Sunday Blessings

Picture Post

Mini Gourd Lovin' Crafts

Basket of Mini Gourds Waxed

Autumn is most assuredly my favorite time of the year. Crisp air, changing leaves and mini gourds. Yeah; gourds. I know; right? Other people are thinking over-sized bright orange pumpkins, trick or treaters, mums and putting their flower beds to sleep for the winter and I am dreaming of little mini gourds.

My (over-zealousness) sheer delight of mini gourds happened quite by accident (as most of the wonderful things that happen in life do) when I was but knee high and decided to try to plant THE great pumpkin patch of all time in our family garden and somehow mixed in a packet of gourd seeds with my pumpkin seeds. When the pumpkins began to grow I noticed oddly shaped ~things~ twisting and growing among the vines. My Grams (father's mother) in her typical no nonsense way eyed them and proclaimed "Mini gourds. Completely worthless. Might as well pull them up and give your pumpkins a better chance to grow"

I could not. I would not! I felt so sorry for them. Colors of dull green, dull yellows and off whites, bent and twisted, so small in the shadow of the great pumpkins. Not big enough to make a birdhouse out of. Poor, precious little mini gourds. Thus began my life long love affair (and maybe a touch of over-protection) of the mini gourds.

Today these little mini gourds have completely ~ caught on ~ in Autumn designing and Fall tablescapes. Your imagination is the only limit on the possibilities of what you can do with them. Wreaths, snowmen, even nestled among the great orange pumpkins somehow makes the pumpkins look brighter by making the orange colors look that much oranger (is oranger a word? well; no matter. Today it will be)

I like to imagine that out there in the great wide world; bent over in the garden, are other people tenderly cultivating these simple, tiny, little odd shaped bits of completely fantastic and falling in love as I did so many years ago. If you simply do not have the space or the time to grow these little gourds then head to your nearest produce stand/farmer's market where you can buy them up by the bushel basket for a fraction of the cost that you'd pay at your local grocers. Then let you imagination run wild creating spots of indoor Autumn. Here are a few ideas to get you started.


Fall Tips!

Harvesting:
 
Leave the gourds on the vine until a light frost or the stems turn brown. If you need to pick a gourd before the frost, the gourd should be very firm to the touch. Cut the gourd with an inch or more of stem. Wash the gourds in soapy water. Dilute household bleach may be added to the water if desired, and may help delay mold formation. A light coat of non-glossy floor wax gives the gourds a natural glow.

Drying:
 
Dry the gourd fruits naturally by placing in an area with good air circulation. Bringing the gourds indoors may help them dry faster, but gourds can be dried outdoors even in cold areas. When the seeds rattle, the gourd is dry and ready for crafting. How long it takes a gourd to dry depends on the drying environment  -- the warmer and the better the circulation, the faster the water will evaporate from the gourd. Light may help to retard formation of mold, but the mold on the outside of gourds is a natural part of the drying process; as long as the gourd remain firm to the touch, do not discard it. Turning the gourds and wiping off the mold on a weekly basis may help the gourds dry sooner. If you don’t wash the gourd off with the bleach mixture, you’ll probably see some mold growing on it.  Don’t be alarmed if it does. Some people prefer it that way because mold gives it an unusual rustic look. While the natural method of drying in time-consuming, it is still the best recommendation for drying gourds.

Cleaning:
 
Once the gourd is completely dry it is ready to be cleaned. Rattling of seed is a good indication of dryness; however sometimes the seeds adhere to the inside of the gourd and in this case the gourd will be very light and sound hollow when tapped. Submerge the gourd in a bucket of warm soapy water and scrape off the outer skin with a plastic mesh bath or kitchen scrubby. Again; bleach may be added to the water, but it is not a necessity.

Using sandpaper or steel wool to clean dry gourds is OK if the gourd is going to be painted -- but there will be fine scratches from these abrasive materials which will show up if the gourd is stained with wood stains or a light coat of leather dye.

Mini Gourd and Faux Leaves Wreath.

Wreath Form (either wire, hay or Styrofoam)
Fake Leaves (any deep green or fall color will do)
Mini Gourds
Hot Glue Gun
Glue Sticks
Optional: Florist Wire (comes in green and brown- use the color that matches your leaves)

Tip! If you use a Styrofoam wreath spray painting it in a deep green (if using all green leaves) or dull brown (if using fall colored leaves) will hide any areas not completely covered by your leaves.

Tip! I have found that simply using a hot glue gun will hold your gourds to the wreath frame securely for one season of use BUT if you have created a masterpiece that you want to use year after year then the florist wire will hold each gourd in place when the glue begins to break down.

In this case I used a Styrofoam wreath, spray painted it a dark forest green and set it aside to dry. In the meanwhile I cut off all of the green leaves from a couple of old faux vines that had stashed away (for who knows what) until I had a nice pile. Once my wreath had dried I then began to hot glue my gourds around the center of my wreath BEFORE adding in the leaves. In the past I have glued the leaves first and then added the gourds but found that the gourds didn't hold very well and I ended up using twice the amount of florist wire than was necessary to hold them in place. Not a very visually appealing look.

Once I had the gourds glued to the Styrofoam wreath I then secured each gourd using green florist wire (so I could use this again next year) Simply wrap a piece of florist wire over the handle of each gourd and then loop it around the styrofoam wreath and twist it in a knot on the back side. (the wire sinks into the Styrofoam so you can't even see it) Then it was simply a matter of glue, glue, glue leaves all along the top and in between each gourd. Make a loop with a piece of florist wire or use a piece of ribbon as a hanger and that's it. Ready to hang.

So easy!

Mini Gourds Painted White/Black and Covered in Cheese Cloth

Sunday Blessing

Sunday Blessings

Sunday Blessings

Have a Blessed Sunday!

‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up’
Galatians 6:9

Picture Post

New Beginnings

The Place Where You Are

Genesis 13:14 KJV 
"And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward"
 
It seems that life always has its ways of bringing us to a place where we need to make a fresh start.

In the Bible, Abram found himself in that very place when his nephew Lot chose the best land in the area, leaving Abram with the less desirable land. But God didn't abandon Abram. Instead He showed up and gave Abram a bold new vision.

I like what the Lord told Abram after he and Lot parted ways. He told him, 'Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are.'

It's that phrase, "look from the place where you are," that stirs me. That's the point of a fresh start, a new beginning. God Himself will bring us to that point occasionally.

You might be there right now. Maybe you want to break a bad habit or revive a lost dream. Maybe you want to get a handle on your finances, start your own business, write a book, whatever it is, God could be telling you to get started right now. This could be your new beginning!

After God told Abram to look from that place, the next thing He told him was, 'Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you' (Genesis 13:17 NKJV).

God could be telling you right now to get up and get on with your dream or vision, your assignment, your life, because He is giving it to you. Your part is to walk it out.

Do what you need to do. It may not be easy. It might take some time. But trust God and go for whatever it is. Look from the place where you are right now - and go!
 

America! How Beautiful!

America; The Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness.

America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov'd
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life.

America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?

Bible Word Study

WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?
 

The Bible is not a religious book. it is the copy of a covenant between you and God, and it's sworn in blood. God is inviting you to put Him in remembrance of His Word. He is asking you to lay your case before Him and plead your covenant rights before Him using the legal precedence of His Word.


Genesis 15:10, 17-18
Why did God make this covenant with Abram? How does this relate to us?


Hebrews 9:13-14
How do we apply the blood covenant to our lives?


Ephesians 2:13
How does this verse apply to the blood covenant?



THE BLOOD COVENANT
Our Divine Connection
 

"But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises."
Hebrews 8:6
 


JOINED ETERNALLY WITH GOD
 

Throughout the centuries of human history, God has remained committed to lifting His people out of the limits of their own ways and into the limitlessness of His great ability. He joins Himself with His people through covenant. A covenant joins two parties together and brings the strengths and weaknesses of each other into the other's situation.

When, through simple faith, you entered the kingdom of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ, you also embraced the covenant foundation on which this kingdom operates. Through the blood covenant, you have a right to a new beginning; a fresh start in your life. It's time to stand on the promises of God and expect them to come to pass.

You have a right to every blessing because you are a covenant man or woman. You don't have to walk around ignorant of the terms of our covenant. It's about time you read the fine print in God's contract: His Word and understand what it says so that we can live the covenant life. The blood of Jesus has joined us eternally with the Most High God by His wonderful grace. 



Understanding The Blood Covenant:



As the Body of Christ understands the power of covenant life with God, they will step out of weak-ness and defeat and into the victories Jesus obtained for them. Both the Old Covenant and the New were ratified in blood. Both of them are blood-sworn oaths to certain people. But there is a big difference between them.
 


The Old Covenant:



The Old Covenant depended upon the Israelites obedience to the laws and commands of God. The people's faith was in God - Who made those laws. This covenant gave them a hold on Him as the covenant-keeping God. The Old Covenant, first recorded in Genesis, was between Abraham and God, and sworn in the blood of animals. God told Abraham to kill specific animals and lay them out a certain way. It was God walking in the blood and passing between those animals that convinced Abraham that God was serious about fulfilling what He had promised to Abraham and his seed. Later, under Old Testament Law, a priesthood and ministry was set in motion in order to continue to sacrifice animals. Galatians 3 says it was done because of man's transgression; he (man) kept breaking the covenant.



The New Covenant:
 

In relation to that covenant, Jesus came and established the New Covenant. Jesus is called the Lamb of God because He was the final sacrifice under that first covenant. When His sinless blood was shed, that settled sacrificing for sins forever. Under the Old Covenant, the blood of animals could only atone for sins, or cover them up. But the blood of the Lamb of God obliterates them. When you become a believer, the blood of Jesus does not cover up your sins, it completely redeems you. Your sins are no more. His blood washes you clean. After that, when you come before God, He sees you as clean. You don't have to sacrifice an animal to get forgiveness or do anything else, for that matter.



Word Study:


1. Mediator:


2. Covenant:


3. Promises:



Thoughts To Ponder On:
 

Under the old covenant you did what you were supposed to do and just waited for God. Under the new covenant you do what you are supposed to do, take authority yourself by the power of the Living Christ, and stand in faith without wavering.

The old covenant was established on the earth by the blood of bulls and goats. The new covenant was established in heaven and on earth forever by THE Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The power of this covenant is no less than the power of THE Blood by which it was established.

Once you understand the blood covenant, then you will start talking covenant and walking like you have a covenant with God. God will begin to raise up whatever you need and restore to you what the enemy has taken. Then, He will go far beyond that with a new beginning for His covenant people. It will be a break out time of blessings in our life.  Are you in?


The Blood Covenant: Scriptures

Hebrews 9:13-14, 12:22-24
Genesis 15: 10, 17-18
1 Samuel 18:3-4
John 6:51, 53-54
Joshua 6:17,25
Galatians 3:13
Revelation 12:11
Ephesians 2:13



Further Scriptures:

Romans 10:4
Revelation 1:5

Picture Post

Joshua and the Sun

Joshua 10.

As the chapter opens, we read that five opposing Amorite armies were planning to attack. Having decided to strike first, Joshua led his entire army toward the Amorites on an all-night march.  Sometime during that march, God spoke to Joshua.  He told him 'Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand.  Not one of them will be able to withstand you.'

At dawn, the Israelites unleashed a surprise attack, and right from the beginning the battle went well.  When the enemy lines broke, and the Amorites started to flee into the valley, Joshua's men chased them down.  And God got personally involved.  'As they fled before Israel,' the account reads, 'the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky.' 

Then, as the sun sank toward the horizon, Joshua faced a decision.  The victory wasn't complete, and once it got dark, the rest of the Amorites would slip away.  But Joshua was determined to fight on.  Perhaps he realized that if he didn't destroy the enemy now, Israel's conquest of Canaan would grind to a halt.  Maybe he knew that anything less than total victory would conceal God's presence and glory.  Besides, he remembered God's promise in the night. 

Most of us would have called it a day.  I've done all I can do.  I've exhausted every option.  I've given it all I've got.  But Joshua wasn't most people.  He refused to go out like that. That wasn't the way it was supposed to end.  This was where his spectacular faith began.  Joshua sized up the situation, summoned all his available courage, and delivered one of the most gloriously unorthodox prayers in the entire Bible:

" O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon." (verse 12)

Joshua had the absolute amazing faith to ask God to make the sun stop in the sky.  To freeze time on behalf of His people.  According to scripture, God gave Joshua exactly what he ordered.  Just when the Amorites were hanging on for the cover of darkness, darkness never came.  Just when they thought the curtains were about to drop on their day from hell, God came out for an encore. 

"The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.  There has never been a day like before or since...surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!" (verses 13-14)

God chose to answer Joshua's outrageous prayer.

I believe that God intends for us to have this same kind of spectacular faith - the kind of faith that dares to believe God for the impossible - as a normal way of life!

This really gets to the heart of the matter for me.

Throughout scripture I don't see people of God praying wimpy "Dear God, if you could, please would you...".

I see them praying prayers where seas parted, the sick were healed, the dead were raised, teenagers took out giants with pebbles. What I see in scripture is that these spectacular faith kind of prayers were not the exception, they were the norm. Every time someone prayed something bold, crazy wonderful things happened!  God answered.

As I look at the way that I pray and live out my faith I must ask myself "What have I reduced God to and more importantly, why??" These things have been stirring in my heart for a few months now.

Let's face it. Times are tough for all of us. We are struggling financially, physically, mentally such as we never have before in our existence as a race of human beings. It seems like the whole world has turned upside down and it seems like it is getting worse by the minute. As we look at the broken world around us, the magnitude of the problems and issues can seem huge and impossible. 

But here's the deal. 

God didn't just put us here to survive from day to day until we die ... He put us here to transform the world around us. He put us here to enjoy His Favor so that we might share the good news of divine blessings for those that believe. He put us here to be blessed so that we might then be able to share those blessings with others. He put us here to be able to share fantastic, awesome testimonies of God raising us from a low place to a high place.

And! all of these transformations occurs as we come to trust and believe in the very nature of who God is, which then compels us to walk in deeper faith, praying spectacular faith prayers and EXPECTING God to show up and do what He says He will do, just as He did for Joshua.  By the way ... Joshua was not really anyone more special than you are to God. He just knew who God was and prayed accordingly.

Are we even praying boldy and with spectacular faith? 

Do we expect that if we pray and believe for the spectacular that God will answer?

What keeps us from praying the types of prayers that Joshua and many others like him prayed?

What can we do to change that?

The same God that answered the prayers of Joshua and stopped the sun on his behalf is the very same God that you serve today. Is anything to hard for Him?

I thought not.  

Thanksgiving History

The Thanksgiving Proclamation-
George Washington


3 October 1789

By the President of the United States of America: a Proclamation.

"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor--and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me `to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.'

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks -- for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted -- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord -- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.


Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789".

George Washington

Thanksgiving – The Day
 
Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day October 3, 1863


"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth".

Abraham Lincoln

A Thanksgiving Day
by B. F. King


O Lord, with humble hearts we pray
Thy blessing this Thanksgiving Day

And ask that at table place,
Where grateful folk say words of grace,

That Thou will come to share the yield
Thy bounty gave to farm and field.

We pray thy love will bless, O Lord,
Each hearth, each home, each festive board;

And that Thy peace will come to stay
Where candles glow, Thanksgiving Day.
Amen

Today I am Thankful For

On This Day; I am Thankful For:

Forgiveness & Forgiving!

This past week found me being taught a lesson that, to be honest, I didn't really care to learn and certainly could have lived without (by my then standards) It was a lesson on truly forgiving someone that has wounded you deeply.

We often; as Christians, talk about forgiveness and for the most part I believe that we as the many membered body of Christ manage to pull it off quite well. But there are times when finding forgiveness in your heart is all but impossible to do. You want to. You try to. But somehow that forgiveness that you are trying so desperately to get a firm hold on manages to elude you and it's frustrating.

Resounding loudly in your spirit you hear the words "Forgive as Christ forgave you" but try as you might you just can't seem to really and truly do it. If you think about the ~wrong~ then you really haven't forgiven. If you talk to another about the ~wrong~ then you really haven't forgiven. If this ~wrong~ seems to continue to be the focal point in your prayers then you really haven't forgiven. What you are is looking to quickly be vindicated and that just isn't how the Lord works. (vengeance being His and all that).

Finally; with a broken (former proud and haughty spirit) I found my way to the Throne Room of Grace and told the Lord that it just wasn't within my power to forgive this. I have never been one to be able to hold a grudge and at 52 years old I did not want to begin now. I wanted to go back to the same loving person that I was before this event occurred and simply pretend that it never happened. But I couldn't; no matter what I did. I didn't like this person that I had become in less than a week. I want my life back! I wanted my self back!

The magnificent thing about the Lord is that when you shut up long enough for Him to be able to get a word in edgewise that He actually has quite alot to say about love and forgiveness. He should; being that He lived His whole life and then died based on the principles of love and forgiveness.

The thing about forgiveness is that if your heart is so full of love, full of grace, full of mercy, full of God then there is no place in to hold malice, vengeance, grudges and all of the awful things that the Enemy would prefer to see in there. There is just no room for it. The Lord can and will stuff your heart so full of wonderful feelings that you think that it can not possible hold any more and then He'll still continue to stuff more great things in there. Majically; as He is filling your heart with love, compassion, mercy, grace and all of the warm and fuzzy feelings that there are to have then pretty soon you discover that you have just walked off and left behind those awful feelings that had tormented you. It just doesn't matter anymore.

It isn't easy and it doesn't happen over night but I found that the more that I was willing to cooperate with the Lord to bring about a change in me then the quicker the changes began to take place. Just saying ...

There will be times during the course of your life things are going to happen that are painful, that don't make sense, that aren't fair. People are going to hurt you and they are going to let you down. Sometimes these things will be done accidentally and sometimes these things will be done on purpose. Regardless; don't let then hold you back and don't let them change who you are. You may not always be able to find it within yourself to forgive someone but the Lord is always ready to step in and show you how and sometimes even supernaturally do it for you.

So; I start this week off as a better person than I was the week before and I thank God for these chances (no matter how painful they are) to grow as a person, grow as a Christian and put into practice at least a few of the things that the Bible speaks of.

Thank You Lord!

“Let your beauty be found in “the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:4

Today I am Thankful For

On This Day; I am Thankful For:

Our Country!



Dearest Beloved Abba Father,

Today, as Americans, we have been given the opportunity to start fresh. A new dawn under our leader President Barack Obama. It doesn't matter who voted for whom; Mr. Obama is our President- the leader of this once great nation- that can be a great nation again.

I ask My Lord that you guide President Obama in all that he sets his hand to. That you strengthen him and infuse in him to the very innermost core of his being with righteousness, grace and mercy. That he will lead us into a future that is greater than the past we leave behind. That he will; as our forefathers have done, lift our nation up to the very pentacle of greatness and restore her to glory.

Help us my Beloved Lord to put aside our difference so that we may love one another because of or diversity; as it is that diversity that makes us greater than the sum of just one person. Help us to value our resources and to waste not in all areas of our lives. Help us to treasure all the wondrous things that this planet provides lest they  vanish tomorrow under our thoughtlessness.

I ask Lord with a humble heart that you weaken the evil and strengthen the righteous from one end of this planet to the other. That good will rise up and triumph over bad so that freedom continues to ring not only in this great Nation we call home but every nation that aspires to live Godly lives.

It is only through Your Grace and Your Mercy that the United States of America still stands as the greatest place in this world. Continue to bless us though we are undeserving of Your divine favor.

It is in Your Mighty Name Jesus and under Your Shed Blood that I pray all these things and more.

Amen and Amen!

Dearest Reader

Dearest Reader,

As I awoke this morning and set down at my computer to decide what I would post today on my Blog I found, instead, my mind wandering to the list that I need to make for our Thanksgiving celebration.

My daughter and I combine each of our family meals for Thanksgiving and in addition I also make a smaller meal for just my husband and I to munch on through the weekend as we trim our Christmas tree. So; I must make two separate lists- the list of food to make to take to her house and the list of food to make to keep here at my house. Sometimes it can be a little maddening and I have been know in the past to mix up the two lists and end up bring food that my daughter has already prepared thus giving her a double portion of one thing and missing another. As I said; it can be a little maddening to keep up with.

As I turned my eyes away from my computer screen to focus on my list making; again, my mind began to wander and instead focus on all of the things that I have to be thankful for. Of course family and great friends top the list along with having a roof over my head, plenty of food to eat, heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, clothing and so on. But these are the things that Jesus Christ promised us anyway in Scripture and naturally we are thankful for these things that He promised us. But He never stops there; does He?

No.

He always goes beyond the simple things (that we so often take for granted) and even when He blesses us in ways that should completely knock our socks off .. then too we seem to take a ~mmme, whatever~ attitude about it. We get spoiled. It happens.

I am guilty at times of having wonderful things occur in my life that instead of falling to my knees and Praising God for them at the instant it happens I am too busy twirling around in excitement and diving in to enjoy that particular blessing. Giving my thanks for it seems almost an after thought- not the main focus. Shame on me.

I have decided that from now through the remainder of this Thanksgiving season that I will post a list of questions "Today I Am Thankful For"  that I hope will have us really examine our day and see all of the beautiful ways that God has blessed us over and beyond the things that He has promised us in His Word.

I hope you will join me each day and share your daily ~blessings~ as well. You can post your response in the "Comment" section or keep them private on a piece of paper on your desk.

God Bless You Dearest Reader as we focus this month on our many, many blessings.
Much Love;
~Lazzy~

“Let your beauty be found in “the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:4

Pumpkin ohh Pumpkin

Ohh Great Pumpkin

Did you know that the pumpkin is a fruit and not a vegetable? And that 80 percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October? This article explores some interesting facts about the common pumpkin and provides useful websites where you can find pumpkin recipes, original pumpkin carving ideas and school activities to keep kids busy during Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Facts
 
The name pumpkin originated from the Greek "pepon" which means "large melon." The pumpkin is a member of the cucurbitacae family which includes cucumbers and melons. Pumpkins were unknown to Europe until after Christopher Columbus sailed to America. They are grown around the world with the biggest productions being in China, India, United States and Mexico. Out of all the continents only Antarctica is unable to produce pumpkins. The Native American name for pumpkin is "isqoutm squash." Around 90-95 percent of the processed pumpkins in the United States are grown in Illinois.
Pumpkins are 90 percent water and contain vitamin A and potassium. 100 grams (3.5 oz) of pumpkin contain 0.01 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 1.0 grams of protein and 3100 pg of beta-carotene, an antioxidant. The seeds which are usually roasted are a popular treat and a good source of protein, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and other vitamins. Studies and research show that beta-carotene is linked with cancer protection.






Cooking with Pumpkins


Most parts of the pumpkin are edible. The seeds can be dried and eaten as a nutritious snack. The flowers, leaves and shell are also comestible. The first pumpkin pies were made when colonists sliced off pumpkin tops and removed the seeds, then they filled the pumpkins with honey, milk and spices and baked them in hot ashes.


Pumpkins are said to have originated in the Americas and Native Americans had multiple uses for them. They roasted and ate the seeds, dried pieces of pumpkin in flour, they ate the blossoms and made strips from pumpkins which they flattened and wove into mats. They also used pumpkin seeds for medicinal purposes. Today pumpkins have become a North American tradition and a staple especially during Halloween and Thanksgiving. Pumpkin is used for cooking in a number of recipes from muffins and bread to pies and custards. It is also used in soups, to make pudding and cakes. Pumpkin can be bought whole fresh or canned for a longer shelf life


In other parts of the world pumpkins are used for cooking in a variety of ways. In Italy pumpkins have different regional cooking uses, they are used as a savory stuffing for ravioli, sliced in small pieces and then fried or they are cut in pieces and then candied. In the Middle East pumpkin is used in desserts. In Thailand small pumpkins are served as desserts with custard inside. In India pumpkin is cooked with sugar, spices and butter to produce a dish called kadu ka halwa. In China pumpkin leaves are cooked and eaten alone or in soups.






Other Pumpkin Uses


Pumpkin seeds produce oil that is used for cooking, as salad dressing or mixed with other oils. The oil is a good source of essential fatty acids that help maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels.
Veterinarians recommend canned pumpkin as a dietary supplement for cats and dogs with digestive problems. Pumpkins are also used as animal feed.


In 2007 in a research on type-1 diabetes conducted by East China Normal University it was suggested that chemical compounds found in pumpkin extract are very good for pre-diabetic people and for those who already have diabetes.






The Pumpkin and Halloween


Many centuries ago the Celts used to celebrate the end of the Celtic year from October 31 at sundown until November 1st by remembering their loved ones who had passed away. To honor them on this magical night they set on their porches and window sills glowing jack-o-lanterns carved from turnips and gourds. The original Jack-o-lantern was an old drunkard who played tricks on anyone who went his way, so says the legend of Stingy Jack. When the old man died neither heaven nor hell wanted him because he had been mean and cruel during his life. Afraid that he would have to keep wandering in a never ending darkness Jack turned to the devil to help him his way through the darkness, the devil tossed an ember from the flames of hell to help Jack find his way. Jack kept the ember in a hollowed out turnip and since then Jack is said to have roamed the universe with his lit Jack-o-lantern.


When European settlers, especially the Irish, arrived in North America they discovered the pumpkin which lent itself to carving the Jack-o-lantern and they thought it was easier to carve because of the larger size. Halloween, however, didn't catch on until the late 19th century. Since then pumpkin carving at Halloween has become a North American tradition and a fun activity for children and adults alike. In the United States, long before its association with Halloween, the pumpkin was associated with harvesting, hence Thanksgiving.






How to Select a Pumpkin for Cooking or Baking


The best selection for a pumpkin to cook or bake is a pie pumpkin or sweet pumpkin. Pie or sweet pumpkins are smaller than the type of pumpkins used to carve jack-o-lanterns and the flesh is sweeter and not as watery. When selecting a pumpkin, look for a stem that is one to two inches. When the stem of a pumpkin is cut too low, the pumpkin will quickly decay or may already be decaying at time of purchase. Pumpkins should be heavy, and pumpkins that are blemished or have soft spots should be avoided. A pound of raw pumpkin usually constitutes one cup finished pumpkin puree.






Other Pumpkin Facts


•The size of pumpkins range from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds, with the largest pumpkin ever grown weighing 1,689 pounds.


•In 2006 the total U.S. pumpkin production was 1 billion pounds. Top states in pumpkin production are: California, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

What Does The Holy Word Say?

What Does the Holy Word Say?
Bible Word Study

Your Blessings Are So Many, Lord!

Your blessings are so many, Lord,
To count them one by one
Would take much longer than a day
That has just now only begun!

You fill each day with miracles
From dawn to setting sun.
Each night You hear a million prayers
When Your day's work is done.

You keep this old world spinning
As seasons come and go,
And each one is a masterpiece
That sets our hearts aglow.

You fill the earth with beauty, Lord,
With flowers, shrubs and trees,
And we marvel at Your rainbows
And butterflies and bees.

Your words still give us comfort
For Your promises are true.
Your blessings are so many, Lord,
In everything we do!


Is There A Little .....

Have you ever believed that God was there for you, even when it didn't seem like it? Then there's a little Moses in you.

Have you ever helped a friend be brave? Then there's a little Deborah in you.

Have you ever helped somebody even when nobody else wanted to help them? Then there's a little Good Samaitan in you.
 
Is there a little Thomas in you? Think you would've believed without proof? Hmmm.


Have you ever:

1. Wondered, even for a second, if God was really there?
2. Wished God would come to you in person so you'd be sure?
 
It's human to have doubts and want proof. But there are even better blessings in store when we believe without having to "see him in person." Bible Reference: John 20:24–29


Is there a little Noah in you?
People probably thought Noah was weird for being obedient.

Have you ever:
1. Given Respected to someone that looked less than respectable?
2. Befriended someone that was "different" while everybody else ignored them?
3. Been original when everyone else was mainstream?
 
Yes? Then you have confidence in God's instructions, just like Noah. Bible Reference: Genesis 8



Is there a little Judge in you? Think you don't judge people?

Have you ever thought:

1. You were better than somebody else because you are a Christian?
2. Thought someone wasn't really a Christian because they didn't practice their belief like you do?
 
We judge when we criticize people, even silently . . . especially when we're talking about God. Paul reminds us to leave the differences to God and just love each other. Bible Reference: Romans 14:10–13


Is there a little Titus in you? Have you ever advised somebody to "just say no" to any of these?

1. Fighting/Argueing
2. Gossiping
3. Cheating
 
If you go beyond "just say no" and help friends stay away from the un-Godly things, Titus has nothing on you. Bible Reference: Titus 2:12



YOU Getting To Know YOU !

The object of this is to get to know yourself better based on Scripture. Read each question and select an answer of either A, B, or C. (Be completely honest and no peeking at the Scriptures until you have selected your answer.)

Then read the Scripture based on the selection you have made. You'll be surprised at what you learn about yourself.


Ready? Then let's go!


1. I have to admit, when I make a promise I sometimes:

A. Make it before I know I can keep it.
Go to Proverbs 20:25.

B. Put off carrying it out.
Go to Deuteronomy 23: 21 and 23.

C. Try to get out of keeping it.
Go to Mark 7:9–13.


2. What do you want most in a friend? Somebody who:

A. Will stick up for you?
Go to Proverbs 17:17.

B. Can make you feel better?
Go to Job 2:11–13.

C. Will say, "You can do it!"?
Go to 1 Thessalonians 5:11.


3. When I meet a new person, I tell other people:

A. The good stuff I saw in her/him.
Go to Proverbs 11:27.

B. The not-so-good-stuff I saw in her.
Go to Proverbs 6:16–19.

C. Exactly what happened when I met her.
Go to Proverbs 12:17–19.


4. The consequences of my actions have been:

A. Natural, like a burn from touching the curling iron.
Go to 2 Corinthians 9:6.

B. From another person, like a fellow Christian.
Go to Hebrews 12:11.

C. From God, 
Go to 2 Corinthians 9:7–8.


5. When something comes up between you and a friend, do you:

A. Just leave it alone
Go to Matthew 10:13–14.

B. Go off on the person?
Go to Matthew 18:15–16.

C. Send an email/card/letter to try to work it out?
Go to 1 Corinthians 1:10.


6. It would be hardest for me to:

A. Give up money I saved.
Go to Luke 19:1–9.

B. Serve homeless people at a shelter.
Go to Matthew 25:34–40.

C. Let somebody else do what I so much wanted to do.
Go to Matthew 20:20–28.


7. When I realize I've hurt someone, I:

A. Just Hate myself for it.
Go to Colossians 3:13.

B. Apologize.
Go to Matthew 5:23–24.

C. Try to make up for it.
Go to James 2:14–18.


8. When you think God isn't answering your prayer, do you:

A. Figure He's saying no and give up on it?
Go to Hebrews 10:35–39.

B. Keep waiting and hoping?
Go to Hebrews 6:13–15.

C. Pray some more?
Go to Luke 18:1–8.


Dear God,
Why do I make so many mistakes/mess up when I want to do right?


Like everyone, you have a gap between what you know is right and what you do. It's there because you're human, but you can ask God to help you make your gap smaller. Tell Him about the times where your actions were way different from your beliefs. Then imagine the gap being pushed together by God's power, bringing you closer to Him.


Between You... and Me...

Compassion means you feel so badly for someone you want to help him or her. Have you ever NOT had compassion for someone when you probably should have? What can you do to change so that it never happens again?


Answer:  _________________________________________________