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

July 10, 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


 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count other more significant that yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)

We as pastor’s wives wear many hats including serving as an encourager, prayer warrior and confidant. Though we may experience a unique role in our congregations, our attitude in serving our Savior is no more than what Paul encourages all believers to possess. He continues, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (Phil. 2:5ff).

My life is not about me; it’s about the Lord. Isaiah’s saw God’s glory. His encounter (6:5-8) with God’s holiness seared not only his lips, but his heart. Isaiah’s humble response to his call to service: “Here am I. Send me.” Contemplate the Lord’s unlimited goodness and mercy, His immeasurable love and power, and our attitude in service changes.

Rhoda Jore, missionary to Uganda, captured the essence of Christ-like service. She wrote of her struggle on occasion to graciously receive unexpected guests, considered to be an honor in the culture, while in the midst of managing a busy household. “I often see it as an intrusion rather than an honor. But I have found that each time God gives me what I need to step out and receive in love. He gives joy and a knowing that it is not myself that I am extending, but Him. People are not looking for us, they are looking for Him.”

May God bless our service for His glory.

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD


Being Emptied…To Make Room for God

What does “being empty” mean?  Empty means nothing is left.  So in light of this topic emptied means to have nothing of “myself” in the way but only God.  If we want to be filled up with God we have to be emptied of self.

Sometimes God has to really work with me to be emptied so that there is room for God.  I like to hold on to things.  I like how it feels though when I am emptied just for God.  I feel frustrated when I know the heaviness is upon my heart of holding on to things.  When I release them to the Lord it feels so good it is like a big back pack has been lifted off of my back. Sometimes I can pray myself and give God the situation and sometimes I physically have to lift up my hands up to the heavens and say, “God I need to be shown today that you love me in your own special way”  “God I don’t know how this certain situation can be fixed Lord but you do and I am just going to back out of the situation and watch you work”  “I am so lonesome today Lord please let me feel your love to me.”    It feels so good to let go.  I know it is the verses I have quoted before, Proverbs 3:5, 6, Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. God knew that I would want to keep part of my heart from myself so He put that verse there for me with all my heart. If you have ever experienced letting go of something it is a total feeling of emptiness just waiting, watching or leaning on Him alone.  No worries, no fretting just wait on Him for each new thing.  The song writer says “Room for Jesus King of Glory, hasten now his will obey.”  It is obedience on my part to leave it with God.

What a victorious life it would be if I could continually lean on Him alone each day and not allow the evil one to cause any disruptions in my life.  That is why we need to be on guard.  Be watchful.  Then, listen to the Holy Spirit and obey.  God wants all of me.  He just doesn’t want part of me.  I have known that concept for a long time.  Yet in my flesh, I don’t allow Him to have all of me because either I don’t think He can handle it or I just want to keep hanging on to it.  Whatever the reason, God needs to prune me so that I get rid of things so that my cup is empty of myself and so that I can be full of God Himself.

Prayer:  “Lord Jesus sometimes it is so hard for me to lean on you.  My flesh wants to hold on to things or control my ideas myself.  Lord it is such a heavy feeling to carry these burdens around with me.  I long for the fresh, emptied feeling within my heart.  Lord please help me today to be watchful if Satan catches me in a snare and if he does to immediately go to you in prayer with it.  Help me also to listen to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide each situation in my life.  Thank you Lord.  This I pray through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Amen

CHECK IT OUT


I recently completed reading Francine Rivers‘ “Mark of the Lion” trilogy. Although it was written in the early 1990’s, I first became acquainted with it when I checked out Book 1, A Voice in the Wind, from my church library.  The setting for the trilogy is first-century Jerusalem, Germania, Rome, and Ephesus in the days of the gladiators. The historical presentation and the clear presentation of the Gospel in Book 1 lead me to purchase Book 2, Echo in the Darkness, and Book 3, As Sure as the Dawn.  

A Voice in the Wind is the result of Francine River’s quest, “seeking the faith of a martyr.” Hadassah is this martyr. She struggles courageously to live out her faith as a servant in the midst of the pagan Roman household of the Valerian family. Although she is ridiculed for her faith, the Holy Spirit uses her bold witness and perseverance to eventually lead the wealthy Valerian family to faith in Christ, one at a time. The family includes two siblings, Julia and Marcus. Hadassah became the devoted servant of Julia, showing kindness and love to her in spite of her cruelty to Hadassah. Marcus was attracted to Hadassah’s physical beauty and her gentle spirit, but he could not understand her devotion to her God. He was a regular attendee at the games in the Roman arena, but after Hadassah was thrown to the lions, he was devastated and repulsed by the barbaric games. In Book 2, there is an amazing turn of events. If you read Book 1, you need to find out what happens in Book 2.

In this trilogy, there is a stark contrast between worship of the one true God and the worship of the Greek and Roman gods which were found wanting. A Christian worldview and the development of the characters by Francine Rivers inspired me to continue reading all 3 books.  If you like historical fiction, I think you will be as convinced as I am that these books are worthwhile and will help you grow in your faith and courage to defend the Gospel.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME


Calendars and schedules are useful tools that assist us in our attempt to be organized, but they offer us no help in setting our priorities and  our limits! We need to be thinking and praying about our priorities daily, BEFORE we come to our calendars!

The book by Charles Bradshaw and Dave Gilbert entitled Too Hurried to Love, share this thought: “hurried people are the ones who have said yes to so many things that now they seem to be on the verge of panic! Just observing their lives brings to mind the school-yard rhyme:  When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.”  Psalm 39:4-7 encourages us to redirect our focus on the eternal.  Our Creator offers us wisdom about calendars, schedules, priorities, and limits.  He had the challenge of a busy life when He was on earth too.  The kinds of complexities that tie most of us up in knots never seemed to concern Jesus.  He kept His life focused by setting limits.  He chose twelve (not twelve hundred!) into whom He would pour His life for  3 years (note!  end date in mind!)

Rather than getting caught in the success trap that says bigger is better and  that enough is never enough, he chose to own only those things He could easily carry with Him as He walked. His ability to set limits was the reason He could focus fully on the moment rather than fuss around with a million worrisome concerns!  Let’s learn from His example—spending time with the Father, focusing on eternal issues, and setting appropriate limits.

I’m encouraging you, dear, godly woman! I’m praying for you to step out and follow the One who knows each of our personal limits and is the Trustworthy One to follow!

IDEAS THAT WORK


Make Life Simpler With A Salad Box
Idea Taken from Hallelujah Acres

When you come home from work the last thing you want to do is chop up a bunch of veggies for a salad. We feel the same way, which is why we invented “The Salad Box.”

The salad box is a simple concept we created so that we could have pre-cleaned, pre-cut veggies ready to go whenever we wanted – and it’s all in one handy box that fits in our refrigerator. It brings the convenience of a salad bar into your own home! You know everything is fresh and cleaned… because you did it!

All you have to do is get a large, clear, plastic under-the-bed style storage box and several smaller boxes to fit inside. All your veggies will fit into the smaller boxes, one type of veggie per box. Put them all in the larger box and you have a mini salad bar ready to go in your own refrigerator.

We searched high and low for boxes that would fit inside an average refrigerator. The best, large box can be found at Target stores, and the little boxes that go inside are available at Walmart.

Here’s how it works. Simply buy 4-5 days’ worth of veggies, seeds, nuts, water chestnuts or anything you’d normally put in salads, stir frys, or pita wraps. Designate an hour on one evening to wash and prepare all the ingredients and put them in the smaller boxes within the large salad box and you’ll have everything ready to go whenever you wish for several days and even up to an entire week!

The salad box saves a lot of time and makes dinner prep a lot less stressful. Watch part 1 and part 2 of our salad box videos for all the details!

http://ampm.hacres.com/index.php/recipes/make-life-simpler-with-a-salad-box/

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING



Strawberry and Feta Salad

Ingredients:
1 cup slivered almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 head romaine lettuce, torn
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the almonds, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside.  In a bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, raspberry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.  In a large bowl, toss together the toasted almonds, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and feta cheese. Cover with the dressing mixture, and toss to serve.


Garlic Prime Rib
Ingredients:
1 (10 pound) prime rib roast
10 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried thyme

Directions:
Place the roast in a roasting pan with the fatty side up. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme. Spread the mixture over the fatty layer of the roast, and let the roast sit out until it is at room temperature, no longer than 1 hour.  Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).  Bake the roast for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C), and continue roasting for an additional 60 to 75 minutes. The internal temperature of the roast should be at 135 degrees F (57 degrees C) for medium rare.  Allow the roast to rest for 10 or 15 minutes before carving so the meat can retain its juices.

Allrecipes.com

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER


Lord, I come to you again, asking that you would give me eyes to see others as you see them and to know my place in relationship to them.  I  am no better than anyone else. I have no more to offer You than anyone else.  Forgive me, again, for being so self-centered and thinking that the world revolves around me.  Give me your heart, Lord. Filled with your compassion.  I  cannot do this myself , Lord,  It must come from you.  So I ask you for it.  I want to be empted,  to  make room in my  Heart for you and for all those that You love.
In Jesus Name, Amen.


May 3, 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

II Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;”

I am writing during Holy Week. Throughout Lent I’ve been reminded over and over how great my need is for a Savior. During Lent we’re encouraged to look at our hearts (as honestly as we are capable of looking). I see my failure and sin all too clearly, and then must also realize that is just the “tip of the iceberg” so to speak. We are also encouraged to look at what Christ did for us; He suffered things we can’t imagine as He gave Himself up to the Father’s perfect plan. Then we come to these two verses. “The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” We aren’t “fixed” in Christ. We are put to death and then we are made into a new creation, a brand-new person! Praise God! It is all from God. Nothing is from us. He reconciled us to Himself. Then He gave us a “ministry of reconciliation.” What is that? It is the privilege of sharing this Good News with the world.

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD

The Comparison Trap


Comparison Trap is just that! It’s a trap. We, as women, fall so easily into that trap.  Maybe it’s because we’re more the “people pleasing-type” or because we’re so relational but, for whatever reason, we become trapped in it so easily!  We don’t even have to wait until adulthood, nor even our teenage years to start doing it!  Many times it starts when we are very young and we say “her piece is bigger than mine” or “why does he always get______ and I get______? Then, as a young teenage girl, her comparison can become even deadly. It’s a time when we may be seeking approval for our physical appearance and we compare ourselves to the world’s “standard’ and find that we don’t match up.  So, we become anorexic to achieve that “standard” of approval.  The results can be deadly.  Even as adults we may still be caught in the comparison trap.  We want the best for our children we keep encouraging (prodding?) them so that they’re the best at ____. We know they’re the best because we’ve compared them to others and we know they are. (although we wouldn’t want to admit that’s what we’ve been comparing/thinking!) How about our cooking? Do we compare how much better our rolls look and taste then Jessica’s? Or how about our pastor-husband? Do we compare how many people are in our church on Sunday and are in attendance at our church’s events as compared  to the neighboring church? How about us as grandmothers, do we compare  how many grandchildren we have as compared to the Larsons?  Let’s call it for what it is—COMPARISON! Let’s confess it for what it is.  Can we call it sin?  It’s not being content with what He has provided for us, or the  way He has uniquely created us. THERE’S DELIVERANCE FROM COMPARISON! When we yield to Him. When we confess to Him.  He says ”there is great gain in godliness with contentment”

I Timothy 6:6.  In Luke 7:23 He again says “blessed is the man who doesn’t take offense on account of me”  I want what He calls great gain and what receives His blessing. I don’t want what the devil, the world, and my flesh tells me are  my rights, what will make me happy, nor even that “ I deserve it!” Ladies! Let’s encourage one another in seeking His transforming work in our lives.  He alone can deliver us from the Trap of Comparison and set us free to live a Life of Contentment.  


CHECK IT OUT

“Forgotten God: Reversing our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit” by Francis Chan

Francis Chan’s book speaks directly, simply, and profoundly to a tragic reality in many of our lives and churches—the neglect of the Holy Spirit. In His absence, individuals and churches operate in their own personal strength and accomplish goals that are merely ‘human sized’. When we begin living in the power of the Holy Spirit, our churches and lives will be vastly different. It is upon that premise that Chan discusses the work of the Holy Spirit as presented in the Bible.

Throughout the book, Pastor Chan challenges his readers with questions to reflect upon. I found these questions especially convicting. For example, 1 Corinthians 1:6:19-20 states that as a believer our bodies are the home of the Holy Spirit. Most of us have likely read that passage several times, but Chan challenges us to consider this statement in light of the way we live. Should there not be a huge difference in the life of a believer versus that of the unbeliever, given the reality of the Holy Spirit inside of us? Yet, why are so many lives of Christians virtually no different than that of an unbeliever? “When was the last time I undeniably saw the Holy Spirit at work in or around me? (p. 35) Is it possible that for many, our relationship with the Holy Spirit is based upon head knowledge rather than a total submitting unto His leading every day? Through the process of encouraging readers to ask hard questions of themselves, Chan truly helps us gain a better understanding of what it should be to have the Holy Spirit within us.

Pastor Chan also digs into the reasoning we have for desiring to be filled with the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. The question we must address is it is one of selfish reasons ( for me and my betterment), or for that of truly knowing the full experience of God in one’s life, and how that experience reflects itself in a love of others and of Christ’s church.  A sure sign of the Holy Spirit’s working in individuals (or churches for that matter) is that Christ is magnified and not man. Further, Chan calls his readers to think less about God’s will for one’s life for the future (which is often a veiled excuse for waiting, doing nothing, and succumbing to fear of failure), and rather focus on God’s will for their lives TODAY (p. 119ff). We are called to an active pursuit of God and His will, not only for tomorrow, but especially for today!

Francis Chan does not allow us to use preconceived notions of the Holy Spirit and His work. The author devotes an entire chapter (The Theology of the Holy Spirit 101) to summarize the vital work of the Spirit, and constantly references and expounds upon Scripture in his book. Further, the use of human example (Esther Ahn Kim, Dave Phillips, Domingo and Irene Garcia, etc.) and amazing comparisons in life (butterflies, tractors, and football) all provide for an excellent and unforgettable understanding of the Spirit’s work.

Our church recently worked through this book and DVD study guide in our Wednesday evening adult large group. It was a wonderful blessing—one that I would recommend for you as well.