Our Simple Journey of Faith, Family and Life

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Christmas 2014

Every year Ron & I choose someone (here in the mobile home park) to surprise with a gift of love. This is the poncho & ear warmer I made for this special lady who touches others life's with her style of tender care.


Boy won't she be surprised

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Open Minded VS God Minded

                                             Open Minded VS God Minded:


 Time to vent here, just because you don't belong to the 'feel good church' (you know, if it feels good we'll go ahead and do it), doesn't mean that your 'closed minded',...


If your standing on God's Word regardless of what others are doing in their lives, means that your God Minded. If God said it's it's sin, then it's sin, Sin is sin and just because you don't agree with another's view on their life style does not mean your ...not open minded, it means your God Minded...


Were as Christians are called to Love our neighbor as ourselves. We can hate the sin in their lives, and yet still love them and pray for them... Always doing good to & for them, and not wollow in the muck of their sinful lifestyles...


{I'm NOT closed minded, I'm God Minded}

How To Pray For An Unsaved Loved One

                    How to Pray for an Unsaved Loved One

People often get discouraged when praying for the salvation of loved ones and begin to wonder if their prayers ever really help. Well, guess what? Yes! Your prayers can be a powerful force in the lives of your unsaved relatives and friends if you know how to pray for them according to the wisdom and Word of God.

The problem is that most Christians don’t know how to pray with skill. They just throw prayers in every direction and hope something comes of it. That’s especially true when it comes to praying for the lost. It’s not uncommon to see believers praying for friends or loved ones to get saved for 20, 30 or even 40 years without results.

What exactly are these people praying? It usually boils down to something like this: “Oh, God, please save my brother. He needs to be saved.” (Don’t you think God knows he needs saving?) Then they might go a step further and start rehearsing their brother’s sins: “Lord, he got drunk again last night and we had to bail him out of jail again. If You don’t save him, he’s going to drive us all crazy!”

That may sound funny—the example is a little extreme to make a point—but many of us have prayed prayers that sounded something like that.

What we haven’t understood is this: There’s nothing wrong with your unsaved loved one (or any other unsaved person) except the devil. No human being who truly understood the salvation Jesus has offered to us would reject that salvation of his own free will. No one!

Why, then, are so many people still unsaved? II Corinthians 4:4 tells us it is because “the god of this world [the devil] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Once you realize it’s the devil (not your loved one) who’s the real problem, your first prayer step becomes clear. You must get the devil out of your loved one’s way.

As Jesus said, “How can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man?” (Matthew 12:29). You can’t! So bind him.

Say, “You spirit operating in the life of my loved one, blinding ________ to the gospel to keep ________ out of the kingdom of God, I bind you now. I belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. I carry His authority and righteousness, and in His Name I command you to desist in your maneuvers. I spoil your house according to the Word of God and I enter into it to deliver my loved one from your hands.”

Now, you may not be able to cast that devil entirely out of the situation, because your loved one may invite him back in faster than you can cast him out. But you can bind that spirit and keep it bound. It may keep you busy for a while, but you can do it.

You’ll find your next prayer step in Matthew 9:37-38. There, Jesus was looking out at the multitudes who needed ministry and He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
It’s the Word of God that brings faith for salvation: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). So you need to see to it that the Word gets into your loved one’s heart.

“How?” you say, “My loved one won’t listen to me!”

Probably not, but God knows who your loved one will listen to, and He’ll send that person halfway around the world to talk to your loved one if necessary.

So pray to the Lord of the harvest: “Father, I’m asking You to send laborers across ________’s path, laborers who are equipped with the Word of God about salvation, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, healing and deliverance. Send laborers who can communicate effectively with ________ so Your Word can reach his/her heart.”

Once you’ve prayed for your loved one like that, from then on, put your faith in action by treating your loved one like he’s/she’s saved. Don’t treat your loved one like he’s/she’s not good. On the contrary, every time you see your loved one, say, “Praise God! Isn’t it good to know Jesus?” Then just stand back and watch how things change. You’ll be amazed.

It’s happened many times. And it can happen that way for you and your loved one. So don’t give up.

Get smart! Start praying according to the Word and praying by faith…and you will see the salvation of the Lord!


Here is a sample prayer for your unsaved loved ones. As you speak God’s Word, remember that it will not return to Him void. It will prosper in the thing whereto it is sent (Isaiah 55:11):


“Father, I come before You in prayer and in faith, believing. Your Word says You desire all men to be saved and come into the knowledge of the truth, so I bring ________ before You this day.


“I break the power of Satan from his assignments and activities in ________’s life in the Name of Jesus. Now, while Satan is bound, I ask that You send forth the perfect laborers to share the good news of the gospel in such a way that ________ will listen and understand it. As the truth is ministered, I believe ________ will open his/her eyes to the gospel, come out of the snare of the devil and make Jesus Lord.


“Father, I ask that You fill ________ with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. As I intercede in his/her behalf, I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit is activated, and from this moment on, I shall praise and thank You for ________’s salvation. I am confident that

You are alert and active, watching over Your Word to perform it. It will not return to You void. It will accomplish that which You please and prosper in the thing whereto it was sent.


“Therefore, my confession of faith is: ‘God has begun a good work in ________’s life and He will perform it and bring it to full completion until the day of Jesus Christ, in Jesus’ Name.’”


Scripture References from The Amplified Bible: II Peter 3:9; Matthew 18:18, 9:37-38; II Timothy 2:26; Jeremiah 1:12; Isaiah 55:11; Philippians 1:6.

Monday, October 6, 2014

My Mom's Peasant Bread Recipe

This is the Bread I made today From "My Mom's Peasant Bread" Recipe.. (listed Below).. I used 4 KERR WIDE MOUTH Pint Jars, and the bread just slipped out of the jars as pretty as you please when you follow the recipe as directed... Hope you'll give this a try

My Mother's Peasant Bread Recipe:
http://www.alexandracooks.com/2012/11/07/my-mothers-peasant-bread-the-best-easiest-bread-you-will-ever-make/

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Banana Cake

                                                         Banana Cake

Banana Cake,

1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
3 mashed bananas...
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 tsp salt
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. chopped nuts
(OPTIONAL: 2 tsp. Cinamon)

Mix banana's, shortening & sugar, add eggs & milk.. Add all dry ingredients...

Bake 350 for 40 - 45 min in a 9 x 13 baking dish... ( I use Pyrex and cook mine at 325 for 40 min.)

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Laymans 10 Commandments

1]Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout the journey.

2] So why is a Car's WINDSHIELD so large and the Rear View Mirror so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes a few minutes to burn, but it takes years to write.

4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!

6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!"

7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.
 

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.  God loves you; He always has & always will.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Reading -N- Books

                                                
 Some times this is exactly how I feel

Monday, July 7, 2014

Pickled Eggs

                                          Q-Family Recipe
Gnomes in photo's for Grandma's Gnomes on Face Book... smile

Recipe: (This is a  Doubled Batch)

LG. Gallon size Glass Jar with Lid
3 dz hard boiled eggs (peeled)
2 cans of sliced beets
1/2 onion sliced
3 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. vinegar

Optional:  GNOMES ARE OPTIONAL... SMILE
2-3 cinnamon sticks
several whole cloves


Directions: Pour juice off beets, Add sugar & vinegar to beet juice and desolve sugar, set aside.  Place eggs in bottom of jar, add 1 can of beets & onion.to jar.  Pour liquid over top of eggs, place lid on eggs, refergrate for several days (4-6 days)-


NOTE: use 2nd can of beets for dinner... smile


Also the longer the eggs sit in the juice the deeper the color becomes.. I love it when the yokes taste like the pickled mixture

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Old Fashioned Sticky Buns

Old Fashioned Sticky Buns
                        Old Fashioned Sticky Buns


1 Bundt Cake cake pan
Non-Stick  (Pam) spray
Chopped walnuts or Pecans
Aunt Jamima Syrup
Lg. Roll of Busicuts (I used buttermilk)
Cinnamon

325 degree oven.

Directions:
Spray bundt pan with spray, layer a thin layer of
syrup on bottom of pan.. Sprinkly chopped nuts on
top of syrup around pan. Sprinkle with connamon,
Cover with a thick layer of syrup, now layer buscuits
on top of mixture.   Bake 12-18 min.

Carefully place round plate on top of pan and turn over
"WITHOUT BURNING YOURSELF" and allow excess syrup to
drizzle down over sides... OH so YUMMY!!!!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Lost Loves Of World War II

This is the book I finished reading last evening... "HIGHLY RECCOMENDED" from front to finish.

Perfect book for those of you who are struggling with the reality of God, For those believing God is dead, For those struggling with the pains ...of life, illness Etc., For those wondering why God allows different things to happen in your lives.

The Train Baby's Mother brought tears to my eyes, yet, I will read this story again and again and again.. Because I know that with the tears I shed, I missed so much that I need to breath in deeply....
 
 
"Pretty like the moon
 Bright as the stars
 From heaven you were
 Sent to me like a present."
 
Song Name: Sheyn vidi levone, ~ That's Yiddish

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Mothers Quilt


Mother's Quilts
by Pearl Sturgis

Mother's quilt has many squares;
Sewn with love and many prayers;...
colors red and green and black;
Solid red lined on the back.

Bordered with a flowered print;
Many hours she must have spent.
Cut and sewn by hand just right;
Every square she knotted tight.
As I spread it on my bed
thoughts of Mother fill my head.
Now I know each tiny square
represents my Mother's prayer.

by Pearl Sturgis

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

RAK - Random Act Of Kindness


Look what I received this afternoon from Mark & Sandy Evans. A Most welcome RAK (Random Act Of Kindness)... This Angel is so Beautiful and I am beyond Grateful... Such a loving and thoughtful gift... I Thank You from the bottom of my heart, I shall treasure this always... I forgot to mention the Angel is a music box that plays' Wind Beneath My Wings"... I'm still in such AWWWWWW over this gift...

Friday, April 11, 2014

Red Bird

The Red Bird
by Evaleen Stein

Swept lightly by the south wind
The elm-leaves softly stirred,...
And in their pale green clusters
There straightway bloomed a bird!

His glossy feathers glistened
With dyes as richly red
As any tulip flaming
From out the garden bed.

But ah, unlike the tulips,
In joyous strain, ere long,
This red-bird flower unfolded
A heart of golden song!

 Psalm 104:33
King James Version (KJV) I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Broccoli Cheese Soup

                                    Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot!!!

 1/2 cup onion, chopped

 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine

 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup

 1 1/2 cups milk

 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed

 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli


 Directions:  Combine all ingredients on low in crockpot for 3-4 hours.
Do not add salt.

Pssst:
This recipe can be doubled, It is AWESOME!!!!!
 I did however add about 2/3 c extra milk because it was to thick for my personal liking

Cast Iron

Stove top cast iron seasoning:

Heat. Oil. Smoke. Cool.

That's all you need to remember when seasoning your cast irons on the stove top.
...
Directions:

• Wash your CI in the usual manner.

• HEAT on stovetop to dry up excess water.

• Apply a thin layer of OIL (my go-to fat for CI's is bacon lard, but you can use coconut oil, as well).

• Heat it on the stovetop until the oil begins to SMOKE. Wipe up any excess oil with a paper towel using a long spoon to prevent burns.

• When you think it has smoked long enough (usually a few minutes is all it needs), let the cast iron COOL.

 That's it. A well seasoned CI without turning on the oven.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Gossip

Picked up our Daily Devotional at Church this morning, this is from yesterday's
devotional, I thought it was worth sharing...

If you're looking for faults, look in the mirror. When you work
on your own shortcomings you'll have no time left to gossip about
anybody else's.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Simply Womans Day Book

2/19/2014
Outside my window -  Sun is shinning, clouds are lingering and threatening
to rain later today.

I am thinking - How Blessed are family is, God's ever mindful of all our
needs and He provides beyond our ability to understand.

I am thankful for -  Our family, My Beloved Ron, Rhonda, Ronnie, Lance, Marla,
JesseAnne, Samantha, Stephanie, Brittanie, Tabby, Alex... God has richly Blessed us

In the kitchen -  My little bird is singing, 

I am wearing - Green today

I am creating - Purple Tube baby hats for my Nephew Jimmy's new baby (Cameron John)
due next month, then I'll make another for my neice Dianna who's baby is due in July

A favorite quote for today - 
God will not lead you, where "HIS GRACE" cannot keep you

One of my favorite things - Reading my Bible, Knitting & Crocheting

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

No-Knead Bread

 
NO-KNEED Bread
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp instant yeast
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 5/8 c. water
 
 
1.) Mix all dry ingredients together, mix in water. Cover
bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise 12-24 hrs
 
 
2.) Lightly sprinkle flour on counter, fold dough into
itself, form a ball, I let my dough rise an additional 2 hrs.
*(I place mine on parchment paper in a Pyrex bowl, cover)
See NOTE below when using PYREX
 
 
3.) Pre-heat oven 450 degrees in oven for 30 min. While
oven is pre-heating place bread pan & lid in oven to heat.
I lift the parchment paper and place in heated bread bowl,
cover and bake 30 min, remove lid and bake another
15-30 min until browned
 
** Using PYREX, pre-heat oven 450 degrees with dish in oven during
pre-heat time as above. Lower temp to 375/400 place dough in hot
bread bowl and bake for 30 min. covered, remove cover and bake an
additional 15 min. Remove and cool on a rack
 
 
Yield: One 1½-pound loaf.
 
** Using PYREX, pre-heat oven 450 degrees with dish in oven during
pre-heat time as above. Lower temp to 375/400 place dough in hot
bread bowl and bake for 30 min. covered,;  remove cover and bake an
additional 15 min. Remove and cool on a rack

Praying For The Homeless

Feb.11,2014
I contacted Jeff Crockett (Our Mayor) about our local homeless in Harrison AR.
Here's our conversation  on Facebook, and then my reply at bottom...

My Question:
What does Harrison do to help the homeless in freezing temps? In Calif. (Vista,
No. San Diego County) they open the armory (spelling), - in Springfield they
open shelters, BUT, we moved to Harrison 13 yrs ago and I can't remember
 hearing of anything they do to help those in such need as a little warmth, So
I've come right to the top (the man who knows what's going on in our little
town) and am asking what does Harrison do to help those less fortunate?

Jeff Crockett:
Harrison has the House of Hope that was started last year. Funding is a
challenge however and overnight lodging that is desperately needed has not
been established.

Julie N Kevin McClellan:
Where would someone take blankets n such to our homeless?

Jeff Crockett:
Take them to House of Hope across from Edwards Grocery


Feb.18,2014 - MY "JMSQ" Personal Opinion:
This opinion was not posted on face-book but instead here on my blog...

Instead of road diets, new traffic lights to work with our new road diet, stop lights
removed by Seville, stop signs put up and taken down by Seville, Pushing for a wet
county, new liquor stores, maybe we as a community might want to get involved
in something that truly matters, helping those less fortunate, or those that are
homeless (fault or no fault of their own, their still homeless and out in the
fridgid temps.)

I personally feel after such a LONG COLD & FRIDGID winter Harrison has yet
another black mark on their name, while were snug in our little homes, (for those
who drink) sipping their cocktails, feeling like the world is spinning great, we
have human beings out in the cold FREEZING to death... You think it doesn't
matter, just look at the  hospital records and see if financially it matters... 
SHAME of Harrison for turning their back on fellow human being's...

Open the youth center, the House of Hope building, the Churche gym's etc. and set
up some cots for these people to sleep on, The Churches can take turns helping
out and, How about serving them a hot bowl of oatmeal & cup of coffee start
their day off ...

We as a community can do so much to help out, if we all pull together...


Just my 2 cents worth on this subject