The Battle between "Faith" and "Sight"

Yesterday, a {Boxing Title Match} was held in my heart. Two heavyweight champions fought for the reigning title of Ultimate Victor. Instead of writing the promised blog post on "how to have a quiet time with Jesus during these busy days", I spent the day refereeing this famous fight in my heart and mind. It was an all day battle between "Faith" and "Sight".

One minute "Sight" would knock "Faith" out cold. Then the Words of the Lord hidden in my heart would whisper to me, and "Faith" would arise the momentary victor! Faith would remain victorious until "Sight" looked around and reminded me of how few days of insurance we have left, etc....Then "Faith" was down for the count.

The battle raged all day, and I was exhausted and emotionally spent by bedtime. But, Praise the Lord!, in the end, "Faith" won! When I clung to God's Word, and started recounting the many ways the Lord has taken care of us in the past, and when I remembered the promises He has given us for our future, "Sight" was defeated!!!

Unfortunately, because of the nature of being human, the fight isn't over. "Sight" will come back for a re-match one of these days. But Faith muscles were built yesterday that will come in handy during the next Title Match.

And I learned something in that battle: "Sight" can only gain control of the fight when we take our eyes off of what we KNOW to be true - God's love and concern for us, His provisions, and His plans for us that are GOOD!

This morning, my husband shared Charles Surgeon's "Morning by Morning" devotion with me, and I wanted to pass it along to you. What a blessed reminder to all of us when "Faith" and "Sight" are boxing for the Title of our lives!!! I'll be reading and re-reading this today as the Lord heals my wounds from yesterday's fight. May He bless and strengthen You with it, too. :-)

"Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you." (Isaiah 30:18)

God often delays in answering prayer. We have several instances of this in sacred Scripture. Jacob did not get the blessing from the angel until near the dawn of day - he had to wrestle all night for it.

The poor woman of Syrophenicia was answered not a word for a long while. Paul sought the Lord three times that "the thorn in the flesh" might be taken from him. He received no assurance that it would be taken away, but instead received a promise that God's grace would be sufficient for him.

If you have been knocking at the gate of mercy and have received no answer, I will tell you why the mighty Maker has not opened the door and let you in.

Our Father has reasons peculiar to Himself for keeping us waiting. Sometimes it is to show His power and His sovereignty so that men may know that Jehovah has a right to give or to withhold.

More frequently the delay is for our profit. Perhaps you are kept waiting in order that your desires may be fore fervent. You will prise the gift all the more because of its long tarrying.

There may also be something in you that needs to be removed before the joy of the Lord is given.

If your prayers are not immediately answered, they are certainly not forgotten. Your prayers are filed in Heaven. In a little while your prayers will be fulfilled to your satisfaction. Do not let despair make you silent. Continue in earnest supplication."

December 9, "Morning by Morning" by C. H. Spurgeon.

Photo: Google Images

A "Quiet Time" makes all the difference

Quiet...



Do we even know what that word means anymore? People living today are bombarded with more noise and distractions than ever before in history. (Well, I haven't conducted a research study on that fact, but that's what I think. Wouldn't you agree?)

Even during the night, e-mails are coming into our computers, and texts are going off on our phones. There is no true "quiet" in our lives anymore.

Though our lives and surroundings are not quiet, our hearts can be. When our hearts are quiet, we can be at peace in the midst of a one hundred thousand seat football stadium with 100,000 screaming fans - even if we're for the losing team!!!

The secret to this quiet heart is in having a daily "Quiet Time".

When I refer to a "Quiet Time" I'm not talking about a time in the morning when you are silently sipping coffee and reading the morning news paper.

What I'm talking about is more like a "Time Out" but in the most positive sense of the words. Taking a "time out" of every day (preferably before the rest of the busy and noisy day starts) where you are alone with God and draw up close to Him, laying your burdens for the day at His feet, hearing from Him, and having your hearts stilled and quietened before Him.

Jesus, even though He was God, knew the importance of getting away before the day started to be filled with the strength that only time with the Father can provide. Mark 1:35 says, "And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed."

If Jesus needed to do this, how much more do we? Especially during this very busy season as we bustle about under the guise of "celebrating Jesus' birthday".


Our hearts need this time with the Father in His Word and prayer like our bodies need water. We thirst for the stillness of soul that comes over us when we draw close to, sit with, and hear from our Lord.

Martin Luther knew the importance of getting up and spending time with the Lord - especially on those busy days. He said, "Tomorrow I plan to work, work, from early until late. In fact I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." (Aren't we guilty of thinking just the opposite!?!?)

I know I need that time in the morning with the Lord (and my family knows I need it too!) A Quiet Time produces a Quiet Heart. And a quiet heart produces a peacefilled mama. And we all know that a peace-filled mama sets the tone for a peace-filled home!

A Quiet Time makes all the difference for you and those around you.

Come back tomorrow to find out how to develop and manage a quiet time for yourself ~ especially during these next few very busy weeks. Blessings to each of you on this Monday, and may you accomplish all God desires for you to accomplish! :-)

Jennifer

"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

What we celebrate~

For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on His shoulders.

He will be named
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Eternal Father,
Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

A men and hallelujah!

Blessings to each of you on this special day.

Photo: Google Images

Let's talk about the "Christmas Letter"...

Hi friends~ Have you sent your Christmas cards or letters yet? In asking, I certainly don't want to heap guilt upon you and add more to the "to do" list! In fact, I'm really wondering. Because this year, for the first time in MANY, we are not sending out Christmas cards/letters. In faith, I'm believing that soon we'll know what God has for us, and we may need to send "change of address" cards, so I thought I would roll all of that postage and time into one.

If you are planning on sending cards and letters this year, I thought you might enjoy a "re-posting" of a Frappuccino Fun with Amy post from last year about the CHRISTMAS LETTER.

Blessings to you all...whether you send cards or not! :-)
Jennifer

The Christmas Letter… A Blessing or A Curse?

By now, I'm sure you have received some Christmas cards, and maybe even a letter or two. Maybe you are in the process of composing a Christmas letter to send. Christmas letters can be a great way to touch base with those you don’t communicate with all year long. But like most things that start out well, a Christmas letter can go "down hill" real fast.

Like me, I’m sure you have received a letter chronicling all of the bad things and hardships that have occurred that year. I call this letter, the “Debbie Downer” letter.

Or, how about the “Betty Bragger” letter that expounds on every high achievement of every person in the entire family – every award, every A+, every trip, and every purchase. All is so perfect for this family, there is NO way it could all be true!

And how about “Super Spiritual Sally”? Now this family goes on mission trips, prays daily together, has a perfect Quiet Time record, serves at the local homeless shelter, and donates all their Christmas money to charity. Don’t get me wrong - all of these activities in and of themselves are wonderful. But the Christmas letter is not the venue to list one’s spiritual accomplishments for the year.

To keep from being "Debbie Downer," "Betty Bragger," or "Super Spiritual Sally," here are some simple guidelines for a great Christmas letter:

1. Keep it short. A two sentence update on each family member is plenty.

2. Be positive. If you have had a hard year, don't focus on the negatives. Instead, share what God is teaching you in the process.

3. Don’t brag. Be careful not to cross the line between sharing great news and bragging. Enough said.

(Jennifer here: Amy wanted me to show my Christmas card and letter. I ordered these inexpensively from Vista Print. The picture is on one side and the letter is printed on the back.)




A good Christmas letter should be like a sweet conversation with friends. One where, when you finish reading the letter, you feel encouraged and have a huge smile on your face.

Personally, I think that if you must choose between sending a letter or a picture, you should always send the picture. As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Happy letter writing. ttfn... Amy

PS: Back to the present (12-09), The Inspired Room has lots of blog links on today's post all about Christmas~ ideas, decorating, gifts, etc. I could spend hours on her blog reading links... Hope you enjoy!

Behind the Scenes of Silence

Wherever we are...

Here we are...
At this very moment...

On this specific day...
In this exact place...

During this particular season of life...

We must rest in this Truth: God knows, God remembers, God ordains, and God orchestrates the milliseconds of our moments.

I was thinking about Zachariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1) today~ The YEARS they served the Lord and walked righteously before Him... the YEARS they had prayed for a child... The 400 YEARS of silence from the Lord to His chosen people who for centuries were awaiting the promised Messiah... And that very moment on that specific day in that exact place during that particular season of life (when humanly speaking, hope was gone).

I was thinking about them and about how God wove every detail of their lives to bring them to that very day when the 400 years of silence was broken, and Zachariah (whose name means "God remembers") was told that God had heard his prayers. They would have a son, and their son would prepare the way for the Savior of the World!

God's timing was perfect.

Who, but God, knows what would have been different had Zachariah and Elizabeth had a child earlier... Who, but God, knows what would have been different had Zachariah been chosen years earlier to serve in the temple... The outcome would have been the same, but the story would have been different.

Aside from their trust in God, Zachariah and Elizabeth had no idea that the "years of silence" were not dormant. But God was working behind the scenes, building, preparing, and making the way for His answer to their immediate prayers for a son, and their lifelong prayers for a Savior.

In that period of silence, God was setting the stage for Jesus, who would save us all from our sins and give to each of us real LIFE. Our lives are changed and blessed because of the work God was doing in the "years of silence".

This is a beautiful Truth to me today. Right where we are...At this very moment...
On this specific day...In this exact place...During this particular season of life...God is not dormant. He is working, building, preparing, and makeing the way for His answer to our immediate prayers, and to our lifelong ones.

In this period of "silence", God is working behind the scenes, setting the stage for Jesus, who will make Himself known and glorified as He changes and blesses our lives, and the lives of others, through the work He is doing this very moment - that seems silent to us.

The same is true for you today. Wherever you are...Here you are...At this very moment...On this specific day...In this exact place...During this particular season of your life... God knows, God remembers, God ordains, and God orchestrates the milliseconds of your moments.

And God is working, building, preparing, and making the way for His answer to your immediate prayers, and to your lifelong ones. He is stetting the stage for Jesus, who will Glorify Himself and bless you and those around you through the work He is doing this very moment... Even if it seems like a lot of silence to you...

May the Lord bless you and strengthen you in your times of "silence", my friends. Because one of these days, the curtain will rise... the silence will be broken... and you and I will have some awesomely true stories to tell of all of God's works. He will be honored by us and honored through our testimonies.

Hang in, and hang on... God is working behind the scenes of silence!

"But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works." Psalm 73:28

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas, friends! I've been waiting to say that for almost a year!!! I just love Christmas, and am so glad it is "officially here." How about you?

I hope you had a thank-filled Thanksgiving weekend. We had a special time with family friends and are so thankful to the Lord for all He is and for all the ways we are blessed through Him.

My brother and his family came for a visit and we were among the thousands who treked to the the Opryland Hotel to make it a part of our Thanksgiving festivities. It is always beautiful this time of year.

And of course, we had to stop for some pictures... :-)

(My brother, Chris, and his family.)

We were missing my sister, Rebecca, and her family this year. Rebecca is like "Mary" - she is "great with child" and will have a baby boy scheduled to arrive on Dec. 28th. We can't wait to meet him.

The tree is going up today. (We borrowed a skinny tree from Frappuccino Fun with Amy because our house is on the market, and we couldn't fill up one end of the room with our big tree!) For years, I've wanted to do a tree with only ornaments that point to Jesus - Nativity scenes, and words that bring Him praise. This may be my chance - I probably have enough of those favorites to fill a skinny tree. I'll post a picture if that's what we end up doing. :-)

Blessings to each of you, my friends. Happy Monday to you all...
Jennifer

"The LORD is good. A strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7

We have so many reasons to be thankful!!!

This past Friday night, my mom and I were in a wreck. One moment we were leaving Sonic with the anticipation of eating those wonderful hot onion rings, and the next moment we were eating glass. It happened so quickly. There was a huge bang, glass went everywhere, and the next thing I knew, a man was leaning up against my broken out window. His motorcycle shield had flown through our car and landed on the passenger side at my mom's feet. Amazingly, we - including the motorcycle driver - were OK!

Those who saw our van couldn't believe that we weren't hurt. Especially when realizing that the motorcycle shield came between me and the steering wheel, flew toward Mom, and landed UNNOTICED at her feet. It was propped up against her legs, and took us a while to realize what it was. Neither one of us saw it fly through the car.

We know that the Lord and His angels protected us that night. There is no other explanation for how that shield came through our car in such a way that neither of us felt it. We were in the presence of the Lord with the Hand of the Lord over us. Looking back - that was an incredible experience!

One thing the enemy wanted me to do was to question: "Why would God let that happen to you? You don't have a job, your money is running out, and now your van is wrecked. Why would He do that to you? He could have stopped that. Why didn't He?"

But we were SO grateful that we weren't hurt - that our lives and our family's lives didn't change forever in that moment, all we have been able to do and to say is, "Thank you, God!" and offer Him PRAISE rather than questions.

Things happen - difficult things happen to everyone - even to those who already seem to be in a somewhat difficult position. But because we were already in a "somewhat difficult position", we were in the correct position to gain victory over the enemy's lies. Had the Lord not caused us to need to stay VERY CLOSE to Him lately, and to ground ourselves in His Word, we might have doubted His love and care over us - and the enemy would have won that little battle.

We PRAISE GOD that we have needed Him so much lately because we have seen His great faithfulness in ALL things - and we KNOW He is taking care of us - even through a wreck. How could we dare question His care over us because of this wreck?

On Saturday morning, I was processing all of this with the Lord, and thinking of how much I cried last week (particularly a lot), and He highlighted for me a Scripture from my Sunday School lesson. This beautiful scripture was an instruction for me to tell myself from this point forward, and God proved it to be true during our wreck:

"Return to your rest, O my soul, for The Lord has dealt bountifully with you." Psalm 116:7

Yes He has.... Yes He has.

Every day we have much for which to be thankful - but my heart is especially grateful this Thanksgiving because our lives remained the same. The Lord has dealt boutnifully with me, and my soul is at rest.

To you, my friends, I echo Psalm 116:7 - because it is true for you, too. "Return to your rest... for the Lord has dealt boutnifully with you."

Happy Thanksgiving~ With much love to you, and with much gratitude for each of you....
Jennifer

(This was some of the glass left in the car - much of it had already been removed from the seats - and our clothes!)

Thank you, Lord, for Your protection, Your SHIELD, and for insurance! :-)

Psalm 18:1-3

I love you, God—
you make me strong.

God is bedrock under my feet,

the castle in which I live,

my rescuing knight.

My God—
high crag where I run for dear life,

hiding behind the boulders,

safe in the granite hideout.

I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty,

and find myself safe and saved.

Psalm 18:1-3 (The Message)

This is one of my favorite Psalms, and it's new and fresh to me in this version from the Message. May the Lord bless you as He is these things to you, my friends.

Happy Sunday...

Jennifer

Are you looking for a wonderful book to read?

If so, I can't recommend this one highly enough! Hinds Feet on High Places has been a favorite of mine since my college years, and it's one of those that I re-read about every two or three years.

Every time I feel the Lord calling me to read it again, He uses this little book to speak loudly and profoundly to me. I started re-reading this treasure earlier this week and have found a deep and Scriptural truth tucked in almost each sentence.

Hinds' Feet on High Places is an allegorical novel written in 1955 by English author and missionary, Hannah Hurnard. It's the story of a young woman named Much-Afraid, and her journey from living with her Fearing family in the Valley of Humiliation to living and leaping with the Shepherd on the High Places. The title comes from the verse in Habakkuk 3:19, "The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."

What speaks so much to me through this book is that in order to get to the High Places, she must develop Hinds' feet. And in order to develop Hinds' feet, she must walk and climb thorugh some very difficult places. Sometimes she feels like she is going in circles. Often she can't imagine why the Shepherd would cause her to go through all she must go through - when she can look up and see the mountain not that far away. Many times, she doesn't understand the "why", but she learns to trust the "Who" that is directing her journey.

She learns valuable lessons along the way, and is slowly transformed as she makes her journey. The Shepherd, always nearby, has given her two companions to help get her there - "Sorrow" and "Suffering". (She asked why she couldn't get there with other companions, like "Joy" and "Peace". The Shepherd tells her to trust Him, because He knows that Joy and Peace are not the guides to help her develop the feet she needs to walk with Him on the High Places - not like Sorrow and Suffering can. Wow!)

If you are in a season of sorrow or suffering, or in a place where God has called you to trust Him when you can't see anything He is doing around you - take it from me - this is your book! Along with Scripture, the Lord is using this book to remind me daily that He is working something in me/us that will enable us to walk and leap with Him on the High Places.

And for that, I am very thankful.

Have you read this book? If so, how did God use it in your life? If not, does it sound like something you'd like to read?

(BTW, Amazon.com has over 900 of these used books starting at 1 cent each - if you're looking for one.) :-)

Have a great weekend, everyone... Love to you all~

Jennifer

One Perpetual Victory Parade

The other day, I was working on some new Scripture memory cards and realized that I had never committed 2 Cor. 2:14 (the verse on which this blog theme is based) memorized. I looked up several translations on Bible Gateway, and was completely awestruck by how The Message phrases this Truth.

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings the knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance.”

Vs. 15-16 add even more depth to this Truth: “Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God which is recognized by those on the way of Salvation - an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.” (Yuck – on that last sentence!)

What struck me so was the phrase, “In Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.” I started thinking about my life and the different places God has led us. Not geographical places, but spiritual ones.

Like all who walk with Jesus, my life has been marked by many peaks and valleys, sorrows and joys, times of ease, and times of troubles. But one thing has remained consistent – in Christ, there has always been victory! Always!

He has produced joy from every sorrow, growth from every valley, and peace through every trouble. No matter how painful or difficult the path, in Christ, God leads us from place to place on that path in one perpetual victory parade! I have tons of journal entries to prove it.

As God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade, He overflows from us onto those we meet along the way, and uses our lives to bring the knowledge of Christ everywhere we go.

Jesus Christ spilling out of us is an “exquisite fragrance” that is recognized by others marching in their own perpetual victory parades. We spill out on each other the aroma redolent with Life, rising to God and very pleasing to Him. I think it must be His favorite fragrance! (And consequently, that’s why the last part of vs. 16 tells us that if we smell pleasing to God, we will be offensive to “the world”. We’re probably safe to say that the aroma of Christ is the “world’s” most repugnant fragrance.)

My prayer and goal for my life is that I would be the sweet and exquisite aroma of Christ in every place of my life. Not just at church or while doing “spiritual work”, but everywhere in my life – at home with my family, on the phone with my friends, while I’m cooking and cleaning, or shopping at Wal-Mart, or driving carpool, or blogging, or volunteering at our children’s school, or looking for a job… I want Him to fill me and pour Himself and His fragrance out of me onto everyone I encounter.

I fail miserably at times. Sometimes I’m so full of self that I can hardly stand my own stink. But I praise God that He doesn’t let me stay that way for long - thanks to His sharp, active, and penetrating Word that cuts and convicts (Heb. 4:12). Hey… I just thought of this: God’s Word is His heavenly deodorant for us, for SURE! (ha ha ha!)

Because of His forgiveness and restoration, even through my failures, God brings victory!!! Day in, day out, through the highs and the lows, from place to place, I praise the Lord for letting me be a part of His perpetual victory parade.

How about you? Even if you never thought about it before, can you see your walk with the Lord as one perpetual victory parade? He delights in you. And because of Christ, God thinks you smell delicious! :-)

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us He brings the knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God…” (2 Cor. 2:14-16 The Message)

Preparing your Home and your Heart for Thanksgiving

Happy Monday, everyone. I was looking through my files on Thanksgiving, and remembered this post from last year. So, I'm reposting it. I wish I could, but I can't take credit for writing this. It's a "Frappuccino Fun with Amy" re-post. For other great holiday ideas, look through my sidebar categories and click on "Frappuccino Fun with Amy."

Hope this blesses you as much as it has me - as we prepare our homes and our hearts for Thanksgiving. :-)
Jennifer


O Give Thanks to the Lord for He is Good!

Thanksgiving is just over one week away. Are you ready? Each year I host the meal for our family. It’s usually around 15 – 20 people. If you are the host in your family, I feel your pain! Do you slave for days and in one short hour, everyone is full, and you are left with a huge mess?

There are oh, so many things that can be done before Thanksgiving Day to make the day more enjoyable for you. The true secret of enjoying a busy holiday lies in the preparation. This week my post is about preparing your food, preparing your table, and preparing your heart.

Preparing your Food:

Sit down and think through your shopping. Don’t be like the people that go to the grocery store everyday during the week of Thanksgiving, and stay so mad at themselves for being so unorganized. Do your shopping on Monday or before, if possible. Make sure you take your list. You don’t want to be near a grocery store after Tuesday afternoon of Thanksgiving week.

Now that you have all of your supplies, make a few dishes in advance. You can make many casseroles and all your pies ahead of time. By doing this, you free up a lot of mess, and a lot of oven space. If you don’t have a double oven, you have to be systematic. You can’t cook everything at once on Thanksgiving Day. So, as the Boy Scouts would say, “Be Prepared.”

Preparing your Table:

Next, think about your table. There are so many stores that have beautiful Thanksgiving paper goods…. What did I say??? Paper Goods??? YES! You bet!!! Your table can be beautiful and easy for cleaning. Not only are we women limited by oven space, we are also limited by dishwasher space. If you absolutely can not bear the thought of using paper goods at Thanksgiving, at least buy dessert plates and cut down on part of the mess.

If you are eating at a table that is not used daily (like your Dining room table), set it before Thursday. As your centerpiece, use something that is low, and won’t have to be removed from your table during dinner. Ex: leaves, pinecones, pumpkins, and gourds. (If you have a Hobby Lobby in your town, right now, all fall décor is 80% off!) Stick a few short candles in the middle of your “fall foliage”, and there you have a beautiful centerpiece that hasn’t broken the bank.

You can even make cute little place cards for all those who will be attending. As you walk around your table placing these cards, you can pray for each person and thank God for their place in your life.

Preparing your Heart:

As the hostess, you have the very important responsibility of setting the tone in your home on Thanksgiving Day. If you are stressed and grouchy, and cook your meal in a begrudging manner – like it’s your greatest inconvenience – then that is the type of day you will have.

You can either poison the day for all the people you love, or you can choose to make your home a haven of thankfulness for everyone to enjoy.

While you clean your house, and prepare for your guests, think about this question: “What am I thankful for?” For me, what I meditate on usually dictates my attitude.


A few of our family traditions:

When our family gathers for Thanksgiving dinner, we usually read a Psalm of thanks then hold hands in prayer. If you do this, some of your guests may not be comfortable with this tradition. But remember, this may be a perfect time to gently share your faith to those you love.

After dinner, while having dessert, we play the Thankfulness Game. I use fake leaves from the store (either silk or paper), and write a letter on each leaf, spelling the word THANKSGIVING. Each person picks a leaf and says something they are thankful for that corresponds with the letter on the leaf.

We started this tradition when our children were very young. And to this day (now my boys are 13 & 16) they still ask if we’re going to play the Thankfulness Game. Sometimes the smallest family traditions mean so much to our children. Often it becomes very humorous, and sometimes it’s serious, but either way, it’s a fun way to have meaningful conversation. (If you’re organized enough, you could keep a list from year to year, and store it with your fall decor.)


So between now and next Thursday, be like a good “Thanksgiving Boy Scout”, and BE PREPARED.

Happy Thanksgiving!

a new favorite Scripture verse

"Oh, that we might know the LORD!
Let us press on to know Him.
He will respond to us
as surely as the arrival of dawn
or the coming of rains in early spring."

Hosea 6:3 (NLT)

A men & Blessings of the Lord to you on this Lord's Day!!!

The Milk, the Turkey, and the Flowers

Q: What do milk, a turkey, and some flowers have in common?

A: The most precious message from the Lord to my family.
Did you think I was telling you a corny joke? ;-)

Some days ago, James and I found ourselves at a crossroad where "faith and trusting God" meets "practical steps in providing for our family." We certainly thought we would have a ministry position by now, and never planned on moving into the new year without a job.

But we all know how our plans are not usually the same as God's plans. Truth be told, Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us that God's plans are HIGHER and BETTER than ours! However, since it is heading toward Mid-November, it seems like time is running out. We honestly don't know what the Lord wants us to do - except what He has told us to do up until now: obey Me for today and trust Me for tomorrow.

I know I shouldn't, but when I think about the future, and no knowledge of a job, I sometimes feel this panicking feeling rising within me. With the Lord's help, I fight it off every time, but it often hits before I know what is happening. Along with the Scriptures He has led me to cling to (see post below), every so often, the Lord does something very kind and amazing to remind me (and our family) that He will provide for us and take care of our needs.

He did that very thing two Saturdays ago. James and I had been talking and praying about what to do if he didn't have a job soon, when a friend knocked on our door. She said that the Lord had us on her heart that day, and that He instructed her to bring us something as an answer to our prayers. Then she said that we would understand what it means, and that anyone else might think she was crazy. (grin)

She went out to her car to get her gift to us, and came back with a half-gallon of milk, a frozen turkey, and a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers. (She also included lots of other wonderful groceries - but they were extras.) The milk, turkey, and flowers where the things God instructed her to bring to us along with this message: "God will supply all of your needs". (Phil. 4:19)

We laughed, cried, and hugged. My friend left, and with grateful, but puzzled hearts, James and I asked the Lord what He meant with the milk, turkey, and flowers in relation to the message of providing for all of our needs. Within a few minutes, it was crystal clear.

The Milk represented our daily needs. Milk is something we consume every day. By giving us milk, God was telling us this truth: God will supply our daily needs.

The Turkey represented above our daily needs. A turkey is a special treat we enjoy every once in a while - but it is not something we consume on a daily basis. By giving us a turkey, God was telling us this truth: God will supply above our daily needs.

The Flowers represented beyond our daily needs. Flowers are certainly not necessary for survival. But they are something beautiful that we enjoy - something that brightens up our days and our home. By sending us the flowers, God was telling us this truth: God will supply beyond our daily needs.

This sweet friend must have talked about "God will supply all your needs" to her children, because later that night on Facebook, she quoted her young daughter's version of the verse: "God will supply on your knees." Isn't that the truth!?! All our needs, on our knees.

Philippians 4:19 in its entirety says, "And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Did you notice a most important word? EVERY. Most translations say "ALL". "God will supply ALL your needs..."

ALL includes more than the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. ALL encompasses those needs for friends, community, relationships, peace, joy, rest... all of the needs that we have.

As our family prepares to move and go wherever God leads us, this was such a timely and comforting message to us. When we start to wonder "what? when? where? how? etc...?" , we will remember the milk, the turkey, and the flowers. And, we'll remember the fact that My God will supply ALL of our needs, ON our knees, according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus!

"Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful and timely reminder! Also, thank you for this awesome verse you have put before us: "The One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He'll do it." 1 Thes. 5:24 (the Message) We are looking to you and trusting you to "do it" - in Your time, and for Your glory. Thank you for your patience when we panic. We love you... a men."

If you need some encouragement today

... then this post is for you!

If you are thirsty for a Word from God about you, your needs, or your loved ones, may these Truths from your Good and Sovereign Lord quench your parched hearts. He loves you and is concerned about every detail of your life and your circumstances. And He is working on your behalf, even if you can't see it. By faith and by past experience, I know this to be true. Trust Him, my friends. And let His peace and presence wash over you today... I'm praying for you...


"But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]." Job 23:10 (Amp)

"I lay down and slept; I wakened again. for the Lord sustains me." Psalm 3:5 (Amp)

"For He knows our frame. He earnestly remembers and imprints on His heart that we are dust." Psalm 103:14 (Amp)

"O My Strength, I will watch and give heed to you and sing praises; for God is my Defense (my Protector and High Tower). My God in His mercy and steadfast love will meet me..." Psalm 59:9-10 (Amp)

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), But He has given us a Spirit of Power and of Love and of Calm and Well Balanced Mind and Discipline and Self-control." 2 Tim. 1:7 (Amp)

"But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory (making us conquerors) through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57 (Amp)

"By the help of God I will praise His word." Psalm 56:4 (Amp)

"Your God has commanded your strength [your might in His service and impenetrable hardness to temptation]. O God, display Your might and strengthen what You have wrought for us!" Psalm 68:8 (Amp)

"The LORD is good, a strong Refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 (NLT)

"Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the consistently righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). Psalm 55:22 (Amp)

"But I will trust in, lean on, and confidently rely on You." Psalm 55:23 (Amp)

"As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless. He is a Shield for all who take refuge in Him." Psalm 18:30 (NIV)

"The One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He'll do it."
1 Thes 5:24 (The Message)

"In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings the knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God." 2 Cor. 2:14-16 (The Message)

"Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring." Hosea 6:3 (NLT)

Clinging to the Lord and to each of these truths with you... (In fact, these have been some of my Scriptutre memory verses for this year. Before I knew I would need some of them in the present circumstance we are in, God had planted them in my heart. He is so good to us, isn't He?)

Jennifer

Cappuccino with the Crawdad

Hey Y'all ~ Prepare to laugh when you read this! My brother, Chris, has a funny wit, and every once in a while, he'll talk about contributing something humorous to be published here on Smelling Coffee. Keeping with the "Coffee" theme, he calls himself "Cappuccino with the Crawdad" - and he made me promise to publish this terrible picture of him along with any of his posts. But he's so funny, publishing the ugly picture is worth it. I know you'll enjoy...


There is nothing like taking church pictures to make you loose your religion.

It's that time of the decade again. Once every five to ten years, in a traditional Baptist church anyway, the time rolls around to have family pictures made for a new church directory.

If you are not familiar with the process, here's the way it works. You sign a list at church stating the date and time that your family will show up to have your picture taken. When that date and time arrive, you go to the church and sit in a Sunday School room until your name is called, which is usually about 30 minutes after your appointment. This waiting time works out great. It gives your kids plenty of time to do things like mess up their hair, pull their shirt tails out, and start asking "are we almost done". Oh yea, and if you have a baby, it gives her time to pull her bow out, start crying, and get all red faced. Fortunately, our baby did not do that, but if she had wanted to she would have had plenty of time.

I have to admit that I was a little nervous about going for our pictures, not because I didn't want my picture taken, but because of the sales pitch that was soon to follow. You know its going to be bad when there is only one photographer, and two sales people, and the two sales people together can not move families through as fast as the one photographer. More on that later.

As far as the picture taking goes, it went well enough. Our boys did a good job smiling, the baby didn't cry, and I had not spilled anything on my shirt at lunch that day. The photographer was a silly fellow which helped to keep the kids attention and smiles. Even though we were lured to the church under the impression that we were going to be making a "family picture", (that and the fact that we would receive a free 8x10,) the photographer saw the need to take a picture of every possible combination of every member of our family.

For our family this comes out to be five factorial. For all of you liberal art majors out there, in mathematics, the factorial of a non-negative integer n, denoted by n!, is the product of all positive integers less than or equal to n. In other words, 5! = 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 120. OK, so I'm a geek, get over it. I'm not sure if the photographer actually took that many pictures, but it sure seemed like it.

The photographer was full of wit. I said "wit". While taking my and Melissa's picture he commented "think about going on vacation with the kids... [CAMERA SNAP] ... That didn't get a smile. How about going on vacation without the kids... [CAMERA SNAP]..." I have to admit that I thought that was pretty funny.

Once we were done with the pictures, we were sent back to the waiting (Sunday School) room. There is a formula that can be used to calculate how long you will have to wait while taking church pictures. Although, logically you would expect it to be the exact opposite. Here it is: If you have one photographer, and you have to wait 10 minutes to see him, you will have to wait 20 minutes to see ONE of the two sales people. I don't get it.

So finally we were called into a room with one of the sales people. She seemed nice enough, but from talking to friends who have already had their picture taken, I knew what was coming. The first thing we had to do was look at all of the pictures. This wasn't so bad, and we used that opportunity to quickly weed down the number of pictures, and package options, that she would try to sell us.

Then came the sales pitch. She started off by showing us a picture of some old lady and another picture of the same lady with the "touch up" service applied to cover her wrinkles, spots, and shine. She went on to explain that the touch up service will help you to not look like you really look. But isn't that the point of a photograph? She said it "preserves the likeness of you" whatever that means.

(Side note: that reminds me of the time one of my sisters, which I will not mention her name, wanted me to take a picture of her to use when she launched this blog. She kept looking at the pictures of herself and making comments like "That picture doesn't look like me." I had to say "Jennifer, that IS a picture of you.")

The first thing she wanted to sell us was this huge framed picture of our family that must have been as large as a 42" flat screen TV that had the caption "W.W.J.D" on it. No, actually I think it was some other Bible verse, but the point is the same. People will stick a religious saying or verse on about anything and market it to Christians. Don't get me started on that....

I believe the number of packages she pitched to us was 9 factorial. (Remember factorial?) I managed to move her through them pretty quickly by responding to each with "Yea, we're not really inter.. boys, get up off the floor" or "We don't need that many.. son, get off of your brother and get back into your chair." And so on, and so fourth. I don't believe the sales pitch was as hard on us as it would have been if my boys hadn't been right behind us reenacting every scene that they have ever played in Lego Star Wars. After about 15 minutes of that, I think she was ready for us to go.

She told us that we would get the free 8x10 when we came into the room. Of all of the other pictures we looked at, there was only one picture of our kids that we were interested in purchasing. When she finally got the point that it was the only picture we would buy, she started up-selling it hard. "How would you like an oval copy? How about one in this 24 carat gold plated frame? How about 48 wallet size photos, one for each of your grandparents and their dogs?"

I cut to the chase and asked "How much for just one 8x10 in black and white?" "$30" she said. As she was typing in the order, I saw that she added the "touch up". I asked, "Is the touch up included?" She responded, yes, it's included in the $30 price." I asked, "how much is the picture without the touch up?" She mumbled under her breath "$20, but that helps cover wrinkles and shine." Melissa made a good point "These are kids, they don't have wrinkles, and the black and white picture takes care of the shine." So we decided to go with the $20 option.

Once she figured our total price up, it came to $34. I said "What!? did you take the touch up out?" She said she did, and that in addition to the picture, they charge a $9 processing fee, and $5 shipping. I asked "Do we get the one 8x10 family picture free?" She said that we did. I asked "How do we get the picture?" She said that they mail it to us. I said "Well, if that's the case, can't you just process this one the same way you do the free one and include it in the same envelope?" She said "no" and handed me my paper to sign.

We ended up not getting the picture.

As we were walking out I heard the photographer say to another couple getting their picture taken "That didn't get a smile. How about going on vacation without the kids ... ." Whats up with that? That's the same line he used on us. I'm starting to think that was just his shtick to get us to smile.

Chris Crawford

If you're in for a few more laughs, you can read his other post here. :-)

A M2M Scavenger Hunt

Hi friends~ Can you believe the week is over already? It has been the quickest week of not doing much I think I've ever had. The Lord and I have had a sweet time together, and I'm truly grateful for this time to spend with Him. He has corrected, convicted, encouraged, and strengthened me through His living and active (and piercing) Word - and I needed every bit of it and more!



Since I'm going to be an "active" minister's wife again, I thought it would be fun to participate in a "Married to the Ministry" scavenger hunt by The Preacher's Wife. Each minister's wife answers the questions below, then links to her site. The Preacher's Wife will gather interesting tidbits of info from each of us and put together a hunt, with the winners receiving The Pioneer Woman's new cookbook. (Did you see the great article about her in November's Southern Living, btw? Yeah, Pioneer Woman!)



So here it is...



M2M Scavenger Hunt

1. First Name.

Jennifer

2. State and Country of Residence.

Tennessee, USA

3. Husband’s Ministry Title.

Minister of Education/Administration

4. Length of time in Current Ministry Location.

9 years in Church Ministry, 9 years in Corporate Ministry work – and now currently waiting with great expectation as the Lord to returns us to full-time Church Ministry

5. Children? If yes, give gender and ages.

Two children: Son – 13 and Daughter - 11

6. Number of unique homes in which you’ve lived during your marriage.

We’ve only lived in 4 homes: One rental, two church-owned, and one we purchased ourselves. I don’t think we have any stories of “unique” homes - like living above someone's garage without running water while in seminary...

7. Cook Sunday lunch or eat out?

We eat out about one Sunday a month. The rest of the Sundays find us eating soup, sandwiches, and/or salads for lunch at home.

8. Typically on time for Sunday School or not?

OUCH! When I’m teaching, PTL, I’m on time. When I’m not… well… I’m ashamed to say…It’s a problem… I know…I’m working on that! ;-)

9. Favorite TV Show.

Right now, it’s Project Runway. Can't wait until New York Fasion Week episodes!

10. Something you watch/like/do that you would never tell the church people. (Except now you just did…lol)

Ha Ha! I'll own up to loving the TV show “The Closer”.

11. Most annoying church-related pet peeve.

Do business meetings count? (I know... they are necessary...)

12. One thing you need to throw away but can’t bring yourself to do it.

Kind and beautiful cards and letters people have written me over the years. I have a HUGE Rubbermaid tote full of them.

13. The one food you can not live without.

No shocker here: it would have to be Chocolate - Milk Chocolate to be exact.

14. Parsonage or have your own home?

We have our own home. It's currently for sale. Anyone interested in buying it???

15. Freak when the doorbell rings or always ready for a visitor?

Here's my secret: If I don't know the person at the door, I freak! I run and hide in the hallway or in front of the TV cabinet. If I've peeked and can't get out of the room without the visitor seeing me, I hide under the dining room table or up against the wall - and pray! I'm a scard-ee-cat! Unfortunately, I've trained my children to think this hiding thing is normal. Seriously. If I don’t know you, I’ll hide. BUT: If I know you, I’ll be glad to open the door, whether I’m ready or not. ;-)


OK, my friends...please don't let me bare my soul alone! Pick a few of these questions and answer them yourselves. I'm especially interested in knowing if anyone else hides when the doorbell rings... ???



Have a great day and rest of the weekend.

With much love to you all... Jennifer

A precious promise for us all:

You will
seek me and

find me

when you
seek me
with
all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

Blessings to you, my friends, as you seek and find the Lord!

I’m seeking Him in a concentrated way this week and may not be around much on the computer – unless He leads me to share what I’m finding of Him as I seek. I will be praying for you as I spend time with Jesus. Love to you all…

The LORD of the Ring (or: A lesson taught on Sunday, Lived out on Monday, and the straw that {almost] broke the camel’s back)

How’s that for the longest title ever?!


“But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me and too painful. Until I went into the sanctuary of God…” Psalm 73:16-17


The Lord has blessed me with a precious group of women in our new Ladies Sunday School class. I love opening His Word and sharing life with them. We throw a box of Kleenex in the middle of our circle and wonder which one of us will need it first. I sure do love these ladies!

This past Sunday, the lesson was on Psalm 73 – a beautiful and comforting chapter about the writer’s battle between what he knows is Truth and what he feels when he looks around his life. On Sunday, I taught Psalm 73 as Truth from the Word, and as Truth I’d experienced in the past. But on Monday, I had a chance to live out what I had just taught.

In our current life “circumstances of silence and change” – no job, no response to our house for sale, no communication with the one job possibility left out there… honestly, I was doing pretty well. The Lord gently cocooned me last week in this very sweet place of trust and rest in Him. It was wonderful.

But by Monday afternoon, The living, active Word of God in Psalm 73 became my lifeline, my comfort, and my instructions on how to handle the “straw that {almost} broke the camel’s back. And {straw} only, it was.

Monday morning, I had bowed to the Majestic Sovereignty of God and was singing God’s praises: “Truly God is good…to those who are pure in heart. (Ps 73:1) [Here, the Psalmist (and I ) stated what we KNOW as TRUTH – God IS good! God IS good! God IS good!]

By the afternoon, this was my story: “But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped…” (vs. 2)

Isn’t it amazing how one thing can change our grip and alter our focus?

The Psalmist knew that God was good, but as for what he was experiencing right then, he was losing his grip to continue standing firm on that truth. In vs. 3-14 he listed his valid grievances to the Lord. In detail. He also stated his honest struggle with feelings that he had served the Lord in vain… that God was blessing others, but not blessing him.

Do you ever feel this way?

I have. And by Monday afternoon, I kind of felt that way again.

My husband was pulling out some bushes and trees for a friend of ours, and when he carried them to the landfill, he noticed that his wedding ring was gone. He looked everywhere for it – inside his gloves, in his truck, raked through the yard, and even crawled around in the landfill looking. But no ring.

I tell you – it was almost my undoing. I know God is good! I know He is taking care of us. I’m embarrassed to even complain about our lives right now. But when that ring couldn’t be found, the enemy plummeted me with thoughts like: “See… God doesn’t really care. If He did, He either wouldn’t have let the ring get lost or at least James would have found his ring.” “You were doing something kind for someone else and look where it got you!” “One more loss. What is God going to take from you next? – your kids? your house? your health?” And on and on it went.

“My feet were almost gone, my steps had well night slipped… But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me and too painful. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood…” (Ps. 73:2, 16-17)

My feet were almost gone and my steps had almost slipped UNTIL I remembered my Sunday School lesson, and bowed in the presence of the Lord; taking my grief, disappointment, gushing tears, and all of those lies of the enemy to God’s feet.

Then I understood. I had a reality check. And praise God, this is what I found:

The reality of the situation: Even though it was a special ring, it was still just a ring. It was not our marriage that was lost. It was not even James’ finger that was lost. It was a ring. Not our health. Not our children. Not each other. Not our home… The ring will be costly to replace, but it IS replaceable. With a grateful heart, I now praise God that it was just the ring that was lost.

The reality of my reaction: “I was pricked in my heart… so foolish, stupid, and brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.” (Ps. 73:21-22) I had thrown myself an all out pity party. I foolishly entertained those thoughts from the enemy for just a moment before naming them as they were – lies straight from the pit of Hell! I whined to God about blah blah blah… I was foolish and brutish and ignorant before Him.

God’s Word tells us in Jeremiah 17:9 that the heart is deceitful. We can’t trust it. Therefore, we can’t trust our feelings. What we “feel” is not always what is Truth. Bowing in the presence of the Lord, taking my grievances to Him, brought me back to relying on Truth, rather than on feeling.

And that brought me to experience~

The reality of God’s Presence: “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand, You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory.” (Ps. 73:23-24) Even though I was foolish and brutish before God, nevertheless, He was and is holding my right hand. He did not and has not let me go.

“…He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5 (Amp)

I could list hundreds of other Scripture verses here – All reminding us of what is TRUE – God’s love for us, God’s Sovereignty over our lives, God’s Presence in our lives, and God’s good purpose and glory that WILL arise from every difficult situation we are facing.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is The Rock and Firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever” (Ps. 73:26)

Ps. 73 closes with some important instructions for us as we live, obey, trust, and wait with the Lord to work our good and His glory through our lives: “But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.” ( Ps. 73:28)

Monday afternoon and evening, I kept repeating to myself - “It is good for me to draw near to God. It is good for me to draw near to God. It is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the Lord. He is my refuge. And one day, because of God’s Sovereignty, this will be a great story of His works in and around our lives….”

In fact, it’s a great story already. Not one with a nice wrapped up ending {like, James looked down and there his ring was….} but one with the ending that through God’s Word, we were victorious in another battle for our attitudes and actions.

God IS the LORD of the ring – and of everything else in our lives. He can do with it and with us as He pleases. He has already used the loss of that wedding band to teach me some things He is burning in and out of my life. And I praise Him for it!

God’s Word, taught as Truth the day before, was fleshed out a day later. And once again, we experienced the blessed peace that comes from drawing near to God and KNOWing that God is good.

Thanks for listening… and a special thanks to those of you who are praying for us. I know that many of us face difficulties that are big to us, and because of that, they are very valid and important to God. Because in His sovereignty, He is using each difficulty to do something in, through, and around every one of our lives.


Praying for you and thanking God for His work and His Word….
Jennifer

PS: I processed through this post yesterday, and just as I put the period on the last sentence, the LORD blessedly added another paragraph. He shouted the truth that He IS the LORD of the ring, and in a way that only He can do, He is providing us with a new wedding band. We are going to get it today. I can barely see through the tears to type this. I am so thankful!

Thank you, Most Sovereign Lord, that you are the LORD of the ring, and of every other thing in our lives – and that no detail escapes your notice, nor your care. Thank You that in this time of uncertainty in our lives, You remind us that we can be certain of You, Your presence, and Your Living and Active Word. … Please glorify Yourself through our lives… I love You so much, Lord…. Thank You for the ring – and for the loss~ and for the lessons learned through it. To You be the glory… a men.

This post is linked to Thankful Thursday, whose theme this week is "change". If you need some encouragement to be thankful for the change going on in your world, I bet you'll find it there! :-)

"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy & loving-kindness endure forever." Ps118:29 Have a great Wednesday everyone. :-)

I’m recipe-d out, but here’s something else worth sharing

Hi friends…. You know how today is “recipe day” around the blogosphere… but right now, I’m just plain recipe-d out. I’ve got nothing! So instead, I’m passing on a little blogging encouragement/wisdom/challenge to you dear readers of Smelling Coffee. (And btw, thanks so much for being a part of this blog! You are such a blessing to me!)

Because we all know many incredible blogs out there, and none of us have the time to soak in all that is shared in the blogosphere, here are three great posts and/or blogs that I know will be a blessing to you.

1. If you are new to blogging, or like me and still have much to learn, Rhoda (Southern Hospitality) wrote a fabulous post called 10 Tips for New Bloggers. I learned about Windows Live Writer from her post, tried it, and had tons of questions that she took the time to answer for me. I told her that once I started using Windows Live Writer, I would dedicate my first official post to her – so, Rhoda… this one’s for you! ;-)

I always wondered how some people in Blogger could use different fonts on their blogs – and now I know…it’s because of Windows Live Writer. (I promise not to go crazy with the font thing, but I’m still learning!) Pictures load in so much easier, too, and spell check runs as I type (sometimes I forget to spell check my posts – and spelling is NOT one of my strong suits!) Once you get your blog set up through Live Writer, and once you know what you want to say, blogging is breezy!

2. Heidi, from Moms Ministry & More, is doing something very special on her blog. Starting today, she is hosting a give-away & ministry opportunity called “Candle in the Corner”. Heidi is a missionary, and she is featuring some give-aways from fellow missionaries around the world. To enter for these beautiful gifts, hop over to this post. I know you’ll be blessed!

3. A new blog popped up several months ago that’s all about preparing our hearts and homes for Christmas. It’s called A Baby Changes Everything. Do you realize that Christmas is only 50-something days away? Check out this blog and be encouraged to get into the spirit of Christmas!

There you have it – no recipe, but hopefully something useful. Have a great day with the Lord today, my friends. Love to you all… Jennifer

I shall not lack... Neither will you. How do we know?

Because:

THE LORD is my Shepherd
[to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

He refreshes and restores my life (my self);
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
[uprightness and right standing with Him--
not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear or dread no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect]
and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my [brimming] cup runs over.

Surely or only goodness, mercy,
and unfailing love
shall follow me all the days of my life,
and through the length of my days
the house of the Lord [and His presence]
shall be my dwelling place.

Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
(Amplified)

How did they do this?

Really... it's amazing. Have you seen this?






(PS: For the record, I'm not endorsing the words to the song - just amazed at the dancing babies!)

Hope you're having a fantastic weekend. :-)

One day, we will be thankful for our burdens...

Have you seen this? It circulates through e-mail often, but when I received it from a sweet friend yesterday, it blessed me afresh. I was encouraged, and I just know it will encourage some of you, too.

We complain about the cross we bear
but don't realize it is preparing us for the
dip in the road
that God can see
and we cannot.


For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

May the Lord encourage you today in whatever you are facing. His Word assures us that whether we can see it or not: God is Good. God's Ways are Right. And God is Working. One day, we will see His glory and our good come from every heavy load we are called to bear in this life. And one day, we will be thankful for every one of them. Really. Somehow.
Because that's how the wonderful God we love and live for redeems every sorrow.

Love to each of you...
Jennifer

Still waiting on the Lord…and our thoughts as we wait

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have to go into that “Scarlett O’Hara Survival Mode” of thought, saying about all kinds of things: “I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.” Then I make a list, and schedule myself to think about those things tomorrow. (O.K. I feel kind of silly admitting that’s how my brain works!)

But it works for me, and it works for a while. Until “tomorrow” catches up with me. Like it has today. Since today is yesterday’s tomorrow, and our lives have slowed down a bit, I’m thrilled to be back at the computer pounding out my thoughts. Because that’s how I process. And you are amazingly kind. Because if you’re still with me, you apparently care enough to read them! (Bless you, my friends!)

So as we continue to wait on the Lord, here are some things I’ve been thinking about:

1. Our current situation.

We still have no job. The Lord has closed every door but one, and the one that has remained opened has also remained silent for 5 weeks. We have asked the Lord about applying for non-ministry related jobs, and His answer continues to be “Wait. Trust Me. Obey what I’ve given you to do today.” So we wait. (Last night, the culmination of 5 weeks of curiosity got the better of James, and he went to his computer to e-mail a friend~just to see if the friend knew whether that one remaining door was still opened. And the only thing that was working on his computer was FaceBook! He couldn’t pull up his e-mail, or anything else on the internet. But FB was still working - and we all know how fickle FB usually is! He tried several times, then concluded that the Lord was obviously preventing him from knowing what was going on. So we continue to wait. trust. and obey.)

As the Lord directed, we put our house on the market 3 weeks ago. And NOT ONE person has come to look at it. Not O.N.E.

Last week in my QT, I was asking the Lord some of those adverbial “What… When… Where… How… and Why…” questions, like “What are Your plans for our family? What are You doing in, through, and around our situation? When will You do it? When will we move? Where will we move? How will you work it all out? Why are you taking so long? etc.”

The Lord patiently let me ask, but didn’t give me any specific answer. He pressed upon me the same Word I’ve been hearing from Him for almost 4 months~

“Trust Me and Obey Me” with one little addition: He assured me that when this time is complete, there will be NO Question in anyone’s mind that God is the ONE who worked out every detail of our lives. We will not be able to take one ounce of credit for “what, when, where, how, and why” we end up where we end up. He is setting the stage for His glory, and boy will we have a story to tell one of these days!

2. God is a Command Man kind of King (In all of the good ways!)

Do you remember the post I wrote on the three types of men? Of course we know that God is the perfect blend of the best qualities of all three men. But having Mr. Steady for a husband, and a Mr. Steady father, I’ve realized lately that I tend to relate to God as a Mr. Steady more than I do as Commanding King.

I’ve also come to the realization that (…. duh… wait for it…) God CAN NOT and WILL NOT be manipulated! I know… Shocker! My tears, pleas, pouts, promises, and whatever else my feminine wiles can produce will NOT manipulate Him. (Praise the Lord for that!)

And like the wife of a Command Man, I will be happiest when I learn to joyfully submit to Him, and adapt my life to Him, instead of expecting Him to adapt to me. (Again, I say… duh!)

3. The walk of faith is more like a climb up a mountain than a level path on the seashore. And I’m not that adventurous.

This is the kind of mountain I’d rather climb: One from home!

However, at least with our family, it seems that the Lord continues to give us “Faith Mountains” that look more like this:

And sometimes, we’re doing it like this:

But the view and closeness to God has been worth the climb. Every time. And I know that this climb of Faith will produce an additional something of God in us that will be for His glory and for our good.

Henry Blackaby writes: “The previous level of your walk with God will not be adequate for the new work God wants to do through you. Each new command of Jesus will require a fresh knowledge and understanding of Him. The Holy Spirit will teach you about Jesus so you can trust Him and obey Him. Then you will experience Him in new ways. This is how you grow in Him.”

We are definitely growing in Him during this time of waiting. And we know that He is producing something good in our children’s lives as they wait and watch and trust and obey, too. Something that will be a blessing to them for the rest of their lives.

4. God gives rest and peace, even in the midst of the climb.

That’s been a huge gift from Him. We have done just what Psalm 5:3 says, “I lay down and slept. I awakened again. For the Lord sustains me.”

Aside from my personal hormonal issues, our entire family has rested well every night. Even from the cliffs of the climb. However, sometimes it feels like we’re resting in this:

Ever seen one of those? It can hang from a tree, or from the side of a mountain, and the person in it can rest securely.

In the Faith Climb, I’ve learned that you and I can rest – even if we feel like we’re hanging from a cliff – and even if the winds of doubt are whipping us around - because if we are truly trusting God, we are “cocooned” in the arms of Our Savior, The ALL POWERFUL KING of Everything!

5. Even a week ago, we were not ready for a move or a new ministry position.

We thought we were. Like Peter told Jesus the night before His crucifixion, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33-34) We boldly said to the Lord, “We are ready to go wherever you want to send us and do whatever you want us to do.” We wanted to be ready. But we were not. And I’m so thankful God has graciously waited. I don’t know if we are ready today, either. But we’re closer than we were months and weeks ago.

With every day the Lord delays in revealing and bringing to pass His future plans for us, He is using the time to work His present plan in us. His timing is perfect.

Are you waiting on the Lord right now?

And as we wait, God has used the Bible Study, Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby to be biggest encouragement to us. If you are in a situation similar to ours, let me encourage you to go through this study. Even if you’ve done it before. (This is my 7th time to either study through or teach this amazing Bible study material.)

If you are waiting on God and finding yourself becoming impatiently wanting those adverbial questions answered, I pray that this Biblical wisdom from Experiencing God blesses you as much as It has blessed me:

“Allow Him to take all the time He wants to shape you for His purposes… Trust Him. Do not insist that God give you something you think you are ready for. That could lead to your ruin.

God is far more interested in accomplishing His kingdom purposes than you are. He will move you into every assignment He knows you are ready for.

Let God orient you to Himself. The servant does not tell the Master what kind of task he wants. The servant waits on his Master for the assignment. Be patient and wait. Waiting on the Lord should not be an idle time for you. Let God use times of waiting to mold and shape your character. Let God use those times to purify your life and to make you a clean vessel for His service.

As you obey Him, God will prepare you for the assignment that is suitable for you. Any task, however, that comes from the Maker of the universe is important. Don’t use human standards to measure the importance or value of the task God gives.”

God is up to something good in all of our lives. We can be sure of it – because that’s what His Word tells us.

The familiar favorite Romans 8:26-28 is beautifully stated in The Message and a sure passage to cling to as we wait upon God to accomplish His purposes and His plans in, for, through, and around our lives. I love you and am praying for you right now… :-)

“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:26-28 (The Message)

Zesty Potato Soup - EASY comfort food!!!

Hi friends, and Happy Tuesday! I'm back from my blogging break and have lots to post, but since it's recipe day all over blogland, I thought I'd share one of my favorites: a comfort food that is easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy (minus the lemon). Hope you enjoy! Blessings to each of you today... Jennifer

Zesty Potato Soup
(Makes 1 large pot)

7 cans of small peeled potatoes (don’t drain)

1 envelope onion soup mix

Salt, pepper, minced garlic to taste

3 chicken bullion cubes (dissolved in 1/3 c. water)

1 can of evaporated milk

1 stick of butter

2 lbs. of Velveeta cheese

Combine potatoes, onion soup mix and seasonings in large stock pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (or until potatoes are tender). Remove from heat. Do not drain. Mash potatoes in liquid until almost smooth. Add remaining ingredients. Stir until cheese is melted. Soup is ready to serve, or may be kept on low in a crock pot for several hours. Add water if soup is too thick, and add mashed potato flakes if soup is too thin.

Option 1: add a can of green chilies

Option 2: add a can of sliced mushrooms after the potatoes have cooked.

Delicious serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and bacon bits.

Find tons of recipes today at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, and Blessed with Grace. (Edited to add to a collection of Crock Pot recipes at Dining with Debbie. Yum!)

Something to sweeten your coffee

"What a God He is!

How perfect in every way!

All His promises prove true.

He is a Shield for everyone who hides behind Him.

For who is God except our Lord?

Who but He is as a Rock?"

Psalm 18:30-31 (The Living Bible)


Blessings to you on this Lord's day...Jennifer

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

It's been wonderful dancing with you for the past 17 years! I love you!!!

To see us dance, click here. :-)

I'm a big hair girl - no matter the decade!

This was just too fun and funny not to bring back for a re-post!

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" Let God work out the details in His timing." (Experirncing God quote 4 today.) Blessings of the Lord to each of you. :-)

Passion for Pumpkins (A Frappuccino Fun with Amy post)

My Pumpkin Passion!

From its beautiful color to it’s wonderful taste,

Pumpkins say “fall” in so many ways!

Here are a few of my favorite pumpkin things:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte - Yum! Yum! (Starbucks) *Pinching pennies? Buy Pumpkin Pie Creamer (International Delight) at any grocery store and make your own!
  
  
• Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses – New this year (Target)
  
  
• Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Lotions & Soaps – (Bath & Body Works) *Buy the anti-bacterial pumps for your kitchen and bathrooms, they smell great!
  
  
• Pumpkin Spice Potpourri by Aromatique - (Dillards) *This potpourri is a little pricey yet keeps its smell longer than most…
  
  
• Pumpkins & Gourds – Find these at any grocery store, or you can find the artificial kind at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. *Buy some real and some artificial, mix with leaves and pinecones, this makes a great center piece
  
  
• Pumpkin dip – 1 block Softened Cream Cheese, ½ Can pumpkin, 1 cup powdered sugar, I teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger. (Combine all ingredients & chill) (Serve with cinnamon graham crackers and gingersnaps. Looks great on a leaf or pumpkin tray) *The above recipe is taken from “Taste of Autumn” cookbook by Gooseberry Patch (Cracker Barrell)

My last pumpkin recommendation is a book called, “The Pumpkin Patch Parable” by Liz Curtis Higgs.

You know we live in a world full of sin and darkness yet God in His goodness can use something as simple as a smiling Jack O’ Lantern to teach children (and adults) the simple concept of His wonderful plan of salvation.

This book compares us to a pumpkin. Our sin is the “yucky, slimy stuff” inside the pumpkin that only God can clean out. After cleaning out the sin, God gives us a new face. Once we have Jesus in our hearts, we are full of His light and can be a light to others. This is a beautiful picture of God’s grace and the change that makes us new! You can find this book at any Christian bookstore.

So “carve out” some time this weekend and take your family to a pumpkin patch (a great photo-op by the way). Well, I must go (I’m about to turn into a PUMPKIN!)….

Happy Friday, TTFN!
Amy

(Reposted from Oct. 3, 2008 - and reposted again from last week, since someone commandeered my blog on the day of this post. :-) ha ha!)

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, NaThAn!

As of today, we have an "official teenager" living under our roof! Nathan turns 13 today, and I honestly don't know how these years have passed so quickly. Truly... it seems like he was just starting kindergarten a few years ago and we were working on learning how to tie shoes. In a matter of a few more years, we'll be working on learning how to drive...

I can't help but smile when I think about Nathan and how God has blessed our lives through him. Before he was born, we had all kinds of names we wanted to name our son, but the Lord kept bringing us back to "Nathan" - which means "Sent by God." And he has certainly lived up to that name.

Nathan is a funny, quirky, strong, tender, talented, God-loving, family-loving, fun-loving, phlegmatic kind of guy. And we thank God that He "sent" Nathan to us!

Happy 13th birthday, Nate! We love you so much and are so very proud of you! As I hide these days in my heart, I look forward to all God will do in and through your life as you continue to grow in and through Him.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

(Today)

(Last year - October in 6th grade)

(2 years ago - October in 5th grade. I can't believe the change from 5th to 6th grade!)



(3 years ago - sometime in the 4th grade)



(4 years ago - in the 3rd grade.)

(That's all I have in the computer - haven't scanned in the printed pictures!)

Love you, man!
Mom

Attitude is EVERYTHING! It really is!

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror,and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror,and saw that she had only two hairs on her head."H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up,looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head."Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror,and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head "YEA!" she exclaimed,"I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is EVERYTHING! :-)
(Anonymous)

"The LORD is my God! I will praise him and tell him how thankful I am." Psalm 118:28 (CEV)

"This day belongs to the LORD! Let's celebrate and be glad today." Psalm 118:24 (CEV)

This is my plan for the day! How about you?
With love... Jennifer


(Reposted from March 2009)

A Smelling Coffee Vacation

Hey all you Smelling Coffee fans! I know that you would expect to hear awesome words of wisdom or some heartwarming stories from Jennifer here on her blog, or you might even think you'd find some Frappuccino Fun with Amy. However, I am a friendly hacker who has commandeered Smelling Coffee for the next few minutes. I just couldn't pass up the chance to show you what kind of wild woman that Jennifer is, and I knew that she might not show you herself. Don't worry, Jennifer, I promise to swallow your password when I'm finished!

Jennifer, Amy, and I and our families were all on vacation this past week at a beautiful lake home in South Carolina. I'm not really a coffee drinker, but I started to think how I would describe Jennifer's little time away in coffee terms. As far as the setting goes, I would describe it as a smooth, peaceful "first cup of coffee in the morning" kind of place. As you can see, it is definitely the kind of place that makes it very easy to spend some awesome time with the Lord.

Then I got to thinking about the transformation I saw right before my very eyes in Jennifer. She started out as this sweet "iced mocha" kind of girl...


She was being quite sweet and domesticated, cooking sausage while her hubby was whipping up a mega batch of Belgian waffles for all of us. And, then before I knew what had happened, Jennifer hooked up with Amy, and became this over-the-top frothy "cappuccino with a double shot of espresso" mixed in...

All you of you faithful Smelling Coffee readers are shocked, aren't you? Well, maybe not. Anyone who would dress up like Sarah Palin, spray paint every accessory in her home, and confess to being a Shred dropout might have at least a hint of frivolity in her. Let's just say that it was a Depends kind of moment for all of us.

Anyway, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show you what a Smelling Coffee Vacation looks like. When Jennifer is finished resting up during her fall break, I know you'll enjoy having her back. But for now, this is Ms. Jernigan signing off and swallowing up that password.

Obedience = Peace

Reposted from December 31, 2008

Dearest friends~ I think it's only fitting to end this year with a Wednesday's WOTD - since my whole reason for blogging was to have an outlet to share what God is sharing with me.

I don't normally quote straight from a devotional book, but I could never say this message any better than Oswald Chambers - and I believe that it's so important and timely to every one of our lives. Obedience does equal peace - and as we're looking to the new year, I don't know about you, but I need a lot of both!

"I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid." John 14:27 (CEV)

from "My Utmost for His Highest", by Oswald Chambers - December 14

"...As long as we try to serve two ends, ourselves and God, there is perplexity. The attitude must be one of complete reliance of God. When once we get there, there is nothing easier than living the saintly life. Difficulty comes when we want to usurp the authority of the Holy Spirit for our own ends.

Whenever you obey God, his seal is always that of peace, the witness of an unfathomable peace. Whenever peace does not come, tarry till it does, or find out the reason why it does not. If you are acting on impulse or from a sense of the heroic, the peace of Jesus will not witness...

My questions come whenever I cease to obey. When I have obeyed God, the problems never come between me and God, they come as probes to keep the mind going on with amazement at the revelation of God.

Any problem that comes between God and myself springs out of disobedience. Any problem, and there are many, that is alongside me while I obey God, increases my ecstatic delight, because I know that my Father knows, and I am going to watch and see how He unravels this thing."


As I think about and pray about the upcoming year, goals, changes, etc. that come with a fresh new start, my deepest desire and main goal for 2009 is "immediate obedience" to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm learning that it is the most important thing in life!

We show Him our love by our obedience (John 14:15 "If you really love me, you will obey my commands."). When we obey the Lord, He will lead us in every other Christian virtue and command, because He will have our hearts.

This is my prayer for myself and for my husband, children, and loved ones (you, included) as we enter 2009 - that every one of us will obey God - immediately, and without reserve, so that He'll have full reign over our hearts, words, actions, thoughts, and lives! Only then, will we all have real peace.

I love each of you. Thank you for being a part of my life this year. May "The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually)." Numbers 6:26 (Amp.)

TTYL... in 2009 :-) Jennifer

15 Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity ;-)

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

7. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

8. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

9. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."

10. Sing Along At The Opera.

11. Go to A Poetry Recital And Ask Why all The Poems Don't Rhyme?

12. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

13. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15. Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much!

Hope this made you smile today. :-)

Personal hair and wardrobe styling by The Designer, Himself.

It’s finally looking and feeling a little like fall around here… and I love it! I love the crisp weather, the fall colors, and the clothes. In Nashville, every season is beautiful and distinct. I think I love these distinct seasons because, to me, this change of seasons is just another opportunity for a “fresh start”. When it’s time to switch out the wardrobes from summer to winter, even if we’re pulling out the “same old clothes from the past 5 years,” they’re “fresh” in a way, because they’ve not been worn all summer.

I’m getting ready to do this – hoping to switch out the clothes this week or next. Along with the process of making the switch, I’ll be trying on things (hoping they still fit, or are even a little big this year… a girl can dream, can’t she???). And, I'll be doing the ONE MOST IMPORTANT FASHION TIP EVER – praying. I'm serious!

Here’s how I stumbled upon this amazing fashion secret:

Years ago, when I was in the 6th grade, I had one of those “luminescent moments” and realized that since God made my hair, and kept count of the numbers of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:30), He could help me fix it every day. (I’m thankful for it now, but I have difficult hair – curly, thick, coarse, and especially back then, totally big.) It took about 30 minutes to blow it dry each day, and I couldn’t communicate with anyone during that time, so I started spending that time talking to the Lord. One day I asked Him if He would help me fix my hair… and He did! I started having good hair days on a frequent basis.

By the time I got in the 7th grade, I promised the Lord that if He would fix my hair, I’d give Him the glory for it. He has kept His end of the bargain, and I’ve tried to keep mine. For all of these years, God has helped me fix my hair each morning – in giving me ideas, or by just plain making it move a certain way. I get hair compliments from strangers almost every time I go out of the house. They’ll say something like “I love your hair… who does it?” and I’ll say something like “Thank you so much. Actually, Kellye cuts and colors it and God helps me fix it every day.”

That usually gets one of three responses – Sometimes they get it – and we rejoice in how wonderful the Lord is that He cares about us – to the tiniest detail, OR, they look at me with this glazed expression and say “how nice” and walk away. OR they look puzzled and want to know more. I then get to tell them about how God cares about the things that we care about, because He loves us so much. I can promise them that God is big enough to take care of the major needs of the world and still keep count of the number of hairs on each of our heads, and that there is nothing too small to bring to Him.

God has used my hair to draw me into many deep conversations with strangers that become all about Him and His care of our lives. Often those strangers and I have ended up crying together and bowing our heads in the middle of grocery store aisles while they lay burdens before the Lord. God can use anything, can’t He??? PTL!

SO, when I realized that the Lord was doing such a great job of fixing my hair, I started asking Him to dress me, too. Listen… I truly believe that whatever is on our minds, we need to invite Him to be a part of it, and let Him help guide us as we mentally process whatever it is. For me and this time of year, I’ve got fall fashion on a portion of my brain. If you do too, here’s how the Lord helps me dress and stay “current”:

1. I look through fashion magazines in waiting rooms, the library, or wherever I find them, and try to get a feel for the common denominators in the clothing and accessories trends.

2. I check the internet fashion websites to see what was on the runway for the season. {updated for 2009}Here is a summary of 10 fall fashion trends from Elle Magazine. (And can I just say - I'm thrilled about the shoulder pads coming back, but not so much a lot of the other "80's looks). Also, I'm not endorsing anything you happen to see while you're there... Just letting you know a few of the fashion trends.) ;-)

3. Realizing that what is in the magazines and on the runways is not what will look “normal” in my middle-class-suburban-stay-at-home-wife-mom-Bible-teacher-life, I classify the trends in categories of clothing I would actually wear.

While I’m doing this, I’m doing it with the Lord, often talking through these things out-loud to Him, as if He’s sitting with me (which actually… He is right there with me).

4. Then WE (He and I) go through my clothes for the new season. He totally does this with me. We pull out the clothes and I try them on.

5. Remembering the trend categories, I’ll pray for wisdom to make “new” outfits out of old clothes. I don’t audibly hear this, but the Lord will put ideas in my mind, and I’ll try them on, with shoes and accessories.

6. Usually, I’ll "need" a few pieces to update my wardrobe from the previous year. I’ll write down what I need in my prayer journal on a page called “Requests and Wish Lists”. Then I let it go. I give it to the Lord, and ask Him to provide those pieces of clothing / shoes / accessories IF He will be glorified through them. Sometimes I feel led to write a price beside the item. It’s so much fun to see the Lord provide in such specific ways. Sometimes He'll provide what I've asked for, and sometimes He doesn't. When He doesn't provide, I find that I really didn't need it anyway.

7. I don’t go out and spend lots of money on clothing. I give the needs to the Lord, and then I wait to see how He leads me to find the items I need. Often, I can pick something up at Target or Wal Mart, or Ross’ or Khols on sale or clearance. One piece at a time, the Lord builds my “current” wardrobe. Sometimes I’ll be drawn to go to Goodwill and look around. When I obey and go when the Lord leads me to, I find just what was on the list. Occasionally someone will share their "hand me overs" with me, and something I've prayed for will be among those clothes. Our God is creative with His provisions!

8. Everyday (or night), I stand at my closet and ask the Lord to help me know what to wear. He guides my eyes and hands and helps me choose the outfit de jour.

I may not look “perfect” to everyone else, but when the Lord has helped me dress and fix my hair, the responsibility for how I look is up to Him, and I don’t have to worry over it anymore. I can leave my house knowing that He has dressed me spiritually (in my quiet time with Him), and physically.

After I get ready with His help, having done the best I can with what I’ve been given, I say Psalm 90:17 to the Lord: Let Your beauty be upon me, and establish the work of my hands. I’m then free to go about my day, confident of His handiwork in and upon my life.

Matthew 6:24-34 sums up what I’ve taken way too many paragraphs to say. No matter how big or little it seems, God can take care of it. Our job is to seek Him first, and all these other things will fall into place. Seeking Him first – even for our fall wardrobes – takes all of the worry out of it. We can trust Him to dress us in the way where He receives the glory – and we’ll be current and beautiful like the lilies.

(24) “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (25) Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (26) Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (27) Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

(28) And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. (29) Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. (30) If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

(31) So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' (32) For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. (33) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (34) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Question: Do you ask the Lord to help you do things like this? Does He help you dress, shop, cook, drive, park, etc? If so, please leave a comment and let’s celebrate how God helps us in the details of daily life.

If you've never thought that God cared about these things before, or you never wanted to "bother" Him with the little stuff, I challange you to try it. You're not bothering Him. Ask Him to help you in the little things, and you'll see Him being involved in your life in a big way! (Then, please come back and tell us about it! :-) )

Much love to you beautiful and fashionable lilies~


(Reposted from September 22, 2008)

A little something sweet

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing
right now,
and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.
God will help you deal
with whatever
hard things come up
when the time comes.”
Matthew 6:34 (Message)

Obey God for today, and trust Him for tomorrow.
That's God's message to me. To you, too?

PS: Our children are on Fall Break for the next couple of weeks, and I'm going on break too - a computer break. So, while I'm gone, I've scheduled some "oldies but goodies" to be posted. (That is, if you can have "oldies but goodies" from a blog that's only 1 1/2 years old, ha ha!) I'll be around every once in a while, and hope to catch up on some of your blogs while I'm on break. Blessings to each of you, and may the Lord help each of us to live out the verse above.
With love,
Jennifer

What TYPE of man do you have?

Ladies~ Have I got something to share with you! In fact, I can't believe I've kept it to myself for so long... but in God's perfect timing, this must be the day. :-)

This is the BEST help in understanding our husbands that I've ever read (except from the Bible). If you've been struggling with wondering why your husband acts the way he does, or why he isn't like "so and so's" husband, this might be your answer, and what you can do about it!

I've reprinted a condensed exerpt from a book called CREATED TO BE HIS HELP MEET by Debi Pearl. The whole book is wonderful, and can be ordered here on Amazon.

Read... enjoy... and love your man for who he was created to be. And let me know if it makes a difference in your marriage. (I'm so excited for you - because I already KNOW that it will!)

Condensed excerpt of Created to Be His Help Meet, chapter 8:

3 Types of Men

God is dominant — a sovereign and all-powerful God. He is also visionary — omniscient and desirous of carrying out his plans. And, God is steady — the same yesterday, and today, and forever, our faithful High Priest. Most men epitomize one of these three aspects of God. No single man completely expresses the well-rounded image of God.

Mr. Command Man

A few men are born with more than their share of dominance and, on the surface, a deficit in gentleness. They often end up in positions that command other men. We will call them Command Men. They are born leaders. They are often chosen by other men to be military commanders, politicians, preachers, heads of corporations, and managers of businesses. Winston Churchill, George Patton, and Ronald Reagan are examples of dominant men. Since our world needs only a few leaders, God seems to limit the number of these Command Men. These men see life as if they are looking from a high mountain, they see the big picture rather than individual needs.

They are known for expecting their wives to wait on them hand and foot. A Command Man does not want his wife involved in any project that prevents her from serving him. If you are blessed to be married to a strong, forceful, bossy man, as I am, then it is very important for you learn how to make an appeal without challenging his authority. We will discuss how to make an appeal later in this book.

Command Men have less tolerance, so they will often walk off and leave their clamoring wife before she has a chance to realize that she is even close to losing her marriage. By the time she realizes that there is a serious problem, she is already a divorced mother seeking help in how to raise her children alone. A woman can fight until she is blue in the face, yet the Command Man will not yield. Yielding would be against his personhood. He is not as intimate or vulnerable as are other men in sharing hi s personal feelings or vocation with his wife. He seems to be sufficient unto himself. It is awful being shut out. A woman married to a Command Man has to earn her place in his heart by proving that she will stand by her man, faithful, loyal, and obedient. When she has won his confidence, he will treasure her to the extreme.

A King wants a Queen, which is why a man in command wants a faithful wife to share his fame and glory. Without a woman’s admiration, his victories are muted. If a wife learns early to enjoy the benefits of taking the second seat, and if she does not take offense to his headstrong aggressiveness, she will be the one sitting at his right side being adored, because this kind of man will totally adore his woman and exalt her. She will be his closest, and sometimes his only, confidante. Over the years, the Command Man can become more yielding and gentle. His wife will discover secret portals to his heart.

If you are married to a king, honor and reverence is something you must give him on a daily basis if you want him to be a benevolent, honest, strong, and fulfilled man of God. He has the potential to become an amazing leader. Never shame him, and do not belittle him or ignore his accomplishments. Make it your life’s goal to become his queen.

Mr. Visionary

God is a Visionary as seen in his person, the Holy Spirit. He made some men in the image of that part of his nature. Prophets, be they true or false, are usually of this type. Some of you are married to men who are shakers, changers, and dreamers. These men get the entire family upset about peripheral issues, such as: do we believe in Christmas? Should we use state marriage licenses? Should a Christian opt out of the Social Security system? The issues may be serious and worthy of one’s commitment, but , in varying degrees, these men have tunnel vision, tenaciously focusing on single issues. They are often the church splitters and the ones who demand doctrinal purity and proper dress and conduct. Like a prophet, they call people to task for their inconsistencies. If they are not wise, they can be real jerks who push their agendas, forcing others to go their way.

Visionaries are often gifted men or inventors, and I am sure it was men of this caliber that conquered the Wild West, though they would not have been the farmers who settled it. Today, Visionary men are street preachers, political activists, organizers and instigators of any front-line social issue. They love confrontation, and hate the status quo. “Why leave it the way it is when you can change it?” They are the men who keep the rest of the world from getting stagnant or dull. The Visionary is consumed with a need to communicate with his words, music, writing, voice, art, or actions. He is the “voice crying out in the wilderness” striving to change the way humanity is behaving or thinking. Good intentions don’t always keep Visionaries from causing great harm. They can stir up pudding and end up with toxic waste if they are not wise. An unwise wife can add to the poison with negative words, or she can, with simple words of caution, bring attention to the goodness of the pudding and the wisdom in leaving it alone. Every Mr.Visionary needs a good, wise, prudent, stable wife who has a positive outlook on life.

The wife of Mr.Visionary should be just a little bit reckless and blind in one eye if she is going to enjoy the ride. If this is your man, you need to learn two very important things (beyond how to make an appeal). Learn how to be flexible, and learn how to always be loyal to your man. You will be amazed at how much happier you will be and how much fun life can be if you learn to just go with the flow — his flow. Life will become an adventure. You will actually begin to feel sorry for the gals married to the stick-in-the-mud, steady type. And once you get it into your head that your husband does not have to be “right” for you to follow him, you will FINALLY be able to say “bye bye” to your overwrought parents, even when they are screaming that you are married to a crazy man. People looking on will marvel that you are able to love and appreciate your husband, but you will know better because you will see his greatness.

Greatness is a state of soul, not certain accomplishments. Over time, this type of man will become more practical. If you are a young wife married to a man whom your mama thinks is totally crazy — then you may be married to Mr. Visionary. Right now, purpose in your heart to be loyal to him, and to be flexible; then, let your dreamer dream. Lean back and enjoy the ride; it should prove interesting. Visionary Man will talk and talk and talk to his honey if she approves of him. He will be subjective, thinking about feelings, moods, and spiritual insights. One of his greatest needs will be for his wife to think objectively (proven truth) and use common sense, which will help keep his feet from flying too far from solid ground. He spends his life looking through a telescope or microscope, and he will be stunned that what he sees (or thinks he sees), others do not seem to notice or care about.

Mr. Steady

God is as steady as an eternal rock, caring, providing, and faithful, like a priest like Jesus Christ. He created many men in that image. We will call him Mr. Steady — “in the middle, not given to extremes.” The Steady Man does not make snap decisions or spend his last dime on a new idea, and he doesn’t try to tell other people what to do. He avoids controversy.

Being married to a Steady Man has its rewards and its trials. On the good side, your husband never puts undue pressure on you to perform miracles. He doesn’t expect you to be his servant. You do not spend your days putting out emotional fires, because he doesn’t create tension in the family. You rarely feel hurried, pushed, pressured, or forced. The women married to Visionary Men look at you in wonder that your husband seems so balanced and stable. The wife of Command Man marvels at the free time you seem to have. If your dad happened to be a Steady Man, then chances are you will appreciate your husband’s down-to-earth, practical life for the wonderful treasure it is.

When you are married to a man who is steady and cautious, and you have a bit of the impatient romantic in you, you may not see his worth and readily honor him. You may be discontent because he is slow and cautious to take authority or make quick decisions. A bossy woman sees her husband’s lack of hasty judgment and calls her Steady husband “wishy-washy.” His steadiness makes him the last to change, so he seems to be a follower because he is seldom out front forming up the troops. There is no exciting rush in him, just a slow, steady climb with no bells or whistles. You wish he would just make up his mind, and that he would take a stand in the church. He seems to just let people use him. There are times you wish he would boldly tell you what to do so you would not have to carry all the burden of decision-making.

Some women equate their husband’s wise caution and lack of open passion as being unspiritual. His lack of spontaneity and open boldness may look like indifference to spiritual things. However, he is like deep, deep water. The very depth makes the movement almost imperceptible, but it is, nevertheless, very strong.

He will be confused with your unhappiness and try to serve you more, which may further diminish your respect for his masculinity. Disappointment and unthankfulness can make you wearier than any amount of duties. His very steadiness keeps him on his middle-of-the-road course, and it will drive a controlling woman crazy.

This is why many disgruntled ladies married to Mr. Steadies fall victim to hormonal imbalance, physical illness, or emotional problems.

Know Your Man
Wives are very much flesh and blood, and as young women, we don’t come to marriage with all the skills needed to make it start out good, let alone perfect. When you come to know your man for whom God created him to be, you will stop trying to change him into what you think he should be. The key is to know your man. If he is Mr. Steady, you need to learn to be thankful and to honor him as the one created for you in the image of God. Your husband’s gentleness is not a weakness; it is his strength. Your husband’s hesitation is not indecision; it is cautious wisdom. Your husband’s lack of deep spiritual conversation is not a lack of caring; it is simply the cap on a mountain of intense emotions.

If this describes your man, you need to learn how to stand still and listen; then let God move your husband in his own good time. Ask God for wisdom and patience. Seek to always have a gentle spirit. Stop expecting him to perform for you, to pray with the family, to speak out in witnessing, or to take a bold stand at church. Stop trying to stir him up to anger toward the children in order to get him to feel as though he understands how badly you are being treated. Let him be the one God made him to be: a still, quiet, thoughtful presence — for you!

A Steady Man likes a woman to walk beside him, yet grow in her own right before God and him.

He needs a resourceful, hardworking woman with dignity and honor. It is important to Mr. Steady that his wife is able to be self-sufficient in all the mundane tasks of daily living.

These men can be some of the most important men in the church, because their steadfastness is sure, and their loyalty is strong. They make wise, well-thought-out decisions.

Typically, Steady Men do not become as well known as Command or Visionary Men. They are not odd or stand-out men. They are not loud. They are neither irritating nor particularly magnificent. Women and men alike envy and desire a Command Man. People are often drawn and compelled by the Visionary. But the Steady Man is taken for granted

Much of this book has been written to help young wives learn to honor, obey, and appreciate the Steady Man just as he is.

Mr. Steady will enjoy the company of others and be most comfortable spending time in small talk with whoever is around. Of the three types, he is the one that will be most liked by everyone. Mr. Steady is always in demand. He belongs to people. He does not focus on the eternal picture like Mr. Command, nor is he looking through a microscope as Mr. Visionary, but he does respect both views as important. His vision is as a man seeing life just as it is. He can shift his sights to the sky and know there is more up there than he can see, and he wonders about it. Or, he can stare into a muddy pond and appreciate that there is a whole world in there that he knows nothing about. In most of life, he is a bridge between the other two types of men. He is a very necessary expression of God’s image. Of the three different kinds of men, it is more important that Mr. Steady have a help meet who likes him just as he is.

I'm praying for you and your marriages today. Love to you all...

Jennifer

Need to laugh today? Watch this!

(Even if you've already seen it a gazillion times - it still will make you smile!)




Have a great day, friends!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

~One of those things that (along with decorating with pumpkins and making chili) signals the beginning of the Fall Season~

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

1 & 2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 TBS pumpkin pie spice
1/2 TBS cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin
1/2 cup butter
1 cup chocolate chips

Mix dry ingredients. Melt butter & add eggs and pumpkin. Pour into dry ingredients. Add chocolate chips. Bake at 350 "until done". (Don't you just hate that? The trouble is, I can't remember how long it took to get them "done". Sorry about that!)

My sister gave me this recipe years ago. These muffins are a delicious way to welcome fall, and to bless the fam! Hope you enjoy. :-)

PS: This post is linked to lots of other great recipes at:
Tasty Tuesday - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam &
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Blessed with Grace

Uprooting the spirit of fear

Good morning, everyone!

I am not supposed to be on my computer at all today - until I finish the LONG list of little things in getting our house ready to go on the market this Thursday. But I had to e-mail one of Abigail's teachers, and this e-mail caught my eye. I couldn't resist reading it, and passing it along.

It's about uprooting FEAR. I have battled fear all of my life, and by God's grace, fear is losing its grip on me! It's a day by day, moment by moment kind of thing, though. So if you can relate at all to battling the entangling enemy of fear, may the Lord use this from my inbox this morning to help you uproot it!

I'm off now to the land of the long lists of little things! Love to each of you~ Jennifer

Up Rooting the spirit of Fear, Terror, Panic and Anxiety 　

Fear, which is an enemy a spirit.... will try to come back at any time of the day or night. Cast fear out with the WORD OF GOD! Declare out loud the Word of God daily over you and your family.

In the Name of Jesus, I declare that God did not give me a spirit (demon) of timidity of fear, terror, panic or anxiety…but He has given me a spirit of power and love and of a calm and well balanced, sound, disciplined and self-controlled mind.

I declare that I am established in righteousness…rightness, in conformity with God’s will and order. I am far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for I shall not fear, and terror shall not come near me in Jesus’ Name.

I declare that the Lord is on my side. I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side and takes my part and defends me. Therefore shall I see Your desire established upon my enemies who hate me. If God is for me, who can be against me? Who can be my foe if God is on my side?

I take comfort and am encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper and defender, I will not be seized with alarm …I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me?

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation. Whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life…of whom shall I be afraid? Even though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war arise against me, even then, in this will I be confident in my God.

Father, I thank You that I have been delivered from the powers of darkness and translated into the kingdom of Your own dear Son Jesus. I thank You Father that Your perfect Love casts out all fear and torment. I choose to think on and fix my mind upon those things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and deserving of praise. My mind stayed on You, Lord.

I cast down every lying, deceptive thought and imagination, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of You, Lord in the name of Jesus. I bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

I resist all fear in the Name of Jesus Christ. I hold the power of the Blood of Jesus against all fear and every lie of Satan and I declare that the Blood of Jesus has driven you out of my life and that the Blood of Jesus totally obliterates you from my mind and body in the name of Jesus Christ!

FEAR! You bow to the Name of Jesus! You are a defeated foe! YOU HAVE NO MORE DOMINION OVER ME. I AM FREE IN THE NAME OF JESUS!

I am rooted and grounded securely in God’s love in the mighty Name of Jesus! God’s perfect love drives out all fear in Jesus Name.

THE PEACE OF GOD GUARDS MY HEART AND MY MIND!

Pass this on and also keep a copy of it in your Bible.

Ps. 33:20 "We wait in hope for the Lord, He is our help & our shield." Yours, too! May the Lord bless you today as in Isaiah 40:31. :-)

Loving Life in Middle School!

Truly - I never thought those words would EVAH come out of my mouth! But alas - they did - and it's true! I was scared to death of entering this stage of life. In fact, for years, I had prayed that Jesus would come back before Nathan turned 10! I was serious!

Obviously, He had other and better plans... and part of those plans were that we would be parenting two middle-schoolers. And for you moms of younger children - I say this with total honesty - it is a joy! A "difficult joy" on some days - but to the glory of God - so far, each day of this stage of life has held a blessing.

I'm trying to soak in every moment with our children - because I know (from some of you moms of older ones) how quickly this stage passes. Sometimes I look at my children and am shocked at how big they are. In my mind, it seems like they should still be 5 & 6 instead of 11 and 12!

(I always wondered how one would parent a child when the child grew bigger than the parent. I now know - because Nathan is much taller than I am and he still respects and obeys me. I've realized that the endless, exhausting training we did when the children were toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary age kids - and the fact that we didn't give up or give in - is now paying off. That and MUCH prayer!... I think that's a key as to why we're enjoying these middle school years with our children.)

I digress. I really just meant to post a few pictures of what was going on this week.

So here they are~ as we're loving Life in Middle School~

It's Spirit week. Thursday was Wacky Tacky Day (Where Nathan finally got to wear those shoes and socks out of the house!)



Friday was PJ day. (A very easy getting ready morning!)

And Friday night was the "Under the Pond" school dance - put on by the "Catfish Club" at the school. James and I were there (under the guise of serving soda) and we promised not to embarrass our children... on purpose.

But when the DJ played "Thriller" it took everything in me not to run on the dance floor and bust out my moves I worked so hard on in the 10th grade! I restrained myself for the sake of my kids. Ah... the sacrifices we moms must make!

Life in Middle School - it's "Thriller" enough for this mom - even without the dancing!

Have a great weekend, friends. :-)

Trust and Obey - There's no other way...

Do you ever get a song stuck in your head? That happens to me often - but there is one song, in particular, that keeps playing loudly in my mind these days. "Trust and Obey." Do you remember this song and the Truth it calls us to act upon?

James and I are at a stage in our lives where we have been left with almost no other choice but to do just what this song says - to obey God for today, and trust Him for tomorrow.

Come to think of it, that's how we all should live every day of our lives.

I've come to the conclusion that if we really lived with obedience for today and trust for tomorrow, there would be a lot more peace in our lives - because we would hold everything more loosely. We would realize that what is a part of today, might not be a part of tomorrow - and that's OK. I am learning that the only consistent "things" in my life are the things of the Lord. What He is doing in our lives here - He can and will do anywhere.

So, my prayer for our family - and for the many of YOU who are desperately seeking, depending upon, and waiting upon the Lord is that we all will trust and obey. There really is no other way to be happy in Jesus - but to trust and obey.

I love you and am praying right now for each of you. OBEY God for today and TRUST God for tomorrow.




When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Lord, I love You... please help me to trust and obey.
Lord, I love You... please help me to trust and obey.

Then, in fellowship sweet, we will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says, we will do; where He sends, we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Lord, I love You... please help me to trust and obey.
Lord, I love You... please help me to trust and obey.
Lord, I love You... please help me to trust and obey.


Lord I love You. Please help me to trust and obey.
Jennifer

Amy's Fall Mix - a fAvOrItE of ours!!!

Since today is "Recipe Day" in the blogosphere, I'm thrilled to bring back a FAVORITE, easy recipe to share with you. It's from an old "Frappuccino Fun with Amy" post - and, btw, I'm still hoping to convince her to start writing here again soon! She has great ideas~ and this is one of her "classics". Anyone who knows Amy, knows her Fall Mix, and her giving heart.

She writes: "One of my love languages is giving. I enjoy bringing unexpected treats to un-expecting people - whether it’s my children's teachers, neighbors, or friends. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like to receive a gift “for no reason at all”. Last week, I made one of my favorite snack mixes and I’d like to share it with you, it’s always a big hit at this time of year! I like to call it – “FALL MIX”."

Amy's Fall Mix
Just mix the ingredients together in a big bowl:

1-2 Bags Candy Corn or Autumn Mix
1 Bag Indulgent Trail Mix (WalMart)
1-2 Bags M & M’s (Halloween Colors, Plain or Peanut) [Jennifer here: If I can't find those, I just pull the blue M&Ms out of the "regular" bag.]
1 Can Toffee Peanuts (Dollar General Store or DG Market)
1 Can Mix Nuts or Peanuts (Salted)
1 Box Sugar Babies

"This mix is also great because there are really no exact measurements or ingredients involved. For example, if you don’t like sugar babies, just leave them out! My only word of caution…don’t add cheerios or pretzels to this mix, they get soggy.

For around $15 you can be a blessing to many people this season! Be aware that this mix can become addictive…."

She's right about that... It's both a blessing to others and very, very addictive! :-)

This post is linked to these other wonderful blogs who all host recipe swaps on Tuesdays. Always treasures to be found in these links!

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Blessed With Grace

Happy Fall, Y'all!

A "Word" for today :-)

" 'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit'

says the Lord."

Zech. 4:6

Urged on by faith...

Where in the world has this week gone??? I never intended to take a "Coffee" break this week~ I even had several posts written in my mind...but each day, I just didn't get to everything on my list. Ever had a week like that? Nothing bad... just busy... like most everyone. :-)

You have been so wonderful to pray for us and encourage us about our our Job situation, so today, I wanted to share a little about what God is doing right now in our lives.

We have no job yet, but we've been blessed to have some interviews with some amazing churches. My husband is a Minister of Education/Administration. Nine years ago, The Lord called us out of church ministry to work at Lifeway - and now He is calling us back into church ministry.

The amazing thing about how God has worked in our hearts through this transition is that eight months ago, my husband started feeling that "pull" toward going back into church ministry. James never said anything to me about that, but had been praying about it and asking for clarity for several months. Then his job at Lifeway was deleted. How's that for clarity? :-)

When I was a young teenager, The Lord called me to be a minister's wife. I didn't understand a lot about it at the time - only that I had this desire to marry a man in the ministry and serve the Lord alongside him. Honestly, it was a hard transition for me when James went to work at Lifeway. It took me a while to "enjoy" our new place in the world. Then, I grew to LOVE it! Every once in a while, I would miss being a minister's wife, but on a whole, I was blessedly content.

The day before the job deletion, I was painting our fireplace when I "heard" or "felt" the Lord speak to my heart: "You're going to be a minister's wife again." Like an air-head, I just said something like, "OK", and kept painting - never giving it another thought. Amazingly, within 15 hours, James no longer had a job, we knew we would go back into church ministry, and I would be a minister's wife again. Looking back, we see how God was so good to prepare us ahead of time!

At this point, we're just waiting on God to show us where He wants us to join Him in His work. We feel a little like Abraham in Genesis 12:1 - where God calls Abraham to leave his home and go to a place where God would show him. We have desperately hoped that we could stay where we are, but the Lord has made it clear that we will be leaving this area. Henry Blackaby says, "You can't stay where you are and go with God." I guess this is literally true for our family.

So... yesterday, I called a realtor. Bless her heart - I didn't even get one sentence out without crying! As much as we know that God is in the midst of this process, and that He is working something wonderful and glory-bringing for Himself through us, I am still woman... hear me cry!

One of these days, when we are settled into our new place, I know we will thank God for this period of waiting on Him because we will be enjoying the results of the wait. But for now, we are choosing to trust and thank God because He is holding us and guiding us day by day.


May something similar to Hebrews 11:8 be the testimony of our family: "[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go." (emphasis, mine)

I'm working really hard on the "not trouble his mind about where he was to go" part. :-)

How about you? How is your journey with God going? I'm praying for you right now, and asking God to encourage you and strengthen you and urge you on by faith.

ttyl, friends...Much love to each of you...Jennifer

A little something sweet to enjoy with your coffee~

"O Lord of hosts,

blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied)

is the man who trusts in You

[leaning and believing on You,

committing all and confidently looking to You,

and that without fear or misgiving]!"

Psalm 84:12 (Amp)

Blessings to you on this Sunday...

"My help comes from The Lord." (Psalm 121:2)

I just wondered if someone needs to remember this today. I always do.

Love to you all...

Remembering 9-11 ~ Where were you?

My daughter’s 6th grade Social Studies class was assigned a 9-11 family project to complete this week. We were to make a scrapbook about what happened on September 11, 2001. I thought this was a great idea, and we started looking around for news magazines that would carry stories and pictures of what happened eight years ago.

But the more we looked around, the more saddened I became. Not one single news magazine (that we could find in the many stores we scoured) had anything on its cover about that horrific event that changed our nation. Not one. Instead, something about Michael Jackson was consistently the featured story.

The sadder I got, the madder I became. As a nation, we have given media outlets the impression that we would rather read about Michael Jackson than to remember the loved ones lost and the heroes who arose on and after September 11th. They assume that all of us want dirty details on “celebrities” over inspiring reminders of united patriotism. And maybe, as a nation, we do… which saddens me further.

But as we searched high and low to find information about September 11, 2001, I grew more and more thankful for this dear teacher who made the 9-11 project a requirement of her students. Through the work on this project, I remembered ~ and Abigail learned ~ the sorrow our nation experienced, as well as the surge of unity in the days that followed.

As part of the project, Abigail interviewed some family members about where they were on 9-11, how they found out, how they felt it changed our nation, and what they remembered most. Every person spoke of the turn of our nation, as a whole, back to God. Flags were flown. Churches were filled. Bibles were read. Prayer was public. And many became Christians by putting their faith in Jesus Christ. We were one nation, united, under God, indivisible, with freedom and justice for all. We promised to "Never Forget".

But we did. Within eight years. How quickly we forget.

The project was turned in today, and we will remember tomorrow. And we will pray for our nation, our leaders, our churches, and our children. We will not forget.

So I ask you: What do you remember about September 11, 2001? Did God do something good in and around your life in the midst of that tragedy? If so, PLEASE share with us. We want to give glory to God for all He has done. (Something good happened in our family out of this - my husband's father and step-mother started going to church, became Christians, and are now in Heaven instead of in hell - all as a result of 9-11. Praise God!)

Lets make this a day of remembering… not just the tragedy of 9-11, but of our God and of how NOTHING is too big or too terrible for Him to use… if we will continue to remember…and not forget.

Alan Jackson wrote a beautiful song expressing how many of us thought and felt on that day. It’s called, “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?” A video with live footage and lyrics are below.

Remembering with you…Jennifer





"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"
Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA

Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home

Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?


One other moving video I found to the song "I believe":



Bessings to each of you on this September day...

Friday vs. Monday (Except for today!)

Isn't this too true? Happy Monday off on this Labor Day...

Introducing James' blog...

Drumroll, pleaase...........My husband has a blog. He's had it for a while, but never written a post... until now... and it's a good one. When you get a chance, check it out. Uncommon Sense For Today

Hope you're having a great weekend! I'll be back soon. In the mean time, I'm going to be hanging out at BooMamas copying delicious dip recipes (see below).

DipTacular Recipes - Spinach Rotel Dip

Happy Friday, y'all!

You know how I love a good (but easy) recipe. Well, today, BooMama is hosting a "Diptacular" recipe collection - all different flavors of dips. Even the titles of these recipes are making me hungry! So if you're looking for something to brouse through this weekend that promises a delicious return, check out BooMama's Diptacular post!

I linked to my Spinach & Bacon Rotel Dip (previously posted). But in case you'd like the recipe again, here it is:

Easy Spinach Rotel Dip

1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach - thawed, drained, and chopped into small pieces
1 lb. Velveta cheese - cut into cubes
4 oz cream cheese - cut into cubes
1 can RoTel tomatoes - undrained
8 slices of bacon - cooked and crumbled (may substitute "Real Bacon" bits)

Combine in microwave bowl and heat for 5 minutes, stirring after each minute. Transfer to a small slow cooker (like the Crock Pot "Little Dipper") to keep warm. Serve with tortilla chips or crustini.

Enjoy~ and have a great weekend.

Getting a jump start on the holidays... a must read! :-)

Can you believe it's September 2nd? Where did August go???

Here in Middle Tennessee, we've had the most beautiful cool weather. It feels so much like early fall around here that I made chili the other night - the first pot of many to come during this fall and winter season. (For my recipe, look on the sidebar to the left, down a bit.)

But knowing that fall is here (or coming soon), makes me realize that in no time, we'll turn around, and the holiday season will be upon us. That thought used to send panic waves across my body. Not anymore. I've been blessed with a dear friend who has helped me change the way I prepare for gifting, and it's made a world of difference.

If you've been a long-time blog friend, you'll know that I'm talking about Amy (aka Frappuccino Fun with Amy). Last September she started writing a weekly blog post on Smelling Coffee - and we all were blessed by following her advice. (I slowed down on blogging in January, and she got really busy, so we never picked Frappuccino Fun with Amy back up. If you like what you're about to read, and want more great ideas from her - write in and let's beg her to be a part of the blog again! Shameless... I know!)

I'm linking you back to her first post from last year. In this post, she gives us A great way to get a jump start on our Christmas shopping. I promise you - it's a wonderful idea that will bring a huge peace of mind in the later months!!!

Have a blessed day, friends. And please continue to check out Bella Mella's blog for updates on how to pray for their precious son, Andrew. (Click on sidebar picture, then click on her blog title to get to the most recent update.) Love to you all... and happy EARLY holiday preparation! :-)

Confessions of a "Post-Shred"ded… wheat biscuit

I'm wondering something this morning: Are all of you who committed to do The 30 day Shred still doing it? (I know that we made our commitments back in April/May, and it's been well over 30 days... )

For me, The Shred hasn't been going so well... and I've come to a few conclusions - or confessions - whatever.

Something similar to a pile of Post Shredded wheat biscuits is what my mid section turned into post The Shred!

I started The Shred fabulously…. Or should I say, fLabulously? Committed to it every day. Was so sore I could barley walk. Even started noticing some mid-section definition taking place for the first time in my life. Was proud. Very very proud. Husband and children were proud. I was like an unstoppable train headed into this wonderful world of less jiggle at 40 than at 20!

Then one day my train hit a mountain. A mountain of excuses. (Never mind that I was actually sick ONE day…) And from that point on, I just couldn’t – no – didn’t is the better word – I just didn’t force myself back into a daily exercise routine of pain and sweat. Life got hectic and stressful and exercise didn’t hold a place of high priority. Besides, it was messing up my hair.

I shredded a bit here and there, but had no passion for it. Then to lessen my feelings of defeat… I finally pulled the DVD out of our player and put it alongside the many other exercise regimens we have on our shelves.

Although I’ve started and stopped many exercise routines, this one was different. My post-shredded body looks worse than the pre shred…

I mean… before the shred, at least my flab didn’t have definition. It never had. It was all evenly distributed… My flab and I - we didn’t know what we were missing. But Post-Shred, new muscles I never knew I had are tight underneath, and my faithful flab hangs over them in ridges – looking just like Post Shredded Wheat biscuits!

It’s affecting my wardrobe! It’s affecting my mind!

And my arms… that’s a whole ‘nuther story! I wish they looked like a Post Shredded Wheat biscuit. I wish the lumps were in my arms rather than in my mid-section! Instead, they flap as if I could take flight any minute. Pre-Shred they jiggled. Mid-Shred they were lookin’ good! Post-Shred – they fly like the wind. Jillian…Help Me!

Now, I know what some of you dear readers are thinking… I know what I would be thinking if I read this on one of your blogs… “Just start again. Get up. Get going. And start again… One day at a time. Do it today. Then tomorrow, pray for the strength and gumption and obedience to get up and do it again… and again… and again… until that FLAB turns to FAB-ulous!” Yes. That’s what I would say to you.

So I’m going to take my own advice. No condemnation. No more excuses. This “All or Nothing” girl is starting over and making a public commitment to God, myself, my family, and to you to take better care of my body. I want to do it as unto the Lord. I’m not passionate about exercise, but I am about God. So I’m combining my passion and love for the Lord with the detestable need to exercise and sweat. And I’m making myself do it!

How about you??? (Is this TMI?)

Are there any Post-Shredders out there who need to re-commit to take better care of the body God has given you? Shred, walk, whatever… just sweat… and just do it as unto the Lord who loves us so much!

And, if you are consistently exercising: A big CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU! We’d love to know how you do it, and how you feel about yourself, your body, your life… please encourage those of us who are dealing with the Post Shredded “wheat biscuits” syndrome!

:-) I'm off to exercise. Day one again... as unto the Lord! Hope each of you have a wonderful day today...

So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.1 Cor. 10:31

Sweet Sunday Scripture - He knows the way that I take...

"Behold, I go forward [and to the east],
but He is not there;
I go backward [and to the west],
but I cannot perceive Him;

On the left hand [and to the north] where He works [I seek Him],
but I cannot behold Him;
He turns Himself to the right hand [and to the south],
but I cannot see Him.

But He knows the way that I take
[He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it].

When He has tried me,
I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]."

Job 23:8-10 (Amp)

If you have ever wondered where God is in your situation - or if God has lost sight of you - be encouraged and strengthened through the Truth of His Word. You may lose sight of God and what He is doing in and around your current situations - but HE HAS NOT LOST SIGHT OF YOU!

And when He has finished working in and around and through this season of our lives - you - and I - will come forth as refined gold... pure, luminous, beautiful, shiny, and reflective of His glory!

He knows the way that you take! And He loves you sacrifically.

I love ya too! Blessings to you this Sunday...
Jennifer

Please pray for Andrew!

Friends, today, would you please join me in praying for a fellow blogging sister - Melanie of Bella Mella? Just this week, her precious 12 year old skateboarding son lost use of his arm and it was discovererd that he has a mass in his brain.

The story begins here - just this week - when one minute everything was as normal as ever and the next noticable minute - everything changed.

Today's update - written by her daughter - is posted below. Please pray for this family and check Bella Mella for updates. (Their side bar picture links directly to her blog.) Thanks so much, dear sisters (and brothers)!

After the extensive MRI today, they concluded that there are 3 leisons in his brain.

They are at an aggressive stage right now.

By Tuesday we will know what type of treatment needs to happen.

Thank you SO much for all of your prayers so far. We need to continue to be aggressive with our prayers and pleas to the Almighty.

What can you pray for?

*Andrew's healing (Oh, Lord! Please heal him quickly!)
*Peace and strength for our family
*Peace for Andrew's heart
*Wisdom for all medical staff invovled
*Favor with doctors, nurses, etc.

Ladies, my mom needs you.
We need a miracle!

"My grace is enough for you. My strength is made perfect in your weakness." God. 2 Cor 12:9

Some of us were just born this way...

This is too funny and too true!!! Some of us are just born this way... were you? Have a great Thursday, everyone!

Few words~ Big meaning!

"What you do says more about what you believe about God than what you say."

Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God.

That's all I have to say about that!

Sometimes we just have to crush ‘em

I was reading in Psalm 68 when I had one of those luminescent moments. The Psalmist (David) is talking about how the Lord gives us victory over our enemies, and how He carries our burdens day by day. (And of course, within its 35 verses, there are many other wonderful truths about the Lord).

But one thing struck me this morning that made me pause and ponder. Vs. 21 says that God shatters the heads of our enemies. I was loving that and saying things like: “Yes, Lord! You are Mighty to Save!!!”

But then I read on. Verses 22-23 say “The Lord said, I will bring back your enemies…that you may crush them…”

What?

Then it dawned on me. Sometimes the Lord tells us to stand still while He removes our enemies (2 Chron. 20). And sometimes He will allow us to fight the fight and build up spiritual muscles so that we (with His help and strength) can crush them ourselves (Exodus 17).

It made me wonder: What “enemies” are you facing today? I don’t mean people-enemies… although some of us may have a few of those too. I mean spiritual enemies – those God is calling us to fight the fight and build up our own spiritual muscles (in His strength) to crush ‘em ourselves?

I’ll start our list with those I fight every day: fear, self-focus, overindulgence, lack of discipline…My list could go on – but I’d also love to hear from you (even if you answer anonymously). Let’s pray for each other in this spiritual battle we face daily… the one within ourselves… the one where the Lord helps us, but allows us to have the privilege, strength, and pleasure of victory as we crush the enemy ourselves!

“….you belong to God, so keep away from all these evil things. Try your best to please God and to be like him. Be faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle. Fight a good fight for the faith….” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (CEV)

Blessings to you this week...
Jennifer

And the winner is... :-)

Me! Seriously... I feel like I'm the real winner in having so many precious friends in the blogosphere!!!

But as far as the bracelets are concerned...A big congratulations goes to: Jackie from Empty Nest - Full Life and Bobby Joe from Just Me~ Bobby Joe!

If both of you ladies will e-mail me your full names and home addresses, it will be my pleasure to get the bracelets out to you early next week. Jennifer.L.Walker@juno.com

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend, friends! And in the midst of it all, don't forget to .. "Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10

Love to each of you~

Last few hours of the giveaway

Hi friends~ As a public service reminder: I'll be choosing a winner from the previous post tonight before I go to bed ~ so if you haven't commented and wanted to, please do so asap. :-)

Your wonderful comments have blessed my soul! I loved reading and thanking God with you for all of the things you mentioned. Thanks for making my special day even more special. I love you.

"I thank my God at all times for you because of the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which was bestowed on you in Christ Jesus" 1 Cor. 1:4 (Amp)

Happy Friday, friends... I'll be back Saturday with the results.
Jennifer

A Birthday gift for you. :-)

Hi friends~ Today is my 41st birthday, and I have a gift for you. [And, since it's Tuesday, I also have the recipe for my favorite Birthday Treat... "Snickers Ice Cream Pie". :-)]

I'm just so thankful to the Lord for the life He has given me. Truly, I never thought I would be living in a 41 year old healthy and strong body. (If you don't know my testimony and the incredible miracle God has done in my life, you might want to check out this link. I continue to be amazed and humbled that God would heal me as He did! Praise His Holy Name!!!)

So, here is a birthday gift to you:



The bracelet has Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God" on it, and is a wonderful reminder and instruction of what we need to do~ no matter what situation we find ourselves facing. I wear mine often - especially on those days when I desperately need to obey this Truth.

It's my joy to give away TWO of these bracelets. All you have to do is leave a comment and tell all of us something YOU thankful for, and tell me if you "follow" this blog. 'Cause if you "follow" this blog and leave a comment, your name will be entered twice. :-)

I'll leave this post up and comments open until Friday, and will announce the winners on Saturday. In the mean time, I can't wait to get back around to your blogs and to catch up with YOU. I plan on doing just that while I'm eating this... yummmmmm!

Snickers Ice Cream Pie
from my dear friend Stephanie's wonderful collections of recipes

2 c. Oreo cookie crumbs (about 20 cookies, crushed)
1/2 dry-roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted
6 (2.07 oz.) Snickers bars
1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1 jar caramel sauce
1 jar hot fudge sauce

Combine first 3 ingredients; press into bottom and up sides of a 9" deep dish pie plate. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes; set aside to cool completely.

Chop candy bars into small pieces, reserving 2 Tbs. fold remaining candy along with 1/2 jar caramel and 1/2 jar hot fudge into ice cream. Spread evenly into crust.

Drizzle with 2 Tbs. caramel and 2 Tbs. hot fudge on top. sprinkle with reserved Snickers.

Freeze until firm. Cover and return to freezer. Remove from freezer 20 minutes before serving.

One more thing: I just can't let this birthday come and go without relishing in some of the memories of last year's 40th celebration. It was more than I had ever dreamed of. (Thank you Jesus, James, Stephanie, Amy, and all of my precious friends for making it so special!) I'll probably be reading the recap, and looking at the pictures often today.

Thanks for celebrating with me! Have a wonderful week, my friends. I'll see you around the blogosphere while having a mouth full of Snickers Pie! :-)

PSS: For more delicious and creative recipe ideas, hop on over to Tasty Tuesday (Balancing Beauty and Bedlam) and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday (Blessed with Grace).

Sweet Sunday Scripture~ Ouch!!!

"...but no man can tame the tongue.
It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With it we bless our Lord and Father,
and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness.

Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing.
My brothers, these things should not be this way."

James 3:8-10

These "stepping-on-my-toes-verses" are from our Sunday School lesson this morning. Ouch! and, Holy Spirit~ Please help me in this area!!!

Blessings to each of you on this Lord's day... Jennifer

Want to see what we've been up to?

Can I just tell you how wonderful you are??? Your encouraging comments and prayers have truly, truly blessed me. Thank you for being a part of this journey we're traveling. I love you and always pray for you as I read your comments. :-)

I can't believe that it's already the middle of August! We've had a great transition back into the school routine, and spent lots of time with football, friends, and spray paint. :-)

1st day of school... 2009. Look at what a difference a year makes!

(1st day of school 2008)



Football...

Friends...

And, spray painting

These are the drawer pulls from our bathrooms. We had planned on investing in new ones, when we painted the bathrooms, but in trying to stretch our dollars, we decided to use what we have. So, I put the method of "Prayer and Spray Paint" to work.

I sprayed a flat black coat to act as a primer. Then I sponged on a black/brown acrylic paint.

When the paint dried, I added a clear sealant.

Then, viola~ the old is once again made new.

We are putting the finishing touches on getting our house cleaned out and ready to sell if that's what needs to happen. Frappuccino Fun with Amy came over on Thursday and helped me put a few decorations back on the walls. (She even brought some beautiful things from her house for us to use until we know what we will be doing.)

I'm praying for a few specific lamp shades, some large chunky candles, a few neutral valances, and a few iron-type candle holders to complete the look. It will be fun to watch how and where and how amazingly inexpensively the Lord provides these things...

When everything is in place, I'll post some before and after pictures. Even if we don't sell our house right now, I know we'll enjoy it being "edited" and feeling more spacious.

Have a great weekend, my friends... My mom is coming for a week long visit, and I'm looking forward to enjoying a finished clean house, days with no painting, and to celebrating fourty-one-derful years of living this life! :-) Much love to each one of you. ttfn...
Jennifer

Meltdowns and a Recipe

I had a little melt down the other day. It’s only been my second one since the shock of not having a job wore off. And both meltdowns happened in the midst of doing my Experiencing God study.

Want to hear about them? I’m sure you’re just dying to do so… I mean… who wants to hear about one woman’s emotional breakdowns when you could click somewhere else and get an easy dinner recipe??? Tell ya what~ If you stick with this (or even scroll past it), they’ll be a good recipe at the bottom of this post too. A “two for one” kind of deal. :-)


My first bout of tears came over the Unit 4 day 2 lesson about worshipping God. Just the day before, we had to read through a list of names, titles, and descriptions of God and check those that describe God in ways we have personally experienced Him. Out of a list of 42 particular names, I marked 38 of them. As I was marking them, I realized that the only reason I knew God in these intimate ways was because I had been in quite a few difficult places of need.

As I had been desperate for Him, He revealed Himself uniquely faithful in the details of every difficulty, and I grew to know Him by experience - and not only by theory. Oh, how I love Him for that!

The next day as I was worshipping Him for who I have graciously experienced God to be, I broke down in tears – knowing that before this present difficulty was over, I would know Him in even deeper ways. That’s the blessing that comes from the pain – the beauty from the ashes.

I cried, though, because I didn’t WANT to go through the pain to get to the blessing. I’d rather not! I’d rather stay right here, where I’m comfortable, and have a nice life while knowing and enjoying Him in 38 ways. Make sense?

But as I sat before the Lord on that day, calling out those names I KNOW Him to be, He helped me come back to the place of trusting Him through the pain of uncertainty. And He gave me joy and a great expectancy about what is to come. I wiped my eyes, and moved on with a renewed sense of hope in Him for our future.

The most recent meltdown, however, was much more selfish. The "Experiencing God" lesson was about God’s purposes and plans, and I found myself throwing an all-out-spoiled-brat-tantrum! “I want… I don’t want… I… I… I… boo hoo… boo hoo… waaaaaaaaaah!” (At this point, you have my permission to just skip to the recipe!)

He so lovingly convicted me of how I have said I’m willing to accept His plans for our family, but in the back of my mind, I’ve had my own lovely scenario worked out, and have been hoping things will turn out all nice and rosy like the way I’ve planned.

He reminded me of the story of the dime store pearl necklace a little girl loved. She had worked to earn the money to buy it, and wore it all the time. One night before bed, her father asked her, “Do you love me?” She replied, “You know I do, Daddy!” Then he said, “Give me your pearl necklace.”

The little girl couldn’t do it. Instead, she offered to give her dad a favorite toy. Her sweet daddy gently told her, “No, honey. That’s OK. I sure do love you.” This scene went on for many nights

Weeks later, when the father went upstairs to put his daughter to bed, he found her crying. When he asked her about it, she put something in his hand and simply said, “I love you, Daddy.” It was her beloved pearl necklace.

Her father scooped her up into one of those soft, yet strong, bear hugs that daddies do best. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a real pearl necklace, and placed it around her neck. She couldn’t believe it! She had loved her daddy enough to give him the necklace with peeling plastic pearls. He loved her more – and replaced what she considered to be her “best” with a necklace whose beauty would last forever.

In tears, I drew a pearl necklace on a piece of paper and labeled each pearl with what I think is “best”. Then I gave it to my Daddy.

He drew me up into one of those soft, yet strong, bear hugs that daddies do best. And one of these days, when His purposes and plans for this time of trusting & waiting in our lives has been fulfilled, He’ll place around my neck a garland of praise, whose beauty will last forever.

Thank you, Daddy, for loving me enough to patiently wait for me to hand over my” necklace” to you. I love you.

And thank YOU for listening. :-) The Doctor is OUT. Now for that recipe I promised:


Stromboli Sandwich Rolls (or as in my house: Aunt Melissa's Sandwich Rolls - a favorite for an EASY dinner or lunch)

1 tube french bread dough

1/2 lb deli turkey or ham

6 green onions, sliced

8 bacon strips, cooked & crumbled

1 1/2 cups swiss or cheddar cheese

Unroll dough on a greased baking sheet. Place meat over dough to within 1/2 inch of edges. Sprinkle evenly with onions, bacon, and cheese. Roll into a "log". Pinch seams and tuck ends under. Place seam side down on baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cut several 1/4 inch slits in the log. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

These days, our son could eat a whole one of these, so I make two, and serve it with lots of salad or pasta salad.

Thanks, Aunt Melissa! :-)

House of Grace Tea

Over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, Jennifer posted a new idea for enjoying water~ in making your own fruit water. It looked so refreshing that I'm definitely going to try it. As I was looking at her decorative water, it made me remember a delicious iced tea recipe that I used to make - House of Grace Tea. It was my "signature tea" before I fell in love with Lemonade Almond Tea.

I forget where the name came from, but as I was growing up, this tea was a part of many special gatherings. It was served at my bride's maid luncheon, and reminds me of my mom and her friends.

House of Grace Tea is southern sweet, and compliments anything, but especially salads and brunch foods. It's also one of those refreshing "sip on the front porch swing" kind of drinks.

So the next time you host a luncheon, or when you want to treat your family or friends to something special and sweet, give this tea a try. Hope you enjoy...

House of Grace Tea

6 Tbs. instant Tea
2 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup white grape juice
1/2 cup "Real Lemon"

In a gallon jug, mix tea & sugar. Add enough hot water to dissolve. Add grape juice and lemon. Add enough water to make one gallon.

This is best if made ahead of time and chilled in refrigerator.

PS: Just found another wonderful site with lots of Tuesday recipes~ Blessed with Grace (Tempt My Tummy Tuesday). Have a great day, friends...
picture courtesy of i.ehow.com

God's plans for our TODAYS

I was going through some documents on my computer recently and came across this letter that I wrote to a dear (young) sister in Christ - way back in 2002 - because she was fretting over the thought that her life (as she desired it to be) had not "started" yet. As I was reading this, I became convicted of occasionally giving in to the temptation to struggle with this same thing from time to time - even now that I'm officially in my 40s.

The Lord led me to post this today, so I'm trusting that He will use it to speak gently to someone who will read it. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and speak to you through these words...

For some time as I have prayed for you, I have prayed that God would reveal the truth to you that you were living for some "big" thing God will do with your future, and missing out on the "big" thing He is doing with your "today".

I recognized that in you only because I see it in myself, and I remember what it felt like to be in my 20s without any inkling of what God wanted to do "with my life" (husband, children, ministry - the three things He had called me to at the age of 13). Then one day, He revealed to me that HE was the "big" thing that He wanted to do in my life. To KNOW HIM more intimately and deeply, and to learn about Him as my Friend. Not so I could progress to the realization of the dreams He had givenme - but just because He wanted me to love Him and live with Him right where He had me for that very day.

He showed me that every day was His plan - not just the days my future. When I began living like that, He made my joy in Him so full and complete that I could honestly say that all of those other "future" goals and dreams didn't matter any more in comparison to the exciting "ride" of living each day to the fullest through Him.

From time to time, I look at the "future" and wonder how He will fulfill the calls He has placed on my life. And, gently He reminds me to take my eyes off of the future and place them on Him - TODAY, and what He has asked me to join Him in doing with this day.

Where He has placed you right now is where He needs you - for your good, which is His glory in and through your life. If you will pull your eyes and heart off of everything else that distracts you from His desire for you TODAY, you will start to see that Today is his "big" plan for you. As you walk in obedience to Him, letting Him guide your every move, He will open your eyes to the gift He has given you in this day, and you will realize that this day lived to the fullest in Jesus, is worth far more than any hopes and dreams, no matter how noble they may be.

I will continue praying for you about this. You are so precious, and I think the Lord has wonderful plans for you TODAY. It is a joy to watch Him work out His ways and will in your life. I love you.
In Jesus' joy,
Jennifer
1 Thes. 5:16-18

Just prayed for YOU

Hi friends~ I was adding a scripture tag to my blog and saw your beautiful faces on my side follower area and went through each one praying for you. Thank you for following Smelling Coffee, and for your friendship and encouragement. You truly are a gift to me.

Our children are back to school and we're painting trim in our house getting it finished and ready to put on the market if God so chooses. The Lord has opened a few doors for James' job, but we are still waiting on His direction and timing. In the mean time, the Lord is daily reminding us of His faithfulness and care over every detail of our lives. He is so good to all of us!

I'm so behind on each of your blogs, and can't wait for the opportunity to sit down and soak up all that He is doing in your lives. I pray that you are seeking and finding Him to be your Everything! Because that's just Who He is!

"The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 (Amp)

Much love to each of you... Jennifer

Kindergarten and Baby Moses

Do you know anyone who is sending a precious baby off to Kindergarten this year? Maybe it’s you and your baby. Whether it’s the first or last child in the family, sending a little one to kindergarten is a huge and somewhat fearful experience. It’s been 6 and 7 years since my babies started going to school, but I well remember those thoughts and feelings of that first kindergarten year.

The Lord gave me a gift the summer before Nathan started school. God had called us to place our children in public school. I thought for sure that I would homeschool, but that was not God's plan for my family. Even though we knew God called us to public school, my heart was still heavy with concern over “letting go.”

One day I was studying in Exodus and came upon the passage about baby Moses and his mother. Through that passage, The Lord brought me great rest and peace about what He had called us to do.

If God has called you to send your baby to school this year, I pray that He’ll use His Words to guide you in your prayers for your child, and bring you peace as you trust Him in your obedience. This is what He gave to me so many years ago – and it’s still a comforting truth for me as each school year begins.

My children, Baby Moses,
and the Public School System
Exodus 2:2-10 (God’s Words are in bold, my prayer response is in italics.)

2) And the women became pregnant and bore a son; and when she saw that he was exceedingly beautiful she hid him for three months.
She kept her child to herself because she saw the beauty in him, and knew that the “world” would neither see nor nurture her precious child.

“O Jesus, you know how much I love my children, and how I want the very best for them. They are beautiful not only to me, but also to You. You have blessed me beyond my ability to describe when you allowed me to stay at home and “hide” my children these early years of their lives. Thank you, Jesus.”

3) And when she could no longer hide him
In other words, it was time for him to go to Kindergarten... (or middle school, high school, or college...)

“Lord, the time to put ‘faith into action’ is at hand. You have called my family to public school, and we can no longer ‘hide’ from it. Just less than two more weeks…Help us, dear Jesus, to trust You.”

she took for him an ark or basket made of bulrushes or papyrus,
She built a basket of protection for him with great care.

“Jesus, you have led me to build that basket every day as I love and invest in my children. Thank You that You have helped me build this basket with Scripture prayers for them, time, patience, play, laughter, Godly teachings, acceptance, and joy in my children. Because of You, my son’s basket is almost ready. Thank you!”

making it watertight by daubing it with bitumen and pitch
She made the basket “watertight” where no outside element could easily harm him.

“O Jesus, because of Your love and training of me, You have graciously allowed me to train and love and build healthy self esteem, based on the teachings of Your Word, in my children. Please help them to be ‘watertight’ and ‘insulated’ from the worldly influences trying to seep into their hearts and lives. Please call them to know you at an early age and to be ‘sealed’ by the redemption of Your blood.”

Then she put the child in it
With her heart wrenching, she placed her son in the basket, making him secure in the surroundings she had built for him, trusting that she had done all she could for him.

“Jesus, you know how my heart wrenches when I realize that now is the time to place my son in this basket we have built together. Please help me to believe – I mean REALLY BELIEVE- Your Word that promises You will “never leave, nor forsake” my baby. I am placing him in the basket with You, and covering him with a blanket of prayer.”

and laid it among the rushes (reeds) by the brink of the Nile river.
The reeds: Webster defines “reeds” as the grass stems growing at the edge of the river, and/or “a person or thing too weak to rely on; one easily swayed or overcome.” She placed her cherished child in the midst of, at best, a weak support system.

The brink: The beginning – in my case, Kindergarten. (now, it's middle school)

The river: The public school system influenced heavily by the currents of the “world”.

“I lay my precious child at your feet, surrounded by the ‘reeds, brink, and river’. Thank You that You are going with him, before him, behind him, between him, and through him in this new era of his life. Thank You for the deep peace, joy, and great expectations that this knowledge brings to my wrenching heart!”

4) And his sister stood some distance away to learn what would be done to him.

“Lord, please give me ‘sisters’ in You to watch out for and over my children in every one of their schools.”

5) Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, and her maidens walked along the bank;
Pharoah’s daughter and maidens: The teachers and assistants at the school.
she saw the ark among the rushes and sent her maid to fetch it.
She saw the basket and rescued it.

“O Jesus, please help my children’s teachers to see the treasure-filled baskets we have placed in the river. Please help them to be drawn to those baskets, seek them out and rescue them.”

6) When she opened it, she saw the child; and behold, the baby cried. And she took pity on him and said, this is one of the Hebrew’s children!

“Jesus, help the teachers to really see our children, their personalities, their strengths, weaknesses and needs. Help them to hear the individual cries of our children, take sweet pity on them, and to realize how valuable they are to You, to us, and to Your work in this world."

7) Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call a nurse of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?
8) Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the girl went and called the child’s mother.
9) Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Take this child away and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages. So the woman took the child and nursed it.
The mother is given an unexpected opportunity to have additional influence on her child’s life.

“Lord Jesus, please help me to see and obediently take every additional opportunity You give me to ‘nurse’ my children. Jesus, please help me with my priorities. Please show me the way that I should go (Ex. 33:13), and help me to walk in it. Please help me not to get ‘side-tracked’ and miss the ‘best’ by being distracted with the ‘good’. Please help my focus to be off of me and onto You and Your best for our lives. Please help me to remember that time spent investing in my children’s lives is a ‘gift’ of great ‘wages’ or value”.

10) And the child grew,

“You know the plans You have for my children. Plans to prosper them and not harm them. Plans to give them a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11) Jesus, I know now that my children will grow through this, and they will be O.K. They will be even better than “O.K.” - they will be victorious! (PTL!!!) They will have been where You instructed us to place them – insulated by us, and protected by Your hands upon their lives. It will all be for their good, and for Your glory (Rom. 8:28). For You and for the remembrance of Your Name – this is our heartfelt desire! (Isaiah 26:8)"

and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son.

“Jesus, I realize that a day will come when we will be asked to release our children to stronger ‘waters’ than elementary school. But when that day comes, Lord, I trust that You will help us to be ready. O Please help our children not to become ‘sons’ of the world, but of You.”

And she called him Moses, for she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

“Lord Jesus, please help our children’s lives to be significant for You, because of Your instructions to us to place them at this tender age into the ‘water’. Please help them to be known by Your name because YOU have drawn them out of the water and called them Your own. A men.”


God used Moses’ life in mighty ways, and did things through him that He did through no one else. I want God to use my children this way – their lives lived to His power and glory. Baby Moses, my children, public kindergarten, and God's faithfulness ~ What a Trustworthy God we serve! :-)

I'm praying for all of you who are sending children off to school this month.

“And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:13
“And when they had done everything according to the Law of the Lord…the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:39-40

(This is dedicated to my sister, Rebecca, as she sends off her precious Hannah Grace to kindergarten this year. I love you both!)

Sweet Sunday Scripture: I love love love this!

For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield;

the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor

and [future] glory
(honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)!

No good thing will He withhold

from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts,

blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied)

is the man who trusts in You

[leaning and believing on You, committing all

and confidently looking to You,

and that without fear or misgiving]!
Psalm 84:11-12 (Amp)

What a promise to cling to! Happy Lord's Day, friends. Love to each of you... :-)

Goodbye, Lazy Summer Days... I will miss you terribly!

I can hardly believe it, but summer, as we know it, is over this week. We take our children to school for a partial day this Wednesday, and school officially begins this coming Monday!

It's been such a short summer for everyone around here this year. We have a modified year-round system, and will be loving it in October when we get two weeks off. But right now, it just seems too early to go back to school.

It's been a good, but busy summer. We have crammed a lot into a little bit of time. And, we've had a few of those "lazy days", but I want more!!! Waaaaaaaaaah!!! :-)

Time is moving us so quickly through this stage of our lives. 6 & 7: That's how many years our children will be at home with us. I've probably said it before, and will certainly say it again - but I want to make the most of these years at home with Nathan and Abigail. It seems like just a few years ago that we were taking our oldest to kindergarten. Now our youngest is in middle school...

I'm asking the Lord to help me prioritize my focus and my time so I can invest in what is most important. Seems like I'm always asking Him this. He shows me the way to do it, I do it for a while, then I stop. How I pray to obey Him consistently this time...

As we are waiting for the Lord to reveal His next steps for our lives, we are seeking to make the most of every moment right where we are. I'm thankful that God has shaken up "our world" a bit - it's caused us to intentionally set our focus on Him and to appreciate each day as it comes.

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil."

Making the very most of the time - buying up each opportunity... that's what I'm going to be doing for the rest of the week... and I hope, for the rest of my life. I don't want us to miss a thing God has for us. Do you?

If I don't post for the rest of the week, now you'll know what I'm doing... buying up each opportunity to soak in these last days of our summer break.

I'll catch up with you soon. In the mean time, I pray that you're soaking in the days the Lord has given to you, too.

With lots of love to you~ Jennifer

Sweet Sunday Scripture: A convicting Word

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

So true, friends. And such a daily battle... but so very well worth it!
Love to you all...

"You ain't gonna see that crosstitched on a pillow!" This is funny!!!

This is one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time. My son, Nathan, wanted me to watch it with him, and we laughed out loud over and over about this one. If you need a good laugh - check this out. :-)





Have a great weekend, everyone. We're having our first "birthday slumber party" tonight... oh sleep, how I will miss thee. :-)

Fudge Crinkles - easiest recipe ever!

Need a quick and delicious chocolate fix? Try these Fudge Crinkles. They're such a favorite that I always keep the ingredients in stock. And, they're so easy that even children can make them.

Fudge Crinkles

1 box Devil's Food cake mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1-2 cups chocolate chips
powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients except powdered sugar. Roll cookies into walnut sized balls, then roll in powdered sugar. Place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350. Cool 1 minute, then remove to a cooling rack. (Or enjoy them warm and gooey!)

PS: This picture is from Betty Crocker. I love the idea of the Hershey Kiss put on top - the more chocolate, the merrier. :-)

Enjoy!

How can we doubt Him?

Look at this:


Last week I got a call from a sweet friend that I hardly run into anymore, saying she wanted to bring us something. And this is what she brought!

I'm still shaking my head in amazement over it! She said that she felt the Lord leading her to share with us from their abundance. Amazingly - and just like the Lord does it - the bags of groceries were full of our favorites - and things that we use everyday!!!

But the most amazing part of this story is that my friend's husband has been out of a job for months.

They have been cutting back, couponing, and living with their focus set on trusting the Lord for provisions - and they shared with us from the overflow of what He has faithfully provided for them.

Our cubbards are certainly not bare at this point. And if we had "needed" something like honey barbeque sauce, we would have purchased some (hopefully with a coupon - but surely without it breaking us at this point.) And that's just the beauty of what the Lord has done through this friend.

We weren't yet at a place of "need" - but our Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) blessed us beyond our point of need. Before our point of need. And He/they even included a candle that says "With God all things are possible" and my very favorite cereal - Quaker Oat Squares - in the mix!

Once again, God is reminding us to trust Him - and that He will take care of us. Not because we are so full of faith. He will take care of us because He is so Faith Full!

Thank you, Kim and family! God has used you in a mighty way in our lives. Thank you for your obedience and faith as you shared with us while depending on God to provide for you!

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT)

Update on Patrick - Your prayers are a blessing!

I just returned from visiting Amy and Patrick in the hospital and am excited to report that today, Patrick is a different child! He actually ate something and kept it down, and feels so much better. They hope to come home sometime on Monday.

Thank you for your prayers, friends. Please keep praying. :-)
good night...

Sweet Sunday Scripture: No temptation has overtaken you!

Dear friends, may you be encouraged through God's Word today.

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin),
[no matter how it comes or where it leads]
has overtaken you and laid hold on you
that is not common to man

[that is, no temptation or trial has come to you
that is beyond human resistance
and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience,
and such as man can bear].

But God is faithful
[to His Word and to His compassionate nature],
and He [can be trusted]
not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed
beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure,

but with the temptation
He will [always] also provide the way out
(the means of escape to a landing place),
that you may be capable and strong and powerful
to bear up under it patiently.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (Amplified)

A quick prayer request

Do you remember our friend, Frappuccino Fun with Amy? (If not, you'll get lots of her good ideas by reading the "Frappuccino Fun" posts linked on the sidebar.)


Anyway, right now, Amy is at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital with her 16 year old son, Patrick, who has just been diagnosed with pancreatitis. I know Amy and her family would covet your prayers - and I know that you'll be faithful to lift them up to the Lord.

Thanks, friends! I love you so much! I'll let you know how Patrick is doing along the way.

That's all I'm sayin' for now...

Warning: if you are a family member, this might be TMI! Read at your own risk and please please don't reply! :-)

For everyone else out there who wonders what I'm talking about, click on my blogging friend Heidi's post from Moms, Ministry, and More. She has a blog post written about James and me today on her blog. It is also posted on a wonderful new blog called Adding Zest To Your Nest.

Let me know if you're up for the challenge in your own marriage. And that's all I'm sayin' for now...at least here on Smelling Coffee. One of these days, I'm going to be a guest writer on the Zest blog. I'll let you know.

A blessed weekend to you from one seeking to be an Engedi. :-)

The Extraordinary Ordinary!

Aren't these lovely pictures?

On the surface, they seem to be just "ordinary" pieces of artwork. But if you take a closer look, you'll find something extraordinary in each one.

In the first picture, there is a couple in love. The second one features a man's face. The third one is of a baby, and in the fourth one, there are 10 faces. (Can you find all ten?)

Those artists are amazing arent' they? Each picture brings glory to its creator as we see and appreciate the intricate detailing of the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Just like these works of art, there is beauty, mystery, and an extraordinary design in every one of us - put there by our Creator - who is anything but ordinary.

However, many of us often fall prey to excuses like, "I'm just a quiet background kind of person" or "I'm not like _____" or "I don't have anything to give"... and we think that God can't use us like He uses some who are more verbal or talented or "out there" kind of people. We could be no further from the truth.

In Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby teaches: "The people you generally see in the Scriptures were ordinary. Their relationships with God and the activity of God made them extraordinary... Anyone who takes the time to enter an intimate relationship with God can see Him do extraordinary things through his or her life..."

Are you an ordinary person who wants to be used by God for extraordinary works? Don't try to go out and do extraordinary things! Instead, focus on seeking and getting to know God in a deep love relationship, studying and obeying His Word, and yield yourself to Him. The result is that He will do the extraordinary through you - in His timing and in His way that will be best for all involved.

Then, when others take a deeper look at your life - they will see the beauty and the incredible detailed plan of an Extraordinary Creator, and He will be mightily glorified through you!

"The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him." Henry Varley

A men! Love to you extraordinary ordinaries. :-)

The littlest thing that is HUGE!

I have to tell you the sweetest thing the Lord did for us this weekend!!! As most of you know, my husband's job was deleted, and this Wednesday is his last day of work. (We still don't know what plans the Lord has for us - we just know that He has some, and they are good, and He will be glorified through them and through us as we trust and obey Him in our wait. Thank you so much for your prayers. We're so grateful for them!!!)

Anyway... On Saturday, I was washing clothes and our 17 year old washing machine stopped right in the middle of a load of towels. We had been praying for it's life extension for some time, but on Saturday, we had to lay it to rest. But because of an "extra" provision from the Lord, we were able to get a new washing machine, and we're so thankful for how God worked it all out.

That, in itself, is a good enough story - we had a need, and the Lord graciously worked out a way to provide for us. But that's a big thing. And everybody knows that He takes care of big things. I happen to think that it's when we see Him do the little things that He shows Himself mighty and brings Himself the most unusual glory.

James was driving home with the washer in the back of the truck when he noticed something was flapping in the wind. When he got to a place where he could, he pulled to the side of the road to fix it. That's when the Lord did something so little, but so amazingly HUGE!

Something shiny on the side of the road caught James' eye. A Nissan Frontier truck wheel cap. If that doesn't sound big to you - let me tell you more. Our Jeep died this spring and we were really bummed at squeezing an unexpected car payment in the budget. But we did, and The Lord graciously provided James with a 2002 Nissan Frontier truck. The bumper needs some work, and get this: it was missing ONE WHEEL CAP!

My sweet husband is a content man - and spending money replacing a wheel cap on his truck was just not on his radar. But the Lord knew the need - as little and unconcerning and ornamental as it was - and in the most unexpected way, He provided for that "need" in a way that only He could have orchestrated. How I praise Him!

The real gift of the wheel cap was not the wheel cap itself - but the fact that it was a beautiful reminder of how God is well aware of our every need - and He WILL take care of you and me. In the big things, the medium things - and even in the small, ornamental things of life - He will provide what is good for each of us and what will bring Him glory in, through, and around our lives.

Isn't that just like the Lord?

So, to our Faithful God be the Glory for a Nissan Frontier wheel cap - and for the truth that He is taking care of your and my every need!

Lord, "Please, let me (us) see Your glory!" (Ex. 33:18)

Blessings to you today, my friends...
Jennifer

Sweet Sunday Scripture ~ "Do not worry"

Matthew 6:25-34 New Living Translation (This is a Word we are clinging to - knowing that God is completely aware of all of our needs - ours, and yours too!!!) Blessed Lord's day everyone...

25) “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

26) Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

27) Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28) And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, (29) yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

30) And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31) So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’

32) These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

33) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34) So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

What'cha doin?

Happy Saturday, friends... I was just thinking about you and how very far behind I am on catching up with everyone's posts. Hope to do that tonight, and am looking forward to it.

I just remembered how to add a few more people I'm following to my side bar. Their blogs have blessed me, and I'm sure they'll bless you, too. ;-)

We're hanging out at home today working around the house and yard. What are you doing today? Whatever it is, I pray that in the midst of it, you can savor the "sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ in every place." (2 Cor. 2:14). Love to each of you...

Smelling Coffee turned ONE this week. :-)

It's been so busy around here that I didn't realize until I went to bed last night that I missed the 1st Birthday of Smelling Coffee! I've been a blogger for a year and two days now - and have loved every minute of it. :-)

I love having a place to journal and share life and pictures and all God is doing. And I love how I've made new friends along the way - friends from all over the world!

In reflecting on this past year, though, I realize that having a blog is like having a plant. It does need care and attention to thrive and grow. Too much time without any attention makes it wither and lose its vitality. And too much attention can be unhealthy for everyone.

Early in my blogging career (ha ha) I read a post via Rocks in My Dryer "Works for Me Wednesdays" about how not to let blogging take over living - and that's so true. It's taken a while, but I think I'm finally finding a balance of what works for this blogging season of life.

It certainly has been an amazingly full year - and I'm so glad to have much of it journaled here on Smelling Coffee. It's been a blessing to walk through these days with you! The Lord has improved me through you, your blogs, your ideas, your devotions, and your comments here on Smelling Coffee.

Just for fun, I went back over the lists of my posts and pulled out a few that I consider to be "favorites." (And in doing that, I found my Lemon cookie recipe that I couldn't find for this week's Tasty Tuesday. Funny thing - it was written on July 8, 2008 - exactly one year ago from this weeks Tasty Tuesday's post!)

Very first post

Favorite :-) Post - Attitude is Everything

Favorite "tip" Post - Dressing Like the Lilies (The key to Staying "fashionably current")

Favorite "Word" post from the early blog-year - An Expectant Wait (This re-blessed me as I read it again today!)

Favorite early post when I had no readers (smile) - Why Does This Keep Happening to My Hot Dog?

All-Time Favorite post - I am Now a Leaping Cow!

Thanks, friends, for being a part of this past year. I look forward to all the Lord has in store for the next.. and I'm hoping part of what He has plans includes a super blog redesign one of these days! :-) Blessings to each of you...

With much love,
Jennifer

Lemon Cookies & a Treasure from the Word

Hi friends~ You have been such a blessing to me and to my family through your comments and your prayers for us as we seek and wait upon the Lord. What a gift you are to all of us!!!



I know I posted this last year, but for the life of me, I can't find it on my own blog! So, I'll re-post, because THIS IS TRULY THE BEST LEMON COOKIE EVER! I made some a few weeks ago and can't wait to make them again.

Cake Mix Lemon Cookies

1 box Lemon Supreme Cake mix

1/3 cup shortening

1/3 cup butter (or marg.), softened

1 egg

Mix all ingredients for 2 minutes. Roll in balls and place on cookie sheet. I press the balls out with the sugar coated bottom of a drinking glass. (The colored decorator sugar looks even prettier.)

Bake at 375 for 9-12 minutes, until they are light brown around the edges. Let cool and enjoy. (Sometimes I frost them with lemon frosting... yumm!)

For more easy and delicious recipes, pop over to "Tasty Tuesdays" at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam. There's always something special in those lists of recipes.


Thanks, again, for being a part of what God is doing in our lives. We have been very aware of His presence this past week, and we know that He will take care of us. I want to share with you a special treasure the Lord gave me in my time with Him. What a mighty and faithful God we serve!



"For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts, blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts in You [leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, and that without fear or misgiving]!" Psalm 84:11-12

"Sun... Shield...Present grace and favor...future glory" - What a treasure! Trusting in Him "...without fear or misgiving" - What a goal and prayer for today and everyday!

Love and Our Lord's peace to each of you...
Jennifer

Joy comes in the morning... and in the mourning.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

This past October, when we took our first family vacation to the beach, I think I took as many pictures of the sunrises and sunsets as I did my children! They were incredibly beautiful and screamed of the glory of the Lord.

My favorite thing about the sunrise was that right behind the sun, the sky was still dark. In one glance, we could see night and day meeting. And as the sun continued to inch its way up the horizon, the sky gradually lightened until the darkness was completely out of sight and out of mind. A brand new day stretched out before us - full of hope and of things only the Lord would know about until He revealed them to us as the day unfolded.

Last weekend, life got a little dark - full of shadows of uncertainty and fear. But God... God has used His Word stored in our hearts, read in our Bibles, and sent through YOU - dear readers and friends - to strengthen us and keep our faces upturned to Him. And we have joy. In the midst of mourning a loss and a change, praise God... we have His peace and joy.

Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for sending me encouragement through your comments and e-mails. I'm printing and saving these words from you because they/you are a part of this chapter God is writing in our lives.

Kim of Seasons of My Heart sent me something I want to share with you. She saw it on the blog, Peace for the Journey. May they bless you as they did Kim, and as they did me.

"I had a thought during my devotional time this morning. A quick word for some good friends who, perhaps like me, need a reminder about our “down the road’s.”

We are prone to them, are we not? To our looking down the road, planning our down the road, worrying about our down the road, all the while missing out on the present moments given to us by a gracious God who offers them for our reverent celebration.

We fore go the pleasure and peace of a current moment because we allow the heaviness of a down the road future to claim our thoughts, and therefore, shackle our capacity to live in the simplicity of a single pause.

This one. Not in the ones to come somewhere, sometime down the road, but the moment we hold in our hands right now.

Do we have enough faith for this kind of living? A faith that is content to live gradually rather than having to see the end before it arrives?

How different would our journeys walk if we could take hold of this one truth and embed it into our way of “doing” life?

Not that we don’t plan and prepare with our futures in mind, but rather that we engage each new step with the understanding that our Jesus is our down the road Companion. He goes before us, he comes behind us. He walks beside us. He lives within us. We cannot help but be surrounded by his matchless and unfathomable grace as we go.

We can refuse it. We can close our eyes to his abiding and ever-present comfort and go it alone, trusting in our own feeble attempts at having life make sense. But in doing so, we miss the momentary peace that enables us to live worry-free and in complete trust of a future we cannot see.

I know. My heart writes from a place of understanding. My down the road’s have been all-consuming as of late, denying me the privilege of a moment by moment, peaceful rest.


I can live in a moment, friends. I’m not sure I can handle the holy “rest of them” in a single breath, but I have a down the road Jesus who can. He stands before me this day and asks for my trust. For my complete gaze on his willing sacrifice that enables me to live in a moment and then to move on to the next.

When I place the cross before me, it blocks my vision from the unfolding of events that lie ahead of me. It covers them all and shadows me with a sacred perspective that shouts victory and triumph at every turn.

Jesus is the Way. He is our down the road. He is the pleasure and Peace of our every moment.

Live in those moments this day, and let Jesus be your more than enough to see you through to tomorrow. "


"You make the places where morning and evening have birth to shout for joy." Psalm 65:8 (Amp)