Garden of your heart

In this busy time of year....

don't be too busy to sit at Jesus feet.  I know that sometimes I struggle to balance things and far to often do I find myself in the middle of my "things to do list" and have never sat to hear from the Lord about my day.  My goal is not to do this during this holiday season!  :)

I have been seeking the Lord on some things, and already he has given me one answer.  I am going to be journaling these next several weeks!  When the world is getting more chaotic, I need to keep my eyes on Jesus.  When life gets more hectic, I need to keep my eyes on Jesus.  The closer to Jesus returning (as He promised) I need to keep my eyes on Jesus.  On days that things are going so smooth and wonderful, I need to keep my eyes on Jesus.  On days when my family is safe, I need to keep my eyes on Jesus.  On days that I am concerned for family, I need to keep my eyes on Jesus.  What does this mean....EVERY DAY I need to keep my eyes on Jesus!  When I look down (as Peter did when walking on the water) then I tend to sink into my own worrisome thoughts, into my own fear, into my own selfishness......etc. 

Will you determine with me during this holidays season to keep your eyes on Jesus?  That what Christmas is all about anyways!  :)  Emmanuel...God with us!

Pineapple Candied Yams

One of my favorite recipes (and there are many wonderful ones)  that my mother-in-law gave me is Pineapple Candied Yams. 

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp lemon peel

3/4 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup pineapple chunks  (we love pineapple, so I use the whole can)

 Bring all ingredients to a boil.  Pour over already cooked yams.  Bake unconvered for 20-25 minutes basting occasionally with sauce to glaze yams. 

I hope you enjoy! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Yummy Recipes I tried today!

I tried the Mimi's Corn Chowder recipe (link on previous post) and it was very good.  It wasn't as thick as I had hoped, but I think that I may have miscounted the flour.  I know...how can someone miscount 3 Tbs., but my hubby was talking to me, I was trying to get the dog out of the kitchen (puppy training) and in between doing stuff was mopping floors.  LOL!

The other recipe that I tried today was Crystal's Sour Cream Pumpkin Coffeecake.  You can find that recipe at  www.thefamilyhomestead.com  in the homestead kitchen section.    So far  all the recipes that I have tried of Crystal's have been excellent!  :)  Check out the Mongolian Beef, Hamburger Stroganoff, Bread recipes, Ranch Chicken Casserole, etc.   They are all a hit at my house!  :)

Enjoy!

Recipes from Mimi's Restaurant!

I found this recipes online at Mimi's Restaurants website!  I am going to be trying out the Corn Chowder this week!  It looks good!  I will let you know how it turns out!  :)

http://www.mimiscafe.com/recipes.aspx#r6

ENJOY!

The Joy of giving and serving!

Today our church hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for those in the community that we knew of who were struggling and could use food.  Not all of the people who said they were going to come made it, but the one's that did were such sweet people. 

What just blessed my heart was to see the people in our church donate cooked turkey and all the trimmings, their time, their love and service to those who did come.  The smiles around that room were amazing to watch.  On top of all this, the families were also able to take home an uncooked turkey and a bag of groceries (all donated by church families) for an entire Thanksgiving Meal at home.  To see their faces and hear some say that they felt so pampered and loved brought joy to my heart as I know these people have it really tough in life right now.  I watched a little boy cover his plate of food that he couldn't eat and package it up to take home for leftovers.  He was so excited to have food to take home with him.  It broke my heart that a couple kids were too shy to come in, but people graciously took food to them and they ate in the van. 

I just pray that those who came could see Jesus today in the lives of those who served!  I pray that the Holy Spirit will draw them to Himself and that they will allow God to become Lord of their lives.  May God receive all the glory for today!  He is so worthy of praise and He makes this heart glad and thankful!  :)

Songs...

I found two of the three songs from our wedding day, so I put them on my playlist. 

The first one that is playing:  Together as One (we had play when we were lighting the unity candle and having communion)

The second song that is playing;  Honestly (I walked down the isle to this one)   One of my friends sang it! 

What a fun time of remembering for me!  :)

Do you remember???

Your wedding day??   There is a young lady at our church who is getting married tonight.  I am so very exctited for her as she has been waiting for the right man.  Her desire was to always get married. 

Here's my love story!

Mine was too!  I didn't meet my husband though until I was in my 30's.   I remember seeing him walk into the singles group that summer. He was such a nice guy!  I was pretty much not interested in dating at that time because I had just been hurt by someone else and just didn't trust anyone.  I was interested in friendships though and so was Shane.  I first began to get interested in him on Halloween night in 1996.  He was dressed as a baseball player and I was a clown.  He was kind of shy and didn't know who I was so he wouldn't talk to me.  When he finally realized who I was we ended up talking the rest of the night on the couch while the rest of the party for the singles group continued around us.  Then again in December we stood outside in the church parking lot (the last ones there) and talked way into the night.  He cared so much for his family!  He loved his job.  He was interesting, funny and very caring.  On Christmas Day 1996 he asked me out on our first date!  We went the next day to dinner and a movie.  We basically have been together ever since.  We even talked on our second date  (Dec 27) that we didn't date for fun.  We just had so much to talk about, had so much fun together and we both knew....this is the one!  :)

We dated for 6 months and Shane asked me to marry him sitting on the beach at sunset.  We set a date to get married in December (almost a year from starting to date) but Shane got sick about Thanksgiving time and we had to postpone the wedding.  Our hearts ached so bad!  However, our wonderful wedding day finally came on Valentines Day 1998.   We had a wonderful wedding!  I choked up as I said my vows....in sickness and in health (we had already been put to the test).  We had a beautiful day that was a great start to a beautiful life together.  Our honeymoon was up in the mountains in a cabin for two nights.  We still go to that same mountain area every year. 

What makes me so happy about my marriage?  That God sought to bring two people together, then give us what we need to make our marriage work.  My husband loves the Lord!  That was my hearts desire in a man!  He is loving, kind, generous, faithful, gentle....and the list goes on and on!  We have had rough times due to his health, yet God has been faithful to get us through each time.  Sure we have had challenges as selfishness can always creep in, but I thank the Lord that we both desire to keep short accounts with one another and resolve conflict quickly!

So on this day....our friends wedding....I just want to thank the Lord for creating marriage and giving me a wonderful husband!  :)   Lord, please bless Ashley and Daniel in their marriage! May you protect their marriage and use them as they desire to serve you!  :)

Are you ready?

"Let not your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way to where I am going.  Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going.  How can we know the way?  Jesus said 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  John 14:1-6

Jesus is coming again!  Are you ready?

Holy Vessels

Did you know that if you are a believer in Jesus Christ that you are a Holy Vessel?  In Daniel 5 it talked about King Belshazzar using gold and silver goblets that were set apart for a holy purpose to instead be used to drink wine and worship other gods.  Sometimes we do the same thing with our holy vessel. 

II Timothy 2:21 says that we are set apart as holy vessels, useful to the master of the house, set apart for ever good work.  So, how is my vessel looking?

Here are some questions I have been asking myself this week:

1.  In what ways do I or have I used my holy vessel for unholy practices?

2.   What do I do when no one else is watching and I forget that God is rigth there seeing what I am doing?

3.  What do I think or mull over in my mind....the place that I know that others cannot know what I am thinking.  That place that I forget that God already knows my thoughts!  Is there worry?  Angry thoughts?

4.  What do you look at on tv or what movies do I watch?  What do I spend my time doing on the computer?  What do I read in books or magazines?

5.  What do I spend my money on?  (Looking at the checkbook is a good indicator of whether I am focused on myself or generosity).  What do I spend the most time doing?  What do I spend the most time thinking about??

6.  What attitudes do I cherish that in the sight of God are not pleasing?  Are there attitudes of pride, prejudice?  Are there bitter attitudes towards someone else who used me as an unholy vessel?

7.    What thing have I tried and tried and tried to overcome...only to find that I keep going back?  What is it that I keep failing at in a particular area? 

Often times we find excused for these practices/behaviors.  We say....

*well, it's not that bad

*It's only one thing and everyone has to have a vice.

*I will never be perfect anyways

*I have turned over all these other things to the Lord..but I just want to keept his one thing.

*I am just too busy to let God deal with me in this area! 

*I am better than "so and so."  Look at them? 

God's word says "Be Holy as I am Holy."  Not be holy as "that person" is holy!  We need to keep our eyes on our Master, because as soon as we take our eyes off, we get side-tracked by other things.

Godly sorrow leads to repentance.  Repentance brings about change!

We need to put off those unholy practices and put on godly character. 

The following are great passages that talk about this.  Colossions 3:1-17 and Ephesians 4:17-32. 

Let's allow God to wash us clean of those unholy things and let's be a Holy Vessel that God can use!  :)

Let's remember that one day we will be presented as a bride to our bridegroom!  How do you want to look when you meet him?  Tattered, dirty, worn or pure, holy and a vessel that He could use ?

"This is the day.....

that THE LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalms 118:24

What a great reminder that today is a day that the Lord has MADE!  :)  I know many are disappointed over the election and some even fearful.    As I was talking with my husband before he left for work I realized that more than afraid, more than disappointed, I am grieved!  I read through Jeremiah this summer and saw how God over and over and over again called the Israelites to turn from their own ways and seek Him with all their heart!    Over and over again, they followed their own ways.   Therefore, God kept His word (as He always will do) and they were taken into captivity by Babylon. 

 I am studying the book of Daniel (where it describes their captivity)  right now and you know what was so wonderful in the midst of all that?  There were a few men who chose God over all the luxeries of Babylon:  Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (also known as Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego).  Daniel "resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank."  Daniel 1:8.  He decided that even though he was living in a place that offered all this worldly stuff, He would not take part.  Instead, He dedicated himself to the Lord.  He lived for the Lord in the midst of the worldy system.   He spoke with respect to the king, yet never defiled himself by living the Babylonian mindset.  He prayed regularly!  He sought the Lord!  He worked hard in the duties given to him. 

So, what does that mean for us who are followers of Christ?   "Do not love the world (the system of rebellion and pride that seeks to displace God and His rule) or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world ---the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possession ---is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."  I John 2:15-16    

Our Pastor had a great talk this week on  "In the World or of the World"  from James 4 (we are currently going through the book of James)  If you are interested in listening here is the website http://applevalleychurch.org 

I wanted to share what the Bible says how to live:

"Let love be geniuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitlity.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.   Never be conceited.  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it dpeends on you, live peaceably with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.  To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.   Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been institued by God."    Romans 12:9-13:1

God knew how the election would turn out!    God knows what His purpose is....and it will always prevail!  Let's trust Him and live our lives in obedience to Him that the world will see that Jesus loves them and died for them! 

Today's the Day!

I just want to encourage everyone to vote today!  :)  We live in a wonderful country that gives us the privilege of voting our new President, congress, Propositions, etc.  Thank you Lord for this freedom! 

I just want to mention for some  people to consider.  I have heard from some that they are torn over which candidate to vote for.  That's understandable!  But, I do want to mention that the moral (or biblical) issues are of most important.  God has given us guidelines as to what is important to Him.  When the Israelites (throughout the Old Testament) would veer from God's ways, they always eventually were disciplined for that.  God's ways are always higher than our ways (Isaiah 55).   Also, when God mentions to help one another, he doesn't mean through government, but through the church.  Matter of fact, this is in interesting talk I heard by http://www.crown.org/  about the economical times and it is mentioned that when the government would be the one's who tried to be the "cure all" in the Bible, that the governments collapsed.  I had planned to go back and relisten to it and find those passages, but I haven't had a chance and I am too busy today to be able to do that.  

As a Christian, I feel a huge responsibility to vote, but also to pray!  I encourage all Christians to also vote and pray today!  With God all things are possible, but no matter what happens, we must always remember that God is in control!  We can rest and trust in Him!  He raises up "kings" for His purpose!   Let's do our part and leave the results to God! 

Breaking up the Fallow Ground

Hosea 10:12

"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you." 

As I was seeking to find a list of things to pray through for repentance, restoration, etc. (I had a list of things that are very thorough to help when praying, etc and I couldn't find it), but  I happened across this site with the Sermon's and Writings of Charles Finney.  I am going to be taking the one on Breaking up the Fallow Ground and spending time with the Lord to go through and check my heart.  If you are in extra need of being on your knees before the Lord, needing to break up any fallow ground (which I will be expanding on later in the week), then I encourage you to check out this webpage. 

www.erasofelegance.com/living/sermons/finney.html

The Simple and Enjoyable things in life!

I had to share these pictures of Holly and Sammie today!  We found out today that Sammie definately LOVES the water! 

What mud????????????

Caught in the act!

Having fun in the sun with Holly!

Mama....look at me!  I think I need a bath tonight!

Maybe a bath after I play with the ball some more!

Mama....can we come into the house now???????   

NO!!!!!!

I guess I will be giving a bath and blow dry to Sammie tonight before bed!  LOL! 

Just added:

Mama says I clean up nice!  :)

Commitment to Prayer on behalf of our country!

I am burdened!  I feel as if we need to pray as we never have before for our country.  We are in serious times, economically, morally, wartime, etc.  We have a very close election and in my state we are also voting to protect marriage. 

Here are some verses that have been coming to mind:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rules, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ....praying at all times in the spirit with all prayer and supplication.... "  Ephesians 6:10-20

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  II Chronicles 7:14

"But this command I gave them:  Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall  be my people.  And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.  But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubborness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward."  Jeremiah 7:23-24

Let's not forget who our God is!  He is sovereign!  He is mighty!  He is awesome!  He is powerful!  He is always true!  He is always righteous!  He is always in control!  He is always for us and not against us!  He will always do what is just!  He will always discipline those He loves!  He forgives!  He restores!  He uplifts!  He heals!  He conquers!  He reigns!  He is Lord!  He loves us! His Son died for us!  He lives forever and ever and ever!   He directs rulers!  He guides the humble!  He is alive!  Jesus will return one day and one day every knee will bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! 

Let's rest in the One who sees, knows, and acts!  Let's seek Him for His will!  Let's ask for the restoration of morals in this country!  Let's ask for mercy for our country!  Let's humble ourselves and sit at his feet!  Let's call on the Almighty God to have an active hand in this election!  Then....let's trust!  :)

Snack and Dessert Attack

My husband is a snacker!  Often he would have grabbed granola type bars (with loads of sugar), ice cream if it was in the house, anything that is sweet tasting.  Well....those things are not in our home any longer and so I am having to find creative ways to help my husband eat healthier, yet feel as if he is eating something good!  :)

Here are some snacks we now have around the home:

1.  Nuts and seeds:  Almonds, walnuts, pistachio, sunflower

2.  Fruit and dried fruit:  Apples (due to being fall), banana's, mango's (fruit sweetened), organic raisins, home-canned applesauce,   (fruit and nuts are a great food together...or apples with peanut butter, almond butter, etc)

3.  Veggies:  Celery, cucumber, carrots, etc.   (These are his least favorit snacks)     He thinks that I am weird to like peanut butter with celery, or a dip made from cream cheese for the other veggies.  He doesn't know what he is missing.

4.  String Cheese

5.   Desserts (when I make them):  *Fruit Crisp (we just had peach crisp the other night.  I use Sucanat as the sweetener....using the smallest amount).  If you buy fruit when perfectly ripe (like at a Farmers Market, picking it in the yard, Apple Orchard, etc) they tend to be much sweeter.  *Oatmeal  raisin cookies (I use Sucanat for the brown sugar and evaporated Cane juice crystals for the refined sugar)

6.  Leftovers - sometimes there is just a little bit of leftovers (not enough for a meal for anyone) from dinner the night before....I will save those for when my hubby wants a snack after work.  He leaves really early and gets home in the middle of the afternoon, so he usually wants something when he gets home from work. 

7.  Sometimes a cup of herbal tea after dinner with Stevia is the perfect way to get something sweet with no calories!  :)

*******

Here are some alternative's to using refined sugar (which I haven't used in a couple years).

*Evaporated Cane Juice Crystals

*Sucanat

*Honey

*100% Maple Syrup/sugar

*Stevia

Now that my hubby is at work again, he is finding it harder to stay away from sugar.  As a teacher it is amazing how many people give you sweets, or parties they have, etc.    All I can do is help him to do well when he is at home!!!!!!!!!!   :)

Refined sugar 's affects!

I had stated earlier that I was going to start putting some info on my blog regarding sugar.  My husband and I are cutting out sugar for the most part.

Here are some things that I read on www.healingdaily.com  (just a note that I don't agree with everything on this website) of ways that sugar can affect your health: 

(the list is long so I am just putting in some of the things)

*sugar can suppress the immune system (matter of fact, I read somewhere that after eating sugar your immune system is lowered for up to 6 hours).  WOW!

*sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children (hmmmm...just children?? )

*sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.

*sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs)

*sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs)

*Sugar can cause hypoglycemia

*Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against baceterial infection.

*sugar can cause kidney damage.

*sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

*sugar interferes with the absorption of calcium and magnesium

*sugar can produce an acidic stomach.

*High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

*sugar can cause depression

*sugar can cause hormonal imbalance

*sugar can cause headaches.

etc.  

 Of course with anything like this, I am not a doctor and in know way am giving medical advice.  But I do find that there must be some things that have changed over the years as I see more and more people having cancer, mental illness, diabetes, and on and on.......

According to www.rense.com  in 1915 the national average for sugar consumption for the year was around 15-20 pounds per person.  Today the average person consumes his/her weight in sugar, plus over 20 pounds of corn syrup.  Just think, some people don't use any sugar at all, so that means that some are using even more than this amount! 

There was a lot more that I have read, but too much to share today!  Another website that I am finding very helpful not just in the area of sugar, but other health too is www.westonaprice.org     Matter of fact on this website it talks about maple syrup/sugar as an healthier choice due to the potassium, calcium, etc. in it.    They share some recipes as well!

If you eat processed low-fat foods, watch out for the sugar!  They increase the sugar in order to help the taste!  That is why I have decided I need to make my own desserts and foods, etc so that I can control what is going into it. 

Well, this is a start for anyone who is interested in reducing the sugar intake for your family!   We haven't had sugar for 1 1/2 weeks.  I personally have noticed that I just "feel" better.  I fight allergies and sometimes it settles in my chest, or I just feel "sicky" tired, but I haven't been this week.  My aunt and husband have noticed that their skin is not breaking out like it was before! 

Anyone who has any input, special low sugar recipes, etc. I would love to have you share those!  :)

I'm back! :)

I had a really nice little break from spending too much time on the computer!  While away, my husband and I had an awesome time in Lake Arrowhead for a little marital and spiritual renewal!  It was wonderful!  However, while away my dh ate too much sugar and has caused his body to not feel so good!  So, for a little while I am going to be reading and documenting some things that I have read on sugar and the affects it can have on a persons body! 

But......before I do all that!  I have to show you some cute pictures of my babies!  They are learning to be guard dogs together and play together.  Here are some of the photo's!

The door monitors:

Looking out the window:

Telling "bad man" walking down the street that he is not welcome at our home:

Playing Tug-o-war:

Sammie needed more room so he backed up onto the couch:

Resting from guarding and playing:

Who says it is not a dogs life??????????????????????????????????????????

All that I need....

is Jesus!   

I realize that life has been a bit too hectic for me.   I need a bit of a break!  So, I am taking just a short time off from blogging.....for about a week or so!  :)   I am just going to focus on the two most important relationships that I have......Jesus and my husband! 

I pray that you all have a good week or so and that you too will enjoy spending time with the most important relationships you have!  :)

Sammie.....

Here is Sammie, before his grooming!  That is my husband in the picture with him!

Sammie after his grooming!  (Note:  We prefer the longer haired Sammie, but he had some major matting behind his head that had to be cut out  and so his whole body was cut short!   We are looking forward to him growing out his hair once again!  We miss the fuzziness of his hair and the more "manly" look that he had  )

He doesn't even look like the same dog!  We are looking forward to his hair growing some, but he still is cute!  He is the best natured dog ever!  He gets along with any and all dogs and loves people too! 

Our dog Holly loves him and has started to eat her food without us having to bribe her with scrambled eggs or chicken broth on it.  She seems so much happier!   Here is a picture of them playing!

The new dog we are getting!

We really didn't plan to get another dog so quickly after putting our two dogs down, but someone we knew was helping a friend to try to find a home for their dog.    He is a Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle Mix).  His name is Sammie!  He is just a little over 1 years old and weighs 70 lbs.  So much for getting a small dog!  They say he is a great dog that just loves other dogs which is good.  They say he is easy going which is better!  Our dog Holly is definately an Alpha dog, but loves other dogs and has seemed lonely without her companions!    We get him on Sunday!  :)

I am going to try and post a picture...we will see if it will work!