Faith a Way of Life Repost

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Faith a Way of Life

All these examples of Faith are not just about these people having faith in God but that they exercised their faith. Faith then is believing and trusting in an all powerful, all knowing God who is the creator of everything. It is trusting that God is a loving, merciful God who will reward and protect us. Faith is living in the center of God’s will and never questioning or doubting God is watching out for us and has a perfect plan for our lives. Faith is a relationship with God not just a belief in God. Faith is just knowing that God is who He says He is and not doubting that God can and will do what He says. Faith is more than just belief though; it is a way of life. Faith is assurance that God is with us in the good and bad times and that He loves us and takes care of us. It is having courage to live for God even when it is not the popular way to live. Faith is believing and knowing without a doubt that God hears our prayers and answers them. Faith is living for God in God’s will no matter where He leads us.
When things are going smooth we say we have faith and are living for God but we need to rely on our faith when there are problems and troubles that come our way too. Faith is knowing that God is still God in good and bad times and that God is in control. Faith is a relationship with God and it is how we should live. We should continually pray and read our Bible so our faith grows. Faith is the love we have towards God and our wanting to live for God and be more like God. We should be like these examples from the Bible and our faith should be unquestioning, unwavering, obedient, unchanging, courageous faith just like these examples. Jesus says in Matt. 17:20 that all it takes is a small amount of faith and then nothing is impossible. Matt. 17:20 “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”(KJV) God is awesome and is able to do anything and all we have to do is have faith and believe in Him and what God can do and nothing then is impossible for us either.
As I conclude this study on faith it is important to remember that faith should be not just what we believe, but how we live in good and bad times. Exercising our faith daily is how we grow in our walk with the Lord. Do not just say I have faith but practice the faith you have. If you live by your faith then your witness to others will be great and God will be able to use you in the work he has planned for you. It is so easy when things get rough to falter, but living by faith means that we rely on God and the knowledge that God provides and takes care of His children. We don’t have to understand everything that we go through we just have to trust and believe that God is in control. In Mark it tells us that if we have faith and don’t doubt then we can move mountains or in other words nothing is impossible for us with God’s help. The key is to believe and not to doubt, to ask and expect to get an answer. Mark 11: 22-24 22“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”(KJV) My desire is to grow in my faith and to live daily in my faith. To have a faith that is unquestioning, unwavering, unchanging, obedient and courageous so that God can use me how ever He sees fit. I pray that all Christians will grow in faith and live by faith too.

Courageous Faith Re Post

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Courageous Faith

The last example of faith I want to look at is a courageous faith in God. This example of courageous faith can be found when we look at Daniel who because of his obedience and faith in God he is put into a lions den. Daniel has favor with King Darius and he is going to appoint him chief overseer of the whole kingdom and the other leaders decide they have to find away to get rid of Daniel. They could find no wrong with him so they decided to use his faith in God against him. They get the King to order a decree that no one in the kingdom can pray to anyone but the King or they would be put in the lions den. When Daniel heard this he still went three times a day with the window open and looking to Jerusalem and prayed to God just like he always did. Daniel was not afraid to stand up for his faith in God and not for his own safety to just go along with the decree. The other leaders knew that Daniel had that strong of faith in God and would not even for safety sake go along with the decree which says a lot about Daniel’s witness and his faith. Dan. 6: 3-9 3“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. 6Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 8Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 9Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.”(KJV) As soon as they saw Daniel praying they brought him before the king and the king could not get out of the decree he made but he was upset that he had to put him in the lions den. The king tries all day to think of a way but he couldn’t so he had Daniel brought and he put him in the lions den and sealed and then said to Daniel your God will protect you. So even the king understood Daniels strong faith in God. Dan. 6:10-18 “10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. 11Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 13Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. 14Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. 16Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. 17And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.”(KJV) God closed the lion’s mouth and when the king came the next morning and opened up the den Daniel was fine. God had rewarded Daniel for his steadfast and courageous faith. The king proclaimed that all in his kingdom while he was king would worship this God of Daniel so Daniel’s faith that didn’t waiver but even in the face of death was strong brought a king and his kingdom to God. Dan 6:10-28 “19Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. 23Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. 24And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den. 25Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. 27He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. 28So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”(KJV)We need to have a courageous faith like Daniel and not be afraid even when it isn’t popular in the world or our families to believe and have faith in God. God will reward and protect us just like he did Daniel and the world and our families will have a witness of God and his faithfulness to us also. Never let fear come between us and God.

Simple Faith in Action Re Post

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Simple Faith in Action

Two more examples of faith is when a ruler tells Jesus his daughter is dead but that if Jesus would just come and lay His hands on her she would live again and Jesus followed him and as they were going there in the crowd was a woman who was sick for many years and she knew if she could just touch Jesus’ garment she would be healed and when He passed the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and Jesus knowing this had happened turned and told her that her faith had made her whole. Matt. 9:18-25 18 “While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. 19And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. 20And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 22But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. 23And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 24He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 25But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose” (KJV) These two people had a faith that was simply knowing that Jesus was who He said He was and they knew they just had to ask or do and it would happen plain and simple they were confident that Jesus could help them. What a faith to have to just simply know with out question that God can do what is needed but not stopping there to be bold enough to then just put into action that faith expecting the miracle to happen. Because they believed that Jesus could and would help them and because of this faith it happened. So many times we think we can’t ask God for things or if we do ask then we never believe it really will happen, so we limit God by not asking or believing. We need to be like the ruler and the woman in the crowd and believe, ask and know that God will. We have at our old church a sign that says Expect a Miracle. It is a reminder not to just ask for a miracle but expect it to happen too. We need to have faith and act on it knowing that if it’s God’s will it will happen. Next time you pray for someone or yourself remember to not only believe in God’s ability but have faith He will take care of you or the one you are praying for. Expect an answer and Expect a miracle.

Job A Faithful Servant Repost

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Job a faithful Servant

Job's faithfulness to God

We all remember Job. The people in the world were wicked and full of sin and Satan says to God that he is running around the world and the people are following him not God and God says have you considered my servant Job. Job 1:6-12 6 “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
7And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.”(KJV) Job was so faithful to God that God told Satan that it wouldn’t matter what happened, Job would still be faithful to him. This means that we all should strive to be like Job, that our faith is so strong that no matter what comes our way we stay faithful to God. Job lost his family, his wealth, his health and still he was faithful. Even his wife and so called friends told him to curse God and he refused to. God knew Job would stay faithful and that is why he allowed this all to happen. Sometimes, today even, people see someone going through tough times or a sickness and they say to them you better get things straightened out with God because you must have made God really mad at you, just like Job’s friends told him. Maybe God is just using that person to touch others by their faithfulness to him through trouble. When you become like Job’s friends then you show your lack of faith, when you believe that God is out to get you is the only reason that trouble is there. God didn’t forget Job but trusted him to stay faithful. Because of Job’s steadfast faithfulness God gave Job more than what he had lost. Job 42:10 “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.”(KJV) What a testimony that 1. Job was so faithful to God that God trusted him to be tried by Satan, 2. That all through the trials Job was steadfast in his faith to God even when his friends tried to get him to curse God, 3. Job even through all his troubles obeyed and prayed for his friends and 4. Because of Job’s faithfulness God rewarded him. God is always a just and loving God and he rewards our faithfulness. I hope that the next time there is a bump in the road that we like Job will be steadfast in our faith and trust in God. Let us be good uplifting friends helping those around us to be strong in their faith too and not be like Job’s friends and be more of a hindrance than a help. Let us be faithful to God so that God can say of us have you considered my servant.

Noah's Faith Repost

 

Sometimes when life seems overwhelming we need to look back at the examples of faith that we see in the Bible. Here is todays re post

 

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Noah's Faith

Noah Builds An Ark

Another example of a man of faith is Noah.Gen.6:12-22 12 “And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 13And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. 15And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. 16A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. 17And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. 18But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. 19And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. 20Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. 21And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. 22Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” (KJV)God told Noah to build an ark and Noah did. He showed faith because he built the ark even though the world was ridiculing him. He obeyed God even though he didn’t understand all that God was asking of him. He shows faith in just being picked by God to build the ark. God picked him because he was faithful. Gen 6:8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (KJV) God knew that Noah was faithful and that he had been following him so he laid this job on Noah and Noah stepped up to the task and not only started it but faithfully completed it. Noah exercised his faith by building the ark and doing it exactly as God asked and not straying from the plan God had and trying to make it his own. Noah was a faithful man of God so that is why God could use him. We should try to be this faithful also so that God can use us in anyway He sees fit. Then Noah had a complete faith in God and God’s plan and did exactly what he was told. How many times do we tell God your will be done and then try to tell God how we think it should be done. We try to improve on God’s plan and in the end we just mess everything up. Or better yet we tell God we will do his will and we start doing the job God has for us only to never finish it because it becomes hard or we get bored or we decide we aren’t getting enough attention for our work. What ever the reason we just never get it finished. We need to be more like Noah with our faith and follow through on our work for God. Noah completely trusted God and did what was asked of him with out question. Gen 6:22 “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.”(KJV) We should strive to be faithful and live for God so that he is able to use us for his work and then like Noah to follow God completely and finish the task as God has for us to do. We should have a complete and trusting faith in God. That is my prayer to be ready at any time for God to use me.

Peter's Stroll Re Post

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Peter's Stroll

Peter Walks on water towards Jesus

The next example I think of when I think about examples of faith is Peter when Jesus came to the disciples walking on water and Peter was the only one who stepped out of the boat to go to Jesus. Matt. 14: 22-32 22 “And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear 27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.”(KJV)Now you may question why I think this is faith when Peter failed and began to sink but really think about it. Peter was the only disciple in that boat who had enough faith to even step out of the boat onto the water and even attempt to walk to Jesus. His problem wasn’t a lack of faith but his problem was he momentarily took his eyes off Jesus and began to doubt and only then did he begin to sink; but then he showed faith because he cried out to Jesus to save him. Jesus reached out to him and they both went back to the boat. So Peter showed faith when he trusted that Jesus could and would save him. He stepped out on faith and started to Jesus but was distracted by the storm; took his eyes off Jesus, and then he began to sink. How many times do we live by faith but when it gets a little tough and storms or troubles come into our lives do we like Peter get distracted and forget to keep our eyes on God? The key to this is that we like Peter should only let our doubt last for a short time and then like Peter we should return to our faith and cry out to God to help and save us. Don’t get so distracted and forget all about your faith when trouble comes along, but remember that like Peter we can cry out to God and then believe and know that he is there to save us. Peter’s faith was not lost but was momentarily shaken by the storm but he never forgot totally his faith. How many times do Christians slip and then just beat themselves up instead of by faith call out to God for help and forgiveness. So to me Peter put his faith into action and then stumbled but recovered and again exercised his faith and asked for help. Do not be one who stumbles and slips and then continues down because of feeling like a failure. God is waiting for us to step back out on faith and call on him. Remember too that we should always keep our eyes and minds on God and then we will be less likely to stumble and be blind sided when things get bumpy in life. Step out on faith, live daily by your faith and remember that if we stumble to ask God to save us and help us and then believe he will.

Faithful Abraham and Isaac Re Post

Here is the re post of the second part of the devotion on Faith I wrote back in 2009. When we are struggling or need encouragement we can always look to the Bible and find great examples of men and women of Faith.

 

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Faithful Abraham and Isaac

First when we think about examples of people who showed great faith one of the first to come to mind usually is Abraham when God told him to sacrifice his son Isaac to Him. Gen 22:1-3 1 “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. 2And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. 3And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him” (KJV) Abraham trusted God and so took Isaac his son to sacrifice him and in so doing showing his faith and trust in God. Abraham didn’t question God he just got up; got the things he needed, and went never asking any question of God. This is true faith and trust. Again when he came to the spot that God had told him to go to he once again didn’t question God but took Isaac up bound him and took his knife and was going to slay him but God stopped him and God sent him another sacrifice and Isaac was spared because Abraham was faithful. Gen. 22:6-13 6 “And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. 7And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? 8And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. 9And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. 10And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 11And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
12And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. 13And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.” (KJV) Abraham had unquestioning faith in God. When he came to the place he never once hesitated but bound Isaac and set to slaying him never asking God to spare his son but just obeying God knowing that God had things in control and would provide. What wonderful faith to never question when God asks anything of us.
I think that we have to look at Isaac as having a great deal of Faith also. He didn’t fight Abraham but had faith that his father Abraham was doing what was right and obeying God. Isaac asked where is the lamb for the offering but when Abraham bound him and laid him on the altar he didn’t fight him he trusted his father. He had faith and trust not only in his father but also in my opinion God. He showed enormous faith in the act of submitting himself to his father and ultimately to God. Isaac had to have great faith in God himself to go without fighting and pleading to be saved. So when I think of faithful men I think Isaac has to be included with Abraham.
The next time you are asked of God to do something you are uncomfortable with like witnessing to someone, or pray for someone, or go somewhere to bring his message, then remember about Abraham’s unquestioning faith and remember God has a perfect plan and will provide for you.

Examples of Faith

Back in 2009 I wrote a series of posts on examples of faith and thought I would re post them this week. I am having to make a life change for my health and I know that with God's help it will be done. I know it isn't anything difficult but still a challenge. I need to lose weight for me, my health and to prevent diabetes and it is for this reason I need to make a life change. I will update how it is going from time to time but for this week I hope the posts on Faith will encourage you. God has seen me through so many things and we just see this as another way God will use to help me grow and to witness and glorify Him.

Monday, January 5, 2009

What is this thing called Faith?

What is Faith? In Webster’s dictionary it says: Faith (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust.
In the bible it says faith is believing in that which can not be seen. Heb. 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV) So faith is believing without seeing. Faith in God is believing in Him and trusting God in every way. As a child growing up I was brought up in a Christian home and was surrounded by people that had great faith in God and who taught me about faith. My Dad and Mom showed me how to live by faith and the importance of prayer. They didn’t just talk about having faith but they daily put their faith in practice in all parts of their lives. I was lucky to have Grandparents and an Aunt that also were very strong in their faith in God. When my Grandmother was diagnosed with cancer her faith in God not only sustained her and all of the rest of the family, but it was seen by all those who came in contact with her. I can remember going into her room at the hospital and there would be Christian music playing and she would be very peaceful. She was a great witness to her doctors and nurses too because of her faith in God during her illness. She never forgot that God was in control and her love for Him and God’s love for her sustained her till He took her home. Faith then is not just believing in God but it is living for God also. It is daily walking with God as the center of our lives. When something comes along such as illness if you only talk about faith but don't really live by faith then that is when we stumble. When I got sick I had these examples from my life of faith and I had a strong faith in God and so it seemed to me only natural to rely on that faith and in God through this illness. I put my faith to work and I know and believe that God has a plan for my life and as long as I live by faith in Him and stay in His plan for me then what could be better. Even if that means having this and other illness. Faith is not just a word we say but it is a way of living with God as the center of our lives. I have and had great examples of people living by faith in my life through my family.
We can find many examples in the Bible of people of faith who not only proclaimed they had faith but also practiced their faith in their lives. This is what I want to share in the coming blogs examples of men and women of faith in the Bible. These people can show us how to be faithful and grow in our faith in God by their examples.
James 2:17-18 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (KJV)

Trusting in God Week 5 of Memorizing Challenge

I know everyone has done the trust game where you turn your back to another person and just fall back trusting they will catch you.  We always fall and trust the person behind us, but trust isn't always easy. We, it seems, have more trouble trusting God and His promises than we do the person who is suppose to catch us. How can we believe and trust in another person and yet have trouble trusting the almighty, creator of everything, loving, God? I have asked myself this more than once. Our hope and trust is in God and we have to remember that and trust that He has it all in control and He has a plan and path for us. We need to trust and follow that path without trying to negotiate or deviate from it. Trust is the word for me this week and the verses to memorize are about that also.

Memorizing the Word Challenge Verses from past weeks:
Wk 1:
Ps. 119:11
Matt. 22:37
Wk 2:
Prov. 3:5-6
John 3:16-18
Wk 3:
Ps 23:1-6
Isaiah 41:10
Wk 4:
Rom. 16:1
Phil 1:21
Matt. 5:10

This weeks verses on Trust are:

Jeremiah 17: 7 KJV  "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord

is."

 

Psalm 91:2 KJV "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."

 

Hope you are still memorizing the Word with me. Let me know how it is going for you.
Remember to put your Trust and Hope in the Lord.

Stew Casserole or Stewcarole

 Here is another recipe that was one of those, don't want the same old thing for dinner, recipes but on a limited budget and made with just what I had in the refrigerator and pantry. We call it Stew Casserole or as my Grandson says Stewcarole. There is no picture because the family ate it so fast I didn't have a chance, it was a big hit.


Stew Casserole or Stewcarole

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
3 lg baking potatoes
1/2 pkg frozen mixed vegetables
olive oil
butter
1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
1 cup Ketchup
2 Tbl taco seasoning
2 Tbl chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
6-8 slice American cheese or cheese of your choice

Directions:
In skillet drizzle the bottom with olive oil and heat. Add 1/4 of a stick of butter to skillet and melt. When the oil and butter are heated you can add the peeled and thinly sliced potatoes to the skillet. Potatoes should be thin like you would have them for fried potatoes. Heat the potatoes till they just start to heat through and are starting to get tender. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees while you are cooking the potatoes in the skillet. When potatoes are ready put them with the oil and butter from the skillet on to a sheet pan in a single layer. Salt and pepper to taste. Put in oven for 20 minutes or until they start to crisp and brown turning once half way through cooking time. Now while the potatoes are in the oven brown the hamburger. Drain. Also in a pan cook the vegetables like it says on the package. Add chili powder and taco seasoning to the ground beef give it a stir till it is mixed well into the hamburger. Add the BBQ and Ketchup to create the sauce on the meat ( if you need to you can add more BBQ sauce and ketchup) Add the cooked drained vegetables to the hamburger mix well. let simmer till potatoes are ready.
When the potatoes are done remove them from the oven. Pour the hamburger vegetable mixture evenly in a 9X13 pan. Layer the potatoes on top in a single layer covering the hamburger mixture completely. Top with the sliced cheese on top of the potatoes. Put in oven for 5 minutes or till cheese is melted. Serves 4-6 depending on size of serving or how hungry they are. Add a nice side salad and garlic bread and you have a nice dinner in no time at all.

This is a very easy meal to make and at our house it was a big hit. You can make it with gluten free BBQ sauce and Ketchup and spices like I did.  To make your own garlic butter and bread  you can   melt a 1/4 stick of butter. To the butter add gluten free garlic powder and mixed them together. Then I used my gluten free bread for myself and regular bread for the family. I didn't have a baguette so I used sandwich bread. I put on a cookie sheet the bread and  spread it with the garlic butter and placed under the broiler till toasted. It works in a pinch when you don't have French bread or baguettes. Since I made this meal I see that Udi's brand has a gluten free baguette that I will try next time.

Hope you will give this recipe a try and let me know what you think.

What's For Dinner? LeftOvers!

   I don't know where you are on the leftover debate but I love leftovers. As a kid growing up I thought everyone ate leftovers. I loved them. My favorite I think was when we had leftover roast beef and if we had enough we would have roast beef hash the next day. Roast beef, onions, and potatoes chopped into bite size pieces and fried in a skillet yum. Mouth watering just thinking about it. If we only had a little roast left my Grandmother would make Roast salad like tuna salad. That is so wonderful on a sandwich or just by itself. You just grind up the roast or like I do chop into small bite size pieces add mayo and pickle relish and mix all together and eat. Those are just some of my favorite ones from my childhood. Of coarse I loved left over  fried chicken, hamburgers and spaghetti too, but those I just ate cold and usually for breakfast.

   When I first got married we had a lot of leftovers because I was use to cooking for 7 not 2. So glad my  husband didn't mind leftovers either or we would have lost a lot of food. The key to leftovers is not just serving the same thing but to figure ways to use them that is different than what you had to begin with.

 This brings us to tonight's dinner and what to do with our leftover white rice and hot dogs. Now to you that might sound like just heat and eat but to me it was a challenge to make something that was different so here is what I came up with and it was a big hit. No leftovers of the leftover meal which is a good thing.

Ingredients:
6 left over grilled hot dogs
2 1/2 cups cooked white rice
1 cup frozen green beans
olive oil
1/2 stick of butter
1 cup ketchup
1 cup bbq sauce
2 tablespoons honey mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
salt to taste
pepper to taste
6 slice American cheese

Directions:

In large skillet drizzle olive oil to coat bottom when olive oil starts to heat up add the butter and when warm add rice. Make sure you have broken the rice up so that it doesn't have any big clumps. Heat on medium heat stirring to keep from scorching. Cute the hot dogs up into bite size pieces and add to rice. In a separate bowl mix the ketchup, mustard, bbq sauce and brown sugar till sugar is dissolved. To the rice and hot dogs add the green beans, the chili powder and salt and pepper. Then add the sauce you made and stir till all the rice and hot dogs and green beans are coated. Cover and heat on medium heat for 10 minutes stirring once in awhile . When completely heated through and the green beans are done add the 6 slices of cheese around the skillet and put lid back on. When the cheese begins to melt stir it into the mixture and you are ready to eat. Serve with a nice salad and some bread and butter. It make a great meal. Try it you might be surprised just how good it is.

The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack Review

  The Fourth Fisherman: How Three Mexican Fishermen Who Came Back from the Dead Changed My Life and Saved My Marriage by Joe Kissack


     This is the story of Joe, he has money, a great job in the entertainment business, a wife and family and yet he is on a downward spiral into a dark hole. He had tried to fill this hole with things and prestige, but nothing was working. In the book Joe says, " I kept searching for more. More of what? I really didn't know. Something I couldn't put my finger on it, but it felt like it was out there, just around the corner. Something to fill the emptiness inside me." pg 41 This book is Joe's story of his struggles, searching, redemption, forgiveness, love and learning to rely on God and God's plan.

    This is also the story of the three fisherman from Mexico that get stranded at sea for 9 months with nothing put their faith in God and a Bible to sustain them. They were drifting aimless at sea and  they had God with them through the whole 9 months. This tells their story of struggle and rescue, hope and faith. It is a remarkable true story of strength that comes from God,  faith and  how they survived for those 9 months. It tells us how God would provide what they needed just in time and how He never left them. Just like He does for us in our lives.

      The book tells us  how God sends Joe to meet the fisherman after they are rescued to help them tell their story and in so doing Joe grows in his faith and reliance on God. You find that he has the same doubts and fears that we have when it comes to knowing if we are reallying doing what God wants us to or not. As Joe goes through the jungles  and obstacles in Mexico trying to meet the fisherman you see how God nudges him along and reassures him, as well as protects him, just as God does us in our lives. 


    When I first started to read this book I had already decided that it was just going to be another feel sorry for me book, but boy was I wrong. The more I read the book the more I realized this is a book of brokenness and faith. A book of hopelessness and hope. It is a true story of how one man has everything, but really has nothing, and three men who have nothing, but they have everything because they have God. It is a powerful, insightful, encouraging book that I think everyone should read once or twice.

This book is all this an more. As it says in the book, "And then my eyes were fully opened: God was present in all of it, speaking to me about what the story really was. No, this isn't my story. But it isn't the fishermen's story either. It is God's story, and all of what He has done needs to be told." pg 189
This book tells us that story and I hope everyone will take the time to read it.

For more information:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=150186
You can follow Joe Kissack on twitter at
https://twitter.com/jkissack
http://www.thefourthfisherman.com/
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307956279
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2011/08/22/video-the-fourth-fisherman/
Here is the link to read the first chapter of the book
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2011/11/15/sneak-peek-the-fourth-fisherman-by-joe-kissack/

"I received this book from WaterBrook Multomah for free in exchange for an honest review."

     

Standing Up For Your Faith and Week 4 of Challenge

I am behind on my memorizing challenge in picking new verses to memorize. I hope everyone has been able to memorize along with me. I have picked verses this week to go along with something that happened to my Dad the other day at a restaurant. Before we get to that let's recap the last three weeks.

Wk 1:
Ps. 119:11
Matt. 22:37
Wk 2:
Prov. 3:5-6
John 3:16-18
Wk 3:
Ps 23:1-6
Isaiah 41:10

First I must say I come from a family who loves God and has taught us to know and love God. My Mom and Dad are Christians and they raised us setting a good example as Christians. Dad and Mom the other day sat down at a restaurant to eat and when their food came my Dad prayed over their meal. They are not flamboyant, they quietly hold hands and Dad or Mom says the prayer.  On this occasion though, at the table next to them, a gentleman told my Dad that he couldn't  pray and to stop. Dad said the man had been drinking to much he thought, but still he told Dad to stop. My Dad politely told him to mind his own business, but the man continued to blame Christians for all his troubles. Dad finally told him to mind his own business and he was sorry the man didn't know Christ. The man stopped at that and my parents prayed and ate their meal. My Dad and Mom were not ashamed of their faith and did not cower when accosted for that faith, and that is the point to these verses I decided to memorize this week, that I am not ashamed of my God and my faith. I will not cower when persecuted. It would have been probably easier for my Dad to just stop with out praying but that would be denying the importance of his love for God and his Faith. What would you have done? I would hope I would have done the same as my Dad and maybe even told the man I would pray for him. I think this man does need prayer and I hope Dad has been praying for him. We are to love everyone even those who persecute us, and the best way is to pray that they come to know the love of God and hopefully we can be the one to show them that love.

The verses for this week are:

Rom. 16:1 NIV "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."

Phil 1:21 KJV " For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Matt. 5:10 KJV "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Hope you are still memorizing the Word with me. Let me know how it is going for you.

Wk 3 Challenge of Memorizing the Word

This is week 3 of my challenge to memorize the Word. I hope you are still with me on this challenge. Here is a list of the verses from week 1 and 2
Week 1
Ps. 119:11
Matt. 22:37
Week 2
Prov. 3:5-6
John 3:16-18

As I watched the devastation in Moore, OK after the tornado yesterday, with tears and prayers for the victims and their families a verse came to my mind from Psalm 23:4 KJV "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."  and also the verse from last week in Prov 3: 5-6 KJV " ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

I don't know how you make it through a tragedy like this with out trusting and leaning on God and remembering that God is with you. This is why for this weeks challenge I have chosen the 23 Psalm as one of the verses to memorize. I believe memorizing the whole Psalm is important so that when you need it you will be able to recall this comforting Psalm and promise. The other verse is found in Isaiah and is important to remember when we are afraid.

So this weeks verses are
 Psalms 23:1-6 KJV " The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. ³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
 ⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

Isaiah 41:10 KJV "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Please continue to pray and hold the people of Oklahoma up who have been touched by this terrible tragedy

Book Review

I was given an ARC copy of this book and was asked to read and give a honest review of the book
Lock, Stock, and Over A Barrel A Dear Daphne Novel by Melody Carlson.


This book and characters are easy to connect with, you feel like you can just step into this small hometown and be friends with all the characters. It is a book that you just want to keep reading to see what is next.

Daphne had a dream to be a writer and after college she lands a job as a writer for the New York Times, but after years in the city she wonders if this is what she really wants. She is like we are when we think we know what we want and then when we get it we wonder is this really that great or what is going to make us happy.

Daphne's Aunt dies and she goes home for the funeral, but to her surprise Daphne's Aunt has left Daphne her house with some strings attached. The reader gets caught up in Daphne trying to decide what she wants, whether she can meet her Aunts strings for her inheritance and what will really make her happy.

This book, I think, is somewhat of a quest for Daphne to find out what she really wants out of life, about being happy, and about trusting God to help her make the right decisions and believing in the plan God has for her. It is a very good book that is very enjoyable. It has a good story and at the end of the book it leaves you wanting more. An excellent book. Melody Carlson has another good book that will connect with the readers.

I would highly recommend this book. This book will be out June 2013. check out Melody Carlson's website for more about her and her books at www.melodycarlson.com

If you would like a chance to win the ARC copy of this book head over to my other blog debsbooksgalore.blogspot.com

Wk 2 of Challenge New Verses and Book Review

This is week two of the memorizing the Word Challenge. Week one went well for me. Week one's verses were
Ps. 119:11
Matt. 22:37
I hope you are memorizing these with me. If you have any suggestions of verses to memorize let me know in the comments.

This weeks verses are ones that some might already know but are imporant to remember in our walk with God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV 5" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
John 3:16-18 KJV "16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."



These verses explain how much God loves us and has made away to Him through His son Jesus Christ. Then we also see that if God walks with us daily and all we have to do is trust Him and lean on Him and he will direct our way. He makes a promise that if we trust and lean on Him then he will direct us in our walk through life. Simple right. Well it is simple but we being who we are don't always do this. Trust is easy when everything is going good, but we stumble sometimes when life gets hard. We try to say we are trusting but also try to figure things out on our own. We need to memorize this verse so that when things come up and we stumble we can recall this verse and follow it. God knows we are human and will fail sometimes and the other verses tell us how He has already made away to be forgiven through Jesus all we have to do is believe and give our hearts to Him.

I hope you will continue the challenge this week and memorize these verses with me.

I wanted to include a book review of a book that I love and think is great for studying.

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
The book talks about how awesome it is that God who made everything loves us and loves us enough to give up his precious Son for us. He helps us to understand more about God and his love.  You need to read this book it will change you in a positive way. I recommend that everyone read and study this book, it brings you closer to God and helps you grow in your faith.

Leave a comment and let me know if you are memorizing the verses and how it is going. Also leave a comment on what you think of this book. If you have any suggestions of books let me know also.

Book Review

I am an avid reader so I thought I would share with you some of the books I am reading. Hope you will get them and read them too. The first books I reviewed on my other blog mysteryreadingnook.blogspot.com and here is that post.
I was asked to read and review A Plain Scandal An Appleseed Creek Mystery by Amanda Flower. I was given a ARC for this purpose.
A Plain Scandal An Appleseed Creek Mystery by Amanda Flower is book 2 of the series.

Chloe Humphrey lives in Appleseed Creek Ohio which includes the usually quiet Amish Community also. The Amish community is being rocked by someone who is attacking them and cutting the hair of the girls and beards of the men. Chloe gets involved to help find who is behind the attacks and she happens to stumble on the body of Ezekiel Young who has been murdered and his beard has been cut off also. Are these attacks and murder related? Why is the Amish being targeted? Who could possibly be behind these attacks and is Chloe in danger now too?

This book keeps you guessing with many possibilities of suspects so that you want to keep reading, because you want to find out just who it is behind the murder and attacks. It is a book you do not want to put down and that will be a surprise at the end. I have spent time in the Ohio Amish country and can just picture myself there with Chloe and this community. I would highly recommend this book to the mystery buffs and cozy mystery fans that want a good read with a good plot, murder, romance, friendship and throws in the unique Amish Community, what more could you want.

The author Amanda Flower has another hit on her hands. This book has characters that you can see yourself being friends with. Find out more about this author and her books at http://amandaflower.com/Appleseed_Creek_Series.html

New Challenge

I have been thinking for awhile that I really need to get back to memorizing Bible verses. I kept telling myself my memory isn't what it use to be and I don't know if I can remember the verses now like I did when I was younger. Really if you think about it we remember all sorts of things that are really useless, like what happened last night on our favorite TV shows.  Sometimes I think we fill our minds with the wrong things. We need to know God's word and as the Bible says to hide it in our hearts. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119: 11 KJV Our hearts and minds should be on God and knowing his word helps us grow in our walk with him. I read in a book one time, when I was a kid, that we should memorize God's word so that if they ever took our Bibles from us we would still have his word with us. I thought at the time that they would never take the Bible from us but now as I get older I am not so sure. I want to delve into God's word with a renewed passion and let God speak to me through his word. I also am challenging myself to memorize at least two verses a week. As Christians we need to start arming ourselves to be able to stand up for our faith and our God.

My two verses for this week are Psalm 119: 11 and Matthew 22:37

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119: 11 KJV

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind Matthew 22: 37 KJV

I hope you will join me in this challenge. Let me know if you are going to try and learn and memorize along with me.

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

I again found myself in need of a quick and tasty dinner. Looking to see what I had in the pantry and fridge this is what I came up with. It actually was very good and everyone liked it. Was good the next day too for lunch. I find sometimes, actually more times than I want to admit, I find myself doing last minute quick cooking, but this will be one of my go to meals when I find myself in that spot.

Ingredients:
2 lbs chicken strips cubed ( I used fully cooked fajita chicken bought from store)
3 cups white rice
1 pkg frozen rainbow mixed vegetables ( vegetables were corn, peas, green peppers cubed and red peppers cubed)
1 cup Velveeta cheese
1 cup salsa

Directions:
Cube the chicken strips and place in a large skillet. Heat the chicken. Cook rice and vegetables as directions on their package states. While this is going on cube Velveeta cheese and place in microwave safe bowl along with the salsa. Microwave at 20 sec intervals stirring in between till cheese is beginning to melt. When chicken is heated through add the cooked rice and vegetables to the skillet. Stir and add the Velveeta cheese and salsa, you can add more cheese and salsa to your taste we had one in the house that didn't like spicy so we didn't add as much salsa as we might otherwise. Turn to low and simmer for 5 min or till heated through.
Dish up with a side salad and cornbread and you have a good meal. If you use salsa that is gluten free then you have a great gluten free meal also.
This dinner can be made by cooking your own chicken and using fresh vegetables too, but like I said I needed quick tonight. Hope you will give this a try and let me know what you think.

Have you been watching The Bible on History

Last night was night two of The Bible on History Channel and I was wondering if anyone else was watching and what you think of it? I think that it has been good and well done. It moves through the stories pretty fast so you have to pay attention. Pleased so far with all they have done. I find that it makes us dig into the Bible to read the stories again to make sure they are following the Bible and it gives us a conversation starter too. I am looking forward to watching the rest of the series. What is your take on the series?

Verses for today to memorize are :
John 13: 34-35 KJV ^{34 "}A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ³⁵ By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Micah 6:8 KJV " He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Quote for this week:
God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.
C. S. Lewis
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html#Pm2pBvWqwJC3OoY9.99

I will be back on schedule for blogging now that I am feeling better. Have a great week and remember
CHOOSE TO HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Gluten Free Beef Teriyaki and Rice

Last night was one of those nights where I had to go to the freezer and pantry and use what I had there because I needed a fast easy and delicious dinner. I had frozen vegetables, rice and ground beef, so I made Gluten Free Beef Teriyaki and rice. It was wonderful and the husband loved it which is a big plus to any recipe. Truth be told I spent most of the day finishing a baby afghan and wrist warmers so I had completely forgotten about dinner so had to have a fast solution. If you ever find yourself needing something good and quick give it a try.

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 pkg frozen Vegetable Medley ( mine had the mix of broccoli, red peppers, and green beans)
1 cup cooked rice
1 13.5 oz bottle of Island Organic Teriyaki from Organiville Foods. They have two different gluten free teriyaki sauces and either one would be great for this dish. http://organicvillefoods.com/category/products/teriyaki-sauces/

Directions:
Brown ground beef in large skillet and drain. While browning the ground beef cook your cup of rice. I cooked mine in a rice cooker which made it really easy. Also cook the frozen vegetables while browning the meat. Add the frozen vegetables, rice and bottle of teriyaki to skillet, mix well lower heat and let simmer for 10 minutes or till all is heated through and the flavors have mix in well.
Serve with more rice or with a salad and you have a great meal.

Num. 6: 24-26 KJV
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

God's Masterpiece

Matthew 5:14

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid

 I love the verse Eph. 2 : 10 NLT  ^"For we are God’s Masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago". I love to quote or think of this verse every time I think that I am not good enough or I am not special. When I think there is nothing that I can do or I have no talent I recall this verse and know that none of that is true according to God's word. We are special and God created us and made us new in Christ so that we could do the things He has planned for us. It might not be what we would think of doing, but it is what God has planned for us. He made each one of us unique and special, His masterpiece. So when I am thinking that I am not enough then I am really criticizing God for He is the one who made me into who I am. God has a job for all of us to do, we just have to pray, and meditate on what it is and then jump in and do what God has planned for us. Most of all I try to remember that I am special because God made me and He made me and molded me into the person He wants me to be.

Another favorite verse of mine is Jer 29:11 NIV   ^"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God has a plan and it doesn't include harm but hope and a future. What a great promise from God.

I try to repeat both of these verses everyday along with Rom 8:1KJV "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit". and also Rom 8:28 KJV "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." and Rom. 8: 31 NIV "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

So next time you are feeling down or thinking that you are talentless or not special remember these verses.  Try to memorize them so that they come to mind when these feelings start and remember most of all YOU ARE GOD'S MASTERPIECE and HE LOVES YOU

Snow, Snow and then more Snow

Yesterday it snowed and snowed and snowed and at the end of the day and snow storm we had 12- 14 inches of snow. It was up to the door and in fact when I opened the screen door it would not open all the way because the snow was that high. I didn't get to do any blogging because we were afraid of losing power so I had the computer off. When I thought it was safe to try I turned the computer on and not 5 minutes or so later the power went out. Maybe I jinxed us, but luckily it was only out a minute or so but I decided to wait to turn it on till today. Now after we get dug out I will be back to blog more. Hope everyone has a safe warm day.

Month of Love

February the Month of Love, the month that we show our love to others with cards, flowers and candy. We write love notes and add them to those cards, flowers and candy to give to that special someone that we love.  We want to make sure that our Valentine knows how important they are and how much we love them.  I think that we get caught up in showing our love in special ways just one day a year when we should show the ones we love how special and loved they are everyday.
No it doesn't have to be candy or flowers any thing like that, it can just be little things like a special note in there lunch or making a special dinner. Baking cookies or a snack that they really love. When you get a chance to just hold there hand or just listen to them when they are talking can be special. We think big when it is the little things that are important. When Mike, my husband and I were dating there was a cartoon in our paper that was a girl and boy and the caption always was Love is followed by something that love is. One of my favorite ones was Love Is You and Me. Mike would cut those out and give them to me and it was really special. I kept them for a long time just because it was our special way of telling each other how much we loved each other. To others that would seem silly but to us it was special. That is what you should do, find out what is special between the two of you and then cherish each other by doing it.
I also think it is important to say I love you to each other and not just assume they know it. Every time I talk to Mike on the phone or he leaves for any reason we say I love you to each other. People might think we are crazy, but at times we can just be watching TV and look at each other and say" you know I Love You." We have been married 39 years and have been together 41 and I can truthfully say I never get tired of hearing him say I love you even though I know he loves me. I guess what I am saying is don't just spend one day telling the one you love that you love them and try to show them all in one day, but let them know each and every day.



Also we always have one who loves us unconditionally and thinks we are special and that is God. God loves us and has given his most precious gift His Son because He loves us.
John 3: 16 KJV  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Never think that you have no one who loves you or that your not special because God Loves You and You Are Special.

Spicy Hamburger Hashbrown Dish or Nana's Mess

Have you ever had a day when your best laid plans for dinner just didn't work out. That's what happened to me tonight, so when the steaks were still frozen and dinner had to be done in a hurry I had to improvise. So taking what I had this is what I came up with and we called it Nana's Mess because I messed up and didn't thaw the meat out for dinner and was out of pasta.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (ground turkey would probably work too)
1 4.2 oz carton dehydrated hash browns
1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup picante sauce
2tsp dehydrated onions
2tsp garlic salt
2tsp taco seasoning
4 slices of american cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tbs ketchup
 Parmesan cheese for top

Directions:
In a skillet brown the ground beef, onions, garlic salt and taco seasoning. Drain
Cook the hash browns as it says on the box. You can use frozen or fresh hash browns if you like I used what I had available. Just cook the hash browns as directed on the ones you use.
Combine the cooked hash browns and ground beef together. Add the diced tomatoes, picante sauce and stir. When this is warm add the sour cream and ketchup and stir to mix together. Cook on low. When heated through add the american cheese slices ( you can use shredded cheddar cheese here instead but again I was out). When the slices start to melt stir into the hamburger hash brown mix. Dish up and add the Parmesan cheese to the top like and dig in. Very good, filling and the family loved it.

Even though I didn't fix what I had planned and had to go to the pantry to make something, it really didn't turn out bad. You can add more of the onions, garlic salt and taco seasoning to your taste but in our house less is used because some don't like to much of the seasoning.

Give this a try it really was good. It can be gluten free if you use gluten free seasonings, sour cream, ketchup, picante sauce and cheese.

Instead today of a favorite quote I thought I would share our family prayer that we taught our kids and grandkids. Remember to always be thankful.

Family Prayer
Come Lord Jesus Be Our Guest
Let All This Food To Us Be Blessed
Amen


So Dig In and Enjoy!

Break is over

I have been on a break from all my blogs but I am ready to get back to them. I hope to post once a week if not more often.  This will be posts from what's going on in my life to favorite verses,  quotes and devotions. Ready to get started here are two of my favorite quotes:

 Ronald Reagan "If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under."

"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way.""
- C. S. Lewis

Food for thought. We need to put God first and make sure we are doing his will, that should be how we live as a person and nation.