I have many favorites, that is why it is hard when people ask me what is your favorite dessert? thing to do? season of year? I love summer, the sun, swimming, vacationing, kids are out of school, etc.
But I also love fall, the beautiful colors of the leaves, Thanksgiving weekend and then the preparations of Christmas, rich in fanily traditions and fun. So, I would say fall is definitely the top of the list. I love the cool crisp air, ok it's a little different now that I'm living in the desert, but it does get cool and crisp in the evening here in the central valley of California. I love taking the family apple picking then making applesauce, apple pie, apple crisp and this year I think I'm going to make apple dumplings, it's been a while since that has graced our harvest table. And oh yes, Geoffrey said he wanted carmel apples this year, speaking of carmel, Victoria and I tried a salted carmel hot chocolate at Starbucks tonight, yum. I'm looking forward to October and making all those apple treats, well maybe at least two of them I always set my expectations a little high.
How about you? what apple treats do you like the most?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Enduring
As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way in great endurance; 2 Corinthians 6:4a
I had a seat by the door at Starbucks this week and I saw a woman walk in that I knew. I hadn’t seen her in a while, she lost her husband a year ago. I got up, gave her a big hug and asked how she was doing, she replied “I’m doing really good”. I knew she struggled for many months and was probably still. Her reply was genuine, I know God is healing her, is readily there for her, loving her. As a servant of God she is enduring without giving into the pressures of depression or addictions.
Life can be hard, but moving in His sufficient grace binds us together with Him and enables us to endure and persevere. It enables us to encourage and lift each other up, whatever circumstances we are in. After all, we’re here on this earth at this time, in this place together for Him.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Drinking Joy - Refreshing drink concoctions
I love to experiment in the kitchen with juice drinks. One day I had a new concoction sitting on the counter and when my youngest son Geoffrey entered the kitchen thirsty he asked if he could try some. After taking a sip he said "Wow, Mom that is like drinking joy!". So, we drank a lot "joy" that summer. It was lemonade with a splash of cranberry raspberry juice. I always use frozen lemonade and juices, YUM! they are so refreshing. Lately, I've been drinking Limeade with Pineapple Orange Juice. Since we live in the valley here in California, I am frequently thirsty. Another good one is Orange Juice, a spash of cranberry raspberry with a squeeze of lime.
Sigh. . . summer is over fall is on the horizon, scoot over "joy" it's time for Apple Cider! If you have any good ideas for what to mix with apple cider, let me know, I've only tried orange juice (warmed), which is awesome!
Sigh. . . summer is over fall is on the horizon, scoot over "joy" it's time for Apple Cider! If you have any good ideas for what to mix with apple cider, let me know, I've only tried orange juice (warmed), which is awesome!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Adequacy
2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
This week I didn’t make it to Starbucks, but I had my appointment in my living room. Although it was still good, there is something about getting out of my house and focusing completely on Him. For me, my house is full of distractions and my focus easily gets blurred with thoughts about other responsibilities I need to accomplish.
Do you ever have a pity party? I spent a whole day thinking of all the things I didn’t have, lamenting over what I wished I had using a lot of what ifs and only ifs. Than it struck me, I was stuck in my lonely pity party feeling sorry for myself. Oh to appreciate what I have and realize daily the all surpassing power that is available to me from God my Lord and Savior.
When we lose focus of our adequacy in Christ, our focus turns to others or ourselves. We try to do things to please man instead of God. Once things are going so well (because God is blessing us) we pat ourselves on the back and think we can go it alone. Praise God He is always there to pick up the pieces and remind us “your adequacy is in Me”.
Monday, September 13, 2010
A Letter?
“Hot Hot Hot, Hot Chocolate” do you remember that song from Polar Express? The kids on the train get a sweet treat from the dancing waiters. They finish their drink wipe their mouths and look satisfied. Little do they realize they will be learning how to believe in Christmas, I’d like to believe they learned about the true meaning of Christmas. As I drink my hot chocolate at Starbucks and read God’s word, I hope for myself as I do for you, that we will drink in God’s Word and be filled with Christ and overflow to those around us . . . . . . . . .
2 Corinthians 3: 2-3 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Have you ever thought of yourself as a letter written on someone’s heart? Do you ever think about the influence you have on others, good or bad? One time I was sitting with a friend and her family. You know when you are talking to one person then the whole group gets quiet and everyone is listening to you? I didn’t intend on everyone listening to this story I was telling, it wasn’t really an interesting story to men, more of a “girl thing” but as my mouth spoke, my mind went crazy saying, maybe I should cut this short, why do I keep going, they can’t be interested in this story. As I spoke their eyes widened and their jaws dropped and no one said a word. I finished and we went on with our lunch. Later, my friend told me she couldn’t believe how appropriate my story was to something currently going on in their life. I had no idea, but God did, He knew exactly what He was doing.
The things we say and do may have more of an impact on people than we realize. As we allow God to write on our hearts, we allow Him to shine through our actions and words.
When we have confidence in God, move in His grace, and are the letter from Christ written by the Spirit of the Living God, wow what an impact we can have.
2 Corinthians 3: 2-3 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Have you ever thought of yourself as a letter written on someone’s heart? Do you ever think about the influence you have on others, good or bad? One time I was sitting with a friend and her family. You know when you are talking to one person then the whole group gets quiet and everyone is listening to you? I didn’t intend on everyone listening to this story I was telling, it wasn’t really an interesting story to men, more of a “girl thing” but as my mouth spoke, my mind went crazy saying, maybe I should cut this short, why do I keep going, they can’t be interested in this story. As I spoke their eyes widened and their jaws dropped and no one said a word. I finished and we went on with our lunch. Later, my friend told me she couldn’t believe how appropriate my story was to something currently going on in their life. I had no idea, but God did, He knew exactly what He was doing.
The things we say and do may have more of an impact on people than we realize. As we allow God to write on our hearts, we allow Him to shine through our actions and words.
When we have confidence in God, move in His grace, and are the letter from Christ written by the Spirit of the Living God, wow what an impact we can have.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
God Confidence
A year and a half ago, I began "meeting God" at Starbucks for some one on one prayer and bible studying. Just me and Him, that is ususally how it feels as I sit there totally immersed not aware of anyone around me. It has become a very special time, one I cherish and look forward to every week. My husband and three children are all occupied elsewhere at this time so I am "free to move around the city", well I go about two miles but that's far enough. It's such a pleasure to sit, relax, sip some hot chocolate, talk to God, read His word and soak in His message, His promises, His love. I started writing about my experience each week . .
As I continue my quest in spending time with God at Starbucks each week, (by the way I had hot chocolate, He didn't need anything His cup is overflowing) I read about how God upheld Paul while he was being challenged by fellow Christians.
2 Corinthians 1:12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace . . . 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.
What does this mean in our day to day life, as we live and speak, when we deal with emotions, words and situations that are difficult. With God confidence, we live and breathe in Him and not let the world get in the way of our conscience. We live in God's grace and peace not relying on ourselves, not using words that give us a one up over people, not being deceptive or rude but uphold a godlike behavior. With sincere hearts and a love from God that moves us to respond in His grace we can move about life with fewer regrets. Moving in His grace is not always easy, but it sure makes life a lot less agonizing. I challenge you to think before you move, before you speak, before you make a choice that you wish you could take back.
Knowing you are right with God gives you a confidence like you never experienced before. I just loved this and it made me want to have an even closer walk with Him, maybe we'll have to do lunch too!
. . . After I studied this and thought about responding in God's grace, like the great God He is, it was perfect timing. It was just what I needed to reflect on as I was challenged with a series of events that followed in my life. Gossiping people, difficult confrontations that I knew just what I needed to say because God had streamlined my thinking according to His grace. Moving and responding God's way is not always the simple thing to do, and I still make a lot of mistakes, but is sure is easier to fall asleep at night knowing you have done the right thing, one that pleases God and doesn't leave a wrong impression ringing in other's ears.
As I continue my quest in spending time with God at Starbucks each week, (by the way I had hot chocolate, He didn't need anything His cup is overflowing) I read about how God upheld Paul while he was being challenged by fellow Christians.
2 Corinthians 1:12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace . . . 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.
What does this mean in our day to day life, as we live and speak, when we deal with emotions, words and situations that are difficult. With God confidence, we live and breathe in Him and not let the world get in the way of our conscience. We live in God's grace and peace not relying on ourselves, not using words that give us a one up over people, not being deceptive or rude but uphold a godlike behavior. With sincere hearts and a love from God that moves us to respond in His grace we can move about life with fewer regrets. Moving in His grace is not always easy, but it sure makes life a lot less agonizing. I challenge you to think before you move, before you speak, before you make a choice that you wish you could take back.
Knowing you are right with God gives you a confidence like you never experienced before. I just loved this and it made me want to have an even closer walk with Him, maybe we'll have to do lunch too!
. . . After I studied this and thought about responding in God's grace, like the great God He is, it was perfect timing. It was just what I needed to reflect on as I was challenged with a series of events that followed in my life. Gossiping people, difficult confrontations that I knew just what I needed to say because God had streamlined my thinking according to His grace. Moving and responding God's way is not always the simple thing to do, and I still make a lot of mistakes, but is sure is easier to fall asleep at night knowing you have done the right thing, one that pleases God and doesn't leave a wrong impression ringing in other's ears.
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