Feet Shod With The Gospel

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15

It is a time of preparation. I have never had a blog during my times of preparing for mission trips before, so I've never really written about what I do. With just over a week until our departure for China, I have been working all along on some of the "nuts and bolts" of what needs to be done- making lists, preparing materials for some of the work we will be doing, emailing the missionaries and team members. To be honest, I have not posted much about this at all, simply because I'm not sure what I should post. (I'm a bit nervous about posting about our work specifically, as I don't want to unwittingly post any information that might jeopardize what our missionaries on the ground there are doing.)

Generally speaking, I will be doing some training in the International Fellowship there that our missionaries are part of, as part of their Sunday School program. We will be having a Mexican food party for some teen "MK's" (missionary kids") who are are hard at work for the Lord, and could really use some Rotel dip and tacos! We will be speaking to college students in a university setting, as well as in a coffee house. We will be speaking and ministering in a house church. We will be visiting a Buddhist monastery and prayer walking the area. My daughter and the other teens on the team will be performing some puppet shows in schools. Mostly we will be on the ground and available to do whatever the Holy Spirit directs. It's an exciting time!

But, if I'm honest, it's also (for me) a time when fear and anxiety begins to settle upon me. I've always been a pretty "tightly wound" person, but I have been plagued with fear and worry to an unparalleled degree during our years of short term missions. Things I have never worried about before can become areas of paralyzing fear for me, and even manifest themselves physically. I have recognized this as a ploy of the enemy, and have (by God's grace) been able to press through and go anyway, but nevertheless it remains a battle, from the moment I commit to a trip, throughout my entire time on the field, and even weeks after I return. God has been unspeakably faithful to me and has used this to draw me closer to Himself, further my understanding of Him and strengthen me according to His Word.

Today, I thought I'd post about what I do to prepare for a mission trip spiritually. The weeks leading up to this trip have been incredibly busy for me in every area. Socially, we have had more than our usual amount of obligations. Our ministry work in Awana has been quite time consuming. We have lost a dear friend. We are trying to finish our school work. My son has a birthday 2 days before we leave. Our house is in disarray as we are still working to put it on the market. Busy, busy, busy. And, I believe that is no accident. The enemy would love it if I would get totally distracted with the "mechanics" of my life right now and neglect the spiritual preparation needed for this trip. This would leave me completely vulnerable and could render me useless in China. I must guard against that.

This week I'm sharpening "my sword." I have a thinline Bible that I travel with. It's not the Bible I usually use for church or study, but thinner and easier to carry in my backpack. Since it's not the one I always use, I find that I can't easily flip through it and find passages as quickly as I can in my other Bibles. This week, I am having my daily quiet times in my "travel Bible," reacquainting myself with it. How I loved pulling it off of the shelf! It was like seeing a dear friend and travel companion. It's got sand and dirt in the creases- sand from Mexico, dirt from Ghana. Business cards from China (with the cell phone numbers of our missionary friends) fell out as I opened it up. A quote from an African pastor is written on the front page, "The devil sometimes strikes when you are not at work. Let us not become complacent," it says. Good reminder. I have a small heart sticker stuck inside the front cover, a reminder of a devotional I did with the kids on our team one summer when I gave them all a sticker to remind us that according to 2 Chronicles 16:9, "the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." He sees my heart, He will strongly support me! What a promise! I must go boldly, clutching that promise.

Inside the back cover of this Bible I have Scripture references written for key Gospel passages. In my jet-lagged state, with the language barrier and the stress of being in another culture, sometimes it's hard to recall when I'm sharing with someone. I have found it a big help to have them written down and the scriptures highlighted. I also have the Roman Road scriptures listed in order on the first page of Romans with the corresponding verses highlighted. I have been reading back through these key passages and preaching the gospel to myself (which I wrote about here). Not only is this solidifying the Gospel in my heart and mind, it is causing me to operate in His power. The Gospel is power! What a covering!

Something else I have been doing, is praying through my 31 Days of Praise and 31 Days of Power books and highlighting Scriptures pertaining to God's attributes... His absolute goodness, sovereignty, love... There are moments of intense oppression on airplanes, layovers, late nights in my hotel room, and walking through heavily oppressed areas where I need those scriptures at my fingertips. Again, in the stress of the moment I might not be able to find these passages, but locating and marking some of them ahead of time and reading and meditating on them before I go is an immeasurable help. And this week I have been finding Scriptures I've marked and prayed through, that have been a lifeline for me in the past. God is using them to remind me of His past sufficiency and the promise of it in the days and weeks to come. He is so, so good.

So, this is a little of what I've been up to in my preparations. To those of you who are praying for us... thank you. I have tears in my eyes just now thinking about it. You have no idea what a lifeline those prayers are to me. No idea. Thank you, thank you. May the blessing return to you a hundred fold.

I'll post more of our preparations in the coming days. Have a blessed day!

Amazing Indeed

The time is drawing near for our next departure to China. It's hard to believe! Here I am, folding laundry, teaching my kids their math, fixing meals for my family... and a week from Saturday I will be on my way across the world. We serve an amazing, big God. I have been centering my thoughts more and more toward the work there, remembering the precious people, those piercing almond-shaped eyes looking into mine, searching for truth. It's hard to describe how it feels to sit and share with someone across the world the concept that there is a Most High God, and that He loves and cares for them. To watch them come to grips with what Christ did for them. To see them change and be transformed.

I was praying about it this morning, and the Lord brought back a most incredible memory to me from my last visit.

If you have studied or read what is going on in the church in China, then you know that there are what are called "house churches." These are churches that meet in homes, not at the state-sanctioned churches. I cannot tell you what it is like to sit in a house church and be among those who are so on fire for the Lord. They are risking so much. (If you have not read Safely Home by Randy Alcorn, I encourage you to. Tears welled up in my eyes just now thinking about it!)

We were privileged to attend such a church, and to speak and minister to some of its members. I cannot remember how it came to be that I was at the house by myself that day, but I was. During our stay in the city, (and by God's grace!) I became more adept at taking taxi's by myself (I could say the name of our hotel in Chinese!) and getting around a little bit. But the house where I was was tucked way back off of a road, and I was not sure how to get back to where I could get to the main area where I could wait for a taxi. The woman I had been meeting with was an English-speaker, but she needed to stay at the house with her children, so she asked a young man there in the house if he would walk me to the main road. He indicated to her (in Chinese, of course) that he would. He was a precious college-aged believer ("brother") and he smiled at me as I put my backpack on my shoulder to begin the half-mile trek through the winding village streets.

We walked for a bit in silence. He knew no English and I knew no Chinese. (Unless I wanted to tell him "hello" and the name of my hotel!) I did say something like "It is very warm today" while gesturing toward the sun and e-nun-ci-a-ting all of my consonants. (Why do I do that? That, and talking louder. Doesn't help.) He nodded and pointed to the sun as well. We kept walking in silence. The houses were right up to the narrow street, and the doors were open just feet from us. I could see inside the homes or smile and nod as people were coming in and out of their doorways. I felt such a kinship with this man after we had worshiped together and shared a meal, that it felt awkward to walk with him and not speak. I remember feeling that at that moment that if I would just OPEN my mouth, something Chinese would come out. Surely I could say something!

All of a sudden, something indescribable happened. The young man I was walking with, my precious Chinese brother, started singing "Amazing Grace." In English- the kind of English that you can tell is simply memory of the sounds, not the words (no doubt like my "Chinese" must sound). I immediately joined in. His face burst into a wide grin at me as we continued to sing:

"Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me...
I once was lost
But now I'm found
Was blind but now I see..."

We sang together as people coming in and out of their homes looked at us strangely. We continued to walk and sing. After that first verse, he continued to sing, but in Chinese, as I continued to sing in English. It was the most unforgettable sound- the same notes, same words, different languages. To the same God. The One True God.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed...

And on we walked. And on we sang. Verse after verse, all the way to the main road. The sound of our voices filled that tiny street. There in that village where you have to be so careful... where churches are tucked into places that must remain unnamed... we sang of the amazing grace that draws those formerly living in darkness to become a "brother" or a "sister" in a persecuted place. We sang of the same amazing grace that drew a suburban American housewife to China. We had completely different languages and backgrounds, but that same saving grace is what drew us together. It draws us together before the throne even now.

What an amazing God we serve. He is doing an incredible work in the hearts of the Chinese people, and all over this world. Somewhere today, while we are doing our household chores or working at our jobs, His name is being lifted up in tiny villages in Asia. May we pray for them. May we pray for those who are taking His name to those who have not heard it. His amazing grace is at work.

The Lord has promised good to me...

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be...

as long as life endures.

Menu Plan Monday

Well, I didn't get to post my menu last week, but I wanted to mention that we had this Honey Chicken Stir-Fry one night and it was really good. Once again, my chef-in-training son made the sauce, so it is a quick and simple recipe that we all enjoyed! Since our hearts were in Ghana due to the week's events, we had Beef Congolaise (the only African dish I know how to make) using the recipe I posted here. It is so good, I encourage you to try it. It's so yummy, and very easy.

Our guys went on a fishing trip last week, so we will be incorporating fish into our weekly menus for awhile. While they were gone, my daughter and I enjoyed Chinese food, Sonic hamburgers and "junk," so I'm glad to be getting back in the kitchen! Here's what we'll be enjoying:

Monday: Ground Beef Baked Beans, tossed salad, hot bread
Tuesday: Baked Catfish, steamed vegetables, rice
Wednesday: Savory Chicken and Broccoli Bake , salad, bread
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Taco Soup with Romaine and Avocado Salad
Weekend: Leftovers, sandwiches, and out-to-eat after church

Taco Soup

2 lbs. ground beef (browned and crumbled)
1 can shoepeg corn
2 cans Rotel (I'll probably just use one)
2 cans pinto beans w/ jalopenos
2 cups water
1pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

Stir ingredients together until hot and simmer. Serve hot, garnish with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.

I'd love to read what you've got cookin' this week. Visit Laura's to share your menu and to read others. Have a blessed week around your table with those you love!

The Body of Christ

As I drove to Target to get the photo enlarged, I thought, "I can't believe this is why I'm getting this photo reprinted." As I drove to Hobby Lobby to get a frame and easel, I thought, "I can't believe this is why I'm shopping for a picture frame. (By the way, in true God-has-gone-before-me fashion, large picture frames and metal easels were on for half price this week. Whoa.) There his picture sat on the table in my long entry way, ready for the memorial service yesterday afternoon.

What a healing time. What a unique time. Usually when I go to a memorial service, I feel like I'm partly going to comfort the family. His family is 10,000 miles away. This time, it was simply to be in the presence of those who felt close to him and to share stories of how he touched our lives and revealed the character of God in our circumstances. The fifty (or so) of us in that room yesterday were very much family. We cried, we shared, we mourned, we rejoiced for him, we prayed for his dear family. It was as much a picture of the "Body of Christ" as I've ever seen. I felt truly connected to everyone there, with a connection that transcended knowing and loving Dr. Sam, and that's what he would've wanted.


I'll share what I shared (if I can remember, and if I can see the computer screen through the blur of my tears!)

Several years ago, when Ghana remained a place we'd never been, but was still a prayer on the lips of my (then) 9 year old daughter, she and a friend had a snow cone stand in front of her friend's house. She spent the night at her friend's, and we met the next morning at the soccer game in which both of their brothers would be playing. She showed me the whopping $6.35 they had made, and told me that they were going to give the money to Africa. To Ghana, specifically. I thought that was a fine idea, and mentally wondered how I would get that exact money over there, wondering if perhaps I should add to it enough to make it a big round number and simply write a check... come to think of it, how do you get pocket change like that over to Africa? Hm. Well, I'd figure out how. Little did I know, God already knew how.

Within moments, our dear friend Jeff approached us with this tall gentlman, whom he introduced to us as Dr. Sam., visiting from Ghana. Wow, what a "coincidence!" The girls were so excited, because they had just raised money for Ghana, and now there was a real, live Ghanaian to whom to give it! That precious man of God knelt down and accepted that money from those two skinny, blonde girls. While on one knee, he put his big, dark arms around them and prayed a blessing over them for caring for the people of his country and for giving to God's kingdom work. I now know that he was to be travelling to Pittsburg and all points in between before heading back to Ghana, but I have no doubt that that snow cone money made it all the way back and was put to good use in one of his (many) ministries. He conducted medical missions as a doctor, he started water well projects, he began a ministry to raise goats for hungry families... he always found a way to minister to the physical needs of his countrymen with the ultimate goal of ministering to their one TRUE need- a relationship with with Jesus Christ.

And, as he had once scooped up my little daughter and assured her that her $6.35 made a difference in the Kingdom, he did that for me spiritually. So often in the presence of the spiritual giants whom God in His grace has ordained that I should meet, I feel like I am bringing a meager $6.35 worth of spirituality or giftedness to the endeavor. Who am I? Just a suburban, homeschooling mom! But, when we were with Dr. Sam here, or when we were over there visiting his clinic and praying with his patients or partnering in a medical mission, he would assure us that what we were doing was making a difference in the Kingdom. But not just on the mission field. He encouraged me to see every area of my life as "Kingdom Business" and to operate in the Holy Spirit on all occasions.

I didn't share this yesterday, but this has been simmering in my mind the past few months...Last summer, he was with us around our table on a Monday night. He had preached at our local African church the day before and it had apparently uniquely met a need. He shared that he didn't know what he would preach about until about 4:30 that morning. How did he know? God told him. God woke him up and told him. He had an awareness of a specific need in that congregation, so he specifically addressed that need from the pulpit. So, I had to ask. How do you know that things like that are from God? He told me that it is in two ways: (1) If it is backed up by God's Word, and (2) If it comes to pass. He was fully prepared to say what he was to say, and for there to be no visible response. It still was what he felt led to preach about, and it was in God's word. But the fact that what he said met such a specific need further affirmed that what he had understood was of the spirit. He told me he kept a pad of paper in his pocket, and when he felt the Holy Spirit impress something on his heart, he wrote it down. Then he would wait. If the event came to pass, he knew it had been of God. Or if it was something he needed to act upon, he would act in faith anyway, and God would confirm it. Were there certain things he had "acted on" that God hadn't "confirmed" yet? He answered, yes. That was God's business. Were there times it was confirmed right away? Yes. Again, that was up to God.

I'm quite sure I'm not adequately conveying what he said or how I understood it, but it has changed how I pray and how I "listen." I, first and foremost "listen" through God's Word. His revealed, unchanging, complete, accomplishing Word. If what I'm thinking does not match up to a Scriptural precedent or the whole counsel of Scripture, then I know it is just me... a fleshly thought. But, if what I think I'm sensing in my spirit is of God, He has been so faithful to back it with His Word. And then, in His grace, He has allowed events to come to pass which bore out what He was impressing on me. It's so unexplainable, but it's real. It's one way that walking alongside Dr. Sam has changed me personally- daily dialoguing with my Father, all day, throughout the day. And I keep a pad of paper in my purse. :)

Here's the kicker: So many of us shared yesterday about what he said to us, wise words that he spoke into our lives. I have posted about the sermon he preached. He was a strong, vital man. But the real miracle is that he spoke anything at all. This man, not long after we met him, had to have his vocal chords removed due to throat cancer. He had no voice! When he spoke, it was in a raspy whisper. I believe one of the reasons he was still audible at all was that God had words for him to say, and just as he was supernaturally able to speak them, we were supernaturally able to hear them. Really. It's hard enough sometimes (especially for us English-speakers who only know one language anyway!) to understand someone's thick accent. But how much more difficult is it if that person has no vocal chords? I believe God helped us understand Dr. Sam because He wanted us to hear what he had to say. Dr. Sam was able to speak because his message was of God. And what he spoke has changed many, many lives.

If you have read this far... bless you! It has been so healing for me, after a dark, silent week on my blog, to post this. Thank you for your sweet comments, too. They blessed me more than you know.

And that's the Body of Christ, too.

Have a blessed Lord's Day.

God is Good... All the Time

I've saved you a seat at the Internet Cafe, and your cyber-coffee (or tea) is brewing! Join me at the cafe today to talk about praising Him at all (and odd) times.

It's a "latte" fun...I'll see you there!

"There's That Chicken!"

"Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones." Psalm 116:15

Yesterday were doing school on the back porch when our "happy Monday" was shattered by the news of the death of our dear, dear friend in Ghana, Dr. Sam. We were so very blessed to have him in our lives for a season, and to have him here in our home just a few months ago. I am reposting what I wrote after his visit, and pray you will be blessed. We miss you, Dr. Sam. Oh, how we miss you.

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We had a wonderful time last night, enjoying fellowship in our home with our friend Dr. Sam from Ghana. He is such a dear man. It is obvious to all who are around him that he walks very closely with God. The Holy Spirit is clearly manifested in the way he talks and in the things he says. He hears from God. He speaks wisdom. He is absolutely fascinating to be with! So we sat last night around our dining room table soaking up what Dr. Sam had to say. I'm still processing most of it, so it will surely come out in my "blogging" at some point.

What I love about his testimony is that he wasn't always a Christian. He didn't accept Christ until well into his adult life. So he's gotten where he is spiritually in relatively few years, which really inspires me. I asked him last night when he began to really seek after and sense God's presence in his life, and when he began to actively listen for the Holy Spirit's "voice" for himself. He told the story of his 12 year old daughter, "W", who is a sweet friend of Bethany's.

When W was four years old, she came upon a dying chicken. This chicken was apparently lying on the ground, paralyzed, to the point of death. Dr. Sam (who is, in fact, a medical doctor) explained medically what had been wrong with the chicken. I'm not sure what he said, but the point was that it was clear this chicken was dying and that was that. Well, not for W. She went over to the chicken, laid her little four-year-old hands upon it and spoke healing for the chicken in Jesus' name. She claimed it, she believed for it. The matter was settled. Well, it was not long before that chicken was up and clucking around with the other chickens! That chicken had been healed! Dr. Sam said last night, "When I saw what the power of God would do for a chicken... I knew he would do that in my life too!"

Last night as Dr. Sam was leaving our house, Kyle showed him this picture that we have on our refrigerator. W drew this picture and sent to us earlier this year. I love that verse, and it is a reminder of our sweet Ghanaian friends each time I look at it. When Dr. Sam saw the picture his sweet daughter had drawn, he said "Ah, yes. There's that chicken!" Though I had heard the chicken story before, I had not made the connection. To me, the chicken represented the "feathers" and "wings" in the verse. But to the artist, it represented power!

Now I see that picture differently. I'm so glad I see the chicken! How often I'm a chicken. Not just a chicken, but one who can't move! If God can be called upon by a four-year-old to bring life to paralyzed poultry, He can certainly be trusted to infuse every area of my life with that same power, when called upon with believing boldness like that of a child.

Happy Monday!

We had a wonderful weekend, and I hope you did, too. We spent most of it around the house getting some much-needed things done and making the last-minute preparations for our Awana Awards Ceremony. Luke did the videos for each club ,with the help of his faithful Production Assistant (moi) who chose all of the music! He really has a gift for putting together videos. After watching the awesome videos of each club's year, I wondered how I too could get involved in such a great program!

While he was doing that, I sat and went through the lists, files, and orders I had placed, making sure we would have the more than 400 awards we would be giving out. I tell ya, our club is huge and our kids have flat out learned some verses this year! The ceremony was last night and it was a great success. Our Cubbies (preschoolers) had theirs first and then the K-12th graders had theirs. It all went off without a hitch, thanks to our awesome volunteers, our top-notch media team, and (of course) the dedicated parents. I didn't get many pictures because I was too busy running around with my clipboard or sitting on the front row counting trophies. I had to remind myself when it was my kids' turn, to see them as my child and clap and be "in the moment" rather than see myself as a coordinator of the event.

But I did.

I cheered and applauded. I remembered when they used to wear the little Cubbie and Sparky vests. I thought about all the work it has taken for them to finish their books. I praised God for how He has hidden His Word in their hearts this year, and thanked Him that it will not come back to Him void, but that it is an accomplishing Word. Praise You, Lord.

But, I didn't get enough pictures. I really wanted pictures of them with their leaders and directors. I didn't get those. Here's what I was able to snap:



Kyle receiving his award from Mr. Tracy, his faithful leader for two years.






I didn't get Bethany getting her award, but here she is coming down the steps off of the stage. This was her first year in "Trek," the jr. high program. She loved it!





Of course, some parents got those really great shots, but perhaps in all the hubbub, they didn't get a chance to get a picture with the Commander. Luckily, we bring him home with us each week, so we snagged those pictures when we got home:

We stayed late, with the help of some faithful friends and volunteers, and got the stage cleared and the receptions cleaned up. The records are locked in the office, ready for me to update for next year. Another successful Awana year has come to a close!

And I am tired. There is no "Menu Plan Monday" today. I have a plan, but no post. Besides, the guys may take a camping trip this week with some friends from Wednesday through the weekend (the opportunity has come up, so Luke's deciding today) so that would change my cooking plans anyway. With the guys away, the girls may eat at La Madeleine and order in Chinese food!

We're working on finishing our school year. We'll even finish some things this week, just in time for me to sell some of our used curriculum on Friday at our homeschool association's used book sale. Fun!

I hope your weekend was all that you needed it to be, and that your week is off to a great start!

Now THAT's the way to turn forty...

What a perfect birthday! Here's Big Luke, Little Luke, with Little Kyle in the middle, enjoying a day of fishing at the lake.

When he came home from fishing and had a chance to rest, we had more fun in store... The kids decided it would be fun to take their Dad out to drive go-carts and play laser tag for his big 4-0!

Nothing helps deal with family issues like chasing each other around with laser guns... LOL

Boogity, Boogity, Boogity! Let's go racin'!

I have decided that if there were an award given for The Most Fun Family Ever In The History Of Families, it should go to my husband's family. I sent an email out to his siblings letting them know where we would be going. We were on the miniature golf course last night and here they came (on a busy school night in the midst of a busy week) with their sweet families to join in the fun. We had a great time! I know it made Luke's birthday for his sisters to come out and enjoy the evening with us.

G. was getting her groove on at the Dance Revolution game. The video of this is priceless!

Fishing with a guide, fast cars (well, go-carts) , beautiful women (Yes- wife, daughter, sisters and nieces count!), shooting guns (well, laser guns), plenty of pizza, and a cold pitcher of Pepsi... now that's the way for a guy to turn forty! Thank you to our precious family for making it such a great day. We love y'all!

Look Who's Forty!

What a special day this is! Forty years ago today, the world welcomed "Little Luke." He started out "little," but he is larger than life to so many of us. I am at a loss for words as I look back over his life in pictures. I just realized that for over half of those forty years, we have been in each other's lives... how cool is that? He amazes me every day with his wisdom, tenderness, sense of humor and his "agape", demonstrated love for us. He loves His Lord Jesus, and the way he humbles himself before Him is evident in every area of his life. As I look at these pictures of him as a little boy, I am struck once again with the knowledge that my parents were diligently praying for that little boy... the one who would eventually sweep their little girl off her feet and be the godly leader of her home and family. God is so faithful. So, so faithful.

Second grade baseball picture

College graduation, May 1990

Praying with a medical patient in Ghana, June 2004

Father and son, at his baby sister's wedding, October 2006

I haven't been there from the beginning, but here are some words from someone who has... your Mom: "I knew you were special when you were born. Your cousin even commented that you have been grown up since day one. Even through the hard times, God has been so faithful to you. You have been a blessing to me and our family since the beginning. I am so proud. Your strength during hard times has been my strength. At family gatherings everybody looks to you to come up with words of wisdom, and can always call you when they are troubled. Maybe we should make some "WWLD" bracelets! Happy Birthday, and thank you Jesus for your life. You will always be my "Little Luke." I love you forever and one day more, Mom."

It's funny... it's your birthday, and yet I feel like I got the gift. I can't wait to see what the next forty years will bring (even though you are clearly aging better than I am... ;) Happy, happy birthday! I love you!

Works-for-me Wednesday

What do you do with all of that spare change lying around? At our house, we put it in a jar. When that jar gets full, we start another jar. Eventually, that jar gets full, too, so we start another one. All the while I'm imagining that I'll schlep those jars to the bank to get, well, money for all of it. But, practically speaking that just doesn't happen for us. Plus, I don't know if your bank does it for free, but most charge a percentage to convert coins to cash. With online banking I don't find myself running to the bank anymore, so I forget. But I DO run to the grocery store quite often...

A couple of weeks ago we took jars and jars of coins to our local grocery store where there was a Coinstar machine. Now, Coinstar charges 9% (ouch!) to convert your coinage to cash, but it's free if you get it on certain gift certificates. We got a couple of Starbucks gift cards and a couple hundred dollars in Amazon.com money. You can also get iTunes (another favorite of mine) and many others. Click here to see what gift cards are available, and here to find out where there are Coinstar machines near you.

Coffee, tunes, and books... for all the spare change I had lying around. Works for me!

For more great tips, or to leave your own, visit Rocks In My Dryer. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Holy Ground

Good morning! Only a blogger would take a picture of breakfast. (Oh, wait, I take that back... maybe a desperate scrapbooker would... ;) Here are the wonderful Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins we had for breakfast this morning. Pull up a chair and share a muffin! I've got half-caff coffee, too.

Before the kids got up this morning I was reading in the book of Judges (where I am in my daily Bible reading.) This year I am using a wonderful resource to help with my understanding of the Old Testament, Edersheim's Bible History Old Testament. It has really helped me to connect events and get a better "grip" on the narrative of the Old Testament. Today after I finished my Bible reading on Gideon, I turned to see what Edersheim had to say. In the section discussing Gideon's asking for a second sign from the Lord ("a pledge of His presence" as Edersheim calls it) he says something that I think is absolutely profound:

"Those hours in the history of God's heroes, when, on the eve of a grand deed of the sublimest faith, the spirit wrestles with the flesh, are holy seasons, to which the superficial criticism of a glib profession, that has never borne the strain of utmost trial, cannot be applied without gross presumption. When in such hours the soul in its agony is seen to cast its burden upon the Lord, we feel that we stand on holy ground." (p. 362, emphasis added)

Have you found yourself in a wrestling match between spirit and flesh? Have you ever noticed how often those seasons come "on the eve of a grand deed of the sublimest faith?" Oh, how this spoke to me today. How my flesh would love to give way to fear, anxiety, insecurity, or selfishness... especially in the face of an opportunity to do something that would require immense faith.

So much has happened in our country, in our families, and in "blogland" in recent days. So many people are burdened. So many are standing on "holy ground," casting burdens before the cross onto our Lord in Whose strength alone we are able bear up. Are you on holy ground today? Take heart if you are. This is a "holy season." Jesus is near. He is drawing you near to Him. He longs to accomplish great things for His great name- and He must-for no other name is worthy, and there is no other name by which we may be saved.

Menu Plan Monday

Happy Monday morning! First, I must share that the Orange-glazed Pork Chops and Skillet Lo Mein were a hit at our house last week. You've gotta try them if your family likes Asian food at all. (Or if you want to try some that they would like!) My 10-year-old son (resident chef-in-training) made two batches of the orange sauce and also made the Lo Mein. Both recipes were simple and very, very yummy.

Here is our menu for this week:

Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables

Tuesday: Fettucini Alfredo, salad, green beans, garlic bread

Wednesday: Crockpot Chicken Tacos and all the fixins' (My family LOVED these last time I made them!)

Thursday: Out for a fun birthday surprise for hubby who turns 40!

Friday: Chicken pot pie or leftovers

Weekend: out-to-eat and leftovers

Please stop by Laura's to read more menus or to add your own. Have a terrific week!

Are you a "basket case" trying to get it all done?

Bring your basket of loaves and fish and join me at the Internet Cafe today!

Real Growth

"Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. "

Colossians 2:18-19, NASB

In my Bible reading this morning, I came across this passage from Paul's letter to the Colossians. I've been reading the book of Colossians every day, becoming increasingly familiar with Paul's wise words to the believers at Colossae and prayerfully heeding his words of warning. God must have known that the dangers they faced would be common to all believers, so He caused these words to be written by Paul instead of spoken in person, so we would still have them. I'm not glad for Paul's imprisonment, but I love how God sovereignly used it to transport His Word through Paul to us today.

What caught my attention this morning were the words, "...grows with a growth which is from God." That statement implies that there can be growth which is not from God. Not all things which aren't from God will wither and die right away. There can be a period of growth and fruit (albeit, bad fruit). The tares grow alongside the wheat. So how do I tell if the growth I'm experiencing is "from God?"

First, I must check to see that the teaching I am receiving is "holding fast to the head." The Head is Jesus Christ. I may have measureable growth in certain areas, but if what is feeding or teaching me does not acknowledge the lordship of Jesus Christ, it is not "growth which is from God." I don't want that kind of growth. That kind of growth, like a cancerous tumor, will grow and grow until it robs my mind and spirit of the healthy "nutrients" it needs. It's bondage.

I love this post of Terri's the other day, dealing with the book "The Secret" and other books like it. I encourage you to read it. (The post, not the book!) So many earthly teachers today, inflated without cause by their fleshly minds, are defrauding believers of their prize, their spiritual blessings in this life and in the life to come, by teaching what does not acknowledge Jesus Christ. I am burdened by what I see, and I know many of you are as well. Self abasement (false humility) angel worship, and grand visions characterized the false teachers in Colossae, and we do see those qualities present in the false teachings we see in mainstream media today. But I think they represent the types of teachers Paul is warning us about those who teach any persuasive, empty doctrine. If believers accept these teachings and put them into practice, they won't lose their salvation but they will be robbed of present and future spiritual blessings.

Just because it's growth doesn't mean it's from God. "Measurable" does not equal "meaningful." I want my growth to be real. I want it to be of God. I want my fruit to last. And I know you do, too. I pray that all of us would test our teachers and the teaching we're receiving to see if it is supported by the Head, Jesus Christ, Who holds all things together and (praise God!) holds us in the mighty grip of His grace.

SO cool!

We get to love on another "sista" this week. Heather, a fellow homeschooler, blogger, and sister in Christ, fighting a courageous battle. I loved her post today, "You Picked the Wrong Girl." Oh, my WORD. Goosebumps. Boomama is hosting an event similar to the "For Kelli" event a few months ago, and what a blessing it was to be part of that! Click here to read the story and click here to donate. Please let her know if you are praying, whether you are able to contribute or not. This is where it gets real, folks.

And it is real.

Works-for-me Wednesday: Car Snacks

Well, WFMW didn't "work for me" the week of the car edition (though I enjoyed some of the great tips!) so I'm posting a car-related tip this week.

I no longer have toddlers or very young children, so gone are the days of the little baggies of Cheerios or goldfish-shaped containers of (what else?) Goldfish crackers. But with a teenager and a preteen, we are into the years where they crave (and need) snacks as much as ever! I have found a great way to make sure the last sleeve of crackers that nobody wants, or the about-to-be-old bag of animal crackers or pretzels will get eaten... just put them in the car!

It's amazing, snacks they wouldn't choose if they were grazing in the kitchen become quite appetizing when it's the only thing available in the car on the way home from a field trip, golf lesson, or gymnastics class.

My kids (and their friends who ride with us!) have really appreciated having something to munch in the car, and I'm enjoying not throwing away remnants of snacks that have gotten old in the pantry. Works for me!

To read more tips or to link us to yours, visit Rocks In My Dryer. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

This is my Dad and I several years ago when we played in a group together in a concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center. A fun memory! My mom says this is one of her favorite pictures of us.

(Yes, my hair has changed a lot over the years, but my love for my sweet Dad has not!)

Have a wonderful birthday. I love you!

In Other Words

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"
~ David Livingstone ~

To be commissioned by a king has always been an honor. But the honor of carrying on the work of the king, of acting in his stead and in his power in his kingdom, has never been without sacrifice. Those commissioned by the king have had to be willing to leave home, family and country, forgoing comfort, even risking loss of life. So it is for us as those who have been comissioned by our Heavenly King. Those committed to the "ministry of reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:18) must see our commission for what it is-- the highest of honors. We are ambassadors of the Most High God! Infused with His very power, we have been given the greatest of privileges- to be called His children and to do the work of His kingdom on His behalf, for His great glory. But, worship and service to our Heavenly King has always involved sacrifice, even for His own Son, Who gave His very life doing what He had been commissioned to do. Can we say with David, "I will not offer... an offering to the Lord which cost me nothing." (2 Samuel 24:24)? The commission is an honor-- the sacrifice, a privilege.

No one knew this better than David Livingstone, who was moved by "the smoke of a thousand villages–villages whose people are without Christ, without God, and without hope in this world." Those words, spoken by his mentor, Robert Moffat, solidified Livingstone's commitment to the commission he received from His Heavenly King. The honor of the commission is what must have sustained him in the crushing jaws of the lion, the disease-ridden days in the interior of Africa, and the years of not seeing his beloved family. All sacrifices, to be sure, but infinitely worth it because of the honor of carrying out the commission of the Lord Most High.

My commission is worth whatever I am asked to put on the altar. What will I offer Him today? May I count it an honor.


Laurel Wreath is our host for this week's "In Other Words." Please visit Laurel to read some other thoughts on this quote, and to link your own. Thanks for hosting us, Laurel!

Menu Plan Monday

Have you found dinner-as-as-family each night to be a challenge? We have. It seems that no matter how I prioritize it, schedule it, look forward to it, and agree with those "family table" ads on Nickelodeon, it's still difficult to pull off some weeks. As a homeschooling family, the kids are home during the day and we eat lunch together most days, and breakfast together some (sometimes they straggle in or are at different points in their morning routines, so we don't always see each other at breakfast!) But dinner is when Dad is home, when all four of us can finally sit together and we don't want to miss it! But, neither do we want to miss gymnastics, golf, or guitar class. Sometimes I have homeschool association meetings or prayer groups, or other meetings which I really enjoy. I was thinking about this as I was looking at my nice, neat, Menu-Plan-Monday all typed up, ready to go. It looks so... simple, like it's going to happen at the same time each night. But, it doesn't.

For instance, tonight each of the kids has an activity from 6:00-7:00. We'll all be home by 7:30 so we'll probably eat then. (I'll cook it before we leave.) Some evenings when we have an activity, I'll have dinner on the table right at 5:00, so when my cute husband walks in the back door he sees our faces sitting at the table waiting for him. That way we have about 45 minutes for dinner before one of us takes a child somewhere. Sunday nights after we're finished with Awana, we don't eat until around 8:30. I've found it takes some doing, but the benefits of dinner as a family are worth it. It's working so far! I'd love to know what works for some of you, too.

Here's what we're having this week:

Monday: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas

Tuesday: Leftovers (Isn't cold fried chicken just the best??)

Wednesday: Orange-glazed Pork Chops, Skillet Lo Mein

Thursday: Quick Cheeseburger Bake, baked sweet potato fries

Friday: Leftovers or order pizza

Weekend: sandwiches, leftovers, out-to-eat after church

Visit Laura's to read more menu ideas or to link your own. Thanks so much, Laura, for hosting MPM each week. Have a yummy week!

Catching Up

Every once in awhile, I come across a blog post on a beloved blog, simply catching us up on random details of her life. I find myself enjoying "getting the scoop" on what she's been up to, sort of like reading a newsy letter from a friend. If you enjoy those posts like I do, then settle in with a good cup of coffee/tea/cocoa/Diet Something and get ready. If those types of posts aren't your cup-o-tea, this is your chance to click on by. (And I completely understand! ;)

It is another overcast, cold Saturday following another cold-snap-Friday. Last week it was Good Friday that turned cold, and what followed was a FREEZING Saturday. And I mean freezing, as in snow flakes. We were to help with an outdoor event across town in an empty lot in a primarily Hispanic subdivision as an outreach for our church's Hispanic church. Last Friday night, in anticipation of the freezing temperatures to come and a day in which the wind chill would not leave the 30's, I actually hoped the event would be cancelled. Saturday night, I couldn't believe I had wished such a thing! It was indeed cold, we froze our toes and hid Easter Eggs with snow flakes swirling all around, but we had a fantastic turnout and a wonderful time. Over 100 people from the surrounding neighborhood came out for hot dogs, hamburgers, an Easter Egg hunt and a bounce house, and found out about the ministries at our church which are conducted in Spanish. We found out Sunday that a number of folks that had come Saturday were at our Easter service. Praise God! We also had a team of missionaries from Mexico from our partner church there, who got to see snow for the first time! I was chatting with one of them whom I had met when I was there back in 2003. I went down there to help with relief work after a major flood in their area. He told me (in Spanish, as he speaks no English) that the previous Wednesday, April 4, had been the anniversary of the flood. I understood every word of what he said, I couldn't believe it! I then proceeded to enthusiastically answer him... in French. Oh, my brain. I need to just pick a language and stick with it... The whole time I was in Mexico that year, I spoke fluent Franish. Frantic Franish, in fact. (French + Spanish)

We enjoyed a fun Easter Sunday with Luke's family over at his brother's house. The cousins enjoyed driving the golf cart all around, fishing in the pond, and (of course) hunting eggs. The (grown up) sisters had their annual Easter egg smack-down hunt. Last year I participated, but this year I sat out because I've not been working out, and was thus, too out of shape for such a competitive event. (Okay, I was actually still tired from the day before.) It was fun to watch, though! They actually did all end up on the ground at some point. It's serious, I tell ya. (Congratulations, Tina!)

Tuesday night the phone rang and it was my dear friend in China with whom I'll be staying in May. I always love talking to her at night. I'll be in my jammies getting ready for bed asking her, "So, what are you going to do today?" because they're just getting up! I still have the microwave clock set on China time since last summer when Bethany was there. It messes with my brain at times, sending me into a panic thinking I'm an hour late for something (they're 13 hours ahead of us) but it's fun to know what time it is in the place where our hearts and prayers are so often. It was wonderful to hear how they're doing and anticipating seeing them in about a month!

The kids and I resumed our school work this week, amid continuing efforts to box up, organize, sort through, clean out and pack. So. much. (too much) stuff. Luckily our subdivision is having its semi-annual neighborhood garage sale next weekend. I am having a major "spring clearance!" Last night we had severe weather and heard the tornado sirens sounding from across the lake and I thought as I looked in my dining room (where the garage sale stuff is living at the moment), "It looks like the tornado has already come through!" Regarding the weather, we survived. It was dark, scary, and loud. We had sideways rain and a bit of hail. The closet under the stairs was cleared of coats and prepared in case we needed it. The kids and I sat in a big chair (while Zac-the-weenie dog took up his command post under the chair). Luke and Haley-the-German Shepherd monitored the weather radar. Unfortunately, we did have to cancel an Awana Cubbie event last night, though. Hopefully we'll be able to get it rescheduled.

Today we are painting the upstairs bathroom and decorating it with some fun, new stuff my daughter-with-an-eye-for-decorating helped me pick out. We have a fun day tomorrow, with a China meeting and then our spring "Leader Appreciation Dinner" for all of our awesome Awana volunteers and their spouses before our Awana club night. Planning these events (for 150 +) is one of the things that intimidated me so much before we took this position, but yesterday as I was running around (ahead of the storm!) gathering table cloths, door prizes, centerpieces, and kids' activities for the leaders' kids party, I realized how much I really do enjoy it. I thanked God in the parking lot at Michael's craft store for giving me a love for what He has asked me to do. It is such a privilege to love on these incredible volunteers and to minister, in any way that I can, to the families in our Awana program. This week is the dinner, next week is "ice cream sundae" night, and the following week is our awards program. Then, that's it! Sprinkle that in with finishing our school year, packing for a move, staging the house and planning for China and that's my life in a nutshell. :)

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! I hope you have a blessed weekend!

Don't Lay Down Your Bible!

The current series on Revive Our Hearts is called "Walking Through Life's Deserts." (The series starts here. ) Today's episode was called "I Can't Do This!" The title caught my attention, because I have said those three words so many times, even in the past week!

Three women on the show today shared their stories of difficulties (some of which I can't imagine!) and discussed what sustained them during those times. This part really spoke to me today:

"It was such a shock in about my mid-30s when all of a sudden there were really tough things in my life that I didn't initiate or choose, but they were there. I had to walk through the process of coming to grips with who God was in the midst of Him allowing things in my life that I didn't choose.

I think at the beginning of that process in your life it's hard because you've never done it before. I think when you've seen God prove Himself faithful over the course of several things like that maybe you're a little quicker to recognize the hand of God in the midst of hurt or difficulty. So you surrender to it. You acknowledge who God is.

Then I think the thing of persevering and getting to God for hope means you can't lay down your Bible. There were moments in those years where the only time I felt okay was when I was sitting in my den with my Bible open having time to stay in the Word. If I got away from that, the circumstances were so hard that I would think, "God, I don't think I can live through this." But if I was sitting in the presence of God in His Word, it gave me encouragement and hope and perspective that I had to have.

If somebody says to me, "Well, yes, I'm surrendering to this. I’m getting to God." But they're not in the Word. They're not going to have what they need to be able to walk through that thing because that is the thing that brings us back to the point of truth.

Nancy: When you think of how God provided in the wilderness for the Israelites, He provided manna, water, protection, provision, His presence. All those things really are what we find in the presence of God and in the Word. That is our manna. That is our bread. That is our water. That's what sustains us in the desert."

Persevering and getting to God for help means you can't lay down your Bible...

Those words really resonated with me this morning. How prone I am in times of battle or seasons of stress to lay down the true Sword of God's Word, even momentarily, and begin wielding my wimpy sword of self-reliance. I loved this reminder today, and I needed it. The word "sword" has "w-o-r-d" in it. God's Word.

May I not lay it down, even for a second!

Sometimes you're too busy doing it to blog about it...

Life, that is!

Man, I've been busy! I decided to pop into blogland today and it's the first time I've been on my computer ALL DAY. (And that's saying something!)

First of all, I can't post today without acknowledging that on this date in 1990 my cute, hunky college sweetheart gave me a gorgeous diamond and asked me to marry him. I couldn't say "yes" fast enough, and I've loved every minute of being his fiancee and then wife. Happy engagement-anniversary, honey!

Second of all, 32 years ago this week (April 9 to be exact) as a knobby-knee'd second grader I slipped out of my pew and walked to the front of the church to tell the world that I had given my heart to Jesus. I was so nervous, scared to death of the preacher, and would rather have been swallowed up by the floor than to stand up in front of anyone. That's how I know it was the Holy Spirit drawing me! At times I'm still knobby-knee'd and nervous, but I still love every minute of walking with my Jesus.

So, I've had a fun couple of "anniversaries" in my life this week. All I can think is... God is SO faithful! He has had His hand on my life in every conceivable way for so long: at every age and stage, in every area. It's real, y'all. I know you know it because I read your blogs and can see His hand in your lives as well.

If you're not sure, if you don't "feel" His hand and recognize His presence, just look for the good. EVERY good and perfect gift is from Him. (James 1:17) A smile from a teacher when you were in first grade. A beautiful flower in a pot on your porch. A meal to eat. A warm hand to hold. A soft pillow under your head. The love of your family. The kindness of a stranger. The opportunity to love and serve others. The love of your life asking you to marry him. A grape jelly kiss from a toddler. If it's good, it's from God. He's there! He's been there all along.

And I'm still here, just busy!

Love y'all!

Menu Plan Monday

I. am. stuffed. It is Easter Sunday night, and we have had a wonderful day over at my sweet brother-in-law's house eating the most amazing food all afternoon. And what am I doing now? Typing a post about more food. The way I feel now, I can't imagine that we'll need to eat this week! But, just in case, here's what I've got planned:

Monday: Pinto beans with leftover Easter ham, cornbread
Tuesday: Chicken Fettucini Alfredo, Caesar salad, green beens, garlic bread
Wednesday: Crock Pot beef stew
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Bar-b-cups, mixed vegetables
Weekend: Sandwiches, leftovers, and out-to-eat after church

I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend with those you love, and I pray you have a joyful week ahead of you!

Victory!

Hell was in an uproar because it was done away with.

It was in an uproar because it is mocked.

It was in an uproar, for it is destroyed.

It is in an uproar, for it is annihilated.

It is in an uproar, for it is now made captive.

Hell took a body, and discovered God.

It took earth, and encountered Heaven.

It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see.

O death, where is thy sting?

O Hades, where is thy victory?

Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!

Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down!

Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!

Christ is Risen, and life is liberated!

Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead;for Christ having risen from the dead,is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!

John Chrysostom (349-407)

Entire sermon found here.

A Gift for You...

What do you usually do after you have picked out the perfect gift for someone? Do you simply thrust it at them right out of the shopping bag, with the price tags flying and the receipt still stuck to it? As tempting as that is (because it’s just so hard to wait!) we usually take care to choose just how we’re going to present it. We may choose just the right gift bag or wrapping paper because part of the gift is in the presentation...

...You can read the rest of my Easter post entitled "Unwrapping the Gift" here. I'd love to see you at the cafe!

In Other Words

"At the heart of the story stands the cross of Christ

where evil did its worst and met its match."

~ John Wenham ~

I wonder if he can still see it in his mind's eye. I can just imagine the enemy as he "prowls like a roaring lion" throughout the earth, "seeking those whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8) What a horrible reminder that must be for him as he passes the exact place where the cross stood on that day. Man may not be able to pinpoint exactly where it was, or may have to rely on tradition as to it's precise spot, but make no mistake- Satan knows. I wonder if he avoids that particular location (for he is not omni-present). Or maybe he goes back there to get "re-inspired" when he gets tired (for though he is powerful, he's not all-powerful). How it must continue to mock him. After all, he was "made a public spectacle" there that day. (Colossians 2:15)

You see, he gave it all he had. He used his best ammo. And for a brief moment, he must have thought it worked. How me must have listened with glee, almost giddily, when Jesus cried out to His Father Who had forsaken Him. He probably had a host of demons high-fiving him. Their "victory" (even if it was in their own minds) was short-lived. And praise God, Christ's victory is eternal. And so is ours if we are in Christ. We'll never have a day as bad as Christ's was that day and by His grace we'll never have an eternity as tormented as what is in store for the enemy.

They both gave all they had that day, and only One came forth the victor. I'd say Satan met more than his match when he pitted himself against the Son of God. So, what does that say about his chances against God's children? I must remember Whose child I am, and the victory that was won for God's glory and on my behalf. Evil can try to have its way in my life, but... it's met it's match because of Who dwells in me.

By God's grace and mercy, the cross is at the heart of my story. I pray it's at the heart of your story as well.

Iris is our gracious host this week. Visit her at Sting My Heart to read more views on this week's quote, or to post your own. Thanks, Iris!

I've been so busy thinking...

I haven't posted my Thinking Blogger post yet! First of all, thank you SO much Linda for nominating me. It means even more, given what a thinking blogger you are yourself (as well as the cyber-Titus-woman you've become to me.) Thank you, thank you! I haven't ignored the meme, but I've been, well, thinking! Several of the ones I'd like to forward it to have been nominated, and you're supposed to keep it to 5, which is doggone near impossible in my opinion.

Here are my heartfelt nominations, and if they are duplicates then she can just know that she's a Thinking Blogger Squared (or cubed, etc. ;)

Come to the Table

relevant blog

A Spacious Place

Home is Where You Start From

Dandelion Momma

If I have tagged you, here are your instructions:

Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.
Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with the link to the post that you wrote.

Until I started blogging, more often than not I would get on the computer to veg out. To surf. To click, scan, zone, and NOT think. What a waste of time that was! (Okay, not all the time, there are some great websites out there! There just isn't a "comment" button, LOL.) Now I'm reading things that challenge me, writing thoughts I didn't know I had until I wrote them, and meeting a host of new cyber-sistas! What a blessing! Thank you to all of you (many beyond those listed above) who make me think- about my Jesus, about glorifying God, about loving my family well, about discernment... about things worth thinkin' about.

Y'all are the best!

The Joy of the Gospel

If you haven't yet read this post of Chris's at Come to the Table, head on over! I'll be here when you get back...
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Wasn't that good? Hopefully you clicked on the wonderful resource she has linked from Cornerstone Bible Fellowship. In case you didn't, here it is again. It is an excellent booklet written by their pastor, Milton Vincent, about "preaching the gospel to yourself" each day. I read through it yesterday and it ministered to me so much. I know I'll be using this resource again and again, and reading it to my children. It's an incredible blessing that this is available free of charge. What an appropriate time, Holy Week, to direct our focus right back to the cross and to resolve not to look away!

I know in my own life, I have regarded the "gospel message" as something separate from other concepts I am studying in the Bible. Certainly I needed to hear the gospel message before salvation, and I have needed the gospel when sharing with others or on mission trips, but daily thinking about the gospel wasn't something I did very often. Last summer I read Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing by C.J. Mahaney. It really changed my perspective on the role the gospel message plays in my daily life as a Christian. The gospel is everything! The cross is where it all began for me! Why did I ever leave that place?

Preaching the gospel to yourself every day, which Mahaney recommends as well, is an idea from Jerry Bridges' book The Discipline of Grace. The booklet from Cornerstone not only explains why to do it (in the same vein as Mahaney's book) but he writes out a prose version as well as a poetry version of the gospel message to read to yourself. Oh, how I loved lingering over it and praying through it yesterday on Palm Sunday. It was a wonderful way to focus my heart and worship this Holy Week. I highly encourage you to take a look at it and pray through it yourself, and see if you are blessed as well.

On this subject, I would like to share one thing I gleaned from Mahaney's book, something that was missing for me that is a byproduct of preaching the gospel to yourself everyday: Joy.

"And the inevitable result of preaching the gospel to yourself will be a pronounced joy, an infectious joy, a consistent joy. Like nothing else, the gospel creates joy; it's both the source and the object of our joy. The gospel alone allows us to obey the biblical directive to "serve the LORD with gladness." [Ps. 100:2] Joy is a command. You may be working hard and serving the Lord faithfully, but if you aren't serving with gladness, you aren't serving Him appropriately or representing Him accurately. Are you someone who's consistently joyful and continually aware that 'the joy of the LORD is your strength?' Or do you normally appear to others to be someone who's burdened, busy, and easily bothered?"

"... not representing Him accurately."

"Burdened, busy, and easily bothered."

Ouch! I'm afraid many days those words would describe me. And even if others aren't observing that in me, certainly my children are. Where is the joy that should be there? My joy is in the message of the gospel! There are many, many other aspects to infusing the gospel message into your heart each day (like developing a Romans 9 heart for the lost, as Chris mentioned) but this is one aspect that my heart has needed so much. True joy is in appropriating the gospel and its truth into my daily life and thoughts. That joy will undoubtedly well up and overflow onto those around me, drawing others to Him as well.

We have a wonderful opportunity to center our thoughts on the cross this week. My prayer is that we would, like a compass, realign ourselves with it and let that be our focal point each day. May we have cross-centered hearts this week and gospel-centered lives as we go forward. And may we find joy!

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:12

Menu Plan Monday

"Oh taste and see that the LORD is good..." Ps. 34:8

This week around after dinner each night we will be incorporating some of Noel Piper's Holy Week ideas found here. We started it this weekend, and it is quite meaningful. I am looking forward to our special time together each night. The candles and readings are really helping us to focus our hearts as we approach Easter. I highly recommend it if you're not already using a Holy Week devotional. It's not too late to incorporate it into your family's table time or after-dinner time this week.

Here's what our family will be enjoying for dinner each night:

Monday: Baked Potato Soup, salad, garlic bread

Tuesday: Out to eat for my father-in-law's birthday (Happy birthday, "Big Luke!")

Wednesday: Chicken and dumplings, fried okra

Thursday: Left-overs

Friday: Passover Seder meal with our Family Bible Fellowship (Sunday school class)

Weekend: Easter dinner- ham, spinach salad, green beans, rolls, blueberry-banana pie

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Crock Pot Ham (originally from mamaliscious)

5 lb. bone in fully cooked ham
1/3 cup apple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. mustard
1/8 tsp. pepper

Place ham in 4-5 quart crockpot and pour apple juice over ham. Combine brown sugar, honey, mustard, and pepper in a small bowl and blend well. Spread over ham. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Slice and serve. 12 servings

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Spinach Salad

6 hard-boiled eggs, diced

8-10 slices of bacon , cooked and chopped

2 bags baby spinach, destemmed and washed

Dressing:

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 cup vinegar

2 heaping tbsp. mayonnaise

Whip dressing until smooth (I do this in the blender). Toss just before serving.

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Blueberry Banana Pie

1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

1 8 oz. Cool Whip

3 bananas, sliced

1 cup sugar

1 can blueberry pie filling

2 graham cracker pie shells

Mix cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add 1/2 of Cool Whip and blend well. Layer banana slices on bottom of pie crust, then put a layer of cream cheese mixture. Next, put a layer of Cool Whip. Refrigerate until top is set, then spoon blueberries on top.

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Visit Laura for more menu ideas, or to share your menu plan.

Have a blessed, set-apart week!