God's Love With Skin On

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth ... when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb ...“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Luke 1:39-43

As I watched The Nativity (a movie presenting the account of Jesus' birth), I was struck by the importance and beauty of the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth.  They not only had divinely ordained motherhood in common, they also shared the trials of pregnancy and all the changes that a new baby involves, even if that baby is the Son of God or a prophet of God.  

Mary, being the only woman in history to give birth to the Son of God, must have had unique struggles.  Yes, she had God's Spirit upon her, but God also gave her someone "with skin on" to help her.  Elizabeth!  They encouraged one another to trust God in their special callings.  How Mary must have benefited from Elizabeth's wise counsel and comfort, while Elizabeth marveled at Mary's faith and the privilege of being one of the first to meet her Messiah.

Mentoring is a gift from God.  The dictionary defines mentor as, "a wise and trusted counselor or teacher."  God gives us a blueprint in Titus 2:3-5:



"...the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."



Instead of this happening on a regular basis, we often rush around saying a quick, "Hello! How are you?" while running hither and yon to teach, sing, care for our husband and children, meet with committees, etc.  We hardly have time for an edifying conversation with another woman!  Mentoring isn't always easy.  It means stepping out of your comfort zone and making new acquaintances, spending less time with those who are like you.  It can also mean making yourself vulnerable.  But, no fears - there is a richness out there just waiting to be explored.

Finding a Mentor, Being a Mentor

God's Word instructs us to be a mentor, while being mentored ourselves, at the same time.  Please let me introduce the Discipleship Dozen ...

1. Pray

God knows our needs and wants to meet them.  Have you asked Him what you can do to be a mentor/learn from a mentor?  We need to pray before we go to church, pray before we go to the store, pray before we walk around the neighborhood, for God to prepare us and make opportunities. A friend and I have agreed to pray over the Christmas holiday about the need we see for fellowship among women in our church.



2. Be Connected To God's Word

Whether we have time for an hour-long study, or just a few verses on the run, it is critical to make that time.  It's as important as food, air, and water!  The Word is alive, preparing us to minister and making the soil of our hearts fertile for growth.



3. Ask

Luke 1 tells us that Mary travelled to visit Elizabeth.  How many times do we as younger women seek help from an older lady?  Maybe we're afraid to bother her, assuming she's too busy or that she wouldn't be interested. 



As a mother of a teenager and two young boys, I crave adult fellowship.  We all do, to differing degrees. There are many ladies at church I'd like to get to know better, but recently there was one I felt compelled to meet.  We met at Bible study last year, and while I always enjoyed her input, I was too busy caring for my children afterward to really get to know her.  Recently I asked her if we could meet at Panera Bread, and we had a wonderful time of fellowship.  I sat on the edge of my seat while Linda graciously shared her testimony with me. Hearing about how God has worked in her 60+ years made a huge impression on me.  When I told her God is teaching me about submission, she groaned and said, "I don't want to talk about that!"  We laughed!  Her down-to-earth kindness warmed my heart, and her lessons in faith inspired me to keep going.  She thanked me for inviting her to meet and said that in all her years, I am the first younger woman to ask her to "Titus 2" me.  I can hardly wait to make another coffee appointment next month.



4. Be Creative

A few years ago, while attending a funeral in a large church, I walked into the ladies restroom and my jaw dropped.  There before me was an easel with an attractively decorated board resting on it.  On the board were little pieces of paper pinned to it: "If you want to learn to bake pies, call June at ... (phone #)."  "If you'd like to knit or crochet, call Sandy at ..."  I'd love to hear about the friendships and discipleship opportunities started through that simple avenue.  Often the "physical" mentoring (cooking, sewing, walking together, etc.) leads to "spiritual" mentoring. 



5. Be Available

One of my friends has helped start a mentoring group which meets monthly in her home.  While they all study God's Word, the more experienced women can help the younger ones find  practical solutions to common perplexities like, "How do I get grass stains out of jeans?"  "What should I do to get my family to help around the house more?"  "How can I help my daughter through puberty?" 



While this group is made up of mothers, single women need mentors, too.  I remember when some young women at church asked my single friend Ann to teach them about being a godly woman.  How I wish I could have sat in on that study!



I'd like to add here something God did when I was not expecting it.  Not feeling at all available, I ran into a friend at the church nursery on Sunday morning.  "How are you?" she quipped.  "I'm tired and grumpy!"  I exclaimed.  For days I felt guilty about my outburst, until I received a beautiful e-mail from that same friend.  She thanked me for being honest with her about how I felt, instead of just saying, "Fine, how are you?" She said God used that to teach her to be more transparent with others.  Truly, I had been struggling; but, I was in church that day!  So, in a sense I was available, and God mercifully used me through my weakness. 



6. Trust God

We may fear that we don't have anything to offer other women, but we do!  How do I know?  We have God's Word to share ... and our own unique God given abilities and experiences.  As my pastor's mother recently told me, "God chooses people to bring into our path, because He has prepared us to meet their need." 



A couple years ago I talked with our youth pastor and told him that I had a growing burden for teenage girls.  I knew it was from God, because for years I had been afraid of teenagers.  So, for what was God preparing me?  Hosting teenage foreign exchange students!  Last year my family hosted a daughter from the Philippines for ten months, and this year a daughter from Ghana graces our home.  Talk about learning to trust God!  God taught and is teaching me about mentoring while I spend time teaching the girls to cook, about American culture, piano lessons, the Bible, and more ... lessons they will take back to their countries and teach others.  God promises to supply for what He calls us to do. Whatever you do, please don't sit around and think you have nothing to offer someone else; that is a lie straight from the Devil.  God may not call you to host a student, but He does have something important for you to do.



7. Keep the Focus On God

This is not about showing off my talent to quilt, jog, or bake.  And we need to clarify when we are giving our own opinion as opposed to God's written word.  On the other side, be careful not to idolize women.  Yes, they can be an example, but only God deserves our worship and obedience.  Carefully weigh what your mentor suggests, prayerfully comparing it with the Bible.



8. Make Time

Do you believe that Satan can use our busyness for his glory?  I do.  We need to make room in our schedules to spend with other women of all ages.  As a single woman you may have more control over your schedule.  For those who are married, we need to talk to our husband and arrange a time when he can care for the children so we can go out.  The entire family will benefit!



9. Bring Tissues

The growing process is sometimes painful.  One pastor's wife taught me to keep a tissue folded in my Bible for those tearful moments that arise for us or for those we counsel.  You may even need to bring bandaids!  God describes Biblical friendship and mentoring in this way - "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17).  We aren't getting together to be a "mutual admiration society" (Thoreau, 1851).



10. Be An Example

People are watching us.  And age doesn't automatically bring wisdom: I often learn from the younger women in my life.  Married women can learn a lot from single women - and visa versa. Even if you don't have time right now to get together with someone to teach them, you are teaching every day by your example.



11. Respect God's Work In Her Life

I love it that Elizabeth was not jealous of her younger cousin.  True, she would not bear the Messiah, but she rejoiced with Mary for her opportunity.  We also should be seeking to lift up women of all ages, honoring them where God has placed them.  We waste precious time and energy if we compare our situations or gifts with others.  God gives each of us unique gifts.  By not accepting this truth, we disrespect our Creator and disobey His plan (2 Corinthians 10:12).



12. Be Patient

God's timing is often different than mine.  A few times I have talked with my pastor's wife about women I am concerned about in our church family.  She patiently says, "Sara, give God time to work."  It has been exciting to see God work in lives, including mine, growing us more into His image over time!



Mentoring isn't always a regimented meet-once-a-week thing.  More often it is brief conversations that season our lives with grace, and the infrequent gatherings which water the flowers of our souls, helping us to grow toward God.  As Jesus didn't heal everyone who was sick, neither can we help every woman we meet.  God can give us wisdom to know what He wants us to pursue. 



With a new year just around the corner, let's make room in our lives for mentoring and being mentored.  It is a God-ordained essential element of our growth.  And speaking of "God's love with skin on" ...



"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men."  Philippians 2:5-7



"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."  John 1:14

We Still Believe In Jesus

Looking at our under-the-tree nativity set and remembering why we celebrate Christmas

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" II Corinthians 9:15

Here we are in the middle of December, and all around us are reminders of what we are supposed to be doing ... "Only eleven shopping days until Christmas!"  I haven't seen one sign that proclaims, "Only eleven days until we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior!  What are you giving Him this year?"

Besides the wonderful account of the historical Saint Nicholas, we've heard bits and pieces of the lackluster history of Christmas.  In many ways it remains a pagan holiday.  At times I strain to hear above the roar around me ...

"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord' ... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'"

Luke 2:10-14

I have some dear friends who choose not to acknowledge the holiday of Christmas one iota.  Others go way overboard the other direction, spending tons of money and going into debt.  How do we keep a balance, honoring God in how we live out Christmas?  

Last week, when my boys and I were in the check-out line at a store, a man dressed as Santa came over and started "Ho-ho-ho-ing" and asking my boys, "Have you been good this year?  Do you know what's coming in two weeks?"  Normally I would've just smiled and kept busy, but the jolly man bedecked in red and white kept going on and on ... "What do you want for Christmas?"  My boys looked confused, so I explained to "Santa" and the checker that, "My boys don't know about Santa."  I tried to say it as sweetly as possible. "Santa" went on to other customers, while our checker looked at me like I was evil incarnate. 

That was the first time we had been approached by a friendly man dressed as Santa Claus.  I should have expected it, but it took me by surprise.  Our boys are ages five and three, and this subject has not come up before this year. Making a mental note that it was time to have a talk about Santa, I smiled at the man and told him that we choose instead to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Praying that I was not bringing harm to Jesus' name, I was friendly and thanked him when we left.  It was not exactly the way I had expected to live out the verse about being ready always to give an answer to every man who asks about the hope within me (I Peter 3:15).  Next time I will be better prepared.

Today Santa is rarely portrayed as the original St. Nicholas, a kind man who loved God and people, giving unconditionally.  Thankfully, we live in a free country where we can celebrate as we choose.  At our house we rejoice at the coming of God's perfect gift, Jesus.  And part of the way we celebrate is by giving gifts to family and friends.

 

In talking with my friends, I've found that I'm not the only one who has been made to feel small and evil directly due to a conversation including the words "Santa" and "Christmas."  One friend sweetly suggested that in my situation I had won a sort of a battle.  She is thankful that I said something, because many people think that the account of Jesus is just a fairy tale that no one believes anymore.  Many of us still believe in Jesus!  He is alive and strong, and His message of hope is as true today as it was two thousand years ago.

My friend Dawn has given me some practical advice.  Here is what works for her family, and I think it is wonderful:

1. Always tell your children the truth. Stay true to God's Word and the meaning of Christmas. Emphasize Jesus everyday.

2. However, you cannot ignore "Santa" ... unless you keep your kids under a rock, they are going to see a guy dressed in a red suit, hear other kids talking about Santa, or get asked by a friendly adult "what did Santa bring you for Christmas?" Tell them the legend of St. Nick and how the idea of Santa got started. Talk about what a costume is. Talk about "cartoon characters" and playing pretend.



3. Teach your kids how to respond to others regarding Santa. (I learned this lesson the hard way.) I nearly got tarred and feathered by other pre-school parents because my son had taken it upon himself to tell his classmates the truth (I was told that I had ruined their child's Christmas and stolen their innocence. Ouch!) 

 

So, we talked about how other families are "playing the Santa game." I told my kids that other families play a game and talk about Santa like he is real. And that my kids should not ruin the game.  Instead, when asked about Santa, they need to say "Santa is fun, but I like to celebrate Jesus' birthday the most!" This response has worked beautifully. It's a chance to speak up for Christ, but not damage our chance to testify for Him again later.

If you find yourself in a circumstance, planned or unplanned, where you can tell about why you celebrate Christmas, consider it a bonus.  And remember, the One who truly knows whether you've been naughty or nice loves you no matter what, and He would consider your love His best birthday gift.

Christmas Yummies

'Tis the season for Christmas treats!  What are your favorites?  I'd love to deliver a plate of yummies to your door!  But, since I can't get to all of your homes, I will share some of the recipes of goodies our family enjoys year after year. 



Let's start with the cheese balls.  Ooo!  Love cheese balls!  One is savory and one is sweet ...



Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball - makes about 2 cups

8-oz package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 Tbsp. brown sugar, packed

3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped

Graham cracker sticks



Blend cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a mixing bowl until fluffy.  Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.  Place on a large piece of plastic wrap; shape into a ball.  Refrigerate for at least one additional hour.  At serving time, roll ball in chopped nuts.  Serve with graham cracker sticks for dipping. 



Savory Cheese Ball

I also like to shape this to form a Christmas tree on a platter.  It's so pretty decorated with tiny tomatoes as ornaments and a cheese star on top (use cookie cutter or knife to form star out of sliced cheese).



2  8-oz. packages of cream cheese, softened

1 small onion, chopped fine

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 pkg. dried beef, chopped (or lunch meat)

1 tsp. seasoned salt



Mix cream cheese, 1/2 pkg. of beef, onion, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.  Mix well and shape into a ball.  Put in refrigerator for 15 minutes.  Roll ball in rest of beef.  Serve with crackers.



Next, the bars and cookies!



Butterscotch Cookies (from my Great Great Aunt Ida)

2 cups light brown sugar

1 cup butter and lard (half of each...or just use butter)

2 eggs

2 cups flour with 1 tsp. soda and 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup nut meats



Mix altogether and put on moulding board (cutting board or counter).  Work in enough flour for cookie dough.  Mould in loaf (3" wide and 1 1/2" high) and put in refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Cut in thin slices and sprinkle with colored sugar.  Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes.



Caramel Bars

This recipe came from my dear friend Donna Bond.  Using this scrumptious treat I became a finalist at a baking contest in Ames, Iowa when I was in junior high.



Mix together: 1 box yellow cake mix

2 cups oatmeal

1/2 cup brown sugar



Add and mix: 3/4 cup cooking oil and 1 egg



Spread 1/2 of this mixture in greased 9 x 13 pan.  Pour 3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping over dough (or melted caramels).  Try to keep topping about 1/2" from the edge of cookie dough.  Crumble remaining dough over sauce.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.  Cool.  Cut into bars.



Cherry Chip Cornflake Cookies (pictured above) - 5 dozen

2 1/4 cups sifted flour

1/8 tsp salt

1 cup soft butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp. almond extract

3/4 cup corn flakes, crumbled

1 pkg. cherry chips (6 oz.)



Measure unpacked flour and mix with salt.  Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Mix in egg yolk and almond extract.  Add flour and mix until smooth.  Stir in cornflakes and cherry chips.  Roll into 1" balls, placing on ungreased cookie sheets.  Press with a fork lengthwise and crosswise, and sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar.  Bake at 375 for 12-14 minutes.  Remove from sheet while still warm.



Gumdrop Cookies (pictured above)

1 cup softened butter

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten lightly

2 cups oatmeal

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. soda

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup cut gumdrops

1 cup coconut (optional)



Preheat oven to 400. Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and blend well. Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.  Add coconut, oatmeal, gumdrops and vanilla last. Drop on cookie sheet.  Bake at 400 for 10 minutes.



Munchkins (pictured above)

Our Filipino daughter Amira taught us how to make these - YUM!  Bake a batch of brownies.  After cooling add some milk and roll into balls.  Then roll in shredded coconut.  You can also put a piece of candy or marshmallow in the center.



Spritz Cookies (pictured above)

Christmas isn't just Christmas without traditional Swedish spritz! 



1 cup softened butter (real)

1 egg

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. almond extract

a pinch of salt

3/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. vanilla

a pinch of cream of tartar



Mix butter and sugar until creamy.  Add flour (unsifted) and baking powder to butter and sugar (a bit more flour may be needed).  Mix all ingredients together with hands to make a soft, not crumbly dough.  Preheat oven to 350.  Form cookies with cookie press.  Bake approximately 10 minutes.  Watch carefully to they don't become brown. We like to make white camels with gold or silver ball eyes, green Christmas trees with gold balls at the tops and colored balls for decorations, and white or green wreaths by using star form and making a long "snake" of dough - trimming it to 3" pieces and making a circle - 2 red hots at the top for holly and green sugar sprinkles. You can also make poinsettias or candy canes.



Whew!  With all this sweetness going around, we need something salty to balance it out ...



Ranch Oyster Crackers - 3 cups

1 cup olive oil (or oil of preference)

1 tsp. dill weed

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 pkg. Ranch salad dressing mix

2  12-oz. pkgs. oyster crackers



Mix everything but the crackers.  Pour mixture over the crackers.  Mix well and let set for at least 1 hour before serving.



And the caramel corn (that isn't really corn - so nothing getting into your teeth)!



Old Dutch Caramel Corn

1 8-oz. bag of Old Dutch Puff Corn Curls

Caramel Sauce: 1/2 lb. butter (real) (2 sticks) ... 1 cup brown sugar ... 1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 tsp. baking soda



Place corn curls in large roasting pan (can use disposable).  In 2 quart saucepan cook sauce ingredients (except soda) 2 minutes.  Add 1 tsp. soda to mix.  This will cause foaming - 2 quart pan necessary!  Pour caramel mix over corn curls and stir till mixed.  250 for 45 minutes.  Stir at least every 10-15 minutes.  Prepare counter/table with waxed paper on top of newspaper.  Pour cooked corn on waxed paper and separate piece by piece while still warm.  Beware: this is addictive!



And we can't have Christmas without candy (well, we can, but you know what I mean)!  First of all, my Mom's fabulous fudge ...



Fantasy Fudge - 3 lbs.

3 cups sugar

2/3 cup (5 1/3-oz. can) evaporated milk

1 cup milk chocolate chips

3/4 cup to 1 cup black walnuts, chopped

3/4 cup butter

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 7-oz. jar marshmallow creme

1 tsp. vanilla



Combine sugar, butter and milk in heavy 2-3 quart saucepan.  Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly.  Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat (to 234 degrees); remove from heat to prevent scorching.  Stir in chocolate chips till melted (gradual).  Add marshmallow creme, nuts and vanilla; beat till well blended.  Pour in greased 9 x 13 pan.  Cool. Cut.



Peppermint Patties - about 4 dozen

1 pkg. (8-oz.) creme cheese, softened

9 cups confectioners sugar

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp. peppermint extract

3/4 cup milk chocolate chips

3 Tbsp. shortening



In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and extract until smooth.  Gradually add sugar, beating well.  Shape into 1" balls. Place on waxed paper lined baking sheets.  Flatten into patties.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.  In a microwave (or in double boiler) melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth.  Cool slightly.  Dip patties in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper until firm.  Store in cool place.



And for a smashing finale, my friend Jane's decadent bread ...



Double Chocolate Bread - 6 mini loaves or 2 regular loaves

When my neighbor and friend Jane brought this over as a Christmas surprise, I shamelessly kept most of it for myself, only sharing the bare minimum with my dear husband and children!



1 box chocolate (or yellow) cake mix (moist devil's food recommended)

2 boxes instant chocolate pudding

4 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups water

12 oz. bag chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet or combination)

Chopped pecans (optional)



Mix together cake mix, pudding, eggs, oil, vanilla, and water until smooth.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Pour about 1/2 full into greased and floured (cocoa or carob powder) pans (big or small).  Bake 50 minutes - 1 hour at 350.  Let cool.  Remove from pans and wrap in plastic wrap or place in airtight container as this helps it remain moist. 



Happy baking and memory making!

Lemon Wedges and Sugar Packets



Dad and me celebrating his 80th birthday, April 2011

"'... And try Me now in this,' says the LORD of hosts, 'If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.'"  Malachi 3:10b 

My Dad has the unique habit of making lemonade at restaurants.  He does not order a lemonade, he makes it with the resources available at his table. Typically, a lemon wedge garnish arrives in each water glass, and before the waiter can say, "May I take your order?" he has already grabbed a mini bag of sugar and is intently concocting his chalice of personal refreshment before our very eyes.



A memory I treasure involves a visit with my parents.  We met at a restaurant, and our waitress graciously seated us before delivering water glasses complete with lemony adornments. After sharing an unusual memory from her childhood, our waitress asked if we would like anything else to drink. I tried to look busy with my menu while my Dad smiled at the lady, "I need some sugar, please ... to make lemonade."

Honestly, I can't say that I have ever gotten used to this ritual, even though it has become a family tradition.  I half expected the seven-months-pregnant waitress to toss a meager bag of sweetener my dad's direction with a snear of disgust.  But, no.  My eyes grew wide with wonder as our angelic hostess brought my dad not just one sugar packet, but a bowl full of sugar packets, and in another bowl a veritable mountain of lemon wedges (at least eight)!  Dad was ecstatic while Mom handled her shock in a most gracious manner.



This reminds me of God's lavish lovingkindness toward us.  We eventually get around to asking God for help (sometimes as a last resort).  And what does God do?  Does He toss us a lame little sugar packet with a scowl on His face?  No way!  God delights in meeting every need, heaping upon us His powerful resources and sweet comfort to strengthen us along the way.  All we need to do is ask.  And, of course, the tab is on Him.

P.S.  After the meal, my Dad generously ordered a giant hot fudge sundae for us to share, just to say, "I love you!"  Thanks, Dad - I love you, too!

^"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive,

that your joy may be full." John 16:24

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Prescription for Pre-Holiday Stress

 

Are you multi-tasking at the moment? Wondering how you are going to get everything done before the guests arrive or you pack up to head out of town?



1. Stop, as soon as you can (please do NOT let the boiling pot burn down your house, and DO help Johny's boo-boo).



2. Go get a piece of paper (check the garbage can - the piece must be bigger than a gum wrapper).



3. Grab a pencil or pen (the only thing I could find near the computer this morning was an orange highlighter ... it worked just fine).



4. Number your paper down the side as far as you can.



5. Next to each number write down a blessing. At first it might be like a slight sprinkle, but soon you'll get warmed up and it will develop into a steady rain, maybe even a down-pour. You're doing great!



6. Now that you're warmed up, write down what is troubling your spirit today. It could be sickness, a broken dishwasher, the prospect of facing the holidays without a certain loved one this year, disappointment, rejection, loneliness, financial woes, exhaustion, worries about how the family is going to "get along" this Thanksgiving ... anything that causes your heart to ache, tears to fall, or your fist to want to hit the wall.



7. Now, give the list to God. Pray through the list, thanking Him. If it seems impossible to thank God sincerely for the trial you are facing, ask Him for strength to thank Him. God can use even "bad" blessings, things that tear us apart, for good.



If our lives were perfect, why would we need Him? And who would want to listen to us if we haven't been blown about by life's turbulance? People cannot know what we believe is real until they see it tested by time and trials.



8. Let God lift your spirit in full assurance that He knows and loves you, while He offers you His presence and supply through anything and everything, 24/7/365!

"Even there _______________________ Your hand shall lead me,

and Your right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:10

The fill-in-the-blank line was added by me. There is room on that line for whatever is on your heart, dear Friend. If you follow this recipe once, it should greatly help you during the hurry and scurry of this holiday season. If once isn't enough, reapply daily as needed! Happy Holidays!

P.S. Read Psalm 103



To learn more about thanks-living, read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.



Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

My Testimony



The cemetary went on and on.  I couldn't take my eyes off it as my sister and I drove by all those tombstones on our way to Grandpa and Grandma's house.  All those people died. A few minutes earlier I had waved a tearful good-bye to my parents at the airport.  Alarmed to see them leave for vacation, fear ruled my heart.  Old stones with words on them made things scarier.

Susan, seeing my despair, tried comforting me.  "Sara, the worst thing that could happen is that they would die.  But, then they would go to be with God."  Well, that didn't sound too bad.  Of course I would miss them terribly, but I knew they would be safe and happy.

I could die . . . like those people. Will I go to heaven to be with God, like Mom and Dad?

As the evening wore on, I felt worse and worse as God's Holy Spirit graciously convicted me of sin.  I thought about verses my sister had shared with me:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  John 3:16

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  Romans 3:23

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  I John 1:9

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."  Romans 6:23

"He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God."  I John 5:12-13

Even as a young child, I knew this was the most important decision of my life.  I could no longer refuse His offer of grace and forgiveness.  It were as though Jesus stood before me with arms open wide, waiting to give me a BIG hug (and hold on tight forever).

In Grandma's bedroom, I tearfully admitted my sin and need for Him. I told Him I believed Jesus is God and that He gave His life for me, paying for my sin.  I believed in Him and wanted to follow Him the rest of my life. Suddenly, like rain in the desert, a refreshing peace washed over me.  I was no longer a slave of Satan, sin and myself.  God had brought me from death to life: I had become His child!  A new creation.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 

Clear as a cloudless blue sky I remember that day so many years ago.  Less than two months before my fourth birthday, the seeds of truth faithfully planted at home and church were taking root.  Being born into a Christian family didn't make me a Christian.  God gave me the opportunity to hear and choose.  God gave me the gift of life, and He wants to give you the same gift!  Are you going to let the seeds God is planting bloom in your life?

Are you are a believer, but lately you have been taking God for granted? It's an easy thing to do - something we all struggle with.  Let's stop for a moment right now and remember all God has done for us.



If you have any questions, I'd love to talk with you:  saraleighanne@juno.com

About three years after I began my adventure with God

Coincidence vs. Sovereignty

West End Architectural Salvage ... When my sister said we were beginning our day-long celebration of our mom and dad's 60th anniversary at a coffee shop by that name, I was hesitant.  It turned out to be an interesting place!  Located in a huge old building, it is a mixture of antique shop, museum, and coffee haven. 



While walking around to marvel at the ancient relics scattered high and low, I noticed a lady had come around the corner at the end of the hallway.  When I looked at her I was shocked to see Julie, my next door neighbor!  Here we were, more than two hours away from our homes, running into each other at this unique place.  She was equally surprised, and we had a nice little chat before she left to go shopping with her daughter.



After finishing our cozy hot chocolate and chai, we continued with our party to a fabulous little museum called Iowa Hall of Pride, and next to a 50's diner, hearkening back to the time when my parents were first married.



Before we took a tour of places where my parents had grown up, met, and the church where they were married, we stopped at a small grocery store in the middle of an old neighborhood.  We all dispersed to follow our interests, and since I'm not much of a shopper, I quickly made my purchases and then wandered out to enjoy the sunshine while I waited.



When my sister walked out with a smile on her face, I couldn't believe it when she said, "My neighbor is inside!" Sharon's next door neighbor, over an hour away from their hometown, was at the same store at the same time we were.  It was fun to go back in to meet the sweet Japanese lady and her family.



What are the chances?  What are the odds that both my sister and I would see our next door neighbors, on the same day, so far from home?  Even if we had scheduled seeing them, it couldn't have turned out this smoothly.  Timing and place in perfect synchronization. 



Why?  It's not that we had earth-moving conversations with our neighbors, whom we are trying to reach with the love of God.  Perhaps God arranged these appointments to remind us that ...



1.  He is in charge of our appointments, ones we know about and the ones that surprise us.

2.  He can arrange any combination of scenarios because He is God and He is working out a plan.

3.  He is always watching us, and other people are, too. 



Today I am thankful for these reminders, and it makes me look forward with a perspective of ...



1.  Anticipation:  I wonder what God is going to do next!

2.  Accountability:  I had better make sure I am right with God, because He is always watching me, and others should see Christ through me.

3.  Preparation:  I had better be prepared for whatever God has in store.  I need to be ready to encourage, share hope, edify, and shine for Him wherever I go.



Coincidence?  Nope.  My God is sovereign.

"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth ... all things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist... that in all things He may have the preeminience."

Colossians 1:17-18

Together 60 Years!

Today my family celebrated my parents' 60th wedding anniversary.  They were married on November 3, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa.  Our day was spent reliving memories, driving around their old neighborhoods, hearing stories, visiting the Iowa Hall of Pride museum, eating at a 50's diner, enjoying each other.  It was a day to remember!



Sixty years seems like a long time, but they say they don't know where the time went.  It seems unreal that they are knocking on eighty, because it wasn't long ago that they were young and in love.  I'm happy to report that they are still in love.



Mom

My Mom is almost always smiling.  As a kid it would irritate me, along with her contant humming, but now I am refreshed by her spirit of joy!  I see in her a woman who has been faithful to her man through ups and downs.

"Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

She is submissive!  Sometimes I have encouraged her to speak up for herself in certain situations, but she usually chooses to quietly pray about matters instead.  I am thankful for a mother who smiles with her eyes, voice (over the phone), lips and heart.  She is an example of a faithful wife and prayer warrior.



Dad

My Dad sold three pigs to buy my mom's ring, and they had a short engagement because he was drafted into the army.  Although he didn't end up going over to Korea, there were many stressful moments related to his service to America.



In my Dad I see a man who has taken care of his wife and loves her more than he did when he married her. 

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and

gave Himself for her..."  Ephesians 5:25

My Dad claims that my Mom proposed to him.  His teasing is accompanied by eyes sparkling with fun.  My Mom groans with a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. She's heard this story a hundred times.  Today we got "the rest of the story" on video.  The truth seems to be in the middle: they shopped for rings together, but he wasn't formal in giving her the ring, so she nudged him a bit, "Aren't you forgetting something?" 



I count myself extremely blessed to have parents who have stayed married for 60 years. Thank you, Mom and Dad!

Facebook Ministry

Facebook has certainly changed our lives.  For the longest time I avoided it. Then, as my twentieth high school reunion approached, I realized I wouldn't know what was going on if I were not on Facebook.  So, I gave in, or rather, signed up to join the fun.  While I have chosen to take part, I completely understand and respect those who choose not to participate.



Getting a Facebook account has turned out to be a blessing for me. As long as I can control my time spent on it, Facebook is a place of encouragement: I get a chance to encourage others, and others encourage me.



I don't know about you, but for me there is comfort in knowing that I am not alone in this crazy journey of life. Kimberly's 6-year-old threw up last night, Carrie's washing machine is on the blitz, and Janene's car is in the shop, again - things like this challenge our family as well!  Some people post uplifting and convicting Scripture verses that minister to my soul, and there are plenty of hilarious cartoons to give a chuckle. At our house we love to keep in touch with foreign exchange students: those who are here, and those who have returned to their homelands.



With needy matters scattered across every page, Facebook is a terrific way to know how to pray for people. It has given me insight about those I am trying to reach, especially neighbors and teens in our church. Also, as a blast from the past, it has put me back in touch with former students, now young adults.  And our joyful conversation, rooted in the past, continues in the present and, Lord willing, on into the future.



How can Facebook be a ministry for you?  

Do you look at it simply as a place to vent and show off pictures?  I hope that you see it as more than that, as the ministry opportunity it is.



A few months ago I started a Facebook group called Kitchen Music.  Combining two of my favorite things in the name, it is a meeting place for fellow cooks.  We share recipes, food related stories, ask questions, and once in awhile I'll post a Bible verse like, "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalm 34:8)



Last autumn, I introduced a new feature called, "Recipe of Encouragement."  On Mondays I post a specific person (such as pastors wives, singles, cancer fighters, and around the holidays neighbors and prickly relatives, to name a few) to focus on encouraging, along with ideas how to minister. Others in the group reciprocate with feedback: ideas and what they are doing to reach out that week.  It's a blessing!



One dear pastor's wife wrote in and said the best thing that can be given for her is prayers, as she often feels like she is under Satan's attack. Another pastor's wife joyfully recalled once when some teens in her church blessed them at a restaurant by insisting on paying for their meal. I hope these ideas and reminders will help Facebook friends take time to show appreciation to their pastor's wife this weekend and continue to pray for her in the future.



As you go about your day as a woman on a mission for God, ask Him how modern technology, even Facebook, can be a tool of ministry for you.  How can you creatively use your computer for God?  I feel I should apologize for repeatedly using the word "encouragement" in this post. But, really, can there ever be too much encouragement?



Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

The Appointment

Yesterday my husband met with his boss for a yearly review. There was no doubt in my mind that he would be given an excellent assessment, but I still prayed for him and was anxious to find out how it went.  His appointment got me thinking, when have I gone to God, my "Boss," for a review?  So, I wrote the mysterious sounding appointment on my calendar for yesterday afternoon and wondered what it would be like.

It's not that I never meet with God.  Most mornings my first conscious thought is, "Thank You, Lord, for today" or "Help!" or, preferably, both.  And every day I spend at least a little time in His Word and in prayer.  My ideal is to have three hours, surrounded by stacks of Bibles, concordances, biblically based commentaries and my laptop (with someone else preparing lunch so I'm not distracted, of course), which is about as common as a polite hippopotamus.  Reality is somewhere in the middle.  Not that it replaces much needed quality Bible study, but the older I get, the more secure I am in the reality of our relationship, God and me, talking with Him whenever, wherever I am.  (I'm love studying and praying ... my weaknesses are being still and listening.)



So, there it was, my shining moment, my official meeting with God to find out how well I'm doing on my mission for Him!  If my meeting had been in a professional office, I'd have meticulously dressed and groomed myself, preparing the exact words I was going to say and perhaps practicing my smile in the mirror (at least I've heard of people who do that).  I would have been early, with no hint of scrambled eggs on my breath. But, no...

Hello, Reality

Even though God didn't care that I had not curled my hair and was wearing crop pants, a t-shirt and sneakers, I failed.  It was a Midwestern mess of my own making:  while working on "important" things time got away from me, and my three-year-old doesn't sleep as long as he used to ... and zlip ... there my afternoon went. I felt miserable.




God used my irresponsibility to show me a glimpse of how I'm doing.  To add to the pile, It hit me afresh that I am not graded or judged by God in comparison with:

The women in my church

My neighbors

My mother/mother-in-law

My mentors

Other mothers

The Proverbs 31 woman

My pastor's wife

Elisabeth Elliot, Ruth Bell Graham, or Beth Moore

My sisters

The girl I used to be

No. It's way bigger than that!  My Creator God is my example, His holiness my grading scale.  Gulp. What a relief that God has provided a way to forgive my sins and restore our relationship ... it was paid for by Jesus on the cross, my only way of salvation.  There's nothing I can do to earn His favor.  I am a recipient of His priceless love gift.

And thankfully, God understands my struggle with sin, not expecting absolute perfection right now.  Not to say He doesn't want obedience - there's a difference.  God wants me to obey Him and depend on Him every hour of every day.  But, there is a process ... and, being the wonderful awesome God that He is, He takes full responsibility for the sanctifying of my life.


However, anyone who doesn't have tunnel vision realizes she is not "off the hook" of responsibility:

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8

Why did He do that?  And what does He ask from me when I can't begin to resemble Him?

"That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain."  Philippians 1:6

God Understands

How I spend my time matters to God.  Isn't it encouraging that He knows what life is like, because He came to earth as a man?!  God knows our hearts, our schedules, the demands on our time, the interruptions, that our five-year-olds were being grumpy and disobedient, our teenagers missed the bus, the toilet overflowed, the electricity went out, and that we've had insatiable cravings for chocolate since before breakfast.  Is He angry with us?  No. He loves us more than we could ever imagine, still!

When we need mercy, He shows mercy:

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.  He has not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities (sins).  For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those that fear Him." Psalm 103:8, 10-11

When we need forgiveness, He offers free and full forgiveness:

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:13

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrightousness."  I John 1:9

When we are pitiful, He pities us:

"As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that fear Him."  Psalm 103:13

Today I am looking forward to my appointment with God for my mission review.  I'm preparing to meet Him this afternoon while my boys are resting.  And if things spin wildly out of my control, it's going to be okay.  With my whole heart I thank God for His love and patience.  He's the best Boss I could ever have.



Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images