Prayer Requests

UPDATE: There is going to be a time of corporate prayer and fasting for Joanne Heim

Does your heart ever get overwhelmed with the needs of the Body of Christ? There are so many ‘needs’, desperate situations, really, that need prayer. While I know there are too many to list, I thought I would share a few that have come across my path in the hope that you would join with me in lifting these brothers and sisters to our Father.

Joanne Heim suffered a stroke and is in the hospital fighting for her life. Her husband is updating her blog with such courage that it brings tears to my eyes each time I read an update. Please read this post to see how all this started, and here is the main link to her blog, The Simple Wife, where her husband posts updates.

I only came across this dear, brave woman’s blog yesterday and her story, courage and grief tore my heart out. Dana’s precious “Tiggy” died in a horrible accident on December 12th.

Please follow the links and get to know these people and add them to your prayer list.

I have made a ‘prayer card’ for you to print up and possibly keep with your personal or family devotions . . .if you could?

Prayer Card (print on cardstock for a sturdiness)

Italian Quinoa Garbanzo Salad

I recently cooked up a huge pot of garbanzo beans as well as a pot of quinoa. I have made two large batches of hummus that the children have devoured.

When I make quinoa I soak it overnight after rinsing it. I then sauté onion and garlic in a large pan until tender, adding salt and pepper to taste. I add the drained quinoa and some chicken stock or water. (make sure to season well with salt and pepper) Simmer for 15-20 minutes with the lid on and then let sit for awhile.

I try to make a huge pot of it to eat throughout the week. Here is one recipe that we love, well most of us love it.

Italian Quinoa Garbanzo Salad

• cooked and cooled quinoa
• cooked and cooled garbanzo beans
• diced onion
• diced red bell pepper (any color will work)
• diced cucumber
• diced tomato
• chopped black olives
• feta cheese
• opt. chopped fresh parsley and/or fresh basil

Dressing for Italian Quinoa Garbanzo Salad

• olive oil
• lemon juice
• garlic powder, salt and pepper

Many vinaigrette recipes call for 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar or lemon juice. This is way to oily for my taste. I usually stick with 1/2 oil and 1/2 vinegar or lemon juice in this case. I mix the dressing separately in a jar to get the flavor right and then pour it all over the salad ingredients and mix. You will need a fair amount of dressing, as the quinoa will soak some of it up.

I wish I had taken a picture, it is really pretty. We had to fight some of the children off or they would gobble it all up. I make a delicious Mexican Quinoa Salad too. I’ll post that recipe soon. Might as well make a big pot of quinoa and have Italian one night and Mexican another!

Believe!!

“Believe, I am restoring and rebuilding! When things get turned upside down, only BELIEVE. It is part of the process—part of the rebuilding. Believe in My Word. Do not stop seeking Me. Stand fast and BELIEVE!

Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. (Isaiah 43:10)

And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. (2 Chron. 20:20)

Relentlessly Pursuing . . .Believing

Pondering . . . Humility, Prayer, Repentance

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chron. 7:14)

HIS people, that’s you and me.

Humble themselves, one way is fasting. David ‘humbled’ himself with fasting. (Ps. 35:13)

Pray, and seek His face, sounds like a bit more than an occasional ascent to prayer. Pondering ‘seeking His face’.

Turn . . wicked ways. To me, this spells REPENTANCE!

THEN . . when will He hear from heaven and forgive? When His people, you and I, humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, turn!

I know this scripture is used a lot for things like National Day of Prayer and on a broader scale, but could there be a principle or two in there for us personally? We desire healing of our “land”, but do we really hear the first part of this verse?

Want some New Testament scripture?

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:4-10)

Grace for the ‘humble’ (those who recognize their sin)

Draw nigh to God, perhaps, seek His face? Prayer?

Cleanse, purify . . .repent?

Be afflicted, mourn, weep . . . humble yourselves.

These were just some ponderings for the day, any thoughts?

Relentlessly Pursuing, humility, His face and repentance.

A True Mama’s Heart

Recently I ‘stumbled’ on this sweet Mama’s blog.  I fell in love with the following post, called, “Teach Them Well”,  as it speaks right to my heart.  I struggle to keep my heart at home, often times, and this really helps put it in perspective.  (you might also want to read “Loving Channie God’s Way”)  This woman has a way with words and photos!  You will be blessed.

Teach Them Well

by Robin at Just a Family

Her little nose cold and runny from the temperature outside. I wouldn't trade this life of mine for anything. You see I don't have to be a mommy. I could just be a woman with many kids but I'm 100% mommy. I love the wet clothes that pile up by my front door as the kids come in from playing in the snow. The puddles that pile there are from the precious babies that I adore.

I have a passion and my passion is my family. I love keeping home. I love

driving a big red van that has old French fries from last week squished between the seats.

I see him walking and I know that one day he will walk away from this farm and start his own life but for now I get to walk beside him and keep him safe. I get to hold his hand and tuck him in at night. His footprints in the snow on this farm will melt and unless you sell yourself out and just be engulfed by your family you'll miss the small prints they leave behind. Don't miss it. Be their biggest fan... hug them so much that they run from you when they see you coming... then run and hug them some more. Don't let them leave without missing the love that you have poured into their life.

Help them enjoy the small miracles God puts in their life.
Teach them to love God
Teach them to love their daddy
Teach them to love each other
and they will love you.
this takes daily work though.
Working through squabbles without taking
sides and teaching them to be friends that will
last a lifetime.

Be kind and gentle.

Don't raise your voice.

This year, start off by saying what

you have to say calm and loving.

Practice until you get this right.

Love is patient, Love is kind.

Be kind..Be fun...

Be happy and let your

kids see you being happy.

Teach them to carry each other through the day...

Remind them everyone has bad days and when your brother

or sister is having a bad day help them carry their burdens.

Turn them to the Lord in every situation.

Sing. Sing. Sing.

Teach them songs that promote love and harmony

surrender yourself as mother

and have fun.

When you learn to love in color your kids will notice

and you will not mind the puddles on the floor

or the clothes piled up high. The meals will become

a banquet and the mess a safe haven that you get

to be a part of.

Be Thankful..

Enjoy them.

Smile at them.

Tickle them.

Be with them always and when

the day comes and the seasons

change, they will be

with you.

My days are very full. I grow weary. I have sickness,

I have health, I get through a day one day at a time just

like you but I have these beautiful faces

that need me to be happy, thankful, and trusting..

They don't expect me to be perfect and perfect I'm not,

but I'm trusting in the unfailing love

of a Savior that loves us all.

To God be the Glory for such beautiful smiles.

I told you that you would love it!  Have a wonderful, blessed day, and go hug on your blessings!

You have GOT to see this!

It does not matter what you are going through, what you have been through, what you have done, who has done what to you . . . Jesus Christ is the SAME, yesterday, today and forever! Listen to this and be encouraged in your situation today.

Is that not AMAZING!?

Mighty and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God the Omnipotent! Righteous and true are Your ways, O Sovereign of the ages.

Blessed be Thou, Lord God of Israel our Father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of Thee, and Thou reignest over all; and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great,and to give strength to all. (1 Chron. 29:11-12)

Subscribe by Email!

In an effort to help you be more efficient with your time I have added a ‘Subscribe Via Email’ to my sidebar.  This way you can get my posts sent directly to your email.   Using this feature will save you time as you only will need to check my blog when it is updated.

 

Please note that the above is just a picture of the actual subscribe feature, thanks to my ‘tech support’   See sidebar for actual Subscribe Via Email.

Relentlessly Pursuing!

I GET To . . .

Thank You, Father, that I ‘get to be a mama today!

I get to train and disciple the next generation.

I get to choose joy—choose smiles

I get to display Your love today

I get to feed and nourish bodies AND souls today

I get to shape children’s hearts today

I get to be a part of who they will become

I get to snuggle and hug and tickle today

I get to pray for future men and women of God today

Yes, thank You Father that I get to be a mama today!!

Putting “Feet” to My Words

After all the fun I had coming up with a ‘words’ for the new year, I am having just as much fun putting “feet” to my words.

For words that had to have ‘teeth’, don’t you think they need feet too? (beyond, silly, right? told you I was having fun)

My poor family, first they had to suffer long with me as I chased them down to come up with their own ‘word’, but now they have me asking them if they have ‘put feet’ to their words yet. Good thing they love me and I make amazing sourdough bread! Right?

What do I mean by feet? There needs to be some sort of plan to carry out my hopes for the new year.

Relentlessly pursue . . . prayer

Putting feet to it:

I purpose to put prayer time in my schedule. I absolutely assign a time of the day, and by His grace seek to keep that appointment as if it were eating or brushing my teeth.

Relentlessly pursue . . . scripture memory

Putting feet to it:

I include the children in on this during our devotion time, it adds accountability. I have copies of the scripture I am memorizing all over the house. I carry my ‘memory booklet’ with me where ever I go. I make sure to practice when I eat, or sit for quiet time, or when I rest, or as I am passing the fridge or washing dishes. If I am not intentional about doing this it will not happen. I know, I have tried haphazardly for years!

These are just a few examples. It does little good to say, “I will exercise more this year”, but then have no plan to make it happen.

So, how are you ‘putting feet’ to your Year of . . . ?

This is part of Ann’s “Walk With Him Wednesdays”

Shaping Words

“All the words I had ever spoken, they are making my children who they are.

What we speak into others, this is what they become.”

Ann Voskamp shares these words today in a very convicting post, go visit, you’ll not be disappointed, neither will you leave the same.

These words cut, cut deep into my heart. I’m a bit shook, don’t know how to press forward. I’m uncomfortable with the conviction, yet I hesitate to move on. I don’t want to leave here unchanged.

These words are incredibly sobering, they won’t stop echoing in my head. I see how words wound, scar and shape. If I could undo all those tearing down words.

“What were you thinking?”

“When are you going to get it?!”

“How many times do I have to tell you?'” (and more, besides)

Wait, I see it, those were not tearing down words. They were ‘shaping’ words. Shaping who they would become! Oh, my heart aches, my mind swirls with the countless ‘shaping’ words I have spoken.

Is this why his head often times hangs when I am ‘correcting’ him? Is that why he is so hard on himself? Why he struggles with accusing thoughts?

Could it be it is not just the enemy of his soul accusing him in his own mind, but the enemy of his soul using MY mouth to accuse him, to shape him?

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Pr. 18:21)

A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit. (Pr. 15:4)

Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body. (Pr. 16:24)

Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. (Pr. 14:1)

Relentlessly pursuing repentance and reshaping . . .

He Will Do Wonders Among You

Last week as I was seeking the Lord for this new year I felt led to read Joshua 3 and then Joshua 1. I believe there was much encouragement for me in the first several verses of each chapter. As I meditated on them all week it became clear to me that they were my ‘verses’ for my Year of Relentless Pursuit. I will share with you how I turned them into a ‘prayer/meditation’ that encourages me as I walk the days out. The Lord went on to give me verses for each are of my focus this year, I will share those in future posts, Lord willing. Below are the highlights and how they spoke to me.

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. (Joshua 3:5)

“Wonders” H6381 miraculous, cause wonderful things to happen. It is not merely the unusual act or degree of astonishment, but the clear cut exhibition of God’s capable care of Israel.

And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you . . . (your enemies) (Joshua 3:10)

And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. (Joshua 3:13)

Prayer/Meditation:

Thank You, Father, that as I sanctify myself, set myself apart for You, You will work wonders among us. I praise You that each day will be a ‘clear cut exhibition of Your capable care of us.

I know that the Living God is among me and He, without fail, will drive out my enemies.

I need only step ‘into the Jordan’ and the waters will be cut off. It is by faith that I step into each day.

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

A New Baby!!

There is going to be a new baby in our family, probably the end of August!!  We are so excited.

Our eldest son and his lovely wife are going to make us grandparents again.  It was the most wonderful news.  We all squealed, well, maybe that was just me , but we all were so excited.  Matthew had a funny look on his face and immediately I knew something was up. Then, Elisa opened her coat to reveal a bow on her belly!  It was a joyous moment!

Being a grandparent is as much fun as I thought it was going to be.  I knew we would love our grandchildren, but I guess I had no idea how much and how hard we would love them.  We adore Levi, our first grandson, and shower that child with hugs and kisses.  Can’t wait to do that with his brother/sister.

Thank you, Father, for the blessed gift of children, they truly are a gift and blessing. 

Practical Helps For Fasting

I would like to share two links on practical helps for fasting. 

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please do NOT ‘fast’ food! 

You can certainly ‘fast’ media, sweets, words, etc.  For many years I desired to fast food, but I was either pregnant or breastfeeding.  I wasted many years lamenting (complaining and grumbling, really) because I couldn’t fast.  Please don’t do the same.  Embrace the beautiful season you are in and know that the Lord is far more interested in your heart being devoted to Him than you ‘showing’ your devotion through fasting. 

Your Personal Guide to Prayer and Fasting

Fasting Guidelines and Information

Drumroll Please! New WORD for 2011!

Relentless Pursuit

The Year of Relentless Pursuit!

Okay, it is two words. Come on, did you really think I could do just ‘one’ word? You can read the last post if you wonder what in the world I am talking about.

I LOVE it! 2011 begins the relentless pursuit to redeem and reclaim each of the essential or foundational areas of my life. Relentless pursuit of the essentials!

My essentials?

Spiritual Essentials:

• Relentlessly pursue a consistent prayer time (in addition to my regular quiet time)
• Relentlessly pursue fasting 1-2 times a week
• Relentlessly pursue thankfulness
• Relentlessly pursue JOY (daily)
• Relentlessly pursue scripture memory
• Relentlessly pursue a quiet and gentle voice

Wifely Essentials:

• Relentlessly pursue ways to bless and honor Brian
• Relentlessly pursue submission
• Relentlessly pursue serving him
• Relentlessly pursue intimacy

Motherly Essentials:

• be PRESENT in each moment
• be fun, laugh, smile, play
• be gentle (reflect the Father’s love)
• be physical (hug and touch often)
• be consistent

Keeper of the Home Essentials:

• be disciplined with school
• persistent with schedule
• inspect, inspect and inspect
• hold children accountable
• keep my heart at home
• restore structure to our day

Physical Essentials:

• early to bed, early to rise
• back to more nutritious eating
• gently ease into exercising (not obsessing)

As you can see, these really are the basics, the essentials, that should be in place before we are running off playing or serving others. Having been sick for so long and delivered of so much junk, I am relearning who I am and how to do even the basics! If I don’t relentlessly pursue them I will follow the path of least resistance. I have learned over the years to not make this into some type of ‘works’ mentality. While these are the things I will relentlessly pursue, I will do so in His grace, with His leading and with His strength. (not going down ‘that’ road again)

Both Brian and I feel like this is the year to ‘get our home in order’. Perfectly? No, we know better but getting on top of life just a little bit. Like a dear lady recently said, “thriving instead of just surviving”

There you have it. Relentless Pursuit. Don’t you think it is perfect? Brian had suggested the word ‘persistence’ yesterday, and while it seemed nice enough, it was just to ‘steady’ for this radical woman. We laugh, now, as we see that ‘relentless’ is the word ‘persistence’ with teeth!

What about you? What is your word or words? Do you have hopes or dreams for the coming year? Please share!

May the God of hope fill you all joy and peace, in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I Think I have My ‘Word’ For the Year!

I have been having great fun seeking the Lord for a ‘word’ for the new year. I have read many other women’s words and it has been inspiring. Ann, from A Holy Experience usually gets off to a great start. I have literally been giddy over it. I think even making my sweet husband crazy at times. I was asking his help, and being the ‘steady man’ that he is he came up with more ‘steady’ words, you know, middle of the road words. None quite fit the passion that is bubbling inside of me. I told him I wanted a word with ‘teeth’. It almost had to be violent. Possibly have a growl to it. (do you think I am crazy yet?)

Having been sick for so long, and actually feeling like I have just been set free from about a ten year battle, there are many things that have been left undone over the years. So many areas of my life have been in ‘survival mode’ for a long time. The Lord has been gently convicting and revealing them to me over the last several months. We have certainly been ‘surviving’, but now it is time to thrive!

For me, they are the ‘basics’, the essentials, the foundation. I have been robbed of fully obeying and even living out the ‘essentials’ for too many years. Whether it was illness, bondage, circumstances, people, my own complacency, rebellion, and the raging pull of this culture, it matters not anymore. It has been revealed and I am pressing in to redeem the time, take back the land, get the life I am called to live back!

Here are the ‘words’ that have lingered in my mind these last days.

Year of . . .

• prayer (I want to pray way more)
• conquest (conquer what has been stolen)
• moments( cherish the moments)
• fighting (fight to take my life back)
• discipline (get back to some order and routine)
• basics (re-establish the ‘basics’)
• joy (fight for joy, daily)
• violence (be violent in redeeming my life)
• practice (do over and over until I get it)
• intention (be very intentional with every decision)
• purpose (live with great purpose)
• radical (be different and radical with every area)

None of these quite fit . . . more in part two . . . the big reveal!

Starting the New Year Submitted

We are about to begin a new year. I want to encourage you in something the Lord has recently brought about in my heart.  If you were to look at our marriage and study me, you would think that I was a pretty submissive wife.  And I was, to a certain degree.

Recently the Lord showed me areas in which I was not submissive. Areas that I was living in fear and therefore trying to control my husband.  It was painful and sort of scary to see the control, because, don’t you just hate the thought of someone thinking you are the dreaded ‘controlling wife?’  I sure do.

After some wrestling with my Father, lots of tears, and a giant gulp of humility, I went to my dear husband and repented for trying to control him in certain areas. . .

                  Read the rest of the story . . . At The Well

What Are You Going To Leave Behind

As we are fast approaching the end of the year, or the beginning of a new year, depending on how you look at it, I wanted to share some thoughts with you.

First of all, I LOVE this time of year! I love reflecting. I love praying and planning for the new year. I love fresh new starts. There is so much hope and promise for the future.

This year I have been contemplating what things I want to leave behind more so than what do I want to change in the coming year. There is a lot of ‘baggage’ I want to leave behind. A couple of months ago I began to really seek the Lord on what changes He would have me make. A few things that I have already purged are:

• Deactivating Facebook (so utterly freeing, and I didn’t really ever post on it)(don’t even get me started on my opinion of some of this social networking!)


• Dumped my Yahoo email account, which after ten years had accumulated way too much spam!


• I put all my favorite blogs into an RSS reader so as to not have to wait for them to load fully before I can start reading them. And, I only have to check when they are updated.


• I ruthlessly purged blogs that I check almost daily. There is so many encouraging blogs out there, but I cannot follow them all. I have to only take the time to read the ones that really minister to me. I encourage you to do the same. Please don’t waste your time reading my blog or any others if they do not encourage or edify you.


• I deleted folders full of favorites (I found when I would have filled time with Facebook or blogs I started to go visit blogs I had saved for whatever reason in my favorites. Kind of a ‘cold turkey’ method)


• I am sure it is against all blogging etiquette but I simply cannot comment on all my favorite blogs. Also, I love a comment like the rest of you, but I would rather you spend your time being a wife or mama than making me feel good. (did I say that out loud? )


• Limit even more the phone calls I answer during the day.


• Set boundaries around how I spend my time. Timers come in handy here!


• There are also things like fear, fear of man, anxiety, grumbling and complaining, doubt, rejection, harshness . . . all things I’d like to leave behind here in 2010.

Some things I am seeking to establish as part of my daily or weekly routine are:

• Additional time of prayer. I have had a regular ‘quiet time’ for many years, but feel the need to ‘kick it up a notch’ with my prayer time. I am currently able to fit this in during our lunch time.


• I also have been working way more diligently than ever in the past on memorizing scripture. I have always ‘tried’ to memorize scripture, but honestly, not whole heartedly. I have been memorizing the book of Ephesians since the first of November. I stumble, but I am seeking to persevere in this.


• Another thing that I stumble so often in and am seeking to establish as routine is ‘give thanks in all things’ and/or keeping up with some sort of gratitude list/journal. I desire that this be as routine as eating or brushing my teeth.


• QUIET voice! See, I am shouting even telling you about wanting to have a quiet voice. Oh, to speak quietly, softly and gently.


• Being a very good steward of my time. Being very purposeful with my minutes. Just how much of my day should be spent sowing to the flesh? Just how long do I have to look into the eyes of these children and show them the Father’s heart? I would like to hear by the Holy Spirit many times throughout the day, ‘is this what the Father would have me doing right now?’

Whew, there you have it, my year end/year beginning thoughts. Picture a ‘threshold’ in front of you. What do you wish to leave behind you as you step over that threshold? What would you like to pick up on your way through?

Our Letter to Family & Friends (That includes you!!)

Dearest Family and Friends, 2010

Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Jesus came to preach the gospel to the poor; to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. (Isaiah 61 and Luke 4)

God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. (Acts 10:38)

While Jesus walked this earth, He healed all who were brought to Him and cast out evil spirits. He did! Read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. One account after another Jesus healed all who came to Him.

So, why do I start our year-end letter with the verse,

Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, today and forever?

I have mentioned in our past annual letters that I have battled, off and on, with my health. In July of ’09 my health got really bad. From July of ’09 – May ’10 there were many days that I was unable to get out of bed, unable to take care of our family, barely able to function.

The end of May of this year Jesus healed and delivered me from many symptoms that have increasingly plagued me over the years. When I say healed, I mean HEALED! One day sick in bed, the next doing cartwheels in the yard, HEALED! One day in bondage to the enemy physically and mentally to the next day delivered and set free!

Family and friends, Jesus still heals, He still delivers, He still sets people free, and He still binds up the brokenhearted! He is the same!!!

I don’t know what you are going through, but I can unequivocally tell you that Jesus

Christ is your answer.

Are you uncertain of your future?

Are you sick physically?

Does depression plague you?

Are you constantly anxious and worried?

Is your heart heavy with bitterness and unforgiveness?

Does fear rule your heart and mind?

Do you know where you will spend eternity!???

Let me say it again, Jesus Christ is your answer

Family update:

Brian, well, you know I think he is awesome, right? He continues to be an awesome Godly leader and it is so amazing to watch his heart grow in love for the Lord and us. He continually lays down his life, striving to follow the example of his Savior.

Matthew (23) married the sweetest young woman we could have ever hoped for. Her name is Elisa. Immediately we loved her as our own and are so thankful for her

Our precious two year old grandson, Levi, continues to hold our hearts captive. He spends just about every Sunday with us.

Luke (20) – Is in his second year of college, doing well. He is still at home with us and we are so thankful for that!

Joshua (18) – Graduated High School this year, and is starting violin lessons and possibly college in January.

Victoria (14) – Continues to far exceed me in all things handiwork, knitting, sewing, and crocheting. We have discovered that she has a beautiful voice with which she loves to sing hymns. Often times I find her with a hymnal in front of her and knitting needles in her hands.

Isaiah (13) Is all boy, he loves forts, sports, building things and continues to have a passion and growing knowledge of the Word of God. He is also branching out from piano, where he has been arranging his own songs, into playing the guitar and singing.

Sarah Grace (9) – Is an apprentice sourdough artisan bread baker to mama, she loves to help in the kitchen. She also continues in her gift of scripture memory.

Isabella (8) –Loves to play mama to Elijah, she gives the best hugs and is just learning to play the piano. She also is developing a beautiful singing voice.

Josiah (6) –Loves to be playing with siblings, he doesn’t care what it is. Just let him in on the fun and he is there! His big blue eyes continue to melt my heart.

Elijah (3) –Is unbelievable adorable and so smart, and knows it and uses it to his advantage, trust me!

You ladies are an amazing encouragement in my life!  I thank God for you.  This is one of the last posts of the year.  I may have a post coming to challenge us for the coming new year.  Blessings to you!

Yeah But . . .

So many very clear commands in Your Word. Simple, one sentence commands. Are they there for a reason? Could You possibly expect us to obey them?

A few that come to mind . . .

• do all things without complaining or grumbling
• give thanks in all things
• Love the Lord your God with all your heart
• meditate on My law day and night
• do nothing out of selfish ambition
• rejoice always
• watch and pray
• let no unwholesome talk ever come out of your mouth, but only that which is good . . .
• wives submit to your husbands
• pray always
• be anxious for nothing
• count it all joy when you fall into temptations
• be ye not conformed to this world
• speak not evil one of another

Yeah but . . .you don’t know ‘my’ life, or ‘my’ husband or ‘my’ children, or ‘my’ circumstances.

Yeah but . . . I have a life, you know, like it really means ‘all my heart’ or ‘day AND night’.

Yeah but . . . there is no way it means NO unwholesome talk, try spending a day in my house.

Yeah but . . . isn’t that ‘legalism’? He knows we aren’t perfect and can’t be so He doesn’t really expect us to obey ‘every’ thing.

Yeah but . . . it is NOT easy.

Yeah but . . . the law killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.

Yeah but . . . Christ set me free from having to obey everything.

Yeah but . . . Jesus said, “if you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)

Have You Been With Jesus?

I have to confess that there was a time when I avoided the Book of Acts. I have no idea why, but I always opted for the Epistles and seemed to just glance over Acts. Boy, was I missing out. I am now reading through it again for the third time in the last year and I am finding it one of my favorite books.

One verse that has convicted me each time is Acts 4:13

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."

Do you see it? First of all Peter and John had a boldness that was perceivable!

Secondly, it was obvious that they 'had been with Jesus'!

I pray that when people see me they see 'boldness' for Jesus and that they marvel because it is so obvious that I have been with Jesus. Not because I want them to see 'me', but that they will see JESUS!

Do my children perceive I have been with Jesus when I come out from my quiet time? Or, do they get a mom with a mission to get things done today?

Oh The Depth . . .

As I have been working through memorizing Ephesians, I am stuck on the following verses.  They minister to me greatly as I seek to grow in the knowledge of His love for me.  I shared in a previous post, Knowing His Love, the revelation that ‘He loved us at our lowest level of sanctification’.  This concept really rattles my brain.  What kind of love is this??  I am awed by this love and long to know more.

I encourage you to read through the following verses and really let them sink in.

Ephesians 2:1-7

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

We were DEAD in our trespasses!  Were by nature children of wrath!!  He chose us, loved us, made us alive with Christ, seated us with Him!!  Did I mention, while we were dead towards HIM, He did this??  That in the coming ages He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness toward us!

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! (Romans 11:33)

Practical Questions on Fasting

I recently got an email from a dear ‘blog’ friend, Jenn. She had some practical questions on fasting and I thought it would be helpful to post them here, so we could get lots of feedback. (with her permission, of course, thanks Jenn)

“I would like to ask you some questions on fasting. I know the general idea is to abstain from food and spend time in fervent prayer. My question is...How do I do this as a mom? My children are with me ALWAYS! Not eating is the easy part, but how do I get that deep connection with God if I am still having to go about my daily routine, interruptions and all? Is is really a fast if I am not able to spend LARGE chunks of time in prayer?”

Don’t we all wonder these things?

First off, I totally believe it is our heart before the Lord, not the actual mechanics and specifics of a fast that matters to Him. Let’s not get into some performance mode where we think we need to check things off a list to make the fast ‘count’. (speaking to me here )

I am in a season, with the ages of my children right now, that I can go into my room, for a half an hour or so at a time, for prayer. I usually do this at lunch time, putting an older one in charge.

I try to linger a little longer in my morning devotion time on a fasting day as well.

I am sure Brian would accommodate a chunk of time for me to set aside more time in the evening if I asked.

Setting aside time in the afternoon for ‘quiet time’ for everyone in the house is another time for prayer.

I also try to keep computer and distractions; phone, errands, etc. to a minimum on fasting days so that I can try to maintain a quieter heart, trying to ‘pray unceasingly’ throughout the day as I go about my duties.

I take more time to read scripture, even calling the children to listen for 15 minutes at a time if I need to keep them busy too.

I have a note on my fridge to remind me to pray. I have scripture on my bathroom wall, the fridge and in my ‘memory booklet’. I set a timer to stop and cry out to Him or praise Him.

It does take a little more effort, being a mama with children all around, but it can be done. Does it look like a saint of old on his face before the Lord for six hours every day, no! But again, the Father knows our hearts. Even the desire to seek Him more, or the attempt to, is what He looks at.

For me, the verse “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” comes to my mind. I simply cannot wait around waiting for the perfect time to fast and pray. I need to be ‘violent’, so to speak, with making the time. I can choose what to do with many of the hours of my day. Yes, some are out of my control, but I can choose to use the others for this purpose. I can plan ahead with cooking. I can not answer the phone. I can make the children play quietly. I can not turn on the computer. (did I just say that out loud????)

Cry out to God for wisdom. He will lead us into what fasting and praying should look like for each of us individually. He longs to answer our cries. He waits to be gracious to us.

One little reminder though, we are mamas and wives. We should not be shirking these duties so we can ‘seek the Lord’. I have been tempted to just shut myself in my room, because, come on, I am s.e.e.k.i.n.g. G.o.d. here! There are times I can be alone in my room having a wonderful time of prayer and then there are other times I need to keep the door open and sweetly (at least I try to respond sweetly) answer questions. I might only get through two things on my prayer list, but at least I got through two, right?

Please share thoughts and questions so we can all get some ideas and help each other. Thank you, Jenn, for sharing your question!

Knowing His Love

You loved us at our lowest level of sanctification. How much more do You love us now, even in our failure, our weakness, and the sometimes coldness of our heart, because down deep beneath all these things is a heart You made new, made fresh; a heart that truly does beat for You, even though it might not always look like it.

You are pleased, O Lord, for You created the beauty within and the beauty that with each day becomes more evident, for we are changed from glory to glory. Yes, we sin. Yes, we are a mess on the outside. Yes, we need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s convicting power. But God works in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. He puts His Spirit within us, and causes us to walk in His ways.

I would like to put an end to the lie once and for all that somehow our Father is displeased with us, frustrated by our weakness, harsh towards us because we “fail so miserably”. I do not believe that lie anymore. Can I tell you, being able to receive His mercy and love has only fueled a passion for more holiness, not an attitude of “let me off the hook” so I could sin more.

Condemnation and guilt will never draw you to Him, never give you true desire to change. But, being able to receive His love and mercy humbles you and makes you long to obey Him more. There is no more striving or work, in the negative sense, to please Him because you know He already is pleased.

For me, this ever increasing revelation of His love, acceptance, and pleasure toward me is literally life altering. My heart is becoming more and more free to soar with Him. The burdens of guilt, shame, and condemnation are being stripped off. I see myself becoming all I ever wanted to be, but could never “make” myself be.

It blows this little long-time, legalistic, black and white mind to think that the more I receive His love, the more I behold Him in His beauty and glory, the more I just love Him and bask in His love, the more I change. (I’m not at all denying our role in the process of sanctification, trust me, the ‘doing’ is my strong suit here – just expressing the other side of the coin)

Father God, make our hearts wholly free from guilt, shame, and condemnation. Make us able to comprehend what is the breadth and the width and the depth and the height of Your love, and to really and truly know the love of Christ that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. In Jesus precious name!

As I was looking up Ephesians 3:19, I was astounded at what I saw.

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

The more we know the love of Christ, the more we are filled with the fullness of God!!

Show Me Your Glory

The cry of my heart lately has been, ‘Show me Your glory.’  I even found a few worship songs with that prayer in them.  I have always loved when Moses asked God to show him His glory, and often echo the same request.  My hunger for Him and His Word has been so increased, I can’t seem to get enough of Him.

I walk around doing the things I do as a wife and mama all the while thinking of Him and longing for Him.  I frequently mutter in a barely audible voice, ‘show me Your glory’  ‘You are the Father of glory’, ‘I want to see more of You.’

Today I was studying what ‘show’ and ‘glory’ mean.  It makes sense I should know what I am praying, right?  Here is what I found.  I looked up ‘glory’ in the Greek and Hebrew, and ‘show’ in the Hebrew.  At the end of the post I will put together a prayer using the definitions. 

Glory, 1391G: image or character, embraces the excellence and perfection of the divine nature.  It comprises all that God will appear to be in His final revelation to us.  God’s glory make itself manifest in and through Jesus Christ.

Glory, 3519H:  majesty, abundance, image, character, excellence and perfection of diving nature.

Show, 7200H:  to see, to feel, to experience, to understand, to make one feel or know, to cause to enjoy, gain understanding, fully aware, discover.

Father God, cause me to see, to feel, to experience, to truly understand, cause me to enjoy and gain understanding and be fully aware and discover . . . Your image, character, all the excellence and perfection of Your divine nature, Your majesty, Your abundance, Father, all that You will appear in Your final revelation . . . Show me Your glory!

Moses had the audacity to ask the Father to show him His glory . . . do you?

Father, show me Your glory!!

(Definitions are from The Complete  Word Study Old Testament and The Complete Word Study New Testament.)

Can I Trust if the Door is Closing

My ‘baby’ is three years old today! It seems so odd to not be pregnant yet. Though I was pregnant last summer and we lost that baby in October.

Elijah David

At my age, 44, you start to wonder if this wonderful door of childbearing is closing. Certainly there have been hormonal changes, health issues (now healed, praise the Lord) and just the simple fact that there will one day be an end.

I try not to be too sad, not letting my heart and mind wander, choosing to be thankful and trust no matter what. This past month I started to feel very queasy one day with no explanation. It went on for a few days. I started to get excited even though I was only just past mid-cycle. I reasoned that I had ovulated early and that if God was answering my prayers for twin girls that would explain why I felt sick already. Within a couple of days I had found out possible due dates using due-date calculators online. I checked to see just how big my baby (babies;-) was at this exact time. All this without a missed period!

My hopes were dashed when one night I began having mild hot flashes, of all things! Only to find out a few hours later that I had my period. Oh bother.

It is incredibly easy to take fertility for granted. It is extremely common for woman to choose to ‘close the door’ on their own. Do we realize that children are a gift, a blessing, a reward?? Somehow I doubt we really understand it, myself included.

So, while it has been hard in years past to trust the Lord with how many ‘blessings’ He might bestow, I am finding it equally challenging to trust Him with when He might close the door. But, one thing I know, He is WORTHY of my trust! He does all things well and I will praise Him come whatever.

I will soak up this fast becoming independent and charming three year old. I will enjoy this precious season we are in because each and every season is a gift from our Father, whether we see it as a gift or not.

Winner of Tea With Michelle Duggar!

The winner of this very encouraging DVD is . . .

Amy from A Joyful Mom!!!

Email me with your address and I might even be able to get it out today!!

Congratulations!!

I was wondering why Amy had not emailed me, then I saw I never posted this post!!! I am learning the use Windows Live Writer (thanks to my sons) and I obviously uploaded it to draft and did not publish it!! So sorry!!

These Keep Stirring In My Heart

 

These verse have been stirring in my heart for about six months.  At first I thought they were just for me, then for my family, now, I am thinking it is bigger than all that.  I really believe the Lord is stirring His people.  I believe He is calling out His remnant.  I believe He might be beginning to separate the wheat from the tares.

Now, I do not claim to be an expert on ‘end times’, in reality, far from it, trust me on this one , but something is going on.  I am getting so excited with what He is doing in our family and in His people.  It is an anticipation, really.  I’ll share these few verses, but if you have a chance, read the whole book of Joel, it is only three chapters.

And the Lord utters His voice before His army, for His host is very great, and [they are] strong and powerful who execute [God's] word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible, and who can endure it?

Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored].

Rend your hearts and not your garments and return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness; and He revokes His sentence of evil [when His conditions are met]. (Joel 2:11-13)

Really, keep reading if you can, it is so awesome!  Sorry about putting the Amplified version, couldn’t help myself.

Every Now and Again . . .

Do you ever have the moments (often times they only last a moment ;-) when everything is so absolutely perfect in your little world. You feel as though all the stars have lined up and for some reason your Father has decided to smile extra big on this moment? Not that He isn't so faithful and good ALL the time, but this is something special, like an extra dose of 'faithful and good'?

When this happens it is hard to put into words, obviously so many details that you couldn't even explain, but you try . . . albeit in vain, I am sure.

My world is made up . . .

of snow falling and a tiny snowman made in love

of little boys and a garbage man

of hot tea and the Word of Life

of monkeys and "I wuv you Mimi"

of steady love and the man of my dreams

of sourdough and crusty bread

of big brown eyes and little girl hugs

of curly top boy and hard lessons in love

of big boys and hearts that dream.

My world is made up of nothing but pure mercy and grace from above.

Okay, just so you know, the ‘moment’ is over , I think hot chocolate is in order, don’t you?

Tea With Michelle Duggar: Review and Give Away!

I was very blessed to be given a copy of the DVD Tea with Michelle Duggar from Vision Forum. Our family has been watching the Duggar family since their first special 14 Children and Pregnant Again. We watch them every Sunday night together, it is our family tradition.

I have to be honest with you, I think I was probably the perfect person to review this DVD. You see, when we first 'met' the Duggars, I had a hard time watching them because I was so discouraged by how 'perfect' they seemed. I have since learned it was envy and jealousy, and have repented ;-) I now love and appreciate their hearts, especially Michelle's. I have also realized that they are a very 'real' family.

I was unsure if this DVD would be worth the watch. I mean we watch them so much, what more could this offer? Well, I am here to tell you it was so worth it!!!! My favorite part was the section where Michelle is being interviewed by Beall Philips. I was brought to tears more than once as Michelle shared her struggles and her heart with such transparency. It left me wanting more time with Michelle. I was beyond encouraged and inspired.

She shared some practical tips for managing a large family, that honestly, a mama of any size family would benefit from. I love Michelle Duggar all the more after seeing the video.

The other thing that inspired me about this video was how children and the family are so highly regarded as a blessing and gift from God. In today's culture, that seeks to destroy all things family, it was such a treat to be 'visiting' with like-minded people. I am sure you will be encouraged also.

Vision Forum has graciously provide me with a copy of Tea with Michelle Duggar to give away to one of my readers. If you or someone you think would be encouraged by this video would like to win a copy, leave a comment in the comment section. I will draw a winner on Friday morning and announce by noon on Friday.

His Love Has Healed My Soul

I talked to a friend today and remembered this song that I love so much. I used to sing this song with all my heart when I was sick. Believing, hoping He would heal me. On Thanksgiving I was remembering how very sick I was the year before and remembering all that the Lord has done in the past year. I am so in awe with what He has done.

I tell you He touched me

He reached way down and touched me

When no one else would touch me

He touched me

And now I've been made whole

His love has healed my soul!

Please take a moment to listen to it, you will be glad you did.

(I couldn't embed it for some reason, it is from Godtube)

One Touch by Nicole C. Mullen

Do You Know?

My Child,

I am pleased with you. I love you. Yes, I see the darkness inside your heart. Of course, I see the weakness, the sin. But, I do not recoil in shock or disgust. Lift up your head and you will see my arms of love ready to receive and embrace, and a heart ready to forgive.

I shine My light on your heart not so I can see, but so that you can. Not to shame or condemn, but to give you opportunity to choose Me. To choose Light. To choose Love. Lift up your head and choose Me.

Ladies, do you know of Your heavenly Father's love and pleasure towards you? Do you know He smiles and rejoices over you? He sings over you! Do you often feel beaten down when He gives you a glimpse of your heart? I assure you, it is not His voice you are hearing if you feel this way. He is love. He longs to be gracious and merciful. He loves to restore, and He never condemns.

The Lord has been doing some major cleansing and purifying of my heart and I can assure you just one short year ago I would have been buried in condemnation. I had listened to a spirit of accusation for so many years I thought it was me! Now I welcome His light. I love when I read another thing in the Word that shows me where I am not obeying. I love Him and want to obey Him with all my heart. I want to know where I am missing the mark. I don't feel condemned. I agree with Him humbly and repent and ask Him to help me be more like Him. That's it. No days of wallowing in guilt and shame. Guilt and shame are from our enemy! I know His heart towards me (though I seek even deeper revelations of His love towards me) I know He loves me. I now recognize the voice of the enemy who comes in to accuse and brings guilt and shame.

Sell All That Thou Hast

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (Luke 18:22)

These words stick with me this morning. Maybe it's because I see the phrase 'one thing' pop off the page, that being the type of woman I long to be. A 'one thing' woman. I have always loved this verse wondering how I could apply it to my life.

Today it speaks to me thus,

"sell all that thou hast" What do I have that I could 'sell'? Certainly, possessions, but is there more here? I have my time and how I spend it. Am I willing to give up the things that rob me and others? Am I willing to 'sell' (lay down) things that take me away from obedience to the Word and my family and others the Lord puts in my life?

"distribute to the poor" I don't have to look even beyond the walls of my own house to see the poor. Aren't my children hungry and needy of love? Is my husband 'poor' for love, respect, support?

"treasures in heaven" Oh, how I long to store up those kind of treasures, really I do. I don't always show it by my pursuits, but I do want to have treasures in heaven. Maybe it is time I stop talking about making changes and make them!

"come, follow Me" Ummm, maybe if I 'sold off' some of those things that take up so much time I could be 'following Him' so much more.

Not wanting to sound like a broken record here, but if I don't have time for the things of God, (prayers, meditation, fasting, rejoicing, serving, read and study the Word, worship) and the things and people He has called me to, what do I need to 'sell'?!

Contending For Joy

Father, I see it! I see this battle for joy! The enemy does sit there and scoff, laughing maybe, at the seeming impossibility of finding joy amidst the ‘mess’ of everyday life. The ‘mess’ of my own heart, the ‘mess’ of theirs, the pain, the sorrow all around.

“Ha, I dare you to find joy ‘here’ in this mess.” I can almost see him motioning as he sweeps his hand across my days. I almost hear the taunting with each passing emotion . . . wait, it’s a challenge! Can I find joy amidst ‘this’ mess?

Yes! An emphatic YES! I will contend for joy! I will contend for giving thanks, for praise!

I choose to rejoice and be glad in this day. I choose JOY! I will enter into His presence with thanksgiving and joy.

Why does the enemy fight so hard to keep us from joy, from thanksgiving? Well, for one thing, he hates us. (smile) Maybe, in part, it is because it has to do with what You were showing me last week. The joy of the Lord is my strength. In Your presence is the fullness of joy. I enter Your presence with thanksgiving and praise.

Where am I the strongest? In Your presence.
When am I the strongest? When I am rejoicing.
How do I get there? By thanksgiving and praise.

I see, Father, why of all the ‘basics’, (prayer, meditation, reading the Word, etc.) that rejoicing, giving thanks seems to be the biggest battle right now.

I choose to contend for this one. I am choosing, this day, to serve You with gladness~to find joy~ to give thanks~to praise.

Open my eyes, O Lord, to see that when the battle is the most intense I need to sing, to praise, to thank. Give grace, I pray, to obey . . . R.E.J.O.I.C.E. A.L.W.A.Y.S. and I.N. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. G.I.V.E. T.H.A.N.K.S!

I contend for joy!

Help! I Have Gone Cuckoo For Sourdough!

I have shared in the past about my dabbling in the sourdough world, some success and lots of failures. Well, my friends, that has all changed. I have had nothing but wonderful success lately!!

I am thrilled with this No-Knead Sourdough method! I have been trying all kinds of variations! I also have been making delicious sourdough English Muffins. I first read about it on my friend Cindy's blog who originally got the recipe from Gnowlfglins.

In the last four days I have made 24 English Muffins, Cranberry Pecan Extraordinaire, Seeded Sour, Sourdough Rye, Sourdough (regular), Cinnamon Raisin, Steel Cut Oats sourdough and 100% Whole Wheat Sourdough! I know, crazy, isn't it?

Cranberry Pecan Extraordinaire

They are all beautiful artisan style breads. Ridiculously impressive, if I do say so myself. Super crusty on the outside, tender on the inside. Needless to say we have had bread with many of our meals.

Seeded Sour (Sourdough English Muffins rising in the background ;-)

Three beauties!

Cinnamon Raisin

Here is the inside of the Cranberry Pecan

This is my adaptation of Gnowlfglins English Muffin recipe. I think I only altered the amounts so I could make a large batch. If I am going to be covered in cornmeal and flour I might as well make a few meals out of it. The children are always laughing at me, even though I have an apron on I still wipe my floury hands on my 'hinder parts'. We decided I would be better off with a 'hazmat' suit. We make egg and cheese sandwiches out these. Delicious!

Sourdough English Muffins
For eight servings
½ cup starter
1 cup liquid (water, milk, yogurt, ect.)
2 cup flour (whole wheat)

1 T. raw honey
1 t. sea salt
1 t. baking soda


For 16 servings
1 cup starter
2 cup liquid (water, milk, yogurt, ect.)
4 cup flour (whole wheat)

2 T. raw honey
2 t. sea salt
2 t. baking soda

For 24 servings

2 cup starter
4 cup liquid (water, milk, yogurt, ect.)
8 cup flour (whole wheat)

4 T. raw honey
4 t. sea salt
4 t. baking soda

Mix together ingredients, and cover, let sit overnight or up to 24 hours. I put in dehydrator on low for about 7 hours.

After the proofing, sprinkle salt, baking soda and honey. Use a wooden spoon to mix in. Pour olive oil onto counter and begin to knead with oiled hands for 2-3 minutes. The purpose of the kneading is to incorporate the ingredients.

Cut into 8/16/24 pieces. It should be pretty wet. Gently shape into rounds and place on cornmeal coated board to rest. I use flour and/or cornmeal to keep them from sticking to my hands. About 1 inch thick and 2 ½ inches in diameter. Cover with cloth for 1 hour.

Preheat cast iron to medium. Transfer to pan gently. Cook for around 5 minutes and then flip over and cook for five more minutes. You can bake in oven for a few minutes at 350 if you feel it needs to cook more.

English Muffins rising/resting before cooking.

I don't worry about shaping them perfectly, obviously ;-)

English Muffins on the piping hot cast iron griddle.

Do you see the beautiful 'rise' when they hit the hot griddle?

Love Not the World

On the heels of the recent post about being Fed Up! the Lord has convicted me of yet another area of my life where I bought into this world's system.

During a time of prayer and repentance I read the following scripture.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:15-17)

I had fallen head first in this particular area. I bought it hook, line and sinker. You see it was something that I had longed after for many years, when I finally 'got' this gift, I did not handle it very well. I see now that He trusted me with what I thought I wanted most and was so sure I would glorify Him in it. Sadly, I did not. I am praying for a do-over, but in the mean time, I have repented and hope and pray that if I get another chance, I will this time be found faithful.

Another thing that spoke to me from this verse is 'if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.' In light of searching for areas to 'whittle' out of my life to make room for Him this spoke volumes to me. The more of the 'world' that I have in my heart, the less I have of my Father's love.

If I want to be filled up with Him, His love, I am going to have to make some room. When He comes knocking on the 'inn' of my heart will I respond with a 'sorry, no room here?' I need to actively pursue ways to 'make room for Him' (How To Increase Hunger For God)

Below is a video called, My Jesus. It is quite convicting and extremely relevant to what the Lord has been speaking to our hearts. I had to assure my family that I really don't go looking for things like this to make my point, the Lord brings them to me. ;-)

Fed Up!

The Lord has been stirring in my heart for a long time now, months, I think, a desire for more of Him. A desire to break free from the 'flow' of 'status quo'. A longing for more of a longing for Him. Make sense? I (we) have been praying about and looking for things and pursuits that He might want us to lay down so as to not be so 'filled up' with the things of this world.

I thought, of course, that it would come in one giant dramatic swoop. But the Lord is merciful and slowly and steadily leads us, preparing our hearts for each new step.

I am beginning to really, really dislike some of the things I spend my time on. In light of seeking Him, reading His word, meditating and memorizing scripture, praying, they seem so wasteful. We grouse about how we don't really see answers to our prayers or how the Word is so seemingly dead to our hearts, or we struggle with so many things of this world, yet are we doing anything about it??!!

Are we taking time to do the 'basics', for crying out loud?! You know, praying?! How often do I lament about the things I want changed, or talk about them, but do I pray? I mean really take time to pray??? What about meditating on His Word day and night? Really, how many of us are doing this? You do know it mentions this concept more than once, right? Day and night? Sure, I'll check my Facebook (not anymore, I deactivated it, so liberating) day and night, or my emails, but meditate on the Word, day and night?

We can't figure out why we still struggle with the same old things. How about we do the basic of renewing our mind with the Word of God? I mean consuming vast amounts of His Word?

I am just plain old fed up with the excuses (talking to myself here) of not having enough time, or I am just too busy, or that sounds so 'legalistic'. I was challenged, and I challenge you, to really evaluate how I spend my time. Do I even do the basics? How can we go on to all the other 'things' if we aren't even doing the basics? We don't forget or not have time to eat, or check emails, or blogs, or Facebook, or talk on the phone, or watch TV, or read books or whatever else we put over and above seeking Him.

I want to live a "One Thing" life! I want that 'One Thing' to be HIM!

These are the types of words/quotes that have crossed my path of late and words that I want to mark my life,

"cultivate a heart of unwavering devotion"
"extravagant devotion"
"a heart enraptured by our God"
"lives of lavish commitment"
"fierce abandonment"
"press into God's heart with a spiritual violence"
"lovesick worshiper"
"wholeheartedness"

If you would like more of Him, join me in prayer:

Father God, my heart's desire is for more of You. I want my life to be so consumed with holy passion for You, Your heart and Your word. I want to have a heart like David whose one desire was to dwell in the presence of the Lord all the days of His life and gaze upon the beauty of His Lord and meditate in His temple. I want to be like Paul whose determined purpose was to become deeply and intimately acquainted with You. I want to be like Mary, who sat at Your feet and listened to Your word. Show me what to whittle out of my life, show me how to make room for You? I need Your grace to live this kind of life, it is not by power or by might, but by Your Spirit that I could even hope to attain these things. Draw me, equip me, strengthen me. I accept Your invitation to learn more of You. I want to want the things of Your heart. Make me a "one thing" woman, and let that 'one thing' be YOU! In Jesus precious name, Amen.