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Blessed are those who mourn....for they shall be comforted.

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!  :)

Bread bowls and Potato-Bean Soup!

Ah, the cooler weather and a fire in the fire place!

We just had a huge shipment of dried beans come in to our inventory for the online store - and of course, I have now been inspired to use our personal stash for the colder nights.

I made bread bowls today and have been cooking my son's favorite potato-bean soup to put into them for dinner.  This is a cheap, warm and hearty meal on the cool nights that my family has enjoyed each time the season turns chilly.

I think they are both going to be next month's newsletter recipes too.... if anyone wants it go to:  http://www.eatgrains.com and sign up.

Anyway - we have stacked the wood in the garage (a portion of it anyway the rest is outside) and brought in a sizable amount to keep the fire going all day. It really cuts our heating cost and makes the house cozy.

There was  SNOW just half an hour's drive from us yesterday! Amazing!  That is an early snow for NC!

Anyway - will blog more another time - fighting a little cold that my youngest shared with me....

Blessings!

Donna

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!!!!!!!!!!   :)