Tag Archives: More time with Jesus

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.photo (23)
Wait and see the words that heal that come from your rested heart and mind.
Praying for you!

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
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Red Velvet Cake

16 Saturday Jun 2012

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I’ve been making this cake for twenty-five years now.  The cake seems to take on a life of its own and will improve every time you attempt to make this grand and elegant southern favorite.  It has long been my husband’s  favorite  birthday cake.  This cake takes time, focus and a clear head, so I set two days aside to prepare the cake in stages, making room on my calendar to do so.    Do not try to answer the phone, text, answer the doorbell or multitask in any way shape or form while in process.

                                                      

The original recipe was from Marilyn Southard,  my mother-in-law, a wonderful Southern lady from Alexandria, Virginia who last year went home to be with the Lord.  Red Velvet is her birthday cake legacy.  She always made delicious desserts, and whether we traveled to the  mountains, or the beach she talked about her great love of God as we talked, laughed and cried together while cooking for our family.    As great a cook and mother/mother-in-law as she was, I remember her most for her faith in the Lord, strength of character, and her exemplary work ethic without sacrificing anything of her femininity, power and sense of style. For me she defined what it means to live well for the Lord.

Here’s my recipe:

1 c shortening                                            

4 oz. red food color

3 c sugar

4 T. cocoa

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. salt                 

2 tsp. soda

2 c buttermilk

2 T. vinegar

5 c. sifted cake flour

Frosting

20 T. flour

4 c. sugar

4 c. sweet milk

4 tsp. vanilla

4 c. butter

Cream shortening, sugar.  Add and beat eggs, add salt, buttermilk and cake flour.  Make a paste of food coloring, cocoa and vanilla and beat into batter.  Mix in at last-minute, but (do not beat): soda and vinegar.  Bake in 4 cake pans/ layers at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.  Frosting : Cook flour and milk over medium heat until thick.  Chill.  Cream butter and sugar. Add chilled paste along with vanilla.  Beat until fluffy.  Ice cooled cake.

I made this frosting  the wrong way for ten years, mistaking “sweet milk” for sweetened condensed milk.  I couldn’t understand why I had to pat it on in handfuls until Marilyn, walked me through the recipe very slowly and caught my error.  Turns out “Sweet milk” is a southern expression for whole milk where she grew up.  The two of us would chat throughout the two days leading up to my husbands birthday and although she is in heaven I like to think she can hear my thoughts as I continue to chat  with her.  That’s my hope anyway.  She’s probably busy singing Handel’s Messiah with the angels, but pretty sure Jesus let her know I was making her cake.

( I doubled the ingredients from the original recipe to make four layers)

Black-eyed Peas on New Years Day

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Looking for a recipe for prosperity and happiness in the New Year?

Psalm 1 is a place to start.

The Hebrew word ashrei, or blessedness comes from living out your life in accordance with God‘s will.

How do you know God’s will?

Everyday wake and immediately meditate on God’s word.  Praise Him!  Begin your day in adoration of  God the Creator of all.

Pray about it, pray the verse for anyone your Father has placed on your mind.

This morning I prayed for you and my family and friends.

Here’s how it sounded…. Happy are the friends who follow my blog, my family, my friends they who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the paths of sinners.

Prosperity and happiness depends on your willingness to live in obedience to scripture.

But the humble will inherit the land and enjoy abundant prosperity.  Psalm 37:11 HSB

Humble in the Greek is translated poor in spirit — to be impoverished of self and concerned for the things of God.

What is God concerned about?

The world will tell you prosperity comes from a  cooked pot of black-eyed peas on New Years Day.  Our tradition in families differ, but cooking up a pot of these lovely legumes are a non-negotiable in southern families, ours is no different.  I’ve misplaced my cookbook so this is my twist on the tradition.

1 pound of black-eyed peas

Soak and cook a couple of days earlier tossing off the dirt (your old self) and discard any particles(regrets) in the water.

1 large can of chopped tomatoes

1 small onion finely chopped and sautéed in extra virgin olive oil.

1 large garlic clove finely chopped and sautéed in extra virgin olive oil.

Pepper to taste

Add a few small pieces of the leftover Smithfield Ham (Salt cured) before placing bowls on the table for your New Years Day Dinner.

Serve the simple dish with Udi’s gluten-free dinner rolls, and a salad.

Pull out all the stops with linens, candles, crystal and setting.

A humble dish and a table set for a King.

May you be favored and prosper in the New Year! May the Lord bless you in 2014 exceedingly and abundantly beyond your wildest imaginations!

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith.  Ephesians 3:14-16 HCSB

Thank you very much for taking the time to follow my blog in 2013. You have been a great blessing to me and I look forward to praying for you and  writing more in 2014!

Trish

 

Company’s coming

13 Sunday Nov 2011

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Do you get stressed before company comes and not know where to turn?  The following are a few easy things I do to remove steps from my day before company arrives that allow me more time to be present for friends and family upon arrival.
Day 1: Tacos.  The dish I made for the first night is a variation on traditional tacos.

And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in god my Savior, because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave…. Luke 1:46-48

Preparing ahead of time.  In life and with company meals, preparation ahead of time  allows  me to magnify Him to others, saving me time in the kitchen for time with family and friends.  I am prepared to be present.

Cook up a pot of black beans and a separate pot of rice 1-2 days before. The rice and beans both have standard recipes on the side of the bags. I follow those directions  and add a little e.v.o.o. and butter to both as they simmer.  Store cooked beans and rice in the refrigerator.
The day before cook up about 3 lbs. of carne picada or other meat of your choice sliced extra thin, seasoning to taste.  I boil mine in a cup of water and drain off before adding one small can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilis, and a nice dose of garlic powder, salt and pepper.

On the day of their visit, buy fresh ingredients:fof

Bag of limes

2 bags of cilantro

4-5 tomatoes

1 head of garlic

1 onion

fresh tortillas….watch for carts rolling into the bread aisle

1 head of lettuce

1 c of apple butter

Plate cilantro into a bowl tearing off leaves gently.  Slice limes in half and place on a small cutting board leaving a few whole for guests.

Make your pico-de gallo.  Finely chop tomatoes, garlic and onion, add salt, pepper and jalapeno pepper to taste…squeeze four to five limes and toss thoroughly.  Add some chopped cilantro.  Chill several hours covered before dinner.

Toss 1 c of apple butter  into carne picada and serve on a heated platter (hearth or oven works well)

Slice lettuce very thin and place on the table, along with your chilled pico- de gallo, tortillas, beans, rice and carne picada. Your feast is ready and your guests will enjoy your company as you join them at the table instead of speaking to them from your kitchen.

I would have missed the neighborhood girls and their four cans of empty shaving cream (pictured above) if I had stayed in the kitchen all evening.

Mega Memory Month 2011

25 Tuesday Jan 2011

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The following simple but powerful instruction is my scripture memorization.
I have it written on small cards, tucked in pockets of coats, my coin purse and bookmarked in all my latest reads.

Be patient with one another, making allowance for each others faults because of your love.  Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.   Ephesians 4:2,3 NLT

As a result I’m doing a great deal of reflection and asking God for forgiveness.

I’ve found by simply writing the verse out long hand during my morning reflection it seems to stay in my mind’s eye.

Attempting to serve a greater purpose in my life than my own needs is very freeing.

The Texas Grab

14 Tuesday Sep 2010

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In intellectual matters you can think things out, but in spiritual matters you will only think yourself into further wandering thoughts and more confusion. If there is something in your life upon which God has put His pressure, then obey Him in the matter. Bring all your “arguments and …every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”, and everything will become clear as daylight to you.  2 Cor. 10:5   Chambers 9/14

While standing in line at Walgreens yesterday, the woman in front of me poured out more cosmetics on the counter than I have seen in  some time.  My friend Tom, (looks like my Dad and always smiles sweetly at me) the cashier, was ringing her out.  She hears the total and even though all her adult children are with her she flips around, grabs my arm hard and says loudly “Oh My Lord”.  She is not beginning prayer, but is exasperated by the total of her bill, which I think is quite low given the enormous pile of creams, eye pencils, and shadows of all shades.  We were not touchy people in my family growing up, so I gather my nerve back and give her a reassuring “It’s ok” as her forty-year old daughter chastises her for grabbing a total stranger in line.  

Sometimes God grabs me.  What grabs you?

Snails On A Tree

04 Saturday Sep 2010

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Trust in the Lord with all your might and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3: 5-6

Our dog groomer Leah has a tree with white snails all over it.  They look exactly like the snails served in restaurants, only they are alive and clinging to the tree.  Though I’ve never ordered them in a restaurant, I’ve purchased them at the market and served them up to Todd and our lovely daughter.

I mentally visit the tree  when  I hear something hideous or tragic has happened and my skin begins to hurt and my eyes spill tears. 

The tree teaches me the snail to simply cling.