Him, and not just through somebody else's prayers.
Therefore each of us must learn to individually make personal, intimate contact with the Lord through prayer, the Heavenly link, the divine telephone between us and the Lord.
The Lord loves to give us the answers to our questions, problems and troubles. He knows exactly what we should do and how we should do it, and simply wants us to ask Him instead of going to all the trouble of trying to figure everything out ourselves. He says, "Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you!"--Matthew 7:7.
The answers are all so simple for the Lord and the solutions are all so easy for Him! All we have to do is ask and He promised we'd receive. So don't think you have to figure all your problems out for yourself.--Just get down in prayer and get God's answers! He says, "Call unto Me and I will answer thee, and show
To cry to the Lord in prayer is something that should come naturally to every truly born-again child of God! God expects each of His children, those who really know Him, to personally make direct contact with Him, and not just through somebody else's prayers.
Therefore each of us must learn to individually make personal, intimate contact with the Lord through prayer, the Heavenly link, the divine telephone between us and the Lord.
The Lord loves to give us the answers to our questions, problems and troubles. He knows exactly what we should do and how we should do it, and simply wants us to ask Him instead of going to all the trouble of trying to figure everything out ourselves. He says, "Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you!"--Matthew 7:7.
The answers are all so simple for the Lord and the solutions are all so easy for Him! All we have to do is ask and He promised we'd receive. So don't think you have to figure all your problems out for yourself.--Just get down in prayer and get God's answers! He says, "Call unto Me and I will answer thee, and show
Speak What He Teaches
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. (Exodus 4:12)
Many a true servant of the Lord is slow of speech, and when called upon to plead for his Lord, he is in great confusion lest he should spoil a good cause by his bad advocacy.
In such a case it is well to remember that the Lord made the tongue which is so slow, and we must take care that we do not blame our maker.
It may be that a slow tongue is not so great an evil as a fast one, and fewness of words may be more of a blessing than floods of verbiage. It is also quite certain that real saving power does not lie in human rhetoric, with its tropes, and pretty phrases, and grand displays. Lack of fluency is not so great a lack as it looks. If God be with our mouth, and with our mind, we shall have something better than the sounding brass of eloquence or the tinkling cymbal of persuasion.
God's teaching is wisdom; His presence is power. Pharaoh had more reason to be afraid of stammering Moses than of the most fluent talker in Egypt; for what he said had power in it; he spoke plagues and deaths. If the Lord be with us in our natural weakness we shall be girt with supernatural power. Therefore, let us speak for Jesus boldly, as we ought to speak
Many a true servant of the Lord is slow of speech, and when called upon to plead for his Lord, he is in great confusion lest he should spoil a good cause by his bad advocacy.
In such a case it is well to remember that the Lord made the tongue which is so slow, and we must take care that we do not blame our maker.
It may be that a slow tongue is not so great an evil as a fast one, and fewness of words may be more of a blessing than floods of verbiage. It is also quite certain that real saving power does not lie in human rhetoric, with its tropes, and pretty phrases, and grand displays. Lack of fluency is not so great a lack as it looks. If God be with our mouth, and with our mind, we shall have something better than the sounding brass of eloquence or the tinkling cymbal of persuasion.
God's teaching is wisdom; His presence is power. Pharaoh had more reason to be afraid of stammering Moses than of the most fluent talker in Egypt; for what he said had power in it; he spoke plagues and deaths. If the Lord be with us in our natural weakness we shall be girt with supernatural power. Therefore, let us speak for Jesus boldly, as we ought to speak
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Coincidence?
All I know is that when I pray, coincidences happen; and when I don't pray, they don't happen. ~ Dan Hayes
Listen
When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message…. ~ Oswald Chambers
Talking to a Friend
Hebrews 4:15-16: We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Recently I had a conversation with a friend. It was one I won't forget for a long time because I was able to pour out my heart and share with her some of the things that I've been thinking--deep things that you don't share with anyone but a good, close friend whom you trust.
There are times when we pray and we long to pour out our heart to God like we would to a good, close friend, but we fear that we can't. We may think, "God is too big to care about my petty problems," or "I'm too ashamed to tell Him about that." But Hebrews 4:15 -16 tells us that there is nothing that we can't share with God. Jesus Christ, God the Son who became our High Priest, knows what it is like to feel pain and sorrow, and to be tempted. So, knowing that He knows and He feels our pain, we may boldly tell Him anything!
It was said of Martin Luther, the famous theologian, that when he began his prayers, he prayed with such repentance that you almost felt sorry for him, but as he continued in prayer he spoke with such boldness that you almost feared for him. Luther shared with God everything that was on his heart, including his anger, his hurt, his pain, and even at times his disappointments with God.
My friend, I encourage you to come respectfully and boldly before God's throne. Pour out your heart to Him like you would to that good, close friend. Be totally unafraid find release in knowing that He cares about every detail of your life.
Blessed Jesus, no matter what burden or weakness I bring to You, Your love enfolds me and Your grace sustains me. What a good friend You are! By Ann Shorb
Recently I had a conversation with a friend. It was one I won't forget for a long time because I was able to pour out my heart and share with her some of the things that I've been thinking--deep things that you don't share with anyone but a good, close friend whom you trust.
There are times when we pray and we long to pour out our heart to God like we would to a good, close friend, but we fear that we can't. We may think, "God is too big to care about my petty problems," or "I'm too ashamed to tell Him about that." But Hebrews 4:15 -16 tells us that there is nothing that we can't share with God. Jesus Christ, God the Son who became our High Priest, knows what it is like to feel pain and sorrow, and to be tempted. So, knowing that He knows and He feels our pain, we may boldly tell Him anything!
It was said of Martin Luther, the famous theologian, that when he began his prayers, he prayed with such repentance that you almost felt sorry for him, but as he continued in prayer he spoke with such boldness that you almost feared for him. Luther shared with God everything that was on his heart, including his anger, his hurt, his pain, and even at times his disappointments with God.
My friend, I encourage you to come respectfully and boldly before God's throne. Pour out your heart to Him like you would to that good, close friend. Be totally unafraid find release in knowing that He cares about every detail of your life.
Blessed Jesus, no matter what burden or weakness I bring to You, Your love enfolds me and Your grace sustains me. What a good friend You are! By Ann Shorb
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