National Day of Prayer - May 7, 2009

It is the 58th Annual Day of Prayer ..........check out the website and get your church, your bible-study, your prayer group or yourself involved!!!!!

Blessings, GG

http://www.ndptf.org

A time of Prayer and Fasting -Friday May 1, 2009

Dear Friends,

If you feel led of God would you like to join me in a time of prayer and fasting Friday May 1, 2009.

I will be in prayer for my family and all of your families .
In the past several weeks I have received several specific family prayer requests . Lots of financial needs, many physical and emotional needs. Believers praying for the salvation of their households .

I have several groups of friends that are a core group of intercessors that I pray with regularly they will be joinging in as well.

I am fasting "food" from early am this Thursday April 30, 2009 at midnight until 5:00 p.m. on Friday May 1, 2009 .

Some of my family are also fasting and are doing 1/2 a day fast . Some are able to fast a meal.

Some fast until 5:00 pm but will have fruit juices.

If you feel lead of God to join in that is awesome.
Praying for God's Protection, Provision and Direction for our family in thjs season.
God is Faithful.

I often, while in fasting am much more aware of God's presence . I am aware that I am fasting for a specific reason and in obedience to God's Word.

There can be several reasons why we fast and this is in no way an complete study on the subject of "Fasting".

But is just my personal opinion and thoughts on the matter.

I have been a Christian for close to thirty years and never realized the importance of fasting.And had never seen the results I had seen in my prayer life until our Pastor did an extensive study on it in January of 1998. At that time our Church was in a "corporate fast ", the entire Body of believers that were able .

For up to eight days as each member was lead and able. As a church we were fasting seeking God's face for our nation , our church , the Church leadership and for our evangelistic efforts in the coming year. The results were incredible. And I became persuaded of the power of God through prayer and fasting.

There are several reasons we may fast, We fast in obedience to God's Word.

Joel:2:12: Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

2Co:6:4: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,2Co:6:5: In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;2Co:6:6: By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

M't:9:15: And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

We fast to humble ourselves before God and obtain His grace and power . We fast in times of crisis:

Es:4:15: Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,Es:4:16: Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.We fast seeking God's direction.

Ezr:8:21: Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.Ezr:8:22: For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. Ezr:8:23: So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.


We fast for understanding and revelation .

Jer:36:6: Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD's house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.

So there are many reasons to fast.

Knowing that God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him, I felt led in my heart to fast and pray for our families.

Respecting our Bodies in a Fast

Dear Friends ,Just a word about respecting our bodies during a fast.

If you are pregnant or nursing or have a medical condition that would prevent you from not having "solid" food. Use common sense and respect your body.

In general, most people can go one day or 1/2 a day without food , if they are having water, fruit juice or vegetable juices to supplement.If you must eat "solids" , perhaps you could commit to limiting your food intake to salad or vegetables.

These are all pleasing to the Lord as we are looking to Glorify God , putting the Lord first and our appetite second.Also remember if during the fast you become extremely nauseous, light headed or dizzy to please get something to eat and/or drink.

Friends if you have a prayer request, spoken or unspoken and you would like us to pray, it does not need to contain much detail. Leave a comment and we will take it before God .

Hugs & Prayers, GG

A great finger-food recipe

This is a recipe from Nicole at PrairieHomemaker........It is tested and true. I made it several times for bible study, showers, family functions. They are yummy and kid friendly too!
Wish I had a picture of them.


Cheeseburger Muffins
These are a yummy way to stretch a half pound of ground beef.
I don't make them as often as I(or hubby) would like because of the amount of butter and cheese.

1/2 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2-1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup ketchup
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 teaspoon mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.

In a bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl combine ketchup, milk, butter, eggs, and mustard.

Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in beef and cheese.

Fill greased muffin cups 3/4's full. Bake at 425.

For mini cups; bake 15-18 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Will yield approx. 5 dozen

For regular size bake 20-25 minutes. Will yield around 2 dozen.

These are very good!!!! Thanks Nicole.

Hugs, GG

Kingdom of God .........Kingdom of Heaven

Asking for Prayer as I begin an extensive study in God's Word researching the Kingdom of God/The Kingdom of Heaven.......This has been prompted in me by the Holy Spirit several times now ..... It began one morning a couple of years ago , as I was reading in Luke and in Matthew the Lord's Prayer.

I began to think about hwo things are in heaven , and how things are here on earth........it became a stirring in my heart and spirit to study it out. I have started many times and have bits and pieces of accumulated information which I am praying God's Spirit would give me understanding and wisdom to The Kingdom of Heaven:

Lu:11:1: And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.Lu:11:2: And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.Lu:11:3: Give us day by day our daily bread.Lu:11:4: And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

M't:6:9: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.M't:6:10: Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.M't:6:11: Give us this day our daily bread.M't:6:12: And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.M't:6:13: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

There is so much teaching by Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. I am excited to spend time in God's word soaking up all that the Holy Spirit would show me in the Word.

If you have spent time studying this subject matter I would love to hear what God has shared with you in your study time.

Blessings, GG

Playing in the dirt .........

Spring time pretty much finds me playing in the dirt.........Thankfully my husband has acquired a liking to it as well or I would never had gotten these 5 gallon buckets to my roof-top garden!!!!
These are for our tomato and green bell peppers. I am also going to put some ivy's and ferns and pretty flowers up there with a couple of comfy chairs and a little table and enjoy the peace & quiet and some sunshine on my face.

These little galvanized tins I bought at the Dollar Tree. I thought that they were so adorable. I have planted grass in these containers to sit along a ledge shelf in the hallway going upstairs to three rooms and the garden which my hubby has been re-modeling for months.

This little ledge is going to hold the tins along with some awesome weathered copper lanterns I have had for years. It is going to be a very pretty look when it is finished I will post some pictures.

What projects are you working on this Spring/Summer ?

Hugs & Prayers,

GG

I'm back.............

I am back from a "break", after breaking my hard-drive. Nothing nice. Although I did have an awesome time in God's Word and Prayer. And much of my "spring cleaning" is completed. Whoo- Hoo a head start.
Blessings, GG

Just Yummy ................

I am watching the Basil grow , the tomatos still breaking through the soil in their little pots and I am dreaming of Bruschetta in the evening on my rooftop garden........................soon, soon...............

BRUSCHETTA

6 slices of good Artisan Bread ; Tuscan country bread

1/2cup of extra virgin olive oil.

1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced.

10 fresh basil leaves

3 ripe tomatos-chopped

salt , pepper and Parmesan cheese to taste

1) Mix together the garlic, tomatoes, olive oil , basil and spices and set aside.

2) Grill both sides of the bread. Then rub one side of the bread with garlic cloves.

3) Add tomato mixture and garnich with a basil leaf. Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan chesse. Enjoy !!!!!!!!

Hugs, GG

Waiting for Spring...................

It was so warm and sunny yesterday........Today it is a bit cooler and grey. Waiting on Spring!!!!
Hugs, GG

My favorite things............

My Mother tells me I am a lot like my Grandmother. I think..........I really am . I loved to go to my Grandmother's house when I was a child. There were so many nooks and crannies.

My favorite foods, great toys and lots of treasure. Oh......the treasures. Grandma's button box full of jewels.

Lots of old buttons Ivory buttons, Brass buttons, Large old leather buttons. Buttons that looked like jewels and lots of wooden buttons.

It was like a treasure chest. I could entertain myself hours looking through her botton boxes, or her old photgraphs or her fabric closet or her skeins of yarn.

It was lovely, no internet, no cell phone, no television to occupy our time. Just lots and lots of treasures. Endless hours of joy.

Hugs, GG

Keith Green................

His music still carries the annointing of God. When my husband and I came to faith in Jesus Christ when we were young teenagers, we listened to Keith Green's music continually. It is always fresh , filled with the fragrance of Christ.
Hugs, GG

My Favortie Summer Veggie ...............

Zucchini

Spicy Zucchini Bread
Ingredients:

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

Dash salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1 cup grated zucchini

1/2 cup crushed walnuts
Beat sugar into eggs, add oil and mix well. Sift together dry ingredients, add beaten egg. Stir in zucchini. Beat until batter in very smooth. Add nuts. Pour into greased, floured 9x5 loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Turn out onto wire rack to cool.

Fireproof ...............

Well, we finally saw it ............I think it was worth the wait. We both enjoyed the movie. Now ...........I want the book. This is a 5 -Star must see .
Hugs, GG

I think I'm cool.............

I am so very techinically challenged it amazes me. But I have been able to learn to "schedule" posts thanks to instructions on Miss Laurie's Blog. http://maybeillblog.blogspot.com/. I learn so much there. It is one of my favorite places to visit. And I have several posts "scheduled" as I will be away from blogging for a bit. Thanks Laurie!!!Hugs, GG

How Many of these do you remember................

All the girls had ugly gym uniforms?
It took five minutes for the TV warm up?
Nearly everyone's Mom was at home when the kids got home from school?
Nobody owned a purebred dog?
When a quarter was a decent allowance?
You'd reach into a muddy gutter for a penny?
Your Mom wore nylons that came in two pieces?
Your male teachers wore neckties and female teachers had their hair done every day and wore high heels?
Your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped, without asking, all for free, every time? And you didn't pay for air? And, you got trading stamps to boot?
Detergent had free glasses, dishes or towels hidden inside the box?
It was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant with your parents?
They threatened to keep kids back a grade if they failed. . . and they did?
No one ever asked where the car keys were because they were always in the car, in the ignition, and the doors were never locked?
Stuff from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger?
And with all our progress, don't you just wish, just once, you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace,and share it with the children of today?
When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited the student at home?
Basically we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn't because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! But we survived because their love was greater than the threat.
Who can still remember Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Laurel and Hardy, Howdy Dowdy and the Peanut Gallery, the Lone Ranger, The Shadow Knows,Nellie Bell, Roy and Dale, Trigger and ButtermilkAs well as summers filled with bike rides, baseball games, Hula Hoops, bowling and visits to the pool, and eating Kool-Aid powder with sugar.

Didn't that feel good, just to go back and say, "Yeah, I remember that"? neighbors came and visitied on the porch.. huge family dinners ... lighting bugs ... yoyos, pogo sticks, the ice cream man ... poodle skirts and S&H green stamps ... gloves and hats when you dress up ... mohair sweaters , letter jackets.

In the summer we played jacks, hopscotch and jump rope and in the winter we rode sleds and built snowmen until we were so cold we hurt so we'd go in and play board games in front of the heater.

Sometimes Mom would allow us to pop some pop corn (in a heavy pan with a lid on top of the stove). Remember how special we felt when we got hot chocolate to go with that popcorn?

Do you remember selling soda pop bottles to the store for spending money.

Usually a nickle or a dime, but it was enough to buy a treat.
How many of these do you remember?

Hugs, GG

Resist the devil ......Part 2

Some more study notes from when I did a study on Spiritual Warfare and the Weapons of our Warfare. Hope they bless you some way.

Hugs, GG

Historical faith :
is the receiving of and agreeing to certain statements which are regarded as mere facts of history.

Temporary Faith:

is that state of mind which is awakened in men (e.g., Felix/Agrippa ) by the revelation of the truth and by the influence of religious sympathy/empathy or by what is called operation of the Holy Spirit.

Saving Faith:

is so called because it has eternal life inseparably connected with it. It "Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel." Saving faith is the whole revealed Word of God.
Faith accepts and believes it as the very truth most sure.

But the special act of faith ( Saving Faith) which unites to Christ , has as its
Core the person and the work of the Lord Jesus Christ

Joh:7:38: He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water

Ac:16:31: And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

This is the specific act of faith ( Saving Faith ) by which a
sinner is justified before God . In this act of faith the believer and rests on Christ alone for our eternal salvation, in all His office.

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Ro:3:22: Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Ro:3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Ro:3:24: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Ro:3:25: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
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Ga:2:16: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Ph'p:3:9: And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Ac:10:43: To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

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Joh:3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh:3:17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Joh:3:18: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Joh:3:19: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Joh:3:20: For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Joh:3:21: But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Joh:3:22: After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
Joh:3:23: And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
Joh:3:24: For John was not yet cast into prison.
Joh:3:25: Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
Joh:3:26: And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
Joh:3:27: John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Joh:3:28: Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
Joh:3:29: He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
Joh:3:30: He must increase, but I must decrease.
Joh:3:31: He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
Joh:3:32: And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
Joh:3:33: He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
Joh:3:34: For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
Joh:3:35: The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
Joh:3:36: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
****************************************************************************

Our belief in the truth received upon the testimony of Christ has connected with it a deep sense of sin, a individual view of Christ, a yielding will, and a loving heart, together with a reliance on, a trusting in, or resting in Christ.

It is that state of mind in which a sinner, conscious of his sin, flees from his guilty self to Christ his Saviour, and rolls over the burden of all his sins on him.

It consists predominately , in the total influence of the testimony of God in his Word, and acceptance with total trust and faith in the one and only Saviour whom God reveals.

This trust and reliance is of the core or essence of faith. Saving faith is a ethical act, as it proceeds from a renewed will, and a renewed will is necessary to the truth of God (1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:4).

Faith, therefore, has its seat in the moral part of our nature fully as much as in the intellectual.

The mind must first be enlightened by divine teaching (John 6:44; Acts 13:48; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 1:17, 18) before it can discern the things of the Spirit.

Faith is necessary to our salvation (Mark 16:16).

The grounds of faith is the divine testimony, not
the rationality of what God says, but the simple fact that he
says it.

Faith rests immediately on, "Thus saith the Lord."

God's word encourages and makes confident the sinner to
personally engage with Christ as God's gift, to draw close with
him, embrace him, give himself to Christ, and take Christ as
his.

That word comes with power, for it is the word of God who
has revealed himself in his works, and especially in the cross.
God is to be believed for his word's sake, but also for his
name's sake.

Faith in Christ obtains for the believer freedom from
condemnation, or justification before God; partaking in
the life that is in Christ, the divine life, eternal life .

All who thus believe in Christ will certainly be saved
(John 6:37, 40; 10:27, 28; Rom. 8:1).

I watched this incredible video at Miss Lauries Blog ......Maybe I'll Blog. It was posted on Youtube by her son 19 years old. Powerful.
Hugs, GG
Proverb:22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Faith Bear Template

This is a great tool to teach children and adults about our spiritual "Weapons", Faith, The Armour of God .

I have made this little Bear several times. I have used construction paper, that big craft paper from Dollar Tree , I think they are 3 for $1.00. I have also made 2 " Stuffed Teddy Bears" with all their weapons.

This template, I drew for a friend. So it is not the neatest......I am also doing "Fruits" now too. Little cut out fruits with the fruits of the Spirit written on them from Galations.

Hugs, GG

A Worried Christian ??????

A Worried Christian?

by John MacArthurAdapted from Anxiety Attacked, © 1993 by John MacArthur.

All rights reserved.

We all have to admit that worry is a common temptation in life—for many it is a favorite pastime. America, the most affluent society in the world is also the most worry-filled society in the world—that is, if spending on security, mental illnesses, and intoxicants are any indication.

Americans worry, and worry is a sin. It is neither insignificant, nor inconsequential. And for the Christian, it is absolutely contrary to faith Christ. Jesus categorically prohibited worry in a familiar portion of the Sermon on the Mount—Matthew 6:25-34.

Three times in that short passage He commanded, “Do not worry!”, and the way He said it shows the comprehensiveness of His charge.

In verse 25 He acknowledges worry as a common practice and says, “Stop worrying;” in verses 31 and 34 He uses the same word, but in a way that means “Don’t even start worrying.”

To continue worrying about anything, or to start worrying in the first place, is to violate the Lord’s command.

If you worry, what kind of faith do you manifest? “Little faith,” according to Jesus (Matt. 6:30).

Now if you are a child of God, by definition you have a Heavenly Father.

To act like you don’t—nervously asking, “What shall I eat? What shall I drink? With what shall I clothe myself?”—is to act like an unbeliever in God’s eyes (vv. 31-32).

Think about it this way: Christians who worry believe God can redeem them, break the shackles of Satan, take them from hell to heaven, put them into His kingdom, and give them eternal life, but just don’t think He can get them through the next couple of days.

That is pretty ridiculous, isn’t it? That we can believe God for the greater gift and then stumble and not believe Him for the lesser one reveals an embarrassing lack of faith.

The Worrier Strikes Out at God Someone might say, “Why make a big deal out of worry? It’s just a trivial sin.” No, it is not.

I suspect a majority of mental illnesses and some physical illnesses are directly related to worry.

Many cases of drunkenness and drug addiction are symptomatic of worry. And because of worry, many make foolish life decisions, incurring painful consequences. Worry is devastating.

But more important than what worry does to you is what you are communicating about God. When you worry you are saying in effect, “God, I just don’t think I can trust You.”

Worry strikes a blow at the person and character of God.

The Worrier Disbelieves Scripture It breaks my heart to hear some Christians claim to believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, and then live as perpetual worriers.

If you do that, you are saying one thing out of one side of your mouth, and another thing out of the other.

It is incongruous to say how much you believe the Bible and then worry about God fulfilling what He says in it.

The Worrier Is Mastered by Circumstances When you worry, you are choosing to be mastered by your circumstances instead of by the truth of God.

The vicissitudes and trials of life pale in comparison to the greatness of salvation. Jesus wants you to realize it doesn’t make sense to believe God can save you from eternal hell, but not help you in the practical matters of life.

The Apostle Paul reflects a similar desire in Ephesians 1:18-19: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” When you catch yourself worrying, go back to Scripture and let God open your eyes again.

The Worrier Distrusts God When you worry, you are not trusting your Heavenly Father. That means you don’t know Him well enough. Take heart—there’s an effective remedy: Study the Word of God to find out who He really is and how He has supplied the needs of His people in the past. That will build confidence for the future.

Stay fresh in the Word every day so that God is in your mind. Otherwise Satan is apt to move into the vacuum and tempt you to worry about something.

Let God’s track record in Scripture and in your own life assure you that worry is needless because of God’s bounty, senseless because of God’s promise, useless because of its impotence to do anything productive, and faithless because it is characteristic of unbelievers.

Worry Is Unwise Because of Our Future Jesus said, “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34).

He was saying, “Don’t worry about the future. Even though it will have its share of problems, they have a way of working themselves out at the time. Just deal with them as they come, for there’s no way to solve them in advance.”

Providing for tomorrow is good, but worrying about tomorrow is sin because God is the God of tomorrow just like He is the God of today. Lamentations 3:23 tells us His mercies “are new every morning.”

He feeds us like He fed the Children of Israel—with just enough manna for the day.

Worrying paralyzes you, making you too upset to accomplish anything productive. It will seek to do that to you by taking you mentally into tomorrow until you find something to worry about. Refuse to go along for the ride.

The Lord says you have enough to deal with today. Apply today’s resources to today’s needs or you will lose today’s joy. God gives you the glorious gift of life today; live in the light and full joy of that day, using the resources God supplies.

Don’t push yourself into the future and forfeit the day’s joy over an anticipated tomorrow that may never happen. Today is all you really have, for God permits none of us to live in tomorrow until it turns into today.

Understand this: God gives you strength one day at a time. He gives you what you need when you need it and doesn’t encumber you with excess baggage. Perhaps your worst fear is how you’d handle a loved one’s death.

Let me assure you as a pastor who has kept watch over many Christians finding themselves in that situation, this is the attitude I most often encounter: “It is so wonderful how God has sustained me! I naturally miss my beloved, but I feel such incredible strength and confidence and a gladness in my heart that my loved one is with the Lord.”

God gives us His grace in the hour we need it. If we worry about the future now, we double our pain without having the grace to deal with it.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever” (Heb. 13:8).

That means He will be doing the same thing tomorrow that He was doing yesterday. If you have any question about the future, look at the past. Did He sustain you then? Don’t worry—He will sustain you in the future as well.
__________________

I just love the ministry of John MacArthur. This is their website http://www.gty.org/

Hugs & Prayers, GG

If you love seafood y..............

Hot Crab and Swiss Dip

1/2 C. Chopped Red Bell Pepper

1/4 C. Chopped Green onions

1 tbsp. metled butter/margarine

8 oz of Crab Meat Chopped, or you can use 1/2 of a 16 oz package of imitation crabmeat

1/3 C. condensed cream of celery soup( Undiluted

1 C. Shredded Swiss Cheese

1/2 tsp. Crushed red pepper flakes

Pita Bread , toasted and cut into triangles.

Cook bell pepper & green onions in butter on medium heat until tender.

Stir in crab, soup, cheese and red pepper flakes. REduce heat to low and cook until heated through 5-10 minutes. Serve on the pita bread , garnished with fresh parsley ( I prefer dill)

Yummy ..........

Hugs, GG

Resist the Devil........Part 1

I was studing out this scripture from James a few years ago as part of a larger study on our Spiritual Weapons/Spiritual Warfare.

These are notes and thoughts on the topic of Steadfast Faith and how we can use to to resist. Thought I would share it .
Hugs, GG



Jas:4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Resist = To actively oppose . To withstand as so not to be impressed by; to form a impediment or hinderance. To Strive or struggle against actively.

Flee= To hasten or to run away; as from danger or evil, to resort to a shelter ; to retreat.
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1Pe:5:8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1Pe:5:9: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.


Stedfast:= Firm, Hard, Unwavering, Trustworthy, fixed , sure, certain. That which does not move or waver. Immoveable, that which you may rely upon.
True, safe, sure

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FAITH

Faith is= Tangible, is has substance . It is material. Faith makes you do something.

Examples;

Faith complelled Abel to offer a sacrafice to God that ......." Pleased God"

Faith complelled Enoch and God Translated him, Enoch had the testimony ....he "Pleased God".

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Heb:11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Substance ***********************Evidence

Evidence: Enables our mind to "see' the truth. Evidence brings clarity to prove to our mind.

Substance: Is actually existing, it is real , it is not imaginary. It is evidence . It is proof.

Faith: Makes our minds able to "See" TRUTH!

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Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain
statement is true .

Its primary idea is trust. A thing is true, and therefore worthy of trust. My favorite preacher/pastor , Dr. Robert Costa Jr, taught a sermon called
“ Fully persuaded” and in it he made the comment

“ Truth in and of itself, has no effect, Unless, it is true to you “


Ph'p:1:27: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

2Th:2:13: But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (faith)

Faith is the result of teaching (Rom. 10:14-17).

Ro:10:14: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Ro:10:15: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Ro:10:16: But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Ro:10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

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Knowledge is an essential element in all faith, and is often times it is spoken of as an equivalent to faith

Joh:10:38: But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him
1Jo:2:3: And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Yet the two are different in this respect, that faith includes in the admitting of the mind to truth ,which is an act of the will in addition to the act of the understanding.

The act ( Action /verb) of our minds admitting or agreeing to the truth is of the essence ( Substance ) of faith, and the ultimate ground on which our agreeing with truth to any revealed truth rests in this that God Is the TRUTH .

Frugal Decorating............

This is my "funky" buffet. I repurposed two attic treasures to form this "new" piece . I like it for my bowls. The bottom piece is a vintage head board from a twin bed circa 1950's , I turned it upside down .

And the top piece is from a 1940's dresser it held a mirror long since gone. The two little shelfs on it open up and are little storage areas. Not a "look" for everyone, but I just love it.

Hugs, GG

Storm on the Horizon

Storm on the Horizon

There is a storm on the horizon. If you have eye's to see.

It's impact will be felt by you and me.

It is headed this way, its course willnot change.

It is fueled by men's hearts.It's all been arranged.

For they loved the darkness more than the light.

And they would not repent and come in from the night.

After the storm there awaits a day, when all that are His will be swept away.

Shining and bright, all things made new. This is my prayer for me and for you.

Copyright ©2009

Hugs & Prayers , GG

First Project with my Fabric Blessing.........

Linens for my Bathroom............... Curtain. I added a Fabric Roman Shade since this picture was taken

Found this lovely vintage Drapery Rod in our Attic, so my husband adjusted it for me so that I could use it as a Rod for the shower curtain

Shower Curtain.................. I made two Panels and Tie Backs which are not in this picture.

My "Old" Elgin.............I love it .

Working my way to the next project............. Aprons for my Daughter and my two Grand-daughters.

Hugs, GG

Blessed are the...........Re:14:13

Hugs, Love & Prayers,
GG

Happy Valentines Day

OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO





Looks just like me and my Sweetie . LOL .

Happy Valentines Dear Friends!!!!!
Hugs & Prayers,
GG

Let me bear fruit Lord ....................

Oh Lord in this season of days we are living in ................Let me bear Fruit.

Ga:5:16: This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Ga:5:17: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Ga:5:18: But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Ga:5:19: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Ga:5:20: Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Ga:5:21: Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Ga:5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Ga:5:23: Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Ga:5:24: And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Ga:5:25: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Ga:5:26: Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Works of the Flesh
1) Adultery

2) Fornication

3) Uncleanness
4) Lasciviousness
5) Idolatry
6) Witchcraft

7) Hatred

8) Variance
9) Emulations

10) Wrath
11) Strife
12) Seditions
13) Heresies
14) Envyings,
15) Murders
16) Drunkenness
17) Revellings

Fruit of the Spirit
1) Love
2) Joy
3) Peace
4) Longsuffering
5) Gentleness
6) Goodness
7) Faith
8) Meekness
9) Temperance

Hugs & Prayers , GG

A Wonderful Blessing.....

My Daughter and I went a picked up "Some Fabric" from a fellow free-cycler .

The some fabric has turned out to be hundreds of yards of fabric, Cordoroy, Cotton Linen, Jersey, Denim, burlap, velour, beautiful vintage and new .

I felt like a kid at Christmas.

The most interesting part of this blessing is that my fellow-freecycler is a Neighbor who lives right down the street from me.

She and her husband own and operate one of the premier custom painting and wallcovering businesses in our city. What a lovely lady and very giving.

She and her husband do so much work for charities and children in our city ,so I promised her I would also pass along a blessing from her blessing.

God is so intricatly involved in our life's .......he knows the desires of our heart and so often he will just open up the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing that we are almost unable to contain! What a mighty God we serve. There are 7 more Boxes of fabric just like this . Now..... to clean my fabric closet. Whoo Hoo!!!!!

Hugs, GG

Phil's Prediction..................

Well,
I guess it is six more weeks of winter if you are banking on Phil.
ICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is all I can say ICK!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so done with winter!!!!!!Hugs, GG

Sledding

The Only picture that come out from yesterdays snow day. Son-in- Law and our Grand-daughters having a ball.
The girls had a two hour dealy this morning because of the Ice which is encased most everything. Oh .........I am longing for spring !!!!!!!!
Hugs, GG

It's Snowing.............Again.

It is the Winter that never ends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No School. for the kiddies. Me and Papa are taking them Sledding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs, GG

Baking Cookies at Grammy Goo's

The house smells just lovely and I am up to my ears in cookies.
Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip and today's featured cookie:


Oatmeal Almond Raisin Cookies
1 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups Quicker Quaker Oats or Old-Fashioned Quaker oats, uncooked
1 cup raisins
1 cup shaved or slivered Almonds
3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
Heat oven to 350°F.
Beat together margarine and sugars and syrup until creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well.
Stir in oats , almonds and raisins; mix well.
Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack.
Makes about 4 dozen.


All lovingly prepared today but Grammy-Goo in anticipation of 3 cookie-monsters coming for the weekend. Well, one is a cookie monster in the making, he doesn't have his teeth yet.
Hugs & Prayers, GG

Personal Evangelism ....Sharing our Faith

I got to thinking yesterday about the many opportunities that the Lord gives us to share our faith.

I know some people struggle in this area. I never really did, as young girl ( was saved when I was a teenager) many moons ago.

I wanted everyone to know about Jesus!!.
One of my favorite places to go was to the Christian Book store to buy tracks and if I could save $30.00 I could get a case of Black NIV Bibles. Whoo Hoo!

I'd spend days just taking the bus back and forth across the city dropping tracks, talking about Jesus and giving out Bibles to anyone that asked Him to be their Lord and Saviour. I loved it .

As I got older and spent some time in corporate America I realized not everyone wanted to "talk" about Jesus. Everyone knew I was a "Christian", and if they had family problems or illnesses they would come and ask me to pray for them.

Several of my co-workers came to Christ over the years. The most significant was when Rita ( my first boss) developed bone cancer. By that time we had both left our jobs at this company. Rita's cancer progressed fast. I knew Rita was a 'religious' lady, but I was not sure in my heart that she knew Jesus as her Lord. We had talked about God and religious "things". For years I talked to her about a relationship with Jesus.

I loved this lady like another Mother, she was just a kind-hearted woman. Always wonderful to me. She made sure the years I worked I never missed a program the children we doing , never a play, never missed one thing the children had at school.

It was a Saturday morning and I was doing dishes and Rita had been in the hospital a couple of days and I had such a sense of urgency to go see her immediately in the hospital. I remember going quickly into the Living room, and telling John I needed to go see Rita right away.

I left for the hospital and found Rita listening to "old" songs on a little radio in her room. Her husband Bob had died the year before. As soon as I entered her room I was overcome with emotion.

Literally sobbing, I just loved her so much and knew she was not ready to go home. She held my hand trying to comfort me. My dear friend , that was so like her.

After small Chit-chat , I got up to leave never having told Rita why I was really there, never telling her I knew God sent me there to share the gospel with her once again. I got up kissed her check and tenderly hugged her frail body. I knew she would not be with us long. I quietly left her room .

As I got directly outside her room , I was racked with sobbing I could just not control. My dear friend, I loved her so much, I had failed her , I had not shared Jesus with her. I didn't want her to think I thought she wasn't going to heaven, I was scared to face this eternal question with her when I knew she was at deaths door. I never felt so empty.

As these thoughts whirled about in my head I heard the faint sound of crying coming from Rita's room. It was her. Quietly crying. I do not know how quickly it happened , but the next thing was I found myself beside her bed telling her how much I loved her and what an inspiration she had been in the life's of so many people and that now was the time to make sure that when she passed from this life she would be received into the loving arms of Jesus.

Both of us were gently sobbing now and Rita prayed with me and asked Jesus to come into her heart and life and to be her Lord and her Savior.

The room became full of the peace of God that passes all understanding. I knew without a doubt that Jesus was there and that He heard Rita's prayer and He had saved her. We stay for quite a while after that just looking at each other , holding each other's hand no words needed.

Two days later at Rita's funeral when the minister was saying . Our Beloved sister Rita is in the arms of Jesus. I knew without a doubt it was true.

Sometimes God sends us. Sometimes it is pretty and sometimes it is not. Sometimes we are the only glimpse of Jesus that someone will see.

Ask God in your prayer time with Him to make you ready to always be able to have the gospel on your lips should God open the door.
Hugs, GG

Friday January 16th ....A Time of Prayer and Fasting.

Dear Friends,

If you feel led of God would you like to join me in a time of prayer and fasting this Friday. I will be in prayer for my family and all of your families .

As well as several specific family prayer requests I have from friends IRL as well.

I am fasting "food" from early am this Friday January 16th until 5:00 p.m. on Friday January 16th.

Some of my family are also fasting and are doing 1/2 a day fast .

Some are able to fast a meal. Some fast until 5:00 pm but will have fruit juices.

If you feel lead of God to join in that is awesome.

Praying for God's Protection, Provision and Direction for our family in these uncertain times. God is Faithful.

I often, while in fasting am more aware of God's presence . I am aware that I am fasting for a specific reason and in obedience to God's Word.

There can be several reasons why we fast and this is in no way an complete study on the subject of "Fasting". But is just my personal opinion and thoughts on the matter.

I have been a Christian for close to thirty years and never realized the importance of fasting.

And had never seen the results I had seen in my prayer life until our Pastor did an extensive study on it in January of 1998.

At that time our Church was in a "corporate fast ", the entire Body of believers that were able .
For up to eight days as each member was lead and able. As a church we were fasting seeking God's face for our nation , our church , the Church leadership and for our evangelistic efforts in the coming year.

The results were incredible. And I became persuaded of the power of God through prayer and fasting.

There are several reasons we may fast, We fast in obedience to God's Word.

Joel:2:12: Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
2Co:6:4: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,2Co:6:5: In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
2Co:6:6: By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
M't:9:15: And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.We fast to humble ourselves before God and obtain His grace and power .

We fast in times of crisis:Es:4:15: Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,Es:4:16: Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

We fast seeking God's direction.Ezr:8:21: Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.Ezr:8:22: For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. Ezr:8:23: So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. We fast for understanding and revelation .Jer:36:6: Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD's house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.

So there are many reasons to fast. What quicken in my spirit to ask you all to join me in a one day fast or whatever you feel led to do by the Spirit of God, was the amount of prayer requests regarding our family situations. Knowing that God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him, I felt led in my heart to fast and pray for our families this Friday. I am a member of a Christian Woman's Forum as "Corporately" several of us fasted in August of 2008 for our families, our nation and our future. The results were wonderful.

Respecting our Bodies in a Fast
Dear Friends ,
Just a word about respecting our bodies during a fast.

If you are pregnant or nursing or have a medical condition that would prevent you from not having "solid" food. Use common sense and respect your body.

In general, most people can go one day or 1/2 a day without food , if they are having water, fruit juice or vegetable juices to supplement.If you must eat "solids" , perhaps you could commit to limiting your food intake to salad or vegetables.

These are all pleasing to the Lord as we are looking to Glorify God , putting the Lord first and our appetite second.Also remember if during the fast you become extremely nauseous, light headed or dizzy to please get something to eat and/or drink.

Friends if you have a prayer request, spoken or unspoken and you would like us to pray. Friday is also the day of the week we come together for our Home Bible Study and we would be happy to pray for your needs. Just leave a comment it does not need to contain much detail. God knows who you are.

Hugs & Prayers, GG

Another Awesome Give-A-Way

Contest Alert

This is an awesome give- a- way, and this sisters blog is just lovey. I would encourage you to visit.
*** Please Mention GG sent you ******

Hugs, GG

Chowders, Stews and Soups........

Today I am making Corn Chowder..........I have been promising my Family for over a week. I have several different recipes I use for this . But this is my Grandma Ella's Original recipe this is my Favorite.

Corn Chowder

4 tablespoons Butter

2 Small Onions 4

4 Large Potato's

6 Cups Chciken Stock

4 cups of Corn, fresh ,frozen or canned

2 pints of cream , milk or half & half
Salt and Pepper to taste, If I have fresh chives I add them on the top with a few slices of bacon well done and crumbled. This is basic but yummy!!!!

Serves about 10-12 .

Melt butter in soup kettle and saute onion until limp. Add potatoes & Chicken Stock to kettle, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 30-40 minutes. Add corn and cream.Heat, stirring frequently, for ten minutes.

What are you favorite Cold Weather Stews, Soups & Chowders ? .

Hugs, GG

Family.......

It has been non-stop at our home right now. We have several family members here from all over.

I have been thanking the Lord for my family and thinking how very blessed that I am that although we are not a perfect family, we love each other and are always there for each other.

Life can be so very short. Those I Love You's, you have been meaning to say. The letters you have been meaning to write. The phone call you keep putting off, The sorry's you think you have time for ......... do today.

Love each other now.

Hugs, GG

Eph:2:20: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;Eph:2:21: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:Eph:2:22: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Looking Ahead..........Welcome 2009

What a year this has been ..........As a student of prophecy for 20 + years , it has been exciting . On a personal level, I seen God's hand of provision and protection . He is Mighty to keep us in every circumstance and situation.

On a human level, the things we have witnessed in this world in the last year have been staggering.

I am choosing to do what the Apostle Paul states in Phillipians.....................

Ph'p:3:13: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Good-bye 2008 .................Hello 2009. Thank you Lord Jesus for your Faithfulness!!!!!

Hugs, GG

The Word of God

If you have ever wanted to read through God's Word in a year this is a great program to use. Bible in a Year - Read the Bible in a Year through E-mail Program

Every day you get an email with your passages to read for the day.

You can select the order you would like to read in ie; chronological, start to finish , alternating

You can select they version of the Bible you would live to read. It is awesome and a great reminder one busy days to do your daily reading. I have read through the bible for years and since I have found this program, I use this one every year and it is awesome.

Hugs, GG

1Pe:1:23: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Merry Christmas

Wishing all of you a Very Blessed , Joyous Christmas . May it be filled with the Peace , Love and Comfort of Christ!

Hugs, GG

He is near...........

Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs, GG

They really do taste

Just as good as they look!!!!

I am not sure that they will make it to their destination as my husband as been "sampling" . These are Chocolate PeanutButter Chip.

Very Yummy and seeing as it is STILL snowing...........Nope, it never stopped today.

Another 8 inches is expected tomorrow, I think that they need to adjust their totals. I figured I would bake.

But it has been a very productive Cooking/Baking/Wrapping day !!!!!!!!!! On to Sugar Cookies, Almond Biscotti, Canoli's, ..............And that will be it for today.

Hugs, GG