Friday, December 25, 2015
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Healthy Minute- Women's Health
I came across this pamphlet about women's health and I loved all the information it contained. The herbs suggested aren't very expensive and can be bought directly from the manufacturer- Herbs ETC.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Funny Happenings- You Stink!
I was walking around my house in a sweater because it was cold outside. I had just gotten out of a nice hot shower, and I was feeling pretty good and clean.
My niece ran up and threw her arms around me and gave me a great big hug, "I love you so much!" Then she stepped back, wrinkled her nose, and added, "You stink!"
I wasn't expecting that. I thought I smelled like my soap and shampoo. So, I walked up to my son and pulled my sweater out and asked him to smell it. "What does this smell like?"
He took a deep whiff, shrugged his shoulders, and responded, "Like Dad!"
My niece ran up and threw her arms around me and gave me a great big hug, "I love you so much!" Then she stepped back, wrinkled her nose, and added, "You stink!"
I wasn't expecting that. I thought I smelled like my soap and shampoo. So, I walked up to my son and pulled my sweater out and asked him to smell it. "What does this smell like?"
He took a deep whiff, shrugged his shoulders, and responded, "Like Dad!"
Monday, December 7, 2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
The Day I Was Crucified book review
The Day I Was Crucified is an amazing book! It's the story of the crucifixion as told by the Lord Jesus Christ. This book takes you into the unseen world of God on the day when Christ suffered to pay the sins of all.
The book is broken down into two parts.
Part 1 is the story told by Christ. It begins by telling you where certain players in the story are at the beginning of that day- Pilate's wife, Judas, Mary, and even the two thieves and Barabas. Then it goes on to tell of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane looking at the cup filled with centuries of sin and rebellion knowing that His perfect being must accept what lies therein.
Part 1 ends with Christ talking to Mary Magdelene in the garden. He's telling what He felt when she realizes who He is. How He has to go to His father, but He gives her a commission to tell others that He has risen.
Part 2 is a blending of the story as told in all four gospels with dates and times included. It is told from the standpoint of someone viewing the events of that day. It begins two days before the Passover Feast, and ends in the same place as Part 1 does.
I had a new respect for what Christ did for me, and a new understanding of exactly what my salvation cost Him when I finished reading this book. I highly recommend it to all who would know a little bit better just how much Christ loves them.
The book is broken down into two parts.
Part 1 is the story told by Christ. It begins by telling you where certain players in the story are at the beginning of that day- Pilate's wife, Judas, Mary, and even the two thieves and Barabas. Then it goes on to tell of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane looking at the cup filled with centuries of sin and rebellion knowing that His perfect being must accept what lies therein.
Part 1 ends with Christ talking to Mary Magdelene in the garden. He's telling what He felt when she realizes who He is. How He has to go to His father, but He gives her a commission to tell others that He has risen.
Part 2 is a blending of the story as told in all four gospels with dates and times included. It is told from the standpoint of someone viewing the events of that day. It begins two days before the Passover Feast, and ends in the same place as Part 1 does.
I had a new respect for what Christ did for me, and a new understanding of exactly what my salvation cost Him when I finished reading this book. I highly recommend it to all who would know a little bit better just how much Christ loves them.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Some Gates (video sermon)
In the Old Testament, a prophet named Jeremiah wrote a few hundred feet from the bottom of Golgotha (Calvary) "Is it nothing to you, all ye who pass by?". Jeremiah was prophesying about Christ hanging on that hill. God's son on the cross who paid for our sins, and is ignored by so many. Is it nothing to you?
The book of Nehemiah tells us that Jerusalem has 10 gates all the way around it. God wants you to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. These gates were made for very specific purposes. And, each gate has a spiritual application to the life of the believer.
The first gate we're going to focus on is called the Sheep gate. It has no bars. Anybody can come in that gate- whosoever will! If you will ask God to save you, the Good Shepherd will accept you into His flock and you can enter New Jerusalem at the sheep gate.
The sheep gate was built by pairs of Levites. Men who served the Lord working side-by-side. But, there were also women at the gate. It wasn't just holy men who were working the gate. Women were allowed there.
This gate was built by homes. It wasn't separated from everyday living. It wasn't visited on special occasions, or specific days. It was passed by on a daily basis. Your Christian walk isn't only in the church. You live it daily, everywhere! You represent what it stands for each place you go.
Another gate is called the Fish gate. Once you pass through the sheep gate, you become a fisherman. It's now your job to go tell others about Christ and His salvation!
There's the Old gate. God never changes. His way of salvation doesn't change because the next generation thinks it should. Calvary saves sinners today the same way it saved the people in the book of Acts! God uses the Old Book- the King James Bible! He sends people down the Old paths- the way narrow and straight! God uses the Old gate because it works!
There's a Valley gate where sometimes we all have to walk. Great men aren't born; they're made. You can't prevent God from allowing suffering in your life, but you can control how you respond to it. The valley is full of uncertainty and darkness. Sometimes we don't even know which way to turn. It's normally in the valley that we end up making mistakes. God knows we aren't perfect, and He's made provision for the missteps we make when we're in the valley.
There's a Dung gate. This gate is where you drop off all the waste. Take all the crap that slows you down and distracts you and drop it at this gate. You can make a change! You don't have to drag all those mistakes with you. You don't have to carry all the regrets of past failures. There's a place for you to drop those- kneel at Calvary's tree and walk away free!
Everyone makes mistakes. People are gonna mess up. Don't talk about them. Don't beat them up with it. Help them out! Encourage them! Remember that you could be there if not for the grace of God!
The Water gate is where you get refreshed! God gives us Living Waters from which we can freely drink daily. Read your Bible; pray everyday!
The Horse gate is where you go forth to the battle. Each day you will face the world, the flesh, and the devil. Temptations aren't going to leave you. You will battle them everyday. But you can always come back and stop by the Water gate to get refreshed!
The King will return through the Eastern Gate. The Eastern gate is the one the King is going to come through when He returns during the Battle of Armageddon. It's been closed up by the world. But, that won't be a problem for Him!
No matter which gate you find yourself walking through don't forget you're never alone. Someone's always watching. Problems are always waiting. But, don't fret! There are plenty more gates that you can visit! And God can use any gate to serve a purpose for His will in your life.
The book of Nehemiah tells us that Jerusalem has 10 gates all the way around it. God wants you to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. These gates were made for very specific purposes. And, each gate has a spiritual application to the life of the believer.
The first gate we're going to focus on is called the Sheep gate. It has no bars. Anybody can come in that gate- whosoever will! If you will ask God to save you, the Good Shepherd will accept you into His flock and you can enter New Jerusalem at the sheep gate.
The sheep gate was built by pairs of Levites. Men who served the Lord working side-by-side. But, there were also women at the gate. It wasn't just holy men who were working the gate. Women were allowed there.
This gate was built by homes. It wasn't separated from everyday living. It wasn't visited on special occasions, or specific days. It was passed by on a daily basis. Your Christian walk isn't only in the church. You live it daily, everywhere! You represent what it stands for each place you go.
Another gate is called the Fish gate. Once you pass through the sheep gate, you become a fisherman. It's now your job to go tell others about Christ and His salvation!
There's the Old gate. God never changes. His way of salvation doesn't change because the next generation thinks it should. Calvary saves sinners today the same way it saved the people in the book of Acts! God uses the Old Book- the King James Bible! He sends people down the Old paths- the way narrow and straight! God uses the Old gate because it works!
There's a Valley gate where sometimes we all have to walk. Great men aren't born; they're made. You can't prevent God from allowing suffering in your life, but you can control how you respond to it. The valley is full of uncertainty and darkness. Sometimes we don't even know which way to turn. It's normally in the valley that we end up making mistakes. God knows we aren't perfect, and He's made provision for the missteps we make when we're in the valley.
There's a Dung gate. This gate is where you drop off all the waste. Take all the crap that slows you down and distracts you and drop it at this gate. You can make a change! You don't have to drag all those mistakes with you. You don't have to carry all the regrets of past failures. There's a place for you to drop those- kneel at Calvary's tree and walk away free!
Everyone makes mistakes. People are gonna mess up. Don't talk about them. Don't beat them up with it. Help them out! Encourage them! Remember that you could be there if not for the grace of God!
The Water gate is where you get refreshed! God gives us Living Waters from which we can freely drink daily. Read your Bible; pray everyday!
The Horse gate is where you go forth to the battle. Each day you will face the world, the flesh, and the devil. Temptations aren't going to leave you. You will battle them everyday. But you can always come back and stop by the Water gate to get refreshed!
The King will return through the Eastern Gate. The Eastern gate is the one the King is going to come through when He returns during the Battle of Armageddon. It's been closed up by the world. But, that won't be a problem for Him!
No matter which gate you find yourself walking through don't forget you're never alone. Someone's always watching. Problems are always waiting. But, don't fret! There are plenty more gates that you can visit! And God can use any gate to serve a purpose for His will in your life.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Ratatouillie recipe
1 lb chopped yellow onion
3 cloves minced garlic
1 lb chopped zucchini
1 lb chopped yellow squash
1 lb orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 lb yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 ob red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 lb egg plant, peeled and chopped
olive oil or lard
2 springs thyme
1 sprin rosemary
1 bay leaf
3/4 cup chicken bone broth
1 lb fresh diced tomatoes
Preheat oven to 400*
Saute each set of veggies (except tomatoes) in olive oil or lard. Do not saute together; saute each individually.
Place veggies (except tomatoes) in a baking dish with thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and stock.
Bake at 400* for 1 hour.
Drain liquid into a pot. Place veggies back in baking dish.
Cook the liquid until it is reduced in half.
Add the tomatoes to the veggies and pour the liquid over top.
Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.
3 cloves minced garlic
1 lb chopped zucchini
1 lb chopped yellow squash
1 lb orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 lb yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 ob red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 lb egg plant, peeled and chopped
olive oil or lard
2 springs thyme
1 sprin rosemary
1 bay leaf
3/4 cup chicken bone broth
1 lb fresh diced tomatoes
Preheat oven to 400*
Saute each set of veggies (except tomatoes) in olive oil or lard. Do not saute together; saute each individually.
Place veggies (except tomatoes) in a baking dish with thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and stock.
Bake at 400* for 1 hour.
Drain liquid into a pot. Place veggies back in baking dish.
Cook the liquid until it is reduced in half.
Add the tomatoes to the veggies and pour the liquid over top.
Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Cowboy Story (poem)
Jake, the rancher, went one day to fix a distant fence.
The wind was cold and gusty, and the clouds were grey and dense.
As he pounded the last staples in and gathered tools to go,
The temperature had fallen and the snow began to blow.
When he finally reached his pickup, he felt with heavy heart
From the sound of that ignition he knew it wouldn't start.
So, Jake did what most of us do if we would've been there.
He humbly bowed his balding head and sent aloft a prayer.
As he turned the key for the last time, he softly cursed his luck.
They found him three days later frozen stiff in that old truck.
Now Jake had been around in life and done his share of roamin'.
But when he saw heaven, he was shocked! It looked just like Wyomin'.
Of all the saints in heaven, his favorite was St. Peter.
Now, this line ain't needed, but it helps with rhyme and meter.
So, they set and talked a minute or two, or maybe it was three.
Nobody was keepin' score- in heaven time is free!
"I've always heard, "Jake said to Pete, "that God will answer prayers.
But, one time I asked for help. Well, He just plain wasn't there!
Does God answer prayers of some, and ignore the prayers of others?
That don't seem exactly square. I know all men are brothers.
Or, does he randomly reply without good rhyme or reason?
Maybe it's the time of day? The weather? Or, the season?
Now, I ain't tryin' to act smart. It's just the way I feel.
And I was wonderin' could you tell- what the heck's the deal?"
Peter listened very patiently, and when Jake was done,
There were smiles of recognition, and he said, "So, You're the one!
That day your truck wouldn't start, and you sent your prayer a flying,
You gave us all a real bad time with hundreds of us trying!
A thousand angels rushed to check the status of your file,
But, you know, Jake, we hadn't heard from you in quite a while!
And, though all prayers are answered, and God ain't got no quota.
He didn't recognize your voice, and started a truck in North Dakota."
-Author Unknown
The wind was cold and gusty, and the clouds were grey and dense.
As he pounded the last staples in and gathered tools to go,
The temperature had fallen and the snow began to blow.
When he finally reached his pickup, he felt with heavy heart
From the sound of that ignition he knew it wouldn't start.
So, Jake did what most of us do if we would've been there.
He humbly bowed his balding head and sent aloft a prayer.
As he turned the key for the last time, he softly cursed his luck.
They found him three days later frozen stiff in that old truck.
Now Jake had been around in life and done his share of roamin'.
But when he saw heaven, he was shocked! It looked just like Wyomin'.
Of all the saints in heaven, his favorite was St. Peter.
Now, this line ain't needed, but it helps with rhyme and meter.
So, they set and talked a minute or two, or maybe it was three.
Nobody was keepin' score- in heaven time is free!
"I've always heard, "Jake said to Pete, "that God will answer prayers.
But, one time I asked for help. Well, He just plain wasn't there!
Does God answer prayers of some, and ignore the prayers of others?
That don't seem exactly square. I know all men are brothers.
Or, does he randomly reply without good rhyme or reason?
Maybe it's the time of day? The weather? Or, the season?
Now, I ain't tryin' to act smart. It's just the way I feel.
And I was wonderin' could you tell- what the heck's the deal?"
Peter listened very patiently, and when Jake was done,
There were smiles of recognition, and he said, "So, You're the one!
That day your truck wouldn't start, and you sent your prayer a flying,
You gave us all a real bad time with hundreds of us trying!
A thousand angels rushed to check the status of your file,
But, you know, Jake, we hadn't heard from you in quite a while!
And, though all prayers are answered, and God ain't got no quota.
He didn't recognize your voice, and started a truck in North Dakota."
-Author Unknown
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
The Great Woman
II Kings 4:8- And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
This is the only woman in the Bible who is called 'a great woman'. There are many ladies in the Bible that we should aspire to be like. Certain characteristics that they possess will make us into the women that God wants us to be. And, if they possess these characteristics, shouldn't we examine what they are so that we may incorporate them into our lives?
The first thing I see is that she had self-control.
II Kings 4:26- Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.
She was in anquish of spirit here! Her one and only son who was miraculously given to her by God was dead! And yet, she held her emotions in control. How many times have we freaked out over the smallest things? Self-control is definitely something that the Lord would like to see in more Christian ladies.
The second thing she possessed was a knowledge that she should turn to the Lord with her needs.
II Kings 4:22-23- And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well. She didn't seek out any doctors. She wasn't looking for the best physicians. She knew the answers she sought were only going to be found when she took her problems to the Lord. Another thing, she didn't burden her husband with her problems. Many times we want to unload our disappointments on our husbands, but this lady knew that that would do no good. Only the Lord's ears needed to filled with her grievances.
Next, we see that she was earnest.
II Kings 4:24- Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.
There was a great urgency to her request. She had been up nursing her sick child for quite some time, and as mothers we know that can be very draining! She had a desire to get to her destination no matter what her body was feeling, and we all need that as mothers!
She was humble.
II Kings 4:13- And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.
Man! That convicts me right there! I would have a list ready. But this lady wasn't looking for fame or riches, she was looking to be a blessing to others just for the sake of being a blessing. Would to God there were more ladies out there like that! Can you imagine how they would upset this world?
Fourthly, she was prayerful.
II Kings 4:33- He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.
Okay, it says "he", but do you really think she was just sitting in the other room twiddling her thumbs? How often have we gotten so stressed out in the day, and yet, we never stopped to pray about it? Do we think that God is too busy? Or, is it the fact that we are too busy? God died for us! He wants to hear about our day! He wants to help us through it! But, we have to let him know we want that help!
And lastly, but definitely not the least, she was thankful.
II Kings 4:37- Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.
Human nature normally isn't thankful. It's very self-righteous and thinks that we deserved the good and the blessings that have come our way. Ten lepers were healed by Christ, and yet only one thought to say thank you. I'm sure the others were thankful in their hearts, but Jesus wanted to hear it! And, it's the same for us today- he wants to hear a thank you from us every now and then!
This woman was great in God's eyes, or the Bible wouldn't have said it. God gave her the increase from what she already had! She had taken the time to ready the room and the things that were necessary for the work of the Lord. We are not to make promises that we will do such and such a thing if the Lord does what we want, but rather give back from what we have already.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)