Just a quick note…It’s been a very busy week; so busy that I haven’t been able to write for the past couple of days. If the Lord wills, I will be back on schedule beginning Monday.

Hope you all have a great weekend! I’m signing off with a joke for your enjoyment.

Red Corvette …

A Kansas senior citizen drove his brand new red Corvette convertible out of a Wichita dealership.

Taking off down the road, he floored it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left.

‘Amazing,’ he thought as he flew around I-235 towards Kansas City, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a State Highway Patrol car behind him, blue and red lights flashing. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120.

 Suddenly he thought, ‘What am I doing? I’m too old for this,’ and pulled over to await the Trooper’s arrival.

 Pulling in behind him, the Trooper walked up to the Corvette, looked at his watch and said, ‘Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a reason for speeding that I’ve never heard before, I’ll let you go.’

 The gentleman paused. Then said, ‘Years ago, my wife ran off with a Kansas State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back.’

‘Have a good day, Sir,’ replied the Trooper.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isa 58:11

I guess I’m feeling like a well watered-garden this morning. I’m feeling a peace I haven’t felt in a while; and even with my daughter being in the hospital, I’m at peace.  I’m leaving it all with God. Wouldn’t you agree a well-watered garden would have to feel peaceful?

Since July 7^th when I posted Temptations and Mountains and July 8^th’s post on Commitment, I have been following the “change my eating habits” program that I put in place for myself. I (we) just started walking this week.  I have lost six pounds and while that isn’t record breaking for three weeks, I’m okay with it. Like I said, I’m experiencing a lot of peace right now and it’s good.

We walked just after it rained this morning. The temperature was in the low 70’s and we had a gentle breeze blowing in our face on the way back. Everything was fresh and peaceful and I just couldn’t stop myself from praising God in my thoughts, all the while we were walking. I definitely felt guided by the Lord.

When I get the courage to empty myself of various pleasures, it seems God always fills me up with something better and I’m amazed how that happens.

Paul declared that “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men”. Rom 14:17-18… (I understand this verse is talking about one whose faith is weak and how we should act toward a weak brother, but sometimes I can be a weakness unto myself)

I thank you all for encouraging me and for your prayers. I’ll close leaving you to ponder the following quote.

I have never met a soul who has set out to satisfy the Lord and has not been satisfied himself.  (from 1001 Quotes)

When I think back to all of the deliberate sin I took part in and even initiated I have huge regrets and great sorrow. Yet I also have rejoicing because God allowed me to live me long enough to repent and I know he has forgiven me. I am not suggesting I am sinless. I’m just so much less sinful than I used to be.

I have been taught, and through my own studies, I have learned and am still learning, how God wants me to be. The more I strengthen my relationship with him and know him, the more I want to be like him and please him.

“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. Hos 8:7 This scripture paint a vivid picture for me. How does one sow the wind? We can’t even see the wind; we can only see the effects of it. In my mind I imagine planting a tiny seed of corn and watching it grow to a very large stalk. Same way with the wind, I imagine a gentle breeze turning into a tornado, and tornados usually leave a path of destruction. Sin can be just as enjoyable as a gentle breeze, yet left unchecked, it too can leave a crippling path of destruction.

We all know there is pleasure in sin, if it wasn’t; no one would be sinning. Yet that pleasure is only for a season.

I have to take inventory from time to time and examine myself to see if there are (idols) things in my life that shouldn’t be, whether it’s in how I speak, what I watch, what I read etc. If it isn’t going to please God then I don’t want it in my life.

Sin has consequences and there is no getting around it. They will sow wheat but reap thorns; they will wear themselves out but gain nothing. Jer 12:13

We bring trouble on ourselves when we neglect and refuse God and it won’t be without cost.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Gal 6:7-8 

(Beefsteaks in Spicy Tomato Sauce)

This is one of my all time favorite recipes. It has a bold hearty taste and it’s scrumptious. If you aren’t a fan of Polenta then try serving it on spaghetti or rice.

1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 T olive oil
2 pounds boneless chuck steak, cubed
1 pound sweet Italian sausages
2 teaspoons salt
1 to 2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (29) ounce tomato puree

Basic Polenta
6 cups water or chicken broth*
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups polenta or 2 cups cornmeal*
1/3 cup butter, melted

1. In a large skillet sauté onion and garlic in hot oil until soft.
Pat chuck steak and sausages dry with paper towels.
2. Add chuck steak and sausages a few pieces at a time to onion mixture. Cook and turn until they are well browned.
3. Transfer mixture to a large pan. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon each oregano and red pepper. Add black pepper.
4. Pour in puree. Add more oregano or red pepper to taste. Bring to boil; cover. Simmer on low heat until meat is tender.
5. Boil water or broth and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually pour in polenta or cornmeal while stirring rapidly with wire whisk.
6. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture has thickened like cereal. Remove from heat. Stir in butter.
7. Pour polenta or cornmeal mixture onto wooden tray or large platter. Spread in rectangular shape to 1-inch thickness.
8. Spoon meat sauce over polenta; sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired. Cut into squares.
Makes 8 servings.

* I used chicken broth instead of water and I used cornmeal.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Prov 18:21

How are you with your words, do you choose them carefully or is it open mouth and insert foot?

Our words can be taken at face value, or twisted. They can bring comfort or cause anger. We can compliment or insult with our words. Build someone up or destroy their self esteem. Words are powerful and that is why our conversation is to be seasoned with salt. Too little salt and food will taste bland, too much and it’s not worth eating. James tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. We sing the song “Angry Words” oh let them never from the tongue unbridled slip.

Scripture tells us some words were distressing to the hearers. It also tells us to hear, listen, uphold, follow, keep, write, recite, take to heart, and obey carefully. Some trembled at the words they heard, others used words to rebuke or encourage, some were called useless, and others were spoken gently. Job asked his friends how long they would torment and crush him with their words.

Arrogant, rash, flattering, boastful, lying, words of hatred, words sweet to the taste, words that give light, truth, seductive, persuasive, reckless, pleasant, discerning, true and reliable, so a sound answer may be given. All of these are found in scripture.

I was amazed when I began searching my bible for references on “tongue” and “words”. They are both used hundreds of times, which tells me we need to be careful how we use both.

James has much to say on the subject. James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

James 3:5-10 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.

I needed this reminder. I am quick witted (perhaps dim-witted). I do not want to use my words carelessly and cause hurt feelings and I sure don’t want to use them in anger or lies.

If a man’s life be lightning, his words are thunder.

Ps 34:15-22 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.  The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

I am reminded by these verses that a faithful and obedient life does not prevent Gods children from trouble. Yet if we trust him and take our apologetic heart to him he can get us through any storm, any situation, and even turn them into a blessing.

“I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isa 57:15

God knows when our heart has been hammered, shattered and beaten down by sin or sorrow, pride or arrogance. The psalm points out that both the righteous and the evil will have suffering, the difference is the outcome.

His eyes are always watching us to protect us and comfort us and he is always ready to hear our prayers. He is against the wicked and cuts off the memory of them from the earth.

At times it seems easy for me to forget these extremely comforting words. I really don’t need to fear anything . Whatever situation I find myself in God knows and if I stay faithful to him in all circumstances, I’ll be all right. I may have many troubles and may suffer physically or materially, yet I will be cared for spiritually and when all else is said and done, what more could I (we) hope for?

in his hearts, “There is no God.”

I can’t imagine saying that, even in my darkest days. I do admit I lived (like a fool) like there was no God, but to actually think it or say it…I dared not, yet as I mull it over, there isn’t much difference is there? I was a fool.

Psalm 53 calls  a person who doesn’t believe in God a fool and Nelson’s definition of a fool is: A stupid person or a senseless act. In the Bible, the most foolish person of all is one who denies the reality of God the Father.

Vine’s offers this definition: ‘ewil, “fool.” This word appears primarily in the wisdom literature. A person described by ‘ewil generally lacks wisdom; indeed, wisdom is beyond his grasp Prov 24:7. In another nuance, “fool” is a morally undesirable individual who despises wisdom and discipline Prov 1:7; 15:5. He mocks guilt Prov 14:9, and is quarrelsome Prov 20:3 and licentious Prov 7:22. Trying to give him instruction is futile Prov 16:22.

I don’t think the scripture is saying a fool is an atheist although I’m thinking not far from it, yet I wonder, if one doesn’t believe in God, who do they turn to? We’re all familiar with Jer.10:23 “it is not for man to direct his steps.”  And Prov.16:9 reminds us that while we make our plans, it is God who directs our steps.

In his heart…perhaps not saying it out loud yet thinking it. A fool can be described as dull, stupid, unreasonable and perverted as well as one who is stubborn. A fool or foolish person may have a sharp intellectual mind, but not a spiritual mind. Morally bankrupt.

One writer put it this way-A fool has a moral problem in the heart, not a mental problem in the head.

I have mentioned before, I try not to watch too much news because the majority of it is full of narrative about fools.

I get discouraged and honestly I get fed up when people like to call themselves Christians and then don’t walk, talk or act like Christians, including the leaders of our country. It really turns my stomach. “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matt 6:24 I understand this goes back to the attitude of our heart…”where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” Matt 6:19

I’m sick of the lies and broken promises. I better ride off into the sunset before I get off on a tangent.

The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Prov 10:8

The word fool is mentioned in the NIV 82 times.

Lord fill me with your wisdom that I do not become the fool.

I got this a while back from one of my blogger friends. She gave me permission to use it.She wrote on her blog that it was supposedly written afterwatching a You-Tube video and hearing the report about the socialite Patricia-Walsh Smith.

1 cup butter
Dash salt
½ cup powdered sugar
2-1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour (divided)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs, beaten
6 T lemon juice
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350º F.

In a medium-size bowl, combine butter, salt, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 cups of flour; mix well. Press firmly into a 13”x9” ungreased baking pan. Bake in preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown; cool.

In a medium-size bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup of flour and granulated sugar. Stir in eggs and lemon juice. Pour onto partially baked crust.

Bake 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean. Edges will brown before center is set.

Cool; sift powdered sugar over top. Cut in bars. Makes 36 bars.

These are the best lemon bars I have ever eaten and I always get asked for the recipe whenever I serve them. They won’t last long!!

Note: Even though the recipe calls for an ungreased pan, I always spray my lightly with PAM.

I’ve had a happy week…Sunday morning, Larry and I gathered with the church to praise and worship God. Sunday evening we met with church family again to welcome the three new members of the Vincent family, Tatiana, Allbina and Michael. After months of prayer, fundraising and uncertainty and several trips to Russia they are now a family. A truly joyous occasion. Hopefully we will be repeating that event again soon, when the Weast family is able to bring home the boy they are adopting. He will be joining three sisters and a brother.

Monday I attended Ladies Bible Class, made my weekly trip to Wal-Mart. Mom came over in the afternoon and we played four games of Scrabble and she had dinner with us. I cooked a roast and made some coleslaw. We had fresh corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes and fresh cantaloupe. (And yes, I’m still on my “diet plan”). Fresh summer veggies are hard to beat.

Tuesday, in the afternoon I went to the beauty shop and purchased a new head of curls…ok…I got a perm. Spent the afternoon and evening relaxing with my honey.

Wednesday I spent almost five hours cleaning house and doing laundry. I keep saying I am going to break it up into two days and I never do. Once I get started I get on a “roll” and just keep on going. Wednesday evening we went to bible class. We are studying in Hebrews….I love Hebrews, a lot of ‘”meat” in that book.

Yesterday I made a Pecan Butterscotch dessert for our Thursday night bible class. We have been meeting just over three years, usually a group of 10-13. We watched a DVD from the 2009 Tulsa Workshop, part one of Evangelism Here and Now by Patrick Mead. Larry and I watched all three of them last week and decided to share them with the group. If you haven’t seen them I would encourage you too. Great job Patrick! Our group will view the remaining two over the next two weeks.

Today is one of my favorite ‘happy’ days. I suppose because all the years I worked it was the end of the work week for me. It meant getting off work, picking up Chinese food or some other favorite for dinner, relaxing either with our kids or spending the evening playing Rummikub with friends, and staying up late. (I still worked for several years after our nest became empty).  So…even though I’ve been retired for five years, I still look forward to Friday’s.

It doesn’t take much to make me happy. I am easily pleased and I’m thankful that I am. I guess my rough and rowdy years have really made me appreciate what’s really important.

So what is the secret to happiness? I’m not sure there is only one answer. I think our attitude plays a huge roll in how we perceive happiness. As I have learned to let go of me and my wants and be filled with Jesus and his example, I have found myself to be a much happier person.

I am sincerely happy and grateful my sins have been forgiven and are forgiven continually as I repent of them.

Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Rom 4:7-8

I ask you…what is the secret to your happiness?