A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: 10 Signs of Foolish Behavior

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: 10 Signs of Foolish Behavior: Maybe you have been thinking about how easy it is to get caught up in foolishness---whether it is you, your spouse, your friends, your...

Only Christ

Chad's sermon from 4/26/15. It was a great sermon today that touched my heart and was in line with some things that God brought to my mind just this morning with my morning study. When God brings things into my life from different angles, there is no doubt that it is from Him!

Delight

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. ~ Zephaniah 3:17

When you are struggling in life, remember that "The Lord thy God . . . is might to save"! He will give you joy. He will give you rest. He will take great delight in you.

As a mother, I often would sing to my babies when they were troubled. I took joy in the ability to calm them with songs of praise. They knew that I loved them and would relax and calm. What a beautiful picture! Christ singing over me as I would sing over my children. He delights in me just as I delight in my children.

His Ways are Best

Most people know the story of when Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. There was a number of unfortunate events that followed which included him being falsely accused of something and being sent to prison; however, God was with him every step of the way. Years later, he came face to face with his brothers.

So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God. ~ Genesis 45:8a

Joseph had every right to be angry with his brothers--they had sold him as a slave and told his father he was dead! However, he realized that through that terrible experience, God used it for good.

When we experience hard times, things that do not seem fair or even terrible accidents, we need to remember that God is still in control and He will use it for good.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28

It may be for our good or it may be for the good of someone else. In either case, we need to have the faith to trust His ultimate plan and know that His ways are best.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ~ Isaiah 55:8-9

Receive Children

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. ~ Mark 9:37 

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. ~ Mark 9:42

Tonight I will be attending my first Right to Life dinners. I have wanted to attend for the past few years, but something has been either already scheduled for the same day or something comes up that prevents me from attending. I am excited to attend as I truly believe in the cause.

The issue of children is near and dear to my heart and I have long supported and worked for the local pregnancy resource center (Life Resources of Cadillac) for 10 years. I have also given whatever support I can give to those who adopt, are foster parents, or even expecting/new mothers.

For the most part, society views children as a nusiance and often times a problem to be avoided. Even among Christians, they may say children are a blessing, but don't want more (or any) and think others shouldn't have them either.

God's Word says differently. When we receive a child, we receive God. Whether through birth or adoption, accepting a child is accepting God and His blessings.

If we fail to accept, take care of, and protect children, Christ says it is better for us to die.

Abortion is an extreme way of not accepting a child. By supporting abortion (in any way), a person is not protecting children. As Christians, we should do all we can to not only protect the life of a child from conception on through life, but care for it after birth if needed as well. We need to stand together and love what God loves and His Word clearly states that He loves children.

Parable of the Net

Chad's sermon from 4/19/15--The Parable of the Net

Small Steps Produce Big Changes

A friend shared a blog post that she had read and her thoughts about it and I thought it was good enough to share with others.

I read an article last week about starting small and celebrating every step of progress...because for me, I do need to start moving...so that I am healthy and feel good on the inside too. In the article, the woman wrote, "I'm learning how not to talk about myself in 'parts' at all, but in wholes. 'After all, He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together' (Colossians 1:17). I take that personally. In Christ, all parts of me hold together - every changing shape and curve is held in tight by Christ who came first." At the end of her article, she wrote, "Today, I'll start small again. I'll choose to move when it's time to move, but I'll also remember to be still and reflect as well - to take time to look over the day and celebrate progress, small wins, and tiny victories - both in body and soul." I loved this. As Emily shared yesterday, we are each souls. You ARE a soul, you don't "have" one... and that soul resides in your body and you ought to be amazed at the wonderful work that it is - God created you just as you ought to be - eyes, lips, nose, thighs and rear - He wanted you to be that way. And we would not stand in a gallery and criticize the work of the artist in front of them, so let's not do that to our Creator. YOU are beautifully and wonderfully made - stand in front of your mirror and KNOW THAT FULL WELL - believe it!
Have a wonderful, blessed couple of weeks ladies! It is SO GOOD to do this thing with you all!

You can read the article she refers to here.

The Parable of the Pearl

Chad's sermon from Sunday, April 12, 2015--The Parable of the Pearl

(the sermon doesn't actually start until about 9 seconds in)

Spaghetti Squash Fritters

Sorry for the "dirty" plate. I tried one before deciding to take
a picture and post about the recipe.

I have a freezer full of spaghetti squash and was looking for new ways to use it up. I came across this recipe for Bacon, Spaghetti Squash, and Parmesan Fritters. Since I rarely follow a recipe as written because I need to adapt it to our dietary needs and what we have in the house, I made some adaptations.

I loved our new spaghetti squash option! Most of the girls were okay with it, a few liked it as much as I did, and a few didn't like them at all (but that is because they don't like spaghetti squash to begin with).

Here is what I used. As usual, I didn't measure but I tried to eyeball the amounts of the recipe linked above.

eggs
gluten free flour (I want to try this with coconut flour to make it THM approved)
spaghetti squash
freshly grated Romano cheese (we use authentic Romano because it is made from sheep milk which is good for those of us with dairy allergies)
Real Salt
chopped onion
turkey bacon, chopped and fried
coconut oil

for garnish: 0% Greek yogurt

I fried the chopped up pieces of turkey bacon and when they were almost crispy, I threw in the chopped onion and finished cooking. I then added that to the bowl that already had the strained, cooked spaghetti squash, grated Romano, eggs, salt and flour. I mixed it all together and then fried in the coconut oil in patty shape. I cooked them for a few minutes on each side.

For me, the Greek yogurt on top greatly increased the flavor of the fritter. I would have loved to put some sliced green onion on top as well or maybe even some chives, but I didn't have any.

Living 1517 - Journey of Love: Jehovah Jireh - Our Provider

I love hearing how our God provides! Jehovah Jireh is a name that is dear to my heart. I was actually just talking to our girls about how God provides yesterday.



Living 1517 - Journey of Love: Jehovah Jireh - Our Provider: Making the decision for me to come home was HUGE for us! Of course, we both knew it was the right thing, but then all of those fears and wor...

Hot or Cold?

Revelation 3:16 

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

We need to be either all for Christ or all against. We don't do anyone any favors when we ride the fence.

I heard Pastor Saeed's wife speaking about the blessing of extreme persecution--you are either in or out; you either stand for or against Christ. There is no place for lukewarm when your life is on the line.

I believe our relative security here in America has led to lukewarm Christians. We are starting to see the effects of this in the downward spiral of our religious freedoms. Because people would not stand for God as if their lives depended on it, our freedoms are being stripped. Don't forget--Iran was once a Christian nation.

A Place to Lay Our Head

Luke 9:58 

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

If we truly follow Jesus, should we be so concerned with being in the home of our dreams? We should be seeking after God's purposes and not our own desires. If we live modestly, we can do so much more for the kingdom of God. If we don't have to make "X" amount of income to pay our bills, then we would be truly available for God to use us however He deems fit. While desiring a nice home is not sinful, it could restrict us from God using us to the fullest. It may hinder us from saying, "Here am I, send me."

Foolishness and Wisdom

1 Corinthians 3 

18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

To become wise, we must seem foolish to the world. The wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. Why do so many people (especially Christians) put so much focus on the wisdom of this world? Why do we trust the wisdom of doctors and scientists over the wisdom of God? Why do we put our faith in so called experts instead of in God? His World tells us to do the opposite!

The Lord knows that man only wants to bring glory to himself. Man is selfish. Why not follow the all-knowing, all-loving God who sent His only Son to serve?

Resurrection Sunday

Chad's sermon for Resurrection Sunday.

Remembering God's Faithfulness

Psalms 22 

1 <> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?  2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.  3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. 5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. 6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. 7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,  8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.  9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. 10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. 11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. 12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. 13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.  14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.  15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. 19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.  21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. 22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. 23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. 24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. 25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. 26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. 27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. 28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations. 29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul. 30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. 31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

David was a man after God's own heart. Yet, even as someone that close to God, he still would doubt and question why things were happening the way they were. He was unsure of God's timing and of His decisions, but in the end he remembered God's faithfulness. David knew God would be faithful to save him--to redeem him!

He told others of God's righteousness so everyone could rejoice together. He spoke of the importance of continuing to share God's faithfulness with future generations so that one day all could worship Him together.

Following God's Command

Judges 20:18-48

 18 And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first. 19 And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah. 20 And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah. 21 And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men. 22 And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day. 23 (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.) 24 And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day. 25 And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword. 26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. 27 And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days, 28 And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand. 29 And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah. 30 And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times. 31 And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.  32 And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways. 33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves in array at Baaltamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of their places, even out of the meadows of Gibeah. 34 And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them. 35 And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword. 36 So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah. 37 And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.  38 Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.  39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.  40 But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.  41 And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.  42 Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them. 43 Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.  44 And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour. 45 And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them. 46 So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these were men of valour. 47 But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months. 48 And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to.

The Israelites asked wisdom of God before going to battle and followed God's command to go and still they were defeated. They wept, asked counsel again, and again followed God's command to go and again were defeated. They asked a third time and followed God's command.

Even though they were not successful in their own (the world's) eyes, they continued to follow God. Their faith was not shaken and God gave them the victory!

We should take comfort in knowing just because things don't always turn out the way we want, it doesn't mean it was against God's command. Keep the faith and God will give you victory!