Christmas 2010 Reflections

Christmas was wonderful. We actually got snow on Christmas day. Can you believe it even stuck for several days? It was so pretty. I did alot of cooking (as usual). The first item to go was the red velvet cupcakes I made on Christmas eve. I should have known........

I can't help but reflect back for a moment on the goodness of God. As I look back over the 2010 year I am amazed at all that God has done not only in my personal life but in the lives of my family and you my friends.
We are ALL so blessed and fortunate. In light of all the trouble that's happening in the world we are still standing strong.
Let's take a moment to just thank Him for His mercies and grace in 2010.................

It is my priveledge to know each of you. I pray as you all begin to reflect on the upcoming year you will each seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. We are assured in God's word that He will provide all of our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Please feel free to share some of your Christmas Reflections with me; I would love to hear them!

Jonah

Ok, here it is.

The next bible study I will be leading..

starts.........

JANUARY 5, 2011

mark your calendar

North Park Baptist Church

What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! In this 7-session Bible study, Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams.
When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city.

go to http://www.lifeway.com/ for more details on this study.

Deeper Still Women's Conference 2010

I had the priveledge of attending this event on December 3 and 4 this year with some of the ladies at my church. It was a wonderful experience filled with God's presence and His message of hope and encouragement to His people.
These ladies were such an inspiration to me. They truly do love God with ALL their hearts.
Thank you Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer for your obedience to HIM.........

Candied Corn



This dish is a family favorite and is perfect for the holiday's.
I hope you enjoy it.






Ingredients

6 ears corn
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons diced shallots, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions
Cut the corn off of the cob. Put 1 tablespoon of butter in a saute pan on medium-high heat and cook the shallots until they are translucent with salt and pepper; about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the corn and cook until tender
In a bowl add brown sugar, honey and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine and stir into corn mixture to cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly.

This recipe can be found at : http://www.foodnetwork.com/
Courtesy of the Neeley's

Our Deer Friends

What a lovely surprise when I looked out our window to find two deer visitors.
Wow, they are a-m-a-z-i-n-g to look at aren't they?

What beautiful creatures they are.

It almost looks like they are kissing. Don't look !



I l-o-v-e these deer visitors and I hope they come back soon.

Breast Cancer 5k Walk 2010

Here is a picture of me, some of my Store Managers and my step daughter walking to help find a cure for this disease that affects women worldwide. It has affected women from every race, creed, religion, age and socio-economic background. We all know someone who has been affected by this enemy. We must find a cure!

............................................................................................................

Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.
That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested nearly $1.5 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Letters to God

What a wonderful movie this is and a must see.
Be prepared to laugh, cry and rejoice.

http://www.letterstogodthemovie.com/

Pelea por tu Cosecha

En estos dias en que es mas facil mantener la fe, pero tan dificil mantener la intimidad con DIOS, por la rapidez que pasa nuestra vida; nos preguntamos aveces, por que algunas personas disfrutan mas de las bendiciones de nuestro DIOS ?..............
La respuesta es sencilla...INTIMIDAD....tal vez sientas que mientras mantengas tu fe DIOS te bendecira donde quiera que vayas y en cierto sentido es cierto.

Pero DIOS tiene un lugar especifico donde EL te ha ordenado ser bendecido .....un lugar secreto, INTIMIDAD, me gusta pensar y verme a mi misma como una semilla que a sido plantada, por un tiempo la semilla no puede ver la luz y quisas la tierra la diga; fuiste una semilla enterrada?.....pero la semilla dice ' no" no estoy enterrrada estoy " plantada" , esto es transitorio.....en la intimidad voy a retonar y volvere a crecer!!!!!...alli es donde se forja el caracter de DIOS en nosotros, es donde el AMOR DEL PADRE te abraza, el ayer ya fue....hoy ya es, y manana sera!...

Tu fracaso de ayer ya paso, que tu intimidad de hoy te lleve a tu cosecha de manana!!!.....

Blanca

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir


The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is directed by Carol Cymbala, the wife of Senior Pastor Jim Cymbala and the daughter of the church founder, the late Rev. Clair Hutchins. Although the Choir is composed of vocally untrained church members, it has been used by the Lord to present the love of God all over the world. The 285-voice choir has recorded three videos, three DVDs, and numerous albums, winning six Grammy Awards. “The choir represents all different walks of life and every kind of sin,” Pastor Cymbala says. “You name it and we have someone who has been saved out of it, standing next to another one who has grown up in the church.”

In the early 1980’s, Carol Cymbala decided to “make a little tape for the church,” and when she had trouble finding enough appropriate songs, she began writing them. Although she cannot read or write music, the Lord has given her a special gift to direct and create from the heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. After 25 years of recording and live performances, the Lord continues to use the Choir to carry the message of the Gospel around the world.
It is a highly unlikely ensemble, a mixture of ethnic and economic backgrounds, in the heart of a city synonymous with coldness and decay. The choir is made up of attorneys and street people, nurses and ex-crack addicts, a unique cross section of humanity. Pastor Cymbala explains: “None of us would have met if it weren’t for Christ. Our backgrounds are just too diverse. But all of us have one thing in common: we have all been lifted up and saved. So the Choir sings—not about a theological position—but about what has happened to them. It’s not a theory; it’s a reality.”

Starting each practice with prayer reinforces that principle. Even the rehearsal prior to the Sunday services are all closed in prayer as the choir asks the Lord to bless their music and anoint their songs for the service. “The great evangelist D.L. Moody found that the tender strains of the Gospel could open people’s hearts to the music of the soul,” Pastor Cymbala says, “and I find that the choir greatly facilitates the ministry that goes on here. In their own uniquely sincere and almost vulnerable way, some by not being trained singers, while others are coming from totally non-religious backgrounds, they are able to display an openness, a transparent ‘heartfeltness’ that opens up and triggers the same thing in other people.”
The Choir’s latest album project is entitled "Declare Your Name". Their concert venues in New York City have included Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, the Paramount Theater, and a sold-out performance at the Madison Square Garden Theater. “I just want to see people drawn to Jesus Christ,” Carol Cymbala says, “I want the music to be the arrow that points them to Him.”

www.brooklyntabernacle.org

This article and more can be found by visiting their website.
I  l-o-v-e this choir!
Their newest album is g-r-e-a-t!

Blanca Escobedo

My friend in Christ/ Mi amiga en Cristo

Stay tuned for writings from my very dear friend in Christ : Blanca Escobedo.




She will be contributing with me to the Spanish section on my blog.

Read a short biography about her below.














English
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to read this blog.
I have known the love of the Lord since I was a little girl and very early I learned that He is the way because He found me, I didn't find Him.

I enjoy reading a lot. I can read for hours.
I like gardening, especially fruit trees. I love the idea of having my own Eden.
One of my favorite films is One Night with the King (the life of Esther). I love the verse: "And who knows that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this."
I also enjoy traveling with my husband and spending time together with him. We both enjoy sports and visiting different places.

But, what I most enjoy is getting up every morning and being able to say, '' This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in Him."

Blanca


Spanish
Quisiera darte las gracias por tomarte el Tiempo de leer este blog...quien seas Gracias!!
Conoci del Amor de JESUS desde nina, y temprano comprendi que EL no solo es el unico camino , EL es el camino pues no lo encontre yo a EL, EL me encontro ami!!!...
Disfruto muchisimo leer!! puedo leer por horas!!
Me gusta muchismo la jardineria, especialmente los arboles frutales, me gusta la idea de tener mi propio Eden!
Una de mis peliculas favorita es: Una Noche con el Rey (la vida de Esther)...la frase "y quien sabe si para esta hora habras llegado al reino"
Est 4:14 me encanta!!
Disfruto muchismo viajar con mi esposo, y pasar tiempo juntos, los dos nos encanta los deportes y conocer diferentes lugares!

..Pero lo que mas disfruto es levantarme cada manana y poder decir "este es el dia que hizo el SENOR, nos alegraremos y gozaremos en EL!!!!!!!!

 Blanca

The Beauty of Nature

Like I said, it is NOT unusual for me to have a camera in my hand taking pictures of something.
Today I was inspired by nature. I am anticipating the arrival of Fall.  Are you?

I hope you enjoyed looking at these as much as I enjoyed taking them.

I am of the opinion that God smiles at us through His creation.
He makes nothing alike. Everything He made is unique just as you are.
Today, bask in God's love for you and His everyday reminders of His most unique creation...... You.

A Hummingbird

What a beautiful and amazing sight when I walked into our garage and lo and behold to my surprise I saw a hummingbird. It got in there without me realizing it. At first I sat in a daze staring at this sight and then I realized he was frantically trying to find his way out. At that time my stepdaughter came in the garage and I asked her why he won't just fly out the garage door because it was wide open. She said that hummingbirds fly up. I was now getting very worried for him because I knew what lurked below him; our two cats Mocha and Aubbie, and yes; they were lying in wait watching that hummingbird's every move.
I kept trying to show him the way of escape but he couldn't see it.
I am sad to report that beautiful creature never found it's way back home to nature.
Unfortunately, 1 of my cats conquered their quest and the hummingbird was no more.
I was devastated !

Why do I share this story you might ask?

As I pondered the whole process of what happened I began to realize that sometimes we are like that hummingbird. Our focus can sometimes be diverted in one direction. When we don't look in the right direction we can't see the way of escape when the enemy of our soul comes.

~ Remember what God's word tells us:
" Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5 verse 8

Let's make sure our eyes and focus are fixed upon Jesus, the only one who can keep us from being devoured.

For Women Only

Here is the current bible study I am leading:

What Shaunti Feldhahn’s research reveals about the inner lives
of men will open women’s eyes to what the men in their life—
boyfriends, brothers, husbands, and sons—are really thinking
and feeling. Men want to be understood, but they’re afraid to
“freak out” the women they love by confessing what is
happening inside their heads.


Learn how to provide the loving support that modern men want and need.





http://www.shaunti.com/

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients

House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder
Olive Oil, for tossing
5 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch long slices, then 1/4-wide inch strips, using a crinkle cut knife
Oil
1 tablespoon House Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the House Seasoning:

Directions

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Line a sheet tray with parchment. In a large bowl toss sweet potatoes with just enough oil to coat. Sprinkle with House Seasoning and paprika. Spread sweet potatoes in single layer on prepared baking sheet, being sure not to overcrowd. Bake until sweet potatoes are tender and golden brown, turning occasionally, about 20 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.



My family really l-o-v-e-s this dish. I hope you will come to enjoy it too.

Marcos Witt

Marcos Witt

Hagan brillar su luz delante de todos, para que ellos puedan ver sus buenas obras y alaben al padre que esta en el cielo.
Mateo 5:16




http://www.marcoswitt.net/

Metro Ministries

Please read this article about Metro Ministries. I had the priveledge to serve with this ministry many years ago in Mobile, Alabama. This article is found on their website.



Bill Wilson, Founder & Senior Pastor

As a child, Pastor Bill experienced the pain and hopelessness of abandonment. One day, as he walked down a street with his mother, they stopped to sit for a while. She instructed him to sit there and wait for her to return. He sat and waited for three days straight. She never returned. A Christian gentleman who had seen Bill stranded and alone stopped and picked him up. It was here that Bill's relationship with God began.








Mission to Help Hurting Children
Out of the pain, impoverishment and isolation of his own abandonment, Bill developed a heart of compassion for suffering children everywhere. From the ghettos of America to the garbage dumps of Manila, Bill has sought to rescue hurting children.

Founding of Metro Ministries
Pastor Bill established Metro Ministries in 1980 in what was one of Brooklyn's roughest neighborhoods, the Bushwick community, most commonly known for its history of gang violence, crime, drugs, and poverty.
Here, violence is a way of life and a constant threat. Pastor Bill has been beaten, stabbed and shot in the face. Yet, he perseveres and refuses to leave the area or give up on the children growing up in such an environment. Because of that, his efforts have made a difference, not only in the lives of children but in the community as well.
Due to the success of Metro's programs, President George Bush, Sr. appointed Pastor Bill to serve on the National Commission on America's Urban Families in 1991. Metro's influence was also identified as a factor in the noticeable reduction of crime in the Bushwick community and the organization was featured on ABC's Nightline.

Today, Pastor Bill travels widely, speaking in churches nationally and internationally each week. He is frequently featured on Christian television networks throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. And his programs, curriculum and techniques are being duplicated in cities all over the world. However one thing remains the same. Every Saturday, Pastor Bill is there in the heart of the urban jungle in Brooklyn, driving the school bus to pick up boys and girls for Sunday School.


metroministries.org

Ross Bridge 8k

Come out and support this great race benefitting Alabama Teen Challenge.
God has been using this ministry for 50 years to change the lives of men and women who have life controlling issues. I will be there helping them to the glory of God.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for 7 weeks of tidbits, nuggets and jewels centered around the theme
for HIS.

coming soon.......

He is.....

When I think about the Lord the words: HE IS comes to mind.
Then when I sat and thought about what HE IS I was overwhelmed.
He is LOVE
He is JOY
He is PEACE
He is KIND
He is PATIENT
He is SUFFICIENT
He is GOOD
He is GENTLE
He is MERCIFUL
He is RIGHTEOUS
He is COMFORT
I can go on and on about ALL that HE IS. I am so greatful that God is everything we need. His supply never runs out. His mercies are new every morning and I am greatful for them. My prayer is that you will know Him as each one of these and more, because HE IS all that you need.

Anna is Growing Up

Being a stepmother to Anna is a true joy. She is 14 now. I am blessed to have her in my life. I am especially grateful that she has accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and Lord. I can see many wonderful changes in her. One of the greatest responsibilities we have as parents is to "train up a child in the way they should go", this cannot be done without us first following Jesus ourselves.


If we don't follow Him how then can we lead our children?

Thank you Lord for the gift you have given us in our children!

The Great Commission

The Great Commission


"Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age. Amen" (Matt. 28:19-20, NKJ).

Here are some great links to sights that have a strong emphasis on missions.

www.imb.org

 
www.wmu.org
 
 

 
 
 
 
www.cpmissions.net
 
 

 
 
 
 
www.namb.net