Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: Jesus Speaks in the Temple

 Good morning! Yesterday I had fully planned to continue discussing chapter 8, but I got derailed at  It is written. I don't think that is a bad thing. I truly believe we need to commit much of the bible to memory. It will help us in our daily walk with Christ and it will bring comfort to us when we are down, and it will help in teaching others about Christ. When our minds are full of the good things it is much harder for the bad things to penetrate. For now I'm going to focus on Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee", (King James) and 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Also King James version. You can choose the version with which you are most comfortable; I grew up with this version and enjoy it more.  If you choose to embark on this journey 'hiding the word in your heart' with me, please let me know how it's going for you.
  Today we are focusing on verses 21 to 32 in chapter 8 of John. Jesus has so much to say in this chapter. He is teaching them that he has been sent by the Father to us. In these few verses he told the people that where he goes they cannot come because they will die in their sins if they do not believe in him (Jesus). He was doing nothing from himself; everything he did -the miracles, the teaching, it all came from God the Father.
  As he continued to speak, many began to believe on him. He admonished them, as well as us today, " If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (v31, 32)
  Verse 31 should serve as witness. We can't just hear the word, believe Jesus is the Son of God, repent of our sins, be baptized into Christ and sit back and continue on with life as normal because we are "safe". Jesus said we are to continue in his word. If we continue living like we did before baptism then really all we did was get wet. While we are still going to stumble and fall, we shouldn't  just shrug and not try to live our lives as Christ wants us to. We have record of what he wants us to do with our lives. We should encourage one another to live for Christ. Lift one another up in prayer. Continue the daily walk. Not so that others see how great we are, for we are not. They should see God in us. We all stumble; let's be there for one another and help on the journey.
  Have a great day.  

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Gratituesday: My Son

  Yesterday we celebrated our son J's nineteenth (!!!) birthday. As celebrations go, it was fairly quiet. We spent time with family, the birthday boy took a long afternoon nap, and then Grandma made tacos and we had cupcakes for dessert. J loved all the attention he got.  I was happy to see all the birthday wishes for him on Facebook. 
   When I see other parents rave about their children's accomplishments I read them with joy for them. I confess to having a little sadness at times as well, because some of those accomplishments J will never manage. That sadness is for me though, not for J. It would be wasted on him for he is happy with life. He has true joy in life: he is happiest with family and others who know and love him. He enjoys music of almost every genre whether it be hymns, classical, Latin hip hop, classic rock, country, jazz, or international, or almost anything else. He loves to eat, and I think that is his only worry in life -that someone will forget he needs to eat.  As I've told him time and again, we haven't let him starve yet.
  In many ways he's a typical teenager: he enjoys sleeping and eating, loves to tease (he loves showing me that he's a lot taller than I am), and does not want his "siblings" in his bedroom. Ever. (In his case, those would be cats. He's just not a cat person. He takes after his Papa on that one).  
  In other ways, he's not typical. He's not really verbal, meaning he is not likely to carry on a conversation with you in a way you're used to. If you are patient and listen, he does talk. He says some words appropriately now and then, but he converses much more with the heart. He uses facial expression, sounds, and some sign to communicate. He knows more sign language than he chooses to use however. He isn't one to sit and play video games or watch television. He will listen to music constantly, and will sometimes watch someone else play games for a bit. There are a few movies or shows that he will try to sit and watch now and again, but he's not one to sit still for long. He loves moving around.
  I catch myself calling him "Baby" still. While he will always be my baby in my heart, he is so much more now. He isn't the little high pitched two year old he once was. He's fully grown in size, and he's changed so much over the years. He continually teaches me new things.  I am thankful that God has blessed us with J.
 This post is shared with Heavenly Homemakers  as part of Gratituesday. Please join us!

A Morning Cup of Tea: It is Written

  Good morning! I hope your day has started out well. I'm sitting here reading John chapter 7 and listening to our "resident ghost", aka J. He's in a good mood this morning, and that always makes me happy.
  Jesus is teaching in the temple and the Pharisees just are not happy with him. They have been trying to discredit him and say he has a devil but he just keeps coming right back at them with the truth. Please be sure to read this chapter for yourself because I may miss something.
  The Pharisees said that Jesus bore record of himself, and his record is not true (v13). Jesus responded that indeed his record was true because it came from the Father; He pointed out that the Pharisees judge by the outward appearance of a person. When Jesus judges, his judgement is true because he is not alone but with the Father. He reminded them "It is written." The testimony of two men is true (v 17).  Did you notice that? Just as Jesus had done with the devil, he used "It is written" with the Pharisees.  That should be a lesson for us all: know the scripture. Our enemy knows the scripture and will twist it to suit his needs. The only way to win this (and to help us not sin Psalm 119:11 ) is to study and know what the bible says (2 Timothy 2;15) . Every time I see those words it reminds me I don't know nearly enough. There are some days I can read and read and read, but I'm not sure how much I absorb when I do that. 
  Have you ever seen Christmas in Connecticut? It's a 1945 movie starring Barbara Stanwyck. Bear with me here. It's set in WWII and a German U boat has sunk an American ship. There are two survivors, and one had given up the last of his food to his friend. When they were rescued and in the hospital, the one who had given up his food couldn't start out on steak and all the other foods he'd dreamed of for so long. The doctor had him on milk at first. Even at that, little bits at a time till he grew stronger.  
 Honestly? I'm not real sure whether I'm ready for real steak yet although I'm trying to nibble at it at least. It doesn't matter at this moment whether you are taking the bible small bites at a time, or can handle large chapters all at once. Continue on. Surround yourself with others who understand the reading and can help teach you, but don't stop reading and studying for yourself. The bible isn't so hard to understand when you want to know what it says. However, it's not a book that you read from cover to cover once and set on a shelf to collect dust. Nor is it a book that is only to be opened at church or to press flowers, or to collect recordings of births and deaths. It should be opened and read daily. How else are we to learn and to grow, and to know when someone is telling the truth about what the scripture says?
  That message is for me as well as anyone else who reads this. It gets so easy to set aside personal time in the word because our lives get so busy. Some of us have jobs outside the home, we have children to raise, family members to look after, on and on and on. Yet there is something missing if we make time for Pinterest or Facebook, or hockey or our favorite television program and there is no time left for reading God's word. How can we fight temptation with It is Written when we have no clue what it says or where that scripture is found?  Psalm 119:11 and 2 Timothy 2:15? I knew them partially and had to do a search for them. I want to challenge myself, as well as anyone else reading this, to put those two scriptures to memory, and to continue on hiding the word in our hearts through memorizing scriptures. Have them so ingrained in our minds that book, chapter and verse comes to mind easily. 
  I've gone off on a tangent today,but I hope you will forgive me and join me again tomorrow as we learn more of God's word together.  Until next time, have a great day!

Monday, February 27, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: Cast the First Stone

 Good morning! Today we are beginning chapter 8 of John, verses one through twelve. Jesus had come once again to the temple, and had begun to teach. The scribes and Pharisees came to him with a woman in their custody. 
  The scribes and Pharisees announced to Jesus that the woman had been committing adultery; had been caught in the very act, they said. The law of Moses said quite clearly that she should be stone, but what does Jesus have to say about this?
  Obviously they wanted him to say something contrary to the law of Moses so they could do away with him. Jesus knew this too. He bent over and began writing in the dirt with his finger as if he hadn't heard the men. Then he stood up and said He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And he began to write on the ground again.
  They who had heard this, one by one, oldest to youngest, began to leave. Finally there was only Jesus and the woman left. Jesus asked the woman, Where are your accusers, are there any here? She of course answered, No man. He said Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.

 I've wondered at times what Jesus wrote in the dirt that day. Was he just doodling? Perhaps he was writing a list of things he needed to do in the coming days. Or maybe he was writing some of the sins that her accusers had done? I've also wondered, where is the man with whom she was sinning? Had they already punished him, or was he part of the trap set for Jesus and therefore was there with the other men, or set free?  You know what? The answers to those two questions won't be answered here, and in the long run, neither matter. 
  To her accusers he gave them permission to stone her, but the one who was without sin should cast the first stone. All of them knew what they had done, and they felt the guilt of it so they left. End of story? Not quite.
  Some would like to use this account to teach or believe that we should not judge others. But pay attention here. Jesus did not tell her she was not guilty of adultery, nor did he say it was no one's business that she had done this. According to the law she could have been stoned to death.  She and Jesus both knew she was guilty of that. He simply did not condemn her to death. He told her, Go, and sin no more.
  Sometimes we get caught up in at thinking how good we are, while looking at someone who has done wrong. Not one of us is perfect; we all sin, whether stumbling into it in daily life or deliberately choosing to do what we know to be sinful. This does not mean we should not talk to a brother or sister about a sin, it's just that we need to check our attitude and also make sure that we aren't ready to discuss her dirty front porch when our whole house could use a good spring cleaning. The scribes and Pharisees weren't wanting to discuss this woman's sins in love and concern for her, they just wanted Jesus to say something that went against their teaching. They chose an adulteress as bait most likely because that was such a horrible sin and surely none of them would ever do something like that! They had forgotten for a moment that they too sin. 
 Have a great day.   
    

Friday, February 24, 2012

Recipe Friday: Peanub Butter - Nutella Buttons

 Everywhere it seems these days people are talking about Nutella. Even on Pinterest  you can do a search and find different recipes. Well, since my crew loves Nutella, I thought I'd see about making some cookies. 
  I am a big fan of flourless peanut butter cookies. Easiest thing in the world to make and most people are surprised that it takes only 3 ingredients. I thought well now, how about nutella cookies in the same fashion?  I tried that. They spread too much, got crunchy-chewy, and just didn't taste right to me. J ate some, but he wasn't enthusiastic about them. I have what's left of them in a bag to see if hubby likes them.
   I wasn't ready to give up yet. I thought about trying them with half peanut butter, half Nutella and see how that worked. It was perfect! They taste yummy. Just ask my official taste tester, J. He grinned and stood by the cookies several times while I was baking. 
  It's a really simple recipe, just four ingredients. Nope, I didn't leave anything out, I promise. If you try them, please let me know what you think. Please don't ask about WW points or calories because I have no clue how to tabulate all that. 


Peanut Butter--Nutella Buttons
 Preheat oven to 350 degrees farenheit

1/2 (one half) cup peanut butter (I used Full Circle organic creamy peanut butter but any type will do except the type you have to stir each time)
1/2  cup Nutella
1 cup sugar ( i used regular granulated sugar) 
1 egg

Mix ingredients well. Form into small balls, more or less the size of a marble. Flatten on ungreased baking sheet. They will work better if they are more or less the size of nickels or quarters, but smaller or slightly larger works well also.  Depending on size of pan I usually put about 3 or 4 to a row on the short side.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes at 350.
 Yields about 3 dozen, give or take, depending on the size of the cookie. Enjoy! 

A Morning Cup of Tea: Division of the People

Good morning! Happy Friday to you. I've already had a busy morning and it is going to continue on for the rest of the day I think. Looks like my area will be hit with rain today or tomorrow. We can use it for sure. 
  Today in our reading we are finishing chapter seven of John, beginning with verse 25. Today's cup of tea is going to be rather short and sweet because honestly, I don't know much to say about it. Jesus is teaching at the temple in Judea during the feast of the tabernacles. He already knows some want to kill him because of what he's done, that is, healing on the Sabbath. So far no one has touched him because it's not yet time. He is continuing to teach that he is the way to life eternal.  Just like today, some believe, some don't, even after seeing his works first hand. Some disbelievers said they knew him and his family, surely he isn't the Christ. Some stated that he was from Galilee so obviously he couldn't be the Christ because the Christ would be from Bethlehem. I guess they didn't know or didn't take into account the fact that he was born in Bethlehem. 
  But Jesus continued to speak in the temple and more believed, and this caught the attention of the Pharisees. They wanted him captured and brought to them. So far no man had been able to touch him because it was not yet time.  The Pharisees sent officers to get him, but the ones sent found no reason to take him into custody when they heard Jesus speak. 
 Have a great day

Thursday, February 23, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: Feast of the Tabernacles

 Good morning! It looks to be another beautiful day outside. It seems  fairly warm this morning. Little old me toddled outside barefoot to feed the cats and it was not uncomfortable. The weather will change soon, though.
 Today we are looking at the first 24 verses of chapter 7 of the book of John. I will admit, John's style of writing confuses me somewhat. I will look into that a bit later though, and focus right now on what is going on in the chapter.
  Jesus is in Galilee. John mentions that Jesus would not go to Judaea (the verse says Jewry) because others sought to kill him and he knew it. It was nearly time for the feast of the tabernacles, and his brothers wanted Jesus to come with them to Judea.  They said, Leave here and go to Judea so your disciples can see your works you do. Why do things in secret, don't you want to be known in the world? (my words, v3,4)  They didn't believe Jesus was the Christ.
  6. Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
 It wasn't his time to be killed. I'm not sure what he meant by your time is always ready. But he told them that the world doesn't hate them, but the world hated him because he told them truth. Jesus told his brothers to go on up to the feast, he wasn't going just yet. He was waiting on God. When he did go to the feast, it was quietly so that no one noticed him there. People talked about him, asking where he was. Some said he was a good man, others said he was a deceiver. 
  In the midst of the feast Jesus did what he did a lot of --he went to the temple and taught. The people were amazed because he knew how to read although he had never been taught. Very few people were educated back then. Most were taught from a young age a trade.
  Jesus told them his teaching was not his, but the one who sent him.  He chastised the people for not keeping the law and wanting to kill him. He reminded them that Moses brought them the law and they didn't even know what it was!  
 They thought he was disturbed, or possessed. Who's trying to kill you?
 Jesus told them, I do one work and you marvel. Moses gave you circumcision, and you allow circumcision on the Sabbath so that the law is kept. I make a man whole on the Sabbath  and you are angry with me.
 Then Jesus tells them in verse 24, Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement. 
  Look and see what's going on before you condemn someone. Pay attention. The people of Jesus' time were willing to kill him because he healed on the Sabbath.  There should never be a time when you won't help someone simply because of the day.
  Jesus has much more to say in this chapter, and we will continue tomorrow. Until next time, have a great day! 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Bread of Life

Good morning!  It's such a beautiful day out over here. I'm so happy because I get to spend time with my brothers and sisters in Christ tonight. My family and I visited with a dear friend last night. She has such a love for God, and for others. We are blessed to know her and her husband. 
 Today we are finishing up chapter 6 of John. There is much to chew on in this chapter, so please read it for yourself. I cannot do it justice nearly enough. 
  In verse 22 where we begin today, Jesus and the twelve he had chosen had crossed over the sea and are now in Capernaum. The multitudes he had fed yesterday, not being able to find him, also came looking for him.
  Have you ever fed a stray cat and discovered you now have another mouth to feed on a regular basis? I've done that myself and now the cats of the neighborhood know how to tell time. They get fed twice a day because I can't seem to turn them away. If you're hungry I'm gonna feed you if I can, whether human or animal.
  Well, most of the ones who had come to Capernaum looking for Jesus were like the stray cats here in my neighborhood. You fed us once, now what have you got for us? Jesus knew this and he told them so. He told them that he, Jesus, was the bread they should be seeking, because he gave life. 
 35. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
  Jesus told the people that he was sent down from Heaven so that they might live. He alluded to his death and resurrection (v 39,40). The people began to scoff. (My words here) Jesus is saying he was sent from heaven? We know his parents, Mary and Joseph! What does he mean, saying he is bread from heaven!
  Jesus explained once again, and when he says to them that they could not live without eating his flesh and drinking his blood, he was alluding once again to his death and resurrection, and also the symbols of his blood and body (fruit of the vine and unleavened bread) of which we partake each first day of the week. He wasn't suggesting cannibalism there, simply that they believe. Again, read this chapter for yourself. Jesus has much to say here.
 Some of his disciples had a hard time understanding all of this. Jesus spoke to them, and some turned away, never to follow him again. Jesus knew from the start who believed and who didn't. Jesus also knew who would betray him. Although he did not name him, he did say to the 12 that he had chosen each of them, and one is a devil (v70)
  It was John who told us in his writing in verse 71 that Jesus spoke of Judas Iscariot.
  Have a great day.  

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: John's Account of Feeding the Five Thousand

Good morning! It's been a quiet yet eventful morning, and I am so happy to delve into the Word with you, and dispel some of the worries and cares that trouble.
  Today we are beginning chapter 6 of John. Today we are focusing on the first 21 verses. Jesus and his disciples were near the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberius (v1). The multitudes there had heard of the miracles that Jesus had done and they were there to see for themselves. Jesus had gone up into a mountain to be alone with his disciples, but the multitude was there right along with them. Jesus had compassion on the people, and asked Philip where they should buy bread to feed them. According to John this was a test because Jesus knew all along what he would do (v5). Philip replied that buying 200 pennyworth of bread would not be enough to feed them all, even if they all just took a little. In William Smith's A Bible Dictionary, revised edition (1948) it says "  "Two hundred pennyworth of bread would have cost approximately thirty-two dollars."Adjusting for inflation by 2010 that would be about 282 US dollars. That would have been quite a bit of money for them at the time.
  Andrew, Peter's brother, told Jesus that there was a lad with 5 barley loaves and 2 little fishes. Jesus asked him for the food. He blessed it and they fed 5000 men that day. (Women and children were usually not counted so the number could have been larger than this, or the generic term "men" could have encompassed all who were there). When everyone had eaten their fill, Jesus asked that the fragments be collected so nothing would go to waste. Twelve baskets of bread were filled. 
  The crowd had witnessed this, and they'd either seen or heard about the other miracles Jesus had done --turning water into wine, raising the dead, healing. They wanted to take him and make him their king here on earth. By force if necessary!  Jesus knew this so he went off alone. The disciples left by boat to go to Capernaum.  During the night the wind began to blow, probably bringing in a storm. The disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, coming toward the ship. They didn't know at first that it was Jesus, because John says they were already 25 or 30 furlongs from shore. Translated, they were about three and a half or 4 miles from shore. They really weren't expecting someone to come walking toward the ship that far out, apparently not even Jesus. They were afraid!  Jesus told them it was himself and not to be afraid.
  Can you imagine seeing someone walking on the water as if he were on dry land? I think I would be a little concerned myself at first.  I don't think that the disciple fully grasped yet just who Jesus was. 
  Have a great day!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Special Needs Battle Fatigue: A Mother's View

There are days I want to give up. It's simple. Just pack a bag or two, walk out the door, and never look back. But I choose not to. 
  I am the mom. I deal with (most of) the household chores, I have the sweet moments as well as the frustrating moments of motherhood. My house is battle scarred and worn. My spirit sometimes feels that way as well. As I sit here and type my son is listening to classical music and calming down only slightly from an hour long hissy fit that has involved using the "eat" sign" (he has food in front of him and he's threatened to throw it several times), banging on every surface within reach, wanting to hit or bite (clothing mostly, but his hand as well, and he looks at me as if I were a steak dinner. Precisely why I'm on the other end of the room, trying to remain calm and not escalate the battle; ignoring his tirade yet watching to see that he does not break anything nor harm himself). 
  I called my husband at work. I'm in this one alone, as he has to work. At the moment the battle has worn down to his shrieking now and again, trying to gain my attention. Resolutely I focus my eyes on the computer screen. His rants are fueled by frustration, anger and attention (the first two on both sides) so I've learned to simply monitor.
  This storm has been brewing for a few days I fear. He's been mostly good but there have been signs. Signs I chose to ignore because he seemed to be doing so well. Yet the knowledge was there in the back of my mind, knowing a meltdown could occur. I try to keep his schedule as normal and predictable as possible, but life is never truly predictable. A meal is sometimes late, someone forgets to mention a doctor appointment, someone is wearing a fragrance that he doesn't like, or he hears a song that irritates him (J, the lover of music, is a critic. There aren't many genres, musicians, or songs that he detests, but protest he will when one happens along).
  So, frustrated as I get when these things happen, why do I stay? Others have walked away, seemingly without a qualm, because they could not handle it. I'm not judging them, merely observing. I stay because, angry as I get, I love my husband and son. I also know what Jesus did for me. He suffered so much more than I could even begin to imagine. For my sake he did this. I know I've caused the Father much frustration in watching me make mistakes, yet he continues to be there, continues to love me. I stay because the joy my son gives me far outweighs the heartache and frustration. I may not like being on the frontlines alone day after day, but it happens. And I plan to take some R & R soon. It needs to happen so that I can continue to do what I do.
  Battle Fatigue is real, and it happens in families with special needs (whatever they may be) just as it does with soldiers. Both need love and support, or things begin to fall apart. Speaking as the parent of a child with autism and a seizure disorder, friendships are vital. Understanding is needed. So what can you do? Be the support that can't always work online.
  • Ask questions if you don't understand. Read. Don't assume the worst of a child who is loud or does something to startle you. Not all kids just need discipline to handle the situation.
  • Offer to take the friend out for coffee or ice cream or just to talk. Better yet, offer to take the child for a half our or an hour or two, so the parents can clean or relax a bit.
  • Putting a child in a home or a school away from the parents is not always the answer. Sometimes it is best for the child (as well as the parents) but I wonder if sometimes families go that route because of lack of support.
  • Pray. Pray for the family, with the family. 
  • Just plain listen. If you can't help any other way, send a note, make a phone call, or be available to answer the phone.

A Morning Cup of Tea: Search the Scripture

Good morning! I'm so sorry it's been a few days since I've written. I dealt with horrible headaches last week, and I ended up just needing to take a few days off and relax a bit. I hope your weekend and Lord's day was a good one. Mine was; this was one of the Sundays in the month that my family was able to attend both morning and evening services.
  We are still in chapter 5 of the book of John. Jesus is in Jerusalem and had healed a man on the Sabbath. There were those who wanted to kill Jesus for this, because to them it seemed he cared not for their laws. No work was supposed to be done on the Sabbath;it was a day of rest! In verses 19 through the end of the chapter (please read it for yourself, I may make mistakes) Jesus talks to them. He tells them that he is here to do his Father's will, not his own. God gave him authority of judgement over us. Jesus told the listeners that there would be a time when the dead would hear his voice, foretelling the resurrection.   He spoke of John the Baptizer, who bore witness to Jesus. Jesus chided the people, saying that they had chosen to listen to John for a time, but apparently stopped. 
  The people knew the laws they were to obey but they hadn't paid much attention to the promise. "Search the Scripture," he told them (v 39). Pay close attention to verses 42 through 47. Jesus said he knew their hearts, and they did not have the love of God in them. They trusted Moses, but mostly about the law. Moses wrote of Jesus, but apparently they had chosen to disregard that and did not see what was right in front of them. The final verse says 
 47. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
    When Jesus was tempted of the devil, each time he answered, It is written. The only way to fight temptation is to know what the bible says. He tells us quite plainly in word as well as example, search the scriptures.  
  A young man was invited to church by his friend. He listened to what was being said, but he was skeptical. Surely the bible did not say what these people were saying! He did what others do when looking for answers or trying to prove another person wrong: he read and searched the scriptures. He not only was baptized into Christ, he became a preacher. He had found the truth and he had (still does )a great burning desire to teach others.
  Have a great day. 

Thursday, February 16, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: I'm So Sorry, We Will Have This Discussion Later

Good morning! You ever have those days where everything hits at once? Well, this is one of those days. Insomnia kept me awake till past one, only to be awkened at 4:30 when hubby got home and again at 6:30 to take care of some things. I've been awake all this time, trying to get some rest or at least wake my brain up enough to do bible study. I'm now listening to my sweet boy in his room singing "Go eat! Go eat!" and a neurotic cat of mine came into the house soaking wet from being out in the rain and insisted on sitting on me while he bathed and recovered from the trauma. Now I have muddy paw prints all over me and the comforter he claimed. These are the days you can't help but smile. 
  So... long story short, please forgive me but I can't pay attention enough to the bible reading to make any sense in writing about it. I will try to come back in the afternoon and work on it, but no promises. Looks to be a fun and busy day today. Until next time, have a great day.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Lovin Life

 Suzy Homemaker I am not. I follow some homemaking bloggers (don't get to read them every day, but I try to keep up)and I think, Wow! How do they do it all? I highly suspect they are like mama duck here, looking calm and cool on top and paddling furiously to keep up! That's about the way I see life anyway. I just don't always manage to make it look so easy. That's okay though. Life has some bumpy roads, but I have my faith in God, a loving husband by my side, a caring family, and a very supportive Christian family. In the end it's all worth it. I know that comes off as a bit trite, but in a nutshell, that's it. Maybe one day I'll explain a little of that, but if you've read this blog for long, you know that I have a breaking point. I'm just taking it day by day and lovin' life.
  Today however, I'm in a cooking mood.  I have pizza dough rising and I just tried my hand at creating a mac and cheese recipe. That one may take some adjusting. My family still hasn't gotten used to whole wheat pasta, but that is what I had on hand, so we shall see. If it turns out good I'll share the recipe. 
  J is taking an afternoon nap so now would be the perfect time to a) whip up a batch of cookies, b) clean the kitchen a bit more, or c) take a nap myself. I have only a few minutes before my pizza dough needs to be punched down, so the nap is out. Cookies sound great but I think I will wait until tomorrow to make those. Cleaning it is. Sighhh.... such an exciting life I lead. But you know, I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Have a great day.

A Morning Cup of Tea: Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

Good morning! Have you ever tried to type while an insistent cat rests in your arms? It's challenging at times, but it can be done. Max isn't always a people person -he prefers being outside most of the time- but now and then the mood strikes him and he is determined to be held. He's like a yo yo. I put him down and he comes right back, usually with a disdainful look. 
  We aren't here to discuss my cats though, are we? Today we begin chapter 5 of John. Verses 1 to 18 are what we will look at. I want to read the rest of the chapter a time or two more before I write about it tomorrow. 
  There was another feast time for the Jews, and Jesus was in Jerusalem again.  In those days there was a sheep market, and by that was a pool called Bethesda. At a certain time an angel would be sent down to the pool and he would trouble the water. The first person--lame, ill, blind, or other infirmity--to step into the troubled water would be made whole. There was a man at the pool who had been infirm for 38 years. He could not walk on his own because when Jesus asked him if he would like to be cured, answered that he had no one to help him into the water and always someone else would enter the water first. 
  Jesus told him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. He immediately got up and walked. When asked at first who had cured him, the man did not know, for Jesus had cured him, then slipped off into the crowd.  Later in the temple, Jesus saw the man again. He told the man, you are made whole. Sin no more lest a worse thing come unto thee.  He wasn't threatening the man but simply telling him that sin equals death.
  The man told his fellow Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him, and of course they were angry because it was the Sabbath, and no work, even healing someone was supposed to be done on the Sabbath. Jesus answered, My Father works today, and I work now.
  This made them angrier and they wanted to kill Jesus because he made himself equal with God by calling him his Father. 
  Humans tend to want to destroy that which they do not understand. They were more interested in keeping to laws than actually doing God's will. Jesus had a lot to say to them, and we will get to that tomorrow. Until then, have a great day. 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: A Ruler at Capernaum

Good morning! Happy Valentine's Day! My husband and I have already celebrated last week but it's still a special day. I had wanted to cook a special breakfast today but we have a doctor appointment for J. What plans have you got for today?
  Today we are finishing up chapter 4 of John. Jesus and his disciples had gone back to Galilee, and stopped in Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. A ruler met them there, whose son was sick at Capernaum. The man's son was going to die. The man asked Jesus to come with him and heal his son.
  Jesus said, Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not believe (v 48). But the man insisted that Jesus should come or his son would die. Jesus then told him, Go thy way; thy son liveth  (v 50).
  As the nobleman was returning home, his servants met him and told him that his son was alive. The man asked when his son got better. They told him the seventh hour of the previous day. The man knew that was the very hour in which Jesus had told him, Thy son liveth. The man and his whole household believed in Jesus then.
  John tells us that this was the second miracle that Jesus did.  

Gratituesday: Angel in the Restaurant

 Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

 Today may be Valentine's Day on the calendar, but we celebrated on last Thursday, largely due to hubby's work schedule. We went to see hubby's mom and sister, and also went to dinner and spent time at a used book store. Not very romantic to some, but J was with us. I enjoyed it a lot, and I realize just how blessed I am to be able to go to dinner with two of my favorite young men. <smile>
  Two things happened at the restaurant that gave me a big smile. One, I decided to be brave and try a raw oyster. My thoughts on that? Interesting. I can now check that off the list and never have to do that again. I know some people like those things, but I'm not one of them. 
  The second, and most important thing that happened, was the kindness that J received. There was a family at the table beside ours, and the lady paid special attention to J. She got up several times and talked directly to J. With the busyness of the restaurant and the distractions of the radio playing in the background, he didnt really give her any eye contact, but he did show he was okay with her being there. She even brought him a crab leg to try. He enjoyed that thoroughly! 
  It was just a random thing. We'd never met before and likely won't see her or her family again. But I so appreciate the kindness she showed to my son. That truly made my heart smile

Monday, February 13, 2012

Confessions of a Disorganized Housewife--Taming the Magazine Monster

It's been a few weeks since I've posted about this, shame on me! To be fair, some of those Mondays that I haven't posted my confessions I've actually been... cleaning! Who knew? he he. 
  Last night we updated our Netflix account to have instant access once again. I like watching some things on the spot. I decided one thing I wanted to watch was "Hoarders." Oh dear. While I don't think my house has ever gotten to the point that I would qualify to be on the show, let's just say it makes you take a pretty good long look at what is kept and what isn't. While I am not a hoarder to the extreme, sometimes my house does look like it because we have such little space to work with. 
  Some things we simply cannot get rid of (Christmas tree, ornaments, decorations used year to year) but there is no storage space for them here. They need to go to off site storage. 
  Beds. My son has a bed that is thoroughly destroyed and we have a day bed that would take up half the space his old bed does and is in a lot better shape despite the frame being 22 years old. Guess what dh is going to do this weekend?
  Magazines. Okay, this is my area. I get them in the mail (mostly free), I buy them at the grocery store, I pick up some at the doctor's offices. I know well that I should send them on their merry little way when I'm done with them. But...  there's a recipe I want to try!... There's an article in there that I havent read/want to keep!... my favorite here, I'm saving that for a craft project!  While I do throw some out, I keep an awful lot out there.  So. New game plan. 
  1. If I've read it and there is nothing to keep, put it in a tote bag bound for doctor's appointments, or anyplace else where magazines can sit that isn't home.  If it has a recipe, either clip it, copy it, or realize you're never going to make the dish anyway and move on. Better yet, check the web, it's bound to be there. Pin it to Pinterest or copy it to a file on your computer. Works great.
  2. Articles I want to save --If the magazine is more than 3 months old, toss it out or give it to someone else, you'll never access that article again in that magazine because you will have forgotten. If it's really that important, rip out what you need and chuck that puppy. Better yet, search the web. 9 times out of ten it will be there.
  3. Saving it for a craft. Okay, for me this one gets trickier. I am a creative sort. I like having bits and bobs of different things to use. I also like having a lot of inspiration. I don't buy crafting magazines every single month. I would like to get a few as subscriptions but so far hubby and I haven't agreed on which one(s) yet. Yet there is a short stack of them in my house. I've tried limiting the ones I keep to a magazine holder or two, but that hasn't quite worked. I think this one is going to be harder for me. What I'm going to have to do here is realize that I have a limited amount of space in which to keep my crafting supplies/inspirations. I will decide this week how much space I can allot to those magazines. Once the space is full, I will purge some. There will be some I have to purge this week because some are a few years old and I haven't gotten to the projects yet. 
So now you know my dirty little secret about magazines.  I have my work cut out for the week for me. What about subscribing to the magazines online?  Alas, not all magazines work with Android, which is what we have in the way of e readers in this household. So, paper it is for now. Regular magazines get dropped off where others can enjoy them after being in my house a month (sometimes less time than that) craft mags worth keeping can stay as long as there is room in their allotted space. After that they get the boot. I've spoken this aloud so you, dear reader, can hold me to that. 
  As for Pinterest, yep, you know I adore that, but it too can quickly contain hundreds of pins that will never be seen by you again. Take time to glance through your own boards now and then. Check for repeats, and choose one to try now and then. As for me, I've begun trying some of the myriad recipes I've pinned. Yummy! I'll share one on Friday. :)
 Until next time, Have a great day!@

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Woman of Samaria

Good morning! I think this week we are getting a little taste of winter, but not too bad. In the 50s and 60s this week mostly. 
  Today we are in chapter four of John. Verses 1-42 are what we are focusing on today. Please do read this on your own. There is much to learn in this passage and i'm so afraid I won't do it justice.
  Jesus and his disciples were headed to Galilee, and they had to travel through Samaria. Jesus stopped at the well, and the disciples had gone into town to buy food. A Samaritan woman was at the well, and Jesus asked her for a drink. She was surprised at this, because Jews didn't have much to do with Samaritans at the time. 
  Jesus talked to her and told her about living water, which we know is salvation. She didn't understand it, but she wanted it. It was then he asked her to bring her husband to the well. She answered that she had no husband. He told her that she was correct in that. She'd had 5 husbands, and the man she was with now was not her husband. Can you imagine how you would feel if a man you'd never met before told you all that you had done?
  She ran off to tell the people of her town about Jesus being the Christ. Meanwhile, the disciples had come back and they urged Jesus to eat. He told them his meat was to do the will of God, and finish his work. 
 35. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? behold I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
 Jesus was telling them, and us, there are people all around ready to hear the gospel and obey. The work is there, we just need to do it.
  Many of the Samaritans of that city (Sychar) believed what the woman told them, and came to hear him for themselves. Jesus stayed there two days teaching.
 41.And many more believed because of his own word;
 42. And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
 Okay. The Samaritans from Sychar heard Jesus speak, they believed, and they confessed that Jesus was the Christ. Those are steps to salvation.  It does not say whether they repented of sins and were baptized but I wonder if they were. Any thoughts on this? 
  In the meantime, have a great day.  

Sunday, February 12, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: Baptism, John the Baptizer

Good morning! This is the week that J and I stay home while hubby works the day shift. Not my favorite way to spend the Lord's day, but I can honor him by supporting him and taking care of my family. 
   J was up long before I was today so breakfast had to come first. I made a Dutch Baby Pancake that I will tell you more about later this week if you're interested. J has eaten, had his bath, and is in his room relaxing so now I can settle down and get my writing done.
  Yesterday we read John 3, and in it, we learned a little about baptism. As we discussed yesterday, and will read again tomorrow, Jesus himself didn't baptize anyone. His disciples did the immersing.
  When John's disciples asked him about Jesus and why people were going to him (I'm guessing they were wondering if John was okay with this), John told them that Jesus was the Christ, not he (John). He had only been sent to tell others about Jesus and prepare the way. 
 The whole chapter  brings up the subject of believing. Believe on Jesus and you will have everlasting life.Don't believe and you will be condemned. But what does it mean to believe? Simply saying "I believe" ? James 2:19 tells us that the demons believe, and tremble. We know they wont go to heaven because they do Satan's will, and not God's.
  A preacher once explained belief this way: There is a chair in the corner. You know it's a chair and you believe that if you sit it will give you comfort and rest. But if you don't sit on the chair, what good is it doing you? Many people believe there is a God, and even understand that Jesus is the Christ, but choose to continue a life of sin. At least sometimes I believe that it is because no one taught them there is a better way to live. We have to try and teach; through example in our own daily living as well as studying together. Invite them to worship. 
 Have a great day.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: Baptism

 Good morning! I think it's going to be another beautiful day. The sun is shining, people are already busily driving down my street, and my dear son has been awake for who knows how long this morning. He woke me up this morning. I heard someone knocking and my sleep filled brain decided that it was hubby coming home from work and couldnt get in, or one of the neighbors needing something. It was neither; hubby is at work this morning, not coming home yet. It was my dear son, knocking on the bathroom wall.  He got me up and moving so that is what counts. 
  Today we are in the third chapter of John. Jesus had been invited to the home of Nicodemus, a Pharisee. Apparently Nicodemus didn't want anyone else to know he was wanting to learn from Jesus because he was there at night. Jesus taught him that he needed to be reborn (v3) in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus either did not understand or thought it highly amusing that a man could be reborn. Jesus explained to him that we must be born of water and the Spirit. Baptism. Jesus continued teaching him, and taught that he himself would soon die in order that those who believe might be saved. John 3:16, one of the most widely known verses in the bible, says For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
  Stop and think about that a minute.  God loved the world --this means the people of Jesus' earthly time, those before him, and us, you and me. He loved us enough to send his only Son down to earth to teach, do miracles so that others might believe, and eventually, to die. He was sent to take our place. MY place. I have a son. If someone came to me and said Dottie, your son is in a place where if he dies he could save so many people. If he doesn't die, everyone's going to die. I would have a very hard time sacrificing my son's life for others, especially those who wouldn't understand that sacrifice, much less appreciate what he'd done. This was a tremendous thing that Jesus did, dying on the cross for our sins. And all we have to do is believe, right?
But what did Jesus tell Nicodemus? You need to be baptized. Now look at  verse 22 of this chapter. After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23. And John also was baptizing in Enon, near Salim,because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
  If you read a little further,to John 4:2, John tells us that Jesus himself didn't baptize, but the disciples did. Is that a contradiction with verse 22? No. The baptisms were done on behalf of Jesus, so then it can be said that Jesus baptized. We are not saved through the person immersing us into the water, but through Jesus. To learn more about that, please read here and here .  
  I'll talk more on this chapter tomorrow. In the meantime, feel free to leave comments or questions, or discuss. I don't always answer, but I try to.  Have a great day. 

Friday, February 10, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Wedding in Cana

Good morning! How are you today? I've been enjoying my "weekend" with my husband at home. His work week starts tomorrow for morning shift. Such fun, he he. At the moment he's helping me to understand the chronology of some events recorded in the book of John.
  The first recorded miracle that Jesus performed was at the wedding in Cana. Jesus and his disciples had been invited, and Jesus' mother, Mary, was there as well. She told Jesus there was no wine. His answer to her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come (v4) startled me a bit because it sounds almost disrespectful. But I don't think it was. She understood, I think that he had some powers because she told the servants, whatever he says, do it. And Jesus had them fill water pots, then dip into the water and take it to the governor of the feast. 
  The next thing John writes about is during the time of the Passover when he and his mother and brothers and disciples were in Jerusalem, and Jesus drove out the money changers and the cattle from the temple.  He told those who asked about the sign he was giving, Destroy this temple and I will build it back in three days. They did not understand he was not talking of the building, but his body. 
  

Thursday, February 9, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: Thou Shalt See Greater Things Than These

 Good morning! It's a chilly morning here in my neck of the woods. Still beautiful, though. I've been discussing the first chapter of John with my husband, who grew up in the church. 
  I'm finding this chapter interesting, because it gives a little background on how some of the disciples met Jesus. Andrew had been a follower of John the baptizer, and apparently was there when Jesus was baptized, or heard John speak of him, because he and another follower of John decided to follow Jesus in order to learn more about him. Jesus spoke with them, and showed them where he was staying at the time, and they stayed with him for the night. Andrew introduced his brother Peter to Jesus, and Jesus told him he would be called Cephas, which means  a stone. It was during this time that Jesus met Philip and Nathanael. Nathanael instantly believed on Jesus when Jesus told him he had seen him sitting under a fig tree.
  Jesus replied to this Because I said unto thee I saw thee under the fig tree believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these (v50).
 And he said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.(v51.)
  I am so looking forward to reading John and hearing this account of the life of Jesus. What a wonderful opportunity we have, to be able to read God's word and know the love that he has for us. Have a great day. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Word

 Good morning! What a beautiful day! We have the opportunity to attend bible study tonight, and fellowship with other Christians. That makes me so happy. I have much to be happy about today, actually. This is the beginning of my husband's weekend so I get to spend some time with him, and today we are beginning the book of John.
   I have never read John before, at least not in it's entirety. I'm sorry to say that in my years as a Christian I haven't read the bible through. That is one of the reasons I began this part of my blog. I am enjoying reading and learning, and I hope you are as well. The bible is a precious message to us from God, and I hope you don't mind that I am slow to go through it. I want to take at least two days for the first chapter. I want to be able to soak it in.
  The first few verses of the chapter make me smile and fill me with awe at the same time. 
 1.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
 2. The same was in the beginning with God.
 3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 
 4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
  Wow. Christ was there from the very beginning. He created this world. God and Jesus are one and the same, yet the Father and the Son are two different parts. I understand it, and at the same time my feeble brain fails to comprehend it fully. But Jesus was there, from the beginning. He saw the progression of man from Adam to Abraham to Noah to Moses and all through the line. He came to this earth as a human to save us all from our sins, and he was rejected by his own people. But the people who believed and followed, and this includes us, was given a most precious gift: the gift of eternal life. 
  Before Jesus came to earth, his cousin John came first. John was the voice in the wilderness, calling others to repentance and baptism. Others asked if he was the Christ, or Elijah or some of the other prophets. He told them each time no, he was not. He was there to pave the way for Christ. He, who considered himself unworthy to even unloose the latchet of Jesus' shoe, would baptize Jesus. John saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove. What a glorious sight that must have been!
  I'm going to stop right here for today. If you have not read the chapter I do hope you will. I look forward to learning more each day with you. Have a great day.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: He is Not Here, But is Risen

 Good morning! Today we are reading chapter 24, the final chapter in the book of Luke. I have the dubious pleasure of typing while Max, one of my cats, does his morning grooming on my lap. I have removed Max several times and several times Mr. Stubborn has returned. Insistent little fellow.
    It is now the first day of the week--Sunday. The women, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, have gone to the tomb with their spices so they can prepare Jesus' body. They were not able to do that after his death because it was too close to sundown, the beginning of the Sabbath. The ladies are perplexed to see the stone rolled away. They do not know what to think of this. Two men in shining garments appear and ask them, Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.
   The women run and tell the eleven disciples, but the men don't believe them. They think the women are just making up tales out of their grief. But for whatever reason, Peter goes to the tomb himself, and sees that the stone is indeed rolled away, and the linen clothes Jesus had been wrapped in are the only things in the sepulcre.
  Two of the men went to a town called Emmaus, and Jesus appeared to them. They did not realize it was him while he was talking, until that evening when he blessed the food and gave it to them.  A short time later Jesus appeared to the disciples and pointed out his hands and his feet, and even ate a piece of broiled fish to show that he was indeed flesh and blood in front of them. He opened their eyes to the scriptures that pointed out that repentance and remission of sins should be taught in all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
 Jesus led them out as far as Bethany and blessed them, and was carried up to heaven. 
 Have a great day.

Monday, February 6, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: At the Cross

Good morning! Today we are reading the twenty third chapter of Luke. Jesus had been betrayed by Judas, with a kiss, and captured by the chief priests. After the elders had decided he was guilty, they took him to Pilate. Pilate spoke with Jesus, but saw no fault in him. Pilate, I think, was not a strong willed man. He didn't want to make a decision against Jesus, so when he discovered that Jesus was from Galilee, placing him under the jurisdiction of Herod, Pilate sent him to Herod, who happened to be in Jerusalem at the time. 
  Herod had heard of Jesus and had wanted to see him for some time. He wanted to see a miracle. But Jesus spoke nothing in Herod's presence. Herod and his followers mocked Jesus and dressed him in a royal robe and sent him back to Pilate. 
  Again, Pilate saw no guilt in Jesus, certainly none that would require death, as his accusers wanted. He suggested that he would chastise Jesus and let him go. The custom of the time was that at the Passover a prisoner would be set free. But the people insisted on crucifying Jesus. They wanted Barabbas, a known murderer set free. Pilate gave another attempt to set Jesus free, but the crowd wanted Barabbas. They insisted that Jesus be crucified.
  On his way to Calvary, where he would be crucified, a Cyrenian by the name of Simon was pressed into service to carry the cross for Jesus. Two thieves who would hang on crosses that day also, were with him. Just as the soldiers were mocking Jesus, one thief also taunted him, saying save yourself, and us too! But the other thief rebuked the first one. He understood that Jesus had done no wrong, as he and the other man had. Jesus told him that he would be with Jesus that very day in paradise.
  At the sixth hour, about noontime, the sky grew dark. It stayed dark until about 3 pm, or the ninth hour of the day. The veil in the temple tore completely in two. Jesus gave up the ghost.
  Afterwards Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. He wrapped him in linens and placed him in the tomb. The women prepared spices, then rested on the Sabbath. 
Have a great day.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Capture

 Good morning! How wonderful to have a chance to go and worship with other Christians today!
  This morning we are reading Luke 22, verses 35 to the end of the chapter.  After they had eaten the Passover dinner, Jesus and his disciples went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus left his disciples at one spot and went a stones throw away from them to pray. Luke tells us that an angel appeared to minister to him and strengthen him. He also tells us that Jesus sweat great drops as blood. Could Jesus have sweat blood? Yes! It is rare, but it is called hematohidrosis. If you would like more information on it, this is where I learned about it.
  Jesus finished his praying and went back to his disciples, finding them asleep. He woke them up, admonishing them to pray in order to stay out of temptation. It was then that Judas appeared, along with the chief priests and others who would take him for his trial. Jesus did not fight back. He even healed the ear of a chief priest's servant after Peter drew a sword and sliced it off. He did, however, tell the chief priests, all this time I was in the temple you did not touch me, but you come for me under the cover of darkness.
  Peter followed the crowd that took Jesus away, and sat near a fire, close to where the questioning was taking place. One by one, a maid and two men pointed to Peter and said that he was one who had been with Jesus. Peter denied him each time. The third time he denied knowing Jesus, the rooster crowed, and Jesus turned and looked at him. Peter realized what he had done, and went out and wept bitterly.
  Already the torture had begun for Jesus. They mocked him, and struck him in the face. They blindfolded him and struck him, asking him "Prophesy -who hit you?"
  When the day began the elders and the chief priests gathered together and questioned him. They asked him if he was the Christ, and he answered they would not believe if he told them. When they asked if he was the Son of God, he answered simply Ye say that I am.   They were ready to convict him right there. 
  Already Jesus has been up all night, no sleep. It is now the morning of the next day. He has been hit and mocked and questioned. Tomorrow, when we read chapter 23 together, Lord willing, we will see what happens when Jesus is brought to Pilate for judgement.
 In the meantime, have a great day.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Passover

  Good morning! Looks like we may get some rain in my area. If we do I hope it waits till my blanket is brought in from the line. J's routine has changed a bit this week, and he is sitting here at the table with me. While I write I am also keeping him out of trouble. I'm now having to listen to the wheels on the bus while writing but that's what he wants to hear at the moment.
 Today we are in Luke chapter 22, verses 1-34. In the days before the Passover, Judas Iscariot met with the chief priests and scribes, to discuss how to betray Jesus.
 For the Passover, Jesus sent some of his disciples to secure a guest chamber so they might celebrate the feast. He told them the man to follow and whom to ask. At the feast itself, Jesus instituted what is known as the Lord's Supper, or communion. In remembrance of Jesus, on the first day of the week we partake of the bread and the fruit of the vine to symbolize his broken body and the blood he shed for us.
  It was then that Jesus announced one of of the disciples would betray him. This of course shocked most of them, because they couldn't imagine any of the twelve doing something like this. Why would anyone want to? 
  Once again, in verses 25 through 27 Jesus teaches about being a servant first if you wish to be great in the kingdom. I've noticed in my reading that Jesus speaks often of the first being last and the last being first, so I try to sit up and take notice when he does. In this world of me, me, me what's in it for me, it is important for us to remember that there are others to consider.
  Interestingly, beginning in verse 31, Jesus addresses Peter. He tells him, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.
 " But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
 Peter reminds me so often of myself :headstrong, passionate, sure he knows how he will handle a situation. He told Jesus he is ready to go with him, both to prison and to death. It was then that Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny Jesus three times.
  Peter had a good heart. He loved Jesus dearly and was fiercely loyal. But Jesus let him know he still had much to learn and was human, just like the rest of us. He would mess up sometimes. But that's okay. We can be forgiven.
  Have a great day.
 

Friday, February 3, 2012

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Destruction of Jerusalem

Good morning! It's Friday, another work week is almost behind and the weekend is near. 
  Today's reading is Luke 21:5-38. Jesus is daily teaching in the temple, and staying on the mount of Olives at night. During this time someone mentioned the gifts and riches of the temple. Jesus foretold the destruction of the temple, and how Jerusalem would be overtaken. It of course would not be an easy time for the people, especially the disciples. 
  Although this chapter is mostly on the destruction of Jerusalem Jesus gives a warning to his listeners that applies to us as well: don't get caught up in the cares and the ways of the world. Verses 34-36 are warnings to be watchful and prayerful. We don't know when Jesus is coming again but we don't want to be caught unaware. This doesn't mean we cannot have fun in our lives, for God gave us much to enjoy. It's just that we shouldn't let the ways of the world overshadow us.
 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

A New Business Venture for Me

   This blog tells about many aspects of my life --being a mom, dealing with the joys as well as the frustration and heartache of raising a child with moderate autism, being a wife, and my growing relationship with the Lord. What I am about to mention here will only be brought up once on this blog. At least that is my intent. I may share one particular part, but that's it.
  You see, after much discussion, my sweet husband agreed to my becoming a Stampin Up! demonstrator. I'm very excited about this because for one, I love creating cards and other forms of art, and I really would like to delve into the world of scrapbooking -both traditional and digital. The other reason is I feel the need to contribute financially to this family. With J needing constant attention and hubby's schedule changing weekly, it's very hard to work at a conventional job. This way I can do something fun, visit with others, and be able to mesh with hubby's work time.  
  For those who may be interested, my Stampin Up! website is http://dottiemcconnel.stampinup.net.  I will not use Life at Home to promote my business on a regular basis because this is my personal space. I will, however, eventually begin adding a project to show, maybe once a month, or possibly more often, say once a week or every two or three weeks. Adding crafts has been something I've wanted to do here for awhile. It's still on the to do list as I learn a bit more about blogging and uploading and such.  Have a great day!