If you like Dr Suess

A lady at church has been reading bible stories from "The Ten Commandments" by Phil A Smouse  http://www.philsmouse.com/

for the childrens story part of the Sunday church service. I don't know if kids get a kick out of goofy rhyme like I do or not, but I know that when I read to the kids, those are the kinds of books I enjoyed reading to them the most, and I can't wait to hear Commandment #5 at church tomorrow. Anyways, the rhyme is alot like Dr.Suess. I don't think Dr.Suess stories where my kids favorites. Still, if it is Dr Suess and I read it more than once, I can practically recite it word for word...and that is pretty amazing for someone who's had the same phone # for four years and still gets it wrong on occasion!

Happy Thanks Giving

 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Ephesians 1:15-17

Paul prayed that the Ephesians would know Christ better. Christ is our model, and the more we know Him, the more we will be like Him. Study Jesus' life in the Gospels to see what He was like on Earth nearly 2000 years ago, and get to know Him in prayer. You will experience the transforming power of His Holy Spirit. Personal knowledge of Christ will change your life. You will never, ever be the same. Whatever you are going through will begin to seem minuscule when you start to see it through God's eyes. Your perceptions will change. Your viewpoints will change. Your opinions will change. Your attitudes will change. You will begin to acquire the traits of Christ and become more like Him. There is no greater evidence on earth of the power of God than that of a changed heart.
God bless you, J.H.

A video the girls put together of Barbara's summer mission to Zimbabwe and Marianna's mission to Zambia. They had the opportunity to share a bit about their summer in church this morning, nothing could put into perspective all that I have to be thankful for better than listening to my daughters speak about their journeys. Next summer Marianna will be going on a motor cycle mission http://www.motorcyclessmissions.org/ in Madagascar. Barbara will be eye glass/medical team to Malawi http://www.teenmissions.org/2012/06/29/malawi-mission-trip-13019/

Squirrel

My nephew with the squirrel he saved. To me it just seems pretty neat. Others could come up with all kinds of great captions for those pictures....but all I can think of is............

Only One Life

I came across this the other day. My Mom always uses the line "Only one life, t'will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." but I never knew where that line was from. Anyways, I like it so I'll post it here.

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

— extra stanza —

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

C.T Studd

Toviel Microwave Fudge Mix

Psalm 135:3
Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.
 
As I ponder publishing my "secret formula" I can't help but think of the events that led to it's discovery and of all the spiritual analogies I could draw from the process. I'm a poor story teller tho so I'll just try to give you the facts in a nut shell and leave the analogies for someone else. I really need to get this written down, if only for my own benifit, my memory is short and I really don't want to go through the process of re-learning all this if I ever feel inclined to make fudge mix again!
  Almost two years ago I came across a delicious fudge recipe...what was most unique about it was the fact that it was a dry mix...ie you could gift the mix to someone and when they wanted fresh fudge all they need to do is add water and microwave.Chef tess Magic Fudge
I loved the recipe but it called for powdered butter (we made it with margarine).  I wanted to make the mix to give as gifts...but here in Canada powdered butter is simply not available and ordering it in from the U.S. isn't an option since the tarrif can be as high as 300%. Making any to give away just wasn't an option!
 Last fall when my two daughters registered for summer missions in Africa and my wife and son registered for an easter break mission to Mexico we started looking at ideals for fundraisers. Fudge mix was one of the ideals.  I gave alot of thought to how I could get powdered butter or some other powdered form of milk fat that would  be economical enough to make a microwaveable fudge mix we could sell.  One day the ideal came to me...how to make a fudge mix with the ingredients I have available. I'm pretty sure it came straight from God, because I wouldn't have come up with the ideal on my own if I live to be 100! I took that as a sure sign that it was something God would have us do for our fundraising so we wasted no time aquiring the ingredients, the bags, printing the labels and making 150 pounds of fudge mix!  Well God is good, and the funds have been coming in...but as for our fudge mix, mostly I've been giving it away!  Sometimes I think  "Why Lord?, what is the point of this fudge mix?"  but really, what could be better, God has given us something good and we can share it. Does it get any better than that?   Fitting I suppose for something we call Toviel (Goodness of my God) Fudge. Somethings are just meant to be free and are just too good not to share!

Toviel Microwave Fudge Mix

4 cups Powdered sugar (600g)
1 1/2 cups of chocolate mini chips (300g)
3/4 cup cocao (22-24%) (100g)Cocao Barry
1/3 cup coffeemate coffee creamer (40g)
1 Teaspoon Vanilla powderGround Vanilla
3/4 teaspoon salt
A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper

-Mix the ingredients well. My measurements are leveled but not packed cups and in the case of the chocolate chips a slightly rounded but NOT a heaped cup! It becomes very important when you go to prepare the fudge because if the water/mix ratio is high the fudge may have the consistency of a fudge icing, if the water/mix ratio is low it will be  difficult to mix and pour. I believe high fat cocoa contributes substantially to the success of the fudge...tho I haven't tested it with a 10/12% cocao. I use compound mini chips, they are very economical and they seem to work well. I have  used large milk chocolate chips as well (I ground them in the food processor) and that worked well too..

To Prepare the Mix:
Place the mix in a microwave safe mixing bowl, add 2/3 cup water (measure carefully!) You will not be able to mix it much at this point....so microwave it on high for 3 minutes, mix well and return to the microwave for an additional 1minute 30 seconds.  Mix and pour into the 8"x13" lightly oiled cake pan that you prepared ahead of time.  Let the fudge set.

This recipe will make about 3 pounds of fudge...which is lots. If you wish to divide the mix into two equal portions then prepare each portion as such : add  1/3 cup water,  microwave for two minutes on high, mix well, return to the microwave for one minute, mix and pour.
The microwave times work well for microwave ovens in the 500-800watt range. If your microwave is more powerful then you can reduce the microwave times somewhat. This mix does not need to boil, it simply needs to melt.
 We have the use of a comercial scale so we also packaged it in a diet size 210gram package. 210 grams requires two tablespoons (30ml) of water and the microwave time is reduced to 1 minute on high, mix and return to microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
  That is about all I have to say about that.

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Tough Love

   Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lacked," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Mark 10:21

What does money mean to you? Although Jesus wanted this man to sell everything and give his money to the poor, this does not mean that all believers should sell all their possessions. Most of his followers did not sell everything, although they did use their possessions to serve others. Instead, this story shows us that we must not let anything we have or desire keep us from following Jesus. We must remove all barriers to serving him fully. What if Jesus asked, could you give up your house? Your car? Your level of income? Your reaction may show your attitude toward money-whether it is your servant or your master. In addition, Jesus showed genuine love for this man, even though he knew that the man might not follow him. Love is able to give tough advice; it doesn't hedge around the truth. Christ loved us enough to die for us, and he also loves us enough to talk straight to us. If his love were superficial, he would give us only his approval; but because his love is complete, he gives us life-changing challenges. That is what God's love is all about.
God bless you,

J.H.

Don't Give Up

  Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.
II Chronicles 14:11

If you are facing battles you feel you cannot win, don't give up. In the face of vast hordes of enemy soldiers, Asa prayed for God's help, recognizing his powerlessness against such a mighty army. The secret of victory is first to admit the futility of unaided human effort, and then to trust God to save you. His power works best through those who recognize their own limitations. It is those who think they can do it all on their own who are in the greatest danger. You must first surrender in order to win the ultimate victory. Let go and let God.
God bless you,
J.H

In Christ alone

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.


Tim and Dolores are on a mission to Mexico. Marianna is touring with the high school choir.Barbara and I are just here, just fine!

Sorry...I hijacked this picture ;) but it is way cuter than any I have of Barbara and I!

Eggs for dessert!

We used to have these more often for dessert when the kids where younger because they are so simple for the kids to make, they are fun, and they are good! This morning Barbara made me eggs for breakfast!
It is simply a small spongecake, covered in dessert whip and topped with a peach half! Yummy!!

Here is a diaper cake we made. As the name would suggest this cake looks better than it tastes!

Today I Smiled!

Today I smiled, and all at once

Things didn't look so bad.

Today I shared with someone else,
A little bit of hope I had.

Today I sang a little song,
And felt my heart grow light.

I walked a happy little mile,
With not a cloud in sight.

Today I worked with what I had,
And longed for nothing more,

And what had seemed like only weeds,
Were flowers at my door.

Today I loved a little more,
And complained a little less.

And in the giving of myself,
I forgot my weariness.

~ Author Unknown

He Will Work It Out

Oh, the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen Romans 11:33-36

This doxology is a prayer of praise to God for the wisdom of His plan. Although God's methods and means are beyond our comprehension, God himself is not arbitrary. He governs the universe and our lives in perfect wisdom, justice, and love. The implication of these questions is that no one has fully understood the mind of the Lord. No one has been His counselor. And God owes nothing to anyone of us. Isaiah and Jeremiah asked similar questions to show that we are unable to give advice to God or criticize His ways. God alone is a possessor of absolute power and absolute wisdom. In the final analysis, all of us are absolutely dependent on God. He is the source of all things, including ourselves. He is the power that sustains and rules the world that we live in. And God works out all things to bring glory to Himself. The all-powerful God of the universe deserves our praise and adoration. Praise Him today for what He has done and what He is doing and what He will do. He will work it out. God Bless you, J.H

Grieving the Holy Spirit

  Do not let any of unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with the all forms of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgive you.
Ephesians 4:29-32

We can grieve the Holy Spirit by the way we live. Paul warns us against unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger, brawling, slander, and bad attitudes toward others. Instead of acting that way, we should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us. Act in love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending his son to die for your sins. God does not forgive us because we forgive others, but solely because of his great mercy. As we come to understand his mercy, however, we will want to be more like Him. Having received forgiveness, we will pass it on to others. Those who are unwilling to forgive have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified Him.

God Bless you,
J.H.

Born of the Spirit

  In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
John 3:3,5

What did Nicodemus know about the kingdom? From the Bible, he knew it would be ruled by God, it would be restored on earth, and it would incorporate God's people. Jesus revealed to this devout Pharisee that the kingdom would come to the whole world, not just the Jews, and that Nicodemus would not be a part of it unless he was personally born-again. This was a revolutionary concept: the kingdom is personal, not national or ethnic, and its entrance requirements are repentance and spiritual rebirth. Jesus later taught that God's kingdom has already begun in the hearts of believers. It will be fully realized when Jesus returns again to judge the world and abolish evil forever. It is impossible for man to have a new life without a new birth. Being a Christian is a great deal more than joining a church and making resolutions. It is experiencing a regeneration through a crucified Redeemer.
God Bless you,
JH

Love in Action

  Elijah was a man, just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for 3 1/2 years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth, and someone should bring him back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.   James 5:17-20

The book of James emphasizes faith in action. Right living is the evidence and result of faith. The church must serve with compassion, speak lovingly and truthfully, live in obedience to God's Word, and love one another. The body of believers ought to be an example of heaven on earth, drawing people to Christ through love for God and each other. If we truly believe God's Word, we will live it day by day. God's word is not merely something we read or think about, but something we do. Believe, faith, and trust must have hands and feet - ours! The only way a difference will be made here on earth in our decrepit society is by becoming one body through Christ, which is the church. The church needs to come together as never before in order to do God's will. Don't you think that it is long enough we have sat on the sidelines in the name of political correctness? We are so careful not to offend anyone, or to push our religion onto another. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, but by me." He didn't say, "Don't offend anyone. Be nice. Be careful of other people's feelings. Show tolerance." Indeed, "They will hate you because of Me." It seems to me that we are playing by the world's rules. Let's see what God will do once we begin playing by His.
Share you faith today like you mean it,
God Bless you,

J.H

Keep Close

I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. But you, oh Lord, be not far off; oh my Strength, come quickly to help me. I will declare Your Name to my Brothers; in the congregation, I will praise you.
Psalm 22:17-19, 22
     It is a great insult to human dignity to rob a person of everything, even his clothing, leaving him naked and destitute. Jesus would suffer this humiliating experience on the cross. Most of us will never know the shame and suffering of being penniless and virtually naked in a public place, as many of the Jews experienced during the Nazi Holocaust or even the homeless on the streets of our cities today. But most of us would feel equally exposed and naked when some sin, secret or not, would be uncovered. At that time, we will need to cry out with David, "oh my Strength, come quickly to help me." David would praise God in the congregation, because his private deliverance deserved public testimony. God wonderfully delivers us in the quiet moments when we are hurting, and we must be prepared to offer public praise for His Love.
God Bless you,
J.H.

Pray for Unity

 "Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you have sent me and have loved them, even as you have loved me."
John 17:21-23

Jesus' great desire for His disciples was that they would become one. He wanted them unified as a powerful witness to the reality of God's love. Are you helping to unify the body of Christ, the church? You can pray for the Christians, you can avoid gossip, you can build others up, you can work together in humility, you can give your time and your money, you can exalt Christ with your life, and you can refuse to get sidetracked by arguing over divisive matters. When are we going to stop waving church labels in each other's face and just worship the Lord? This is what Jesus prayed for long ago. He is the way, the truth, and the life - He is the answer, the difference; He is everything. Let us follow Him together.
God Bless you,
J.H.

Give Thanks

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:19-20

When you feel down, you may find it difficult to give thanks. Take heart - in all things God works for our good if we love Him and are called according to His purpose. Thank God, not for your problems, but for the strength He is building in you through the difficult experiences of your life. You can be sure that God's perfect love will see you through. There's a lot to be said about talking to yourself, and then there is a great deal more to be said about talking to God. Every day will be a better one if we do both.
God Bless you, J.H.

Thankfulness

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so - those He redeemed from the hand of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from East and West, from North and South.
Psalm 107:1-3
Thankfulness to God should constantly be on the lips of those whom He has saved. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say . . ." God has done so much for us, and we have so much for which to thank Him. He wants us to tell everyone all that He has done. These verses are not so much a mandate to witness as a declaration that when we live in God's presence, we will not be able to keep His glorious experience to ourselves. Give him thanks today for what even seem to be times of going backward. Tomorrow, you may discover that in His wisdom, these moments were actually advancements. "All things work together for good to them that love the Lord." What has God done for you? Share it with someone today.
God Bless you,
J.H.

Sing a New Song

  Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation, day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Psalm 96:1-3

 The psalmist sings out his praises to God, overwhelmed by all that God has done. If we believe that God is great, we cannot help but tell others about Him. The best witnessing happens when our hearts are full of appreciation for what He has done. God has chosen to use us to "declare his marvelous deeds among all peoples." Praise for our great God overflows from His creation and should overflow from our lips. How well are you doing at telling others about God's greatness? Don't let your religion be a weekend matter for a weekend religion is a weak one. But every day, by work and by life, show forth his salvation. Heavenly Father, I thank you Lord for this day, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you for Your grace and Your mercy. Allow us to recognize everything that You have done for us that we may not boast of ourselves, but reveal to others Your greatness and the necessity of Your presence in our lives. Allow our witness to be strong and clear. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen

How Do You Handle Prosperity?

         

     When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws, and His decrees that I'm giving you this day. He lead you through the vast and dreadful desert, the thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end, it might go well with you.
Deuteronomy 8:10-11,15-16

In times of plenty, we often take credit for our prosperity and become proud that our own hard work and cleverness have made us rich. It is easy to get so busy collecting and managing wealth that we push God right out of our lives. But it is God who gives us everything we have, and it is God who asks us to manage it for Him. We must learn to praise God in spite of our circumstances. We must praise God when things are going well and when we are blessed. We must also praise Him when we are down and when things do not go the way we want them to. Winning the desires of your heart is a great thing and a gift from God; but losing, or not achieving that which you thought was yours is also a result of God's timing and sovereignty. At times like this, we must practice patience and wait on the Lord and seek His face. God is not through with you yet.
God Bless you,
J.H

We Shall Overcome

 

"I have told you these things, so that in me. You may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

With these words, Jesus told his disciples to take courage. In spite of the inevitable struggles they would face, they would not be alone. Jesus does not abandon us during our struggles either. If we remember that the ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times. Claim that peace today; the peace that surpasses all understanding. Heavenly Father, I pray Your Peace upon Your people today. I pray that they would be able to sense Your Presence in their lives. I pray that they would be able to see You working in the circumstances of their every day. I pray that you break up the routine that we have become accustomed to; that he would shake us gently out of the doldrums of our daily lives. I pray for the extraordinary. I pray for a miracle for those that need, right now in the name of Jesus! Amen.
God Bless you,
J.H

Your Faithfulness

I don't know what this day will bring
Will it be disappointing, filled with longed for things?
I don't know what tomorrow holds
Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness
I don't know if these clouds mean rain
If they do, will they pour down blessing or pain?
I don't know what the future holds
Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

Certain as the rivers reach the sea
Certain as the sunrise in the east
I can rest in your faithfulness
Surer than a mother's tender love
Surer than the stars still shine above
I can rest in your faithfulness

I don't know how or when I'll die
Will it be a thief, or will I have a chance to say goodbye?
No, I don't know how much time is left
But in the end, I will know your faithfulness
When darkness overwhelms my soul
When thoughts and storms of doubt
Still I trust You are always faithful, always faithful

Certain as the rivers reach the sea
Certain as the sunrise in the east
I can rest in your faithfulness
Surer than a mother's tender love
Surer than the stars still shine above
I can rest in your faithfulness

I don't know what this day will bring
Will it be disappointing, filled with longed for things?
I don't know what tomorrow holds
Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness