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Friday, March 29, 2013

Nothing But The Blood

As we celebrate Good Friday these words come to mind...won't you sing with me?

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain:

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

While looking around on Youtube I found this exceptionally talented young man and thought I'd share his version of Nothing But The Blood with you...

O' What A Week That Was by Marge Brown

My mother's been gone for nearly eight years now, but her words still minister to me in a multitude of ways. This morning, while going through old posts on my now closed Proverbs 31 Woman group, I found this post from March 2005. It was posted just two months before her passing and I think it's worth reposting again. Mom says...

"Hi All, In your mind's eye just try to imagine the high emotions running through the streets of Jerusalem in A.D. 33. The word was out......Jesus was coming into town to celebrate the Passover. Many of those gathering that day believed Him to be many things, prophet, teacher, king. Some even believed Him to be the Son of God. Whatever, or whoever, He was, He was on His way to Jerusalem. There was going to be a welcoming parade. From young to old the excitement was contagious and emotionally overwhelming. I would like to share the following poem with you. God gave it to me several years ago, and I would like to share with you the emotional roller-coaster ride that
came with that Triumphant entry that began that day. God Bless. Marge"



O' WHAT A WEEK THAT WAS

PALM SUNDAY! WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!
THE PEOPLE CAME TO HONOR JESUS IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY.
AS JESUS ENTERED INTO THAT GREAT CITY, JERUSALEM,
HE RODE UPON THE BACK OF A YOUNG DONKEY THAT HAD BEEN LOANED TO HIM.
THE PEOPLE BOWED BEFORE HIM, SPREADING PALM LEAVES ALONG THE WAY.
"HOSANNA! HOSANNA!" AND "KING" THEY DID SAY.
WHAT MORE COULD FOLLOW SUCH A TRIUMPHANT ENTRY TO THE CITY?
O' WHAT A WEEK THAT WAS TO BE!

THE WEEK TO COME WAS FILLED WITH ACTIVITY.
THIS WAS "PASSOVER", A SPECIAL TIME OF JEWISH FESTIVITY.
THERE WERE STRANGE THINGS HAPPENING TOO.
JESUS SPOKE AS IF HE WERE GOING AWAY VERY SOON.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR THE PASSOVER FEAST.
AS THEY ATE, JESUS TOLD OF THE ONE WHO WOULD BETRAY HIS TRUST.
IT WAS TRUE! HE WAS BETRAYED--TRIED--HUNG ON A CROSS TO DIE!
O' WHAT A WEEK THAT WAS! WHAT AGONY! WHAT DESPAIR!

THE SABBATH WAS AT HAND! HIS BODY WAS QUICKLY LAID IN A BORROWED TOMB.
THE HOLY DAY PASSED, THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW WEEK CAME,
THE WOMEN WHO HAD MINISTERED TO HIM IN LIFE,
CAME NOW TO ANOINT HIS BODY IN DEATH.
BUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED? THE TOMB WAS EMPTY! JESUS BODY WAS MISSING!
A MAN CLOTHED IN WHITE APPEARED, SAID, "JESUS IS NOT DEAD, HE IS
RISEN!"
HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS HAD PAID THE PRICE FOR OUR SIN! THIS IS HIS
STORY.
O' WHAT A WEEK THAT WAS, WHEN DEATH WAS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY!.


MARGE BROWN
3/23/97

Jesus' Final Week

Throughout the years of homeschooling, the children and I did many in-depth Bible studies. Here is the schedule of one of the ones our youngest son and I did concerning Jesus' "last week" (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday).

Sunday (Palm Sunday)-The Triumphal Entry

    Matthew 21:1-11

    Mark 11:1-10

    Luke 19:29-44    

    John 12:12-19

Monday-Jesus Curses The Fig Tree

    Matthew 21:18-19

    Mark 11:12-14

                     Jesus Cleanses The Temple

    Matthew 21:12-13

    Mark 11:15-18

    Luke 19:45-48

Tuesday-The Authority Of Jesus Questioned

    Matthew 21:23-27

    Mark 11:27-33

    Luke 20:1-8

                        Jesus Teaches In The Temple

    Matthew 21:18-23:29

    Mark 12:1-44

    Luke 20:9-21:4

                        Jesus' Feet Anointed

    Matthew 26:6-13

    Mark 14:3-9

    John 12:2-11

Wednesday-The Plot Against Jesus

    Matthew 26:14-16

    Mark 14:10-11

    Luke 22:3-6

Thursday-The Last Supper

    Matthew 26:17-29

    Mark 14:12-25

    Luke 22:7-20

    John 12:1-38

                      Jesus Comforts His Disciples

    John 14:1-16:33

                      Jesus' High Priestly Prayer

    John 17: 1-26

                      Gethsemane

    Matthew 26:36-46

    Mark 14:32-42

    Luke 22:40-46

Friday-Jesus' Arrest And Trial

    Matthew 26:47-27:26

    Mark 14:43-15:15

    Luke 22:47-23:25

    John 18:2-19:16

                        Jesus' Crucifixtion And Death

    Matthew  27:27-56

    Mark 15:16-41

    Luke 23:26-49

    John 19:17-30

                       The Burial Of Jesus

    Matthew 27:57-66

    Mark 15:42-47

    Luke  23:50-56

    John 19:31-42

Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday)-The Empty Tomb

    Matthew 28:1-8

    Mark 16:1-12

    Luke 24:1-12

    John 20:1-10

                           To Mary Magdalene In The Garden   

    Mark 16:9-11

    John 20:11-18

                           To  Other Women

    Matthew 28:9-10

                            To Two People Goind To Emmaus

    Mark 16:12-13

    Luke 24:13-32

                            To Peter

    Luke 24:34

                            To The Ten Disciples In  The Upper Room

    Mark 16:14

    Luke 24:36-43

    John 20:19-25

 

Monday, March 25, 2013

Scripture Challenge - Matthew 21:1-11; Matthew 26 and 27

Let's spend some time this week reflecting on just what transpired the last few days of Jesus' life. As we know...Jesus was in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover Feast (which by the way Passover begins at sundown tonight). He arrived in Jerusalem and was welcomed as a king! As Christians we commemorate this event by celebrating Palm Sunday (which was commemorated yesterday) and this event occurred one week prior to Jesus' resurrection. So...a LOT happened during that last week of Jesus' life...no doubt!

Today's challenge is to read the following:

Let's go to Matthew 21 and read verses 1 through 11. This is what's known as "The Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem.

In chapters 21:12 through 25:46 Jesus does a lot of teaching. You can read these chapters if you want to, but the main points that I want you to see today are the contrast between the people on Palm Suday and their reaction to Jesus a little later in the week, and that how that, in just a matter of days, they turn from a welcoming committee into a murderous mob. During these few days of teaching Jesus made a lot of people very angry. If we really examine Jesus' teachings we find that they are not what a lot of people try to make them into. He wasn't exactly all love, joy, peace, and anything goes...there are many ways to Heaven...let's have a free-for-all...that's for sure! Jesus' teaching STILL makes people angry and that's why true Christians still come under a lot of persecution for their faith. The way of the cross is NOT for the weak-kneed and faint-hearted! You've got to be tough to withstand all that the enemy throws at you when you truly take a stand for Christ!


Next read Matthew 26 and 27.

(Whether you choose to read Matthew 21:12 through 25:46 is up to you...but for this study I'd like for you to read and concentrate on Matthew 21:1 through 11 and Matthew 26 and 27.)


After reading these passages of scripture I want you to think about each person written about and what they must have been going through and thinking. What anguish our Lord must have suffered! Imagine...knowing that Judas would be the one. After living with Jesus and being taught by Him...side by side...for 3 years...then, because of greed...betray Him for a lousy 30 pieces of silver!

And Peter! Oh! Peter! How many of us, like Peter, when the chips are down and everything seems to be going wrong...don't have the guts to stand up and defend our position in Christ?

Think about these things this week and feel free to share any thoughts you might have. Above all...have a beautiful and blessed Resurrection Sunday as we focus on the Saviour!

Love and Hugs,
~Rebecca

From The Archives - HEARTH AND HOME - April 10, 2002

Good Afternoon, Sweet Sisters!

How are you all today? It's soooo good to be with you again!

I'm pleased to announce that this edition of HEARTH AND HOME will feature a special recipe section! I went to the Mennonite store and stocked up on whole grains and lots of good-for-you ingredients and I've really been working at making meals for my family that are healthy, nutritious, AND delicious. In the process I've been busy trying out lots of new recipes and I'm so excited to finally be sharing some of them with YOU! I am giving you the recipes the way that I made them making healthy changes where appropriate. Most of these are sure to become family favorites at our house! I hope that your family enjoys these good (and good-for-you) recipes as much as our family has been enjoying them!

Ready or not, Ladies, here we go...

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RECIPES
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Now, if you remember, in the last HEARTH AND HOME I shared the recipe for the home-made Bisquick mix. I found a great, quick and easy recipe to use that with. Here it is:

HEARTY CHICKEN POT PIE

1 package (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup cut-up cooked chicken
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup Bisquick mix(I used the home-made Bisquick mix.)
1/2 cup skim milk
1 egg

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix vegetables, chicken, 1/2 cup milk, and soup in a 2-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

Stir remaining ingredients in a small bowl with fork until blended. Pour over vegetable/chicken mixture in casserole dish.

Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.

OAT PANCAKES

1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 c. olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Combine oats, flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the center. Combine egg, milk, oil, and lemon juice; pour into well and stir until moistened. Pour batter by 1/4
cupfuls onto a hot sprayed with cooking spray griddle; turn when bubbles form on top of pancakes. Cook until second side is golden brown. Yield: 6 servings.

RUSTIC OATS AND WHEAT BREAD

(My daughter, Amanda, made this one for supper yesterday and it turned out beautifully! This is THE BEST bread we've ever made! It will be a regular feature on our supper table from now on.)

1 cup rolled wheat
1/4 firmly packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups boiling water
1/4 cup molasses
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 packages active dry yeast
2/3 cup water heated to 105 to 115 degrees F.
4 3/4 to 5 3/4 cups unbleached flour
1 cup regular old-fashioned oats

Topping

1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon old-fashioned oats

Spray two cookie sheets with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine rolled wheat, brown sugar, salt, 2 cups boiling water molasses and oil; mix well. Cool to 105 to 115 degrees F. In small bowl, dissolve yeast in 2/3 cup water. Add to cooled rolled wheat mixture. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add 2 cups flour to rolled wheat mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 2 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in 1 cup regular oats and 2 1/4 to 2
3/4 cups flour until dough pulls cleanly away from sides of bowl.

On floured surface, knead in 1/2 to 1 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl; cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 to 85 degrees F.) until light and doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Punch dough down several times to remove all air bubbles. Divide dough in half; shape into balls. Place on sprayed cookie sheets. With sharp knife, slash a 1/4 inch deep lattice design in top of each
loaf. Cover; let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Brush loaves with beaten egg; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon regular oats. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes or until deep golden brown and loaves sound hollow when
lightly tapped. Remove from cookie sheets; cool on wire racks. Makes 2 (16 slice) loaves.

TAPIOCA PUDDING

1/3 cup granulated tapioca
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 egg beaten
2 3/4 cup skim milk

Mix all ingredients together. Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add 3/4 teaspoon vanilla. Cool and serve.

HIGH FIBER BRAN MUFFINS

(I can't seem to make enough of these! We love them for breakfast! And I enjoy my morning muffin with a nice cup of hot tea!)

1 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg, beaten
1 apple, chopped
a handful of chopped nuts

Stir all ingredients together. Spoon into a muffin tin that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in preheated 400 degree F. oven for 15 minutes or unti muffins are done. Makes 12 wonderfully delicious muffins!

NONGAT BROWNIES

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar
9 tablespoons applesauce
1 tablespoon vanilla

Spray an 8 x 8 square baking pan with cooking spray and set aside. Combine flour, cocoa, and salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, applesauce, and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture until just blended. Do not over mix. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 25 minutes at 325 degrees or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool at least 15 minutes before cutting.

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LAUNDRY TIPS
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As you throw in those loads,
And close the lid fast,
Say a quick prayer of blessing,
For the recipients of this task.

*Plan your washing days and start washing early in the day.

*Use cold water if possible, especially on colored clothes, as this will help them to stay bright longer.

*Wash full loads rather than small ones. This saves energy and your appliances as well.

*In large familes try this to help keep track of whose clothes belong to who. Use a permanent marker to mark the clothing with a dot system. The oldest child gets one dot, the second child gets two dots, etc. Even mark dots on the bottom of white socks. As children outgrow the clothing, just add another dot and pass it down!

*Try using hair spray to remove pen marks.

*Forgot to take out the clothes in the dryer? Simply throw in a damp towel and turn on the dry again for a few minutes. The dampness from the towel will freshen the load and remove any wrinkles.

*Keep baskets in the laundry room, labled however you want your laundry sorted...for example...WHITE, LIGHT, DARK, RED, and COLD WATER. Have each family member sort their dirty laundry appropriately into the baskets. Then, after the clothes are washed and dried, sort the clothes into baskets (one for each member of your family), then let them be responsible for folding, hanging, and putting away their own clothes. The basket is to be kept in their room to refill with dirty clothes.

*Schedule one day a week for ironing, or three 15-minute time slots per week. This will relieve your stress level and eliminate having to iron at the last minute before you leave the house.

*Try using peroxide to remove blood stains.

*Label your linen closet shelves so that whoever puts the sheets and towels away will know just the right spot for them. This prevents confusion, keeps your closet looking neat, and saves tiem in finding
king-size or twin-size.

*When your iron sticks, sprinkle a little salt onto a piece of waxed paper and run the hot iron over it. Rough, sticky spots will disappear as if by magic.

*Instead of using expensive fabric-softner, pour one-fourth cup WHITE vinegar in the last rinse of the washing cycle. This eliminates static cling, helps remove wrinkles, gives clothes a fresh smell by
removing soap, and cleans the drains of the washer by removing soap scum and lint.

*If your steam iron clogs up, fill it with a mixture of one-fourth cup of vinegar and one cup of water and let it stand overnight. Heat the iron the next day. Remove the mixture and rinse with clean water.

*After the load of laundry is finished drying, fabric softener sheets have one more wonderful purpose...taking the dust off television and computer screens. Their anti-static quality easily removes dust and keeps it off longer.

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DOLLARS AND SENSE
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In our materialistic society, we're used to family togetherness costing a fortune...movies, amusement parks, shopping at the mall, etc. But, family togetherness doesn't have to be expensive. With a
little planning, low-cost quality family time is not only possible, it's cheap and fulfilling. Here are a few ideas to try implementing in your home:

*Wherever you go, take your children along, whether running to the grocery store or filling up the car with gas. God's plan included that parents be their children's teachers. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Make this working time together a teaching time, too!

*Make a point of sitting down and eating together as a family at least once per day...preferrably at the evening meal.

*Think of something that you love to do, but haven't done for a long time. Sewing? Woodworking? Stamp collecting? Crafts? Bird Watching? Camping? Fishing? Listening to a good book on tape? Introduce your passions to your family and see what "clicks."

*Begin a family fun night. Let family members take turns planning the activities and menus for your weekly family nights. You might enjoy board games, charades, singing or playing instruments together, going through old photo albums, working on a 1,000-piece puzzle, having a water balloon fight, playing flashlight tag, catching lightening bugs, flying a kite, or stargazing. The possibilities are endless!

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A SPECIAL EASTER ACTIVITY TO SHARE WITH YOUR CHILDREN
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This is a great recipe to teach your Children the REAL story of Easter. That the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior is not dead but has Risen. We serve a Risen Savior......

This activity can be done as a "family" or for Sunday School. Of course the Sunday School option might be to hand it out to the class with a note to the parents.

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

Instructions:
These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F. *** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe). Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He
was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read: John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read: Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22

On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9

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Well, Ladies, that's it for this time! I hope to be with you again soon. Until then...you all take care and keep the home fires burning! God bless you!

Love and Hugs,
~Rebecca

Resurrection Rolls

Here's another idea...
Photo Credit
RESURRECTION ROLLS

Crescent rolls
Melted Butter
Large Marshmallows
Cinnamon / Sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls. The crescent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in. Give each child a marshmallow, this represents Jesus. Have him dip the marshmallow in melted butter, which represents the oils of embalming. Then dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which represents the spices used to anoint the body. Then wrap up the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up...but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside. This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death. Place in a 350 degree oven for 10 -12 minutes (The oven represents the tomb-and remind them of the three days!). When the rolls have cooled slightly, the children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty).  Then the children eat them for breakfast.

Resurrection Cookies

Photo Credit
This is a great recipe that can be used to teach your children the story of Resurrection Sunday...that Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is not dead but has risen. We serve a Risen Savior......
 
You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible
 
Instructions:

These are to be made the evening before Easter.  Preheat oven to 300F.
*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done
with the recipe). Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the
wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arrested.
He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read: John 19:1-3
 
Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing
bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar
to drink. Read: John 19:28-30
 
Add egg whites to vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus
gave His life to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11
 
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it and
brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by
Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27
 
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.
He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
 
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff
peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of
those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
 
Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered
cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body
was laid. Read: Matthew 27:57-60
 
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven
OFF.
 
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66
 
GO TO BED!
 
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven
overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John
16:20&22
 
On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.  Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9

Friday, March 15, 2013

Five Minute Friday - Rest


It's FRIDAY! That means it's time for another Five Minute Friday where, as our hostess and inspiration, Lisa-Jo Baker, puts it, we write "For only five short, bold, beautiful minutes. Unscripted and unedited. We just write without worrying if it’s just right or not." 

Today's topic is rest. So...here...we...

Go!

I don't know why, but every time I receive Lisa's post in my inbox each Friday...the one that tells what our assigned word for Five Minute Friday is? Instead of one thing entering my mind and sticking there...a whole host of things run through my mind...and for some reason I feel that I have to fit them all into one post. Why is that? Is that not weird or what? I mean don't most people just sit down, write a post, and be done with it? One point? One very good thought...well thought out and beautifully expressed? Isn't that how it works? And then, there's me. I feel that, for the most part, my posts are silly and quirky. I usually consider myself "multi-faceted", but sometimes I honestly believe that there is something seriously wrong with me. My mind goes in too many directions at once and, sometimes, it makes it really hard for me to do things...like...well...settle down and rest for instance. Oh, well!

Here are some of the thoughts that crossed my meager mind this morning concerning the word rest...

The first thing that immediately crossed my mind was Mark 6:31 - "And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while..."

Doesn't  that sound heavenly? With so much upheaval over the past year it is my heart's desire to do that very thing...depart with my husband into a desert place and rest awhile.

The second thing that crossed my mind was another song. A song sung by our children at church when they were little called Fishers of Men...especially the second verse...

Hear Christ calling "Come unto Me
Come unto Me, Come unto Me."
Hear Christ calling "Come unto Me
I will give You rest."

"I will give you rest.
I will give you rest.
Hear Christ calling "Come unto Me
I will give You rest."


Several other things went through my mind, as well, but my five minutes is more than up and there are other things to be done, so I will go ahead and close for now, but now you pretty much know the rest of the story...Paul Harvey! LOL!

Have a blessed weekend!

~Rebecca

 

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Just In Time For St. Patrick's Day

Free From Hillbilly Housewife
Today and tomorrow only Hillbilly Housewife is offering us a free copy of ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVERYONE CAN BE IRISH (Kindle edition)! I've already downloaded mine. To get your copy just click HERE!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Morning Musings - 3/11/13/Update On Aunt Linda

This chilly, Monday, morning finds me spending time with my Aunt Linda. I spent the night with her last night and we had a good night. We watched a movie together and, this morning, have been building ourselves up in the faith by listening to good preaching and filling ourselves with the Word of God. I am thankful for the time I get to spend with her. It makes me feel like a little girl again...spending the night at my Aunt Linda and Uncle Charlie's years ago when they lived at Appleton City, Missouri...when my parents and I would go down on the weekends and my parents and the aunt and uncle would garden together.

There are lots of good memories associated with that time and place in my life...goats, gardens, mothers' canning, blackberry cobbler, black snakes, red clay roads, Sunday school and Bible school at the Ohio Christian Church (Brother Bob Fenwick, pastor), and spending endless hours in play (and in endless chatter) with my little cousins. We created nature clubs and Bible clubs, chased shadows of clouds across open pasture, poked at tiny, black scorpions with a stick in the driveway, observed wiggly tadpoles in puddles, and used our secret decoder boxes (obtained free from boxes of cereal) to decode secret messages. It was a wonderful time in our lives that taught us lessons that would last a lifetime!

Many of the people that were in our lives at that time and place are gone now...Uncle Charlie, my mother, my younger cousin, Christina...all buried under the canopy of a big cedar tree at the Appleton City Cemetery...close to one another in life...buried not far from one another in death. Left now, of that time and place, are my Aunt Linda, my dad, boy cousins...one of which was just a baby and two of which weren't even born yet during the hayday of the gardening season...and myself.

Yes, I treasure times spent with my Aunt Linda, and am thankful that God has blessed me with her in my life. Thank you to all who have prayed for her and sent cards and letters of encouragement. It has blessed her in ways that you cannot know. Despite the fact that the doctors have written her off as dying, God's hand of protection is on her and He's got a plan. Day by day she grows a little stronger and we are believing that her work on this earth is not done yet. Please continue to stand in faith with us for health and healing in the days ahead. Thank you all so much!

In The Love Of Christ Jesus,
~Rebecca

Friday, March 8, 2013

Five Minute Friday - Home


It's FRIDAY! That means it's time for another Five Minute Friday where, as our hostess and inspiration, Lisa-Jo Baker, puts it, we write "For only five short, bold, beautiful minutes. Unscripted and unedited. We just write without worrying if it’s just right or not." 

Today's topic is home. So...here...we...
Go!

When I saw today's topic a myriad of things flashed through my mind, but, of all the things, first and foremost the words of a song ran through there and it's stayed there all day long, so...that's what I'm going with.

I've only heard this song sung a few times and that was by some young friends of ours that used to live around the corner from us when we lived out at the farm (actually, more than friends...family...our oldest daughter-in-law's cousins) but we used to visit sometimes when they would be having family get-togethers and, occasionally, our dear, young friends, a brother and sister duo, would sing this song and it quickly became one of my favorites and still is. The words to it make me cry because it's how I feel inside. Anyway, I wish I had my young friends on video to share because, the truth is, they do a much better job, but I could only find the words and an old Gaither video, so I'm sharing what I've got. Please listen to the words of...

HOME

Home is where the heart is, my heart's own home
Though I never really had one to call my own
I've been given a key by the Carpenter of Galilee
With interest paid the title's made to me

Home, where there is no night
Home, where the Son is the light
The place I've been dreaming of so long

Loved ones there to welcome me
But His sweet face will be the first I see
When my journey's over I am going home

Everybody dreams of going home it seems
Lately I am no exception to the rule
But home is so much more than windows, walls and doors
It's a warm embrace and smiling faces awaiting you

Home, where there is no light
Home, where the Son is the light
The place I've been dreaming of so long

Loved ones there to welcome me
But His sweet face will be the first I see
When my journey's over I am going home

Home, where there is no night
Home, where the Son is the light
The place I've been dreaming of so long

Loved ones there to welcome me
But His sweet face will be the first I see
When my journey's over I am going home
And when my journey's over I am going home
    

Aren't the words beautiful? I've included that old Gaither video for those that are interested, but, like I said, I wish I had our young friends on video because they do a much better job! And that's the truth!

That's it for this time!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

STOP!




 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Recipe - Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitute

At my husband's request I went to make a low-fat cheesecake only to discover that I didn't have any sweetened condensed milk, so I Googled substitutes and found a recipe that sounded right. I tweaked it even more and came up with this tasty and healthier version. I will never buy sweetened condensed milk again.

SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK (Original Recipe)

1/3 c. boiling water
3 T. melted butter
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1 c. powdered milk

Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before using.

SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK (Made With My Tweaks)

1/3 c. boiling water
3 T. melted Smart Balance
2/3 c. crystalized cane juice (Florida Crystals Organic Sugar)
1 c. powdered milk

Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before using.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

New Tea Pot


25th Anniversary Tea Pot
Our oldest daughter found this pretty little teapot (actually I think it's a coffee pot, but since we don't drink coffee, it will HAVE to serve as a teapot!) at a thrift store yesterday and brought it to us in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary (which was last month...on Valentine's Day...which we have yet to find the time and means to celebrate...????) LOL! Pretty, though, isn't it?

Friday, March 1, 2013

Five Minute Friday - Ordinary


It's FRIDAY! That used to mean that it was time for another Five Minute Friday where, as our hostess and inspiration, Lisa-Jo Baker, puts it, we write "For only five short, bold, beautiful minutes. Unscripted and unedited. We just write without worrying if it’s just right or not."  But, to be honest, it's been months since I've participated in Five Minute Friday. I've allowed too many things to get in the way and have allowed to many things to go by the wayside...including my Five Minute Fridays. Little by little, with the Lord's help, I am finding my way back and I am so pleased to be in position this morning to participate.

Today's topic is "ordinary" so here. we.

GO!

Ordinary. How many times have we heard it? Said it? Used it in describing our day or the people that we live with and love?

But...what is "ordinary"? According to the dictionary "ordinary" means "commonly encountered, usual, of no exceptional ability, degree, or quality, average."

While the word "ordinary" might describe our daily routine, it most certainly does not describe the world in which we live and/or the individuals that we encounter on a daily basis!

What's ordinary about the little things...even in a routine day? Walking to the mail box and back can take the ordinary over into the extraordinary if we only open our eyes to the beauty of God's creation that is all around us...even if we live in the middle of a big city.

What about that flower that is blooming beside the walkway? The ladybug that is scooting along, making it's way along that long, green leaf? Where is she going? What is her purpose? What about that butterfly that is busy gathering nectar, or that bee that is busily gathering pollen? What about the bird that just flew overhead? Where is it going? What is its purpose? Everything in creation has one!

And those people that we live with and love? What's ordinary? Uncommon? Average about them? There's no one else like them in the whole, wide world! There's no one else that has their exact make-up...their likes, their dislikes, their talents and abilities.

For far too long people have been trained to view the similarities...the common, ordinary things...about the world and the people around them. Perhaps it's time to step out and stop being a round peg that fits perfectly into the round hole that somebody else has created and tried to fit us into. Perhaps it's time to break free and become that square peg that doesn't fit into somebody else's perfectly round hole. Perhaps it's time to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary...in every person, place, and thing that the Lord brings you into contact with...starting with yourself and those closest to you.

God created you for His purposes and God just doesn't do "ordinary"! :)

STOP!

Have a blessed day!

All My Love,
~Rebecca