The Bible NEVER Changes

Want to know something absolutely WONDERFUL??

The Bible NEVER changes!!

If we want to know the truth, the way, the word of our Lord, we need to open up our Bible and pray that God will lay the meaning of passages in our hearts.

Yes, sometimes that is easier said than done. I know I have my fair share of struggles trying to figure out what a passage is meaning, but I also know that if I pray about it God will tell me what He wants me to know.

People change what the Bible says. We change it to fit what we want it to mean. What we want it to say. We take out passages we decide do not apply to lives today and leave in the passages we wish to obey.

God never changes nor does He waiver from the truth. People change. People waiver from the truth.

The true meaning of the Bible NEVER changes! That means the TRUTH does not change!

Blessings in Christ,

Beatitudes for Women

I recently got a new Bible. It's a NKJV Women's Study Bible. I'm not sure how I feel about the Bible as a whole yet, but I am intrigued by a few things in it.

One thing is a chart they have with "Beatitudes for Women" in it. I'm not sure how the description would differ from those for men, but okay, here it is.

Blessed are...those who are poor in spirit (Matt 5:3)
Character quality: Humility
Description: Stripped of pride and sensitive to God's ministry in their behalf
References: Is 61:1, Luke 4:16-21; 7:22

Blessed are...those who mourn (Matt 5:4)
Character quality: Sensitivity
Description: Responsive to personal sinfulness and tender-hearted toward one another
References: Is 61:2, Eccl 3:1-8, Luke 19:41, John 11:33,35

Blessed are...those who are meek (Matt 5:5)
Character quality: Meekness
Description: Demonstration of self-control and submission
References: Matt 6:33, 1 Pet 3:1-7

Blessed are...those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt 5:6)
Character quality: Obedience
Description: Desire to hear and do the will of God
References: Luke 1:53

Blessed are...those who are merciful (Matt 5:7)
Character quality: Compassion
Description: Outworking of faith to meet the needs of others
References: Luke 1:58

Blessed are...those who are pure in heart (Matt 5:8)
Character quality: Holiness
Description: Lifestyle of set-apartness, including thoughts and actions
References: Ps 24:4-6

Blessed are...those who are peacemakers (Matt 5:9)
Character quality: Reconciliation
Description: Forbearance instead of retaliation; forgivness of wrongs; restoration of fellowship
References: Rom 3:25, Rom 12:18, Eph 4:32, Phil 1:3-5, Titus 3:2, 1 John 1:7

Blessed are...those who are persecuted for righteousness; sake (Matt 5:10)
Character quality: Commitment
Description: Steadfast loyalty that cannot be broken
References: Luke 13:35, 2 Thess 2:15-17, 2 Tim 2:3

Blessed are...those who are reviled and persecuted (Matt 5:11)
Character quality: Patience
Description: Willingness to endure suffering
References: 1 Pet 2:19-21, 1 Pet 3:14, Rev 12:11

Are these things that you see in your life? In other Christian's lives around you? I see some of these in my life, but certainly not to the extent that they should be. Guess that's something that I need to work on.

Blessings in Christ,

The Divine Duet

I started reading "Overcoming Negative Emotions" Sunday. It's kind of interesting, and one thing the author did kind of jumped out at me.

I've been told many times that a realationship with God is not just a one-way street, He will not force us to come to Him. He is always there for us, but we have to go to Him. The author emphasized this point in a different manner than had ever been given to me.

The Divine Duet.

We have a partnership with God. We can see the partnership throughout Scripture between God an dpeople and the benefits we get.

She picks several key scriptures and divides it into three categories.
1. God's part
2. Our part
3. The end result

So take Joshua 1:9 for example.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
She breaks it down to:
God's part: Stay with us wherever we go
Our part: Choose courage; don't tremble
End result: Living in the comfort of His awesome presence

At the end of that chapter, she leaves 9 sections from scripture to be evaluated in that pattern as to "further solidify the 'divine duet' truth in your heart". They are below.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God's part:
Our part:
End result:

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God's part:
Our part:
End result:

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - 'Therefore come out from their midst and be separate', says the Lord...'And I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me.'
God's part:
Our part:
End result:

James 4:8 - Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
God's part:
Our part:
End result:

Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
God's part:
Our part:
End result:

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
God's part:
Our part:
End result:

Matthew 6:14 - If you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
God's part:
Our part:
End result:

Hebrews 12:1-2 - Since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.
God's part:
Our part:
End result:

Matthew 6:25,33 - Do not be worried about yoru life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?...Seek first [God's] kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.
God's part:
Our part:
End result:


Blessings in Christ,

Alfredo Spaghetti

I have another recipe for you! This one is from the Duggar Family's most recent book, "A Love That Multiplies"

Alfredo Spaghetti.

1 quart of Heavy Whipping Cream
1 cup of butter (8 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups parmesean cheese
1 pound cooked spgahetti

In a large saucepan, warm the whipping cream and butter until the butter is melted.
Remove from heat.
Blend in salt and parmesean cheese slowly using a wisk
Wisk until thoroughly blended
Cover and let stand (off the heat) for 10 minutes until thickened
Stir in cooked spaghetti

My roomie being the type who cannot stay away from the spice cabinet, we added parsley flakes. Then to her own bowl she added pepper and a little bit of garlic powder and onion powder. I enjoyed mine with just the parsley flakes added!

If you would like to add chicken, just cook up a chicken breast and cut it up into bite size pieces and add it when you add the spaghetti noodles to the sauce.

They say this makes 6 servings...I'm not so sure of that :)

I have to say, this was a fairly easy meal to make and it was very good too. One that I have a feeling we will be making again in the not so distant future...even though we just had it last night!!

Blessings in Christ,

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This is a rather simple recipe that is very common here among the Amish and Mennonites. My aunt fell in love with in on her trip to see me (the restaurant where I work serves this on our salad bar) and asked me to "duplicate" it. Well she said it was a match so I suppose that's good!

I made my salad to serve 20 people.

1 Cauliflower head
2 Broccoli bunches
6 strips of cooked bacon -- the crunchier the better :)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion

Wash and cut the cauliflower and broccoli into bite size pieces. Mix in a bowl. Add the onion and mix. Break the bacon into bite size pieces. If you want to keep this as a vegetarian option (we do in my family), put the bacon in a bowl on the side and people can add it to their plate as they come through or you can add it to the salad right now if you do not need it to be vegetarian.

Dressing:
2 cups mayonaise
1 2/3 cups white sugar
2 tablespoons "brown" vinegar (apple cider vinegar is the closest thing I've found)

Mix the dressing together very well. Pour over the salad and mix well. Refridgerate until ready to use. For best taste allow to cool for an hour.

--------------------

Another variation adds cheese to this. If you like cheese might be something to add to your salad!

My mom likes the dressing to be added at the very last minute so the broccoli and cauliflower don't get soggy. If you don't like "soggy" broccoli might try that :) Otherwise mix it all together whenever you are ready to!

Blessings in Christ,

Dreams...

At lunch on Monday I was asked if I believe in dreams. Well, in a sense, of course. Everyone dreams while they sleep, and some even while they're awake :) But do I believe my dreams tell me of some things going to happen in my life? Not really. At least none of my dreams so far have seemed to forecast anything that will happen in my life...at least of significance. I dreamt one time I would be called into work on Friday, but it was Thursday that I was called in for :)

I know dreams can be a message from God and I don't doubt it; I'm sure most of us have heard of Joseph in the book of Genesis who had the ability to interpret dreams for others. The lady who asked if I believed in dreams says she will have the dream and then a while later when something happens, she wonders if she's re-living part of her life and realizes that she had a dream about it before.

Have you ever had that feeling of going through the same event twice only to realize one of those times was in your dreams recently?

Blessings in Christ,

What About Next Year...?

I have mentioned before how I feel led to teach. I still feel that way, but I do not feel led into going into (more) debt to reach the point of being able to teach in a school.

There are two programs that I have been looking into that could help me either fund my schooling or get around the paying for my education. One is a fellowship, which is pretty much like a scholarship, but this one provides extra above what tuition costs to help with bills because they do not care for participants to work while going to school. The other is the Teach for America program.

Both these programs I would be placed in a low-income school and expected to teach either for 3 years or 2 years, depending on the program. One program I can choose my licensure area, the other program they place me in my subject area as well as region.

I've been praying about it and feel led more towards the Teach for America program but that is a scary step. Of course there are rigorous application processes for both programs and I am leaning towards applying to both, but what if I get accepted to one? I know...I think five steps out. I think that is one reason why I haven't seriously applied for any engineering positions that would utilize the degree I earned.

I know God will give me the strength to get through everything He puts in my path, but will I have the strength to rely on Him? I don't know. I already am questioning that with just the "minor" things going on in my life right now.

There was a saying once, I don't know if it's true or not, it actually seems backwards to me, but that people tend to flock to God when they are experiencing hard times. I am the opposite of that. I can easily stay by His side when there are good times, but when I go through trials in my life, I often feel that He is not listening or helping me through those and so I go and try to take control of them. I know it's not right, but that's how I am. No matter how much I tell myself that I am going to leave it in His hands and what happens does and He will help me through it.

I just picked up a book at the Library today... Overcoming Negative Emotions: Gods's path to becoming a positive woman. I am half interested in it because we sell it at work and so then I can give my recommendation on the book, but also because I wonder if it can't help me. Someway. Somehow. Maybe?

Blessings in Christ,

Sweet & Spicy Pickles

My parents found "Famous Dave's Spicy Pickles" at a store and absolutely loved them. So I got asked to try to duplicate them. I found Emeril's recipe :) But I couldn't just let it be. I had to adjust it...of course!

If you like a little bit of spice, you will probably enjoy this recipe. Of course you can adjust the amount of heat that you put into the recipe so if you want it spicier, add more heat and if you want them less spicy, don't add as much!

Here goes:
16 pickling cucumbers
2 large onions
1/2 cup salt
Cold Water

Wash and slice the pickling cucumbers into 1/4" slices (do not peel the cucumbers...yes I made that mistake once)

Slice the onions

In a large bowl (or split between two) mix the cucumber slices and onion slices

Add the salt (or divide between the two)

Fill bowl so that the cucumbers are covered with cold water (the colder the better...if needed, add some ice cubes)

Set aside for 3 hours

Wash and sterilize 5 quart jars and lids (or 10 pint jars and lids) while you are waiting

After 3 hours, drain and rinse the cucumbers/onions for 5 minutes with cold water.
Pack into the jars leaving 1" head space at the top of the jar

The pickling juice:
4 cups white vinegar
2 cups apple cider vinegar
4 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons whole black pepper corns
4-5 whole cloves
3 tablespoons roughly chopped garlic
20 chopped jalepenos (leave some seeds in for extra heat)

Combine everything in a pot, bring to a boil.

Pour hot liquid into each jar coming to 1/2" below the rim of the jar

Put lids and rings on each jar

Hot bath jars for 15 minutes in a large canner

After 15 minutes, remove from water if you have more to do, or if that is all, turn off the heat and allow to come to room temperature in the canner -- that seems to help the seals stay better sometimes.

Check your seals after the jars have cooled down to make sure they held. If they did not, either store pickles in the fridge or if it is within 24 hours, try the hot bath again.

Now the tough part...you're supposed to let the jars sit for 2 weeks before you break into them and try the pickles. My first batch...I didn't :) I waited 4 days and they tasted wonderful.

The only comment I have about this recipe is that the pickles get "tangy-ier" as they sit in the juice. I haven't figured out how to correct that yet, but other than that, I enjoyed the pickles and my parents did too.

Blessings in Christ,

I just want to feel pretty.

I feel so...blah...? With my hair pulled back all the time. Wearing long cape dresses constantly. No make up. No jewelry. I miss my "old life" sometimes. The past week has definately been one of those times.

I look at the girls who come through the restaurant where I work with their hair done, make-up on, jewlery and their pretty clothes and I wish I could wear that stuff again. I know I could...but I would not feel comfortable in it. Especially the pants. I like my skirts 98% of the time. The other 2% of the time, I do wish I had a pair of pants to just put on.

So I decided to take a "break" from my cape dresses. I am still dressing modestly, just with skirts and shirts for a little bit. I haven't started "doing" my hair...although I have been tempted.

Please tell me I am not alone in wanting to feel pretty. I feel like people judge me for wearing a cape dress and then they judge me for not wearing a cape dress. What am I to do? I am not convicted that cape dresses are the only modest clothing out there so I personally do not have a problem wearing my skirts. But I know some people will definately "have a cow" if they find out I am not wearing my cape dresses all the time...specifically the people at the church I am on-again-off-again attending.

If only I was content with how I am...that's what I pray for.

Blessings in Christ,

If they know God...

...they'll be happy.

We were in Sunday school discussing how you could tell is someone really truly knows God or is just putting on a front. Something that is extremely hard to do...determine what is in someone's heart. One girl said she didn't know that we could tell just by looking at someone, that it would be after knowing the person for a while whether you saw inconsistencies in their life between what they say and what they do. I tend to lean towards that thought. Another girl said she thought you could tell by if the person was happy, because a person who is happy truly knows God but if a person doesn't know God and the joy of God in their heart would not be happy.

Is that true? I know many people who are not Christians (unfortunately) and they appear to be extremely happy. Some people are just happy people. I also know some people who are Christians and they are not happy all the time. Does that mean that they are not true Christians? I don't think so. I think just like anyone, Christians go through the roller coaster of life, including all the emotions that everyone feels. It's just that most will rely on God when things get rough and so they don't seem to struggle as much through the difficult times in their life.

What do you think? How can you know if someone is truly a Christian and knows God or if they just claim to know Him?

Blessings in Christ,

Canning...again.

It's hard to believe that it's already August... It seems like just yesterday it was winter... With August comes the warmer temperatures...yes that's right. Where I am, August is typically the warmest month of the year. And also with August comes the start of canning.

This will only be my second year canning and in a way I'm dreading it, but also, I don't have as much to do as last year because we have a lot of green beans left from last year as well as tomatoes. We are going to be canning tomatoes again this year though because we have many-a tomato plants and my roommate wants to make her "mater mess". I call it a homemade ketchup, but she says it's not. All I know is it is not my favorite thing...she can have all that she makes! I will also be making pickles this year and getting rid of the ones that I made last year. I found a better recipe...one that I will post coming up soon. Other than the tomatoes and pickles I do not think we will have much to can and for that I am thankful.

Do you have a favorite canning recipe or even a recipe that uses the fresh fruits and vegetables that are coming up right now?

Blessings in Christ,