Bright and colorful for tomorrow morning.
Cut papaya into cubes and squeeze generously with lime.
Happy Easter!
Papaya and Lime
30 Saturday Mar 2013
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Tag Archives: Faith
Words That Heal – Part 3
30 Saturday Mar 2013
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Austin, Blanton Museum of Art, Faith, family, Good Friday, Moms Class, More time with Jesus, Restful enviroments, Retreat, Texas
This weekend the world takes a breath, shops close early, and families spend time together in prayer, fasting and contemplation of Gods sacrifice of His Son Jesus.
Ecce Homo circa 1623 Daniele Crespi “Behold the Man”
Our family viewed at The Blanton yesterday on Good Friday. Notice Pilate touching Jesus arm.
The world becomes quiet.
Quiet waiting before The Lord in prayer will give Him a chance to change your mood. The situation may not change, but you will have changed for the better in spite of the situation” Robert A. Cook
Psalm 88 v.1,2 is a cry of desperation Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out before You day and night. May my prayer reach Your Presence; listen to my cry.
There are times we must walk dark valleys and we can only get on our face before Him and plead.
Our hearts are so tainted we let sin bloom dark.
Jesus let the eyes of our hearts open to Your calling.
When words escape you let quiet rest in your soul and sing softly and praise His wonders.
Jesus took the penalty of our sin, your sin, and my sin.
When Jesus died on the cross our sin was covered with His blood.
He died in our place.
“But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.” Isaiah 53:5
His Words spoken out loud heal our wounds.
Praying for each of you!
2 Corinthians 5:21
Words That Heal – Part 2
26 Tuesday Mar 2013
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Have you ever been somewhere and watched a wife nag and berate her husband?
Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife.
Proverbs 21:9
Have you felt the fear that creeps over her children as they cringe and attempt to hide as Dad gets verbally assaulted.
As a shop girl I saw a lovely woman become quite ugly as she lit into her husband nagging about his lack of something.
I shudder to think of her two daughters self-esteem.
I wonder will they catch her hot temper and play it out someday on their co-workers, children, husbands?
Beware of criticizing or nagging others.
The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
Proverbs 21:23
Holy Week is stressful as we prepare for company.
Make a plan now and refuse to let unkind remarks be your legacy.
A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious treasure. Proverbs 24:3,4
This week gives yourself permission to unplug and fill your heart and home with Jesus.
Wait and see the words that heal that come from your rested heart and mind.
Praying for you!
Words that Heal
21 Thursday Mar 2013
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Today is the second day of Spring and I came across a great message to begin fresh in our families, a second chance to begin new with a promise from God.
A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness. Proverbs 15:1,2
In other words… speak words that heal, encourage, and respect your child for who they are.
Think of the strong-willed child and catch them being persistent.
Strong-willed children will not easily give in to the demands of peers, and the blessing is watching them choose to stand alone and not follow the foolish behaviour of others.
The strong-willed, filled with God’s Holy Spirit is a thing of beauty as they persevere and choose the way of honor.
When others are quickly swayed, they are sensible, watching their steps.
Verse 4 of Proverbs 15 states another promise.
A tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.
We spent time on will and spirit this spring in my Mom’s Class, todays lesson from the bible is a great reminder to speak words of healing.
May our Lord Jesus anoint you as you give life to your families with your words.
Corned Beef
17 Sunday Mar 2013
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cooking, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Faith, family, food, Food on Fridays, Homemaking, pickling spices, St. Patrick's Day, Traditions
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!
It’s not too late to buy a Corned Beef and prepare a very simple and easy dish for friends and family.
Step One:
Wash carrots, potatoes, cabbage and rinse the beef thoroughly.
Step Two:
Cook beef with pickling spices in a large pot on a low simmer for two hours.
Step Three: 
Place cabbage, carrots, potatoes,and a little salt and pepper into the pot after two hours and simmer for about 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and your dinner is ready and waiting
May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest light upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again my friend
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand
May God be with you and bless you
May you see your children’s children
May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings
May you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward
May the joys of today be those of tomorrow.
Answers to Prayer
09 Tuesday Oct 2012
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Would you like to see immediate answers to prayer?
If I can show you how to pray in a simple way would you be willing to try?
First step:
Pray for something you know is God’s will.
Step two:
Watch and wait in the center of the passage.
Think of His word steeping in me as tea leaves steep and bloom fragrant in a teapot.
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise”
Psalm 145: 1-3
Just a few minutes before a memorial service our parking lot had just a few cars.
I was really sad. How would people hear about her life and her legacy and her praise of the Saviour through being present and loving to children. A life whispering and singing for the Lord to His little Ones.
Ann Kroeker coaches us to walk the parking lot at our churches and pray over the spaces in her book Contemplative Mom. Contemplative Mom by Ann Kroeker. Colorado Springs, Colorado 2000
It was cold, I was all dressed up, my hair would go from fluff to flat, but out I went and walked the spaces.
God impressed upon my heart how tucked in Hope Bible Fellowship is in a neighborhood, and to pray for its visibility to family and friends trying to find it.
Right before my eyes, cars pulled in.
We celebrated a life well-lived for Jesus for 92 years living out Psalm 145:1-3 in her care and cuddling of babies.
Story after story…connections were told and her gift was her sweet spirit of love. It changed them.
She loved them well and led them to Him by who she was.
Calm Down and Be Quiet
18 Tuesday Sep 2012
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God allows us to walk through circumstances so that we can better minister to others. As I begin a new Moms Class this Fall I have found myself thinking “How will I teach the moms about quiet time as I no longer have days filled with diaper changes and late night bottles? How will my experiences contribute to where they are in their current circumstance?”
Last week was simply insane, and moving into Saturday I was so busy I forgot to eat. later that same evening I received a call from one of the moms and it was then that I realized that the last time I had eaten was the day before. Oh how I had compassion for my friends with little ones in that moment.
I was experiencing in some small way, the busyness of their everyday lives.
So here is a practical tip for time with the Lord.
Cynthia Heald coaches to keep everything in your “tent”. Exodus 33 gives reference to Moses meeting with God in the tent of meeting. What your tent looks like on any given day is up to you. I have a black fabric laptop case that has my Bible, Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost for His Highest”, my YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Personal Prayer Diary Planner, a note pad and an inspirational book I’m reading. I have a tiny handbag I tuck into my briefcase and away I go. When stopped in line at the bank, waiting to meet someone, or the parking lot at school, I pull something from my tent and let God speak to me through His Words.
As I write to you it is thundering overhead. Think of the tent as your shelter from storms.
My Mom’s class teaching was brief.
Calm down and be quiet before Him. Referencing Isaiah 7.
Ann Kroeker recommended we spend the hour in silence alone with the Lord, with a journal and a Bible.
And so we did.
The week ended at Grief Group where we all lit candles and softly whispered our beloved’s name and sat still watching the flames and the smoke rise to heaven.
Step into Fall
10 Monday Sep 2012
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I’m ready for fall.
I just saw one singular gold leaf cascade down from the sky as I was strolling this morning. The air crisp and the sun piercing through, it seemed to light up the little brown leaf as it tumbled from heaven…like a little gift just for me.
HE notices me.
While attending my Grief Group yesterday I shared about my sister Peg and all her great accomplishments. How much I miss her, and how she always noticed little details about me. She knew fall was my favorite time of year.
It was so great to share and be heard.
Fall is a time of rejuvenation for me. I eat healthier, hike more often, and my writing is more structured as my days are more scheduled.
I’ll be revisiting a favorite book “Contemplative Mom” by Ann Kroeker with a group of Mom’s on Tuesday mornings.
I hope you’ll join me wherever you live in the world and begin the season by setting aside private moments with Jesus.
Anxious?
When you are caught in the grip of a mood, go stand before the Lord, and (like Elijah) stay there, until the storm passes over and you hear the still small voice of God.
Shirley Rice
Allow Him to step into all aspects of your life.
I’m a woman of letters old and new, my first this fall will be to the Lord….
Listen and study and put into practice the disciplines of Jesus.
He sets my day. He informs my work.
Join me.
Quote from Cynthia Heald’s “Loving Your Husband” page 75, Shirley Rice, The Christian Home:A Woman’s View (Norfolk, Va.; The Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, 1965) pages 49, 52-53
Sent from my iPhone
Southwestern Okra Frittata
31 Friday Aug 2012
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The okra keeps growing in our drought here in Texas. I am wondering if I have enough recipes to start a series on Okra recipes. I have never cooked with okra till this past month as we watched it thrive and grow even with little to no water.
We cook frittatas to accommodate our gluten-free family member. 
They are easy and filling.
No oven required!
Serve at dinner or breakfast.
Whisk 6 eggs with a tbsp. of baking powder. Set aside
Saute chopped onions, garlic, and 1 cup of sliced okra.
(Pick before it is 4 inches long.)
1 c of shredded cheddar.
Pour all ingredients into a hot skillet. Reduce heat slightly, and watch closely for about 3-4 minutes and flip over using 1 very large spatula, or two small.
Garnish with cilantro.
We toasted a tortilla over the burner and sliced to make chips.
Dab with hot sauce and enjoy!
During Moms in Prayer this morning we all prayed that every fiery trial our child endures will serve to fortify and purify their faith…even as gold is refined by fire.
It was a great reminder to me as I toss hot sauce on my eggs each morning to focus on the beautiful faith we receive as we trust and follow His direction in our own fiery trials.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Aunt Grace’s Breakfast Casserole
28 Saturday Jul 2012
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Jesus is Lord over my spirit, my soul, and my body. Philippians 2:9-11
Jesus has set Aunt Grace apart.
She is an intercessor, a woman of prayer. Her prayers and lifted hands brought peace to my husband’s Mom as she was on her way to Jesus. Uncle Tom and Todd had stayed bedside all night. When Grace arrived she brought comfort to Marilyn as she spoke to her unconscious soul with God’s Word, speaking words of praise and power and praying for healing. And she gently touched her cheek and brushed her hair with her fingers. Her presence, her touch and her words brought almost immediate comfort as could be seen on the heart rate monitor. Immediately her elevated heart rate dropped and normalized at a much less labored rate. My husband had wondered whether or not her soul was still with her unresponsive body. Grace’s presence and the resulting physical response by his mother gave comfort that she was. As the family prayed together in the remaining time, Marilyn began her walk into eternal life.
Whenever I visit Grace my faith is strengthed. Her own faith, and her genuine interest reflected in the questions she asks and the attention she devotes to the conversation reveal someone who listens intently. Time stops in these moments and I feel valued.
Whenever I enter Uncle Tom and Aunt Grace’s home I am wrapped in love. Her tiny fairy-like frame and gentle hands, and her lilting South Carolina accent always greet me with the most tender hug of welcome. I have learned that a visit to her lovely home brings rest to this weary traveler, and her special brand of southern hospitality creates a peaceful environment. The beautiful setting of her home is a natural by-product of her career as an interior decorator, and I’ve always thought this home could easily be featured in an issue of Architectural Digest. Breathtaking!
The level of her hospitality is a rarity in todays busy world, yet for her it is simply a way of life. Fresh flowers in the bedroom, chocolates on the pillows, a crystal water decanter filled with ice cold water, and a bathroom with an assortment of luxurious necessities all say “Welcome to my home, you are special.” No southern hospitality is complete without iced tea, and the whole process of sitting down to tea is a delight. She prepares the most delicious meals, staging them in advance so that she has time to visit with me once I arrive. All of this demonstrates her love, and I am filled to overflowing, and I feel like royalty. Better than royalty I am family, and despite my being a Yankee, I feel as though I am an honorary member of the Southern Club.
In these visits the stress of a long distance road trip just melts away and I feel at home.
In the Gospel of John Jesus says “in My Father’s house there are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.” Uncle Tom and Aunt Grace give you a chance to imagine what that might be like as I always feel as though I am welcomed into the presence of God through their love and blessing.
Here is a breakfast casserole I enjoyed from Aunt Grace. May you be blessed by it!
6 eggs beaten
1 c cheddar cheese grated
2 c milk
1 ts salt
1 ts dry mustard
1 -1 1/2 lbs. sausage cooked and crumbled
6 slices of bread cubed
Place cubed bread into buttered 9 x 13 pan
Sprinkle sausage over bread.
Combine all other ingredients and pour over bread and sausage mixture.
Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
Serves 6
Trish Southard 