First Time

"It is finished!" The famous last words of The Savior on the cross, the irony is that, it's really only the beginning of new life in Christ, for those who believe on Him! The Holy and Perfect Lamb of God, uttered these words not only because his mission on earth was complete but also because he became the sacrifice for all of us. We are righteous in no other way, except through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. When I think of the amazing, freeing gift we have in Christ, it overwhelms me greatly with a heart of gratitude and love for my God. There are not adequate words to express how truly miraculous it is to live a life knowing He has completed the work on my behalf. I will never have to know what it's like to live under a yoke of bondage or heavy burdens. I'll never have to be good enough, righteous enough, or holy enough to spend eternity with my Abba Father in Heaven, because through Christ alone, God already sees me in all those ways! Wow! Simply amazing!!!

So this was my first time observing Lent. Two years ago I stated that I had never been taught to observe Lent and really didn't understand the why behind it all. Growing up I had friends who observed it, by giving up chocolate, (which, btw I didn't really care for chocolate in my younger days, I was foolish back then, what can I say?!), but that was the most religious I had ever seen them act or speak all year long. And honestly when they did speak of it they didn't sound excited about it. It sounded more like a burden and something they "had" to do then something they wanted to do or were privileged to do. Well this year, I decided, I'm just going to do it. We are called to pray and fast, so why not join the Lent fast. So I did, I decided I would fast sugar, all carbs except fruits and veggies, and junk food.  It was a great decision, one of my best yet and all because I committed to do it for Jesus. He helped me to succeed far beyond my expectations. I chose a 46 day Lent devotional and Bible reading, which drew me closer to Christ in the process! Not only do I feel better physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. He is simply amazing!!! AND because, it all went so well I decided, I'm going to continue the food fasting as well as kick it up a notch by fasting Facebook too. (GASP!) Not Facebook, I love Facebook, but let's be honest now, I'm on there way too much! I love keeping in touch with family and friends on there, it's even helped grow some relationships with new friends, it's a great tool for praying for those who need it and sharing  truth and encouraging words too, but anything, even if it's good, needs to be used with some self control!!! Once again, I know Jesus will help me succeed, I chose another devotional, actually two, and hopefully He'll draw so near to me that I'll be able to touch the hem of a His garment! (Yes, I desire physical healing :) 

And so my journey with Jesus continues.   I look forward to all that lies ahead in the next 50 days or so :)

G.O. Ministries Mission Trip

Do you ever get so focused on something, that it distracts you from just about everything else? I do, and lately I have been, distracted. So distracted in fact I've been working on this blog post for 12 days now! Hard as I might, to try and concentrate on the task at hand, I still find myself obsessed with my thoughts lately! So I try and pray, and I do pray. I pray and I pray some more, but it never seems enough. I know I just need to "let go and let God", I need to trust that God has everything under control and although people and leaders will sometimes make the wrong choices, God can and will use it all for good, in the lives of those who truly love Him and are called according to His purposes. Sometimes, trusting and letting go is easier said than done though, and I'm positive I have A.D.D.! ;)

Well this blog is my attempt to get my mind away from my obsession and onto events that were life changing for me. A group of ladies and I just recently finished studying the book of Daniel and WOW, what an amazing study!! In the words of a good friend and pastor, B.G., one of my "biggest take aways" from the Daniel study, would be to heed the words of Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar, "Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity." (Daniel 4:27 KJV) So what does it mean? Exactly what it says, turn from my sin pursue and live for Jesus Christ who is my righteousness, and show mercy to the poor...I like the way the Message translation puts it, “So, king, take my advice: Make a clean break with your sins and start living for others. Quit your wicked life and look after the needs of the down-and-out. Then you will continue to have a good life.” (Daniel 4:27 MSG) 

I admit I am selfish. No, I'm not the MOST selfish person in the world, but I'm definitely FAR from selfless. I consciously make efforts to live for others, but I admit for me, it takes sacrifice. It doesn't always just come naturally! Anyway, I often think of the first time God provided for me to go on a G.O. Ministries mission trip to Dominican Republic and Haiti with South Hills Church and the great impact it has had on my life. I journaled daily while there, and I'm so glad I did because along with pictures, it helps me to remember vividly my thoughts, feelings, and the awesome God encounters I experienced.  One of the most vivid experiences of the mission trip is when I arrived back to my house, sounds strange, I know. But It was then that it hit me like a ton of bricks. I am RICH. The realization hit me hard, that I'm rich not just because I am complete in Christ by putting my faith and trust in Him, but believe it or not, also because of my worldly possessions! It's not that I felt guilty when I drove up to my house and saw it with a new pair of eyes, but I knew in that moment when Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”, (Matthew 19:23, 24 ESV) it is talking about me, my family, all of us. WE are the rich ones. So the passage in Daniel mentioned above, was a good reminder for me, to not forget, to not lose sight, to not get caught up in Babylon out here in western civilization, and forget about the good work God began in my heart. I'm so thankful His Holy Word gives this encouraging promise, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6 NIV) And so I pray, keep working in me Lord Jesus, keep refining me, keep transforming my heart to be a reflection of Yours, because it is You I seek, desire and love! I want a heart that prefers You above all else!!!

I love this following quote from Jen Hatmaker-7, An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess.

"And I was so blinded I didn't even know we were rich. How can I be socially responsible if unaware that I reside in the top percentage of wealth in the world? (You probably do too: Make $35,000 a year? Top 4 percent. $50,000? Top 1 percent.)Excess has impaired perspective in America; we are the richest people on earth, praying to get richer. We're tangled in unmanageable debt while feeding the machine, because we feel entitled to more. What does it communicate when half the global populationlives on less than $2 a day, and we can't manage a fulfilling life on twenty-five thousand times that amount? Fifty thousand times that amount? It says we have too much, and it is ruining us."

"REMEMBER" (2011)

Sex in Songs

So tonight while cleaning my super messy scrapbook room, I've been listening to Today's Hits on Pandora and it's got me thinking how insane it is that many of the popular songs are about sex. It's ironic how people are comfortable publicly singing about sex, dancing to songs about sex, and watching music videos about sex, but yet don't go around talking about sex to anyone and everyone they meet. I mean don't get me wrong, I'm a married woman, and I know sex is a beautiful unmatchable gift our God created for us to be able to enjoy between husband and wife.... I don't know, it's just got me thinking. Is listening to the provocative, lust inducing, sometimes offensive songs on the radio, putting a stumbling block in our growth as Holy children of God? Are we choosing to hinder our sanctification process by listening to music porn? Would Jesus Christ Himself be listening to the radio stations I enjoy most? Would I feel comfortable playing my favorite today's hit songs for my Lord to listen to with me as we go for a drive together?  I know there is freedom in Christ, but I also know "all things are lawful but not all things are helpful"  (1Corinthians 6 and 10)

 We are told "we are in the world, but not OF the world." Is listening to the world's music causing us to be a product of the world? In the words of Jesus, "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth."  (John 17:14-19 ESV) 

I'm sure... no, I'm positive, there will be some with differing answers to my questions and I would love to hear them!  I know living as a Christian in this world is not easy, and we can easily be too extreme on some subjects. That's not my intention. I don't believe every "secular" radio hit is a stumbling stone, in fact I know some songs are so good, inspirational, encouraging and even speak of true love. I'm not a legalist, I don't believe the music we listen to, that doesn't honor God, means we are not saved or will send us to hell.  I just believe it could hinder the spiritual growth and sanctification that our Heavenly Father desires in His sons and daughters.  Remember He desires to transform us! :) "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect". (Romans 12:1, 2 ESV)  

So...I conclude with this, I love music, all types! I love songs with good fun dance beats, in fact, I'm looking for songs to add to my "Fun" songs playlist. I want songs that are new, upbeat, hip and clean enough that I won't be embarrassed to listen to with my awesome teenagers and feel like I'm violating their innocence.  So friends and family, I'm open to some of your favorite suggestions, so please share! :)

Molasses Sandwich Cookies

For 11 years now I've hosted a Christmas cookie exchange dinner party for 12. I look forward to it every year, not just for the delicious assortment of goodies, but also because it's worth it to me to be able to set aside a night to visit with a few girlfriends, new and old, during the busiest time of year by enjoying a nice dinner, dessert and games together.  This year I came across a cookie I wanted to make but couldn't find the recipe, so I combined two recipes to make these  Molasses Sandwich Cookies.  I wound up making a total of 24 dozen this year and giving away lots as gifts. My family wishes I wouldn't have given so many away, because they still wanted more. So here is the yummy recipe, I know I'll definitely be making again next Christmas!

Molasses Sandwich Cookies

• 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup Sugar crystals
• White Chocolate (melted) (1/2 pound)
• Green and Red Tube frosting or Green and Red (Wilton) melting chocolates.

FILLING:
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Add more sugar if necessary for thick and creamy consistency)


Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a separate bowl; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Use a 1 inch cookie scoop to form dough into balls. Dip top 
rounded side of cookie ball into sugar crystals. Place crystal side up onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until tops are cracked. Flatten hot cookies slightly and cool on wire racks. 

Melt white chocolate and dip half of baked cooled cookies (6dozen), halfway into melted white chocolate, dry on waxed paper. 
Decorate Holly’s with green and red frosting 
or green and red melted chocolate. 
(I used a sandwich bag with a tiny piece of the corner cut off). 

Make Filling, cream shortening and butter together, add sugar milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread filling between a decorated cookie and a plain cookie to form a sandwich. 

Yield: 6 dozen sandwich cookies. (Recipe can be doubled, or larger sandwich cookies made using a 2 inch cookie scoop)

Random again

I'm blogging because sometimes I just feel like talking and everyone else in the world seems to be asleep.  I know there are many awake though and many awake with heartache or concern. I like to use times of not being able to sleep to pray for friends that need or have asked for prayer and since I've already prayed hoping I haven't left anyone out, but trusting God hears and knows my heart for each person, He will come through in His perfect timing, will and way for each one. 

 After talking with a friend, hearing a sermon, and reading a blog post all on the topic at hand, I've been thinking a lot about why God allows some of us to be raised in a hard or hurtful environment, or why God allows certain trials, struggles or tragedies to occur in our lives, or even why some people have never had to experience a truly sad, difficult or hard time.  I know God knows, He doesn't have to wonder like I am, He already knows the reasons and I know one day everything will be clear to us as well, but until that day I will wonder.

I will think and I will and pray that He shows me and I will be ready to receive the answers.

Random Unpopular Thought

As much as I'm on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and Twitter, you would think that I think positive thoughts about it all, all the time, but the fact is I don't. 

Now  don't get me wrong I enjoy it all a lot, but I also notice how it has become the favorite past time of tweens and teens.  I notice that some are constantly posting selfies in picture form as well as in video form and it makes me wonder if kids these days spend as much time with their friends as I did when I was their age.  I remember every day after school in Elementary and Jr.High, getting my homework done as fast as possible so that I could go outside and ride bikes with my friends or burn the inside of my calves from bike tires as I rode on the pegs of a friend's bike, or getting a sore backside from riding on the bike handle bars or even just taking walks with friends in the neighborhood. Man, how I miss those days with those friends playing "Butts Up" and "Ghosts in the Graveyard" until bedtime, pain and all!  I guess what I hope is that kids these days are not just wasting their precious time as youths on the big black hole we call the internet. I hope that they are making long lasting memories to cherish forever.  Better than selfies, are pictures taken with a group of friends, better than videos of yourself are videos with friends singing karaoke or acting out a song or play together. Better than pinning a million projects on Pinterest is getting together with friends for shopping, craft and create time! 

I write all this as a reminder to myself as well, because even as an adult it's easy to isolate yourself and use social media as your interaction with people, but it pales in comparison to the real life face to face interaction each of us need to remain healthy in mind, body and spirit.  God made each of us relational people, and we need to work at building real long lasting relationships with others.  So if you're a tween, teen or even an adult reading this, I hope this encourages you to actively seek more physically present time with those you love and those who love you.  And if you're a friend of mine and you live close to me,  I'm always game for get together time, no matter what we do, as simple as going for frozen yogurt or as elaborate as     learning a new skill, as long as it's done with a friend, it will always be memorable and fun.

Laughing with my Son

Besides just being together, one of my favorite past times is laughing uncontrollably with my son. He has one of the best sense of humors I've ever known.  We like to look up clean funny pictures and jokes together as well as stand up comedy.  We can spend a lot more than an hour sitting together reading funny pictures as we laugh hysterically until our sides ache.  It's in these moments that I realize just how intelligent and quick he is. Embarrassed to say that occasionally he gets the punch line quicker than I do. He's patient with me though and gives me the time I need to catch on. Likewise, if he doesn't understand one I explain until he does.   It's amazing the knowledge he gains from reading jokes, I never would have thought it would be a good way to learn and retain but I'm convinced it is.  I know my son loves the time we spend laughing together because he wants to do it often, I hardly ever pass up the chance to see his beautiful smile so of course it doesn't take much to talk me into it.  His laugh is music to my ears, much like his French Horn playing which is for another topic, another day.  I love my son, I love everything about him, I wouldn't change a thing because honestly I know he changes daily. He's growing into a caring, thoughtful, sensitive, fun loving, responsible young man and for that I am truly thankful.  At times I miss the sweet baby, toddler, preschool and elementary days which bring vivid memories that I will always cherish, but I continue to love each passing day with him as I try to hold on to each special moment.   There is nothing in the world quite like having a son and when he expresses thoughts for his future, it makes my heart glad even though I can't begin to imagine the day he'll be on his own.  I have high hopes for my son and whatever he chooses to do in his life my biggest hope and prayer is that he will always choose to serve Christ Jesus his Lord first and foremost and everything else he chooses to do will prosper. It's hard to believe that in just 18 days he will be a teenager. I look forward to all that lies ahead with him and I pray God will give me the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to be the best mother I can be to my son as he continues to grow into an adult. These years are so important and I pray my selfishness would not get in the way, so that I can be all that I have been called to be for him with God's help and strength. It is a fine privilege and an honor to be the mother of my son.