Happy Christmas!
My family enjoys many things during the holidays, but I think my favorite is decorating our Christmas tree. Because of our current situation, we had decided that a Christmas tree was not the most important thing on our list this Christmas and we were willing to enjoy all the other decorations without a tree. I think that God cares about even the small things, in life. I say this because He provided a tree for us to decorate. It was a simple blessing!
As we were decorating the tree, we laughed at the ornaments that we made when we were two. You remember the ones, the cotton ball laden paper with glitter that is suppose to be a snowflake and the tin foil covered cup with a jingle bell that is suppose to be a Christmas bell. I also love the fun ornament that dad brought back from a trip when I was six. Those are the fun memories that are so fun to share when decorating our tree. We laugh and giggle like a bunch of kids. It’s just one big night of fun and laughs with my family!
This years tree is full of ornaments…I mean FULL! As I looked at the tree, it hit me that there is a good life lesson here. You know how I love to pull life lessons from the simple things in my life What could this lesson be?
As I pondered, the lesson hit me: We love to decorate ourselves for all to see, but the most important thing is the backbone that is holding it all together. Jesus is the backbone. I can make myself look all pretty on the outside, but He is the one who makes everything stay together. Interesting right? The tree is the most important part of the beautiful display that is our Christmas tree. Let’s face it, without the tree we would just have a pile of colorful plastic and glass. It’s the same with me and Jesus. Without Him, I would just be a mess of colorful clothing and makeup. I need Him to perfect me. I must press in and learn more about Jesus if He is going to hold me together. It does me no good to simply say that I know Him; I must grow closer to Him. I must read about Him. I must talk to Him. I must spend time just being with Him. I must hold tight to the backbone, so the “decorations” are all the more beautiful.
Praying that you enjoy simple blessings this Christmas! Until next time..Blessings!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanksliving
Happy Fall Friends!
I sat down today and decided to write down all the things that I am thankful for. It is a task that quickly became very time consuming and lengthy. There are so many things that I am thankful for. At the top of the list is: (drum roll please), of course, my God and my family. I am sure many of you will share those same things as Thursday rolls around. But here is the thing…even though my list is long and is taking me a long time to write them out, I don’t really think that I am thankful enough. What I mean is this: God wants us to have a lifestyle of thankfulness and that is something that I don’t live up to.
I was sitting in church and the sermon for the day was on Thanksliving. In a nutshell, it was a call to a life of thanks. It was in that moment that I started to examine where I was really at as far as being thankful. Do I look at my daily situations, circumstances and struggles with a thankful heart? Or do I walk through my days with a hardness that doesn’t allow me to see the blessings in every moment. For example, my car needing to be fixed could be a cause for thankfulness: I actually have a car. Or, like in most cases, I could complain that I will have to change my schedule and plans because I can’t use my car for that day.
In Psalm 50:14, it refers to thanksgiving as a sacrifice to the Lord. In Jonah 2, in the midst of a horrible situation Jonah cries out to God with a song of thanksgiving and then is delivered. It sounds like there is a key hidden in here about thankfulness. Could it be that the sacrifice of thanksgiving is so pleasing to the Lord that in turn He wants to bless us? I think that God is beginning to teach me about this revelation of His character. I do know that when I am living with a thankful heart, I see more blessings in my life. It is something to ponder on during this time of thankfulness.
I need to be more thankful! God is working in my heart this season. I pray that He is touching your heart also. Enjoy your families, friends and of course all the food as you look to Him and thank Him for all He has done! Happy Thanksgiving!
I sat down today and decided to write down all the things that I am thankful for. It is a task that quickly became very time consuming and lengthy. There are so many things that I am thankful for. At the top of the list is: (drum roll please), of course, my God and my family. I am sure many of you will share those same things as Thursday rolls around. But here is the thing…even though my list is long and is taking me a long time to write them out, I don’t really think that I am thankful enough. What I mean is this: God wants us to have a lifestyle of thankfulness and that is something that I don’t live up to.
I was sitting in church and the sermon for the day was on Thanksliving. In a nutshell, it was a call to a life of thanks. It was in that moment that I started to examine where I was really at as far as being thankful. Do I look at my daily situations, circumstances and struggles with a thankful heart? Or do I walk through my days with a hardness that doesn’t allow me to see the blessings in every moment. For example, my car needing to be fixed could be a cause for thankfulness: I actually have a car. Or, like in most cases, I could complain that I will have to change my schedule and plans because I can’t use my car for that day.
In Psalm 50:14, it refers to thanksgiving as a sacrifice to the Lord. In Jonah 2, in the midst of a horrible situation Jonah cries out to God with a song of thanksgiving and then is delivered. It sounds like there is a key hidden in here about thankfulness. Could it be that the sacrifice of thanksgiving is so pleasing to the Lord that in turn He wants to bless us? I think that God is beginning to teach me about this revelation of His character. I do know that when I am living with a thankful heart, I see more blessings in my life. It is something to ponder on during this time of thankfulness.
I need to be more thankful! God is working in my heart this season. I pray that He is touching your heart also. Enjoy your families, friends and of course all the food as you look to Him and thank Him for all He has done! Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Slightly Different Blueberry Muffins
It’s me again!!! I love, love, love almond meal! It is so yummy and such a healthier alternative to traditional flours. Let’s just put it this way, almonds are good for your health. Almonds are a fatty food…but they are full of monounsaturated fats which is a good fat for you. Eating almonds in moderation can help lower cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease and can help with weight loss. Sounds like a good reason to try them, right? So, I have tried blueberry and coconut muffins with almond meal. They are so yummy! Here is the recipe:
Blueberry and Coconut Muffins
2 ½ cups almond meal
3 eggs
¼ cup honey
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 to 1 ½ cup blueberries
½ to 1 ½ cup coconut
Preheat oven to 300. Prepare 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners or oil. Mix first six ingredients well. Stir in blueberries and coconut. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the tops start to turn light brown. Let cool and enjoy the yummy goodness!
Blueberry and Coconut Muffins
2 ½ cups almond meal
3 eggs
¼ cup honey
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 to 1 ½ cup blueberries
½ to 1 ½ cup coconut
Preheat oven to 300. Prepare 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners or oil. Mix first six ingredients well. Stir in blueberries and coconut. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the tops start to turn light brown. Let cool and enjoy the yummy goodness!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I Will Trust You
Hello my friends,
In the midst of deep personal pain, the Lord is showing me His awesome faithfulness and love. Here is the thing: It is daily my choice to trust Him for His faithfulness and love. This song by Steven Curtis Chapman speaks the words of my heart better than I can. May this song speak to your heart and may you chose to trust Him, in the good and bad times.
Until next time, be blessed!
In the midst of deep personal pain, the Lord is showing me His awesome faithfulness and love. Here is the thing: It is daily my choice to trust Him for His faithfulness and love. This song by Steven Curtis Chapman speaks the words of my heart better than I can. May this song speak to your heart and may you chose to trust Him, in the good and bad times.
Until next time, be blessed!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Old New Pants
Hey guys!
I was shopping the other day. I realized that I was in need of some black slacks and needed them quickly. So, like many times before, I headed to the local thrift shop in hopes of find something that would work.
Well, I tried on at least a few dozen pair of pants before I found "the ones". They fit great and in the dressing room they looked like a really good find. I was so excited! I had only spent $6.00 and found the perfect pair of black slacks. All my problems were solved, at least a few of them were. That was until I got home, washed the pants and went to put them on. What I had not noticed while in the dressing room was that there were at least three holes in these pants. And let's just put it this way, the holes were not in great places. So, needless to say, I didn't end up finding the perfect pair of pants after all.
As I was thinking about those pants, I realized that many times I think about people in the same way. I see a person and I think, they look like they have their life together. And I want to get to know them better. As I get to know that person, I start to see the not so perfect parts of their personality. I must admit that sometimes in those moments, I think that I don't need to get mixed up in their messy problems. But...I know that God calls us to get mixed up in the problems of our friends lives as we press on toward the goal, to win the prize. Isn't that what I, as a Christian, am suppose to do when my brother or sister needs encouragement and grace? Isn't that why God continues to pour out His grace on me, so that I can pour it out on others? He gave us each other. We need each other. He gives us love so that we can share it!
Who knew that a trip to the thrift store would allow my heart to hear a revelation from my Father about encouraging and showing mercy to my friends? Isn't God cool in that way? He uses everything in our lives to bring us closer to His heart. Until next time...enjoy the small moments of revelation!
I was shopping the other day. I realized that I was in need of some black slacks and needed them quickly. So, like many times before, I headed to the local thrift shop in hopes of find something that would work.
Well, I tried on at least a few dozen pair of pants before I found "the ones". They fit great and in the dressing room they looked like a really good find. I was so excited! I had only spent $6.00 and found the perfect pair of black slacks. All my problems were solved, at least a few of them were. That was until I got home, washed the pants and went to put them on. What I had not noticed while in the dressing room was that there were at least three holes in these pants. And let's just put it this way, the holes were not in great places. So, needless to say, I didn't end up finding the perfect pair of pants after all.
As I was thinking about those pants, I realized that many times I think about people in the same way. I see a person and I think, they look like they have their life together. And I want to get to know them better. As I get to know that person, I start to see the not so perfect parts of their personality. I must admit that sometimes in those moments, I think that I don't need to get mixed up in their messy problems. But...I know that God calls us to get mixed up in the problems of our friends lives as we press on toward the goal, to win the prize. Isn't that what I, as a Christian, am suppose to do when my brother or sister needs encouragement and grace? Isn't that why God continues to pour out His grace on me, so that I can pour it out on others? He gave us each other. We need each other. He gives us love so that we can share it!
Who knew that a trip to the thrift store would allow my heart to hear a revelation from my Father about encouraging and showing mercy to my friends? Isn't God cool in that way? He uses everything in our lives to bring us closer to His heart. Until next time...enjoy the small moments of revelation!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Slightly Different Pumpkin Muffins
Hello friends!
So, here is the first recipe on my new adventure of less sugar and such. I was thinking that pumpkins are in season and so of course I needed to make pumpkin muffins.
These muffins were so good that they didn’t last that long in my house. I think they may have lasted a whole afternoon. Anyway, I hope you enjoy them! Oh, and don’t be intimidated by the almond flour, which is sometimes called almond meal, it is really easy to find and use. I found it at Publix, Kroger and my local Trader Joe’s. It looks very much like a wheat flour, but is ten times tastier. I’ve heard that it’s good to try at least one new thing a day…perhaps this could be the one thing new that you try today.
Paleo Pumpkin Muffins1 ½ cups almond flour
¾ cup canned pumpkin
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup raw honey
2 teaspoons almond butter
1 Tablespoon sliced almonds
Preheat oven to 350. Prepare 12 muffin tins with paper cups or coat with oil. Mix all ingredients (minus the sliced almonds) and pour evenly into tins. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and allow to cool. Enjoy a taste of fall!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Messy Life Or See How Big My God Is
Hello!
Well, here I am again with my messy life. Aren’t you thrilled for me to share what has been going on? LOL…it isn’t really that bad, it has actually been a blessing. Well, before I get too much into my story, let me share first what God has been teaching me.
God is faithful! God is merciful! These are the two primary things that the Lord has been teaching me. I am sure that this will just be the first in a series of posts about the mercy of the Lord, because He is teaching me so much.
Okay, back to my life. As many of you know my family has been through many ups and downs this year. Between health issues, financial troubles, lose of jobs, and all that comes with those circumstances, we have simply put our trust in the Lord. And He has always been faithful! On a personal level, I have had a few set-backs in my plans, but again God has been faithful at providing purpose. So all in all it has been a crazy but good year. Please hear my heart…I am not complaining, I’m just sharing so you can see how God is showing up and showing off. (Side note: He loves to show up and show off in our lives!)
There is a song that I love by Sarah Kelly that shares about the mercy and faithfulness of God. She cries out, “Your mercy, everyday brand-new, is now the song that I sing too”. That has been my cry as I have been learning about His mercy. He gives me mercy to make it through this day. In reality, God loves for us to turn to Him in the midst of trials and ask for His mercy. He wants to give us His mercy. Many times I have read Lamentations 3: 22-23, and it has simply been words on a page, but it has become alive to me.
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (NLT)
As I share in the next few posts of the precious mercy of the Lord, may you come to know His mercy in a fresh way. Until next time, dear friends, be blessed!
Well, here I am again with my messy life. Aren’t you thrilled for me to share what has been going on? LOL…it isn’t really that bad, it has actually been a blessing. Well, before I get too much into my story, let me share first what God has been teaching me.
God is faithful! God is merciful! These are the two primary things that the Lord has been teaching me. I am sure that this will just be the first in a series of posts about the mercy of the Lord, because He is teaching me so much.
Okay, back to my life. As many of you know my family has been through many ups and downs this year. Between health issues, financial troubles, lose of jobs, and all that comes with those circumstances, we have simply put our trust in the Lord. And He has always been faithful! On a personal level, I have had a few set-backs in my plans, but again God has been faithful at providing purpose. So all in all it has been a crazy but good year. Please hear my heart…I am not complaining, I’m just sharing so you can see how God is showing up and showing off. (Side note: He loves to show up and show off in our lives!)
There is a song that I love by Sarah Kelly that shares about the mercy and faithfulness of God. She cries out, “Your mercy, everyday brand-new, is now the song that I sing too”. That has been my cry as I have been learning about His mercy. He gives me mercy to make it through this day. In reality, God loves for us to turn to Him in the midst of trials and ask for His mercy. He wants to give us His mercy. Many times I have read Lamentations 3: 22-23, and it has simply been words on a page, but it has become alive to me.
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (NLT)
As I share in the next few posts of the precious mercy of the Lord, may you come to know His mercy in a fresh way. Until next time, dear friends, be blessed!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Eating Better and Why
Hey my friends,
Over the past few months I have been on a quest. It has been exciting and quite the wild ride. What is this quest that has been taking my adventurous mind on a wild ride? It is the quest for a healthier lifestyle, which includes eating better.
So, over the next few months, I will try to share some of the things that I have been learning. I can't wait to share some of the yummy recipes that I have tried. I really can't believe how yummy and good for my health these adventurous ingredients can be. Who would have thought that I would know how to use almond flour? Or how about ginger root? What about the wonderful pomegranate? I mean who even knows what those things are? Right?
Anyway, before I share all the exciting ingredients and why they are good for us. I want to share why I have jumped onto this adventure. I mean, I always thought that I was living a relatively healthy lifestyle. I love hiking in the outdoors. I love my fruits and veggies. I know that I love my chocolate, but I have always limited my sweet tooth...well, some of the time :) But in the big scheme of things, I know that I have always eaten well, at least compared to the rest of America.And there in lies the problem for me, I have always looked at myself compared to others.
I have begun to understand that just like with everything else in our lives, God cares about my health. Now don't get all weird on me! I know that my health may not be up there as most important on God's list (if God even has a list), but I am beginning to see the value in being healthy for Him.
First off, we were made in the image of God. Our body is truly a gift that He gave us. "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness'...So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:26-27)
Second, He made you and I perfect. We were His perfect design. "For you formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them." (Psalm 139:13-17) I always like to think that God wanted a friend with curly ashburn hair, blue eyes, dimples, a second toe that is longer than the big toe, knees that just look weird, and elbows so bony that they just stick out all the time. Yep, that's me...God's friend! He created me just the way I am, just because He needed a friend like me.
So, if God made me in His image and He made me just the way I am because He thinks that is perfect...why wouldn't I care about my health? To take it just a step further, the Holy Spirit lives inside me (a concept that I am still learning much about). Why wouldn't I want to be as healthy as possible to serve and glorify the Lord? I guess scripture describes it best in 1st Corinthians: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (6:19-20)
So, to sum all these crazy thoughts together: I love the Lord. He made me perfect and loves me. He wants health and wellness for me, simply because He loves me. And because I love Him and want to glorify Him, I want to be healthy in order to do just that.
I was pondering writing this blog and had almost decided not too, when I heard a speaker say this:
"I met a non-Christian who was telling me why she didn't want to attend a local church. She said that she would not attend that church because the pastor was over-weight. When asked why that made a difference to her, she said that it was because he obviously didn't have his life in order, so why should she listen to anything he had to say"
This statement hit me between the eyes. In a world where knowledge is easily available, medicine is accessible, and organic foods are around every corner, why is it that I have never thought that my outside could effect the way a non-believer would look at my God. Think about it! The above statement really makes sense.
Please hear my heart, I'm not saying that we should think about what others think about our appearance...but I am saying that we are the glory of the Lord. What does that look like in your life? I pray that it is looking a little better day by day in my life.
I love you guys and can't wait to share more of my adventurous quest in the posts to follow. Until then...be blessed!
Over the past few months I have been on a quest. It has been exciting and quite the wild ride. What is this quest that has been taking my adventurous mind on a wild ride? It is the quest for a healthier lifestyle, which includes eating better.
So, over the next few months, I will try to share some of the things that I have been learning. I can't wait to share some of the yummy recipes that I have tried. I really can't believe how yummy and good for my health these adventurous ingredients can be. Who would have thought that I would know how to use almond flour? Or how about ginger root? What about the wonderful pomegranate? I mean who even knows what those things are? Right?
Anyway, before I share all the exciting ingredients and why they are good for us. I want to share why I have jumped onto this adventure. I mean, I always thought that I was living a relatively healthy lifestyle. I love hiking in the outdoors. I love my fruits and veggies. I know that I love my chocolate, but I have always limited my sweet tooth...well, some of the time :) But in the big scheme of things, I know that I have always eaten well, at least compared to the rest of America.And there in lies the problem for me, I have always looked at myself compared to others.
I have begun to understand that just like with everything else in our lives, God cares about my health. Now don't get all weird on me! I know that my health may not be up there as most important on God's list (if God even has a list), but I am beginning to see the value in being healthy for Him.
First off, we were made in the image of God. Our body is truly a gift that He gave us. "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness'...So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:26-27)
Second, He made you and I perfect. We were His perfect design. "For you formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them." (Psalm 139:13-17) I always like to think that God wanted a friend with curly ashburn hair, blue eyes, dimples, a second toe that is longer than the big toe, knees that just look weird, and elbows so bony that they just stick out all the time. Yep, that's me...God's friend! He created me just the way I am, just because He needed a friend like me.
So, if God made me in His image and He made me just the way I am because He thinks that is perfect...why wouldn't I care about my health? To take it just a step further, the Holy Spirit lives inside me (a concept that I am still learning much about). Why wouldn't I want to be as healthy as possible to serve and glorify the Lord? I guess scripture describes it best in 1st Corinthians: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (6:19-20)
So, to sum all these crazy thoughts together: I love the Lord. He made me perfect and loves me. He wants health and wellness for me, simply because He loves me. And because I love Him and want to glorify Him, I want to be healthy in order to do just that.
I was pondering writing this blog and had almost decided not too, when I heard a speaker say this:
"I met a non-Christian who was telling me why she didn't want to attend a local church. She said that she would not attend that church because the pastor was over-weight. When asked why that made a difference to her, she said that it was because he obviously didn't have his life in order, so why should she listen to anything he had to say"
This statement hit me between the eyes. In a world where knowledge is easily available, medicine is accessible, and organic foods are around every corner, why is it that I have never thought that my outside could effect the way a non-believer would look at my God. Think about it! The above statement really makes sense.
Please hear my heart, I'm not saying that we should think about what others think about our appearance...but I am saying that we are the glory of the Lord. What does that look like in your life? I pray that it is looking a little better day by day in my life.
I love you guys and can't wait to share more of my adventurous quest in the posts to follow. Until then...be blessed!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Favorite Blueberry Muffins
Hey guys!
I meant to share this recipe earlier during blueberry season, but it is still yummy delicious anytime of year. And it's as easy as pie...wait, is pie really all that easy. Either way, this blueberry muffin recipe is really easy. It starts with cinnamon graham crackers, so that helps with the ease of this recipe.
18 Cinnamon graham crackers, finely crushed (about 3 cups of crumbs)
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 egg
1 cup milk
2/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Preheat oven to 375. Mix graham crumbs, sugar and baking powder in medium bowl; set aside. Beat egg and milk until well blended. Add graham cracker mixture; stir just until moistened. Gently stir in blueberries. Spoon into 12 greased muffin cups. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly and ENJOY!!!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Unspeakable Joy
Oh dear ones!
How I hope that you are able to experience the beautiful and unspeakable joy that only the Lord gives. Through struggles and trials, I have truly experienced the joy of the Lord as described in Psalm 71:23 and 1 Peter 1:8:
"My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises to You, and my inner being, which you have redeemed." (Amplified Bible)
"You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy."( New Living Translation)
It is so hard to put into words the joy that is overflowing in my heart, but I will attempt to share what is in my heart.
Recently I repainted and redecorated my room. The above picture now hangs in my room as a reminder of the joy that I possess because of my Jesus. The painting is by a talented women of the Lord, Aeriel White, who I found through Facebook (gotta love Facebook). At the time when I purchased the painting, I was going through a personally challenging time. I had no job, no future plans, no finances and to be honest, nothing in my life was looking very good. I felt like I had been forgotten and lost. Bleak and depressing. Ever been there?
However, my Father wasn't about to leave me in that place with a bleak and depressing outlook. When I received that painting in the mail, I was so excited, because He was already working on my heart and changing my outlook. It wasn't something magical that just suddenly happened. It was a process. An all too slow process. It was a process of seeking His face and really wanting Him to take control of my job, future, hopes and emotions. It was a process of confession. A process of tears and laughter. It was a process of just learning more about Him. As I began to look to Him and learn more about Him, I fell in love. I fell in love with God in a brand new way. In turn, He gave me this joy that is unspeakable.
Now, I can't imagine getting through a single day without the joy of the Lord. Even in the midst of circumstances that try and break my spirit, His joy inside of me is still bigger and greater. His joy keeps me smiling and enjoying who He is everyday.
This song is a departure from what I normally listen to, but I think it describes this unspeakable joy fully. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/JGRydhrQzS0
How I hope that you are able to experience the beautiful and unspeakable joy that only the Lord gives. Through struggles and trials, I have truly experienced the joy of the Lord as described in Psalm 71:23 and 1 Peter 1:8:
"My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises to You, and my inner being, which you have redeemed." (Amplified Bible)
"You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy."( New Living Translation)
It is so hard to put into words the joy that is overflowing in my heart, but I will attempt to share what is in my heart.
However, my Father wasn't about to leave me in that place with a bleak and depressing outlook. When I received that painting in the mail, I was so excited, because He was already working on my heart and changing my outlook. It wasn't something magical that just suddenly happened. It was a process. An all too slow process. It was a process of seeking His face and really wanting Him to take control of my job, future, hopes and emotions. It was a process of confession. A process of tears and laughter. It was a process of just learning more about Him. As I began to look to Him and learn more about Him, I fell in love. I fell in love with God in a brand new way. In turn, He gave me this joy that is unspeakable.
Now, I can't imagine getting through a single day without the joy of the Lord. Even in the midst of circumstances that try and break my spirit, His joy inside of me is still bigger and greater. His joy keeps me smiling and enjoying who He is everyday.
This song is a departure from what I normally listen to, but I think it describes this unspeakable joy fully. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/JGRydhrQzS0
Thursday, September 22, 2011
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things- Summer Edition
Hey friends,
So as the summer comes to a close, I have decided to share a few of my favorite things. Take a look and enjoy a glimpse into my life this summer. To get you in the mood, check out the lyrics from "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music:
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
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| Scrubs...comfy and cute...love them! |
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| Cheerwine...ain't nothing finer on a hot summer day. |
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| Just found this bubble bath that is totally organic...take me away! |
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| Butterflies...love them and love this bracelet from Octane Apparel. |
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| Brookie...oh yeah! A girl's best friend...chocolate!!! |
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| Love this cd...the songs are so powerful! And the music ROCKS! |
Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my world. Would love to share more of my favorites and will plan on a Fall edition. Have a blessed day!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Little Surprise...Great Faithfulness
Hey friends!
I walked outside the other day and was looking for something in our shed that is in the backyard. The shed is located at the corner of our property and sits right next to our fence. We place our empty flower pots next to the shed. As I was headed to the shed, something caught my eye. There in a discarded flower pot was a brave little pansy. It was faithfully blooming even though it was not joined by any other flowers and had been set aside. There in the most unexpected place, was a beautiful little reminder of the faithfulness of God. At least that is what that little yellow and purple flower reminded me of.
In the midst of trials, pain and grief God is faithful! In the midst of joy, happiness and celebrations God is faithful! He never changes and He is always there, ready with the next thing that we need to walk through this life.
Here's hoping that you see His faithfulness this week in your life in little and big ways. Until next time…marvel at His faithfulness.
I walked outside the other day and was looking for something in our shed that is in the backyard. The shed is located at the corner of our property and sits right next to our fence. We place our empty flower pots next to the shed. As I was headed to the shed, something caught my eye. There in a discarded flower pot was a brave little pansy. It was faithfully blooming even though it was not joined by any other flowers and had been set aside. There in the most unexpected place, was a beautiful little reminder of the faithfulness of God. At least that is what that little yellow and purple flower reminded me of.
In the midst of trials, pain and grief God is faithful! In the midst of joy, happiness and celebrations God is faithful! He never changes and He is always there, ready with the next thing that we need to walk through this life.
“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:9
“I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Deuteronomy 32: 3-4
“God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Numbers 23:19
Here's hoping that you see His faithfulness this week in your life in little and big ways. Until next time…marvel at His faithfulness.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Sad But Sometimes True
Hey friends,
This evening I was catching up with a few friends through Facebook. If you aren't that Facebook savvy, there is this thing called a "news feed" where I can read a new post from the people that I am friends with. The great thing about the "news feed" is that I am constantly kept up-to-date on what is going on in the world of my friends. So, I was surfing through the world of my friends when this video popped up on the feed. At first glance, it may seem kind of funny, and it is. But...it is even more... it is convicting. Oh, how we take the Lord for granted and focus on ourselves. Take a listen...enjoy and laugh...but don't lose the chance to let the words sink in and maybe even get you to thinking about the state of your own heart. I know it made me consider the state of my heart. Until next time...
This evening I was catching up with a few friends through Facebook. If you aren't that Facebook savvy, there is this thing called a "news feed" where I can read a new post from the people that I am friends with. The great thing about the "news feed" is that I am constantly kept up-to-date on what is going on in the world of my friends. So, I was surfing through the world of my friends when this video popped up on the feed. At first glance, it may seem kind of funny, and it is. But...it is even more... it is convicting. Oh, how we take the Lord for granted and focus on ourselves. Take a listen...enjoy and laugh...but don't lose the chance to let the words sink in and maybe even get you to thinking about the state of your own heart. I know it made me consider the state of my heart. Until next time...
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Lion of Judah
Hello friends,
In the past few months, I have enjoyed a study of lions and lionesses. Can I just say that lions are really fascinating!?! All the life applications that can be gleaned from the lion are really amazing. This may just be the first in a serious of posts about the lion and the lioness.
As you might know, lions roar. And there is nothing quiet about their roar. I was at a zoo last year that had several lions. As my friend and I were walking around looking at the monkeys, snakes and birds, we could hear this mighty roar ringing throughout the whole zoo. We couldn’t wait to get to the exhibit where the lion was! We wanted to hear that roar up close and personal. Once we made it over to the lion exhibit, the lion and his lioness were resting in the warmth of the sun. They weren’t about to roar for us. I was disappointed and so was my friend. We waited patiently as family after family came by and looked at the lion and lioness. We really didn’t mind waiting for the lion to roar. I simply enjoyed watching them for a while.
Anyway, the lion finally stood to his feet, stretched and then started to roar. It started off as this guttural noise and it almost looked like he had a bad case of the hiccups. As we waited a little longer, it hit me that it looked and sounded like he was working up to a roar. The roar was amazing and we could very clearly understand how his roar could be heard all over the zoo. The roar was strong and bold; proclaiming that he knows who he is and everyone else should know that too. It still makes me smile thinking about it, because in that moment there were no words to describe the awe I had of this creature.
In my study I have come to realize that both the lion and the lioness roar, but for two different reasons. In the book, “Lioness Arising” by Lisa Bevere, describes the difference:
“The foremost reason for a lion to roar is to proclaim and protect his territory. The lion’s roar intimidates hyenas. Its power is felt without and within and alerts all that lurk in the shadows that harassment will not be tolerated. The roar terrifies invaders and sets boundaries in place.” (pg. 218)
On the other hand the lionesses roar is described in this way, “she roars to validate her relationship with the members of the pride. She will roar to call in the help and protection of other lionesses and ward off enemies.” (Lioness Arising, pg. 219)
I think it is no coincidence that Jesus is referred to as the Lion of Judah in Revelation. He proclaims that as children of God, we are His and He will protect us. He will not tolerate an attack on those that He dearly loves. And He roars at the enemy of our souls and warns that there are indeed boundaries that are not to be crossed. Jesus is our mighty Lion roaring out His love and protection.
In turn, as children of the Lord we are called to roar as the lioness. We are the mouthpiece of the Lord. We are called to protect the territory that Jesus has already established. Just as the lioness, we also need the help and protection of the others in the kingdom.
Friends, we need each other in this race of faith; roar, so that others can come to defend the Lion of Judah’s territory with you. We need each other and even more we need the protection of the Lion of Judah’s roar over our lives. If you don’t know this mighty Lion, then I would love to introduce you to Him. His roar is the only roar that can save and protect without the expectation of anything in return.
Until next time, be blessed!
In the past few months, I have enjoyed a study of lions and lionesses. Can I just say that lions are really fascinating!?! All the life applications that can be gleaned from the lion are really amazing. This may just be the first in a serious of posts about the lion and the lioness.
As you might know, lions roar. And there is nothing quiet about their roar. I was at a zoo last year that had several lions. As my friend and I were walking around looking at the monkeys, snakes and birds, we could hear this mighty roar ringing throughout the whole zoo. We couldn’t wait to get to the exhibit where the lion was! We wanted to hear that roar up close and personal. Once we made it over to the lion exhibit, the lion and his lioness were resting in the warmth of the sun. They weren’t about to roar for us. I was disappointed and so was my friend. We waited patiently as family after family came by and looked at the lion and lioness. We really didn’t mind waiting for the lion to roar. I simply enjoyed watching them for a while.
Anyway, the lion finally stood to his feet, stretched and then started to roar. It started off as this guttural noise and it almost looked like he had a bad case of the hiccups. As we waited a little longer, it hit me that it looked and sounded like he was working up to a roar. The roar was amazing and we could very clearly understand how his roar could be heard all over the zoo. The roar was strong and bold; proclaiming that he knows who he is and everyone else should know that too. It still makes me smile thinking about it, because in that moment there were no words to describe the awe I had of this creature.
In my study I have come to realize that both the lion and the lioness roar, but for two different reasons. In the book, “Lioness Arising” by Lisa Bevere, describes the difference:
“The foremost reason for a lion to roar is to proclaim and protect his territory. The lion’s roar intimidates hyenas. Its power is felt without and within and alerts all that lurk in the shadows that harassment will not be tolerated. The roar terrifies invaders and sets boundaries in place.” (pg. 218)
On the other hand the lionesses roar is described in this way, “she roars to validate her relationship with the members of the pride. She will roar to call in the help and protection of other lionesses and ward off enemies.” (Lioness Arising, pg. 219)
I think it is no coincidence that Jesus is referred to as the Lion of Judah in Revelation. He proclaims that as children of God, we are His and He will protect us. He will not tolerate an attack on those that He dearly loves. And He roars at the enemy of our souls and warns that there are indeed boundaries that are not to be crossed. Jesus is our mighty Lion roaring out His love and protection.
In turn, as children of the Lord we are called to roar as the lioness. We are the mouthpiece of the Lord. We are called to protect the territory that Jesus has already established. Just as the lioness, we also need the help and protection of the others in the kingdom.
Friends, we need each other in this race of faith; roar, so that others can come to defend the Lion of Judah’s territory with you. We need each other and even more we need the protection of the Lion of Judah’s roar over our lives. If you don’t know this mighty Lion, then I would love to introduce you to Him. His roar is the only roar that can save and protect without the expectation of anything in return.
Until next time, be blessed!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Just Another Afternoon of 102 Degree Weather
Hello guys!
I recently went hiking next to a lake and was overwhelmed at the wildlife that was out and about in this heat. Didn't they get the memo that it is 102 degrees outside? For that matter, didn't I get the memo. I don’t want to do anything when it is so hot, and it blew my mind to see the activity of these creatures.
Anyway, one of the creatures I saw on this day was a black snake. I think it was a black racer. He was about 3 ½ feet long and looked like he had recently eaten some lunch. He was far enough up the trail that I saw him in advance and was able to enjoy watching him without interrupting his quest. I was awed by this creature, but was quickly reminded of a recent encounter that wasn’t as pleasant.
I was hiking in a sandy area next to a river on a nice sunny day. It was hot, so I had decided to wear my hiking sandals. Like many times when I hike, I was just enjoying the day and may have even been singing out loud, I’m not sure. I just know that I wasn’t paying that much attention to the trail in front of me.
All of the sudden I was face to foot with a copperhead snake. He was as surprised to see me as I was him. He was about 4 feet long and ready to strike. My sandaled foot was only about 5 inches from his mouth. Fear gripped me, but then I started to talk to him. I know crazy, right? But talking to the snake calmed me long enough to send a prayer to my Protector. I realized that I just needed to keep moving. And move fast! I think my heart raced the entire time that it took me to get out of the woods and to my car.
My main reason for sharing this story is not really about me or about the snake. It’s about the fear that gripped me. Fear has always played a large part in my life I would make decisions about what I would or wouldn’t do based on fear. Fear has kept me from building relationships. Fear has kept me from being bold.
Let me just say that fear is one of the biggest tools of the enemy. Fear so easily creeps into our lives that most of the time we don’t even recognize it for what it is. The snake was easy for me to recognize, but fear is sometimes an automatic response, so it can be hidden from our conscience. The good news is that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). He gives us peace! Just like in the way that I began to talk to the snake, we can and should rebuke the enemy and the fear that he wants to entangle us in. Fear is a creeper and it’s time to fight back and let peace fill our lives. Who is with me? Join this crusade of recognizing fear for fear and combating it with the truth, which is peace from our God.
I recently went hiking next to a lake and was overwhelmed at the wildlife that was out and about in this heat. Didn't they get the memo that it is 102 degrees outside? For that matter, didn't I get the memo. I don’t want to do anything when it is so hot, and it blew my mind to see the activity of these creatures.
Anyway, one of the creatures I saw on this day was a black snake. I think it was a black racer. He was about 3 ½ feet long and looked like he had recently eaten some lunch. He was far enough up the trail that I saw him in advance and was able to enjoy watching him without interrupting his quest. I was awed by this creature, but was quickly reminded of a recent encounter that wasn’t as pleasant.
I was hiking in a sandy area next to a river on a nice sunny day. It was hot, so I had decided to wear my hiking sandals. Like many times when I hike, I was just enjoying the day and may have even been singing out loud, I’m not sure. I just know that I wasn’t paying that much attention to the trail in front of me.
All of the sudden I was face to foot with a copperhead snake. He was as surprised to see me as I was him. He was about 4 feet long and ready to strike. My sandaled foot was only about 5 inches from his mouth. Fear gripped me, but then I started to talk to him. I know crazy, right? But talking to the snake calmed me long enough to send a prayer to my Protector. I realized that I just needed to keep moving. And move fast! I think my heart raced the entire time that it took me to get out of the woods and to my car.
My main reason for sharing this story is not really about me or about the snake. It’s about the fear that gripped me. Fear has always played a large part in my life I would make decisions about what I would or wouldn’t do based on fear. Fear has kept me from building relationships. Fear has kept me from being bold.
Let me just say that fear is one of the biggest tools of the enemy. Fear so easily creeps into our lives that most of the time we don’t even recognize it for what it is. The snake was easy for me to recognize, but fear is sometimes an automatic response, so it can be hidden from our conscience. The good news is that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). He gives us peace! Just like in the way that I began to talk to the snake, we can and should rebuke the enemy and the fear that he wants to entangle us in. Fear is a creeper and it’s time to fight back and let peace fill our lives. Who is with me? Join this crusade of recognizing fear for fear and combating it with the truth, which is peace from our God.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Dance with Me!
Hey Friends!
Every once in a while I find some beautiful music that just touches my heart. This is one of those songs. And although, I am not very graceful, I love to simply twirl before my Lord. This song encourages my heart to be at peace and bask in the love of my Lord and maybe even twirl once or twice before him. Let His love soak over you as you listen to the music and read the beautiful words of Him who loves YOU!
Every once in a while I find some beautiful music that just touches my heart. This is one of those songs. And although, I am not very graceful, I love to simply twirl before my Lord. This song encourages my heart to be at peace and bask in the love of my Lord and maybe even twirl once or twice before him. Let His love soak over you as you listen to the music and read the beautiful words of Him who loves YOU!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Eggshells of Learning
Hey Friends!
I laughed this afternoon as I was getting ready to eat my lunch. I have been trying to eat a bit more balanced and my mom has been helping me with this goal. Since I pack a lunch while I am working, I need things that travel well. One of my favorite lunch specialties is a boiled egg (with other yummy goodies too). Well, my mom boiled some eggs and told me I could take one with me for lunch if I wanted. So I laughed as I was trying to peel this boiled egg. For whatever reason, the eggshell wanted to cling to the egg white and it was just turning out to be one big mess. My co-workers were laughing with me, as I had eggshell all over the place.
I share my silly experience because it reminded me of something that I read recently that I wanted to share. I was reading in The Power of a Praying Woman, by Stormie Omartian. She was sharing about a time in her spiritual walk where she felt like she was an eggshell. If you will indulge me, I would like to share part of that story with you now.
“A few years ago, I had become so busy with working, taking care of teenagers, trying to be a good wife, running a home, writing books and traveling to promote them, being at all church meetings, helping people who needed it, and trying to make everyone happy, that I neglected the most important thing- my intimate walk with God. It’s not that I stopped praying. Actually, I was praying more than ever about everyone else on the planet. But I didn’t pray about my own walk with Him. It’s not that I didn’t read His Word. I read for hours as I did research in the Scriptures for different projects I was working on and the Bible study classes I was taking. But I didn’t give God time to speak to me personally through it. I was busy doing good and neglected to do what was best. I became Martha instead of Mary without even realizing it (Luke 10:38-42).
I didn’t take enough time for God and me alone, and as a result I became so depleted I couldn’t go on. I felt like that eggshell, as if I could be crushed with very little outside pressure. I knew I needed more of God in my life, and nothing on earth was more important than that. There wasn’t anything else that could satisfy the hunger I felt inside except more of His presence. And I came to realize how important it was for me to guard and protect my personal relationship with God in prayer.” (Omartian, pg. 10)
I have been and probably will be in this place again, where I feel empty without the pouring in from God. That is what I hope my life is all about: Him pouring into me and then allowing me to be poured out for others. But in this moment He is teaching me to simply sit before Him and allow Him to pour into me. That is the most important thing you and I can do. Just be still and listen to God. He wants to communicate with us!
Until next time...listen for His voice!
I laughed this afternoon as I was getting ready to eat my lunch. I have been trying to eat a bit more balanced and my mom has been helping me with this goal. Since I pack a lunch while I am working, I need things that travel well. One of my favorite lunch specialties is a boiled egg (with other yummy goodies too). Well, my mom boiled some eggs and told me I could take one with me for lunch if I wanted. So I laughed as I was trying to peel this boiled egg. For whatever reason, the eggshell wanted to cling to the egg white and it was just turning out to be one big mess. My co-workers were laughing with me, as I had eggshell all over the place.
I share my silly experience because it reminded me of something that I read recently that I wanted to share. I was reading in The Power of a Praying Woman, by Stormie Omartian. She was sharing about a time in her spiritual walk where she felt like she was an eggshell. If you will indulge me, I would like to share part of that story with you now.
“A few years ago, I had become so busy with working, taking care of teenagers, trying to be a good wife, running a home, writing books and traveling to promote them, being at all church meetings, helping people who needed it, and trying to make everyone happy, that I neglected the most important thing- my intimate walk with God. It’s not that I stopped praying. Actually, I was praying more than ever about everyone else on the planet. But I didn’t pray about my own walk with Him. It’s not that I didn’t read His Word. I read for hours as I did research in the Scriptures for different projects I was working on and the Bible study classes I was taking. But I didn’t give God time to speak to me personally through it. I was busy doing good and neglected to do what was best. I became Martha instead of Mary without even realizing it (Luke 10:38-42).
I didn’t take enough time for God and me alone, and as a result I became so depleted I couldn’t go on. I felt like that eggshell, as if I could be crushed with very little outside pressure. I knew I needed more of God in my life, and nothing on earth was more important than that. There wasn’t anything else that could satisfy the hunger I felt inside except more of His presence. And I came to realize how important it was for me to guard and protect my personal relationship with God in prayer.” (Omartian, pg. 10)
I have been and probably will be in this place again, where I feel empty without the pouring in from God. That is what I hope my life is all about: Him pouring into me and then allowing me to be poured out for others. But in this moment He is teaching me to simply sit before Him and allow Him to pour into me. That is the most important thing you and I can do. Just be still and listen to God. He wants to communicate with us!
Until next time...listen for His voice!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Clouds
Clouds!!! Oh, how I love clouds. I know that I have shared before that I have always been fascinated with clouds and it is so true. I could spend a nice quiet afternoon laying on my back in a grassy meadow simply watching clouds. Maybe it’s just the child in me, but it so fun to watch them dance across the blue sky.
As I was driving into work this morning I was stopped at every red light on the way. However, instead of getting upset that I was going to be late to work, I started watching the clouds. On a normal morning, I get to enjoy watching the sun rise over the buildings in town. It is always a quiet and peaceful time. This morning it was dark and it looked like it was going to rain. You couldn’t see the sun at all because of the dark ominous clouds.
I was a little bummed out because things in my life haven’t been looking that great. It seems like I am going through a stormy time, when my prayers are hitting the ceiling. Let me put it this way, if it could happen, it has and if there are blessings, they seem to be delayed. Please hear my heart, I’m not complaining, because I know that everything works together for my good. God is simply refining me. And I am joyful in that. But the cares of this world have just been wearing me down. I am weary in the stormy place.
As I saw the dark clouds this morning, I thought: great, the clouds are even gloomy, just like my life! But thankfully, my drive was not over yet. Otherwise, I would have missed the beautiful sun peeking through the dark clouds. At the exact moment that I saw the sun, I heard a song about God’s radiant love. Oh friends, in that moment I realized that even though I couldn’t see the sun, it was still there. And God’s love is even more that way. It is always there, even in the gloomy moments, when I can’t see it. He is always faithful and true. His love never changes!
I walked into work, having confidence that He will give me enough grace to make it through the gloomy places because He loves me. I hope this encourages your heart too. He loves you and that never changes. No matter what we are going through or how hard the trials may seem, He is faithful! Let Him love on you today…even if it’s through a cloud :)
Until next time...
As I was driving into work this morning I was stopped at every red light on the way. However, instead of getting upset that I was going to be late to work, I started watching the clouds. On a normal morning, I get to enjoy watching the sun rise over the buildings in town. It is always a quiet and peaceful time. This morning it was dark and it looked like it was going to rain. You couldn’t see the sun at all because of the dark ominous clouds.
I was a little bummed out because things in my life haven’t been looking that great. It seems like I am going through a stormy time, when my prayers are hitting the ceiling. Let me put it this way, if it could happen, it has and if there are blessings, they seem to be delayed. Please hear my heart, I’m not complaining, because I know that everything works together for my good. God is simply refining me. And I am joyful in that. But the cares of this world have just been wearing me down. I am weary in the stormy place.
As I saw the dark clouds this morning, I thought: great, the clouds are even gloomy, just like my life! But thankfully, my drive was not over yet. Otherwise, I would have missed the beautiful sun peeking through the dark clouds. At the exact moment that I saw the sun, I heard a song about God’s radiant love. Oh friends, in that moment I realized that even though I couldn’t see the sun, it was still there. And God’s love is even more that way. It is always there, even in the gloomy moments, when I can’t see it. He is always faithful and true. His love never changes!
I walked into work, having confidence that He will give me enough grace to make it through the gloomy places because He loves me. I hope this encourages your heart too. He loves you and that never changes. No matter what we are going through or how hard the trials may seem, He is faithful! Let Him love on you today…even if it’s through a cloud :)
Until next time...
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Be Still
Wow! That's all I can say about the revelation that the Lord gave my heart this afternoon. The Lord is teaching me to be still...actually at times it feels like His has been teaching me for a long time.
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:1 "Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts." Colossians 3:15
The message just keeps coming my way. You would think that I would get the clue and just be at peace in stillness. In my defense, I am trying to have a set aside sabbath and focus on the Lord and the Lord only. It's hard to set aside time, much less focus. Anyway, back to the revelation from this afternoon. The revelation came from this scripture:
"One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind." Ecclesiastes 4:6
I was also reading in "The Three Battlegrounds" by Francis Frangipane about discernment. This is what Frangipane had to say about this scripture:
"There is too much labor and toil in our minds, too much striving after the wind. If we want discernment we must become aggressively calm. This is not a passive state of mind but an expectant, focused waiting upon God." (pg. 82)
Although this passage is talking about discernment, I would like to apply it to our lives in general. I know that I am so busy doing that being aggressively calm is not something that I practice. But God is teaching me to be calm. To be at rest in His peace. To be still before Him. In this calm, peace and stillness is where He will whisper to me. If I am too busy being active, I might miss His whisper. Wow! That's all I can say...
Until next time...
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:1 "Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts." Colossians 3:15
The message just keeps coming my way. You would think that I would get the clue and just be at peace in stillness. In my defense, I am trying to have a set aside sabbath and focus on the Lord and the Lord only. It's hard to set aside time, much less focus. Anyway, back to the revelation from this afternoon. The revelation came from this scripture:
"One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind." Ecclesiastes 4:6
I was also reading in "The Three Battlegrounds" by Francis Frangipane about discernment. This is what Frangipane had to say about this scripture:
"There is too much labor and toil in our minds, too much striving after the wind. If we want discernment we must become aggressively calm. This is not a passive state of mind but an expectant, focused waiting upon God." (pg. 82)
Although this passage is talking about discernment, I would like to apply it to our lives in general. I know that I am so busy doing that being aggressively calm is not something that I practice. But God is teaching me to be calm. To be at rest in His peace. To be still before Him. In this calm, peace and stillness is where He will whisper to me. If I am too busy being active, I might miss His whisper. Wow! That's all I can say...
Until next time...
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Encouragement
Happy Today!
I am so thrilled to be a warrior of the King of Kings!!! It is my joy and honor to be a part of His army. However, there are times (more than I would like) when I become discouraged and distracted from my mission. When I have these moments, I look to my King and those that He has placed in my life to encourage me. My King is my Rock! He keeps me strong!
Today I was discouraged. But, God wasn't going to leave me that way. I first received an encouraging text from a friend, just telling me that she was praying for me. Then, I checked my emails and there was more sweet encouragement that I needed. It was in the form of a newsletter that I get from Sheri Rose Shepard's ministry called His Princess. Check it out:
http://hisprincess.com/2011/08/i-will-be-your-rock/
May your heart be encouraged in the battle! Until next time...
I am so thrilled to be a warrior of the King of Kings!!! It is my joy and honor to be a part of His army. However, there are times (more than I would like) when I become discouraged and distracted from my mission. When I have these moments, I look to my King and those that He has placed in my life to encourage me. My King is my Rock! He keeps me strong!
Today I was discouraged. But, God wasn't going to leave me that way. I first received an encouraging text from a friend, just telling me that she was praying for me. Then, I checked my emails and there was more sweet encouragement that I needed. It was in the form of a newsletter that I get from Sheri Rose Shepard's ministry called His Princess. Check it out:
http://hisprincess.com/2011/08/i-will-be-your-rock/
May your heart be encouraged in the battle! Until next time...
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Paint Colors
Hey friends,
If you know me that well, you know that I don't sit still for very long and I am always into a project. My most recent project is redecorating my room.
For me the most important decision in redecorating ones room is the choice of color.
The color is the single decision that changes everything in the room. It changes the amount of light that is in a room. It changes the way the floors look. It changes what other elements you will use in the room. The color can even trick your eyes into thinking there is more space in the room. I LOVE color!
My friend and I were standing in front of the paint counter at Home Depot one day and were overwhelmed with all the different colors. Just check out some of the names of colors:
Riding Hood
Sunlit Topaz
Arcadian Blue
Refreshing Mint
Cool Dip
Smoke Grey
Fuchsia Berry
Tink Pink
Misty Glen
Violet Hush
Sassafras Tea
Seaside Village
Don't those names just make you want to run to the store and grab a can of Cool Dip and slap it on your walls. If a color can create a mood, maybe even the name of the color can create a mood.
After much debate (with myself), I decided on a beautiful pale sky blue called Bounty for my new room redo. After putting it on the walls, I decided that it is my new favorite color. I have always loved blue colors, but this one is peaceful and creates an environment of rest. The perfect color for a bedroom, right?
As I was painting with my dad, I was thinking about the name of the color. Bounty. Is there a teachable moment in the name of the color that I was painting my walls? God spoke to my heart, that yes, He wanted to show me something through the color of my walls. Bounty is something that is given freely and in abundance. In turn, God's love is given to us freely and in abundance. There it is...Simple and easy. God love's is our bounty.
From now on, everytime I look at my walls, I will remember that Bounty is a gift from God and that fills my heart with peace and joy.
I can't wait to post some pictures of my progess on my room redo. They will be coming soon. Until next time, be blessed!
If you know me that well, you know that I don't sit still for very long and I am always into a project. My most recent project is redecorating my room.
For me the most important decision in redecorating ones room is the choice of color.
The color is the single decision that changes everything in the room. It changes the amount of light that is in a room. It changes the way the floors look. It changes what other elements you will use in the room. The color can even trick your eyes into thinking there is more space in the room. I LOVE color!
My friend and I were standing in front of the paint counter at Home Depot one day and were overwhelmed with all the different colors. Just check out some of the names of colors:
Riding Hood
Sunlit Topaz
Arcadian Blue
Refreshing Mint
Cool Dip
Smoke Grey
Fuchsia Berry
Tink Pink
Misty Glen
Violet Hush
Sassafras Tea
Seaside Village
Don't those names just make you want to run to the store and grab a can of Cool Dip and slap it on your walls. If a color can create a mood, maybe even the name of the color can create a mood.
After much debate (with myself), I decided on a beautiful pale sky blue called Bounty for my new room redo. After putting it on the walls, I decided that it is my new favorite color. I have always loved blue colors, but this one is peaceful and creates an environment of rest. The perfect color for a bedroom, right?
As I was painting with my dad, I was thinking about the name of the color. Bounty. Is there a teachable moment in the name of the color that I was painting my walls? God spoke to my heart, that yes, He wanted to show me something through the color of my walls. Bounty is something that is given freely and in abundance. In turn, God's love is given to us freely and in abundance. There it is...Simple and easy. God love's is our bounty.
From now on, everytime I look at my walls, I will remember that Bounty is a gift from God and that fills my heart with peace and joy.
I can't wait to post some pictures of my progess on my room redo. They will be coming soon. Until next time, be blessed!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Others
Welcome to a new day!
To borrow from a popular movie, "with great power comes great resposibility". Likewise, with great knowledge comes great responsibility. I have been blessed to have many people pouring knowledge into my life. Even recently, I have been able to sit under great teaching on a regular basis. It is a personal blessing to have knowledge of the love of God. It never does anyone else any good unless I take on the responsibility that comes with that knowledge. For example, just recently I was listening to a precious sister talk about the horrors of abortion and the responsibility that I have as a Christian. I could have just walked away with the knowledge that she shared. Or I could allow that knowledge to press me forward into my responsibilty and ultimately a response on my part.
I'll just be honest, a response requires action and most of us don't like action that takes us out of our comfort zone. But get this, that is what God is calling us to. He is calling out Christians who are willing to step out in faith and trust Him for results. It may be out of our comfort zone, but it is what is required. Take a listen to this song by Israel Houghton and allow it to help your heart turn toward the responsibilty that is ours.
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you! Until next time...
To borrow from a popular movie, "with great power comes great resposibility". Likewise, with great knowledge comes great responsibility. I have been blessed to have many people pouring knowledge into my life. Even recently, I have been able to sit under great teaching on a regular basis. It is a personal blessing to have knowledge of the love of God. It never does anyone else any good unless I take on the responsibility that comes with that knowledge. For example, just recently I was listening to a precious sister talk about the horrors of abortion and the responsibility that I have as a Christian. I could have just walked away with the knowledge that she shared. Or I could allow that knowledge to press me forward into my responsibilty and ultimately a response on my part.
I'll just be honest, a response requires action and most of us don't like action that takes us out of our comfort zone. But get this, that is what God is calling us to. He is calling out Christians who are willing to step out in faith and trust Him for results. It may be out of our comfort zone, but it is what is required. Take a listen to this song by Israel Houghton and allow it to help your heart turn toward the responsibilty that is ours.
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you! Until next time...
Friday, July 22, 2011
Getting Hit By A Refrigerator Door
Hey friends,
So, I can now say that I have been hit by a refrigerator door. Can you have bragging rights for things such as these? I'm not sure, but I know that it's something I will never forget. It will forever be etched on my memory. It wasn't really as bad as it sounds and even now I can chuckle and laugh about it.
So here is the scoop:
I was in my car driving home from a long, hard day at work. I was traveling through the middle of my town, so I wasn't going that fast and I was stopping and starting for red lights. After about the fourth red light, I found myself behind a truck that had a new refrigerator in it. For some reason the doors to the refrigerator were taken off the hinges and were also in the back of the truck. As I followed this truck for a few minutes, my tummy started getting a bit rumbly and I remembered a brownie in my lunch bag.
We were stopped at yet another red light and I reached into my bag for the brownie. I guess in that moment as I was getting the brownie, the light changed and the truck in front of me moved forward. As the truck moved forward, apparently one of the refrigerator doors came flying off the truck. In an instant, I saw the door. I didn't have time to respond. The door hit my bumper and then I ran over it. Bump! Bump! And then...I thought I had busted a tire. In reality I didn't bust my tire, I was dragging the refrigerator door with my back tire. At this point in my journey, I was not in a good section of town, and I remember just asking the Lord to protect me, because I knew I needed to pull off the road and make sure that I hadn't busted a tire. As I pulled into a parking area, my back tires popped off the door and I realized that everything was really okay. With Mozart playing in the background, I found that my car had passed through the ordeal unscathed. This was just the icing on an already hard day. I had two choices: laugh or cry. I chose to laugh! As I stood in the parking area laughing with Mozart still playing in the background, the driver of the truck came running up the road to check on me. When he found that I was okay and my car was not damaged, he apologized one last time and went on his way.
As I laughed with my family about the new bragging rights that I have, I realized something else about this whole situation. God protected me in a big way. At the exact moment that the door was flying off the truck, I had paused at the light a moment longer to find the brownie in my lunch bag. If I had not paused, that door could have easily flown right into my windshield and it would have hit my side of the car. I don't believe that it was a coincidence that my tummy got rumbly. I don't think it was a coincidence that I still had a brownie in my lunch bag. I know that God is my protection. It says in Psalm 121: 7 and 8: "The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." God protected me from the refrigerator door and He used a simple brownie to do it. Whoever said that chocolate is a girls best friend, must have known that a brownie would be used to protect me from a potentially bad accident.
This girl knows that she is blessed to know the God who protects (and occasionaly uses chocolate to do it)! This girl knows who has her back and to be honest, I wouldn't want it any other way. God is my protection! All praise to my God and King!!!
Until the next adventure...
So, I can now say that I have been hit by a refrigerator door. Can you have bragging rights for things such as these? I'm not sure, but I know that it's something I will never forget. It will forever be etched on my memory. It wasn't really as bad as it sounds and even now I can chuckle and laugh about it.
So here is the scoop:
I was in my car driving home from a long, hard day at work. I was traveling through the middle of my town, so I wasn't going that fast and I was stopping and starting for red lights. After about the fourth red light, I found myself behind a truck that had a new refrigerator in it. For some reason the doors to the refrigerator were taken off the hinges and were also in the back of the truck. As I followed this truck for a few minutes, my tummy started getting a bit rumbly and I remembered a brownie in my lunch bag.
We were stopped at yet another red light and I reached into my bag for the brownie. I guess in that moment as I was getting the brownie, the light changed and the truck in front of me moved forward. As the truck moved forward, apparently one of the refrigerator doors came flying off the truck. In an instant, I saw the door. I didn't have time to respond. The door hit my bumper and then I ran over it. Bump! Bump! And then...I thought I had busted a tire. In reality I didn't bust my tire, I was dragging the refrigerator door with my back tire. At this point in my journey, I was not in a good section of town, and I remember just asking the Lord to protect me, because I knew I needed to pull off the road and make sure that I hadn't busted a tire. As I pulled into a parking area, my back tires popped off the door and I realized that everything was really okay. With Mozart playing in the background, I found that my car had passed through the ordeal unscathed. This was just the icing on an already hard day. I had two choices: laugh or cry. I chose to laugh! As I stood in the parking area laughing with Mozart still playing in the background, the driver of the truck came running up the road to check on me. When he found that I was okay and my car was not damaged, he apologized one last time and went on his way.
As I laughed with my family about the new bragging rights that I have, I realized something else about this whole situation. God protected me in a big way. At the exact moment that the door was flying off the truck, I had paused at the light a moment longer to find the brownie in my lunch bag. If I had not paused, that door could have easily flown right into my windshield and it would have hit my side of the car. I don't believe that it was a coincidence that my tummy got rumbly. I don't think it was a coincidence that I still had a brownie in my lunch bag. I know that God is my protection. It says in Psalm 121: 7 and 8: "The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." God protected me from the refrigerator door and He used a simple brownie to do it. Whoever said that chocolate is a girls best friend, must have known that a brownie would be used to protect me from a potentially bad accident.
This girl knows that she is blessed to know the God who protects (and occasionaly uses chocolate to do it)! This girl knows who has her back and to be honest, I wouldn't want it any other way. God is my protection! All praise to my God and King!!!
Until the next adventure...
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Coffee Cake
Happy Today!
I have decided that everyone needs a good go-to coffee cake recipe. I think I may have found the one that I like. You can bake it without any additions, or you can add blueberries (which are currently in season). With this recipe your imagination can run wild with fun additions.
Oh, so yummy...I almost didn't get a picture of the finished product. It came out of the oven and watch out...it was almost eaten up in 10 minutes.
Easy Bisquick Coffee Cake
Cinnamon Streusel
1/3 cup Bisquick mix
1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons firm butter or margarine
Coffee Cake
2 cups Bisquick mix
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
Heat oven to 375°F. Grease 9-inch round pan. In small bowl, stir streusel ingredients until crumbly; set aside. In medium bowl, mix coffee cake ingredients until blended. Spread in pan. Sprinkle with streusel. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy! Until next time...
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Our God
Hey Friends,
Sometimes I come upon a song that just makes me want to shout and praise the Lord. This is one of those songs. At times when I am singing it, I realize that I am pumping my fist in the air like I am at a football game. Isn't that how our praise is suppose to be? Like our team just won the ballgame and we just can't contain our excitment? Enjoy pumping your fist to this song by Israel Houghton:
Until next time...
Sometimes I come upon a song that just makes me want to shout and praise the Lord. This is one of those songs. At times when I am singing it, I realize that I am pumping my fist in the air like I am at a football game. Isn't that how our praise is suppose to be? Like our team just won the ballgame and we just can't contain our excitment? Enjoy pumping your fist to this song by Israel Houghton:
Until next time...
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Hawk
Hey my friends,
I went to a local lake the other day and was enjoying a beautiful sunny day with my Jesus. The sun was reflecting off the lake. There was laughter of children playing in the water. There were fishermen out on the lake. The birds were chirping and singing. It was a beautiful day!
I settled into a spot on the docks near a couple that was fishing. I throw my feet over the docks and enjoyed the cool water on my feet. I started to read, but was quickly interupted by a fight in the air. All I heard was this little bird chirping and "fussing". I looked up into the sky and saw a little bird diving and trying to attack a big hawk. I laughed at the futility of the situation. That little bird, for whatever reason, was very upset with the big hawk. However, in an instant the hawk could have flown away leaving the little bird in his dust. After watching for seven minutes as the hawk soared and the little bird dived and fussed, the hawk soared up into the sky and left the little bird behind. I can only imagine that the little bird was still very frustrated.
As I sat in the calm quiet thinking about what I had just seen, I was reminded of several conversations that I have recently had about prayer and God. One conversation went something like this: "I just know that God gets tired of me coming and asking Him for the same things." Another conversation went like this: "I feel like God doesn't want to hear my prayers, because He already knows what I want and need." Even the other day, I heard a lady say, "I know I'm His daughter, but I feel like He gets weary of my requests."
I feel like we think of ourselves like the bird that was pestering the hawk. We sometimes think that we are bothering God with our prayers and requests.
Let me declare to your heart today, that He loves for His children to talk to Him. He loves for us to bring our requests to Him. He doesn't sit in a throne room, in pomp and splendor, simply enduring our prayers. He values our prayers. He values them because He values the relationship He has with you!
One last thought, just in case you don't believe me. Here are His words for you:
"The LORD is near unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserves all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy." -Psalm 145:18-20 (KJV)
On this journey I find it hard to believe this truth sometimes. However, I do believe that my Father loves to hear from me as much, if not more, than I enjoy talking to Him. Believe this truth of your loving Father. Be blessed until next time...
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Broken
Hey friends,
This music video really needs no introduction. Just take a few moments and listen.
My prayer is that you may know Jesus Christ in a very real and personal way. If you can feel Him tugging at your heart, then say yes. Say yes to one who longs to love you in a very real way! Say yes to the only One who can take what is broken and make it beautiful.
This music video really needs no introduction. Just take a few moments and listen.
My prayer is that you may know Jesus Christ in a very real and personal way. If you can feel Him tugging at your heart, then say yes. Say yes to one who longs to love you in a very real way! Say yes to the only One who can take what is broken and make it beautiful.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Frosty...not the snowman :)
Hey,
During the summer there is nothing better than a nice cool dessert. Our dessert of choice on those really hot days is homemade frosties. My family went to a friends house a few years ago and they served us these frosties. I knew the minute I tasted them, I had to have the recipe.
Homemade Frosty Recipe
1 can sweetened condensed milk
A half gallon of chocolate milk
1 Large Cool Whip (no substitutes)
Mix all ingredients together in a very large bowl. Pour the frosty mixture into your icecream churn. Churn for about 15 minutes or until the mixture reaches a frosty consistancy. (On really hot days, it takes our frosties almost an hour to get to the correct consistancy, so just keep an eye on it.)
Enjoy! Until next time...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Baby Dedication and Social Justice
Hello! I recently attended a seminar on justice. It was life changing!
Let me start by sharing that God has been revealing Himself in new ways to me recently. I have come to know Him as my bridegroom, my righteousness, my healer, my joy and peace. The list could go on and on, but during this seminar, God was showing me Himself as judge.
I'll be honest, I have never really given much thought to God as my judge or even as judge of the world. It isn't the prettiest picture of God. It isn't something that people talk about. It is something that I am still learning about.
I will attempt to share enough of what I am learning that maybe what I share will make sense. God is just, it very clearly says so in scripture (Rev. 15:3, Rev. 16:7, Psa 36:5-6). Justice requires judgement, therefore God could not be just if He didn't also execute judgement.
The beautiful part of God is that He made a way of mercy from the judgement. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 6:23 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9
For me, the ultimate judgement of death or life is what I have always thought of in reference to God as judge. It didn't occur to me that we are currently living in a time of judgement. But we are! We are in the midst of judgement because of the blood that has been spilled.
I could focus on just about any social issue...there are many. However, I want to quickly share what I have learned about abortion in the last few weeks.
There are debates about many things surrounding abortion. I am not going to address them. I think you will be able to quickly figure out what I have been convicted to believe.
We have killed 55 million babies through abortion. Each one of those babies had a God given purpose. Now, we are faced with the reality that there are 55 million less people serving the Lord because of abortion. YIKES! This was a reality check for me. Who is filling the places of these 55 million people? God intended for each one of those 55 million babies to have a special talent and a special place of service in his army. Hello...we are now 55 million people short in the army of the Lord. Does this hit anyone in the face, like it did me?
Fast forward to a beautiful morning at church. I was confronted with about 25 beautiful babies and their parents. It was baby dedication, a time when families dedicate their babies to the Lord and stand before their church asking for support of the body of Christ in raising their child. It is a beautiful time for the families and the church. I laughed at the antics of one little boy as he was climbing his father's chest. I smiled at the beautiful little girl who listened so carefully that you just knew that she knew exactly what was going on. I laughed with everyone when the cute little boy with hair sticking straight up, smiled and giggled at the pastor. It is such a blessing to see so many loving families dedicating themselves to the service of the Lord.
At the same time, my heart grieved. I realized that there were many more children that the Lord wanted there in that service, that would never be here. They were aborted. They are not here.
This revelation has grieved me and has made me realize that I have a responsibility to speak out. To stand out. To say something when others simply let it go. No, I am tired of letting it go. How many more babies will not be here if I don't speak up? How many more babies with purpose will die before I stand up?
Will you join me? Will you speak out? If I can share more about what I am learning, then let me know. I would love to share more about my God and His plans and purposes.
I will be a warrior in His army! Join me, please.
Let me start by sharing that God has been revealing Himself in new ways to me recently. I have come to know Him as my bridegroom, my righteousness, my healer, my joy and peace. The list could go on and on, but during this seminar, God was showing me Himself as judge.
I'll be honest, I have never really given much thought to God as my judge or even as judge of the world. It isn't the prettiest picture of God. It isn't something that people talk about. It is something that I am still learning about.
I will attempt to share enough of what I am learning that maybe what I share will make sense. God is just, it very clearly says so in scripture (Rev. 15:3, Rev. 16:7, Psa 36:5-6). Justice requires judgement, therefore God could not be just if He didn't also execute judgement.
The beautiful part of God is that He made a way of mercy from the judgement. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 6:23 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9
For me, the ultimate judgement of death or life is what I have always thought of in reference to God as judge. It didn't occur to me that we are currently living in a time of judgement. But we are! We are in the midst of judgement because of the blood that has been spilled.
I could focus on just about any social issue...there are many. However, I want to quickly share what I have learned about abortion in the last few weeks.
There are debates about many things surrounding abortion. I am not going to address them. I think you will be able to quickly figure out what I have been convicted to believe.
We have killed 55 million babies through abortion. Each one of those babies had a God given purpose. Now, we are faced with the reality that there are 55 million less people serving the Lord because of abortion. YIKES! This was a reality check for me. Who is filling the places of these 55 million people? God intended for each one of those 55 million babies to have a special talent and a special place of service in his army. Hello...we are now 55 million people short in the army of the Lord. Does this hit anyone in the face, like it did me?
Fast forward to a beautiful morning at church. I was confronted with about 25 beautiful babies and their parents. It was baby dedication, a time when families dedicate their babies to the Lord and stand before their church asking for support of the body of Christ in raising their child. It is a beautiful time for the families and the church. I laughed at the antics of one little boy as he was climbing his father's chest. I smiled at the beautiful little girl who listened so carefully that you just knew that she knew exactly what was going on. I laughed with everyone when the cute little boy with hair sticking straight up, smiled and giggled at the pastor. It is such a blessing to see so many loving families dedicating themselves to the service of the Lord.
At the same time, my heart grieved. I realized that there were many more children that the Lord wanted there in that service, that would never be here. They were aborted. They are not here.
This revelation has grieved me and has made me realize that I have a responsibility to speak out. To stand out. To say something when others simply let it go. No, I am tired of letting it go. How many more babies will not be here if I don't speak up? How many more babies with purpose will die before I stand up?
Will you join me? Will you speak out? If I can share more about what I am learning, then let me know. I would love to share more about my God and His plans and purposes.
I will be a warrior in His army! Join me, please.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Original Boyfriend Cookies
Hey Guys,
If you have known me for very long, you have probably had my favorite cookies, The Original Boyfriend Cookies. They are the best cookie ever! They are easy to make. The recipe makes a bunch of cookies. They travel well, so they are perfect for trips. And the recipe states, "if you don't have a boyfriend already, this is guaranteed to get you one. If you already have a boyfriend, this is guaranteed to keep him for you!"
Although, I haven't found that to be true, everyone who has ever tried these love them and want more. So, I thought I would share The Original Boyfriend Cookie with you :)
The Original Boyfriend Cookie
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 sticks butter or margarine
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky both work)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups oatmeal
1 (6 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cream sugars, butter and peanut butter. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Add flour and baking soda. Mix well. Stir in oatmeal and chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely and enjoy! Makes about 9 dozen cookies.
Until next time...
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Super Girl
Hey guys,
If you are around me for very long, you will quickly find that I love to talk about Jesus and what He is doing in my life. So, buckle your seat belt, 'cause here I go again :)
So, the other week, I was surprised that this song kept coming to my mind. It is a song that I first heard when I watched the movie, "Princess Diaries". To be honest, I wasn't really sure why I kept thinking about this song, but I pulled it up on good old Youtube and listened to it again.
What surprised me was that this song may have been written about a girl searching for the love of a guy, but God wanted to speak that He is the one that we long for. Take a quick listen...
She sings that she is super girl, but who is going to save her. I can imagine that each one of us have felt that way, that we are super girl/guy and that the whole world (or at the very least, our world) is depending on us. But in the end, the world is more than we can handle and we cry out, who is going to save me? God is the answer! He is the only one who can save you and me. He is the only one who can hold us. There is no other way...He is it.
If you feel like you are holding the pieces of your world together and you just can't do it alone anymore, take the leap, into the arms of Jesus. He is always faithful! He will save you!
Be blessed, until next time...
If you are around me for very long, you will quickly find that I love to talk about Jesus and what He is doing in my life. So, buckle your seat belt, 'cause here I go again :)
So, the other week, I was surprised that this song kept coming to my mind. It is a song that I first heard when I watched the movie, "Princess Diaries". To be honest, I wasn't really sure why I kept thinking about this song, but I pulled it up on good old Youtube and listened to it again.
What surprised me was that this song may have been written about a girl searching for the love of a guy, but God wanted to speak that He is the one that we long for. Take a quick listen...
She sings that she is super girl, but who is going to save her. I can imagine that each one of us have felt that way, that we are super girl/guy and that the whole world (or at the very least, our world) is depending on us. But in the end, the world is more than we can handle and we cry out, who is going to save me? God is the answer! He is the only one who can save you and me. He is the only one who can hold us. There is no other way...He is it.
If you feel like you are holding the pieces of your world together and you just can't do it alone anymore, take the leap, into the arms of Jesus. He is always faithful! He will save you!
Be blessed, until next time...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Father's Day
Happy Today!
I am so blessed to have a wonderful dad to celebrate on this Father's day! We enjoy hanging out together outdoors and sometimes chatting about the trees and flowers we see. We enjoy rafting together and are always surprised at how cold the water really is. We enjoy eating good food and occasionally talking about recipes that we would like to try. We love to go camping even when the bugs bite and the ground isn't quite level. There are many reason that I am thankful for my dad. As much as I am thankful for my earthly dad, I am also thankful for my heavenly Father. Today is a good reminder that I need to let my dad here on earth know that I am thankful for him. I also needed to be reminded that my heavenly Father wants me to praise Him too.
All of the sudden it hit me, that God calls to us in the same way. He doesn't try to coax us with flowery words, He simply puts His hand out and invites us to trust him. Just like with the little boy, we are truly safe when we are hanging onto our Father's hand.
On this day when we celebrate our wonderful daddys, remember that you have a Daddy in heaven that simply wants you to trust Him. Take His hand. Also, enjoy the day with your dad if you are blessed to be near him. God bless, until next time...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Blueberry Season...That Means Streusel
Happy Today!
Blueberries are in season and I am so thrilled! Blueberries or as my friend says, b b's, are a good source of antioxidants and are low in calories. I like to say that they are the perfect snack. I really like them right out of the freezer, the perfect cold snack.
Blueberry and Cheese Streusel
Batter:
2 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Filling:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon peel, grated
Topping:
1/2 cup nuts, chopped
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Prepare batter by combining flour, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl; using a pastry cutter or 2 knives, cut in butter. Set aside one cup of crumb mixture. To remaining mixture, add baking powder, milk, eggs and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes then pour mixture into a lightly oiled 13x9 baking pan; layer blueberries over batter. Combine filling ingredients and layer on top of blueberries. Combine topping ingredients and mix with reserved crumb mixture, sprinkle over filling layer. Bake streusel at 350 for about 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 20 servings.
Enjoy! Until next time...
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Gift
Hey, Hey, Hey!!!
Check out this awesome praise song by Kevin Prosch and Heidi Baker. It will move you into a spirit of praise to God...so watch out :)
Check out this awesome praise song by Kevin Prosch and Heidi Baker. It will move you into a spirit of praise to God...so watch out :)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Trees and Flowers-The Makings Of A Teachable Moment
Hey friends and family,
You know how I am about nature...I could spend every spare moment outside. Now that it is warming up a bit, the bugs are starting to drive me indoors though. I hate it, but I would rather not have buggy bites all over my legs all summer. Maybe I just need to invest in some good organic bug spray. I have a feeling I will get desperate enough to try anything. Well, I digress.
Okay, back to my teachable moment with the flowers. I was recently enjoying a moment outside when this beautiful flower caught my attention. Isn't its beauty outstanding? It really is a show-stopper!
Just like the quiet beauty of the flowers drew me to them, so will the quiet beauty of a chosen daughter of the King draw many to His throne. This is the challenge: to be a show-stopping beauty of the King!
I was spending a moment looking up into the tree branches, when I heard a loud crack and a limb fell to the ground. That is when I noticed the roots of the tree. I'll be honest, the roots of a tree have never looked beautiful and all that interesting to me. But at that moment, God reminded me of a sermon I heard.
The sermon was about your roots running deep. I wish I could remember the scripture that went with the sermon, but alas I can't. The point is that a tree with shallow roots is tossed and thrown about by the wind and can easily be uprooted. We must have deep, grounded roots in our Lord in order to withstand the wind and even the drought that will come in our walks. This is another picture of that: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." -Colossians 2:6-7 Now, I believe that roots are just as beautiful as the branches and leaves. The roots are so important! I think I shall spend some time grooming my roots. How about you?
God bless, until next time...
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Quick Saturday Lunch Pizza
Hey Guys,
I am a big fan of pizza, but as with many people, I am trying to eat a bit healthier. This is not always an easy task when you LOVE cheese...Did I mention that I LOVE cheese. So, in an attempt to "healthy up" my pizza here is one of my experiments that I think you may like.
I am a big fan of pizza, but as with many people, I am trying to eat a bit healthier. This is not always an easy task when you LOVE cheese...Did I mention that I LOVE cheese. So, in an attempt to "healthy up" my pizza here is one of my experiments that I think you may like.
I took a piece of flat bread and spread yummy basil pesto all over it. I love pesto because it is good for you and compliments just about any cheese you put it with.
Then I mixed parmesan and mozzarella cheeses and sprinkled them on top of the pesto. Oh, yum, it is looking so good!!!
Tomatoes are always good with cheese and pesto, so I sliced and seeded some tomatoes. I also added some cooked chicken to add a little protein. You could add some yummy mushrooms or just about anything...your imagination is the only limit. Bake in a 450 oven for about 7-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. These pizzas were a quick, yummy treat on a lovely Saturday.
Enjoy your own creations! Until next time....
Thursday, June 2, 2011
When Life Is Looking Rough...
"Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord!
Praise you the Lord!-Hallelujah!" -Psalm 150:6, Amplified Version
Well, God took a two-by-four and hit me upside the head the other day with this thought. "I (God) want you to praise me for the good things that are yet to happen. I want you to praise me in the storm. I want you to praise me even when life is looking rough. Yes, I want your praise when things are going well and life looks good, but your praise is even more precious to me when it requires a sacrifice."
So, I have begun to praise Him in even more beautiful ways than I thought I could. I know that my praise is simply the work of the Holy Spirit inside me, but I can't tell you the difference it has made in my life. When I start to feel that life is overwhelming me, I praise Him. When I start to feel depression seeping in, I praise Him. When I have had a wonderful day and everything is going well, I praise Him. Praise is a practical way for me to continue to seek the face of God. It is a practical way for me to love my God back.
If you are like me and need a jump start for your praise, check out this song by Kevin Prosch:
http://youtu.be/plWX_fujWwE
God bless until next time...
Monday, May 30, 2011
Isn't It Grand? Or Yummy Granola!
Happy Today!
I just received a great and grand recipe for granola and just couldn't wait to try it out and share it with you guys. It is really good and much easier than I thought.
Great and Grand Granola
3 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup sunflower kernals
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup raisins (optional)
Combine the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
Combine the next 3 ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, and stir until heated through. Remove from heat and add next two ingredients. Stir well until blended.
Drizzle the honey mixture over oatmeal mixture and toss to coat. Spread evenly on a jelly roll pan. Bake at 250 for 50 minutes to 90 minutes or until toasted and dry. Check and stir every 20 minutes.
Add raisins after baking, if desired. Allow granola to cool and store in an airtight container. Makes about 8 cups. Have fun and enjoy this granola that really is great and grand for your mouth as well as your body :)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Ruins
Hey dear ones,
I was recently hiking with a friend when we came up on some ruins of an old mill. I have always been intrigued by ruins and I like to imagine what life must have been like when the building was fully operational. Ruins are also a reminder of a simplier way of life. In a way it makes me sad to think that we no longer value what was once valued; a simple life.
Before I saw the ruin of the mill, I was traveling down the road and saw a dilapidated barn. When I saw that barn, I clearly heard in my spirit the Lord telling me, "Joy, that is what you have looked like". I was thinking, "God, I don't know what you are talking about. I am young and smart. I'm not tired and empty. What could you possibly be talking about?" As I prayed about it, I realized that the Lord was teaching me that by putting religion and church ahead of my relationship with Him, I was like a ruining building. There was odd beauty about me, but there was nothing of any substance inside the building. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that having theology and going to church is bad, they are good. But when they take the place of seeking the face of God and having a personal relationship with Him, it can turn a person into a ruin.
In that moment of realization, I was humbled by the love of my Father. Even in the moments of my seeking other things (that are sometimes good things), my Father pursues a personal relationship with me and wants to continue to save me from becoming a ruin. WOW!!! This really blew my socks off. I pray that by sharing this glimpse into my faith walk, your socks will also be blown off and you will turn to seek God in new ways. God bless until next time...
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Famous Brookie
Hello from Yummy Goodness land!
Ahh...I am one happy girl. Why you may ask? Chocolate! Need I say more? I realized today that I have not shared my favorite brownie recipe. Then I realized an even bigger mistake...not sharing my brookie recipe. I just know you are gonna love both. It's kinda like buy-one-get-one-free day at the donut shop, right? So, get to baking and enjoy! Oh, I almost forgot...be warned...nothing in this post is good for you...just yummy goodness for your mouth :)
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9x9 pan. Beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add vanilla, flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and melted butter. Combine well with a hand mixer, scraping the sides of the bowl. Transfer brownie mixture to prepared pan. Bake for about 25- 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean (unless you are like me and you like them a bit gooey). Allow to cool, or if you dare, enjoy them in all their yummy gooeyness right out of the oven. For the brookies, allow to cool and then cut into 1 1/2 inch squares.
While the brownies are baking, go ahead and start preparing the batter for the brookie. The recipe is at the end of this post.
Ahh...more chocolate! Chocolate chips make everything better, don't you think?
Brookies before baking...there is a hidden surprise inside. Can you guess what it is???
These brookies are huge!!! They are almost as big as this salad plate. Yikes!!! That's almost 8 inches around. Can you believe it? All that chocolate goodness...Oh, yeah!!!
Joy's Brookies
1 baked brownie recipe
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
1 Tablespoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
12 oz. package miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
Beat butter with a mixer until creamy. Add brown sugar and beat until smooth. Add eggs, yolk and vanilla. Again, beating until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Allow dough to chill in refrigerator for at least an hour (or if you're like me and forgot this step, just throw the bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes).
Preheat oven to 350. Once dough is chilled, using a measuring cup, scoop out 1/2 cup dough and make into a ball. I flatten the ball a little and then take a brownie and using my hands, wrap the dough around the brownie. Shape the dough back into a ball shape and put on a large cookie sheet. You should be able to bake about 6 brookies at a time. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until brookie starts to brown slightly on top and sides. Allow to cool on cookie sheet.
Then enjoy the yummy goodness with a friend or two, actually, the recipe makes 10 cookies. So, invite nine friends over for a riveting game of uno and enjoy some goodness together :)
Until next time...
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