September 7, 2012

FOCUS

So, here I am, a pastor’s wife?!

Whether you have been  one of us for 2 weeks, 6 months, 2 years, or 65 years, we all have need of  TRUTH spoken to us which render us: hope, grace, encouragement, and life transformational insights.  We pray that you will receive just that (and more) through our various 2012 writers. The Heartline entries include timely insights into several scripture passages and life-applicable topics.

God bless you as you join us in gleaning! 

WORDS TO INSPIRE


A Time Traveler

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.”   
~ Psalm 90:12

My first encounter with the death of someone close to me was when my Grandma Lee went home to Jesus. As a young woman in the first years of marriage and teaching, I found myself shook, coping with the reality and finality of dying and life as I’d experienced it taking a dramatic shift. We’ve each been in that moment, some at much earlier ages and some with a great deal more tragedy and suddenness involved. We’re left with unfamiliar emotions, trying to stand in foreign territory. And the voice that God used to place me back on stable ground was that of my Grandma James.

            “Amy, this is the way God’s planned it. All of us, Grandma Lee, you, me, Grandpa – We’re leaves on a beautiful big tree, honey. We have our time to blossom and shine, and then when the time is right and our season is over we wither and fall off into the breeze.”

Her message was to accept, to trust, to love, and then to LIVE fully during our season. And boy did she ever take her own wise advice!

TIME. We all have it; we all spend it. Believers and nonbelievers alike.  I am struck by that simple concept frequently. Every one of us, without exception, is spending their commodity in either pointless or meaningful ways. We squander or invest it. What will we do with the time we’ve been given? What will we allow God to do in us? Through us? How will we spend it, and will it matter? Yes there’s a heavy sense of responsibility here, but isn’t there an unbelievable OPPORTUNITY as well?

The psalmist’s cry in Psalm 90 is to JOURNEY WELL in the time that he has been granted. Knowing that the number of his days is limited, he asks God for a heart of wisdom in order to use them well and live with the right priorities. The words from a childhood song come to mind: “This world is not my own, I’m just a passing through.” I am a time traveler. I am granted an unknown number of days to love my God and impact the world He has placed me in as I pass through it. Last night my eldest son and I were talking in depth about the year ahead and where we felt God wanted us to focus and invest our time and energies, knowing that we can’t do it all, yet we deeply want to do it well. This verse speaks to me about seeking God’s wisdom in these choices, allowing Him to craft and designate my priorities, and then surrendering the outcomes to Him. I’m asking Him to direct my eyes, heart, and mind to that which matters most to Him. Proper alignment.

And I pray as the psalmist did, that as I travel through this life, with whatever number of days I am given, that I too will journey well.


NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD


BEING STILL IN HIS PRESENCE

In the stillness of the morning I sit and listen outside by my table.  I hear the sounds that God has given us.  A few birds are starting to wake up and the breeze is coming over my face.  There is a sound of leaves rustling in the trees.  I am only listening to the sounds that God has provided. 

Sometimes I find it very hard to be quiet.  I think that I am not being productive unless I am busy.   God wants us to be still.  Guaranteed I do not always have the large amount of time to just sit and be quiet in His Presence.   But even the little amount of time is what He wants of me. 

What is being still in His presence?  That is a pondering question.  Have you ever waited for something in anticipation and when you received it it was so exciting?  It is the same with being still in His presence.  If you sit and meditate on the Word and pray listening to the Holy Spirit waiting on Him you will feel excited or peaceful or thankful.  Whatever it is that God wants to tell you He will in His time during that time of quietness.  

If I took more time to be still in the presence of God I would probably hear more from Him.  He longs to talk with His children and to teach them.  God has so much to teach me.  In order to receive those teachings I need to be quiet in His presence and listening.   Psalm 37:7a “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”  Sometimes I have to wait for a while to hear what the Spirit has to say but the important thing for me to remember is to “be still and wait patiently for Him” 

Being still in His presence is not having an agenda of my own.   It is being in God’s agenda.  When we are still in His presence we are waiting on Him for the answers and it is not according to our agenda.   My agenda is let’s do it now Lord.  But I know that I must wait on Him.   His perfect plan is the best.  His perfect agenda is the best.  If we believe that God is in control then we will also believe that He will teach us by us being “Still in His presence.” 

So let us make the time and discipline our lives to spend the quiet time with our Lord and wait “Being Still in His Presence”  

CHECK IT OUT


CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY

I was about to return home from the West Coast on a red-eye flight.  Having finished reading my current book and anticipating being awake for most of the night, I searched through the shelves of books at my son’s home.  They are all avid readers and I knew I’d find something interesting and worthwhile to read.  Their open minds were evident as I went from shelf to shelf, finally settling on Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton.  What piqued my interest to start with was the date it was written – 1948.  The book opens with Notes on the 1987, 1959 and 1948 editions.   I was ready to read a good classic.

Comments on the cover of the book reviewers of The New York Times and The New Republic proved to be so true: “A beautiful novel, rich, firm and moving… its writing is so fresh its projection of characters so immediate and full, its events so compelling , and its understanding so compassionate that to read the book is to share intimately, even to the point of catharsis, in the grave human experiences treated.” (The New York Times).  From The New Republic:” …an impassioned novel about a black man’s country under white man’s law is a work of wearing beauty… a deeply moving story of the Zulu pastor, Stephen Kumalo and his son Absalom, set against the background of a land and a people riven by racial injustice.  Remarkable for its lyricism, unforgettable for character and incident, Cry, the Beloved country is a classic work of love and hope, courage and endurance, born of the dignity of man.”

If you want your mind to be stirred, your heart to ache for another human being, this must be your next read.

Pastor Kumalo leaves his small burro in Natal for the city of Johannesburg at the urging of his wife, in response to a letter received from Theophilus Msimangu, a fellow pastor living in this great city.  Trembling, they opened the letter wondering if it could contain news of his brother John, or, his sister Gertrude, both having left the rural life for the city.  Or, could it be about their son, Absalom, who had also left in search of more?  Absalom, whom they had not heart from, but for whom their hearts ached?

Pastor Kumalo’s journey into Johannesburg brings the landscape of South Africa to life.  The help he received from his friend and the Christian community in this big, frightening city will warm your heart.  At one point, trying to express his thanks to Mrs. Lithebe who has opened her small house to him, and then also to Gertrude, feeding them from her small supply, she receives his thanks with “Why else do we live?”

This is a story of a father searching for his lost son, a lost sister, a lost brother.  The father in the 15th chapter of Luke in the parable of the prodigal son will come to mind--a father with his forehead pressed to the windowpane, waiting, watching, hoping.  But Pastor Kumalo must return home to his wife with hard news and together they face the reality of their son’s circumstances.

I’m so thankful I “stumbled” upon this book! It has been good for me to be a part of Pastor Kumalo’s story.  You will feel likewise, I know.


HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

IN DUE SEASON

Zig Ziglar is known for his illustration of the Chinese bamboo tree.  Waiting for the Chinese bamboo tree to grow can really test one’s patience, as it is known to lie dormant for five years with no visible signs of growth.  The wise farmer knows this and continues to cultivate the soil around the tree, water it and keep the area free of weeds even though signs of life may be non-existent. 

Children and young people can sometimes be like the Chinese bamboo tree.  As parents, we may be faithful in reading God’s Word to our children.   We may be faithful in our prayers for them, and daily   striving to be a positive role model for them, walking our faith walk with conviction and humbleness.  However, sometimes, we may feel despair in our hearts if we don’t witness a change of heart, immediate spiritual growth or a desired level of spiritual maturity in our children.  Though it would be easy to be discouraged in such a time as this, we cannot lose heart.  Sometimes the transfer of a personal and vibrant faith is immediate; sometimes it is slow and filled with setbacks.  I think of the verse in Proverbs 22:6 which says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Your steady, unwavering confidence in your child and in your faith in Christ will be a strong, powerful testimony to your child and will help them spiritually mature and grow in the faith.  The seeds have been planted.  Now, we are simply called to be faithful in the watering and cultivating of the soil of our children’s hearts.  As it says in Galations 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” 

IDEAS THAT WORK


HIGH CHOLESTEROL

After having your full-blood work up, you and your doctor discuss the report and he/she says, “You have elevated cholesterol.”  The next thought running through your mind is, “What can I do to lower it?”  The conventional medical method is for your doctor to prescribe medication to lower it.  There are other options.

To get to the root cause and make permanent changes, many may need to change their lifestyle – diet, exercise and supplementation.

LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) is the bad cholesterol.  HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) is the good cholesterol.  The total cholesterol should be 200 mg/dl or lower.  Borderline High = 200-239 mg/dl.  High Risk = 240 mg/dl and above.

Causes:  Poor diet – refined, fatty, nutrient deficient food – excess amounts of animal protein.  Stress.  Lack of exercise.  Environmental pollutants.  Trauma.  Inflammation in the body.  Hereditary factors.  Smoking.  Obesity (20-30% overweight).  Alcohol abuse.  Fat metabolism problems.  Diabetes.  Hypertension/Blood Pressure problems.  Long-term birth control use.  Drug use – especially steroids and diuretics.  Abnormal lipid profiles.

Supplements to Lower Cholesterol:

1.  Vitamin C (1,000 – 3,000 mg daily or more) + Lysine (500 mg daily)
2.  Magnesium (350 – 800 mg daily or to bowel tolerance)
3.  Calcium (1,000 mg daily)
4.  Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3, 6, 9 – Udo’s Oil 3.6.9 Blend – best 1 T. daily)
5.  Lecithin (350 mg daily, 3 times a day with meals)
6.  Fiber – Psyllium Husks and Flaxmeal (35-50 grams daily with 1-2 glasses of water)

Botanicals to Lower Cholesterol:

1.  Garlic – crushed – important for full benefit.  Can be juiced and/or cooked (1-3 daily)
2.  Onions – cooked
3.  Green Tea – (1-3 cups daily – squeeze bags to get full benefit)
4.  Fenugreek – (1 t. daily)

Diet and Lifestyle to Lower Cholesterol:

1.  Detox is helpful.
2.  Vegetarian Based Diet – High in veggies, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts.
3.  Two Fish meals a week.
4.  Reduce stress – meditation and massage.
5.  Loose weight.
6.  Avoid smoking.
7.  Moderate exercise.
8.  Avoid drinking.
9.  Avoid coffee.

The above lists are not exhaustive.  You should seek professional medical advice preferably from a naturopathic doctor who is heavily educated in lifestyle changes to gain health.

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING


S'more Cups:

The campfire is optional--these little treats can be enjoyed anywhere.
Ingredients:
7          whole graham crackers (1 cup/250 mL finely crushed)
1/4       cup (50 mL) powdered sugar
6          tbsp (90 mL) butter, melted
4          bars (1.55 oz or 43 g each) milk chocolate candy, divided
12        large marshmallows

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Place graham crackers into a large resealable plastic bag. Finely crush into crumbs using a rolling pin. Combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar and butter in Small Batter Bowl. Using small scoop, place scant scoop of crumb mixture in each cup of Mini-Muffin Pan. Press crumbs to form shallow cups. Bake 4-5 minutes or until edges are bubbling. Meanwhile, break two of the candy bars into rectangles. Remove pan from oven; place one rectangle into each cup.

Cut marshmallows in half crosswise using shears dipped in cold water. Place one marshmallow half, cut-side down, into each cup. Return to oven 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows are just slightly softened. Remove from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack; cool 15 minutes. Carefully remove cups from pan. Cool completely.

Break remaining candy bars and place in (1-cup/250 mL) Prep Bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute-1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every 20 seconds. Dip the top of each marshmallow in melted chocolate. Turn top-side up and let stand 40 minutes-1 hour or until set.
Yield: 24 cups

Nutrients per serving: (1 cup) Calories 100, Total Fat 6 g, Saturated Fat 3.5 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Carbohydrate 11 g, Protein 1 g, Sodium 60 mg, Fiber 0 g


Skillet Lasagna

Ingredients:
1          jar (24-26 oz or 680-700 mL) marinara sauce
3          cups (750 mL) water
8          oz (250 g) lasagna noodles
1          lb (500 g) bulk hot Italian turkey sausage or sausage links, casings removed
2          garlic cloves, pressed
2          oz (60 g) Parmesan cheese
2          tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh parsley, divided
1          cup (250 mL) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2       cup (125 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4       tsp (1 mL) coarsely ground black pepper
            Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:
Combine sauce and water in (12-in./30-cm) Skillet. Cover; bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, wrap noodles in clean kitchen towel and break crosswise into quarters. Stir noodles into sauce. Cover; reduce heat and simmer 16-18 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.  As noodles cook, place sausage into (10-in./25-cm) Skillet; cook and stir over medium-high heat 6-8 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking into crumbles using Mix ‘N Chop. Add pressed garlic; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir sausage into noodles and sauce.  Meanwhile, grate Parmesan cheese using Cheese Grater. Chop parsley using Santoku Knife; set aside 1 tbsp (15 mL) parsley for garnish. Combine cheeses, remaining parsley and black pepper in Classic Batter Bowl. Scoop cheese mixture over noodles using Medium Scoop. Cover Skillet and simmer gently 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and ricotta mixture is heated through.

To serve, sprinkle lasagna with reserved parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Yield: 6 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 470, Total Fat 21 g, Saturated Fat 9 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Carbohydrate 41 g, Protein 30 g, Sodium 1200 mg, Fiber 3


**both recipes from the Pampered Chef***

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER


Lord, the world is so much around me.  I desire to have your wisdom but it doesn’t come easy.  I get so caught up in my daily activities. I  am so thankful for  the involvement , the activities that I can be a part of with other people. But, I know Lord, that your wisdom doesn’t come to me  in the rush , the business of all that. And  you know Lord, how much I  need  your wisdom. I know that  the wisdom I need will be there as I spend quiet time with you, in your presence, and at your feet. Lord, would you teach me how to number my days , so that I may get a heart full of  wisdom.  Slow me down, Lord, to hear only You. Amen