He Lives!
(Recipe: Key Lime Cheesecake)

I heard a powerful sermon this morning regarding Passion Week. A vivid reminder of what our Lord went through – for us. I waw reminded that Jesus was human, just like you and me. He got tired. He got hungry. He laughed. He cried. And when it came to the brutal treatment he received before his burial, he felt pain. The question was asked, “Would I be willing to endure what Jesus did? How would I survive all the humiliation that Jesus went through? Could I undergo all the pain?” When I stop to think about it, the answer is most definitely “no”. Yet, Jesus did. Because of His great love for ME, Jesus endured it all.

As hard as Passion Week was for Jesus, I’m so thankful Sunday morning brought new life, new hope, and a new message! Jesus is alive!! And because He lives, I can live too.

My favorite Easter verse is found in Matthew 28:6 – “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.”

One of my all-time favorite Easter hymns is “He Lives”. We don’t sing it much anymore, but I still get goose bumps when I hear it sung. We serve a LIVING Savior. Jesus is not dead. He is not still on the cross. He is not still buried. HE IS ALIVE! Hallelujah!

Perhaps you are familiar with this old song, “He Lives”. If you are, then sing these words in your heart. If you are not, meditate on the meaning of these words.

He Lives

I serve a risen Savior; He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
and just the time I need Him He’s always near.

Chorus:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,
and tho my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thru all the stormy blast;
the day of His appearing will come at last.

Chorus:

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
none other is so loving, so good and kind.

Chorus:

The question I must ask you is this, “Does Jesus live within your heart today? Do you know your sins have been forgiven? Are you trusting in what he did for you at Calvary for your salvation, and not your own good works?” I pray Jesus is real to you today. Romans 10:13 reminds us that, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Call on Jesus today.

HAPPY EASTER!


Key Lime Cheesecake

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 eggs
1 tablespoon grated lime zest
2/3 cup key lime juice

Combine cookie or graham cracker crumbs with butter or margarine. Press into bottom and partially up sides of 9 inch springform pan. Refrigerate.

In a large bowl, beat with an electric mixer the cream cheese, sugar, lime peel, and cornstarch until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, blending just until smooth. Add key lime juice with mixer on low. Finish mixing by hand. Do not overbeat, or cake will crack during baking. Pour batter into prepared crust.

Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until set. To minimize cracking, place a shallow pan half full of hot water on lower rack during baking.

Turn oven off, and let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes with the door open at least 4 inches. Remove from oven. Refrigerate cake overnight, and up to three days.

My Shepherd
(Recipe: Apple Walnut Bundt Cake)

I have several friends who are going through a difficult time in their lives at the moment. My heart hurts for them. Because I am the kind of person who wants to “fix” everything, I want to fix things for them, only I can’t. Only God can do this. I have heard them say to me, “Where is God?” “Why is he allowing all of this?” I don’t have a complete answer for their questions, but I can offer them (and you) encouragement from God’s Word. Especially from verses found in Psalm 23. These were recently brought to my attention, and they spoke volumes to me. Hopefully they speak to you as well.

Psalm 23:2 says – “He leads me beside quiet waters….” One thing about Jesus, He always LEADS. He takes the plunge first. He travels the road (rocky or smooth) ahead of us. He checks out the journey. I NEVER go where he has not been before. No matter what difficulty I face – Jesus has already been down that road – and he says to me, “Just let me lead. You will be fine.”

Psalm 23:6 says – “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me….” Jesus brings up the REAR. He ‘watches my back’, makes certain NOTHING sneaks up on me. Nothing will ever catch Jesus by surprise. Jesus says to me, “Keep walking – I’m behind you. I’ll catch you if you fall. Nothing can get past me.” I don’t have to keep turning around to see where I have been, or what might be there. I KNOW it is Jesus.

Psalm 23:4 says – “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (or you fill in the blank) I fear no evil, for you are with me…..” Jesus walks beside me. He NEVER leaves my side. He and I are in the journey together. My valley might be illness, an unsaved loved one, a wayward child, job related, etc., but no matter what it is, Jesus walks beside me. And if he is walking beside me I can reach out and hold his hand as we continue the journey together.

So why do we fear? Why do we question? Where is our trust? What other friend completely surrounds us? Remember, Psalm 23:1 says “The Lord is MY shepherd, I shall not want.” He is MINE – all MINE!! My very own personal Shepherd, and we know that shepherds lovingly care for their sheep. Surrounding them with their love.

Shepherds LEAD their sheep,
Sheep follow!

Shepherds PROTECT their sheep,
Sheep relax!

Shepherds PROVIDE for their sheep,
Sheep rest!

Shepherds LOVE their sheep,
Sheep trust that love.

“Jesus (the Great Shepherd) loves me (his sheep) this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.” Amen and Amen.


Apple-Walnut Bundt Cake

3 C. flour
1-3/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¾ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 C. vegetable oil
½ C. apple juice
2 tsp. vanilla
3 large eggs
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peel and chop
1 C. chopped walnuts
1 C. golden raisins
Confectioners’ sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour bundt pan

In large bowl, measure all ingredients except apples, walnuts, raisins and confectioner’s sugar.
With mixer at low speed, beat until well mixed, scrap bowl often. Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes. Stir in apples, walnuts and raisins.

Spoon batter into pan, spread evenly. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes or until cake pulls away from side of pan and toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Invert cake onto wire rack. Cool completely. Sprinkle with sugar to serve.

Two Courageous Women
(Recipe: Bean Dip)

The Bible is the best non-fiction book on the market! It has a little bit of everything within its pages. Mystery. Romance. Comedy. Intrigue. History. It has it all. I have been reading through the Bible, rather slowly I must admit. I enjoyed Genesis, the book of beginnings. Exodus was filled with watching an Amazing God do an amazing work in developing a relationship with Israel. Leviticus with all its rules and regulations. Numbers tells the story of Israel in the wilderness journeying toward the Promised Land from Mount Siani. Deuteronomy is the story of Israel’s renewed covenant with God. We all remember Joshua and the “walls that came tumbling down!” Now on to Judges, and contained within its pages is the story of men and women whom God used during Israel’s history to rescue his people from their enemies.

Women! Yes, God chose to use women to do some might extraordinary things. When God has work to do, it doesn’t matter to him whether that work is accomplished by a man or a woman. He is just looking for a willing, obedient heart. Thus, I was intrigued by the story of two courageous women in Judges 4. Deborah and Jael.

Deborah was the reigning prophetess and judge at the time. She summoned Barak and told him he was to go and capture Sisera and he would have victory over him. Reluctant Barak said he would go to battle only if Deborah would go with him. She agrees, but not before telling him that his hesitation would cost him the honor of victory. Said victory would be placed into the hands of a woman!!

Barak does indeed kill all the warriors of the enemy. But what about Sisera? Barak fails in his capture of him. However, Sisera, in trying to escape, enters the tent of a woman named Jael. She offers him refreshment and rest. Knowing he was the enemy, and as he was sleeping, Jael drives a peg through his temple and kills him. Indeed, God used a woman to give the final blow to this enemy, and ultimately kill the man God was after.

Both these women were available, unafraid of the task, and obedient in what God was asking them to do. This is the kind of woman I want to be in the New Year. One who is available when God calls. One who is unafraid to try something new. One who is obedient to the plan God has for me.

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we (you and me) are God’s masterpiece (God’s greatest piece of work). He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do good things he planned for us long ago.”

What good things does he have planned for you in 2012? Are you ready and willing to do them for God?

BEAN DIP

1 8-oz. cream cheese
1 jar of Bean Dip
1 8-oz. shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese

In 9 x 13 pan (or smaller) spread the cream cheese on bottom. Next, spread the Bean Dip over the cream cheese. Last, sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until hot and cheese has m

EARTHQUAKE!
(Recipe: Orange Tapioca Salad)

EARTHQUAKE! What do you mean an earthquake here on the East coast of all places? I was at my table having lunch when I heard this news over the radio. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Then my husband said, “Yes, my desk at work moved and my computer was shaking” and we live in Pennsylvania!

I immediately thought of the verse in Matthew 24:7-8 where Jesus, along with his disciples, were on the Mount of Olives speaking with Jesus privately. They were asking “what sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” One comment Jesus spoke seems appropriate for today when he said, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”

We are in the beginning of those birth pains!!

Truly our world is in chaos. Could one of the reasons be because we have forsaken the God who loves us? We have taken him out of all that is good. People want to do their own thing. Things which bring pleasure to themselves – forget God. One day we know that God’s patience will cease and we will know the fury of his anger. God says in Amos 3:10 – “My people have forgotten how to do right, says the Lord.” Certainly this is true of our nation.

We need to be praying for our nation, its people, and our world to humbly come back to the God who loves them. Read through the book of Amos. We can learn some wonderful lessons from this man of faith. Amos tried to warn the people. They would not listen. Amos 7:14-16, “But Amos replied, “I’m not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I’m just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord called me away from my flock and told me, ‘Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.’ Now then, listen to this message from the Lord.” But they would not listen.

God used a humble man like Amos, untrained, uneducated, to speak to a lost nation. He can use you and me as well. God speaks these words in Amos 8:11-12, “The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine on the land – not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord. People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it.”

America is experiencing a famine – of hearing the words of the Lord. But God is calling you and me who believe the Gospel message to share the Good News of hope, peace and joy. Will you do your part to turn our land from a land of spiritual famine into a land that bows down and worships the Almighty God? It might mean taking you out of your comfort zone. Truly, it was for Amos, but he remained a faithful servant. I want to be that kind of faithful servant – do you?

ORANGE TAPIOCA SALAD

3 cups water
1 package (3-oz) orange gelatin
1 package (3.4 oz) INSTANT vanilla pudding mix
1 package (3 oz.) tapioca pudding mix
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, DRAINED
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, DRAINED
1 carton (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

In saucepan, bring water to a boil. Whisk in gelatin and pudding mixes. Return to a boil, stirring constantly; boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool completely. Fold in oranges, pineapple and shipped topping. Spoon into a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Yield 12-14 servings.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
(Recipe: Apple Blueberry Pie)

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
-C.B Kelland

I had no idea when or how Father’s Day began, so I did a little research. Perhaps this is something you did not know either.

Father's Day started in 1910 and is credited to Sonora Smart Dodd from Spokane.

The story is that she got the idea while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in church. The June holiday is recognized for being the birth month of Dodd's own father, who raised six children after their mother died in childbirth.

The event received almost immediate support, including that from William Jennings Bryan, President Woodrow Wilson and later by President Calvin Coolidge, who recommended it for national holiday in 1924. It wasn't until 62 years after its origin that it became a national holiday by President Richard Nixon.

It could be debated that the holiday started as early as July 5, 1908, when Grace Golden Clayton suggested to her Fairmont, WV congregation that the 250 fathers killed, including her own, in the nearby Monangah Miners Disaster in December of 1907, be honored.

Because of the many events that take place within the same holiday timeframe, this event was not promoted well. It didn't pick up momentum or gain awareness outside of Clayton's community to catapult into the modern holiday that we celebrate today.

The white and red rose was made the official flowers for Father's Day celebration. While the white rose commemorated gratitude for a father, who was deceased, a red rose expressed thankfulness to one, who was living.

And now you know!

To all dads everywhere, thank you for your part in providing for your family. You are the tower of strength to your wife and children – at least my husband has been for our family – thank you. God bless each of you.

"The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God, and I call him Dad!"
~~Author Unknown.

Apple Blueberry Pie

3/4 c sugar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
5 C. apples, peeled and sliced
1 C. blueberries, fresh if possible
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 unbaked double pastry shell (or make your own pie crust)
2 tbsp margarine
Double-Crust Pastry for 9" pie

In a large bowl, stir together sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add apples, blueberries and lemon juice; toss to evenly coat the fruit.

Turn into pastry lined 9" pie plate. Dot with margarine. Add top crust; seal and flute edge. Bake in a 425 degree oven until crust is browned and filling is bubbly.

WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT ME
(Recipe: Coconut Macaroon Brownies)

Recently my husband and I attended a retreat. it was an awesome few days away, especially since the retreat was held on the beach! There is something magical about standing on the ocean’s shore and looking out at the massive expanse, amazed at God’s creation.

Our speaker for those few days was challenging. Made us do a lot of soul searching as we spent time alone with God, and discussed together as a group. During one of our sessions he had us look at a list of things that God says about us. We all know God loves us. We are forgiven. We are part of his family. As I looked over the list we were given, I stared in wonder and humility at all the things God says about us – about me – and realized anew how very much God loves me and how very special I am to him. Let me share some of these awesome thoughts with you as well, for you to ponder and think about. (taken from Neil Andersons’s ‘Bondage Breaker’)

I AM ACCEPTED
a. I am God’s child – John 1:12
b. I am Christ’s friend – John 15:5
c. I have been bought with a price; I belong to God – 1 Corinthians 6:20
d. I am a member of Christ’s body – 1 Corinthians 12:27
e. I am a saint – Ephesians 1:11
f. I have been adopted as God’s child – Ephesians 1:5
g. I am complete in Christ – Colossians 2:10

I AM SECURE
a. I am free forever from condemnation – Romans 8:1-2
b. I cannot be separated from the love of God – Romans 8:35, 38-39
c. I have been established, anointed and sealed by God – 2 Corinthians :21-22
d. I am a citizen of heaven – Philippians 3:20
e. I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind – 2 Timothy 1:7
f. I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me – 1 John 5:18

I AM SIGNIFICANT
a. I am the salt of the earth – Matthew 5:13-14
b. I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit – John 15:16
c. I am God’s temple – 2 Corinthians 3:16
d. I am a minister of reconciliation – 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
e. I am God’s co-worker – 2 Corinthians 6:1
f. I am God’s workmanship – Ephesians 2:10
g. I can approach God with freedom and confidence – Ephesians 3:12
h. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength – Philippians 4:13

If you are a child of God through faith in His Son Jesus then you are a SOMEBODY! In God’s eyes you have much worth. Take time to thank God for his awesome thoughts toward you.

COCONUT MACAROON BROWNIES
1 cup soft butter
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups four
¾ tsp. cream of tartar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup chopped walnuts
4 cups unsweetened flaked coconut]
1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 Tbsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Combine the flour, cream of tartar and cocoa; stir into the egg mixture until well blended. Fold in walnuts. Spread half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Make the middle layer. In a medium bowl, stir together the coconut, sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon vanilla. Carefully layer this over the chocolate layer in the pan. Top with the remaining chocolate batter. Spread to cover evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until top is no longer shiny. Cool in the pan before cutting into bars.

HOPE
(Recipe: Fruit and Spinach Salad)

I was conversing with a friend this past week. We were talking about our walk with God. What we have been learning about God. What God seems to be saying to us. Her comment was, “I keep thinking about HOPE. That is a powerful word, and yet a word of mystery.”

As I thought about it, I would have to agree with her. How do you define hope, really? The dictionary defines it this way, “to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment.”

Wow! Confidently expecting what I desire to be fulfilled. I was then reminded of Psalm 34:4 which says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Desire means, “to have a longing for; to wish or request.”

I am getting the sense that what I desire and what God desires for me are two different things. God desires me to delight myself in him, long for him, put my hope completely in him. When I do this, everything else seems to fall into place perfectly.

Psalm 130:5, 7 says, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. O Israel, (you could add your name), put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love, and with him is full redemption.”

As I hope in the Lord, I am fully expecting God to love me unfailingly. As I hope in the Lord, I fully expect his full redemption.

Yes, hope in the Lord is a good thing. Psalm 147:11 reminds us, “The Lord DELIGHTS in those who fear him, who put their HOPE in his unfailing love.”

And my all-time favorite verse, Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope (to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment)….those who hope in the Lord WILL
a. renew their strength
b. will soar on wings like eagles
c. will run and not grow weary
d. will walk and not be faint

An old hymn expresses these thoughts on hope well:

The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found,
Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

Chorus: On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

On what is your hope grounded this morning? On the temporal hope of the world, or on the hope that comes through knowing Jesus, through studying and obeying his Word? If you’re feeling hopeless, open God’s word and let God minister to your heart today; with confidence expect God to turn your hopelessness into hope.

Fruit and Spinach Salad

1 pound fresh spinach, torn
4 cups whole strawberries, sliced
1 11-oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
1 star fruit, sliced

Ginger Dressing:
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 T. olive oil
2 T. sugar
¾ tsp. ginger or 1 T. minced fresh gingerroot
2 tsp. grated lemon peel

Arrange spinach and fruit on salad plate. Mix the dressing well. Drizzle over salad. Serve immediately. Serves 4

Goodbye 2010

I cannot believe we have come to the end of another year. Five more days and we will be celebrating 2011. As you reflect back upon 2010, what kind of year was it for you? For all of us, we experienced those moments of joy, sorrow, excitement, laughter, fun, disappointment, encouragement and – hopefully – Spiritual growth. I know all of this has been true in my own life.

I also know that during each of these moments I have felt the presence of God in my life. And, God delights to be a part of each of these moments as well. I could never have walked through 2010 without Him, and I know I cannot walk whatever journey God has for me in 2011 without him either.

As you look forward to 2011, consider the words of Psalm 121 and claim them as a promise from God to you, then walk this New Year with confidence knowing God is watching over you.

121 1 I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!

3 He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.

5 The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.

7 The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.

“Father, thank you that I can confidently enter this New Year knowing you watch over me, you will not sleep, you will protect me, you will watch over me, you will keep me – now and forever – amen.”

Butternut Squash Gratin

Salt (to taste)
1 butternut squash (2-2-1/2 pounds) peeled, seeded, and cut grosswise into ½” half-moons.
½ c. chicken broth
1 Tbsp. butter, cut up
½ cup planko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper

Preheat oven to 400. Grease 2-qt. dish. Sprinkle ¼ tsp. (or less) salt over all squash. In prepared baking dish, arrange squash in overlapping layers; pour broth into dish. Dot squash with butter. Cover tightly with foil and bake 35 minutes or until a knife pierces through squash with only slight resistance.

Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, oil, thyme, red pepper, and ¼ (or less) tsp. salt until well mixed.

Uncover squash and sprinkle evenly with panko mixture. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes longer or until crumbs are golden brown. Garnish with thyme springs.

Good Things God Does
(Recipe: Hot Apple Cider)

I love reading through the Psalms, and no matter how many times I read through them, God always shows me something new. Even when I read a familiar passage, each time I read it God points out something different. I love that about God! I love that about His Word! The Holy Spirit opens our eyes and shows us something new each day. Does this happen to you as well?

Case in point. I have read Psalm 103 many, many times, but as I was reading through this Psalm this morning I was struck with the very first verse, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.” I realized that I don’t always do this. Yes, I praise the Lord – but do I praise him with all that I am? Not always.

Verse 2 says, “May I never forget the good things he does for me.” God stopped me right there and asked, “Marilyn, what good things have I done for you? I share some of these good things in this passage. Have you considered them seriously before?” I had to admit that I had not. But I am this morning. I invite you to consider the good things God has done for you as well.

In verse three God says “I forgive all your sins, I heal all your diseases.” ALL my sins he forgives. That is reason enough to know God is good. ALL my diseases. Yes, Jesus heals our physical needs, but our greatest disease we battle every day is sin. In Scripture, sickness is sometimes used as a picture of sin and healing as a picture of salvation. (Luke 5:17-25).

Verse four says, “He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.” A wonderful reason to praise God – he redeems me from my sinful past and his mercies are new every morning!! Mercy means – “kind and compassionate treatment of an offender”. Thanks for your merciful heart!

Verse five reads, “He fills my life with good things.” My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” When I need extra strength – God gives it to me. Even in my old age, I can serve Jesus with the strength and energy of someone younger. He still has work for me to do!

Verse eight reminds us, “…..(God) is slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Boy, do I need this assurance every day. How often do we fail God; sin against him; disappoint him; yet we are told God is slow to get angry. Unlike how I would sometimes treat my children. I would get angry at them over the smallest thing – shame on me! God loves us deeply. H does not easily get angry with us – a very good reason to praise Him.

I love the promise of verse 12 when God says, “(I) remove your sins as far as the east is from the west.” I’m so glad God doesn’t remember my sins. When I ask him to forgive them, he does. Why then do I tend to remember every sin someone has sinned against me? If God can forgive and forget mine – am I any better than God? I don’t think so. I need to follow this same principle in my life. Forgiving and forgetting.

Why do I remember all the good things God has done for me? Verse 17 says, “The love of the Lord remains forever…….” If no one else in this world loves me – God will. If no one else in this world adores me – God does. If my enemy won’t forgive me, God will. If my own father has disappointed me – God won’t. That’s why I love Him!!!

“Father, today, we give you praise for all the good things you have done for us – too many to count, too many to list. Bring to each of our minds those things you have done SPECIFICALLY for each of us and let us give you the praise due your Holy Name today. Amen.”

Hot Apple Cider

½ gallon apple cider
¼ cup red hot candy pieces
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. allspice
1 orange – cut into slices
4-5 cinnamon sticks

Combine 2 cups cider, red hots and brown sugar. Microwave (medium heat) for 7-8 minutes. Add cloves and allspice. Mix with remainder of the cider. Heat in a crock pot and let flavors blend together 2-3 hours. During the last hour add 4-5 cinnamon sticks, and orange slices. Serves 14-16.

MY SOLID ROCK
(Recipe: Olive-Spaghetti Casserole)

My husband and I have just returned from a wonderful 5 day vacation to Bar Harbor, Maine. While there, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Fifty years ago I would never have guessed that we would choose Maine as a place to celebrate this special anniversary. Europe – maybe. Hawaii - possibly. Maine – not even on the radar chart!!

But, I’m glad we did. This is a beautiful part of our great United States. Acadia National Park is filled with impressive things to see and beautiful rock formations. You can walk for miles along the rocky cliffs, enjoying a fantastic view. The ocean is wonderful, you can see for miles. September trees were beautifully dressed in their bright yellow, gold, red and orange. The town of Bar Harbor is unique and quaint – with lots of little shops and fun places to eat.

As we were walking in Acadia National Park, along a rocky cliff one morning my husband captured the moment with these simple words, “These rocks give a whole new meaning to the Scripture about ‘building your house on a rock’. If your building stood here, your house wouldn't fall down.” Indeed, any house that would have been build on that solid rock foundation would NEVER have been destroyed.

Matthew 7:21ff tells us this: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock…..”

Since we are instructed to build upon a solid foundation, namely the Rock, why do we continue to try to build our lives on something less superior? We try the world – only to find that a life built by the world’s standards will not satisfy. (1 John 2:15-16). We try wealth, and find that wealth does not last. (Ecclesiastes 5:10) We try pleasures, only to find they don't last. (Proverbs 21:17).

When all these fail, why not turn to the ROCK – Jesus Christ. Only a life (house) built upon Jesus will stand the storms of life. Only a life in which Jesus is supreme, will know and enjoy safety and security. Deuteronomy 32:4 tells us, “He (Jesus) is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Isaiah 26:4 gives this word of encouragement, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.” Edward Mote, (1834) wrote the words to a beautiful hymn, The Solid Rock, capturing this idea of building your house on the solid Rock, Jesus.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. (Refrain)

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand. (Refrain)

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil. (Refrain)

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay. (Refrain)

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne. (Refrain)

On what is your house (life) built? Have you built on sinking sand, or upon the solid Rock? 1 Corinthians 10:4 reminds us “……that rock was Christ.” Jesus is the only Rock upon which you can build to assure you will stand firm.

OLIVE-SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
½ green pepper, diced
2 Tbsp. margarine or butter
1 7-oz. package spaghetti., broken into small pieces
4 cup tomato juice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 6-oz. can tomato paste
½ cup stuffed olives, diced
salt and pepper to taste
4 or 5 slices American cheese

Cook beef, onion, green pepper in butter. Drain. Add raw spaghetti (broken into small pieces). Add the rest of the ingredients EXCEPT the cheese. Pour into a casserole dish. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes, or until bubbly. (Stir several times during baking). When cooked, lay American cheese on top and bake 5 minutes longer, until cheese melts.

GOD’S PROMISES!

How often do you pause in your busy day and think about all God has done for you, and all he has promised you? I was reminded of this when I came across a verse in Psalm 119:65 which says, “You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised.” (NLT)

As I contemplated this verse, and this thought, I was prompted to list some of the many wonderful things God has done - and the promises God has – just for me. May I share some of my favorites with you?

a. Romans 8:1 – “So now, there is NO condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

b. Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (NLT)

c. Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never fail you, I will never forsake you.” (NLT)

d. John 16:24 – “Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” (NLT)

e. John 14:27 – “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (NLT)

f. James 4:8 – “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” (NLT)

g. Isaiah 43:2-3a – “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One….” (NLT)

These are seven out of a list of hundreds that I share with you today. May I encourage you to make your own list? Think of the many promises God has in his Holy Book written just for you. Write them down. List the ways God has been good to you. Take time to thank God for what you have listed. Let these words encourage your heart today.

SUMMER DESSERT

1 48-oz. can of Apricot Nectar

1 prepared Angel Food Cake

1 cup whipping cream – whipped

7 Tbsp. cornstarch

Remove 1 cup of the nectar – add 7 Tbsp. of corn starch to this. Stir until smooth. Bring the rest of the nectar to a boil, gradually add the cornstarch mixture. Cook until thickened. Cool.

Break cake into bite size pieces and spread into a 9 x 13 baking pan. Pour cooled nectar over the cake. Refrigerate. Cut and serve, topped with whipped cream.

Dressed for God

How much time do you spend getting yourself dressed for the start of each new day? For most of us, a good hour can pass before we know it. I know I am careful to make certain my appearance is acceptable for any given day.

With this thought in mind, how careful are we to dress appropriately for God? More importantly, are there any instructions as to how we are even TO dress for God? I think the Bible has some answers for us. Let’s consider what they might be:

1. Psalm 45:3b – “……clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.” (splendor: magnificent in appearance).

2. Isaiah 52:1 – “ ….clothe yourself with strength, put on your garment of splendor….”

(strength: power of resisting attack – especially from our enemy)

3. Romans 13:14 – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ……” (Let Jesus be seen in every aspect of your life, your actions, your words).

4. Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (A good covering of the Fruit of the Spirit would work well here!)

5. 1 Peter 5:5 – “…..Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (humble: lacking high station).

6. Proverbs 31:22 – “…she is clothed in fine linen and purple.” (Revelation 19:8 – “fine linen” = stands for righteous acts of the saints).

When God looks into our hearts each new morning, does he see us dressed in these

beautiful garments? If not, why not? Consider taking the time to wear them each day – in doing so you will bring honor and glory to the Holy Name of Jesus.

DANISH PUFF

Cut together (as you would for pie dough):

1 cup flour

½ cup margarine (or butter)

2 Tbsp. cold water

1 tsp. almond flavoring

Press dough into one or two long and narrow strips onto a cookie sheet.

Next:

1 egg, beaten

½ cup sugar

1 cup ground almonds

Brush dough with beaten egg. Sprinkle sugar and almonds over all.

Next Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup flour

3 eggs

½ cup margarine

1 tsp. almond flavoring

In saucepan:

Bring to boil.…1 cup water

½ cup margarine

Remove from heat and add 1 cup flour – all at once – stir well, until smooth.

Beat into this mixture, one at a time, the eggs, mixing well after each addition.

Lastly, stir in the flavoring.

Spread this over the above dough, reaching the edges. Bake at 350 for 60-70 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool. Frost with your favorite vanilla frosting, sprinkle chopped almonds over the top (if desired). Cut into strips and serve with coffee.