Shared Blessings

Hebrews 13:1 The Message – Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! 

I’m sure there have been a few angels at our table over the years. 

Hopefully, my children and grandchildren will remember times around our dinner table.  God blessed us with ten years sharing meals with four generations after John’s parents moved near us.

Shared Blessings is a collection of recipes and memories dedicated to family and friends who shared their lives and cooking skills with me.  My family appreciates you and I do too!

Every time I make carrot salad, I think of a friend in Michigan who loved my version of carrot salad with pineapple, chunks of celery and my secret ingredient – whipped cream. 

Pinto beans and corn bread – my mother – who made cornbread in iron skillet, heated oil in skillet and then poured into cornmeal batter.  Made it so crispy.

Zucchini muffins – lady at Blairsville Nazarene Church who gave me her recipe for Zucchini bread – but she made it as muffins.  So crunchy on top but moist inside.

Chicken casserole – Hollis Raab in Shelby, NC –  what a treat to stay in her house on trips from Greensboro to Shelby on weekends (my husband’s first church) – lovely flower garden and beautiful home – she put down sheet under our one year old’s high chair to catch crumbs.  Her recipe for chicken casserole conjures up these memories. 

Most of the recipes in this book (as noted on recipe) came from friends and family.  Some no doubt came from magazines, cookbooks or maybe newspapers.  I’ve tried to give credit to those I remember, but if you recognize your recipe – please don’t be upset with me.  Just know  – someone, somewhere, sometime is enjoying your culinary delight.

May you be blessed as you share meals with those you love!

Matthew 6:31.33 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

Blessings of J O Y!

Ventured out today to inspect the blueberry crop.  A few days ago, they were full of blooms.

Several nights of cold temps in 30’s and some frost – but always sun came up and warmed up early.  So surely, they made it????

Blueberries before frost

Sad to report just few blossoms survived.  If these make it through tonight’s 30’s, we will have a few blueberries to pick in June.

Blueberries after frost

This verse and song came to my mind:

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

Yes, the joy of the Lord is my strength.  God keeps reminding me – JOY.

Bible study this am via Zoom with our BSB (Bible Study Buddies) gals, studying Philippians – theme JOY.  Many shared about how they have found joy in life during our current situation of sheltering in place.  Here are some –

  • Laughter
  • Appreciating nature
  • Praise music
  • Making a thankful list

So, I’m thankful:

  1. that my tulips are mostly standing and more to come hopefully. 
  2. Sunshine and trees budding
  3. Few blueberry blossoms survived
  4. Got to visit with BSB gals today
  5. Warm house in this cold weather
  6. Internet to keep in touch with family and friends
  7. Neighbors being considerate in shopping for us
  8. Amazon!!!
  9. House decluttering

That’s good for now – how about you make your thankful list and don’t forget to stay in touch with those who don’t have anyone in their shelter place.  One of our BSB’s shared today about a lady from church calling her to check on her and other friend delivering groceries.  What a blessing!

Along with Habakkuk scripture the song also comes to mind!  You knew I’d have a song!  So here is 70’s scripture song that comes to my mind. 

Then found this where Don Moen reads the scripture but different song – but so good.

I will sing by Don Moen

Arise My Love

Song of Songs 2:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 My beloved spoke and said to me,
    “Arise, my darling,
    my beautiful one, come with me.

My beloved did not use those exact words but he made his desire known.  He thought God wanted us to move to a remove part of Arkansas to work on a boy’s ranch.  He wanted me to leave my comfortable life – three bedroom brick house with fenced in yard for our boys, a large church congregation that loved us and so much more. They refinished the floors in the parsonage and painted my kitchen cabinets green. Did I mention we had a three bedroom brick house?

The 3 bedroom brick house.

God blessed me with a very similar house that I gave up over three years earlier when we began this journey of following the Shekinah Glory of God.  We did not have a cloud by day or a fire by night, but God had led us out of our comfort zone to follow Him in ministry. 

I did not want to go.  Being the spiritual person I assumed myself, I agreed to pray about it.  My Utmost for His Highest was and is my favorite devotional.  Beginning February 10 through February 18, it seemed that Oswald Chambers had my number. 

  • Is your imagination of God starved? Talked about idols (my house and those beautiful floors?)
  • Feb. 11 – is your hope in God faint and dying? Bringing every thought into captivity to begin with –
  • then about Feb. 16th the arise mantra kicked in.
  • Feb. 16 Arise from the dead – talked about when the Spirit of God comes in and says, in effect, “buck up,” we find that the initiative is inspired.  Life comes after we do the bucking up. 
  • Feb. 17th – Arise and eat – example of Elijah being depressed – arise and obey do the natural thing. 
  • Then Feb. 18th – Rise, let us be going.  Trust God absolutely and pray on the ground of his redemption. 

Ok, God, I don’t understand it, I don’t like it, I don’t even think it is best for us, but you are asking me to trust you. So, I started packing.

Rise, let us be going – Matt. 26:46

Jesus speaking to his disciples who went to sleep while he was in agony in Gethsemane.  They were in despair and could not lift themselves out.

Our “frame” house in Arkansas

Are in you despair? Maybe you didn’t have to move to Arkansas and leave your beautiful house.

Maybe your circumstances are much worse. 

That relationship that has fallen apart? 

The diagnosis that came out of the blue?

Your husband’s job – your promotion? 

Disappointment in a child, a spouse, a parent?

We despair when we keep our eyes on the situation and take them off our faithful Father God.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  He will never take his eyes off of us. 

Psalm 121:5-8  5The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6the sun will not harm you by day; nor the moon by night.  7The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; 8the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Yes, God did have his eyes on us and many more moves and adventures filled our lives with joy.  We continue to celebrate the joy of the Lord in our lives. 

Bluff of Buffalo River view from our “frame house” at the boys ranch.

Remember

He will never take his eyes off of you.

So, trust Him!

Arise My Love by Newsong

Come Along

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 The Message (MSG)

3-5 All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. 

Men know what a come along is – it is a hand operated winch with a ratchet used to pull objects.  It lightens the load.

We women need a come along at times too.

Many come alongs

I knew but failed to do anything.

My friend shared in church her gratitude for prayers, cards, and phone calls during the recent loss of her brother. I said a prayer for her but failed to send a card or telephone.  Not even a text!  It is not like I am so busy – my grandson would say – “you are retired Nana!”

Why do we stay so busy that we don’t do the important? 

When my husband had shoulder surgery – he received many cards and phone calls from family and friends.  Facebook was a great source to notify many both near and far.

The day of surgery I texted family and all those I could think of to let them know surgery went well.  Many don’t like the group texts so I tried to text each individually.  Most responded back that day and the next day to see how he was doing. 

Great come alongs

But by the third day there were no calls, no texts.  I was exhausted from not sleeping well for three nights and weary from my home nurse duties – making sure the meds were taken on time, he was doing the exercises and preparing meals, along with my regular household chores.

It was Saturday morning and the phone rang.  Robyn asked “How is John?”  I told her and she assured me, “We are praying for him!”  A brief conversation – but it meant the world to me.  Someone does still care.  She was volunteering at a church ball game serving food – but she took the time to call and express her concern.

It doesn’t take a great deal of effort – just a few minutes to share in someone’s world. Lord please help me to be a Robyn – she also sent a card!

Two of my favorite come alongs.

Please join me in being an encourager – a come along.  A handwritten card is great – but if you are not able to do that, at least call, send a text or message someone on Facebook. I know how an unexpected call or text can be just what someone needs to lighten their load.

Alive and Grateful

I’m thankful the word of God speaks to our needs daily.

Because of health reasons my husband does not attend church with me some Sundays.  Friends will ask, “How is John?”  Being the honest person that I am – I say, “He is hurting, he didn’t sleep last night or not too good today.”  Wanting to be more positive and encouraging to their sincere concerns, I asked the Lord for something to say to encourage them and at the same time be honest. 

While reading one morning – I came across this verse. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  (NIV) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

There is my answer – “Alive and Grateful” his favorite saying. He has used that for years when asked how he is doing.  My friend Helen made this plaque to put on the mantle.

Here is the verse in The Message: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 The Message (MSG)

16-18 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.

Outward perishing – inward renewed day by day!

Hallelujah, he is alive and grateful!

Soul Special

This was a gift from my first daughter-in-law on Mother’s Day. A picture of my mother and poem reflecting how special she was. Yolanda had never met my mother – I’m sure our son Johnny shared with her about what a wonderful “Nana” my mother was to him.

 

Happy Mother’s Day to both my daughters-in-law. Thank you for loving our sons and the great job you have done in raising our grandchildren.

May 2019

 

 

 

Soul Special

This was a gift from my first daughter-in-law on Mother’s Day. A picture of my mother and poem reflecting how special she was. Yolanda had never met my mother – I’m sure our son Johnny shared with her about what a wonderful “Nana” my mother was to him.

 

Happy Mother’s Day to both my daughters-in-law. Thank you for loving our sons and the great job you have done in raising our grandchildren.

May 2019

 

 

 

What’s in a Name?

Greeting a young couple in church I spoke to their baby girl and she smiled.  I asked her name.  It was Cameron.  I could remember her name because my grandson has the same name.

Eli’s daughter-in-law named her son Ichabod.  Can you imagine naming your child Ichabod???

The ark of God was captured by the Philistines, her husband and father-in-law were dead, and she was dying from childbirth.  Ichabod meant “The glory of God has departed from Israel.”

My verse for 2018 was Psalms 115:1  “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your great love and faithfulness.”

This is how the Lord impressed me to select the verse.

Home at last – after two days in the hospital.  My husband was feeling good and recovering from back surgery.  After spending three weeks in a wheel chair – it was so wonderful to see him walking without pain.

We were thankful to be home just before a snow storm hit our area.

Then the power went out the next day.

No electricity means no water when you have a well.  Our son came over to start the generator (that hadn’t been used for several years).  He showed me how to start it and put gas in it.  This also involved deciphering which switch to turn off in the fuse box, so it did not pull too much power.

Finally finding the formula for water heater and running the water pump we offered neighbors a place to take a shower.  My grandson was in the shower when I was experimenting with the fuses and after he got lathered up good – I pulled the wrong switch and oops, no water. I quickly switched the water back on.

We were fortunate to have a gas cooktop and space heater to keep warm.  And plenty of oil lamps, candles and flashlights decorated my kitchen counter.

After almost a month caring for my husband who could not walk and then two days of many trips downstairs and outside to restart the generator, heating water to wash dishes, and may I remind you – my husband was recuperating from surgery and on pain meds.  He insisted he was going downstairs to work on the generator.

I was exhausted.

John’s back seemed to be swollen and bruised below the incision. John went to bed.  The generator quit.

I did not want to go outside again so decided to sit down to read.  I asked the Lord for a rhema – a specific word from him to encourage me. My strength was gone. I felt like Eli’s daughter-in-law – the glory of the Lord had departed.  But I was not delivering a baby!!

I read Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe.”

The name of the Lord – when I think of the name of the Lord – it is Jesus – I claimed the name of the Lord – and I felt a surge of the Holy Spirit over me to confirm that He is in control and John was going to be ok.

Then my phone rang, and it was our son telling me that the power was on.

Wow, Lord, maybe if I had sought you this earnestly the power would have come on sooner!

I ran downstairs and turned the generator switch back to our electric company and called my neighbor to ask about turning switches back on.  Turned them all on and yes! power.  I had to run around the house turning off lights that were turned on during power failure.

That night John got up by himself for bathroom – next morning his back looked good.

We don’t have to worry about someone taking the ark of God from us.  He is always with us and willing to share his great love and faithfulness. When we run out of our strength – he takes over.

Let’s give him the glory for His great name!

Your Great Name: Natalie Grant

https://youtu.be/PasbQx0VilQ

Walk in Faith

What is the opposite of faith?  Most would say doubt or fear!

What do you fear?

 

walk
Walking in faith

If you are like me, you don’t really have any fears – you’re a stoic person.  You just trust God on the surface.  But subconsciously there is fear.  Fear of the future, fear of what if????  Fear of how well I handled that situation. Fear of that diagnosis.

Recently we planned a trip to Florida.  I was to drive, and the forecast was for heavy rain for the entire trip.  No problem, we could just go slow. In packing and planning for the trip – I experienced trouble breathing – anxiety – not sure why I was having trouble – realized subconsciously I was fearful of the trip – the rain, flooding.

For us boomers, our concern is if the retirement funds will be enough?  How long will I live?  Will I be able to take care of my spouse – or will he be able to care for me?  Who will take care of us?

Will our children take care of us like my husband took care of his parents?  Can I trust God in this situation?

I’m helpless like Elisha’s servant in II Kings 6:8-23.  The King of Aram was at war with Israel.  He sent his men by night to capture Elisha in Dothan.  (not Alabama) When Elisha’s servant got up early the next morning, he saw an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city.  “Oh, no, my lord! What shall we do?”

Elisha responded –  “Don’t be afraid those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

Elisha prayed for the eyes of his servant to be opened.  The servant saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around.  Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.”  So, the Lord struck them with blindness and the army was defeated.

Am I just like Elisha’s servant who could not see the army of the Lord surrounding the camp?   – open my eyes Lord to see your ministering spirits working in my life, in my children’s lives, in my husband’s life – in my future Lord.  Help me to see and to trust you for all these situations.  Praise you Lord, your provision is enough.

Help me to:

Acknowledge the presence of God,

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

To claim the promises of God,

2 Cor. 1:20

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

To know the peace of God

Philippians 4:7 ]

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Then walk in the power of God.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

One of my favorite songs regarding walking in faith is below by Greg Wilde.