Everything I want to write about today starts with the letter S.
How odd!
First Andrew woke up this morning saying his throat had been hurting all night. It was on fire and he had taken everything we had in the house. Then he came out of the bathroom and said there was blood when he coughed. Needless to say, he called for an appointment with our doctor today. The verdict...Strep!! Then I learn that one of my cousins we were with Saturday had it last week and one has it now. Wonder where he got it?? Just praying that I don't get it. I may sleep on the couch tonight to avoid it. Just don't want to miss Shawna's wedding or school at this point.
School- my Daddy is going back. I can't even begin to express how happy and excited I am, let alone how proud I am of him. He was laid off back in March and recently received a letter saying that his job would pay for him to go to school for two years. They pay EVERYTHING. If he needs so much as a pencil or calculator they will pay for it. I've been praying he would take advantage of this great offer. Mom just told me that he went today to a local community college to take a placement test. They are trying to get his paperwork ready by Friday so that he can start summer classes on June 3. He only found out about it a few hours before he had to be there so I think he was a little nervous. Don't know why - I know he will do great!!!
Dad, I'm so proud of you for going back. I know that can be a scary thing.
And lastly - Simple Life. I haven't done a Simple Life post since before I left for DC and that was in March. They will be back soon. I'm not sure that I will do them on such a regular schedule though. It may just be when I feel led to spend time with that book. God has been showing me several things lately and has really been working on me. I feel like he is showing me my ministry in this life and I'm loving all he has planned for me. I look forward to becoming more and more complete as a Christian. I will share more on this later. Right now I'm still reading and praying and listening.
Love you all!! God bless you.
Showing posts with label Simple Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Simple Life. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Simple Life Day #9
From the Heart
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38
When Frieda heard a horse and buggy rumble into the yard, she was working on the ever-present weeds that were sprouting between two rows of beans. She straightened, rubbed the kinks from her back, and looked toward the drive. She was glad to see her neighbor, Wilma, step down from her buggy. It had been awhile since they'd taken the time to visit. Besides, Frieda had been pulling weeds for several hours and needed a break, so she welcomed the interruption. She left the garden and motioned Wilma over to the porch. "Can you sit awhile?"
Wilma nodded and took a seat on the porch swing. "When I pulled into the yard I noticed you were busy in the garden. How's everything going?"
Frieda sat beside her. "Real fine. Looks like we'll have plenty of everything this year. The garden is producing nicely."
Wilma stared at her hands, clasped tightly in her lap. "Wish I could say the same for our struggling garden."
"Things aren't growing so well?"
Wilma shook her head. "That's one of the reasons I dropped by. I was hoping you might have enough corn to share a few ears."
Frieda smiled. "I have more than enough. In fact, I'd be happy to give you some green beans and beets, too."
Tears welled up in Wilma's brown eyes. "You've made me feel blessed by your willingness to share."
"I'm more than willing to give to others our of the abundance God has given me." Frieda reached for her neighbor's hand. "While you're here, would you care for a cup of tea and some freshly baked biscuits?"
"Jah, I'd like that."
Like Frieda, we should never feel that sharing what God has given us with our friends is a burden or a duty. It should be a joy. After all, Acts 20:35 reminds us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." When we see that someone else has a need, we should be willing to help out. Yet when we have a need, we should never be too proud to ask our friends or family for help, either. Both the giver and the receiver are blessed when we share.
Great joy comes in giving to other from the bounty God has given, and He is pleased when we demonstrate such love to our friends and neighbors.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: While seeking happiness for others, we unconsciously find it for ourselves.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Melt in Your Mouth Biscuits
2 cups flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg, unbeaten
2/3 cup milk
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, sift together all dry ingredients. Cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Add milk, then egg. Blend well. Roll out the dough and cut, or drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Very good with sausage gravy.
For me, the giving part comes fairly easy. It's the asking for help that doesn't come so easy. It doesn't matter if it is advice or a material item, I find it hard to ask others for help. I don't want to admit my own incompetence, I guess.
Something that really struck me in this was the fact that when Frieda gave not only the corn, but also green beans and beets, tears came to Wilma's eyes. She was truly grateful for what she was being given. She felt it was truly a blessing. Do we feel that way about the smaller things? I'm not sure I always do. It is easy to be that grateful when someone does something BIG for you. It's not as easy for me when the gesture is smaller. The size of the gesture shouldn't matter though. It's that old saying - it's the thought that counts.
I am going to try to watch for opportunities to give to others with what God has given me. And if I have the opportunity to be on the receiving end, I'm am going to try and truly be grateful. I pray you will do the same.
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38
When Frieda heard a horse and buggy rumble into the yard, she was working on the ever-present weeds that were sprouting between two rows of beans. She straightened, rubbed the kinks from her back, and looked toward the drive. She was glad to see her neighbor, Wilma, step down from her buggy. It had been awhile since they'd taken the time to visit. Besides, Frieda had been pulling weeds for several hours and needed a break, so she welcomed the interruption. She left the garden and motioned Wilma over to the porch. "Can you sit awhile?"
Wilma nodded and took a seat on the porch swing. "When I pulled into the yard I noticed you were busy in the garden. How's everything going?"
Frieda sat beside her. "Real fine. Looks like we'll have plenty of everything this year. The garden is producing nicely."
Wilma stared at her hands, clasped tightly in her lap. "Wish I could say the same for our struggling garden."
"Things aren't growing so well?"
Wilma shook her head. "That's one of the reasons I dropped by. I was hoping you might have enough corn to share a few ears."
Frieda smiled. "I have more than enough. In fact, I'd be happy to give you some green beans and beets, too."
Tears welled up in Wilma's brown eyes. "You've made me feel blessed by your willingness to share."
"I'm more than willing to give to others our of the abundance God has given me." Frieda reached for her neighbor's hand. "While you're here, would you care for a cup of tea and some freshly baked biscuits?"
"Jah, I'd like that."
Like Frieda, we should never feel that sharing what God has given us with our friends is a burden or a duty. It should be a joy. After all, Acts 20:35 reminds us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." When we see that someone else has a need, we should be willing to help out. Yet when we have a need, we should never be too proud to ask our friends or family for help, either. Both the giver and the receiver are blessed when we share.
Great joy comes in giving to other from the bounty God has given, and He is pleased when we demonstrate such love to our friends and neighbors.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: While seeking happiness for others, we unconsciously find it for ourselves.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Melt in Your Mouth Biscuits
2 cups flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg, unbeaten
2/3 cup milk
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, sift together all dry ingredients. Cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Add milk, then egg. Blend well. Roll out the dough and cut, or drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Very good with sausage gravy.
For me, the giving part comes fairly easy. It's the asking for help that doesn't come so easy. It doesn't matter if it is advice or a material item, I find it hard to ask others for help. I don't want to admit my own incompetence, I guess.
Something that really struck me in this was the fact that when Frieda gave not only the corn, but also green beans and beets, tears came to Wilma's eyes. She was truly grateful for what she was being given. She felt it was truly a blessing. Do we feel that way about the smaller things? I'm not sure I always do. It is easy to be that grateful when someone does something BIG for you. It's not as easy for me when the gesture is smaller. The size of the gesture shouldn't matter though. It's that old saying - it's the thought that counts.
I am going to try to watch for opportunities to give to others with what God has given me. And if I have the opportunity to be on the receiving end, I'm am going to try and truly be grateful. I pray you will do the same.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Simple Life Day #8
One Body
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12
As Leah stepped into the yard, carrying a platter of ham, she was greeted by the sight of more than one hundred English and Amish friends and neighbors who had come to help build her husband's barn. Everyone had been assigned a job. Henry Zook, the man with the longest beard and the most knowledge of barn raisings, stood near the construction site, telling some of the men what they should do. There were men and boys scattered around the yard,cutting wood into proper sizes and hauling it to the location of the new building. More men stood on the crossbeams, working together in an orderly fashion, as the trusses for the barn roof came together.
"Looks like there will be plenty to eat for the noon meal," Leah's friend, Becky, said, as she placed a jug of iced tea on the table.
Leah pulled her attention away from the workers and nodded, "Jah, and so many of the women in our community have come to help serve the food." She glanced around the yard, where several women rushed around, setting out platters of ham, chicken, and roast beef, as well as a variety of salads, breads, cut-up vegetables, and relishes. There was plenty of coffee, tea, and lemonade, and for dessert there were several kinds of pies, cakes, and cookies.
"Looks like things are going well on Sam's new barn," Becky said, nodding toward the rising structure on the other side of the yard. "Those hard-working men have it half built already."
"It's amazing how much can be done when we all work together," Leah said with a smile. "Makes me glad for the help of all our friends. We are certainly one body today."
There is strength in unity, for people working together can do many things that people alone can't do. But in order for that to happen, we need to be close to one another and share life together so we can strengthen each other. This applies to the home, as well as the church.
"For the body is not one member, but many," the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:14. Each one in the body is important, and each one has a job to do. With Christ as the head of the body, and everyone working together, we can get a lot done to further His kingdom.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Many hands make work seem lighter, especially if they are proficiently skilled hands.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Shoofly Cake
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup lard or shortening
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sour milk
Crumbs
Crumbs:
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lard or shortening
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease a 9x12 - inch pan. Combine first six ingredients, then pour into pan. Blend ingredients for crumb mixture, then sprinkle over top. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Okay before I can even comment on the devotional - sour milk??? Yuck. And who ever knew there was a shoofly pie AND shoofly cake????
I just feel like this particular devotional is a reinforcement of what Cary has been saying since the very beginning of Journey. We all have a job. Every single one of us and we don't all have the same job. We can't all be preachers. At Journey right now, we are starting a children's ministry. It is so very exciting. I am teaching our older kids for the month of April. I am so excited about that. But, Andrew and I have nursery duty this coming Sunday. I know he isn't crazy about this, but he is doing his part. I am looking forward to it. Not only will I get to spend time loving on our Journey kids (and boy do we have some sweet ones), but I get to spend time watching my hubby love on Journey kids. And that is always a sexy trait to see in my husband. :)
Are you doing something in your church? If you aren't, something is going undone. I don't care how big your church is, you still have a job. It might be something as easy as being the encourager. Maybe you are the only person to welcome that guest or to ask how a member is doing. That seems so simple, but it makes such a huge different. If you haven't been doing something, start now. If you aren't sure what you should do in your church, then do these two things: 1. Pray about it. Ask God what it is you are supposed to be doing. And 2. Talk to your pastor. He sees areas where things need to be done that we might not see.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12
As Leah stepped into the yard, carrying a platter of ham, she was greeted by the sight of more than one hundred English and Amish friends and neighbors who had come to help build her husband's barn. Everyone had been assigned a job. Henry Zook, the man with the longest beard and the most knowledge of barn raisings, stood near the construction site, telling some of the men what they should do. There were men and boys scattered around the yard,cutting wood into proper sizes and hauling it to the location of the new building. More men stood on the crossbeams, working together in an orderly fashion, as the trusses for the barn roof came together.
"Looks like there will be plenty to eat for the noon meal," Leah's friend, Becky, said, as she placed a jug of iced tea on the table.
Leah pulled her attention away from the workers and nodded, "Jah, and so many of the women in our community have come to help serve the food." She glanced around the yard, where several women rushed around, setting out platters of ham, chicken, and roast beef, as well as a variety of salads, breads, cut-up vegetables, and relishes. There was plenty of coffee, tea, and lemonade, and for dessert there were several kinds of pies, cakes, and cookies.
"Looks like things are going well on Sam's new barn," Becky said, nodding toward the rising structure on the other side of the yard. "Those hard-working men have it half built already."
"It's amazing how much can be done when we all work together," Leah said with a smile. "Makes me glad for the help of all our friends. We are certainly one body today."
There is strength in unity, for people working together can do many things that people alone can't do. But in order for that to happen, we need to be close to one another and share life together so we can strengthen each other. This applies to the home, as well as the church.
"For the body is not one member, but many," the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:14. Each one in the body is important, and each one has a job to do. With Christ as the head of the body, and everyone working together, we can get a lot done to further His kingdom.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Many hands make work seem lighter, especially if they are proficiently skilled hands.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Shoofly Cake
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup lard or shortening
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sour milk
Crumbs
Crumbs:
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lard or shortening
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease a 9x12 - inch pan. Combine first six ingredients, then pour into pan. Blend ingredients for crumb mixture, then sprinkle over top. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Okay before I can even comment on the devotional - sour milk??? Yuck. And who ever knew there was a shoofly pie AND shoofly cake????
I just feel like this particular devotional is a reinforcement of what Cary has been saying since the very beginning of Journey. We all have a job. Every single one of us and we don't all have the same job. We can't all be preachers. At Journey right now, we are starting a children's ministry. It is so very exciting. I am teaching our older kids for the month of April. I am so excited about that. But, Andrew and I have nursery duty this coming Sunday. I know he isn't crazy about this, but he is doing his part. I am looking forward to it. Not only will I get to spend time loving on our Journey kids (and boy do we have some sweet ones), but I get to spend time watching my hubby love on Journey kids. And that is always a sexy trait to see in my husband. :)
Are you doing something in your church? If you aren't, something is going undone. I don't care how big your church is, you still have a job. It might be something as easy as being the encourager. Maybe you are the only person to welcome that guest or to ask how a member is doing. That seems so simple, but it makes such a huge different. If you haven't been doing something, start now. If you aren't sure what you should do in your church, then do these two things: 1. Pray about it. Ask God what it is you are supposed to be doing. And 2. Talk to your pastor. He sees areas where things need to be done that we might not see.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Simple Life Day #7
Always Ready
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. Jeremiah 17:14
It was a sultry summer day, and Barbara's husband, Amos, was in the fields bailing hay. Barbara had been busy in the kitchen all morning, cleaning and baking. She glanced across the room, where her infant daughter lay sleeping in her cradle. Matthew and Benjamin, ages four and six, were outside playing on the porch. "So much to do here," she said with a sigh. "And I really should help Amos with the bailing."
For the next several hours, Barbara rushed from the fields to the house, helping her husband handle the bales of hay, mopping floors, and caring for the children. By evening, she was exhausted.
The following day, Barbara came down with a terrible headache. She took some aspirin, hoping she would feel better by the time they got to their friends' house, where they had been invited for supper. When they returned home, Barbara's headache was worse.
"I hope I feel better in the morning," she told Amos, as they prepared for bed. "I have berries and peas to pick, plus several loads of laundry to do."
During the night, Barbara's body heated with fever. She awoke the following morning, feeling worse and knowing she couldn't do any of her chores. Thankfully, her sister showed up to help, along with Amos's brother and parents.
When Barbara's fever went higher and she was unable to get out bed, Amos took her to the doctor. Although Barbara heard all that was being said, she could make no response or even move. She was sure any minute would be her last.
Am I ready to leave this world? she asked herself. Am I sure that if I died right now I would to heaven? She whispered a silent prayer. Lord, forgive me for any wrongs I have done. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Later that day, after a shot and intravenous fluid, Barbara felt well enough to return home. The doctor said he wasn't sure of the cause of her mysterious malady, but Barbara was thankful to be alive and to have her health restored.
Although we have responsibilities that we have to take care of, the things of this world should never be our complete focus. We should always be thankful for our good health, but we need to remember that it could be taken from us at any time. More importantly, we must be ready to meet Jesus, for no one knows what the future holds. God has promised to forgive our sins. All we have to do is ask.
"And Jesus answering said unto them, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31-32)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: It should be our main interest in this world to secure an interest in the next.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
1/2 cup butter, unsalted
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 cups pastry flour, sifted
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 9-inch pan. Combine undrained pineapple, butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Spread on the bottom of the pan, Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Add the shortening, egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat well. Pour over the fruit mixture in the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. Turn the cake upside down and eat plain or serve with whipped topping.
Several things about this story really stood out to me tonight. Instead of trying to share all of my thoughts at once, this is going to be one of those where I spend a few days on it.
Tonight I will start with the very first thing that stood out to me and that was Barbara's attitude. She definitely has a great work ethic. She was taking care of the children and doing her chores. That in itself is a lot of work. But, while she was doing this she was thinking about things she could do to help her husband. She helped him bail hay. Now, I have never bailed hay, but I can't imagine that to be easy work.
A few weeks ago, Andrew cleaned our house. And I mean really cleaned it. Well at least the living room and kitchen. It is fairly simple to keep a clean house clean. It just takes a little bit of constant work. This is work for me. I'm a lazy bum, I'll confess. But I really enjoy my home when it is clean. I don't stress when I get a surprise visitor like I received this weekend. I have to make myself put things int he dishwasher when I'm finished eating. Sad, I know. But, my attitude toward my chores is slowly changing. These small things are becoming habits. I've really felt like I should do this the past few days because Andrew has been sick.
Anyways, sorry - I got a little off track. Barbara begins to get a headache. This would be enough to stop a lot of us, or at least it would be to stop me. But nope, not that Barbara. She keeps right on working and visiting with friends. I think that is awesome. What a great attitude. Can you tell her heart is focused on things it should be.
Our attitude is a direct reflection of our heart. When we focus on God and His kingdom, our attitude shows it. I know that when I spend time with God, I'm in a much better mood. Works every time. Don't believe me? Try it. Prove me wrong. I guarantee He'll work in your heart and you'll attitude will improve. That is my prayer for you and me this week. That we would stop our busy lives and spend time with God. Let him work in us. I think we will all be happy with the results.
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. Jeremiah 17:14
It was a sultry summer day, and Barbara's husband, Amos, was in the fields bailing hay. Barbara had been busy in the kitchen all morning, cleaning and baking. She glanced across the room, where her infant daughter lay sleeping in her cradle. Matthew and Benjamin, ages four and six, were outside playing on the porch. "So much to do here," she said with a sigh. "And I really should help Amos with the bailing."
For the next several hours, Barbara rushed from the fields to the house, helping her husband handle the bales of hay, mopping floors, and caring for the children. By evening, she was exhausted.
The following day, Barbara came down with a terrible headache. She took some aspirin, hoping she would feel better by the time they got to their friends' house, where they had been invited for supper. When they returned home, Barbara's headache was worse.
"I hope I feel better in the morning," she told Amos, as they prepared for bed. "I have berries and peas to pick, plus several loads of laundry to do."
During the night, Barbara's body heated with fever. She awoke the following morning, feeling worse and knowing she couldn't do any of her chores. Thankfully, her sister showed up to help, along with Amos's brother and parents.
When Barbara's fever went higher and she was unable to get out bed, Amos took her to the doctor. Although Barbara heard all that was being said, she could make no response or even move. She was sure any minute would be her last.
Am I ready to leave this world? she asked herself. Am I sure that if I died right now I would to heaven? She whispered a silent prayer. Lord, forgive me for any wrongs I have done. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Later that day, after a shot and intravenous fluid, Barbara felt well enough to return home. The doctor said he wasn't sure of the cause of her mysterious malady, but Barbara was thankful to be alive and to have her health restored.
Although we have responsibilities that we have to take care of, the things of this world should never be our complete focus. We should always be thankful for our good health, but we need to remember that it could be taken from us at any time. More importantly, we must be ready to meet Jesus, for no one knows what the future holds. God has promised to forgive our sins. All we have to do is ask.
"And Jesus answering said unto them, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31-32)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: It should be our main interest in this world to secure an interest in the next.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
1/2 cup butter, unsalted
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 cups pastry flour, sifted
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 9-inch pan. Combine undrained pineapple, butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Spread on the bottom of the pan, Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Add the shortening, egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat well. Pour over the fruit mixture in the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. Turn the cake upside down and eat plain or serve with whipped topping.
Several things about this story really stood out to me tonight. Instead of trying to share all of my thoughts at once, this is going to be one of those where I spend a few days on it.
Tonight I will start with the very first thing that stood out to me and that was Barbara's attitude. She definitely has a great work ethic. She was taking care of the children and doing her chores. That in itself is a lot of work. But, while she was doing this she was thinking about things she could do to help her husband. She helped him bail hay. Now, I have never bailed hay, but I can't imagine that to be easy work.
A few weeks ago, Andrew cleaned our house. And I mean really cleaned it. Well at least the living room and kitchen. It is fairly simple to keep a clean house clean. It just takes a little bit of constant work. This is work for me. I'm a lazy bum, I'll confess. But I really enjoy my home when it is clean. I don't stress when I get a surprise visitor like I received this weekend. I have to make myself put things int he dishwasher when I'm finished eating. Sad, I know. But, my attitude toward my chores is slowly changing. These small things are becoming habits. I've really felt like I should do this the past few days because Andrew has been sick.
Anyways, sorry - I got a little off track. Barbara begins to get a headache. This would be enough to stop a lot of us, or at least it would be to stop me. But nope, not that Barbara. She keeps right on working and visiting with friends. I think that is awesome. What a great attitude. Can you tell her heart is focused on things it should be.
Our attitude is a direct reflection of our heart. When we focus on God and His kingdom, our attitude shows it. I know that when I spend time with God, I'm in a much better mood. Works every time. Don't believe me? Try it. Prove me wrong. I guarantee He'll work in your heart and you'll attitude will improve. That is my prayer for you and me this week. That we would stop our busy lives and spend time with God. Let him work in us. I think we will all be happy with the results.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Simple Life Day #7
A Colorful Promise
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
When Dorothy headed to her propane-operated refrigerator to get a carton of eggs, she noticed her seven-year-old son, David, standing at the window with his nose pressed up against the glass. "Guder mariye [good morning]," she said. "Did you sleep well last night?"
"Jah, I guess." He released a sigh. "I was hopin' I could play outside today, but I see it's still rainin'."
Dorothy set the eggs on the counter and joined her son at the window. "We do need the rain to help things grow."
"But it's been raining all week." David turned to face her, and tears gathered in the corners of his eyes. "I'm scared. What if the rain keeps up and our whole yard gets flooded?"
Dorothy gathered her son into her arms. "God doesn't want us to be fearful, Son. He wants us to trust Him for everything."
Just then the back door opened, and Dorothy's husband, John, entered the room. "Hey, you two. Come outside and see the pretty rainbow!"
Dorothy and David followed John out the back door.
The family stood on the lawn with their faces lifted toward the eastern sky. It had been dark and rainy the last time Dorothy looked out the kitchen window. Now the sky was a hazy blue, and a vivid rainbow made a perfect arc, twinkling radiant colors of blue, green, red, yellow, and purple.
"It's God's colorful promise that He will never again flood the whole earth," John announced.
Dorothy smiled and hugged David. "See! God takes care of us. Always. And we should remember to thank Him and not be afraid."
Everyone has some fear that's hard to release, but the Bible gives us God's answer to fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7 we are told, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." A simple thing such as a rainbow in the sky can remind us that God is there constantly, loving and protecting us. He will always keep His promises.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: There's a rainbow of hope that is shining above, reminding us of God's endless love.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
6 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
2 cups bread crumbs
2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon onion slat
1 pound bulk sausage, browned and chilled
Cheese slices
Combine first seven ingredients in a large bowl, then pour into a greased cake pan. Refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then bake for 30 minutes or until down. Top with cheese slices and leave in the oven until it melts. Turn several times while baking.
Yippe for another yummy recipe, at least it sounds yummy. I absolutely love the song You Never Let Go by Matt Redman. Here are the lyrics
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
It is so true. No matter what we are going through, God is always with us. He is always there for us. Isn't that the most comforting thought? Doesn't matter if it is something better than you could have ever imagined or something worse than you ever could have imagined - God loves us enough to be with us through it all. I don't feel like I have ever been through a real tragedy and for that I'm thankful. But I'm also thankful knowing that when that time comes because I know it will, I have a God who will not leave my side.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
When Dorothy headed to her propane-operated refrigerator to get a carton of eggs, she noticed her seven-year-old son, David, standing at the window with his nose pressed up against the glass. "Guder mariye [good morning]," she said. "Did you sleep well last night?"
"Jah, I guess." He released a sigh. "I was hopin' I could play outside today, but I see it's still rainin'."
Dorothy set the eggs on the counter and joined her son at the window. "We do need the rain to help things grow."
"But it's been raining all week." David turned to face her, and tears gathered in the corners of his eyes. "I'm scared. What if the rain keeps up and our whole yard gets flooded?"
Dorothy gathered her son into her arms. "God doesn't want us to be fearful, Son. He wants us to trust Him for everything."
Just then the back door opened, and Dorothy's husband, John, entered the room. "Hey, you two. Come outside and see the pretty rainbow!"
Dorothy and David followed John out the back door.
The family stood on the lawn with their faces lifted toward the eastern sky. It had been dark and rainy the last time Dorothy looked out the kitchen window. Now the sky was a hazy blue, and a vivid rainbow made a perfect arc, twinkling radiant colors of blue, green, red, yellow, and purple.
"It's God's colorful promise that He will never again flood the whole earth," John announced.
Dorothy smiled and hugged David. "See! God takes care of us. Always. And we should remember to thank Him and not be afraid."
Everyone has some fear that's hard to release, but the Bible gives us God's answer to fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7 we are told, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." A simple thing such as a rainbow in the sky can remind us that God is there constantly, loving and protecting us. He will always keep His promises.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: There's a rainbow of hope that is shining above, reminding us of God's endless love.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
6 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
2 cups bread crumbs
2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon onion slat
1 pound bulk sausage, browned and chilled
Cheese slices
Combine first seven ingredients in a large bowl, then pour into a greased cake pan. Refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then bake for 30 minutes or until down. Top with cheese slices and leave in the oven until it melts. Turn several times while baking.
Yippe for another yummy recipe, at least it sounds yummy. I absolutely love the song You Never Let Go by Matt Redman. Here are the lyrics
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
It is so true. No matter what we are going through, God is always with us. He is always there for us. Isn't that the most comforting thought? Doesn't matter if it is something better than you could have ever imagined or something worse than you ever could have imagined - God loves us enough to be with us through it all. I don't feel like I have ever been through a real tragedy and for that I'm thankful. But I'm also thankful knowing that when that time comes because I know it will, I have a God who will not leave my side.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Simple Life day #6
No Need for Salt
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and fin him, though he is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:27
"Can I borrow some of your salt?" eight-year-old Leroy asked his mother.
Elsie turned from her job of making potato salad and squinted at him. "Now why would you be needing any salt?"
"There's a bluebird sittin' on the porch rail, and I want to salt his talk."
"Why would you do such a thing, Leroy?"
He stared up at her with serious dark eyes. "He won't let me catch him, and my friend, Nelson, told me if you put salt on a bird's tail, it can't fly off."
Elsie clicked her tongue. "Would you really want to capture the poor thing that way?"
"I just want to make friends with the bird."
"Don't you think there's a better way than trying to keep it from flying away?"
He shrugged. "Got any idea how I might get the bluebird to stick around?"
She smiled. "Why don't you try feeding it, and see if you can its confidence that way?"
Leroy jumped up, pushing his chair away from the table.
"Where are you going?"
"Out to the barn to get some birdseed. I'm gonna make friends with that bird!" He paused and turned back around. "Guess I won't be needin' any of your salt after all."
It's a basic human nature to want others to do things our way. Some people may try to force others to do what they want by placing unrealistic demands on them or trying to trick them into submission. Yet God never forces us to do anything against our will. His love is unconditional. He wants everyone to come willingly to Him, and He will never force us or hold us captive.
Everyone feels happier when they are allowed to do something of their own free will rather than being forced to do it. Shouldn't we give others that freedom, too?
Food For Thought: The human heart, at whatever age, opens only to the heart that opens in return.
Food For The Body: Overnight Potato Salad
12 potatoes, medium, boiled
12 eggs, hard-boiled
1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery
1 onion, medium, chopped fine
Salad dressing
Grate potatoes and eggs. Mix together with onion and celery, then add dressing and let set overnight.
Salad Dressing:
3 cups mayonnaise or Miracle Whip salad dressing
1/8 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups white sugar
6 tablespoons mustard
3 tablespoons salt
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Add desired amount to potato salad. Refrigerate any remaining dressing.
I don't feel like I'm bad about wanting things done my way. I am probably much worse than I realize. I just asked Andrew and he agrees with me that I am not bad about this. He is far worse than I am. :) I am sure there are times when I want things my way. I know I am much worse about this in my classroom than at home. At school, it absolutely drives me crazy when a kid moves something and doesn't put it back just like I had it. This is why I have the rule that no one is allowed to touch anything on my desk. They have their own stapler and everything because they will sit my down backwards or on my papers and it drives me crazy. And yes I realize that now I am sounding much worse about this. I've always been a little OCD about my school stuff. When I grade their binders, it is all I can do to keep from going crazy because of the messiness.
Anyways. I am glad that God is a God that gives us a choice. It is nice to love him simple for who He is not because He is forcing me to love him.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and fin him, though he is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:27
"Can I borrow some of your salt?" eight-year-old Leroy asked his mother.
Elsie turned from her job of making potato salad and squinted at him. "Now why would you be needing any salt?"
"There's a bluebird sittin' on the porch rail, and I want to salt his talk."
"Why would you do such a thing, Leroy?"
He stared up at her with serious dark eyes. "He won't let me catch him, and my friend, Nelson, told me if you put salt on a bird's tail, it can't fly off."
Elsie clicked her tongue. "Would you really want to capture the poor thing that way?"
"I just want to make friends with the bird."
"Don't you think there's a better way than trying to keep it from flying away?"
He shrugged. "Got any idea how I might get the bluebird to stick around?"
She smiled. "Why don't you try feeding it, and see if you can its confidence that way?"
Leroy jumped up, pushing his chair away from the table.
"Where are you going?"
"Out to the barn to get some birdseed. I'm gonna make friends with that bird!" He paused and turned back around. "Guess I won't be needin' any of your salt after all."
It's a basic human nature to want others to do things our way. Some people may try to force others to do what they want by placing unrealistic demands on them or trying to trick them into submission. Yet God never forces us to do anything against our will. His love is unconditional. He wants everyone to come willingly to Him, and He will never force us or hold us captive.
Everyone feels happier when they are allowed to do something of their own free will rather than being forced to do it. Shouldn't we give others that freedom, too?
Food For Thought: The human heart, at whatever age, opens only to the heart that opens in return.
Food For The Body: Overnight Potato Salad
12 potatoes, medium, boiled
12 eggs, hard-boiled
1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery
1 onion, medium, chopped fine
Salad dressing
Grate potatoes and eggs. Mix together with onion and celery, then add dressing and let set overnight.
Salad Dressing:
3 cups mayonnaise or Miracle Whip salad dressing
1/8 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups white sugar
6 tablespoons mustard
3 tablespoons salt
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Add desired amount to potato salad. Refrigerate any remaining dressing.
I don't feel like I'm bad about wanting things done my way. I am probably much worse than I realize. I just asked Andrew and he agrees with me that I am not bad about this. He is far worse than I am. :) I am sure there are times when I want things my way. I know I am much worse about this in my classroom than at home. At school, it absolutely drives me crazy when a kid moves something and doesn't put it back just like I had it. This is why I have the rule that no one is allowed to touch anything on my desk. They have their own stapler and everything because they will sit my down backwards or on my papers and it drives me crazy. And yes I realize that now I am sounding much worse about this. I've always been a little OCD about my school stuff. When I grade their binders, it is all I can do to keep from going crazy because of the messiness.
Anyways. I am glad that God is a God that gives us a choice. It is nice to love him simple for who He is not because He is forcing me to love him.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Simple LIfe Day #5
I know that I did not post a Simple Life last week. I could easily offer you a million excuses, I spent part of the week sick, I was busy with home improvement projects, blah blah blah. The truth is I fell down on it. I simply chose other things over this. That is part of the reason I'm sure that I was in a funk for several days last week. I want to say I'm sorry for falling down on the job. I also want to thank Kathie for calling me out on it. She mentioned that my Simple Life post was missing. I really appreciate that. I need more people like that. I'm sure we all do.
Now on with this week's Simple Life
A DOUBLE TREAT
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. Proverbs 14:29
"Heavenly Father," Irma prayed, staring out the window at the snow-covered schoolyard, "please give me the wisdom to know how to deal with my unruly students."
This was Irma's first year of teaching at the one-room schoolhouse, and the last few months had been difficult. Many of the children acted as if they wanted to be in control. Others seemed insecure and unwilling to do their assignments. Some pupils were rowdy, ignoring her instructions. Irma had lectured, punished, and threatened to tell the children's parents if things didn't change. So far, nothing had worked.
When Irma heard children's laughter in the schoolyard, she drew in a deep breath and opened the front door. She stepped onto the porch just in time to see a snowball speeding her way. She ducked, but not quickly enough. The icy sphere hit her arm with a splat.
Irma gritted her teeth. She was certain that Michael, the boy who'd thrown the snowball, had done it on purpose. He'd been the instigator of several things int he past.
I will not let my anger get the best of me. There must be a way to deal with this. She closed the door and went to the coatroom, where she had left the wicker basket she'd brought from home. She placed it on her desk, just as several noisy scholars tromped into the room.
Irma waited until the children had removed their wraps and taken their seats before she spoke. "Today we will begin class with hot chocolate and cookies," she said, removing a thermos and a plate of cookies from the basket.
Mary Alice's hand shot up, "How come?"
Irma's smiled. "Because it's cold outside, and I want to let you know how special you are to me."
The room became quiet, until another hand shop up.
"Yes, Michael?"
" I think you're special, Teacher, and I'm sorry for throwing that snowball."
"I forgive you." Tears welled up in Irma's eyes. If I had known what a little hot chocolate and some cookies could do, I would have brought them to school sooner.
Often, when we are frustrated because things don't go our way or someone does something to upset us, we respond in anger. Scripture reminds us, however, that the best antidote for anger is prayer. "He that is slow to anger is better than the might; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Proverbs 16:32)
There is a time for correction, but it should never be done in anger. Many times the best lesson is learned from encouragement. Is there someone you might encourage today?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Correction does much, but encouragement does more.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Double Treat Cookies
2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 cups shortening
2 cups peanut butter
4 eggs
3 cups flour
6 cups quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Blend by hand until ingredients are evenly and thoroughly mixed. Shape dough into balls. Place on a cookie sheet and flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Bake ten minutes or until done.
WOW! Guess I better start baking. :) I immediately began laughing and smirking when I began to read this. First of all the first couple of paragraphs - so the way it's been going for me lately. I know exactly how Irma felt. And when that snowball hit her and she didn't say a word? I know that I would have immediately sent the kid to the principal. Irma didn't have that option though. I can't imagine being the only teacher. Scary.
As I read on, I went from smirking to being teary-eyed. I love the way she handled this. I posted a few days ago about how my eighth graders told another teacher I hate them. I know this is because of my words and my actions. I have not been very encouraging to them. I have had the attitude of they don't care so why should I? I can't believe I as a teacher slipped into this attitude. But I've noticed since posting that, that when I go into my classes (especially 8th grade) with a positive attitude and a determination to enjoy that 48 minutes, it goes so much better. I had been praying to have better days, but didn't really believe that I would. I got and do get what I expect - what I put into it.
Maybe this over the top, but this devotional really does make want to bake cookies for my classes. I'm already doing the math, thinking I have seven classes with approximately 20 kids per class. I need 2-3 dozen per class so that 14-21 dozen cookies. Wow that is a LOT of cookies. It would be so much easier to go to Wal-Mart and buy them. But I really do want to spend this weekend baking cookies and praying for my kids and me while baking. I figure I can bake a few Friday, a few Saturday, and a few Sunday. I just hope I still have this feeling come Friday. :)
Even if you are not a teacher, I think we can take something from this devotional. How many times have you been guilty of reacting to your spouse out of anger. I know I do this more often than I would care to admit. Andrew doesn't even have to be the source of my anger. A bad day at school or a trip to the dentist will cause me to take out my feelings on him. He has said before that we tend to do this more with family and friends that we truly love and trust. We feel we can say anything to them and they will still be there. Yes, we should be open with people, but that isn't a free pass to speak in anger.
My prayer this week is that I and you will act in patience and in prayer. My secret pal that gave me this Simple Life book gave me a gift Friday. In it was a morning devotional book. I opened it today and ready today's devotional. It talked about how we should always pray about temptations. We should never wait until we are tempted to pray. It's pretty much too late at that point. Always be preparing for the battle. That is so true of this. Don't wait until you are angry to pray that you won't speak. Continually pray that in this situation you will have the wisdom and the strength to just keep your mouth shut. :)
At church we began a new series Sunday called Turning Up the Heat. It is awesome already. It is about living passionately. I can so feel God working on me and relighting the fire so to speak. I have been feeling this way for several months now, but for whatever reason it is like I just won't let the fire really get going. I'm asking that you pray for me and I'll do the same for you. Let's get excited about God again. Isn't He worthy of that?
And by the way I must add -- Finally a recipe I want to try. :)
Now on with this week's Simple Life
A DOUBLE TREAT
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. Proverbs 14:29
"Heavenly Father," Irma prayed, staring out the window at the snow-covered schoolyard, "please give me the wisdom to know how to deal with my unruly students."
This was Irma's first year of teaching at the one-room schoolhouse, and the last few months had been difficult. Many of the children acted as if they wanted to be in control. Others seemed insecure and unwilling to do their assignments. Some pupils were rowdy, ignoring her instructions. Irma had lectured, punished, and threatened to tell the children's parents if things didn't change. So far, nothing had worked.
When Irma heard children's laughter in the schoolyard, she drew in a deep breath and opened the front door. She stepped onto the porch just in time to see a snowball speeding her way. She ducked, but not quickly enough. The icy sphere hit her arm with a splat.
Irma gritted her teeth. She was certain that Michael, the boy who'd thrown the snowball, had done it on purpose. He'd been the instigator of several things int he past.
I will not let my anger get the best of me. There must be a way to deal with this. She closed the door and went to the coatroom, where she had left the wicker basket she'd brought from home. She placed it on her desk, just as several noisy scholars tromped into the room.
Irma waited until the children had removed their wraps and taken their seats before she spoke. "Today we will begin class with hot chocolate and cookies," she said, removing a thermos and a plate of cookies from the basket.
Mary Alice's hand shot up, "How come?"
Irma's smiled. "Because it's cold outside, and I want to let you know how special you are to me."
The room became quiet, until another hand shop up.
"Yes, Michael?"
" I think you're special, Teacher, and I'm sorry for throwing that snowball."
"I forgive you." Tears welled up in Irma's eyes. If I had known what a little hot chocolate and some cookies could do, I would have brought them to school sooner.
Often, when we are frustrated because things don't go our way or someone does something to upset us, we respond in anger. Scripture reminds us, however, that the best antidote for anger is prayer. "He that is slow to anger is better than the might; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Proverbs 16:32)
There is a time for correction, but it should never be done in anger. Many times the best lesson is learned from encouragement. Is there someone you might encourage today?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Correction does much, but encouragement does more.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Double Treat Cookies
2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 cups shortening
2 cups peanut butter
4 eggs
3 cups flour
6 cups quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Blend by hand until ingredients are evenly and thoroughly mixed. Shape dough into balls. Place on a cookie sheet and flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Bake ten minutes or until done.
WOW! Guess I better start baking. :) I immediately began laughing and smirking when I began to read this. First of all the first couple of paragraphs - so the way it's been going for me lately. I know exactly how Irma felt. And when that snowball hit her and she didn't say a word? I know that I would have immediately sent the kid to the principal. Irma didn't have that option though. I can't imagine being the only teacher. Scary.
As I read on, I went from smirking to being teary-eyed. I love the way she handled this. I posted a few days ago about how my eighth graders told another teacher I hate them. I know this is because of my words and my actions. I have not been very encouraging to them. I have had the attitude of they don't care so why should I? I can't believe I as a teacher slipped into this attitude. But I've noticed since posting that, that when I go into my classes (especially 8th grade) with a positive attitude and a determination to enjoy that 48 minutes, it goes so much better. I had been praying to have better days, but didn't really believe that I would. I got and do get what I expect - what I put into it.
Maybe this over the top, but this devotional really does make want to bake cookies for my classes. I'm already doing the math, thinking I have seven classes with approximately 20 kids per class. I need 2-3 dozen per class so that 14-21 dozen cookies. Wow that is a LOT of cookies. It would be so much easier to go to Wal-Mart and buy them. But I really do want to spend this weekend baking cookies and praying for my kids and me while baking. I figure I can bake a few Friday, a few Saturday, and a few Sunday. I just hope I still have this feeling come Friday. :)
Even if you are not a teacher, I think we can take something from this devotional. How many times have you been guilty of reacting to your spouse out of anger. I know I do this more often than I would care to admit. Andrew doesn't even have to be the source of my anger. A bad day at school or a trip to the dentist will cause me to take out my feelings on him. He has said before that we tend to do this more with family and friends that we truly love and trust. We feel we can say anything to them and they will still be there. Yes, we should be open with people, but that isn't a free pass to speak in anger.
My prayer this week is that I and you will act in patience and in prayer. My secret pal that gave me this Simple Life book gave me a gift Friday. In it was a morning devotional book. I opened it today and ready today's devotional. It talked about how we should always pray about temptations. We should never wait until we are tempted to pray. It's pretty much too late at that point. Always be preparing for the battle. That is so true of this. Don't wait until you are angry to pray that you won't speak. Continually pray that in this situation you will have the wisdom and the strength to just keep your mouth shut. :)
At church we began a new series Sunday called Turning Up the Heat. It is awesome already. It is about living passionately. I can so feel God working on me and relighting the fire so to speak. I have been feeling this way for several months now, but for whatever reason it is like I just won't let the fire really get going. I'm asking that you pray for me and I'll do the same for you. Let's get excited about God again. Isn't He worthy of that?
And by the way I must add -- Finally a recipe I want to try. :)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Simple Life Day #4
Lend A Hand
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
As Edith and her teenaged daughter, Stella, left the auction and headed across the parking lot, they were shocked to discover their buggy horse straddling the hitching rail, neighing and thrashing about. He'd obviously tried to break free, and the front of the buggy was now pushed up against his back legs, leaving the horse in a precarious position.
"I'll pull and you push," Edith told Stella. "We've got to get our horse off the rail before he gets hurt!"
After several tries, Edith felt so worn out from trying to free their frantic horse that she was ready to give up. It was obvious that she and Stella couldn't accomplish the task alone.
About that time, several English people showed up, offering their assistance. One man had a rope, which he put around the horse's neck. Two other men got behind the animal, and as they pushed, the first man tugged on the rope.
The horse continued to struggle but finally broke free from the railing and fell to the ground. He lay there awhile, wheezing and thrashing. Then slowly he rose to his feet, a bit wobbly, but apparently unharmed.
"Thank you so much," Edith told the men who had helped. "We couldn't do this by ourselves."
"I'm glad your horse is okay," one man replied.
Edith nodded, grateful that strangers had been willing to help in her time of need.
How often do we get busy and fail to see the needs of others? Have you ever witnessed someone in need and done nothing about it? Have you ever been the one in need but received no help?
In Isaiah 41:6 we are told: "They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage." Not only are we blessed when someone bears our burdens, but the one who has helped is blessed.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Timely good deeds are nicer than afterthoughts.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Bread & Butter Pickles
25-0 cucumbers, medium, sliced thin
8 white onions, large, chopped
1/2 cup salt
2 cups cider vinegar
5 cups sugar
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2 tablespoons mustard seed
1 teaspoon turmeric
Combine cucumbers, onions, and salt in a large bowl. Let stand for 3 hours. Drain. Combine vinegar, sugar, water, and spices in large kettle; bring to a boil. Add cucumber mixture. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil. Pack while hot into clean sterilized jars and seal at once.
This is an area I struggle in. Helping complete strangers. It is not that I don't want too, but in today's world it can be a little scary. I am quick to help women and children, but men who are alone? I do hesitate. I do like to help others.
And I might add that it is a turn on when my husband is helpful. Specific times that come to mind is him stopping to help a woman get her car started and him returning a lady's cart @ Wal-Mart.
How many opportunities do we miss to help someone in need? This is the question that popped into my head as I read this devotional. Are my eyes really open? Am I watching for opportunities? Even if it is something as simple as holding the door for someone. It always touches me when a student holds the door for me at school. How respectful is that!?!
God does tell us to bear one another's burdens. We are to help each other - not just our brothers and sisters in Christ but all people.
This devotional has simply made me stop and think that I should really be watching for the opportunity to help others.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
As Edith and her teenaged daughter, Stella, left the auction and headed across the parking lot, they were shocked to discover their buggy horse straddling the hitching rail, neighing and thrashing about. He'd obviously tried to break free, and the front of the buggy was now pushed up against his back legs, leaving the horse in a precarious position.
"I'll pull and you push," Edith told Stella. "We've got to get our horse off the rail before he gets hurt!"
After several tries, Edith felt so worn out from trying to free their frantic horse that she was ready to give up. It was obvious that she and Stella couldn't accomplish the task alone.
About that time, several English people showed up, offering their assistance. One man had a rope, which he put around the horse's neck. Two other men got behind the animal, and as they pushed, the first man tugged on the rope.
The horse continued to struggle but finally broke free from the railing and fell to the ground. He lay there awhile, wheezing and thrashing. Then slowly he rose to his feet, a bit wobbly, but apparently unharmed.
"Thank you so much," Edith told the men who had helped. "We couldn't do this by ourselves."
"I'm glad your horse is okay," one man replied.
Edith nodded, grateful that strangers had been willing to help in her time of need.
How often do we get busy and fail to see the needs of others? Have you ever witnessed someone in need and done nothing about it? Have you ever been the one in need but received no help?
In Isaiah 41:6 we are told: "They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage." Not only are we blessed when someone bears our burdens, but the one who has helped is blessed.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Timely good deeds are nicer than afterthoughts.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Bread & Butter Pickles
25-0 cucumbers, medium, sliced thin
8 white onions, large, chopped
1/2 cup salt
2 cups cider vinegar
5 cups sugar
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2 tablespoons mustard seed
1 teaspoon turmeric
Combine cucumbers, onions, and salt in a large bowl. Let stand for 3 hours. Drain. Combine vinegar, sugar, water, and spices in large kettle; bring to a boil. Add cucumber mixture. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil. Pack while hot into clean sterilized jars and seal at once.
This is an area I struggle in. Helping complete strangers. It is not that I don't want too, but in today's world it can be a little scary. I am quick to help women and children, but men who are alone? I do hesitate. I do like to help others.
And I might add that it is a turn on when my husband is helpful. Specific times that come to mind is him stopping to help a woman get her car started and him returning a lady's cart @ Wal-Mart.
How many opportunities do we miss to help someone in need? This is the question that popped into my head as I read this devotional. Are my eyes really open? Am I watching for opportunities? Even if it is something as simple as holding the door for someone. It always touches me when a student holds the door for me at school. How respectful is that!?!
God does tell us to bear one another's burdens. We are to help each other - not just our brothers and sisters in Christ but all people.
This devotional has simply made me stop and think that I should really be watching for the opportunity to help others.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Simple Life Day #3
Answered Prayer
It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24
A thunderous roar pelted the ground outside of Rebekah and Samuel's bedroom window, and they bolted upright in bed. "Was in der welt [what in all the world]?" Rebekah exclaimed. "What is that horrible noise?"
Samuel scrambled out of bed and rushed to the window. "It's the mules! They've gotten out of the barn."
Rebekah grabbed her robe from a wall peg, and Samuel stepped into his trousers, pulling his suspenders over his shoulders. There was no time for further discussion. They needed to act fast. If the mules made their way to the road, a car might hit them. If they trampled the vegetable garden or the cornstalks in the field, everything would be ruined.
Samuel rushed out the back door, and Rebekah stepped into the cool night air behind him. She paused and offered a silent prayer. Dear Lord, please help us get the mules back to the barn.
A few minute later, Rebekah turned the corner of the house and was surprised to see Samuel heading for the barn with ten draft mules obediently following. She breathed a prayer of thanks, as she helped him secure the mules inside their respective stalls.
"I'm surprised at how easily you led them in," she said.
Samuel nodded. "As soon as I left the house I began praying that the mules would cooperate."
"I was praying that too."
Samuel smiled. "I know there are times when we must wait for God's reply, but it never ceases to amaze me when he respond so quickly to our prayers."
She nodded. "I think sometimes, even before we ask, the Lord answers our prayers."
One of the reason people pray is out of a sense of need. Sometimes, however, we forget to pray and instead try to take matters into our own hands. Even though God knows our needs before we ask, He wants us to seek His help. He may answer quickly or make us wait, but we can be sure that He will answer, according to His will.
In 1 John 5:14 we are reminded: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us."
May we always remember to call on God whenever we have a need.
Food For Thought: If you are too busy to pray, you are busier than God wants you to be.
Food For The Body:
Cornmeal Muffins
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1 1/2 cups white flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 eggs
Milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the above ingredients together in a large bowl and add enough milk to make a stiff batter. Spoon into greased muffin tins. Baked 25-30 minutes. Serve warm. Delicious with honey.
How often have you prayed a prayer like the one Rebekah and Samuel prayed? Something that seems so simple. I have prayed quite a few times that the Lord would help me find my keys. :) So far that is a prayer that He has always answered. Just this past Saturday I was praying that God would help Andrew find something he needed. The Lord answered that prayer.
Yet, how often have I tried to do or fix something myself without taking it to God? Way too often is the answer. And the weird thing - the things I try to do myself are the big ones. I recognize that I can't find my keys on my own, yet I think I can decide my masters degree, who to witness to and when, and the courage to witness on my own without any help from God. For me, those are true examples of things I'm working on right now. And when I ask myself how many times I've prayed about them and truly meant that prayer - Well, the answer is embarrassing. Especially when I just prayed two days ago to find a computer part.
God answers prayers!! There is not a doubt in my mind. I guess I just always assume he is going to answer my prayer to find my keys on my time and in my way. So far He has done that. I've always found my keys and just in time before I'm late. With the big stuff, he might not answer in my way on my time. I might have to actually go witness to that person right now. I might have to take part in a program this summer that terrifies me. But!!! I also know that I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength (Phil 4:13) and God doesn't give me anything I can't do .... without Him. :)
I love the Food for Thought this week. If I'm too busy too pray than I am much busier than God wants me to be.
My prayer for myself and for you this week is that we would take the time to pray, to pray about the little stuff and the big stuff. God cares about all of it. Stop blogging (that's to me) and pray. Spend time with God. He's the best friends you'll ever have.
It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24
A thunderous roar pelted the ground outside of Rebekah and Samuel's bedroom window, and they bolted upright in bed. "Was in der welt [what in all the world]?" Rebekah exclaimed. "What is that horrible noise?"
Samuel scrambled out of bed and rushed to the window. "It's the mules! They've gotten out of the barn."
Rebekah grabbed her robe from a wall peg, and Samuel stepped into his trousers, pulling his suspenders over his shoulders. There was no time for further discussion. They needed to act fast. If the mules made their way to the road, a car might hit them. If they trampled the vegetable garden or the cornstalks in the field, everything would be ruined.
Samuel rushed out the back door, and Rebekah stepped into the cool night air behind him. She paused and offered a silent prayer. Dear Lord, please help us get the mules back to the barn.
A few minute later, Rebekah turned the corner of the house and was surprised to see Samuel heading for the barn with ten draft mules obediently following. She breathed a prayer of thanks, as she helped him secure the mules inside their respective stalls.
"I'm surprised at how easily you led them in," she said.
Samuel nodded. "As soon as I left the house I began praying that the mules would cooperate."
"I was praying that too."
Samuel smiled. "I know there are times when we must wait for God's reply, but it never ceases to amaze me when he respond so quickly to our prayers."
She nodded. "I think sometimes, even before we ask, the Lord answers our prayers."
One of the reason people pray is out of a sense of need. Sometimes, however, we forget to pray and instead try to take matters into our own hands. Even though God knows our needs before we ask, He wants us to seek His help. He may answer quickly or make us wait, but we can be sure that He will answer, according to His will.
In 1 John 5:14 we are reminded: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us."
May we always remember to call on God whenever we have a need.
Food For Thought: If you are too busy to pray, you are busier than God wants you to be.
Food For The Body:
Cornmeal Muffins
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1 1/2 cups white flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 eggs
Milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the above ingredients together in a large bowl and add enough milk to make a stiff batter. Spoon into greased muffin tins. Baked 25-30 minutes. Serve warm. Delicious with honey.
How often have you prayed a prayer like the one Rebekah and Samuel prayed? Something that seems so simple. I have prayed quite a few times that the Lord would help me find my keys. :) So far that is a prayer that He has always answered. Just this past Saturday I was praying that God would help Andrew find something he needed. The Lord answered that prayer.
Yet, how often have I tried to do or fix something myself without taking it to God? Way too often is the answer. And the weird thing - the things I try to do myself are the big ones. I recognize that I can't find my keys on my own, yet I think I can decide my masters degree, who to witness to and when, and the courage to witness on my own without any help from God. For me, those are true examples of things I'm working on right now. And when I ask myself how many times I've prayed about them and truly meant that prayer - Well, the answer is embarrassing. Especially when I just prayed two days ago to find a computer part.
God answers prayers!! There is not a doubt in my mind. I guess I just always assume he is going to answer my prayer to find my keys on my time and in my way. So far He has done that. I've always found my keys and just in time before I'm late. With the big stuff, he might not answer in my way on my time. I might have to actually go witness to that person right now. I might have to take part in a program this summer that terrifies me. But!!! I also know that I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength (Phil 4:13) and God doesn't give me anything I can't do .... without Him. :)
I love the Food for Thought this week. If I'm too busy too pray than I am much busier than God wants me to be.
My prayer for myself and for you this week is that we would take the time to pray, to pray about the little stuff and the big stuff. God cares about all of it. Stop blogging (that's to me) and pray. Spend time with God. He's the best friends you'll ever have.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Simple Life Day #2 Part 2
I will be honest with you. When I opened this post to being to write, it was simply to tell you that I had nothing else to say about selling Jesus. Still, I felt like there must be something else I could get out this devotional. So I decided to google "selling Jesus".
What I learned? First thing I learned was that there is a song out there called Selling Jesus. It is by Skunk Anansie! - Yeah I know. I just had to see this lyrics to this song. The chorus of this song says
They're selling Jesus again.
They're selling Jesus again.
They want your soul and your money
Blood and your bones
They're selling Jesus again
Selling love to you, selling love
The verses talk about how you messed up (it gives a specific example) so you go to church because you feel guilty. It says that we made God up and wrote a book to keep you on your knees. It goes on and on with more of this type of thing.
I read these lyrics and I just think how sad that some people (probably more than I want to know) see church in this way - see true Bible believing Christian in this way. It makes us appear to be part of a cult.
The first link after this song was an article by an evangelist who realized he had tried to be salesman for Jesus. I actually read the article before I read the lyrics to the song and it made me thing of how we try to sale Jesus through church.
I have witnessed churches that feel like they need to use a certain style music, chair, preacher, building, or whatever to bring people in. They are using their ____ (fill in the blank) to sell Jesus. We have nice comfy chairs, come in and get some Jesus. We have a big elaborate building, come in and get some Jesus.
When did it get like this? Everything, not just Jesus, is so commercialized. When you watch a thirty minute tv show, the actual show is only about 1/2 of that thirty minutes. You spend the other 1/2 watching commercials. Most of those commercials are for things that are not necessary for your life. However, I believe Jesus is a necessity. All those other commericial are trying to fill that empty space in your heart. No matter how they jazz up their product, it will never work. Jesus is the only thing that is going to fill that empty space.
The author of the article talks about how we try to make Jesus soft and relevant so that people will want to "buy" Jesus. He says that this probably confuses new believers more than helps them, especially when they find Philippians 1:29 that says we will suffer for the Lord.
How true! We only want to sale the "good" part of God. In other words, we only try to sale that is loving and will be there for you in times of need. Don't get me wrong, we should be telling people those things. They are VERY good things. But with that love comes the chastening we deserve when we are disobedient. I hear parents say all the time (I guess on tv) the classic line of this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you as they punish their child. I can so hear God saying that. I don't think he enjoys disciplining us, but I think he loves us so he does it anyways.
Okay I just realized how much I've rambled on when I started this post with absolutely nothing to say. :) Thanks for the lessons you've given me tonight God. Help me to hide them in my heart and not forget them.
If you are interested in reading the rest of the article you can find it here.
What I learned? First thing I learned was that there is a song out there called Selling Jesus. It is by Skunk Anansie! - Yeah I know. I just had to see this lyrics to this song. The chorus of this song says
They're selling Jesus again.
They're selling Jesus again.
They want your soul and your money
Blood and your bones
They're selling Jesus again
Selling love to you, selling love
The verses talk about how you messed up (it gives a specific example) so you go to church because you feel guilty. It says that we made God up and wrote a book to keep you on your knees. It goes on and on with more of this type of thing.
I read these lyrics and I just think how sad that some people (probably more than I want to know) see church in this way - see true Bible believing Christian in this way. It makes us appear to be part of a cult.
The first link after this song was an article by an evangelist who realized he had tried to be salesman for Jesus. I actually read the article before I read the lyrics to the song and it made me thing of how we try to sale Jesus through church.
I have witnessed churches that feel like they need to use a certain style music, chair, preacher, building, or whatever to bring people in. They are using their ____ (fill in the blank) to sell Jesus. We have nice comfy chairs, come in and get some Jesus. We have a big elaborate building, come in and get some Jesus.
When did it get like this? Everything, not just Jesus, is so commercialized. When you watch a thirty minute tv show, the actual show is only about 1/2 of that thirty minutes. You spend the other 1/2 watching commercials. Most of those commercials are for things that are not necessary for your life. However, I believe Jesus is a necessity. All those other commericial are trying to fill that empty space in your heart. No matter how they jazz up their product, it will never work. Jesus is the only thing that is going to fill that empty space.
The author of the article talks about how we try to make Jesus soft and relevant so that people will want to "buy" Jesus. He says that this probably confuses new believers more than helps them, especially when they find Philippians 1:29 that says we will suffer for the Lord.
How true! We only want to sale the "good" part of God. In other words, we only try to sale that is loving and will be there for you in times of need. Don't get me wrong, we should be telling people those things. They are VERY good things. But with that love comes the chastening we deserve when we are disobedient. I hear parents say all the time (I guess on tv) the classic line of this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you as they punish their child. I can so hear God saying that. I don't think he enjoys disciplining us, but I think he loves us so he does it anyways.
Okay I just realized how much I've rambled on when I started this post with absolutely nothing to say. :) Thanks for the lessons you've given me tonight God. Help me to hide them in my heart and not forget them.
If you are interested in reading the rest of the article you can find it here.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Simple Life Day #2 Part 1
No Sale Pitch Needed
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Danki [thank you] for helping me with the pie stand today," Emmas said to her teenaged sons, Adam and Joseph.
"Du bischt willkumm [you are welcome]." Adam wiggled his dark eyebrows. "Everything looks good, and I may eat a whole pie myself if we don't see them all."
"We'd better do what we can to be sure they sell." Joseph poked his brother playfully. "Mom's gone to a lot of work baking all these goodies."
Emma clicked her tongue. "We don't want to do a sales pitch when folks stop by. The best way is to let the baked goods sell themselves."
"Jah, that's right," Adam agreed. "If the pies look good, then people will buy."
A short time later, a van pulled up, and two English women got out.
"I hear that the Amish make some real tasty pies," one of the women commented as they approached the stand.
"It's a nice day, isn't it?" Emma asked with a smile, making no reference to her pies.
"it certainly is," the second English woman agreed.
"You're welcome to look around," Joseph said. "And if you have any questions, feel free to ask."
The first woman smiled. "All of the pies look wonderful. I'm sure any of them would be good."
Emma nodded. "I hope so."
"Do you have any shoofly pie?" the other woman questioned. "That's my favorite kind."
"Right over there." Adam pointed to the left side of the stand.
The woman picked up two pies and brought them over to the battery-opperated cash register where Emma stood. "I'll take these."
"I'm going to get an apple-crumb pie," the other woman said.
A shorttime later, as the women walked back to their van, one of them said, "It's nice to buy something without getting a sales pitch."
Emma smiled at her boys, knowing they'd heard it, too. They'd made the right choice, letting the quality of the product do all the selling that was needed.
Often we feel frustrated when someone gives us a sales pitch. We become wary and doubtful of what they're saying. It can be the same when we talk about our faith. We should avoid trying to "sell" someone on Jesus. Instead, by allowing people to see God's light and love in us, they will be more apt to come to Him. Let the work He's doing in our lives do the talking.
In John 13:35 Jesus told His disciples the following: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
May others know we belong to Jesus by the love they see in us.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:Lamps do not talk; they shine.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Shoofly Pie
Ingredients: 1 cup flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter (crumbled)
1 cup light molasses (or 1/2 cup dark molasses and 1/2 cup Karo syrup)
3/4 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg, beaten
Prepared pie shell
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix the flour, brown sugar, and butter together in a small bowl. In anothe rbowl, mix the molasses, boiling water, soda, and beaten egg. Add half the crumb mixture to the liquid mixture, but do not beat. Pour into prepared pie shell and cover the top with the remaining crumbs. Bake for 10 minutes; then lower oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake for another 30 minutes. May be served as a breakfast pie or as dessert.
I don't know about you, but when it comes to Jesus I tend to be one of two types of salesman. Sadly, the one I have been most often is the nonexistent salesman. You know the type. They never acknowledge you are in the store; they make you feel totally ignored. I get this treatment a lot because apparently I don't look old enough to really be interested in purchasing things such as cologne for my husband. Anyways, unfortunately I do tend to choose not to tell people about Jesus. Why? Well I tend to believe, or at least convince myself, that everyone already knows or already goes to church. I know that isn't true. If it were, our world would be a lot better place. It's like I think what I know isn't worth sharing. That's a bunch of hogwash (to quote my fil). Jesus is definitely worth sharing.
I've also been quilty of being the other kind of salesman. The pushy kind that won't get off your back for two seconds. They follow you around, making you (or at least me) not want to buy anything. This is the salesman that the devotional was referring to. Oversaling Jesus! Why do we feel the need to do this? Don't we know that He is good enough to sale himself. It cracks me up that we would think we are capable to add some kind of good to God. I mean honestly, think about it. Like I said, even I've been guilty of this.
The nonbeliever doesn't need either one of the types of salesman. They need us to tell them about Jesus, yes! The Bible demands that we share the good news, but we have to show it too. It's a fine line that I'm sure we've all crossed more than once. But I'm thankful this devotional has brought it to my attention again so that I can be more aware of it in the future.
And that's it. That's all I have to night - I hope this makes since as I am very tired!!
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Danki [thank you] for helping me with the pie stand today," Emmas said to her teenaged sons, Adam and Joseph.
"Du bischt willkumm [you are welcome]." Adam wiggled his dark eyebrows. "Everything looks good, and I may eat a whole pie myself if we don't see them all."
"We'd better do what we can to be sure they sell." Joseph poked his brother playfully. "Mom's gone to a lot of work baking all these goodies."
Emma clicked her tongue. "We don't want to do a sales pitch when folks stop by. The best way is to let the baked goods sell themselves."
"Jah, that's right," Adam agreed. "If the pies look good, then people will buy."
A short time later, a van pulled up, and two English women got out.
"I hear that the Amish make some real tasty pies," one of the women commented as they approached the stand.
"It's a nice day, isn't it?" Emma asked with a smile, making no reference to her pies.
"it certainly is," the second English woman agreed.
"You're welcome to look around," Joseph said. "And if you have any questions, feel free to ask."
The first woman smiled. "All of the pies look wonderful. I'm sure any of them would be good."
Emma nodded. "I hope so."
"Do you have any shoofly pie?" the other woman questioned. "That's my favorite kind."
"Right over there." Adam pointed to the left side of the stand.
The woman picked up two pies and brought them over to the battery-opperated cash register where Emma stood. "I'll take these."
"I'm going to get an apple-crumb pie," the other woman said.
A shorttime later, as the women walked back to their van, one of them said, "It's nice to buy something without getting a sales pitch."
Emma smiled at her boys, knowing they'd heard it, too. They'd made the right choice, letting the quality of the product do all the selling that was needed.
Often we feel frustrated when someone gives us a sales pitch. We become wary and doubtful of what they're saying. It can be the same when we talk about our faith. We should avoid trying to "sell" someone on Jesus. Instead, by allowing people to see God's light and love in us, they will be more apt to come to Him. Let the work He's doing in our lives do the talking.
In John 13:35 Jesus told His disciples the following: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
May others know we belong to Jesus by the love they see in us.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:Lamps do not talk; they shine.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: Shoofly Pie
Ingredients: 1 cup flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter (crumbled)
1 cup light molasses (or 1/2 cup dark molasses and 1/2 cup Karo syrup)
3/4 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg, beaten
Prepared pie shell
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix the flour, brown sugar, and butter together in a small bowl. In anothe rbowl, mix the molasses, boiling water, soda, and beaten egg. Add half the crumb mixture to the liquid mixture, but do not beat. Pour into prepared pie shell and cover the top with the remaining crumbs. Bake for 10 minutes; then lower oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake for another 30 minutes. May be served as a breakfast pie or as dessert.
I don't know about you, but when it comes to Jesus I tend to be one of two types of salesman. Sadly, the one I have been most often is the nonexistent salesman. You know the type. They never acknowledge you are in the store; they make you feel totally ignored. I get this treatment a lot because apparently I don't look old enough to really be interested in purchasing things such as cologne for my husband. Anyways, unfortunately I do tend to choose not to tell people about Jesus. Why? Well I tend to believe, or at least convince myself, that everyone already knows or already goes to church. I know that isn't true. If it were, our world would be a lot better place. It's like I think what I know isn't worth sharing. That's a bunch of hogwash (to quote my fil). Jesus is definitely worth sharing.
I've also been quilty of being the other kind of salesman. The pushy kind that won't get off your back for two seconds. They follow you around, making you (or at least me) not want to buy anything. This is the salesman that the devotional was referring to. Oversaling Jesus! Why do we feel the need to do this? Don't we know that He is good enough to sale himself. It cracks me up that we would think we are capable to add some kind of good to God. I mean honestly, think about it. Like I said, even I've been guilty of this.
The nonbeliever doesn't need either one of the types of salesman. They need us to tell them about Jesus, yes! The Bible demands that we share the good news, but we have to show it too. It's a fine line that I'm sure we've all crossed more than once. But I'm thankful this devotional has brought it to my attention again so that I can be more aware of it in the future.
And that's it. That's all I have to night - I hope this makes since as I am very tired!!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Simple Life Day #1 Part 5
Today I have only for you two quotes that I found about hospitality.
"Hospitality should have no other nature than love." Henrietta Miers
"When hospitality becomes an art, it loses its very soul." Max Beerbohm
I don't think, no I know we will never be perfect at being hospitable. But we do it because we love each other.
If you have the opportunity to give or receive hospitality in the weeks to come, please share with me. Let's encourage each other through our experiences.
"Hospitality should have no other nature than love." Henrietta Miers
"When hospitality becomes an art, it loses its very soul." Max Beerbohm
I don't think, no I know we will never be perfect at being hospitable. But we do it because we love each other.
If you have the opportunity to give or receive hospitality in the weeks to come, please share with me. Let's encourage each other through our experiences.
New Look
Okay so I'm still not happy with the new look of my blog, but if I spend any more time on thecutestblog or scrapblog...... I'm going to go insane! I don't know if I am being too picky or what, but I can't find anything I like. I'm so ready for Andrew to get home so we can have a blog title photo shoot, because I can't find a single picture I actually want to use. BLAH!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Simple Life Day #1 Part 4
As I searched biblegateway for the word hospitality, a new perspective came to me. Luke 10:7 says Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.
For the past three days the only way I've seen it offering hospitality, but what about accepting hospitality. Hopefully in your life time you have already to have the opportunity to do this. I hope that you have many more opportunities ahead of you as well.
I'll admit, for me accepting hospitality comes easy most of the time. Maybe that is because I only really remember accepting it from family and very close friends. However there are many accounts when someone will hold the door for me @ Wal-Mart or wherever. When I have both Liberty & Liam, I tend to be on the accepting end of hospitality quite often. They are a handful without Andrew to help me and I think that is obvious to the people around me.
I do, however, no people who have a very hard time accepting hospitality. They don't like people to pay for their meal, help them carry something, etc, etc. I often ask myself why they are this way. I just don't understand it. I have a student who doesn't have the best home life. He is a very sweet young man and will make you love him the instant you meet him. Teachers & students both have offered help to his father (single parent) several times. This dad gets angry when something is given to his family. He says he is the provider and doesn't need hand outs. Can you say pride? The only conclusion that I am able to reach is that people who just can not accept hospitality don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ. They are still believing that they only need themselves.
How does this change how we offer hospitality? To be honest, I'm not sure. I don't think you can make someone accept hospitality. All you can do is offer it and pray. I do think that part of the problem is that there isn't enough people out there offering hospitality. It is very uncommon in today's society and that is very sad to me.
Okay that's it for today. I feel like this post was just rambling, but today I simply typed as things come into my head. I'm fairly certain there is something good in this post because I've searched biblegateway every day this week for hospitality and today is the first time I noticed Luke 10:7. I will have to go back and read this post later.
Tomorrow will be the last day for hospitality as far as I can see. I want Saturday & Sunday to be a little different. I'm not sure what it will be yet. Monday I will start Simple Life Day #2.
Also - I want to invite all of you to join me in the His Holy Name Challenge. This is hosted by Patter. It is a scrapbooking thing, but I encourage you to do the Bible Study even if you aren't into the scrapbooking thing. We are going to learn more about the God we serve and love. I am so excited. I am counting down the days until this Sunday when it will start.
For the past three days the only way I've seen it offering hospitality, but what about accepting hospitality. Hopefully in your life time you have already to have the opportunity to do this. I hope that you have many more opportunities ahead of you as well.
I'll admit, for me accepting hospitality comes easy most of the time. Maybe that is because I only really remember accepting it from family and very close friends. However there are many accounts when someone will hold the door for me @ Wal-Mart or wherever. When I have both Liberty & Liam, I tend to be on the accepting end of hospitality quite often. They are a handful without Andrew to help me and I think that is obvious to the people around me.
I do, however, no people who have a very hard time accepting hospitality. They don't like people to pay for their meal, help them carry something, etc, etc. I often ask myself why they are this way. I just don't understand it. I have a student who doesn't have the best home life. He is a very sweet young man and will make you love him the instant you meet him. Teachers & students both have offered help to his father (single parent) several times. This dad gets angry when something is given to his family. He says he is the provider and doesn't need hand outs. Can you say pride? The only conclusion that I am able to reach is that people who just can not accept hospitality don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ. They are still believing that they only need themselves.
How does this change how we offer hospitality? To be honest, I'm not sure. I don't think you can make someone accept hospitality. All you can do is offer it and pray. I do think that part of the problem is that there isn't enough people out there offering hospitality. It is very uncommon in today's society and that is very sad to me.
Okay that's it for today. I feel like this post was just rambling, but today I simply typed as things come into my head. I'm fairly certain there is something good in this post because I've searched biblegateway every day this week for hospitality and today is the first time I noticed Luke 10:7. I will have to go back and read this post later.
Tomorrow will be the last day for hospitality as far as I can see. I want Saturday & Sunday to be a little different. I'm not sure what it will be yet. Monday I will start Simple Life Day #2.
Also - I want to invite all of you to join me in the His Holy Name Challenge. This is hosted by Patter. It is a scrapbooking thing, but I encourage you to do the Bible Study even if you aren't into the scrapbooking thing. We are going to learn more about the God we serve and love. I am so excited. I am counting down the days until this Sunday when it will start.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Simple Life Day #1 Part 3
A few more thoughts on hospitality.
1 Peter 4:8-10 says
8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
I love that we have to be told to show hospitality without grumbling, without complaining. It is part of loving one another the way God would have us to love. I have to share my Wal-Mart story with you. Monday afternoon after my forever long post about hospitality and loving people even in Wal-Mart, I took off to Wal-Mart. I needed to get my oil-changed & tires rotated. Normally I prefer to go to Benton for this as they are much faster and friendlier. However, I need to buy groceries and I prefer to do that in Bryant so to Bryant I went. I pulled up to get my oil changed and the family in front of me needed to buy new tires. The girl working explained to them that they couldn't do anything with tires today because of scheduling or something. She sent to them to Benton. I quietly told them that Benton was better anyways. Well the girl working walks up, gives me a dirty look, and asked what I was whispering about. She asked if I knew those people. I said no just making conversation. :) I tell her I need my oil changed and my tires rotated. She just laughed at me. And trust me you aren't getting from this post how odd this girl is. Anyways, I said can't rotate tires? She said no and I said that's fine, I'll just take the oil change. This whole time I am standing by my car with the car running and no one else in it. There is only person behind me. She asked which car was mine!! Are you kidding me? Obviously it is the empty car I got out of (she watched) and am now standing beside. She asks her few questions and then asked if the keys were in my car. Well, yeah it's running isn't it? I'm a littler perturbed with her at this point in case you can't tell.
I get out of there and go buy my groceries. I have produce in my cart so I know that I cannot check out in the automotive department, but I want to make sure my car is ready before I do check out. So I'm waiting my turn to ask her when she picks up my avocados like they are some sort of disease infected item and says I can't check out there because of those and then throws them back into my cart. I said I knew that I just wanted to make sure my car was ready. It was so I went to check out and walk around to get my car.
So now I'm back in line at the automotive, when it hits me. I was just talking about hospitality and I have done nothing like that to this girl. I immediately started praying that God would allow me to love this girl the same he does. I reminded myself that God loves her just as much as he loves me. Please help me be patient and friendly to her. Then it is my turn. She notices this scrapbooking punch card on my key chain and asks me about whether or not the place is still open. BAM!!! instant bond - we immediately start talking about scrapbooking. God is amazing.
I started off grumbling, but gave it to God and found a common interest with this girl. I saw her with different eyes.
So...the next time you find yourself in a situation similar to mine, I strongly encourage you to pray.
1 Peter 4:8-10 says
8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
I love that we have to be told to show hospitality without grumbling, without complaining. It is part of loving one another the way God would have us to love. I have to share my Wal-Mart story with you. Monday afternoon after my forever long post about hospitality and loving people even in Wal-Mart, I took off to Wal-Mart. I needed to get my oil-changed & tires rotated. Normally I prefer to go to Benton for this as they are much faster and friendlier. However, I need to buy groceries and I prefer to do that in Bryant so to Bryant I went. I pulled up to get my oil changed and the family in front of me needed to buy new tires. The girl working explained to them that they couldn't do anything with tires today because of scheduling or something. She sent to them to Benton. I quietly told them that Benton was better anyways. Well the girl working walks up, gives me a dirty look, and asked what I was whispering about. She asked if I knew those people. I said no just making conversation. :) I tell her I need my oil changed and my tires rotated. She just laughed at me. And trust me you aren't getting from this post how odd this girl is. Anyways, I said can't rotate tires? She said no and I said that's fine, I'll just take the oil change. This whole time I am standing by my car with the car running and no one else in it. There is only person behind me. She asked which car was mine!! Are you kidding me? Obviously it is the empty car I got out of (she watched) and am now standing beside. She asks her few questions and then asked if the keys were in my car. Well, yeah it's running isn't it? I'm a littler perturbed with her at this point in case you can't tell.
I get out of there and go buy my groceries. I have produce in my cart so I know that I cannot check out in the automotive department, but I want to make sure my car is ready before I do check out. So I'm waiting my turn to ask her when she picks up my avocados like they are some sort of disease infected item and says I can't check out there because of those and then throws them back into my cart. I said I knew that I just wanted to make sure my car was ready. It was so I went to check out and walk around to get my car.
So now I'm back in line at the automotive, when it hits me. I was just talking about hospitality and I have done nothing like that to this girl. I immediately started praying that God would allow me to love this girl the same he does. I reminded myself that God loves her just as much as he loves me. Please help me be patient and friendly to her. Then it is my turn. She notices this scrapbooking punch card on my key chain and asks me about whether or not the place is still open. BAM!!! instant bond - we immediately start talking about scrapbooking. God is amazing.
I started off grumbling, but gave it to God and found a common interest with this girl. I saw her with different eyes.
So...the next time you find yourself in a situation similar to mine, I strongly encourage you to pray.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Simple Life Day #1 Part 2
I've had a change of heart. I decided to do only one day each week. I just can't seem to get this hospitality thing off my heart. I don't feel like I've gotten everything from it God wants me to take. So I'm going to continue to look at hospitality this week. I'll bring you day two Monday. All last night and all day today I've been thinking about the story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary. Here it is to freshen your memory on what went down.
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
This is taken from Luke 10:38-42
You have two very different women here. Martha who more worried about what her home looks like and the meal that they will eat. And you have Mary who is simply interested in Jesus. There have been several books and studies about these two women out there. All the ones I've read say you are either Martha or you are Mary - no combination of the two.
I'm afraid that I probably lead towards being more Martha than Mary. I always want my home to be very presentable. Who doesn't? However, Jesus says that Mary chose what was better. So, I don't have to keep a clean house and be a good cook!!! That is what Jesus is saying here right? I will definitely be sharing this with Andrew when he gets home. :) No, I still think your home needs to be presentable. That definitely helps in giving it that welcoming feel.
However, dictionary.com defines hospitality as the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. It said nothing about my home - only how I treat people. More proof that hospitality extends beyond our home. Sometimes this is very hard for me. I allow myself to get so stressed out about my house, the food, my appearance, that I forget to stop and enjoy the time with the people. I even do this when it is family coming over.
So maybe those books are wrong. Maybe there is a way to be a little bit of Martha and a little bit of Mary all rolled into one.
Either way Jesus is coming - are you ready? I am!
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
This is taken from Luke 10:38-42
You have two very different women here. Martha who more worried about what her home looks like and the meal that they will eat. And you have Mary who is simply interested in Jesus. There have been several books and studies about these two women out there. All the ones I've read say you are either Martha or you are Mary - no combination of the two.
I'm afraid that I probably lead towards being more Martha than Mary. I always want my home to be very presentable. Who doesn't? However, Jesus says that Mary chose what was better. So, I don't have to keep a clean house and be a good cook!!! That is what Jesus is saying here right? I will definitely be sharing this with Andrew when he gets home. :) No, I still think your home needs to be presentable. That definitely helps in giving it that welcoming feel.
However, dictionary.com defines hospitality as the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. It said nothing about my home - only how I treat people. More proof that hospitality extends beyond our home. Sometimes this is very hard for me. I allow myself to get so stressed out about my house, the food, my appearance, that I forget to stop and enjoy the time with the people. I even do this when it is family coming over.
So maybe those books are wrong. Maybe there is a way to be a little bit of Martha and a little bit of Mary all rolled into one.
Either way Jesus is coming - are you ready? I am!
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Simple Life Day#1
I received a book for Christmas entitled "The Simple Life". It is devotional thoughts from Amish Country. It is all about not feeling the need to keep up with the Jones. I got this and was just overwhelmed with a desire to start this, implement the ideas into my life, and share it with you. I think we all need to remember what is truly important and it is not all the earthly possessions we have. I know I often struggle with this. I intend to do this devotional every day and to share it with you. It comes with a recipe that is popular in the Amish community. I hope you and I both grow from this.
Friendly Welcome
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2
"Are you sure your Amish friends won't mind us stopping by?" Rick asked Wayne as they drove onto a graveled driveway.
Rick's wife, Eileen, nodded. "We feel funny about dropping in unannounced."
Wayne turned off the car's engine. "I've known Eli for some time. I'm sure he and Joanna will be pleased to meet our friends."
"Joanna and Eli have always been hospitable to me," Wayne's wife, Karen, added.
As they left the car and strolled past an Amish buggy parked near the barn, Eileen's apprehension rose. Would this Amish couple really welcome people they had never met?
When they entered the expansive yard, Eileen noticed tow children romping in the nearby creek. The towheaded boy's dark trousers were rolled to the knees, and blue cotton shirttails peeked out from under tan suspenders. The little girl didn't seem to care that the hem of her long blue dress was getting wet, while she giggled and flicked water with her bare toes.
A young Amish woman wearing a dark green dress with black cape and apron stepped out the back door. A tall Amish man with reddish blond hair and matching beard followed. Wayne made the introductions, explaining that Rick and Eileen were visiting from the state of Washington.
"Welcome," Joanna said, motioning to the picnic table. "Would you care to sit awhile?"
"Maybe you'd like a glass of iced tea," Eli offered with a friendly grin.
For the next hour, the three couples sat at the picnic table, visiting, watching the children play, and savoring the pleasant taste of cool mint tea.
When it was time to go, Eileen shook Joanna's hand and said, "thank you for your hospitality. We've enjoyed our visit."
"You're welcome," Joanna replied.
As they drove away, Eileen reflected on their time spent with the Amish family. She felt like they had made some new friends. Would I have been as pleasant and hospitable if uninvited guests had showed up at my house? How many times have I put off writing a letter or phoning a friend because I was too busy? When was the last time I entertained strangers?
Hospitality seems easier when we are with family and friends, but God reminds us to entertain those outside our familiar circle. In Mark 9:41, we are reminded that Jesus said, "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." Whether it be a cup of water or a glass of iced tea, God is pleased when we show hospitality. After all, for some people, our friendship and hospitality may be the only Jesus they will ever see.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Good friends are like good quilts; they never lose their warmth.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: MINT TEA
2 quarts fresh mint leaves
1 cup sugar
Boiling Water
Fill a large kettle with fresh clean mint leaves, add sugar, and cover with boiling water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover and let stand several hours or overnight. Remove mint leaves by straining. Then pour the remaining cooled tea into a pitcher to refrigerate or serve later in Ice-filled glasses.
As soon as I finished reading this devotional, I immediately turned to Hebrews 13. I wanted the whole chapter. And wow! God gives the gift of hospitality to some, but not to all. Does that mean this devotional only applies to those who have the gift? Absolutely not! It just means that those who don't have the gift might have to work a little harder at it, that's all. We can do it though. Hebrews 13:20-21 says, 20 Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
21 may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,[e]
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
Notice the first part of verse 21 - may he equip you with ALL you need for doing his will. I believe that being hospitable is God's will and that He will give me and you both all we need to be hospitable. How would you feel if guests - strangers or family - just showed up at your house unexpected? Unfortunately today we don't even visit family without first calling to make sure it okay, let alone people we barely know. I know that if people showed up at my house unexpected, I would be very ashamed and uncomfortable. Not because I didn't want them here - I love having people over and am lucky enough to have been given the gift of hospitality - but because unless I know you are coming - my house isn't.. Let's just say I am a horrible house keeper. Like right now as I sit here writing this I just think how much I need to clean. And there are those people who say their house is dirty because they haven't dusted or vacuumed today - that's not me. When I say my house is dirty I mean right now you wouldn't have a place to sit in my living room and you can't see my kitchen over all the dirty dishes - gross, I know. Don't worry I'm taking care of it as soon as I finish here. :) I think part of this being willing to open your house up is always being ready to open your house. Start each day like you might have company coming - I know that mind set would sure help me with my house keeping.
The old saying of you are the only Jesus they may see is worn out but very true. I don't think hospitality is limited to our home. What about when you are in crazy people filled Wal-Mart? Do you even notice the people you walk by? Do you stop and help that mother with a screaming child? Do you pray for her? Do you notice the elderly lady trying to reach something on a higher shelf? Do you talk to the person in behind you in line as you PATIENTLY wait your turn? They are real people with real problems. Stop, talk to them, pray for them. And I'm preaching to myself here more than anyone else. I'm not an outgoing person. If you aren't my family or friend, I pretty much don't talk to you. It is something that I need to work on. I said earlier that I believe I've been given the gift of hospitality, but that doesn't mean it comes easy to me. It is definitely something I have to work on and it is definitely something that takes me out of my comfort zone more often than I would like. But I think that is one of the reasons God chose to give me that gift.
I challenge you this week to practice the art of being hospitable. Welcome someone into your home, or even better welcome them into your life. God doesn't want you to keep in your familiar circle. If we did that, how would we ever share Jesus with everyone who needs Him? Talk to a stranger this week. Place Hebrews 13:2 in your heart and store it there.
In an attempt to grow closer to Him,
E. Ann
Friendly Welcome
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2
"Are you sure your Amish friends won't mind us stopping by?" Rick asked Wayne as they drove onto a graveled driveway.
Rick's wife, Eileen, nodded. "We feel funny about dropping in unannounced."
Wayne turned off the car's engine. "I've known Eli for some time. I'm sure he and Joanna will be pleased to meet our friends."
"Joanna and Eli have always been hospitable to me," Wayne's wife, Karen, added.
As they left the car and strolled past an Amish buggy parked near the barn, Eileen's apprehension rose. Would this Amish couple really welcome people they had never met?
When they entered the expansive yard, Eileen noticed tow children romping in the nearby creek. The towheaded boy's dark trousers were rolled to the knees, and blue cotton shirttails peeked out from under tan suspenders. The little girl didn't seem to care that the hem of her long blue dress was getting wet, while she giggled and flicked water with her bare toes.
A young Amish woman wearing a dark green dress with black cape and apron stepped out the back door. A tall Amish man with reddish blond hair and matching beard followed. Wayne made the introductions, explaining that Rick and Eileen were visiting from the state of Washington.
"Welcome," Joanna said, motioning to the picnic table. "Would you care to sit awhile?"
"Maybe you'd like a glass of iced tea," Eli offered with a friendly grin.
For the next hour, the three couples sat at the picnic table, visiting, watching the children play, and savoring the pleasant taste of cool mint tea.
When it was time to go, Eileen shook Joanna's hand and said, "thank you for your hospitality. We've enjoyed our visit."
"You're welcome," Joanna replied.
As they drove away, Eileen reflected on their time spent with the Amish family. She felt like they had made some new friends. Would I have been as pleasant and hospitable if uninvited guests had showed up at my house? How many times have I put off writing a letter or phoning a friend because I was too busy? When was the last time I entertained strangers?
Hospitality seems easier when we are with family and friends, but God reminds us to entertain those outside our familiar circle. In Mark 9:41, we are reminded that Jesus said, "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." Whether it be a cup of water or a glass of iced tea, God is pleased when we show hospitality. After all, for some people, our friendship and hospitality may be the only Jesus they will ever see.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Good friends are like good quilts; they never lose their warmth.
FOOD FOR THE BODY: MINT TEA
2 quarts fresh mint leaves
1 cup sugar
Boiling Water
Fill a large kettle with fresh clean mint leaves, add sugar, and cover with boiling water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover and let stand several hours or overnight. Remove mint leaves by straining. Then pour the remaining cooled tea into a pitcher to refrigerate or serve later in Ice-filled glasses.
As soon as I finished reading this devotional, I immediately turned to Hebrews 13. I wanted the whole chapter. And wow! God gives the gift of hospitality to some, but not to all. Does that mean this devotional only applies to those who have the gift? Absolutely not! It just means that those who don't have the gift might have to work a little harder at it, that's all. We can do it though. Hebrews 13:20-21 says, 20 Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
21 may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,[e]
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
Notice the first part of verse 21 - may he equip you with ALL you need for doing his will. I believe that being hospitable is God's will and that He will give me and you both all we need to be hospitable. How would you feel if guests - strangers or family - just showed up at your house unexpected? Unfortunately today we don't even visit family without first calling to make sure it okay, let alone people we barely know. I know that if people showed up at my house unexpected, I would be very ashamed and uncomfortable. Not because I didn't want them here - I love having people over and am lucky enough to have been given the gift of hospitality - but because unless I know you are coming - my house isn't.. Let's just say I am a horrible house keeper. Like right now as I sit here writing this I just think how much I need to clean. And there are those people who say their house is dirty because they haven't dusted or vacuumed today - that's not me. When I say my house is dirty I mean right now you wouldn't have a place to sit in my living room and you can't see my kitchen over all the dirty dishes - gross, I know. Don't worry I'm taking care of it as soon as I finish here. :) I think part of this being willing to open your house up is always being ready to open your house. Start each day like you might have company coming - I know that mind set would sure help me with my house keeping.
The old saying of you are the only Jesus they may see is worn out but very true. I don't think hospitality is limited to our home. What about when you are in crazy people filled Wal-Mart? Do you even notice the people you walk by? Do you stop and help that mother with a screaming child? Do you pray for her? Do you notice the elderly lady trying to reach something on a higher shelf? Do you talk to the person in behind you in line as you PATIENTLY wait your turn? They are real people with real problems. Stop, talk to them, pray for them. And I'm preaching to myself here more than anyone else. I'm not an outgoing person. If you aren't my family or friend, I pretty much don't talk to you. It is something that I need to work on. I said earlier that I believe I've been given the gift of hospitality, but that doesn't mean it comes easy to me. It is definitely something I have to work on and it is definitely something that takes me out of my comfort zone more often than I would like. But I think that is one of the reasons God chose to give me that gift.
I challenge you this week to practice the art of being hospitable. Welcome someone into your home, or even better welcome them into your life. God doesn't want you to keep in your familiar circle. If we did that, how would we ever share Jesus with everyone who needs Him? Talk to a stranger this week. Place Hebrews 13:2 in your heart and store it there.
In an attempt to grow closer to Him,
E. Ann
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