PASSAGE: "Another time He [Jesus] went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them [the Pharisees] were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched Him closely to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, 'Stand up in front of everyone.'
"Then Jesus asked them, 'Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?' But they remained silent." ~Mark 3:1-4
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." ~Titus 2:7-8 [emphasis mine]
LESSON LEARNED: I don't know about you, but in my lifetime I have been the victim of rumors and distortion. As sad as it is, I'm sure many of us have. There are those who, for whatever reason, look for something to take out of context or even make up about someone they have a grudge against or want to slander.
Jesus went through the same thing during His time on earth. The "religious leaders" of the time were so jealous of Jesus that they "were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus" of . . . well . . . anything. They couldn't stand that He was teaching with authority and clarity and what they, in their piousness, could not. People gravitated to hear Jesus speak the truth of God's love and forgiveness that the Pharisees could not communicate because most of them had not experienced God's love and forgiveness, much less understand it. How could they teach something they hadn't experienced themselves?
But we have. Jesus has walked the walk of the accused. He has taught us, by example, the life to live; how to do good. With Jesus as our Example, we too can silence the critics.
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
"Feminism is mixed up with the muddled idea that women are free when they serve their employers but slaves when they help their husbands." ~G. K. Chesterson
As our husband's help-meets, & as keepers of our homes, it is up to us to make sure that our wonderful husband's are healthy. I don't know about yours, but if THE Man were in charge of preparing our meals, if it's not a omelet it's going to either be from a can or take-out. lol
In Rosemary Gladstar's book, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, she has a list of 10 Superfoods for the Male System. I think it's a great list & I also noticed that it is very similar to common sense foods mentioned in the Bible & in What the Bible Says About Healthy Living.
Here's the list:
FOOD ~~~~~~~~ BENEFIT
Chicken ~~ Contains high-quality proteins
Cultured milks, such as buttermilk ~~Aids digestion; supports the immune system
Dark-green leafy vegetables ~~ Excellent sources of minerals, vitamins & fiber
Fish ~~ Contains high-quality proteins
Fresh Fruit ~~ Excellent source of vitamins, minerals & fiber
Pumpkin Seeds ~~ Rich in zinc; excellent for the prostate
Sesame Seeds ~~ Calcium-rich; support the nervous system
Sesame or Tahini Butter ~~ Calcium rich
Squash Seeds ~~ High in zinc; good for the prostate & male glandular system
Yogurt ~~ Aids digestion; supports immune system
I would also add making sure that your husband takes either a good pro-biotic or enzymes, better yet, you can find some supplements that contain both.
As I said, these are many common sense suggestions, but it never hurts to have someone reinforce what you are already doing.
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
PASSAGE: "I [Daniel] looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. His body was like chrysolite, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude . . . " ~Daniel 10:5 & 6
"Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him [Zechariah] . . . When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard . . . The angel answered, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God . . . In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you . . . You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." ~Luke 1:11, 12, 19, 26-28, 31 [emphasis mine]
LESSON LEARNED: Have you ever watched an old movie that had messenger of sorts, a herald, who went before a king and shouted, "Make way! Make way for the king!"? In many respects, that is what the archangel, Gabriel, did for Jesus.
As one of God's most trusted servants, Gabriel has the incredible privilege of announcing to both Zechariah and to young Mary that the Lord was not only going to bless them with children, but that those children would be born for His purposes. One would himself be a herald calling out to all to "Prepare the way for the Lord." (Luke 3:4)
And the other Child ~ oh, the other Child ~ born to a young Jewish girl, would be The One. The One Who would be the Savior of the World, the Lamb of God, the propitiation of all sin. Jesus the Christ. The long-awaited One!
Every word written in every book of the Old Testament was about to be fulfilled. Every prayer, every hallelujah ("praise the Lord, Yahweh"), every Old Testament prophecy was about to come to it's "Amen"! Gabriel had just come from the very Presence of God ~ he already knew Whom it was that he was introducing to us.
Do you know Him? You don't need a herald to burst through the door shouting, "Make way for The King!" And you don't need Gabriel in all his magnificence to stand before you and proclaim His coming.
Jesus is already here.
All He wants is for you to open the door of your heart and ask Him in. Just like the famous painting of Jesus knocking on the door, if you will notice ~ there is no doorknob on the OUTside, the door (of our heart) only opens from the INside.
The herald has come . . . Jesus is knocking . . . the rest is up to you.
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
For Today . . .
Outside my window . . . still dark outside.
I am thinking . . . that I have a long day ahead. Some days I wish I could wear a pedometer to see how far I walk in a day.
I am thankful . . . for how the Lord takes care of us in the most unexpected ways. The heating element in my oven caught on fire yesterday . . . but I caught it in time, turned off the breaker switch & we still have a home! PTL!
In the kitchen . . . Nothing. Because of my dead stove. :-(
I am wearing . . . jeans, light plumb turtleneck sweater, purple socks.
I am creating . . . a peaceful, Christ-centered home.
I am going . . . to look at new stoves tonight.
I am wondering . . . how things will turn out w/my brother.
I am reading . . . the brand new issue of the AWESOME new magazine, The Christian Women's Voice. The 2nd issue just came out & I'm so excited to be writing for a magazine again. I hope you will check it out.
I am hoping . . . for a good out-come to some family business on Wednesday.
I am looking forward to . . . some more home repairs & improvements; gardening.
I am learning . . . to lay it all down at the foot of the cross & NOT walk away with the problem still tied to my foot!
Around the house . . . general pick up . . . considering what to do about the stove ~ new or repair? Hmmm . . .
One of my favorite things . . . a sweet friend reminded me of my very favorite candle fragrance ~ Yankee Candle's Home Sweet Home ~ Cinnamon & cloves . . . Ahhhh.
A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, working something out w/my brother, worship practice, lunch w/a friend I haven't seen in ages, Sunday worship w/the saints.
A favorite quote for the day . . . "Belief is important; belief in Jesus Christ is supreme." ~from Sunday's sermon.
Scripture thought . . . "Then Jesus said, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?'" ~John 11:40
A peek into my day . . .
Read 100's of other Daybook's at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
"Jo, I'm anxious about Beth."
Why, Marmee, she has seemed unusually well since [Meg's] babies came."
It's not her health that troubles me now; it's her spirits. I'm sure there is something on her mind, & I want you to discover what it is."
"What makes you think so, Marmee?"
"She sits alone a good deal, & doesn't talk to her father as much as she used to. I found her crying over the babies the other day. When she sings, the songs are always sad ones, & now & then I see a look in her face that I don't understand. This isn't like Beth, & it worries me."
"Have you asked her about it?"
"I have tried once or twice; but she either evaded my questions, or looked so distressed that I stopped. I never force my children's confidence, & I seldom have to wait for it long."
Mrs. March glanced at Jo as she spoke, but the face opposite seemed quite unconscious of any secret disquietude but Beth's; &, after sewing thoughtfully for a minute, Jo said ~
"I think she is growing up, & so begins to dream dreams, & have hopes & fears & fidgets, without knowing why, or being able to explain them. Why, Marmee, Beth's 18, but we don't realize it, & treat her like a child, forgetting she's a woman."
"So she is. Dear heart, how fast you do grow up," returned her mother, with a sigh & a smile.
"Can't be helped, Marmee, so you must resign yourself to all sorts of worries, & let your birds hop out of the nest, 1 by 1. I promise never to hop very far, if that is any comfort to you."
"It is a great comfort . . . "
Little Women ~ Ch. 32
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
As some of you may know, I work in a health food store. One of my favorite things about working there is to tell people about alternatives to expensive, chemical-laden products ranging from skin care to pain killers.
So many healthy alternatives can be found by simply buying bulk herbs & spices & making your own teas or even tinctures. One of the most popular ~ & effective ~ bulk/tea purchases you can use is Hibiscus; not only does it taste great (even without honey) but it's probably the most effective, non-prescription way to lower your blood pressure. In my opinion, the best (freshest & cheapest) way to purchase dried hibiscus flowers to make your own tea is to buy it in bulk. Put 3-5 ts (depending upon your taste) in a tea ball & steep in a cup or mug for 5-10 minutes. (Try filling a jug w/water, filling a tea ball w/dried hibiscus flowers & making some sun tea. It's good hot or cold.) You will probably find that there is no need to add sweetener.
The current Spring 2012 issue of Mother Earth News has a fantastic article about it. Lots of great information & explanations in non-medical language. :-) Here's a part of it . . .
Recent studies show hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure as effectively as some standard hypertension drugs can. hibiscus is widely consumed around the world as a ruby-colored, lemony beverage (it's the main ingredient in Red Zinger tea). Hibiscus is safe &, unlike most blood pressure drugs, rarely causes side effects . . .
Hibiscus Has been used to treat high blood pressure in both African & Asian traditional medicine. In 1996, researchers in Nigeria confirmed this age-old wisdom by showing that hibiscus flowers reduced blood pressure in laboratory animals. Soon after, researchers . . . showed the same benefit in people. After measuring the blood pressure of 54 hypertensive adults, the researchers gave them 10 oz of either black tea or hibiscus tea for 12 days. Average blood pressure decreased slightly in the black tea group, but decreased a significant 10% in the hibiscus group.
Since then, several additional studies have confirmed this effect, including two that tested hibiscus head-to-head against standard blood pressure medications . . .
How does hibiscus lower blood pressure? Recent research suggests a combination of reasons: It has diuretic properties, it opens the arteries, & it appears to act as a natural angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which means it slows the release of hormones that constrict blood vessels. In addition, hibiscus boosts immune function & provides valuable antioxidants.
Dose recommendations vary from about 1 ts of dried "flowers" per cup of boiling water up to the 5 ts used in one of the studies. Steep 5 to 10 minutes . . .
I enjoy Hibiscus tea . . . just "because;" you do not need to have high blood pressure to enjoy it . . . but if you have an issue with high blood pressure, you may want to try it for yourself. It is a hot seller at the store so it must be working for a lot of people.
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
PASSAGE: "Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored His name.
"'They will be Mine," says the LORD Almighty, 'in the day when I make up My treasured possession . . . '
"'But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall . . . '"
~Malachi 3:16, 17; 4:2 [emphasis mine]
LESSON LEARNED: May 20th will be my 30th birthday in the Lord. WOW! Who'd-a thunk it, huh? I often say that I have lived two utterly and completely different lives. I am a living example that the Lord "causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matt. 5:45) He kept me safe and alive until the time of His choosing ~ the day of my salvation. (II Cor. 6:2)
Days turn into weeks, turn into months, turn into years and as life goes on and seasons of hardship can take their toll. There are times when old temptations, old stirrings might want to come back ~ the devil, never missing an opportunity ~ quietly steps up to whisper in our ear and remind us about how "good" or how "fun" those old days were.
THAT'S when we MUST shake off those temptations and REMEMBER all that the Lord has done for us! REMEMBER all that He has brought us through and blessed us with. REMEMBER, if you can trace your salvation back to a particular day, how you felt to be free ~ to be washed clean as clean could be. Did you dance in your new birth? Did you leap for joy like a new calf bounding out of the barn door into the fresh air and sunshine? Did you breathe deeply and feel that NOW you were really alive? Did you bubble-over with the Good News of your salvation? Then remember those days and actually write them down if you need to. The Lord's work in your live is your HIStory!
We live in a fallen world, but it is a world where the Lord still works wonders in your life and mine. When the devil tries to take advantage of a weary moment, take out your "scroll" and fight fire with fire ~ there's nothing like evidence of the Lord's work in our lives to combat the flaming arrows of the enemy.
Is your Scroll of Remembrance waiting to be written?
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
". . . When I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go . . ."
~Song of Songs 3:4
Happy Valentine's Day to THE Man ~ I love you now & forever.
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
"Then it was that Margaret, sitting alone with tears dropping often on her work, felt how rich she had been in things more precious than any luxuries money could buy ~ in love, protection, peace and health, the real blessings of life."
Little Women ~ Ch. 18
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
Got this in an e-mail . . . it's too good not to share with you.
Me: (in a tizzy): God, can I ask You something?
GOD: Sure.
Me: Promise You won't get mad?
GOD: I promise.
Me (frustrated): Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?
GOD: What do you mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
GOD: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
Me (growling): At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong and I had to
wait
GOD: Hmmmm . . .
Me: On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call
GOD: All right
Me (loudly): And to top it all off, when I got home, I just wanted
to soak my feet in my foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work. Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?
GOD: Well let Me see . . . The death angel was at your bed this
morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your
life. I let you sleep through that.
Me (humbled): Oh . . .
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on
your route that might have hit you if you were on the road
Me (ashamed): . . . . . . . . . . . .
GOD: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick and I
didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work
Me (embarrassed): Oh . . . . .
GOD: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was
going to give a false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't
even let you talk to them so you would be covered
Me (softly): I see, God
GOD: Oh, and that foot massager, it had a short that was going to
throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry, God.
GOD: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust Me . . . in all things,
the good and the bad
Me: I WILL trust You, God
GOD: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is always better than
your plan
Me: I won't, God. And let me just tell You God, thank You for
everything today
GOD: You're welcome, child. It was just another day being your God
and I love looking after My children.
~Scriptural References: II Samuel 22:31, Proverbs 3:5, Hebrews 2:13
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
"Father, Marmee, this is my friend, Professor Bhaer," [Jo] said, with a face and tone of such irrepressible pride and pleasure that she might as well have blown a trumpet and opened the door with a flourish.
If the stranger had had any doubts about his reception, they were set at rest in a minute by the cordial welcome he received. Everyone greeted him kindly, for Jo's sake at first, but very soon they liked him for his own. They could not help it, for he carried the talisman that opens all hearts, and these simple people warmed to him at once, feeling even the more friendly because he was poor; for poverty enriches those who live above it, and is a sure passport to truly hospitable spirits. Mr. Bhaer sat looking about him with the air of a traveller who knocks at a strange door, and, when it opens, finds himself at home . . . The women telegraphed their approval to one another, and Mr. March, feeling that he had got a kindred spirit, opened his choicest stores for his guest's benefit . . .
A stealthy glance now and then refreshed her like sips of fresh water after a dusty walk, for the sidelong peeps showed her several propitious omens. Mr. Bhaer's face had lost the absent-minded expression, and looked all alive with interest in the present, actually young and handsome, she thought . . .
Little Women ~ Ch. 44
Dedicated to our future son-in-law.
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
There's nothing better that I could leave you with for the weekend than the Gospel presented in such a beautiful way.
As many of you know, I play a hammered dulcimer ~ Rich Mullins was my inspiration. If you've ever wondered what I'm talking about when I mention that I play a hammered dulcimer, here's an opportunity for you to see & hear one played like Rich played. 3rd Day & Brandon Heath have done an amazing version of it here.
God bless you as you listen.{Please remember to turn off my music at the bottom of the page before watching the video.}Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
Last night, I made tacos & burritos for supper. Since our finances dictated that I go back to work in 2010, & I work so many nights, I don't get to cook as much as I used to. Breaks my heart. I never thought I would miss cooking for them so much, but I surely do. One of my family's favorite things for me to fix has always been my tacos & burritos along w/my homemade Pico de Gallo. Mmmm mm!
So, as I was browning the meat & adding my taco seasoning, I realized that I hadn't ever given the recipe to YOU! Like I always say: Once you start making your own products ~ whether health & beauty, home cleaning, spice mixes, etc. ~ you won't want to go back.
Here's you'll need ~
~2 TB chili powder
~1/2 ts garlic granules or powder
~1/2 ts onion powder
~1/2 ts red pepper flakes
~1 ts oregano
~1 TB cumin
~2-1/2 ts sea salt OR real salt
~2 ts. ground pepper
Directions ~
1) With a whisk, blend all ingredients together
2) Store in a clean, re-used spice shaker container OR a container with a wide enough mouth to get a measuring spoon into. Both should seal tightly.
3) Use approximately 1 to 1-1/2 TB (or to taste) to each pound of taco meat.
Enjoy!
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
PASSAGE: "Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD . . . But the eye of their God was watching over the Jews, and they were not stopped . . . [Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates wrote to King Xerxes:] 'Now if it pleases the king, let a search be made in the royal archives of Babylon to see if King Cyrus did in fact issue a decree to rebuild this house of God in Jerusalem' . . . A scroll was found . . . [it said] 'Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid . . . Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God . . . The expenses of these men are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury . . . whatever is needed . . . must be given them daily without fail, so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven . . . I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence.'" ~selected verses from Ezra ch. 3-6
LESSON LEARNED: Am I alone, or does anyone else ever wonder to yourself: "Lord, I thought I felt your nudge, I thought I heard You tell me to do something . . . but was I wrong, because NOTHING is going well, nothing about this is easy and 'the powers that be' are all against me. Did I really hear You?"
You do? Whew! I thought it was just me.
When the Lord calms my heart and assures me that, yes, I have felt His leading, then I need to get out my Scroll of Remembrance (Malachi 3:16) and let Him bring to mind all those past hard-fought-hard-won victories of my life. And victories hardly ever come easily or without fear or without opposition ~ especially if it is something that will ultimately bring honor and glory to the Lord.
I am particularly encouraged by the verse that says, "Despite their fear of the peoples around them . . ." When we set out to do something of significance for the Lord it can be a scary thing, it may seem that there are road-blocks around every corner. But if the project is truly of His making, then He IS with us and He WILL make a way. Look at how He ultimately not only made a way for the Israelites to rebuild their temple, but He even provided that those who were against them would pay for the whole venture! And there it was all in writing ~ in a decree from a king.
And we have His promises in writing, too . . . our Bibles. Through the whole Story, we are reminded that the Lord of All cares, leads and supplies.
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
