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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3:
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Bad Girls of the Bible - Eve
What labels a woman as "bad" hasn't changed since Eve. All the usual suspects are there: disobedience, lust, denial, greed, anger, lying, adultery, laziness, cruelty, selfishness, idolatry.
Badness - in other words, sin - doesn't have to be that dramatic. it can be something on the sidelines: an unkind word, a whisper of gossip, a neglected request, an unrepentant attitude, an intentionally forgotten event.
Ouch.
It all boils down to a heart that's hardened against God - however temporary the condition, however isolated the tough spot.
To that extent, we've all been Bad Girls.
And to a woman, we long to be Good Girls.
We have a tendency to spend our energy comparing, falling short, asking ourselves "How do they do that". It's discouraging, even maddening. It also doesn't get us any closer to God.
So we are looking at women who got a lot wrong. Where to begin? With the first - Eve.
Satan isn't called the Father of Lies for nothing. He opened his chat with Eve using a deliberate lie - misquoting God, even putting words in the Lord's mouth.
By twisting the Lord's decree, Satan also tossed out one of the big stumbling blocks he still uses with great success today - making God look less than fair, kind or loving. When tragedy strikes - a precious child is killed in an accident or a young mother dies of cancer - Satan tempts our faith with the same sort of line: "Would a good God allow that?"
If she desired wisdom, all she needed to do was ask, as Solomon did, and God would no doubt have given her all she could handle.
What can we learn from Eve?
Don't get into a debate with Satan - get out!
We can't stop the Adversary from whispering in our ears, but we can refuse to listen, and we can definitely refuse to respond. No arguing, no debating!
When the serpents in our lives say, "Did God really say...?" let's be the first to declare, "No, God did not!" Because Eve did not remember the words of God's one commandment accurately, she left herself wide open for temptation to rush in. Studying, even memorizing, verses from the Bible gives us the strength to say no because we know.
Women are physical, emotional, and spiritual in nature, and all three areas have their weak spots. In Eve's case, the serpent sank his fangs into all three. He appealed to her physical appetite for food, her emotional appreciation of beauty, and her spiritual desire to be like God. Satan uses the same tactics today. He's not creative in the least, just persistent. When we identify our weaknesses in all three area, and then arm ourselves with biblical defense methods, we can keep from experiencing our own daily (hourly!) reenactment of the Fall.
Badness - in other words, sin - doesn't have to be that dramatic. it can be something on the sidelines: an unkind word, a whisper of gossip, a neglected request, an unrepentant attitude, an intentionally forgotten event.
Ouch.
It all boils down to a heart that's hardened against God - however temporary the condition, however isolated the tough spot.
To that extent, we've all been Bad Girls.
And to a woman, we long to be Good Girls.
We have a tendency to spend our energy comparing, falling short, asking ourselves "How do they do that". It's discouraging, even maddening. It also doesn't get us any closer to God.
So we are looking at women who got a lot wrong. Where to begin? With the first - Eve.
"Then the LORD God made a women from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:22"Now you know she had to be a dish. She skipped childhood completely, so no chickenpox scars. No weird things from Aunt so and so, no inherited flat feet. God did everything perfectly. She was also sinless.
The man said,"This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman,; for she was taken out of man." Genesis 2:23
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. Genesis 3:1
He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" Genesis 3:1Why Eve and not Adam? Was she in the wrong place at the wrong time, or did the serpent go looking for her? And why, oh, why didn't she realize that if none of the other animals talked, this one shouldn't have either?
Satan isn't called the Father of Lies for nothing. He opened his chat with Eve using a deliberate lie - misquoting God, even putting words in the Lord's mouth.
By twisting the Lord's decree, Satan also tossed out one of the big stumbling blocks he still uses with great success today - making God look less than fair, kind or loving. When tragedy strikes - a precious child is killed in an accident or a young mother dies of cancer - Satan tempts our faith with the same sort of line: "Would a good God allow that?"
The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden.." Genesis 3:2First mistake - talking with the serpent
"...but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" Genesis 3:3Notice her second mistake - she added to the Word of God. The Lord never told her to "not touch it", just not to eat of the fruit.
"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it..."Genesis 3:4,5The serpent subtly shifted the conversation away from the Word of God and toward the desires of man, all the while invoking God's name.
"...your eyes will be opened..."Genesis 3:5Can't you hear Eve now? "Gee, I didn't know my eyes were closed. Am I missing something good?
"...and you will be like God..." Genesis 3:5 "...knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:5
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom she took some and ate it. Genesis 3:6Notice the serpent never said another word. He didn't have to. The fruit appealed to her fleshly appetite, her ego longed to be equal with God, to have that much understanding and creativity and power.
If she desired wisdom, all she needed to do was ask, as Solomon did, and God would no doubt have given her all she could handle.
What can we learn from Eve?
Don't get into a debate with Satan - get out!
We can't stop the Adversary from whispering in our ears, but we can refuse to listen, and we can definitely refuse to respond. No arguing, no debating!
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7Know God's Word so you won't be fooled.
When the serpents in our lives say, "Did God really say...?" let's be the first to declare, "No, God did not!" Because Eve did not remember the words of God's one commandment accurately, she left herself wide open for temptation to rush in. Studying, even memorizing, verses from the Bible gives us the strength to say no because we know.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11Watch out for the Big Three
Women are physical, emotional, and spiritual in nature, and all three areas have their weak spots. In Eve's case, the serpent sank his fangs into all three. He appealed to her physical appetite for food, her emotional appreciation of beauty, and her spiritual desire to be like God. Satan uses the same tactics today. He's not creative in the least, just persistent. When we identify our weaknesses in all three area, and then arm ourselves with biblical defense methods, we can keep from experiencing our own daily (hourly!) reenactment of the Fall.
For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16Excerpts from Liz Curtis Higgs book Bad Girls of the Bible
Thursday, April 8, 2010
What Kind of Girl Are You?
Do you consider yourself a former bad girl, a bad girl, a good girl, always a good girl, somewhere in between? How exactly do you consider yourself?
Think about that. We all have some image of ourselves (right or wrong).
How about joining a group of ladies in that exploration? Pick up a copy of Liz Curtis Higgs book Bad Girls of the Bible. If you are unable to join us on Thursday mornings at the YMCA in Lake Caroline due to the location or work schedules, - come back to this site and comment on what you are learning.
Looking forward to everyone in the group leaving comments! We'll try to leave questions or thoughts to generate discussion.
Pick up your book in the next day or two! Questions to follow!
Think about that. We all have some image of ourselves (right or wrong).
How about joining a group of ladies in that exploration? Pick up a copy of Liz Curtis Higgs book Bad Girls of the Bible. If you are unable to join us on Thursday mornings at the YMCA in Lake Caroline due to the location or work schedules, - come back to this site and comment on what you are learning.
Looking forward to everyone in the group leaving comments! We'll try to leave questions or thoughts to generate discussion.
Pick up your book in the next day or two! Questions to follow!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Beginning Thursday
Bad Girls of The Bible - 11 week Bible Study
If you are in the Columbia area, we will be meeting Thursdays at 10:15-11:30 a.m. at the YMCA at Lake Carolina in the Spirit, Mind & Body Room.
In Bad Girls of the Bible, author, Liz Curtis Higgs offers a clear-sighted, life-changing approach to understanding those "other women" in Scripture-Delilah, Jezebel, Rehab, Lot's wife, and six more. She combines a contemporary fictional retelling of their stories with a solid, verse-by-verse study of their lives and the lessons we can learn from them.
We'll be commenting on this study here, so whether you can join us in person or here at this blog, we look forward to your comments!
If you are in the Columbia area, we will be meeting Thursdays at 10:15-11:30 a.m. at the YMCA at Lake Carolina in the Spirit, Mind & Body Room.
In Bad Girls of the Bible, author, Liz Curtis Higgs offers a clear-sighted, life-changing approach to understanding those "other women" in Scripture-Delilah, Jezebel, Rehab, Lot's wife, and six more. She combines a contemporary fictional retelling of their stories with a solid, verse-by-verse study of their lives and the lessons we can learn from them.
We'll be commenting on this study here, so whether you can join us in person or here at this blog, we look forward to your comments!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Kicking the Procrastination Habit
"I'll get to it--when I get a chance."
There are some projects that you can just whip right through. And then there are those projects that just drag and drag....do you know what I mean? Those are the things we say "I'll get to it--when I get a chance."
You know what that means, don't you? You'll never get to it!
Here are some simple ways to kick the procrastination habit and start getting some things done.
1. BREAK IT DOWN. While it may seem overwhelming, don't look at everything as one big project. Break it down into small projects.
2. ASSIGN A SPECIFIC DEADLINE (date and time) for each small project.
3. WRITE DOWN what your small projects and deadlines are. It is a great source of accomplishment when you can cross off something! It also will motivate you to continue on!
4. TELL SOMEONE. Tell a friend or loved one. Discuss decisions with others if you need to. Sometimes when you talk with others, that is all the motivation you need to get started.
5. PLAN SOME SORT OF CELEBRATION for when you have accomplished your goals. It doesn't have to be a lot. You may find that having the project done is celebration enough!
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." Ecclesiastes 9:10
There are some projects that you can just whip right through. And then there are those projects that just drag and drag....do you know what I mean? Those are the things we say "I'll get to it--when I get a chance."
You know what that means, don't you? You'll never get to it!
Here are some simple ways to kick the procrastination habit and start getting some things done.
1. BREAK IT DOWN. While it may seem overwhelming, don't look at everything as one big project. Break it down into small projects.
2. ASSIGN A SPECIFIC DEADLINE (date and time) for each small project.
3. WRITE DOWN what your small projects and deadlines are. It is a great source of accomplishment when you can cross off something! It also will motivate you to continue on!
4. TELL SOMEONE. Tell a friend or loved one. Discuss decisions with others if you need to. Sometimes when you talk with others, that is all the motivation you need to get started.
5. PLAN SOME SORT OF CELEBRATION for when you have accomplished your goals. It doesn't have to be a lot. You may find that having the project done is celebration enough!
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." Ecclesiastes 9:10
Saturday, February 13, 2010
SNOW - Yes, even in South Carolina!!
Something happened February 12th that doesn't happen much in South Carolina----SNOW!
Send us a picture or two, and tell us how your family enjoyed this beautiful day!
Send your pictures and stories to: crossmarkwomen@gmail.com.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Girlfriends for God
Girlfriends for God - A daily devotion for women written by either Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith or Mary Southerland.
Read here to see what message is featured today.
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Read here to see what message is featured today.
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Recipes and Diets
The new year is also a great time to reevaluate our diets in general. The majority of our diet should be from plant products, that's the way God designed us in the first place. How about just grabbing some fresh fruits and veges, steaming those veges, and adding a loaf of bread (Publix has a great 5-grain bread, both in sour dough and Italian)? If you really want to add some meat, get some chicken breasts, steam them using chicken broth instead of water. Just pour some lemon juice on them and add some Mrs. Dash before you cook them. Make sure you steam them until there is no pink (it goes faster if you cut them into smaller pieces).
If you want some great recipes and a wealth of good dietary info, I have found a great book - Disease Proof Your Children by Dr. Joel Furhman. (also, for adults, Eat Right). You can get it at the library or www.drfurhman.com .
Let's have a healthier (and quicker and easier) meal plan together.
Posted by Rachel Hutcherson
If you want some great recipes and a wealth of good dietary info, I have found a great book - Disease Proof Your Children by Dr. Joel Furhman. (also, for adults, Eat Right). You can get it at the library or www.drfurhman.com .
Let's have a healthier (and quicker and easier) meal plan together.
Posted by Rachel Hutcherson
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Calling All Quick Recipes!
Okay, we've had the Holiday meals, all the stuff we make just for those special occasions. Now what?
Have you been here....standing at the grocery store staring at the meat counter or shelves wondering WHAT am I going to make for dinner tonight, let alone this week?
Maybe you are organized and have your meals planned out for the week. Great! If that's you....please help those of us who just get overwhelmed sometimes trying to come up with some new ideas!
Email your recipes to crossmarkwomen@gmail.com and we'll post it for you. Thanks in advance...the grocery store clerks will thank you, they are probably getting tired of the blank stares.
Have you been here....standing at the grocery store staring at the meat counter or shelves wondering WHAT am I going to make for dinner tonight, let alone this week?
Maybe you are organized and have your meals planned out for the week. Great! If that's you....please help those of us who just get overwhelmed sometimes trying to come up with some new ideas!
Email your recipes to crossmarkwomen@gmail.com and we'll post it for you. Thanks in advance...the grocery store clerks will thank you, they are probably getting tired of the blank stares.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Merry CHRISTmas!
Remember YOU are the reason for the Season. Jesus came and died for each and every one of us. He didn't need to come for himself.
Luke 2:8-12 "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" (NKJV).
John 3:16,17 "For God so loved the world that he gave us his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (NIV).
Merry Christmas!
Luke 2:8-12 "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" (NKJV).
John 3:16,17 "For God so loved the world that he gave us his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (NIV).
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Crockpot Potato Soup
Crockpot Potato Soup
6 cups potatoes, washed & cubed
4 cups chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cans cheddar cheese soup
salt & pepper to taste (I use garlic salt)
Toppings:
crumbled bacon
shredded cheese
chives
sour cream
Combine first 5 ingredients in crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve topped with desired toppings.
It thickens very quickly when it's done cooking. I sometimes add water to it to thin it back out a little.
Contributed by Kristie Hunter
6 cups potatoes, washed & cubed
4 cups chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cans cheddar cheese soup
salt & pepper to taste (I use garlic salt)
Toppings:
crumbled bacon
shredded cheese
chives
sour cream
Combine first 5 ingredients in crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve topped with desired toppings.
It thickens very quickly when it's done cooking. I sometimes add water to it to thin it back out a little.
Contributed by Kristie Hunter
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Girlfriends for God
Girlfriends for God, a ministry by author Sharon Jaynes, offers a daily devotional. Tuesday's truth is from Philippians 4:9:
"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Read here what Sharon says about "retraining our reflexes".
Submitted by Cathy Bridgers
"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Read here what Sharon says about "retraining our reflexes".
Submitted by Cathy Bridgers
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday Thoughts
Are words powerful?
Well, in a word,
yes.
Especially powerful are the words of women. Think of all the people you speak to-husbands, children, friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, etc. There are many opportunities to influence for the positive. Or the negative.
In the ladies' Tuesday morning Bible study this week we started our discussion of what the Bible has to say about words and the tongue.
God has many things to tell us about the tongue.
James 3:3-5
"Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder, wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
So als the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!"
Would you consider joining us in reading "The Power of a Woman's Words" by Sharon Jaynes? If you can't join us on Tuesday mornings, we can still discuss and share on this blog. :)
Next week we'll cover part 2, God's Incredible Gift.
posted by Courtney Sanchez
Well, in a word,
yes.
Especially powerful are the words of women. Think of all the people you speak to-husbands, children, friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, etc. There are many opportunities to influence for the positive. Or the negative.
In the ladies' Tuesday morning Bible study this week we started our discussion of what the Bible has to say about words and the tongue.
God has many things to tell us about the tongue.
James 3:3-5
"Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder, wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
So als the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!"
Would you consider joining us in reading "The Power of a Woman's Words" by Sharon Jaynes? If you can't join us on Tuesday mornings, we can still discuss and share on this blog. :)
Next week we'll cover part 2, God's Incredible Gift.
posted by Courtney Sanchez
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday Thoughts
Has anyone ever given any thought to the women who followed Jesus during his ministry? Lots of attention is given to the disciples, but those followers who are focused on the most during Jesus's final hours, and at His burial and resurrection, are the women. Mary Magdalene, among others, has a special place in this story. She was there as Jesus hung suffering on the cross, she was there as he breathed his last, and she was there as he was placed in the tomb. I don't think there was anything that would have prevented her from being there for the last bit of his life on this earth. Jesus had driven out her demons. Seven of them. (Did anyone else remember that she was a demoniac? I believe that little piece of information had slipped past me.) He had freed her and given her life back-and eternal life at that!
Mary Magdalene was a follower of Jesus. She didn't just talk the talk, she walked the walk. Literally. She followed him as he ministered.
Luke 8: 1-2
"And it came about soon afterwards, that He began going about from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God; and the twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out."
We know that the disciples followed Jesus becasue he called them to. Mary Magdalene followed Jesus because she wanted to. She must have had such love and gratitude that she left everything to follow, serve, and learn from her Master. We don't know what she gave up (other than her seven demons) to follow. We do know that she contributed finacially to support His ministry.
Luke 8:3
"..and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means."
Apparently many have viewed Mary as a prostitute or as having had an intimate relationship with Jesus. There is no evidence in scripture that this was true. We know from the whole of scripture that the latter simply is false. Mary had a love for Jesus, and He had a love for her in exactly the same way as He loves us-a Lover of our souls. Mary continued to follow Him right to the foot of the cross.
John 19:25
"...But there were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene."
We can only imagine the heartbreak she (and all the others) must have experienced at her Leader, her Teacher, her Friend hanging, bloody on that cross. The suffering He was enduring, knowing that she could not help Him. The insults, the anguish, the danger she was putting herself in publicly associating herself with Him, a condemned man. And, the grief she must've experienced knowing that the very One who saved her from her demons, was now leaving her.
We know what's to come. We know Jesus has victory. But, at that time, did she really understand what was to come? Why does scripture give so much emphasis to Mary Magdalene and the other women during Jesus's final hours? What do you think brought them to the foot of the cross? Were the other male disciples present also, and why were they not given as much attention here?
What are your thoughts?
posted by Courtney Sanchez
Mary Magdalene was a follower of Jesus. She didn't just talk the talk, she walked the walk. Literally. She followed him as he ministered.
Luke 8: 1-2
"And it came about soon afterwards, that He began going about from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God; and the twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out."
We know that the disciples followed Jesus becasue he called them to. Mary Magdalene followed Jesus because she wanted to. She must have had such love and gratitude that she left everything to follow, serve, and learn from her Master. We don't know what she gave up (other than her seven demons) to follow. We do know that she contributed finacially to support His ministry.
Luke 8:3
"..and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means."
Apparently many have viewed Mary as a prostitute or as having had an intimate relationship with Jesus. There is no evidence in scripture that this was true. We know from the whole of scripture that the latter simply is false. Mary had a love for Jesus, and He had a love for her in exactly the same way as He loves us-a Lover of our souls. Mary continued to follow Him right to the foot of the cross.
John 19:25
"...But there were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene."
We can only imagine the heartbreak she (and all the others) must have experienced at her Leader, her Teacher, her Friend hanging, bloody on that cross. The suffering He was enduring, knowing that she could not help Him. The insults, the anguish, the danger she was putting herself in publicly associating herself with Him, a condemned man. And, the grief she must've experienced knowing that the very One who saved her from her demons, was now leaving her.
We know what's to come. We know Jesus has victory. But, at that time, did she really understand what was to come? Why does scripture give so much emphasis to Mary Magdalene and the other women during Jesus's final hours? What do you think brought them to the foot of the cross? Were the other male disciples present also, and why were they not given as much attention here?
What are your thoughts?
posted by Courtney Sanchez
Monday, August 31, 2009
Great Summer Pasta Recipes
Spaghetti Salad
Take 16 oz cooked spaghetti noodles - drained and cooled and add the below ingredients
Italian or Ceasar dressing (add as much or as little as you like)
1 diced Bell Pepper
1 diced tomato
1 med can black olives
1 diced cucumber
1 diced small onion
garlic salt
pepper
This is a great quick and easy summer recipe. You can omit or add to the list of above ingredients.
Pasta Salad
1 box of cooked tri colored pasta - drained and cooled - add the below ingredients
Italian or Ceasar dressing (add as little or as much as you like)
2 tbls of mayo (more or less - depending on your taste)
1 can of ham, tuna, or chicken - drain and flake
1 can of baby Leseur peas - drained
Diced celery (as little or as much as you like)
garlic salt
pepper
This is also a great quick and easy summer recipe. You can omit or add to the list of above ingredients.
Recipes Sent in by Jeri Strickland
Take 16 oz cooked spaghetti noodles - drained and cooled and add the below ingredients
Italian or Ceasar dressing (add as much or as little as you like)
1 diced Bell Pepper
1 diced tomato
1 med can black olives
1 diced cucumber
1 diced small onion
garlic salt
pepper
This is a great quick and easy summer recipe. You can omit or add to the list of above ingredients.
Pasta Salad
1 box of cooked tri colored pasta - drained and cooled - add the below ingredients
Italian or Ceasar dressing (add as little or as much as you like)
2 tbls of mayo (more or less - depending on your taste)
1 can of ham, tuna, or chicken - drain and flake
1 can of baby Leseur peas - drained
Diced celery (as little or as much as you like)
garlic salt
pepper
This is also a great quick and easy summer recipe. You can omit or add to the list of above ingredients.
Recipes Sent in by Jeri Strickland
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Human Logic Vs. "Blind" Faith
I have been pondering this issue for months now. Over and over in my life people have told me that there has to be a balance between logic and faith. "God expects you to use the brain He gave you." "God helps those who help themselves." The advice goes on and on. But is that really the way it should be? Was it logical for men to leave their thriving fishing business, families, and homes to follow an unknown teacher and carpenter? Was is logical for Abraham to get up and go when he didn't even know where he was going? Maybe human logic is what kept Terah from God's blessing - after all, he left his home to head to Canaan and then stopped when he got to Haran. (Genesis 11:27-32. ) What did Terah miss out on because of logic? What have we all missed out on? I think I have probably missed out on a lot of things. Many of them I didn't even realize. How many things in our lives do we do just because that is the way it is done? How many things do we believe "that's God's will" just because it works out logically? How often do we really and truly seek His face, seek His path, earnestly and without prejudice? There are so many examples of this - take birth control for one. Before we got married, my mom took me to get a prescription for the pill, because that was what you did until you were ready to start a family. I never questioned it, never even thought to ask what God wanted us to do (not that I had asked about the marriage, my career, or anything else for that matter). We planned out how many and how far apart our kids would be and that is what happened. When things worked out so that doctors said we should only have four - that was great, that's what we had decided too, so it must be God's will, right? But did we ask? No. What about where to live - city, state, even house? We looked and looked, but did we really do what God wanted? Did we really ask and listen for the answer? What about school curriculum? What about money we spend? What about getting a dog? What about what I had for breakfast this morning? How often do we ask? How often do we really listen for the answer? When we get the answer, and it isn't logical, how often do we think we must have misheard? But when people have the faith to follow, no matter how illogical, how often do we question them, criticize even? I know I catch myself doing just that, but doesn't that show a huge lack of faith and an even bigger lack of understanding what faith really is? Life isn't always logical, but God always knows the best way. Maybe we need to focus on more faith and less logic...
Rachel Hutcherson
Rachel Hutcherson
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Closet of Blessing- A Success!
Closet of Blessing was a complete success! We had well over 300 people come through the doors on Sunday to be blessed with warm welcomes, school supplies, clothing and shoes. Many who visited (as well as those who helped) were touched by this act of kindness. Everything ran very smoothly and we were able to give out most of what we received as donations.
Remember to continue to pray for the ones who came, that those who don't know Christ would come to know Him, and those who already know Him would grow in Him.
Remember to continue to pray for the ones who came, that those who don't know Christ would come to know Him, and those who already know Him would grow in Him.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Closet of Blessing
It's almost that time! Closet of Blessing is almost upon us. Tags are being ripped and clothes are being sorted.
Here are some points to pray for.....
1. That God would be glorified through our efforts.
2. That we would have enough usable clothing, shoes and school items to bless those who come on Sunday.
3. That those who are in need would somehow hear about it and come on Sunday.
4. That hearts would be touched through this display of kindness in a way that would draw them nearer to Christ.
5. That all logistics-sorting, set up, clean up, food and on the actually morning of- would run smoothly and effectively.
6. That the people of Crossmark would be blessed by this opportunity to serve others.
7. Did I mention to pray that God would be glorified?
Thanks for helping and lifting our requests up to Him!
Here are some points to pray for.....
1. That God would be glorified through our efforts.
2. That we would have enough usable clothing, shoes and school items to bless those who come on Sunday.
3. That those who are in need would somehow hear about it and come on Sunday.
4. That hearts would be touched through this display of kindness in a way that would draw them nearer to Christ.
5. That all logistics-sorting, set up, clean up, food and on the actually morning of- would run smoothly and effectively.
6. That the people of Crossmark would be blessed by this opportunity to serve others.
7. Did I mention to pray that God would be glorified?
Thanks for helping and lifting our requests up to Him!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Stairmaster and Lounge Chair
Been thinking about that "Stairmaster and Lounge Chair" sermon from Sunday. I've been there...stepping up and down....and beating myself up for each mistake and poor decision I made in the past. I mean from even years ago. Just where the enemy likes you, beating yourself up, feeling unworthy, not feeling loved unconditionally. We wear that stuff like a old coat, trudging up and down on the steps, with that itchy, scatchy old material rubbing on our hearts.
Like Michael said the best part is GETTING OFF!
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5
Be assured no one--man, woman or child--says "I love you" with more certainty than the Lord.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9
You know I don't know why I got on that Stairmaster, I really don't like to exercise, and keep that lounge chair away from me, I have enough issues. :-)
What thoughts did you have?
Denise
Like Michael said the best part is GETTING OFF!
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5
Be assured no one--man, woman or child--says "I love you" with more certainty than the Lord.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9
You know I don't know why I got on that Stairmaster, I really don't like to exercise, and keep that lounge chair away from me, I have enough issues. :-)
What thoughts did you have?
Denise
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