Little Me!

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Little ones can teach us so much!  I have the sweetest granddaughter who is just about 20 months old.  Just like any other child she has an abundance of toys and many she has never played with,

Our church has a thrift store, which supports our food bank and our Orphanage in Kenya, Africa.  This little thrift store has been so successful and has blessed many, not only our ministries but others as well.

One day my daughter brought several of my granddaughter’s stuffed animals to the thrift store.  Handing them to the girl, little Jubilee starting grabbing for one of the little bears shouting, “Me Me”  She would not let go of that little guy and so my daughter let her keep him.  She then asked Jubilee, “Well what is this bear’s name?”  Jubilee replied, “Me!”   And it’ been Me ever since.

Do you see the lesson God has for us in this story?  Jubilee picked out that little bear from the many and saved him from being sold,  Jubilee singled that little one out of all the others and said you are mine (me).  God singles each one of us out and saves us from the hands of sin.  He lets us know we are special, yes we are His.  Jesus says, “You are mine (Me).

That little bear story will always stay with me.  I will never forget Me, just as God has never forgotten Me.  And He has not forgotten you,  He has called you by name – you are His!

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name, you are Mine!  Isaiah 43:1

 

KEEPING RESOLUTIONS!!

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1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

I have gone to the gym Monday through Friday for the past 20 years and every year at this time the gym is packed! Many people are making New Year’s resolutions to get healthier and begin their daily workouts.

These so called Resolution-ists flood the gyms for several months and finally around March, they begin to slack off. Not all of them mind you. At one time, I was a resolutionist and I am sure I was given a few eyebrows. But I made it through the difficult stages and now it is a part of my life.

A resolution to get fit and work out is wonderful and very necessary for all of us. I for one have benefited greatly. I pray for those who are starting this new venture in their life, for resolutions are easily made and just as easily broken.

There is one resolution I make every year and strive to achieve, but I know that it will take a lifetime to work on. This is my daily walk with Christ. I resolve to be a better daughter this year than I have ever been. I resolve to pray more and to share Him more with others. I have made great strides, but I’m not yet there.

Working out and getting physically fit is good and yes, important. But more importantly, is our spiritually workouts. We need to make sure God is first in every area of our life and ask ourselves, are we fulfilling the great commission to go and make disciples.

If you are just beginning your physical workout I pray you hang in there. And if you are just starting your spiritual adventure, I pray you become more in love with Him everyday. And I pray your resolutions every year will be for Christ.

I love this life – everyday gets better and better. And I pray your resolutions will make life sweeter and sweeter.

In His Presence!

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Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

This morning I picked up my daughter on the way to work. Her little girl is 1 ½ and, upon seeing her mom with her coat on, clung to her. She did not want mommy to leave! This little one sometimes is just happy sitting in her mommy’s lap or even having her present in the room. She loves spending time with mommy.

What a lesson this teaches! Our God would love for us just to be satisfied sitting in His lap – enjoying His presence. We don’t even have to say or do anything spectacular, but just enjoy being with Him.

At times I have struggled with my prayer times – I worship, I sing to Him, I speak my prayers. When the time is quiet and I am not quite there, I struggle. But God doesn’t care if I have eloquent prayers or the best singing voice in the world. He doesn’t even care about the worship songs I pick or if I raise my hands high enough. He wants me only to enjoy being in His presence.

We have formats for prayer and guidelines that are supposed to help us pray. We have scripture references and worship songs picked out. And yes, these are good and can be very helpful. However, we should realize that it’s just relationship He wants with each one of us.

He loves to hear us laugh and tell Him all of our stories. He listens as our hearts cry as we lean on His big shoulders. We call God our best friend, our protector, provider, and healer. We should be pouring out to Him just as we would a friend. We should relay to Him our needs, our hurts and our desires. And yes even dance with Him!

So do what you must, but remember it’s all about loving to be in His presence. And enjoy – remember to enjoy this special holy time with the One who loves you beyond what you can or could ever imagine!

RED PEPPER CHICKEN

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One of the best recipes I have! Everyone is always asking me to make this special Chinese dish. Easy and can be doubled.

4 chicken breasts cut in bite size pieces. Place in bowl and add 4 T cornstarch then add 4 T soy sauce and mix well. Let sit for at least one hour.

Add peanut oil to wok. Place chicken in wok and cook until opaque. Remove and add 4 chopped slices of ginger. Cook for a few seconds and add several dried red peppers (include the seeds).

Mix together: 4 T soy sauce, 1 T rice vinegar, 1 t sugar, 1 T cornstarch and 4-6 T sesame seed oil (the roasted oil).

Place chicken back in wok and add sauce. Cook for 2 minutes and add peanuts – as many as you like. You can also add slices of red and green bell pepper and more sesame seed oil if you like.

Serve over rice or mix with rice. I mix mine with the rice. Seems to give the rice great flavor and actually goes farther!

Enjoy!

Be still and know that I Am God!

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Be still and know that I Am God.
Many years ago, these words were given to me. I acknowledged them, but did not realize the impact they would have on my life.

Be still and know that I Am God.
Today, this world is running at such a fast pace. Computers and phones and video games take up our free time, leaving us very little time to communicate one on one with the people in our lives. Many children today do not know how to have true friendships outside of social media. If we have no time for friendships, how will we have time for God?

Be still and know that I Am God.
Many are taking on, not just one job, but a second and sometimes a third to keep up with the expenses of the materialistic life. This leaves very little time, if any, for family and friends. If we have no time for them, how will we have time for God?

Be still and know that I Am God.
For some, the idea of a night out is the most recent and popular movie on the scene. Movies are entertaining, but leave very little time for conversation and true relationships. If we do not make this time, when will we have time for God?

Be still and know that I Am God.
How difficult it is to have that Be still time. The phone rings, we think about what needs to be done, and soon we give in to the pressures of time. Where is our time with God?

Be still and know that I Am God.
These words still ring true today. Take your bible, a devotional, and a journal. Take a pad to write down those things you need to do, and then set it aside. Open your bible, take a verse or chapter and ask the Holy Spirit to speak. Write down what you hear and what is on your heart and soon you will find yourself in the Be still and know that I Am God place.

Be still and know that I Am God – yes it takes time and it takes, if I may say, practice. But this time is so worth it! God is cheering you on and so am I.

A Fresh New Start!

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The end of the year marks a new start, a new beginning and yes, a New Year coming. Lately, I am determined to arrange each drawer, cabinet and closet in the house. It hits me every year at this time. I want a new look, a fresh and clean start to begin this coming year.

It is the same with my spiritual house. I start thinking and projecting ways I can love Him more, serve Him better and be the daughter He would be proud to call His daughter.

What about my prayer time? Am I giving the Lord the quality time He calls me to? Am I making God first in every part of my life? And yet it hits me – Be Still and Know that I Am God. He tells me again to Be Still.

Many times we try so hard to make things happens. But we need to remember: He is the one who gives us the new start, the New Year – a new beginning. He just speaks the words again – Be Still.

I am so thankful for a new start – a New Year. More importantly, I am thankful for a faithful and loving God that always gives those new starts, new beginnings and a fresh new hope.

So today, I pray for guidance and direction from Him who makes all things new. Revelation 21:5 He who is seated on the throne said, “Behold I am making all things new!”.

The Greatest Giver of All!

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Christmas is an occasion for expressing our love. One way we share is gift giving, which is one of my favorite things about Christmas! I always try to find the perfect gift for each person hoping to surprise him or her.

And even though I try to find that special something, I often fail. But there is one who has given the greatest and most perfect gift of all! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

This gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 This is the greatest expression of love. His love is limitless, His love is always available, His love is inexhaustible! He gave the most perfect gift and this gift is for anyone who will just receive it.

For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given! Isaiah 9:6

So Christmas morning, when we give our gifts to everyone, we need to remember the greatest giver of all! Let us share this gift, this precious perfect gift of God’s great love with everyone!

Merry Christmas to you and your families!

Decorations of Christmas!

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Christmas is full of traditional decorations. But did you know exactly what they represent as Christians? I read this short post by Steve Allen and he gives several explanations for Christmas traditions I would love to share. To me, this gives so much more meaning to our celebrating with the many decorations.

Did you know that the chopping down of the Christmas tree represents the death of Christ and our putting it up in our home represents the resurrection of Christ? Did you know that the wreaths we hang are never ending circles, representing eternity? And don’t forget those candy canes were made to look like shepherd hooks with color representing the blood Christ shed and the white purity. The lights so bright on our trees and in our yards have always been a reminder of the light of Christ in our hearts and lives. And our running around trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone allows us to think on the Wise Men.

So stop, take a deep breath and remember, we have ben given the perfect gift, Jesus Christ. He came as forgiveness for our sin so we may enjoy eternal life with the Father!

So my friends, enjoy those Christmas traditional decorations. Enjoy the tree, the lights, those wreaths, sweet candy canes and the sharing of gifts. For Christ has come into our lives! Merry Christmas Season!

A Special Christmas Grace

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I believe that during the Christmas Season, God pours out a special grace over the land. I have noticed for many years there has been a tremendous amount of happiness, joy and kindness in people who do not even call themselves Christians.

I have seen people share food and items of comfort with the homeless. I have seen children give their little allowances to help those in need. I have seen men opening doors for women and the elderly. I have seen people give up their places in line to those with small children. I have seen clerks smiling, waving and sharing!

During December I am busy with so many things. I have the church, I have family and then all the Christmas shopping, wrapping, cards to write and baking. I have hospital visits to make, cookies to deliver, and parties to attend.

So today, I stop myself and reflect. Am I being that true witness for the Savior? Am I taking the time to share His love, His goodness, His kindness and His giving with everyone I come in contact with? Or have I been too busy attending to my own affairs?

Are others seeing that special grace in my life being poured out for the many, or have I been too busy to share those gifts God graciously has given? Today has become a day of reflection for me. Today, I cannot and will not be too busy with the “busyness” of Christmas. I will share the reason for this season – yes I will give love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, His goodness and His gentleness, and of course just a bit of self-control! I determine to reflect the daughter of the Savior!

How about you? Does His special grace show in your life? Or have you given way to the busyness? Take the time to reflect and be the people of the King today and yes everyday!

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness,faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

For God So Loves

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She called me broken. She couldn’t do it anymore and wanted to just quit this road called Christianity. It was too hard and she knew she would continue to fail. I listened to her cries. She had disappointed her mom, her boss and now her close friend. She was tired of making excuses and tired of failing. In life she was given too many details to remember and too many decisions to make.

And through all of this, it was God she was blaming – she wanted to let go of Him. Why? Because she knew if she had failed everyone else, in the end it was God who would judge her.

Why, I asked her, are you giving up so soon and turning from God? Jesus, in His great mercy, forgives and forgives and forgives. The Holy Spirit teaches and continues to teach. And God pours out grace and love abundantly. In fact, there will always be enough forgiveness, teaching, grace and love for you in all of your lifetime.

She had begun to look at this Christian life as lived and judged from her works. She had forgotten The Gospel message is one of forgiveness and grace. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. And it is by grace you are saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.

All of a sudden, her heart stirred and her eyes opened. Yes, she realized, I have been looking at my works and not at a forgiving and loving Father.
Today, where are you? Have you forgotten? Life yes, is hard and can be challenging. But take a moment – open your heart and breath in His grace. Let Him hear your heart’s confession and once again sit in His lap and rest.

For my friends, you are loved. You are loved by the One who is love.