But Mary

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

What are the things that Mary pondered in her heart?

Can you imagine? What a whirlwind the past months had been for this precious young girl named Mary. The angel Gabriel, sent by God, had appeared to Mary, proclaiming, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" Mary was a virgin, betrothed to Joseph, of the house of David.

The Bible tells us that Mary was troubled when she was the angel, and that she "considered what manner of greeting this was." (Luke 1:29) But the angel told Mary not to be afraid, because she had found favor with God. Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive in her womb and "bring forth a Son and call His name JESUS." Gabriel told Mary the following about Jesus:

• He will be great,
• and will be called the Son of the Highest;
• and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
• And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever,
• And of His kingdom there will be no end.

Can you think for a moment what it would have been like for Mary at that moment? Can you imagine what it must have been like to be told by an angel that your son would reign over the house of Jacob forever? And that the Lord God would give Him the throne of His father David?

Gabriel told Mary, "For with God nothing will be impossible." Mary's response was both simple and profound, reflecting the quiet obedience of her heart, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

Fastforward to the evening of the birth of our Lord Jesus. Joseph and Mary had traveled 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for a census. This journey would have taken about three days, and Mary was just about to give birth. "So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for the in the inn." (2:6-7)

I enjoy the Christmas episode of Peanuts because this passage of Scripture is read.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (2:8-12)

It was just like the angel had said. Mary had given birth to her firstborn Son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger.

The shepherds had traveled to Bethlehem. They came and saw Mary, Joseph and the Babe lying in a manger. It was just as the angel had said.

These are some of the things that Mary pondered in her heart that night some 2,000 years ago, in a stable, in the town of Bethlehem. What sweet thoughts. Oh, how sweet Mary's rest must have been that night. What a blessed contrast -- the shepherds glorifying and praising God, and Mary pondering these things in her heart. Rest well, and ponder the things the Lord has done for you.

For so He gives His beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2

The True Vine, part 3

Bearing Much Fruit

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

These are the words of our Lord. In my Bible, they are written in red. Jesus loves us, and promises that the result of abiding in him is bearing much fruit. Consider these words from Andrew Murray:

Have you ever noticed the difference in the Christian life between work and fruit? A machine can do work; only life can bear fruit. A law can compel work: only love can spontaneously bring forth fruit. Work implies effort and labor; the essential idea of fruit is that it is the silent, natural, restful produce of our inner life.

The gardener . . . can do nothing to produce the apple. The tree bears its own fruit. So in the Christian life: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace." The healthy life bears much fruit. . .

He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." The gardener cares for one thing -- the strength and healthy life of his tree; the fruit follows of itself. If you would bear fruit, see that the inner life is perfectly right, that your relation to Christ Jesus is clear and close. Begin each day with Him in the morning, to know in truth that you are abiding in Him and He in you. 1

1 The True Vine, by Andrew Murray, published by Moody Press, 1997, pp.46-47

Early in the morning

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:39

Do you ever feel pressed for time? Sometimes I do. Sometimes it seems there are meals to plan, packages to wrap, floors to clean and bills to pay -- and that everything needs to be done now.

Jesus preached to crowds, healed the sick, and ministered to people who were possessed by demons. Rest is important. The Bible says that the LORD gives sleep to his beloved. But Jesus' remedy was more than rest. When the demands of the world were great, Jesus arose the next morning long before daylight. He went to a quiet place and prayed there. I don't think Jesus had an alarm clock.

I like this note in my study bible:

The tense of the verb prayed indicates a continued action, not just a brief moment. Jesus'prayer life was successful because it was planned, private, and prolonged. He got up early enough, got far enough away, and stayed at it long enough.

1 Nelson's NKJV Study Bible, publlished by Nelson Bibles, a division of Nelson Publishers, 1997, p. 1641

Be Still, My Heart

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

"This is just what you needed," Glen leaned over and whispered in my ear. We were seated in the auditorium for the Stafford High School Winter Concert -- an annual amalgamation of jazz, wind ensemble, strings and choral performances. Christian performed as a drummer for he jazz band. It is my habit to bring along reading and knitting projects to this two and a half hour event, but last night I left everything at home on purpose.

Glen was right. I needed to sit still. It did my mind a lot of good to let my hands rest and listen to the music. I also had the opportunity to visit with a dear friend. I have been serving as a substitute teacher almost every day. After school I have been shopping and cooking and and shopping more. Ladies, if you are managing your home and family well and working a full time job as well, my hat is off to you. I work to help Glen provide for us financially. And, he helps me right back, graciously doing most of the laundry for our family. Thank you, sweetheart. I have given up trying to do everything at home myself, and accepted Glen's kindness.

At the concert I had second thoughts about my knitting as I observed another lady busy at work on a beautiful knitting project. But I personally found more joy last night in walking in empty-handed, sitting still, and not dividing my attention between the music and my handwork. I'll share my favorite moment of the evening with you -- besides the sheer joy of seeing my son perform as an accomplished drummer -- here was this highlight: With all the young ladies in long gowns and the young genlemen wearing tuxes, the choral groups circled the audience, and as the wind ensemble played, they sang these words, the second verse to Joy to the Word.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove,
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders and wonders of His love.

What a great and awesome God we serve!

Family Bible Reading, December 17

Plalm 115

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.
Why should he Gentiles say,
"So where is their God?"

But our God is in heaven;
He does whatever He pleases.
Their idols are silver and gold,
The work of men's hands.
They have mouths, but they do not speak;
Eyes they have, but they do not see;
They have ears, but they do not hear;
Noses they have, but they do not smell;
They have hands, but they do not handle;
Feet they have, but they do not walk;
Nor do they mutter through their throat.
Those who make them are like them;
So is everyone who trusts them.

O Israel, trust in the LORD;
He is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD;
He is their help and their shield.
You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD;
He is their help and their shield.
The LORD has been mindful of us;
He will bless us;
He will bless the house of Israel;
He will bless the house of Aaron.
He will bless those who fear the LORD,
Both small and great.

May the LORD give you increase more and more,
You and your children.
May you be blessed by he LORD,
Who make heaven and earth.

The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's
But the earth He has given to the children of men.
The dead do not praise the LORD,
Nor any who go down into silence.
But we will bless the LORD
From this time forth and forevermore.

Praise the LORD!

Tonigh's Menu -- Turkey Tetrazzini

Tonight's dinner menu:

Turkey Tetrazzini, Corn, Easiest rolls with garlic, salad

Turkey Tetrazzini

8 oz. noodles (spaghetti noodles or other noodles), cooked and drained

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour (I use self rising -- result is "fluffier")

1 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

pepper to taste

2 heaping tablespoons sour cream

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

2 to 3 cups cooked turkey, cut in small, bite-size pieces

Melt butter in skillet. Add flour; cook just until light brown. Add broth and milk, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and half of Parmesan cheese. Mix together noodles, cheddar cheese and turkey. Combine with saucy mixture. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Recipe notes: Everybody liked this, even though it is a "casserole." When my sons were young I rarely served casseroles. My family preferred food items separate, so that is the way I cooked. But this dish went over pretty well, and it is a good way to use "planned over" turkey from Thanksgiving. Glen says it needs more moisture, so I will probably increase the broth to 2 cups and the milk to 1 1/2 cups. Then, if it is too thin, I may add a little more flour.

Make a Joyful Noise

Today I am thankful to be treated to an absolute smorgasborg of soups prepared by the kind ladies of the PTA at the elementary school where I am serving as a substitute teacher. So far, I have sampled salmon chowder, pumpkin coconut bisque and chili. What a wonderful treat! Kudos to the ladies who prepared the soup!

Another bonus is that today I am substituting for the music teacher. I substitute for all grades, kindergarten through 12th grade. I have learned to be be a cheerful manager in just about any classroom, but, I must confess, the music room here at this elementary school is one of my favorite classrooms. Today we have enjoyed the sounds of sleigh bells, drummers drumming, and music from The Nutcracker Suite. I am looking forward to helping students play the autoharp this afternoon.

One of my favorite things about this classroom is the poster on the back wall. There is a large picture of a trumpet, a music score in the background, and the beautiful words, "Make a joyful noise."

Blueberries, Last Harvest

Blueberries on the vine.
Blueberries ready for preserves, or freezing.
Blueberries, late summer harvest.

Blueberries, Bees and Digital Photography

This is what happens if we don't pick the blueberries soon enough.

The True Vine, Part 2

We grow raspberry vines and blueberry bushes, so we have learned a few things about pruning. Actually, I have learned a few things about pruning. Glen seems to just naturally know how to prune shrubs and bushes so that they grow well. We had to do a little research to grow raspberries. Each year, raspberries grow on the vines that grew the previous year. To keep the plants healthy, it is best to remove all the branches once they have borne fruit. So, each spring, the plant is doing two important things: it is growing fruit on the branches it grew last year; and it is growing new vines to bear next year's fruit

Glen prunes the blueberry bushes. He wants them to grow thick and not to tall so they will produce a lot of fruit (and so we can reach the berries:0). It reminds me of the words we used to sing at AWANA, "He prunes back the branches when the branches get too high."

Andrew Murray has this to say about pruning in The True Vine:

Consider a moment what this pruning or cleansing is. It is not the removal of weeds or thorns or anything from outside that may hinder the growth. No, it is the cutting off of the long shoots of the previous year, the removal of something that comes from within, that has been produced by the life of the vine itself. It is the removal of something that is a proof of the vigor of life. The more vigorous the growth has been, the greater the need for pruning. It is the honest, healthy wood of the vine that has to be cut away. And why? Because it would consume too much of the sap to fill all the long shoots of last year's growth: The sap must be saved up and used for fruit alone. . .

What a solemn, precious lesson! It is not to sin only that the cleansing of he Husbandman here refers. It is to our own religious activity, as it is developed in he very act of bearing fruit. It is this that must be cut down and cleansed away. We must, in working for God, use our natural gifts of wisdom, or eloquence, or influence, or zeal. And yet they are ever in danger of being unduly developed, and then trusted in. And so, after each season of ourselves, to the consciousness of the helplessness and the danger of all that is of man, to feel that we are nothing. All that is to be left of us is just enough to receive the power of the life-giving sap of the Holy Spirit.

What is of man must be reduced to its very lowest measure. All that is inconsistent with entire devotion to Christ's service must be removed. . . This is the true circumcision of the heart, the circumcision of Christ. This is the true crucifixion with Christ, bearing about the dying of the lord Jesus in the body. (1)

1 The Ture Vine, by Andrew Murray, published by Moody Press, Chicago, 1997, pages 27-28

What a comfort these words are to me! The raspberry bush has done just what it was designed to do in growing vines and bearing fruit. And yet, the raspberry bush is healthiest when the old growth is cut off after it has borne fruit.

Dear friend, be comforted. As Murray points out, the Husbandman prunes so that the vine may bear much fruit. The Husbandman tenderly and gently cuts off the old growth so that the plant may be healthy and produce much fruit. Be encouraged in the Father's tender love and care for you.

Waterfall in Maui

"I Have Inscribed You on the Palms of My Hands"

God Knows My Name

Years ago, our pastor in Charlotte, Dr. Joe Brown, asked us to do a simple task at the beginning of his sermon. He asked us to take out a pen -- a pencil wouldn't do, it must be a pen. He asked us to borrow a pen if we didn't have one. Then he gave us a simple instruction -- write your name on the palm of your hand.

He began his sermon. The part of of the sermon that I remember to this day -- the part that made an impression on my heart -- is when he shared this verse: "Behold I have inscribed you on the palm of my hand." (Isaiah 49:16) Pastor Brown read this verse, and called our attention to the palms of our hands where we had written our names. God knows my name. He has it written on the palm of his hand. What a precious truth.

Ponder these words from Isaiah. What mom can't be moved in her heart as she reads these compassionate words. God's love for us is so great.

Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:15-16

Handle Accurately the Word of Truth

I was 44 years old before I seriously considered an important task. I had never read through the whole Bible. When I was a teen, Mama gave me a copy of The Way, (youth version of the Living Bible paraphrase) and in January I would begin to read it through in a year. But it seems I always got bogged down, probably somewhere in Deuteronomy or Leviticus. I have much more appreciation for the beautiful details in these books now, but as a teen, I think this is where I stopped.

Why is it important to read the whole Bible? The Bible says we are to handle accurately, or to rightly divide the word of truth. (See 2 Tim 2:15.) Christian and I once visited the Federal Bureau of Printing and Engraving. One of the things that I have always remembered is a method that is used to teach federal agents how to identify counterfeit money -- handling the real thing. Agents touched, handled and examined real money so much that when the counterfeit came along, they could tell the difference. Just as federal agents can learn to identify counterfeit money by handling real money, we can learn to identify false doctrine by handling accurately the word of truth. When we hear, read and handle the Word of God, it is easier for us to recognize something that is not the Word of God.

In my 44th year, I began to read and reread the Bible. I love this book, and I have come to understand that I just won't fully understand all of the wonderful words it contains until Jesus comes. Nevertheless, having read and reread God's Word, I am more familiar with its contents.

When Glen and I lived in Charlotte, NC, Neal Hopper, a wise teacher would hold up the Bible each Sunday morning and say, "See, this is our standard. Don't take my word for it. When you hear something, hold it up to the Bible and see if it matches up." This has proved to be good advice that Glen has repeated to me over and over again over the years.

The Bible says in I John 2:19, "They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would have no doubt continued with us: but they went out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not all of us."

John MacArthur puts it like this:

Scripture clearly affirms that God is truth, that God speaks truth, and that God cannot lie. Scripture also affirms that Satan is a liar and the father of lies. He is in the business of deceiving people. God reveals Himself as truth and Satan is revealed as its antithesis. That particular dichotomy pervades every area of the universe. There is conflict between the holy angels and unholy demons. There is conflict on earth between the truth of God and the lies of Satan.

The people of God have always been plagued with false doctrine. They have endured the invasion of false prophets and teachers throughout the ages. Satan attempts to confuse the world by drowning it in a sea of deceit. It was Satan's misrepresentation of the truth to Eve that plunged the human race into sin (Gen. 3:1-6). The steady stream of false teaching has been so cumulative that is is wider and deeper now than it has ever been. False teaching about God, Christ, the Bible, and spiritual reality is pandemic. The father of lies works overtime to destroy the saving, sanctifying truth God has given to us in His Word. The effects of false teaching have been devastating and damning. That's why the Bible calls them destructive heresies (2 Pet. 2:1). I believe that as we get closer to the coming of Christ, these deceptions, lies and misrepresentations will increase. (1)

1 Avoiding Spiritual Counterfeiters, The Danger of False Teaching, by John MacArthur, posted at the Bible Bulliten Board, www.biblebb.com

It's Official . . . The Freezer is Full

Glen came to me a few days ago and said, "I have an important announcement. The outside freezer is full. The inside freezer is full. Don't buy any more frozen food." It is true. The outside freezer is so full that I had to take out the extra loaf of bread I keep on hand. I have become an avid coupon clipper, and, most recently taking advantage of triple coupon days at Shopper's Food Warehouse and Bloom. With coupons, the vegetables were 50 cents, 33 cents, or free. The Red Baron panini were a real splurge for me at about 1.00 each (3.50 less 75 cent coupon tripled -- I had five coupons.) They will come in handy one night when we are hungry and pressed to find something quick to prepare for dinner. Beneath the packaged foods visible in the photo are two boxes filled with individual slices of pumpkin, apple and blueberry crumb pie, all ready to be popped in the oven and topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Uncle Dick brought the pies from a local bakery on Long Island for Thanksgiving. Thanks again:) At the bottom of the freezer are several gallons of frozen blueberries, safely stored until I make blueberry preserves. But that is a story for another day. For the present time, we are eating from our freezer. This week we have enjoyed split pea soup made with a ham bone I stored away, frozen shrimp, and salmon I purchased mid-summer. What a blessing!

Split Pea Soup in Crock Pot

We are trying to use up food we have stored in the freezer, so I made this soup for supper this evening. I have been looking for a good recipe for pea soup, and I think this one is great.

Split Pea Soup

16 ounces of dried, split peas, washed and sorted
1 meaty ham bone
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon "better than boullion" chicken boullion, or other chicken boullion paste or powder
5 cups boiling water
1 cup milk, heated

Place peas, ham bone, carrots, onion, salt and pepper in crock pot. Add boullion to boiling water. Cook on high, four to five hours. Add milk just before serving.

Our dinner was "You Pick Two" (or three), choice of Taco Soup, Split Pea Soup, Calzone, Grilled sandwich, Caesar Salad.

The True Vine

I am reading The True Vine, by Andrew Murray. I am about half way through this little book. Its words have simple clarity, profound meaning, and a resonance deep within my heart. John 15:5, "I am the vine, and ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, he same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing," is a familiar verse to me. And I have at times thought, when I have faced an especially difficult situation, that maybe Jesus wants to use me to minister to someone else facing a similar difficulty. But Andrew Murray's words provide fresh meaning to me, communicating in certain terms the Father as the husbandman and Jesus as the vine. Just as Jesus said, "The Son can do nothing of himself," (John 5:19), I must have absolute dependence on and perfect confidence in Jesus Christ my Saviour.

Take time to ponder Murray's words:

A vine must have a husbandman to plan and watch over it, to receive and rejoice in its fruit. Jesus says: "My Father is the husbandman." Jesus was "the vine of God's planting.: All He was and did, He owed to the Father; in all things He only sought the Father's will and glory. He had become man to show us what a creature ought to be to its Creator. He took our place, and the spirit of His life before the Father was ever what He seeks to make ours: "Of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: (Romans 11:36). He became the true Vine, that we might be true branches. Both in regard to Christ and ourselves the words teach us the two lessons of absolute dependence and perfect confidence. (1)

(1) The True Vine, by Andrew Murray, published by Moody Press, Chicago, 1997, page 14

Black Sandy Beach at Hana State Park, Hawaii

Fredericksburg, Virginia, 30 degrees
Hana, Hawaii, 65 degrees

When I think of the beauiful places I have been privileged to visit, I think of this Bible verse:

But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Cor 2:9

Send the Light

Speak to one another in songs and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Ephesians 5:19

In worship this evening, we edified one another with the words from the hymn "Send the Light."

Send the Light

There's a call comes ringing o're the restless wave, "Send the light! Send the light!"
There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save, Send the light! Send the light!

Send the light, the blessed gospel light;
Let shine from shore to shore.
Send the light, the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine forever more

I love you

A few more items from Bloom

I picked up a few more groceries at Bloom today, as they are tripling coupons. Here are some things I was able to get free, or nearly free, with coupons.

Betty Crocker potatoes (mashed potatoes in pouch), 1.00 on sale, with 35 cent coupon tripled = free
Hormel sliced pepperoni (for pizza) 2.99 on sale, 55 cent coupon tripled = 1.35
Campbells Spaghetios, 75 cents, 40 cents off two coupon tripled = 30 cents for two
Karo syrup (I use to make peanut brittle) 2.19 on sale, 40 cent coupon tripled = 99 cents
Little Debbie muffins, 2.39, 75 cent coupon (from recent All You magazine) tripled = 14 cents
Hunts snack pack pudding, 1.00, 75 cent off two coupon tripled = free

I usually purchase extra copies of the Sunday newspaper for the coupons, so I was able to buy multiples of these items.

First Flakes

Tonight we saw some of the first snowflakes of the season in Fredericksburg. It snowed just enough to cover everything with a thin crust of white. I made cookies, and went outside to play in the snow. Actually the first snowflakes I saw this season were during recess as I was working as a subsitute teacher an a local elementary school. Can you imagine? Snowflakes . . . recess . . . and kindergartners . . . God is good, and life is fun. A little boy asked me, "Who made the snow?" I loved the pensive grin on his face as I answered, "God."

This is the Day

I enjoy buying eggs at Aldi. Last year I watched the price of eggs at Aldi climb right along with the price of gasoline, from 69 cents to 99 cents to 1.39 to 1.99. As soon as gasoline prices began to plumet, the price of eggs at Aldi fell, too. Last week they had returned to the low price of 64 cents a dozen, so I bought 6 dozen. I especially enjoy opening the package, where Psalm 118:24 greets me: This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Sugar has also returned to a low price of 1.05, so I bought 5 five pound bags. Sugar had also doubled in price in recent months. The neat thing about stocking up when prices are low is that when prices temporarily rise, you won't have to buy as much at the higher price. I only had to buy 1 or 2 bags of sugar at the temporarily inflated price before sugar fell to a more reasonable price.

Triple Coupons at Bloom

It seems that every retailer wants you to spend your money in his store. Bloom is tripling coupons this weekend, up to 99 cents, limit of 20 coupons.

Here are a few items I was able to bring home free, or at a very good price:

Argo corn starch, on sale for 1.39 on sale, less 45 cent coupon (11-2 Smart Source) tripled = free
Veg all steamed veg., frozen, .99 on sale, less 55 cent coupon (11-9 Smart Source) tripled = free
Muir Glen pizza sauce 2.29, less 75 cent coupon (9-28 or 10-26 Smart Source) tripled = 0.04
Fresh Express salad kits, 2.50 on sale, less 75 cent coupon (recent insert) tripled = 0.25
Sobe Life Water on sale for 1.25, less 40 cent (found at CVS) coupon tripled = 0.05
Betty Crocker chocolate chunk cookie mix, 1.66 on sale, less 40 cent coupon = 0.46
Carnation Evaporated milk, 99 cents on sale, .50 off 2 coupon, tripled = 50 cents for 2

When I purchased salad kits, two store coupons printed -- one free Perdue short cuts chicken, and one for $2 off. They were on sale for 2.50, so for 50 cents more, I also brought home 2 packages of Purdue short cuts chicken. These will be good for Christian and I to pack for lunch, or for a quick meal at home.

Check your coupon section. Coupon amounts vary by region. Look for 75 cent coupons that will double to 2.25.

The Joy of Giving

Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

Our local CVS store has collected items for local senior citizens. This provided a great opportunity for customers to purchase a gift at CVS to be sent along to a local senior citizen.

Matchless Grace

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:19 

Wonderful Grace of Jesus

Verse 1:
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Chorus:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient grace for even me;
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus,
Praise His Name!

Words and Music by Haldor Lillenas, 1885–1959

God my Saviour

Mary, the mother of our Lord, while she was expecting, went into the hill country, into a city of Juda, to visit her cousin Elisabeth. The Bible tells us that upon hearing the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in Mary's womb, and that Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. (see Luke 2:41) Elisabeth then offered words of blessing to Mary, including these words, "And blessed is she that believed: for there be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord." (verse 42)

Mary's response is well known. She replied, "My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (v. 46, 47) Mary rejoiced in God, and she referred to God as "my Saviour." It's funny how we can read the same passage of Scripture over and over, and then we can read it again and learn something new. Pastor Reid pointed out at Bible study tonight that Mary believed the Old Testament Scriptures about the Messiah. He said that Mary understood that the little baby that she carried would be her Saviour.

What a precious truth. I just never thought about it like that before. Packed in these familiar words, "my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" is the sure testimony of a woman who found favor with God. (Luke 1:30) Mary knew the Old Testament Scriptures, and she took God at his word. The Bible says that Abraham believed, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. And, Job said, "I know my Redeemer lives." Mary trusted God's Word. Knowing that her little baby would be her Saviour, Mary's spirit rejoiced, and her soul magnified the Lord.

Better is One Day in Your Courts

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.. Psalm 84:10

We spent the day in the courtroom at the Stafford County Courthouse today. Glen Jr. gave testimony, and Glen and I were there as parents, observers and supporters. I couldn't help but to think about the words to the song, "Better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere."

I love the words of the Bible. One thing that I love about the words in the Bible is their relevance. Thousands of years ago men inspired by he Holy Spirit to pen the words we know today as the Bible used ordinary objects and concepts to communicate eternal truth. "Put on the helmet of salvation," we read in the apostle Paul's epistle to the Ephesians. The helmet was used then as it is now times of warfare to protect the head from a fatal blow. Motorcycle and bicycle riders wear helmets. In the Bible we also read about garments, bread and water. In the Psalms we read about courts, shelters and feasts. These things are as relevant to us today as when they were written.

Here are my reflections from today that I will share with you:

All Stand
As the judge is about to enter the courtroom, the bailiff announces, "All stand," and everyone stands up. One day every knee will bow in worship to Jesus Christ our Lord and King. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:10-11)

The Judge
We have a Judge, a righteous Judge, Jesus Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God the Father.

The Lawyer, the Advocate
Jesus is also our advocate. Advocate is a legal term. It means to plead one's case. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (I John 2:1) The Bible tells us that Satan is the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10.) But as Satan accuses us, we have an advocate with the Father. The Lord Jesus is pleading our case before the Father. And, the Holy Spirit is interceding for us "with groanings which cannot be uttered." (see Romans 8:27). What a marvelous defense!

Oh, how I marvel and the great love that our Lord has for me.

Free This Week at Rite-Aid

I picked up these things at Rite Aid today. After coupons and store rebates, I will only pay the tax. You can pick up these things free, too. In order to get all three items free, you will need a copy of this past Sunday's newspaper.

4.99 Philips ear buds with hard case (sale price)
5.00 surge pro 6 outlet power strip (sale price)
9.00 gillette fusion razor (sale price)

-4.00 coupon, gillette fusion razor, November 30 proctor & gamble insert

14.99 subtotal
.95 tax
15.94 total

I will get back 14.99 from Rite Aid, single check rebates so, when all is said and done, I will just pay the 95 cents tax.

These items also count toward Rite Aid's gift of savings rebate: spend 25 get 5, spend 50 get 10, spend 100 get 20 back. So it's really like getting an additional 20% back, after everything is free.

What's For Dinner? Beef Stroganoff

Tonight's Menu: Beef Stroganoff, Noodles, Green Beans, Homemade Rolls

Last night I prepared Beef Stroganoff to cook in the crock pot today. (I made the preparations last night because I work as a substitute teacher, and I wanted to be prepared if a school called this morning.)

Beef Stroganoff

1/2 cup flour (I use self rising)
garlic powder to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
pepper to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
salt, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
round steak, about 2 lbs.
water, about 1 cup
about 1/4 cup chopped onion, or dried minced onions (about 2 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder or 1 cube (I use one heaping teaspoon of "better than bouillon")
about 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
sour cream, about 1/2 cup

Combine flour, garlic power, pepper, and salt. Cut meat into thin strips, about 1 inch wide. Toss to coat with flour and spices. Place in crock pot. Combine water, onion, bouillon and W. sauce. Pour over meat. Cook on high 3 to 3 1/2 4 hours, or, high 6 to 7 hours. Just before serving, add sour cream and heat for about 10 or 15 minutes.

Serve over noodles.

Recipe notes: If preparing in advance, toss with flour just before you turn on the crock pot, then add the liquid. That way, it will brown nicely in the crock pot. Most stroganoff recipes call for mushrooms. I leave them out because I am the only one in my household that enjoys them. If you want to add mushrooms, add with the sour cream.

In Troubled Times, Words of Comfort and Hope

Over the weekend, after 60 hours, terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India ended a the Taj Mahal hotel and the Jewish center in Mumbai, India. 195 were dead, and as many as 300 were feared to be dead. Reports indicated the plan was to kill 5,000 people. In Bangkok, Thailand, about 100,000 travelers were stranded as anti-government protesters shut down the airport. As many as eleven ships were believed to be held by pirates off the coast of Somalia. On the home front, police are using video tape to determine who trampled to death a Wal-mart worker in Valley Stream, on Long Island, New York. And several earthquakes had rattled central Arkansas.

Where are we to turn in tumultuous times? We are to run straight into the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We are to put our trust in the Word of God.

The apostle Paul wrote to Thessalonian believers at a time when hey were facing a number of problems. He wrote to them about living pure lives, loving each other and working with their hands. Paul did not want his brothers and sisters to sorrow over their loved one who had died with their faith in the Lord secure. Others, who had no hope, sorrowed.

Paul has given us specific words to use in comforting one another. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thes. 14-17)

Promise

This is one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. Glen and I wintessed this rainbow on our trip to Maui in March of 2007, following our day trip, "The Road to Hana." Hana is the last undeveloped tropical rain forest on the island of Maui. We saw black sand, waves crashing on volcanic rocks, and the most beautiful waterfalls inaginable. It had just poured rain, and I had commented, "You know, I would really like to see a rainbow." I turned around, looked out the window, and witnessed this manifestation of God's handiwork. Every time I see a rainbow, I am reminded of God's faithfulness. "And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you end every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth." (Gen. 9:12-16)

Deliver Us Form Evil

"Doorbusters," Literally

The unthinkable has happened. AWal-mart employee, a maintenance worker hired from a temporary agency, was trampled to death by a stampede as a crowd of 2,000 customers broke the door and rushed into the Wal-mart at Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island, New York when the store opened at 5 a.m. yesterday. Customers waited in line in the pre-dawn hours for the likes of a 50 inch plasma hdtv for $798, a compact upright vacuum cleaner for $28, and a 10.2 megapixel digital camera for $69. Four other persons, including a 28 year old pregnant woman, were taken to the hospital. Hours later, at a Toys R Us store in Palm Desert, California, two men took out guns and shot and killed each other after the two women they were with broke out into a brawl near the cash registers. This incident is reportedly not related to black Friday sales.

Have you ever been pressed in a crowd? I have. I didn't feel that I was in any danger, but my friends thought I was, and they pulled me to safety. It was 23 years ago this weekend. I was pregnant with Glen Jr., about 6 weeks away from my due date. We were living in Southampton on Long Island, NY. I had ventured into New York City with two friends to see the tree lighting at Macy's. We waited a long time to see the tree lit, quietly chatting and enjoying the ice skating. We could see the tree. Minutes before the tree was to be lit, people started pressing in from behind us. They were not able to see the tree from where they were standing. My friends saw a way out for me. I didn't want to cause us to miss seeing the tree lighting, but there was no arguing with them. The crowd was not angry, just beginning to press in. But my friends could see the potential for harm to come to my precious unborn child. When the crowd began to press in, my friends thought quickly and led me out of the crowd while there was a way of escape. Thank you, Patti and Marsha!

Friends, God promises us a way of escape! There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I Cor. 10:13

Jesus taught his followers to pray, "Deliver us from evil," and "Thy will be done." The apostle Paul recognized that this present world is evil. In his greeting to the Galatian Christians, he spoke of grace and peace, which come from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for my sins, that He might deliver me from this present evil world, according to God's will.

When darkness crowds our day, we find our steadfast confidence in God's Word. This is the victory -- that Jesus gave himself that he might deliver us from this present evil world.

Will you pray with me that God will comfort the families of the men who died in these incidents? Pray with me that even through tragedy, people will be drawn to Him.

Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Gal. 1:3-5

Taco Soup

I enjoy soup of any variety, but especially soup that my family likes, too.

I recently made this soup for a friend who had surgery. Mama set the example for me by taking soup to friends and family in times of illness or need. Why, I wondered in you youth, would Mama go to visit someone with a jar of homemade vegetable soup and cornbread? Now I understand that in times of illness or grief, nothing satisfies like a warm bowl of soup.

Taco Soup

3/4 pound ground beef
1/2 of an onion, chopped
1/2 of a green pepper, chopped
1 14.5 oz. can of tomatoes with green chilies
1 14.5 oz. can creamed or whole kernel corn
1 14.5 oz. can black beans
2 small cans of tomato sauce, or 1 large
1/2 packet of taco seasoning, more or less according to your taste
2 cans water (use cans from vegetables)

fritos
sour cream
grated cheese

Brown ground beef with onion and green pepper. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, turn down heat, simmer. Or, put all ingredients in crock pot and cook all day.

Serve with fritos, sour cream and grated cheese.

Here is the sweet note I received from my friend:
Dear Lisa and Glen,
Thank you for dinner. It was very good, and the cheesecake is wonderful! Samantha is still enjoying it! You are good friends, and I appreciate your kindness. Becky

I am thankful . . .

I thank my God for every remembrance of you.

I am thankful that God is faithful and true, that he knows my heart, and that he provides everything that I need.

I am thankful for Mama and Daddy who taught me about Jesus, took me to church before I could walk, and knew when to tell me no with wisdom and courage.

I am thankful for my husband Glen who loves me, protects and provides for me, and drives long hours so he can be home with his family at night.

I am thankful for my three sons, Glen, Will and Christian who love the Lord, work hard at all they do, and take care of me. Glen greets me with a charming grin. Will takes the time to ask me what I have been doing. And, Christian drives me to Chick Filet for breakfast on early mornings when I am a substitute teacher at a high school. Thank you, all.

I am thankful for my sister Rhonda who listens to me, laughs with me, and loves me no matter what.

I am thankful for Grandparents who instilled in me at an early age the love of the Lord, the warmth of family, and the joy of working with our hands. I am thankful for warm fellowship with aunts and uncles, brother and sister in laws, cousins, nieces and nephews -- all who love me, share their hearts and homes with me, and gather with me for special family times.

I am thankful for friends who persevere with me, pray with me, and seek to follow our Lord with willing hearts.

I am thankful for the Bible. The Bible lights my path, teaches me about the love that Jesus has for me, and helps me to understand my own heart.

I am thankful for church fellowship, friends who seek to learn God's Word, and a pastor who faithfully teaches and preaches the Bible.

I am thankful for the southern hospitality.

I am thankful for November sunsets, the sound of the waves at Ocean Isle, and the first snowflakes of this season, shared with kindergartners at recess.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannon be hid. Matthew 5:14

Thanksgiving Eve

"His truth endureth to all generations."

It is Thanksgiving Eve. Family and friends are arriving around 5 p.m. tomorrow for dinner. Glen, Will and Christian are all home. We are preparing turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, creamed onions (Will's favorite), creamed corn and macaroni and cheese. Friends and family are bringing sweet potatoes, fresh cranberries, green bean casserole, homemade rolls and pies. Glen will grill the turkey again this year, using his special recipe of herbs and spices and citrus fruit. This is delicious, and a great help, since it leaves the oven free for other duties. Christian has volunteered to do the next biggest job in the kitchen -- preparing the mashed potatoes, following the Bulloss family recipe. (Thank you, Christian!) So, with all the help I am receiving, I am following Glen's suggestion to rest and relax tonight instead of beginning the cooking.

I am meditating on the words of the 100th Psalm, which I find appropriate for this season, "Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." I have so much to be thankful for. As I picked up the last ingredients from the grocery store for our Thanksgiving meal, I just marveled at the beautiful sunset, the handiwork of our Lord and Creator. I paid $1.59 for a gallon of gasoline, $1.05 for five pounds of sugar, and 64 cents for a dozen eggs. Just a few short months ago I paid twice or more for all three. Tomorrow I plan to spend a wonderful evening with family and friends, so I am very thankful for an abundance of food and fellowship.

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Sweet Tea, Please

In the South, making iced tea is a time honored tradition. Southerners know the secrets to making really good iced tea, and that is good thing as August days in the South are hot and sultry. We have a new method for brewing sweet the in our home. Tea bags are first placed in the tea pitcher, held in place by a clip. Water is boiled in a whistling tea kettle, and then poured over the tea bags. Next, we add three scoops of sugar, stir and leave the spoon in the pitcher. The spoon in the pitcher is a signal to other family members that sugar has been added, lest the tea be sweetened twice or not at all. Additional water is boiled and poured in to fill the pitcher. Boiling water adds oxygen to the water, releasing the flavor of the tea, but, it is the steeping process -- leaving the tea bags in the hot water for a few minutes -- that really saturates the water with the flavor of tea.

Just as water becomes saturated with the flavor of the tea, our lives can be steeped in the Word of God. "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Col. 3:16) Everyone is steeped in something. If we are not steeped in God's Word through bible reading, study and memorization, and through the hearing of God's Word, then we can easily be steeped in the empty philosophy of our culture.

Enjoy a glass of iced tea. Practice hospitality and share it with a friend. And, be steeped in the Word of God.

Willows by Watercourses

And he shall be like a tree
planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3